A man with his hair slicked back with pomade turned slowly to face us as we stepped into the spacious office. The room exuded authority, with its floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the entire academy. Sunlight streamed in, casting long shadows across the polished wooden floors and the mahogany desk that dominated the center of the room.
The man himself was as imposing as his surroundings. Broad-shouldered and tall, he had a presence that felt tiger-like, predatory yet controlled. His scarred eye, cutting diagonally across his rugged face, gave him the aura of a retired soldier—a man who had seen battlefields others could only dream of.
“So, you’re Lucas?” His voice was low and gravelly, but there was a warmth beneath the gruff exterior, like a seasoned warrior who had long since traded his blade for wisdom.
“Yes.”
My response came out firmer than I expected, though my body felt tense under his piercing gaze.
“Have a seat anywhere,” he said, gesturing with a large hand toward the plush guest sofas.
I moved quickly, settling into the soft cushions, though the luxurious comfort did little to ease the tension knotting my shoulders.
“Don’t be nervous,” the chairman added, leaning back in his chair. His gaze never wavered, steady as a predator watching its prey. “I didn’t call you here to punish you.”
His words were reassuring, but they didn’t completely dispel the unease curling in my chest. How could they? Sitting across from a man who looked as though he could break me with a glance wasn’t exactly calming.
“I’ve been informed about your abilities,” he began, steepling his fingers. “Every year, the academy catches at least ten people who awaken such dangerous talents.”
“Ten people?” I echoed, startled by the number.
“Yes.” His lips curved into a faint, grim smile. “You see a lot in this position. Half of those ten are isolated, three are executed, and one becomes a hunter or hero contributing to society.”
“And the remaining one?”
“They run away. To places beyond the reach of society.”
I felt a cold weight settle in my stomach. His words weren’t surprising, not really, but hearing them spoken so plainly made the reality of my situation impossible to ignore.
‘I think I understand why I was called here,’ I thought.
“I want to be a hunter,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt inside.
The chairman let out a hearty laugh, his scarred face momentarily softening. “Ha-ha, is that so? But do you think the academy can continue to nurture someone with a dangerous ability like yours?”
“…I guess not,” I admitted reluctantly, my gaze falling to the floor.
“The most important thing we consider when making a judgment,” he continued, his tone growing more serious, “is character. Whether the person is dangerous only because of their abilities, or if a dangerous person was given such powers…”
I clenched my fists. His words struck a chord, and not in a pleasant way. Character, huh? Considering Lucas’s—no, my predecessor’s—past behavior, I wasn’t exactly sitting on a mountain of goodwill.
“…”
“Cerys seems to have been really looking out for you,” the chairman remarked, his tone softening slightly as he leaned back.
“Ha-ha…” I forced a laugh, scratching the back of my neck.
Phew. At least I had one ally in this place. Without Cerys, the SS-Rank hunter who had vouched for me, I probably wouldn’t even have made it to this meeting.
“Thank you, beautiful teacher,” I murmured inwardly.
The chairman’s sharp gaze pinned me again. “Do you want to stay at the academy?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I want to be a brother my younger sisters can be proud of,” I answered without hesitation. It was the first goal I had set for myself when I started at… Pocket Pussy Academy.
The chairman raised an eyebrow, glancing briefly at a file on his desk. “But looking at your demerit record, it’s hard to say you’ve been a brother they can be proud of so far.”
“…”
I had no retort. He wasn’t wrong.
“It’s the same story I’ve already heard in the student council room,” I thought bitterly.
The chairman tapped his fingers on the desk, his expression contemplative. “How about using this opportunity to clear your record and do something good at the academy?”
“I’ll try,” I said, my tone cautious. I wasn’t exactly in a position to refuse.
“You’ll be acting as a hero for the time being.”
“What?” The words left my mouth before I could stop them.
The conclusion was so absurd that I had to ask again, hoping I’d misheard.
“Kyelli,” the chairman said, his gaze shifting to the student council president.
“Yes,” she replied, stepping forward with her usual calm authority.
“From today, Lucas will be your assistant.”
“…Understood.”
Her voice was steady, but the subtle tightening of her lips betrayed her reluctance.
I froze, the absurdity of the situation hitting me like a bolt of lightning. My mentor is the student council president?!
‘This isn’t the hero route, is it?’
“Um,” I started hesitantly, “I’ve thought about it, and being a hero doesn’t really suit my aptitude…”
The chairman chuckled, shaking his head. “Heroes save people. The pay isn’t great, and at lower ranks, it’s almost like being a volunteer.”
“…”
In other words, I was being sent to a position where I’d struggle for little reward.
The chairman’s expression turned serious again. “So few people volunteer… We’re always short-staffed.”
His words sounded final, like a gavel striking down a sentence.
No…
“Well,” he continued, “with a dangerous ability, there isn’t a more definite way to clean one’s slate than hero activities…”
I opened my mouth to argue, but his next words stopped me cold.
“But, if a hero commits a crime, wouldn’t that be an even bigger problem?”
“Ha-ha,” the chairman laughed, his tone lightening once more. “One of the best heroes in city will be by your side.”
Gulp.
Kyelli moved closer, her footsteps soft against the polished floor. She came around the sofa, her hand resting lightly on my shoulder. Her touch was firm yet surprisingly gentle, her cool demeanor betraying a hint of warmth.
———
(A/N: Hello guys done reading. If yes, send a power stone, 1 power stone is also enough we just have to increase fan value, so 1 power stone is enough, but if you like the novel I won’t mind if you send more stones, and plz don’t forget the gifts.)
Thank you very much for all your support.