Inside the big, closed dining hall, Alex could no longer contain himself and walked to the front, facing Jack under everyone's gaze.Jack, undaunted, approached him and said, “What? Are you going to apologize on behalf of your wife? It's too late. My brother is already on his way here.”However, Jack was utterly shocked when Alex suddenly struck him across the face in front of everyone.Staggering, Jack touched his cheek and exclaimed in disbelief, “You... you just hit me?”“What? Is your brain still not functioning properly?” Alex retorted and hit Jack again with all his might, sending him tumbling to the ground, stars clouding his vision.Ravenna, along with all of Sophia’s classmates, watched the scene unfold with a mix of shock and confusion.“You,” Jack managed to say, “my brother will come.”Alex kicked him in the face. “Let your brothers come whenever they want, but I'll make sure you'll die long before they get here.”Jack's face turned pale as Alex continued to kick him.He t
In the dining hall, around fifty thugs with arrogant faces, reeking of alcohol and cheap tobacco, swung their weapons around, instilling fear to the forty-eight classmates present there.Malvin looked at Sophia, savoring each trace of fear on her beautiful face, as it made him feel more powerful and significant."Boss," one of the thugs, eyeing Sophia and Victoria's beauty, suddenly turned lustful. "If you're done having fun with her, can we also have her?""Sure, we will all have her together," Malvin said, deriving pleasure from the mounting fear on Sophia's face.One of the male classmates suddenly stood up. "Do you think this Empire has no law? How can a lowly thug like you behave like this? If I tell my father, I believe all of you will be behind bars right now. Get out now."One of the nearest thugs to him waved his axe at the male classmate's table with a loud bang."You can call your father, but my axe will find its place in your filthy mouth. Shut up and sit down. Don't speak
Inside the dining hall, there was a long silence as the classmates could see Alex face off fifty thugs and still make the leader kneel in front of him.Malvin looked at Alex in anger and yelled, “Go get his wife!”As one of the thugs rushed toward Sophia, a loud scream from Malvin caused all the thugs to stop.Alex raised the axe in his hand and used it to strike Malvin's right arm forcefully with the dull side.“This time, I used the dull part of the axe. One more time you give any command,” Alex flipped the axe head to the sharp side and placed it on Malvin's neck, “I will take your head.”Alex grabbed Malvin's hair, dragged his face and showed it to all the thugs there. “If you want your boss to die here because of you, you are free to move, but later don’t blame me if he dies here.”Malvin wanted to say something more, but Alex swung the axe again, using the dull part to strike his other arm, breaking it.Malvin's face was covered in blood, and he moaned in pain.The man, once ful
When the man entered the messy dining hall with a style, everyone was taken aback.“James Carnegie?” a classmate called out in surprise.If one asked who was the richest and most powerful in their collage’s class, the answer would undoubtedly be the Honourable James Carnegie.His father was Viscount Carnegie, belonging to the first rank wealthiest family with legal lands granted by the Empire.James, as the first son, was the primary heir. People treated him like a celebrity because of his immense wealth and power.James's friend inquired, "Never thought you would be joining this spontaneous reunion?""Absolutely, I had to be here," James replied, stealing glances at Sophia, the love of his life."I would have been here sooner if I didn't have to sort out this mess." He gestured towards the clutter around them."Was it you who chased after the thugs?"The crowd looked at him with keen interest, eagerly awaiting his response.***James previously arrived late and found a several thugs
James had deeply fallen in love with Sophia during their college years, trying almost everything to catch her attention but ultimately failing.At that time, Sophia was still actively involved in modeling, surrounded by a queue of elite young men vying for her affection, and James always seemed to end up last.Despite his wealth and noble born, he also known for his notoriety for his calculated behavior—stingy—he was fundamentally an economical person.He lived by the principle, "use the smallest expense to achieve the highest result and profit," which meant his gifts often the cheapest compared to others.One day at college, he confessed his feelings to Sophia. However, Sophia laughed it off, “You must be kidding. I come from just a fourth-tier wealthy family while you belong to the nobility and are a first tier. I’m really not suitable for you. A more beautiful and kinder woman would be a better match for you.”James realized that this was Sophia’s gentle rejection, sweetened to spa
Inside the tense atmosphere of the dining hall, the smell of mixed food lingered underfoot amid the broken tableware.The people stared at Alex, their expressions tense with disbelief.Sophia grabbed Alex's hand warily. "Did you say all of that and make him mad?""Will you believe me if I say that I didn’t say anything to him?" Alex replied.Sophia glared at angry James. "No.""Then I have nothing to say," Alex said, knowing James had been their classmate for at least four years, unlike himself, who was new to the group.No one would believe him.Alex stepped forward, coming face to face with James, just a step away from each other."Listen, James," Alex said, locking eyes with him. "I didn’t hit you just now."With that, Alex clenched his fist and delivered a hard blow to James's cheek, causing him to stumble and see stars.The classmates were shocked to witness Alex's audacity. No one had ever dared to hit James, a member of the noble and wealthy first-rank family."But this time, I
Some of the classmates on James's side walked to crowd around Alex with angry face."James," one of the men, eager to suck up to James, said. "Just give us a command, and we will handle him. Even though he is ex-military, I won't be afraid."James's face turned joyful as he figured about six males supported him; he believed Alex couldn't fight seven people including him. "Alex, I will show you who I am!"Suddenly, his device started ringing. He picked it up happily and quickly. "Father! Have you put him on the wanted list?""James," his father said, "listen carefully word by word as I don't want to repeat this anymore."“Yes?”"Let the man hit you a few more times. And you must not harm him under any condition. If you dare to do something stupid and harm him, I will kick you out of the Carnegie family and will kill you myself. Do you understand?"<
There is no party without an end. The reunion event soon wrapped up and people began returning to their hotels. Some even took the night flight back to their cities.James Carnegie sat with his friend on the night aircraft. His best friend leaned over and asked, "James, did you really make Alex your big brother?"James tapped his fingers on the armrest of his first-class seat.He was uncertain about Alex, but his father had warned him not to stir up trouble with him.In the dining area earlier, he cleverly chose to address Alex as "big brother" instead of getting hit in front of everyone, which would have been a severe blow to his reputation.In politics, there are no permanent enemies or friends, only permanent interests."Have you got any information about him?" James inquired."He's an ex-construction worker and also an ex-military man with some commendations from his time during the war," his friend added. "But all military honors have their limits."James had just spoken with his
Davis Grant and Carmen Lie strode into the grand hall together, exchanging puzzled glances as they spotted Alex scribbling down answers at a nearby desk.At first, they found it almost comical—a teenager acting so sure of himself.“Such arrogance in one so young,” they both thought.After all, these questions weren’t something a mere boy was supposed to solve.Yet, the moment they saw Alex’s writing, their amusement morphed into stunned disbelief.The white-bearded elder and the tall, stunningly beautiful woman could only think,What kind of monster is he?Had it not been for the telltale youthfulness of his face, both Davis and Carmen would have sworn he was some ancient being who had lived for centuries.A flicker of excitement danced in Davis Grant’s eyes as he watched Alex.For years, the Alchemist Association had been a shadow of its former self—vital texts lost, elixirs weakened, alchemists leaving for the martial path.Few still dedicated themselves to alchemy, which Davis beli
“Everyone!” Mitchell called out, his voice echoing through the hall.Without waiting for any protest, he placed a firm hand on Alex’s shoulder.“Alex has officially passed the Master Alchemy test. He will be one of us, and you can speak to him later. For now, there’s some important paperwork that needs to be done.”Before the crowd could react, Kolin stepped forward. “But what about the high-rank potion?” he asked, clearly intrigued.Mitchell offered a measured smile.“That’s part of a secret project I’m working on. I’ll make an announcement when the time is right.”With that, he grabbed Alex’s hand and swiftly guided him away, leaving the onlookers in stunned silence.A flurry of whispers erupted, spreading like wildfire.“He’s only a child!”“Not yet twenty years old—and already a Master Alchemist?”Their disbelief was tangible.Before turning twenty, Alex had already surpassed achievements most people in their thirties or forties couldn’t attain.Those who had mocked him earlier fe
Previously, when Alex used the card key to enter Mitchell’s private alchemy room, one of Mitchell’s assistants, Claire—a bespectacled young woman of striking beauty and intermediate rank in alchemy—stared at him in disbelief.“Kid, why are you in the Master’s room?” She rushed over, barely hiding her alarm. “And where’d you get that key?”Alex frowned. “Didn’t Master Mitchell notify you?”She glanced at her smartwatch, then froze. “Master Mitchell did text me to assist… but I’m warning you—don’t make a mess. I’m the one who has to keep this place organized.”Alex’s frown deepened as he studied her face. “Didn’t he also say you should give me whatever I need?”Claire scoffed. “You’re just a kid. Letting you in is already a big deal.”Alex sighed and stepped inside.The room was large, lined with shelves that carried neatly labeled boxes of every alchemical ingredient imaginable.As Alex started reading labels and picking ingredients, Claire looked at him suspiciously. “Do you even know
“This isn’t over yet!” Brian snapped, turning back to his exam, trying his hardest to pass it.Alex laughed and turned to the Alchemy Master.“Can I use one of the alchemy room now? I need to make a potion for my friend.”Mitchell Hunt, the alchemy master shocked and chatted with Alex for a while and quickly realized that Alex wasn’t just skilled in the theories of alchemy—he was also familiar with actual refinement processes.Monstrous!Mitchell had spent decades in alchemy, only reaching the Alchemy Master level at fifty years old.Thinking about Alex’s age made him feel both impressed and embarrassed.It was frustrating! How old was Alex? Yet his knowledge was already on par with seasoned masters.It was proof that knowledge didn’t always come with age.“Sure,” Mitchell said finally, “I’ll let you use my alchemy room. You can use any ingredient inside. If something’s missing, you can ask my assistant.”“Here, take this card—it’ll grant you access, and I’ll inform my assistant. Mean
"Don’t fool yourself into thinking you’ll become a Master today," Brian said, shaking his head in disgust."You’d be better off running home and nursing at your mother’s breast."Alex responded with a nonchalant shrug. "We’ll see about that," he said softly."And when I prove you wrong, I’ll treat you as my proper servant."With those quiet, confident words, Alex turned and walked toward the examination chamber, leaving Brian seething in his wake.Brian glared at the boy’s retreating back, his mind spinning with disbelief.How dare this arrogant whelp even consider taking such a demanding exam?Shaking his head, Brian stepped into the assigned room, bitter resentment burning hot in his chest.Inside the testing chamber, Alex approached the Alchemy Master presiding over the exam.The old man’s face was stern, his gaze appraising as he studied the young stranger who dared to set foot here.He looked utterly perplexed. A boy? In the Master-level exam room?"Are you lost, lad?" the Alchem
Walking down a corridor lit by soft, enchanted lamp, Alex followed the attendant who had greeted him in the lobby.His thoughts drifted to the fallen Alchemist Association.He recalled how, in recent years, so many gifted minds had abandoned alchemy for the sword and spear, leaving a generation barely touched by the old art’s wisdom.In his previous life, he had witnessed the Alchemist Association’s last stand during the siege of Miracle City.They had given everything, each member perishing in the final defense.At least, he had no reason to doubt their honor; the Bolton Family’s hand had never tainted the alchemists’ good name.His guide, a sharp-eyed young woman named Lanny, studied him with open skepticism.“You’re here to take the apprentice examination, right? I hope you’ve prepared. Anyone worth their salt knows at least five foundational tomes by heart.”Alex almost laughed as he pictured one of those massive texts.It had been thick enough to topple a grown man if hurled with
In a split second, Alex pulled the gun from his pocket and fired at the attacker.It was an ancient technology, long lost to time, and only a handful of people still owned it.The other attackers froze, their eyes wide as they watched their leader—a silver rank—fly back nearly ten meters from the force of the laser shot.Smoke rose from his chest, where a searing burn now marred his flesh.The top silver rank was dead by one shot.The remaining four glanced at each other, panic spreading across their faces.They nodded in silent agreement and suddenly turned to flee.What was supposed to be an easy job—killing a bronze-ranked kid—had turned into a nightmare.That same kid had just taken down their leader, the strongest among them, with a single shot.They were only early silver rank—staying would mean certain death.Running was their only choice.As they bolted, Alex didn’t hesitate. He fired again.A beam of light sliced through the air, and one of the fleeing attackers collapsed to
Scarlet and Cassandra had fought twice before, and both times ended in a dead heat.This was now their third match, and even though Scarlet was a senior, with Cassandra had gained new strength, the outcome looked much the same.Neither girl would back down, neither would concede defeat.Their rivalry had ignited the very first time Scarlet flaunted her affection for Alex, and Cassandra had stepped in with a warning.Scarlet ignored it, and from that day on, the two had fought for reasons that went well beyond pride.Yet, there was something else about their fights—something that drew onlookers from every corner of the academy.The pair of goddesses remained completely unaware of the chaos they unleashed every time they clashed.They crashed into walls, toppled statues, and kicked up dust storms in the courtyards. And the students loved every second of it.They lined up, whispering and joking, placing bets as if watching a grand tournament.On this particular day, as Scarlet and Cassan
Previously, Alex and Sofie were on the truck, heading back to the city, when Renault contacted them.“Sofie, Alex! Thank God you’re safe! We’ve been searching everywhere for you,” Renault’s voice crackled through the communicator.Alex smiled, knowing Renault felt truly safe was knowing the princess was unharmed.His whole family could land in prison if anything happened to her.“We’re okay!” Alex replied straightforwardly.“But you guys need to hurry and get the stuff—then leave quickly!”“Why?” Renault asked, a note of worry in his tone.“I ran into some outlaws,” Alex explained.“They’re hunting for nobles. They’ll try to steal everything and might even kidnap all of you for ransom!”Renault’s breath hitched on the other end, clearly caught off guard.If the outlaws found them, it would be catastrophic.But Alex’s warning gave them an edge—if they knew trouble was coming, they could set traps and prepare an ambush.“Thank you, Alex. I’ll make sure you’re rewarded later.”“No need,”