Supreme Hunter of Beautiful Souls-Chapter 97: The teachers

Kael and Amelia found two seats near the middle of the auditorium and sat down without ceremony. The place was packed, but something quickly became clear… nobody wanted to sit near them.

Well… that was kind of expected. Kael hadn't exactly made a great first impression on his "academy colleagues."

The space around them, which should have been crowded, was strangely empty. Some students glanced at them, others whispered among themselves, and the more cowardly ones simply looked away, pretending not to notice. The entire row was vacant, with only the two of them sitting there.

Amelia was the first to notice and sighed, crossing her arms. "Great… now we're the outcasts."

Kael, on the other hand, seemed completely indifferent. He leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes for a moment. "Better this way. At least no one's going to bother us. I hate dealing with kids."

Umbra laughed, floating above them. "Hahaha! That was amazing! You practically established dominance on your first day! Look at their terrified faces!"

Amelia glanced around, watching people come and go without even daring to look at them. Despite Kael's carefree attitude, she knew this wouldn't go unnoticed for long, and it would eventually cause problems. This place was full of arrogant nobles and young talents trying to prove themselves. It was only a matter of time before someone influential decided to step in, either to seek justice or to show off.

She let out a long sigh and leaned back as well. "You know… it's strange. I should be worried about the consequences of this, but…" She looked at him and smiled slightly. "I feel safer than ever." She shrugged, throwing cold glares at those who dared to stare.

Kael opened one eye and raised an eyebrow. "I hope that doesn't mean you'll start depending on me."

She scoffed and crossed her arms. "Tch, arrogant."

The grand hall started to quiet down as several figures stepped onto the main stage. The opening ceremony was finally about to begin.

Kael watched the professors walking onto the stage, but he didn't recognize any of them… except for one.

The professor he had completely broken.

'They patched that guy up fast… Considering this academy, they probably have a High-Rank Healer… maybe even an Arcane Sage.' Kael thought.

The man's expression was rigid, but when he spotted Kael in the crowd, his gaze sharpened with pure hostility. The tension between them was almost palpable, but Kael simply ignored him and looked forward as if the guy didn't exist.

"Hah! That bastard must still be in pain," Umbra sneered, spinning in the air. "You haven't even started studying, and you already have a professor who hates you. Impressive."

Amelia noticed the professor's glare and turned to Kael, suspicious. "Do you know him?"

Kael sighed. "Let's just say we had a little… interaction." He shrugged, not really caring. After all, a side character was just a side character.

She frowned. "What did you do?" She crossed her arms, irritation lacing her voice.

Kael shrugged again. "Broke a few of his bones."

Amelia's eyes widened, and she stared at him, dumbfounded. "YOU DID WHAT?!" She whispered in shock.

Kael simply crossed his arms, relaxed. "He deserved it."

Before Amelia could press further, an elderly man with gray hair and elegant robes struck his staff against the ground, drawing everyone's attention. The ceremony was about to begin, and Kael knew it wouldn't be boring… not when he had already made so many enemies before classes had even started.

"The old man's here," Kael commented just before the headmaster appeared through a portal.

"How did you—" Amelia started, but Kael shook his head.

"Mana distortion. Focus your senses on the mana, and you'll feel the shift before the portal appears."

"How do you even know that?!" She asked, genuinely curious.

"Grandson of the Witch Queen, remember?" He smirked. "Spread your mana and focus everything on perception—that'll create a domain. You just have to feel it."

Amelia looked at him in disbelief… "Kael… you do realize that's basically impossible for a child, right?" She questioned. "Our mana isn't as refined as an adult's."

"Hm? Too bad for you all, because right now, I'm creating a domain that covers the entire auditorium. Well, except for the stage." He commented casually.

Amelia's eyes widened in shock.

"Oh, looks like it's starting." Kael said before she even had the chance to respond, making her quickly turn toward the stage.

Altharion Von Drakhar stepped onto the stage with the presence of a true titan. His long black robe with golden details swayed as he walked, and his piercing deep blue eyes scanned the crowd of students with a mix of severity and interest. His aura was overwhelming, as if the very mana around him bent to his will.

The auditorium fell into absolute silence. Everyone could feel the weight of his presence.

"Welcome to Azalith Academy." His voice echoed through the hall, strong and authoritative. "You are not here by mere chance. Each of you has demonstrated enough talent to earn a place in this institution. However, know this—talent alone will not take you far. Only those with willpower, discipline, and ambition will stand out."

Kael watched intently. The man emanated natural authority, and he wasn't someone who spoke just for the sake of it. He truly believed in his own words.

"In this academy, you will not only learn to refine your powers but also how to survive in the real world. And believe me… the world is not kind to the weak."

The tension in the air grew. Many students swallowed hard.

Altharion then raised one hand, and a golden magic circle shone around him and the other professors. "To guide you on this journey, I present to you some of the masters who will accompany you."

At his side stood a tall man with pale skin and dark hair tied in a ponytail. His crimson eyes gleamed in the dim light.

"This is Malakar Noctis, professor of Shadow Magic and Occult Sorcery."

Malakar gave a subtle bow, his presence shrouded in mystery and darkness. His voice was low, almost a whisper. "If you fear the darkness, I suggest you quit now."

Kael simply raised an eyebrow. 'This guy… interesting.'

The next to step forward was a being covered in bluish scales, with reptilian eyes and a long horn protruding from his forehead.

"Alyndor Kharess, professor of Destructive Magic."

The half-dragon scanned the students, his gaze intense like burning embers. "If you wish to command fire, you must first prove you are worthy of it."

Several students murmured among themselves, clearly impressed. Draconic Magic was rare and extremely powerful.

Then, a woman with long ears and greenish skin stepped forward, holding a staff adorned with vines. Her expression was serene, but her gaze carried an ancient wisdom.

"Elowen Sylvaris, professor of Natural Magic and Druidism."

She smiled gently. "Nature does not belong to you. You belong to it. Learn this, and perhaps Mother Earth will grant you her blessing."

Kael noticed that many students seemed to underestimate her at first glance, but something about the way the mana around her flowed set off alarms in his mind. She was dangerous.

'She's a Dryad… not officially, but… she carries the presence of the World Tree within her… just like—'

'You're quite the charming one, boy.' He heard the woman's voice in his mind as she looked at him with a smile. 'It's nice to see another blessed by the World Tree.' She commented before stepping off the stage.

'She knows.' He thought.

Finally, an overwhelming presence took over the stage.

A woman with black hair and golden eyes walked toward Altharion, her long, sleek black tail moving behind her with elegance. No… not one, but nine tails. Her black kimono, adorned with red and gold details, only enhanced her exotic beauty.

"This is Mizuki Inari, professor of Spiritual Arts."

Unlike the other professors, who maintained a more rigid stance, she smiled openly. "I hope everyone has a lot of fun in my classes…" She then shifted her gaze toward someone specific…

She whispered in a voice only one person could hear—

Her golden eyes locked onto Kael's.

He frowned slightly. That was no coincidence.

Umbra let out an exaggerated whistle. "Ohooo! Look at that, someone noticed me pretty quickly!" The shadow chuckled. "She's already seen me, you know? Be careful—foxes are always trouble."

Kael simply ignored the shadow's provocation, keeping his expression neutral. But something about that woman… put him on alert.

Altharion then took the floor again.

"These are just some of the professors you will encounter throughout the year. Each one of them is a master of their respective craft and will be relentless with those who do not take their studies seriously."

He took a step forward, his presence growing even stronger.

"Now, there is one last thing I must say."

Silence filled the amphitheater.

"Azalith Academy does not protect the weak. There is no favoritism here. Whether you are nobles or commoners, heirs of great clans or outsiders… the only thing that matters is the power you demonstrate. If you want respect, earn it. If you want to grow, fight for it. If you want to survive, be stronger than those around you."

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His eyes swept across the crowd.

"Those who fail… will be forgotten."

The tension was suffocating. Some students swallowed hard, while others looked even more determined.

Kael simply smirked.

"Interesting."