This was the man who ignored presidents, shattered rules, and walked out of conversations mid-sentence. The Icily Arrogant Prince Charming, arrogant to the bone, powerful beyond reproach.

And now he was bowing?

"N-no need," Aaron replied stiffly, caught completely off guard.

Alfred straightened. "What happened today was my fault. I hope you can forgive me."

Aaron nodded mechanically, still reeling.

Alfred continued, "There is another matter. A new student passed my test today. She meets the academy's requirements. According to policy, late admissions with special approval must enter Class Five. I seek your permission to enroll her."

He handed over Lily's recommendation letter.

Aaron accepted it. "Very well. I'll handle it."

Alfred nodded. "That's all. I'll await your decision."

Only after Alfred left did Aaron fully recover.

So that's why he apologized…

Yet strangely, the apology had soothed his anger. Whether he liked it or not, Alfred's presence was… effective.

"Teacher," Aaron muttered, shaking his head. "At least leave me some dignity in front of the students next time."

"Alright," Alfred had replied without hesitation.

That surprised him even more.

Aaron looked down at the letter.

Small-town elementary school. Nothing remarkable.

Name: Lily

Gender: Female

Soul Power: Rank 15

Martial Soul: Elementalist

"Elementalist?" Aaron murmured.

"What kind of martial soul is that…?"

"She's a genius," Alfred said calmly. "Only I can teach her properly. I hope Director Long will support this decision. No matter what happens in the future, she must remain in my class."

Aaron finally couldn't hold it in anymore. "Elementalist? What kind of martial soul is that? Teacher, you're well-informed. Surely you know something about it?"

"I've only just seen it," Alfred replied. "It's not a bad martial soul. You'll see it clearly during the upcoming Class Promotion Tournament."

At the mention of the tournament, Aaron nodded thoughtfully. "Assigning Raziel Phoenix to your class was precisely because I hoped your class would stir something up during that competition. When the weakest class grows stronger, it forces the class above it to work harder. The tournament exists to exploit students' sense of honor and drive them to train. Have you already chosen your representatives?"

"Yes," Alfred answered without hesitation. "I have."

When Alfred returned to the field, the morning's running had finally ended.

"Gather."

Class Five assembled before him with surprising order.

"That concludes morning training. You're dismissed. Lily, stay."

The students scattered instantly, dragging their exhausted bodies toward the dorms as if salvation awaited them there.

Lily's cheeks were flushed from exertion.

"I'm Alfred, the teacher in charge of this class," he said, handing her several items. "This is your dorm key, uniform, and textbooks. From today onward, you are officially a student of First Year, Class Five."

"Thank you, Teacher," Lily replied, accepting them neatly.

"Rest well. Classes continue this afternoon."

Raziel Phoenix grabbed Ray and dragged him toward the dorm.

"Why are you in such a rush?" Ray asked. "Just say it."

"Relax, I'm not picking a fight," Raziel Phoenix snorted. "I'm doing this for your own good. That Lily… don't get too close to her."

Ray blinked. "Close? We just met."

"You were chatting happily with her earlier," Raziel Phoenix said suspiciously. "The teacher said the Class Promotion Tournament needs at least two people. Before, it was us. Now that she's here, do you really think you stand a chance against her?"

Ray shook his head honestly. "No. Then she can participate instead."

Raziel Phoenix stared at him. "Are you stupid? There are rewards. Don't you want to eat from the first window?"

Ray hesitated. Hunger struck him right in the soul.

"I think it'll be Ray and Lily," Miel said as he entered, having clearly overheard.

Raziel Phoenix pointed at himself. "Then what am I?"

"You lost twice to Ray," Miel replied flatly, "and lost to Lily today. Why would you stay and not him?"

Raziel Phoenix's face twisted as cruel memories resurfaced.

"That's enough," Lucius said as he entered last, rubbing his temples. "Think. With Teacher's personality, he won't go back on his word. Both of you will still participate. I'll be the one left out. Minimum two doesn't mean only two."

Ray rubbed his stomach. "That doesn't matter. I'm hungry."

Before the afternoon class, a new legend was born in West Ocean Academy.

Ray sat in the dining hall, devouring buns at an alarming rate while ignoring the stares around him. His dorm mates watched in silent horror as one bun after another vanished.

"If I ever bet food against you again," Raziel Phoenix said solemnly, "I'm an idiot."

"I wouldn't bet anything else," Ray replied. "There's no motivation."

"I can't finish this. You can have it."

A large white bun landed on his plate.

Ray looked up. Lily stood there in her uniform.

"Thanks," he said sincerely.

She nodded and left.

Miel leaned over. "Ray… do you think she likes you? She talked to you first, and now she's giving you food."

Ray sighed. "We're nine. What are you even thinking about?"

Miel muttered, "I wanted to beat you up before. After seeing you hammer, I don't anymore."

Ray returned to eating.

The afternoon training was even more brutal.

"What happened to Theory and Knowledge?" someone wailed.

Alfred's response was simple. "With your level, there's nothing worth teaching."

Frog jumps replaced running. Within thirty minutes, the field was littered with collapsed students.

At dusk, they crawled back toward the dorms.

"Ray, Raziel Phoenix, Lily," Alfred said coolly. "Come find me after dinner."

Raziel Phoenix needed Ray's support just to stand. Lily was better, hands braced on her knees, breathing steadily.

Her Elementalist martial soul was truly extraordinary. During training, the elements themselves seemed to aid her. Wind lightened her steps. Light restored her stamina. Fire replenished her strength. Earth reinforced her endurance. Ice kept her mind clear.

It was as though the world itself was helping her train.

"Why are we here so late at night?" Raziel Phoenix muttered. Since his rivalry with Ray had quietly transformed into friendship, much of his sharp, aloof edge had dulled.

The spoiled young master aura he once carried was fading fast. If Alfred hadn't been their teacher, he was certain he would have quit during physical training long ago.

"Teacher's doing this for our sake," Ray said, half-supporting him as they walked.

An hour before dinner, most students had already collapsed into deep sleep. Ray was exhausted, too, yet he forced himself to meditate. Over the past two days, the new meditation method has clearly improved both his recovery and cultivation efficiency.

A clumsy bird has to fly early, he reminded himself. With a weak martial soul, effort was his only path.

Evenings had classes now. When would he forge the Sky Dragon Iron? Midnight forging was impossible in the long run. He decided he would finish this task first, then temporarily stop taking new commissions.

After dinner, Ray practically dragged Raziel Phoenix toward the field. Raziel Phoenix looked as if his soul had already left his body. By the time they arrived, Lily was already there, refreshed and calm.

The sky was dyed crimson by the last rays of sunset, the light outlining Lily's delicate features.

Alfred stood nearby in a black training outfit, his expression severe. Not far away, clusters of girls from the advanced academy lingered, eyes fixed on him.

"Follow me," Alfred said, turning without another word.

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