As the Director's mana filled the room, a wave of hushed whispers and panicked murmurs spread among the students.
"I-I'm scared, sister..." one voice trembled.
"What?!" another gasped.
"Is he trying to crush us with his mana?" someone else whispered in alarm.
Kamille struggled to remain standing, her knees threatening to buckle under the immense pressure. She scanned her surroundings, seeing the fear reflected in everyone's eyes. Her hope wavered—until a firm hand grasped her shoulder.
Lee.
In an instant, he released his own mana, his presence clashing against the overwhelming force of the Director's. Two other students followed suit, unleashing their mana to counteract the pressure. The three opposing forces collided in the center of the hall, their sheer intensity sending a shudder through the air.
The other students, overwhelmed by the clash of power, gasped for breath as the weight pressing down on them suddenly lifted.
The Director smiled, clearly impressed.
"Incredible," he declared. "The three of you who unleashed your mana—consider this your invitation to the Academy Council."
Lee, still catching his breath, hesitated before raising his hand.
"Uh… am I obligated to accept?" he asked bluntly.
The Director shot him an amused yet firm look.
"You passed the first test. So yes. Just shut up and accept it, student."
Dumbfounded, Lee sighed in defeat. He had no reason to refuse—besides, who in their right mind would turn down an invitation from the Academy Director?
This idiot, apparently.
The Director turned to address the remaining students. "There are still two more spots in the council," he announced. "Another challenge will be held soon to determine who will claim them. As for those who have already secured their positions, follow me to my office."
Lee glanced at Kamille, still processing everything. She met his gaze with determination.
"Just go," she said with a small smile. "I'll do my best to join you in the council next time!"
With a reluctant nod, Lee followed the Director alongside the two other selected students—a girl and a boy.
The girl was striking. Her long white hair framed a pale, delicate face, and her piercing blue eyes carried an icy, distant aura. She was breathtaking. Lee felt heat rise to his face the moment he looked at her. The complete opposite of Kamille in every way, she exuded an elegance so cold and untouchable that it made his heart skip a beat.
This idiot fell in love at first sight. He was still human, after all—what could he do about it?
The boy beside her was just as remarkable. With dark brown hair and sharp, golden eyes, his presence carried the weight of a natural predator. His dark skin contrasted with his intense gaze, giving him an air of quiet dominance.
As they walked down the grand hall, their footsteps echoing against the marble floor, they soon arrived before a set of massive double doors.
With a slow, deliberate motion, the doors creaked open, revealing the Director's office.
The room was devoid of sunlight, its only illumination coming from floating magical orbs casting a dim glow over the vast space. Shadows flickered along the walls, lending the chamber an eerie, enigmatic atmosphere.
As the doors shut behind them, the true weight of their new positions settled in.
"Then, let me officially welcome you—students of honor." The Director's voice carried both authority and enthusiasm as he regarded them with a pleased smile. "Your quick assessment of the situation and ability to resist the mana pressure were beyond my expectations. Truly impressive. Welcome, first-years."
Lee scratched the back of his head, glancing down at himself. "Uh, sir, I really appreciate the warm welcome and this position, but… it looks like I'm the only one without an academy uniform."
The Director chuckled. "No need to worry—you won't need it anymore."
With a snap of his fingers, a wave of magic surged through the room. In an instant, the students' outfits shifted, transforming into a sleek black uniform adorned with a long black coat—distinct and unmistakably reserved for those of high status.
Lee's eyes widened in awe. A grin spread across his face as he marveled at his new attire. "That was amazing! What kind of magic was—"
"Tch, you idiot," the boy beside him scoffed, crossing his arms. "Can't you be serious for a second? You're standing in front of a 12th-circle mage—the pinnacle of magic itself—and you're asking pointless questions?"
Lee blinked at the sharp tone.
The boy—now identified as Bolt—had an air of arrogance about him, his golden eyes sharp with disinterest. It was clear he had little patience for those he deemed beneath him.
Lee's expression darkened as he clenched his fists, his irritation flaring. Though usually easygoing, he had grown increasingly sensitive to insults—an effect lingering from Kaelen's dreams.
Without hesitation, he unleashed his bloodlust at full force.
A suffocating pressure filled the room, an overwhelming aura that sent cold sweat trickling down the backs of both students. Even the Director, a seasoned 12th-circle mage, widened his eyes in surprise. The sheer intensity of bloodlust radiating from a mere 16-year-old was beyond reason.
"Enough!" the Director's voice boomed, his own aura flaring to suppress the oppressive force.
The moment Lee felt the command, he withdrew his bloodlust in an instant, his expression shifting to one of innocent remorse.
"Apologies, sir," he said with a polite bow. "I lost my temper. Such behavior is unacceptable for a student council member… So, can I be banned from the council now?"
The Director stared at him, utterly dumbfounded. After a long pause, he finally sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Are you an idiot?"