Chapter 253 Following Day



/CHATTER/ /CHATTER/

The same classroom at the same hour of the morning. 

The same buzzing voice of their talk, the same expressions on their faces as yesterday. Some were excited, some sleepy, and some were just waiting for the class to end.

The same students that were attending the same lessons with their books in their front. 

However, fundamentally, something was different from normal.

/TOK/

The sound of footsteps echoing at the entrance caught the attention of some students who were nearby and naturally drew their attention.

There, they could see the young man that was the hot topic of the academy.

"Ssh…" 

As his presence was made known with his steps entering the classroom, the chatter of students came to an end. 

Callius observed the students' expressions and couldn't help but think, '….It is that easy….. They can't even manage their emotions, yet they are aiming to be on top.' 

Some of them were looking at him with guilt, while the others were not even looking at him. In a sense, he was slightly disappointed since there were only a handful of people inside the room that was not filled with guilt.

Emma, who had a complicated expression on her face. Our protagonist, Arthur, was really struggling to manage his expression but was slightly failing to do so since the fear couldn't escape from Callius' eyes. And Aliya, who had known everything beforehand. 

Aside from these three and a handful of ones, the other students inside the class had all expressions of guilt and discomfort on their faces. 

'Well, it doesn't much matter how they think from now on.' Callius mused to himself. 'I had already achieved my goal.' The Paladins were now carrying out their investigation, and for the time being, that was sufficient. With this thought, Callius walked purposefully toward the desk that had remained vacant for the past two days.

Sitting at the same desk, he opened the book he had at his disposal and started reading while waiting for the instructor to come.

*****

Callius' natural way of sitting and his commanding posture carried an inherent air of intimidation, even for those who had only a passing acquaintance with him. As a result, the students who were less familiar with him felt this imposing presence to the fullest. 

Moreover, the recent quest reward had bolstered his [Tyrant's Aura] trait, amplifying its effect on others, and intensifying the impact of his presence more than ever before.

This alone made the students feel more guilty than before, as they felt the cold aura once again. However, different from before, now Callius had a reason to behave coldly towards them, which also made them feel like he was right.

In any case, just by him stepping up inside the classroom, the students delved into silence as they did not want to make a noise for some reason they didn't know.

/CREAK/

At that point, the door opened once again as the instructor stepped up into the classroom.

A man with a bulky build and a sharp expression on his face. A sense of authority and experience radiated from his presence as he made it toward the center of the classroom. 

Instructor Alder made his presence known once again.

"Attention, Students." As he addressed the students, he instantly gathered the attention of everyone inside. 

Knowing he might get picked up, Callius had already closed the book he had over his deck and removed it.

"Over the past two days, our academy and community have veered off course, fixating on notions of self-imposed justice and dubious tactics. As faculty members, it falls upon us to address such matters and guide our students accordingly."

Instructor Alder started with a short speech, his voice carrying an air of authority. "Therefore, remember that our purpose here is to learn and grow, not to interfere in the affairs of others." He punctuated his point with a sharp clap of his hands. "I trust this is clear to each and every one of you."

As the concise message resounded, Instructor Alder's gaze traversed the entire class, ultimately lingering on Callius. 

'So, you are different, huh?' Callius thought to himself as he watched the expression on the face of Alder. 'I guess fooling the instructors would require a more complex approach, though it is not like I need to for now.'

The students attentively nodded, their gestures indicating that they had understood the main point.

"Very well," Alder acknowledged, his demeanor shifting once more. "Now, I assume each of you has completed the assigned tasks." With those words, he turned towards the door, preparing to proceed with the lesson.

"As previously discussed, this course encompasses both theoretical knowledge and practical applications," he continued, his voice commanding attention. "Today marks the beginning of your first practical lesson."

As soon as Alder finished speaking, the classroom erupted into lively chatter. The students were clearly thrilled and engaged, discussing the topic amongst themselves.

"Did you hear? We're starting our first practical lesson today!"

"I know, right? Finally, something hands-on! I can't wait to put all that theory into action."

"I hope it's something interesting. I'm tired of just reading textbooks and taking notes."

"I heard Instructor Alder is tough but fair. I hope I can impress him during this practical session."

"We will see about that…. But how will we conduct the practical lessons?"

"I don't know. Maybe, we will spar with each other?"

With anticipation hanging in the air, the students braced themselves for the upcoming hands-on experience under the guidance of Instructor Alder, as all of them knew this experience was important to them.

However, the classroom falling into chatter was not something Alder was happy with.

/TOK/

As the heavy fist hit the board, the loud voice echoed inside the classroom, instantly making the students inside the classroom quiet once again.

"Now, follow me; I will show you the space we will be training in."

As he spoke with his gaze glaring at the students, he instantly started walking toward the basement underneath the building, where the training rooms and rooms for combat were located.

'Practical Lesson, huh? That will be funny for sure.' For the first time in a while, Callius smiled in the classroom as his gaze reached Arthur, who was also looking at him.

'Let's see what you can do, our protagonist….' 

------------------A/N------------------

Guys, I started a new book. This time it will have a modern hunter theme, where MC will be driven by the feeling of vengeance.

Name is;

You can check my discord if you want. You will be able to see the illustrations here and engage in a conversation with me if I am available. 

https://discord.gg/ufP7aaZu