บท 2: The Elite Classroom

After the opening ceremony, Noah experienced an inexplicable chill and decided to take a leisurely stroll around the campus. As he explored, the sheer size and magnificence of the island left him in awe.

"Wow, this place is enormous! It feels like an entire country. No wonder it's one of the most renowned academies in the world," Noah muttered to himself, loosening his necktie.

The campus boasted a blend of modern and medieval architecture, with tall buildings scattered throughout the grounds. Noah couldn't help but be captivated by the stunning scenery that surrounded him. It felt like stepping into a fairytale, with the pure air and abundant mana permeating the atmosphere.

Lost in his thoughts, Noah suddenly heard a familiar voice calling out to him. It was Arthur, trying to catch up. Without hesitation, Noah sprinted off, leaving Arthur trailing behind.

"Hey, wait for me, Noah!" Arthur called out, slightly bewildered by Noah's sudden burst of speed.

With a smirk, Arthur thought to himself, "He's acting like I'm the devil or something."

Despite Noah's efforts to evade him, Arthur remained undeterred and continued to chase after him. However, due to their differing abilities, Arthur struggled to keep up.

Meanwhile, Noah found a moment of respite and let out a sigh of relief.

"What the hell? What does that prince want from me? Hanging out with him will only lead to trouble. I already have enough on my plate trying to avoid that woman," Noah grumbled, shaking his head.

Just as he was about to head towards his classroom, his phone rang, interrupting his thoughts.

"Hello, old man, what do you want?" Noah answered the call, his tone slightly annoyed.

An equally irked voice came from the other end, "You brat, is this how you talk to your father?"

Noah's expression softened as he replied,

"Cut it out, father. I'm doing fine."

His father let out a tch, but couldn't hide the pride in his voice, "You've grown up, daring to talk back to your father. Well, I'm glad to hear that you're doing well. So, which classroom are you assigned to?"

Noah casually responded, "The Elite Classroom."

His father's excitement was evident, "Wow, as expected of my son! I can't wait to brag about it. Like father, like son, huh?"

Noah couldn't help but massage his forehead, feeling a headache coming on. His father could be childish at times, and he couldn't help but worry about his mental maturity.

"Alright, I'm hanging up now," Noah threatened, ready to end the call.

His father hurriedly said, "I have faith in you, my son. And don't forget to make friends and find a wife—"

Noah interrupted, saying, "Goodbye, father. Take care. I love you." With that, he ended the call.

Noah muttered to himself, "Wife, my ass. I don't have time for that. As for making friends, let's observe first and see if there's anyone worth getting to know."

Determined, Noah proceeded towards his classroom, the prestigious Elite Classroom. The school classified students based on their entrance exam scores and overall level, and Noah had performed exceptionally well, earning himself a spot among the elite.

Situated in a separate building resembling an elegant manor, the Elite Classroom was Noah's destination. Presenting his student pass, he gained permission to enter the classroom. He noticed some students were already seated as he entered.

Disregarding the curious gazes of his classmates, Noah chose a seat near the window and settled in. Shortly after, Arthur entered the classroom and waved in his direction.

"Looks like we meet again. Fate has a way of bringing us together," Arthur spoke with a smile as he took a seat behind Noah.

Noah's face twitched, thinking, 'Fate, my ass.' He resisted the urge to curse and simply replied,

"Focus. The teacher will arrive soon."

Arthur sighed and redirected his attention to the front of the classroom. However, he couldn't help but steal glances at the other students, taking mental note of familiar faces.

"Most of the people I thought would end up in the Elite Classroom are here. Even the notorious White Witch," Arthur secretly thought, his eyes briefly lingering on a girl who stood out from the rest.

Lilith Evangeline, the principal's granddaughter, possessed an otherworldly beauty and incredible talent. Arthur couldn't help but feel awestruck as he observed her.

Suddenly, Lilith's gaze locked onto Arthur, causing him to break out in a cold sweat. Her emotionless stare sent a shiver down his spine, and he felt a sense of fear. He quickly diverted his eyes, understanding it was best not to provoke her.

"Scary...no wonder they call her the White Witch," Arthur muttered under his breath, wiping away the perspiration from his forehead. He glanced towards Lilith once more, but found her attention had shifted elsewhere.

His curiosity piqued, Arthur followed Lilith's line of sight and was taken aback when he realized she was glaring directly at Noah. It was as though she had fixated on him, and Arthur couldn't help but wonder what had caught her interest.

Noah, on the other hand, attempted to remain unaffected by Lilith's gaze, feigning obliviousness. However, his subtle movements betrayed the nervousness coursing through him.

"What the hell?" Noah cursed inwardly. "Out of all the people in this classroom, why does she have to focus on me? This is going to be tough."

Unbeknownst to Noah, Arthur's mischievous side began to emerge. He found the situation amusing and intriguing, like a child stumbling upon something fascinating.

Meanwhile, as the teacher entered the classroom, silence fell upon the students, capturing their undivided attention. The lesson was about to commence, and Noah couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Little did he know that his journey at this prestigious academy was about to take an unexpected turn.