The grin on Richard’s face grew as he nodded with amusement. "It’s always so surprising. When people find out."

Dean couldn’t even bring himself to ask what exactly was happening. How was he so precise?

God... even my mind isn’t safe anymore?

How much does he...

Wait..shut up..

Dean held his head as if it would help him keep his thoughts together.

Richard snickered as his spiralling eye pattern receded.

"Don’t worry Gray...I’m not psychic. Just really good at reading people, like you."

So this world’s very own Patrick Jane huh?

Dude!!!.. stop thinking..

Seriously..

Just shut up, okay?

Dean who stood like he was holding back urine. Flashed a fake smile. But he didn’t believe the man for a second.

Just like how he wouldn’t believe himself for a second.

"You should really thank Thomas... he sealed your fate." Richard said jokingly.

Why does that sound more bad than good? Can he read my mind right now?

Unable to shake the feeling. Dean asked Mr Richard anyway.

"What do you mean, sealed my fate?"

"Ohh...it’s quite simple actually. Being on probation means everyone is watching and waiting for you to fall," Richard said, trying not to chuckle.

"So another fuck up–"

"And you’re gone," Richard’s eyes gleamed.

Dean gulped. This threat wasn’t going away anytime soon.

Still keeping an oddly excited expression, Richard rubbed the silver head of his cane.

"Don’t be too tense. There is a silver lining in all of this."

Dean raised an eyebrow. What was this crazy man talking about? Shit he can read minds.

’Fuck he just has to deal with it.’

Reading his expression, Richard decided to relieve the boy of his confusion.

"You won."

Dean blinked. "Ohh..."

it made sense. Even with how bad it turned out, at least he would get class points from this.

"Yeah.." Richard continued. "And you proved that werewolves aren’t untouchable."

Richard’s expression grew darker as he leaned in with his elbow on the top of his cane.

"The packs had always prided themselves on being the best at close combat. And you, a mere freshman, placed one of their cubs in a tough spot."

Dean processed what he said and only one conclusion came to mind. That rematch with Marcus was happening one way or another ... unless...

Richard sat back on his chair. "Don’t worry, no one can touch you when you are in here."

"Hence the probation,"

"Yes... there must be some form of punishment," Richard replied.

Dean sighed and narrowed his eyes. The probation was a death trap. Every move of his would be followed.

If only he could find another punishment. Something that didn’t have a mind reader and co. on his ass.

And with Ash’s new transformation, he would need time to train and practice with it. And that might cause a ruckus. It was definitely causing one if he knew that menace well enough.

His eyes suddenly widened as a thought flashed through his mind.

"How about this-?" Dean paused again, still arranging the words in his head.

"I’m listening."

Dean stopped for a second. Shouldn’t he already know what I’m about to say?

Since the man didn’t want to give much away anymore. Dean continued.

"You said I got points right? For winning."

Richard’s nodded slowly. "One hundred and twenty, to be precise."

’So that’s one hundred and fifty in total,’ Dean thought.

"What if..." Dean met his eyes. "What if instead of probation, you just take them all?"

Richard’s eyebrows rose slightly. "All of them?"

Delaying for a second, Dean wondered if maybe he had overplayed his hand.

"Sure-"

"Alright then." Richard chuckled. The man had to admit that the boy was good and rather interesting.

After a few more minutes of silence and Richard telling him what comes along with his choice.

Which involved him starting at the very bottom of the class. Having a target on his back as the weakest even though it was otherwise.

Dean still felt relief rushing through his body. It didn’t matter to him if he started at the top or bottom.

Though, admittedly it still stung to be at the bottom after all he went through today. But a man had to do what a man had to do.

As long as he doesn’t have eyes on him and Ash all the time, he would take the deal.

After all, he started from the bottom before. Now he’s here.

Deciding the boy’s convictions might be worth the risk. Richard stood up, with the Gray sword in hand.

"I’ll give you a fighting chance. I’ll let you change your course of choice to something better suited for quick growth."

Dean’s eyes narrowed. "I’m fine where I am sir... but should I have a change of heart, I will let you know."

Richard nodded. "That offer is only for a week," he stretched the sword forward.

"You have a deal Gray... don’t make me regret it."

"Understood," Dean answered with an unreadable expression.

Richard gestured for him to leave as he went back to inspecting the blade like there was something he was missing.

<><><>

Outside the office. Dean sighed deeply, he felt relief. He walked through the now empty halls but still felt like someone was watching.

At this point. Wasn’t everyone watching? He shook his head almost sympathising for himself.

It was just like his old life all over again, only here... he had a powerful summon like Ash, a family.

And a system that had been flooding his vision with notifications like a jealous girlfriend blowing up his phone.

Accessing the system. The interface flowed in with orange texts.

Ding!

[You have completed several self-imposed objectives]

[ You have completed your first spar]

[Rewards: 2000EXP]

[You have gained victory over a powerful opponent]

[Rewards: 4000EXP]

[You have achieved a moment of true bond synchrony - Armor manifestation]

[Rewards: 2000EXP]

[Your summon: Ash has achieved a permanent form: Armored Dire wolf ]

[Rewards: 3000EXP]

[You have outsmarted a rival - Rogue ]

[Rewards: 2500EXP]

Dean couldn’t stop grinning as the screens appear one after another and it seemed like there was no end to them.

[ You have made contact with a potential interest - Von Vermith Astrea ]

[Rewards: 2000EXP]

[You have negotiated a requite to your probation]

[Rewards: 2500EXP]

[EXP accumulated: 18000]

[Total EXP: 19000]

This much reward just for surviving his first day was totally unexpected.

He stopped and sat on the steps of the administration office.

If he was to be honest, Today had been a long day. He’d Fought, lost his cool, faced the probability of expulsion then getting probation, confronting Astrea, digging himself out of a probation.

That was a lot for a day that was supposed to just be an introductory class.

And after all that, the one thing he learned was that he was going to become the bottom of the barrel and claw himself back up.

He also had to get himself in shape, get his mind in place and–

Not wasting any time, he opened up his summoner skills.

"Upgrade channeling," he said in his mind.

Ding!

[You have upgraded Channeling Lv 2→ Channeling Lv 3 ]

The system was about to explain the upgrade when Dean intercepted it.

"Upgrade channeling again,"

Ding!

[You have upgraded Channeling Lv 3→ Channeling Lv 4]

[Channeling slots increased: 3]

[Skill potency increased: 100%]

[Total EXP left: 6000EXP]

"Wow," Dean couldn’t help but blurt. This boost was definitely significant. And granted him a lot of versatility with all three of his summons.

He made sure to focus on channeling. The fight with Marcus proved why he needed two skills. He traced the claw marks on his face.

Then he frowned when he realized something. The upgrade also came with its own headaches. He would’ve to learn how to juggle between channeling two summons at a time.

’Or maybe I just focus on using Ash’s IMU skills only’

He would figure all of that out as he goes. For now.. he just wanted to rest. And get his mind together. This was only a step in the path he had chosen.

Making his way to the dorms, he thought about stopping to get a bag pack. He needed more quids too.

Life’s tough... he shook his head.