The news of the upcoming midterms, a tremor of anxiety rippling through the school, reached Valerius's ears with a faint, almost imperceptible hum. He sat in the library, ostensibly studying, but his true focus was on the subtle currents of this world. He had observed Kaelen's reaction, the momentary flicker of panic in his eyes when the "midterm" was mentioned. A delightful vulnerability.
Valerius, in Hiroshi's body, had always maintained excellent grades. It was part of the facade, the unremarkable excellence that allowed him to move without suspicion. But now, as he watched the students around him stress and compete, a new strategic insight began to form in his ancient mind.
He saw Ren and Itami huddled over textbooks, a desperate scramble for knowledge. He saw Li Wei, ever the pragmatist, already organized, her notes meticulously arranged. They were preparing for this academic skirmish as if it were a minor battle. But Valerius understood that in this world, dominance was not always asserted with a blade or a spell.
He recalled Kaelen's past. The Sun Emperor. A ruler who valued knowledge, who patronized scholars, who believed in the power of intellect as much as might. Kaelen had always sought to be the best, the most enlightened, the most powerful in every sphere. In their old world, that meant military might, magical prowess, and political acumen. But here?
Valerius's eyes, through Hiroshi's, narrowed as he watched Ren struggle with a complex equation.
He is lost in this world's intricacies, still clinging to the old ways.
A slow, cruel smile spread across Valerius's lips. He had always understood the nature of power, its chameleon-like ability to adapt to its environment. In this "modern world," where physical combat was outlawed and arcane might was a forgotten whisper, influence and perceived superiority were the new currencies of dominance. And what better way to assert that superiority over Kaelen than to outshine him in his new, pathetic existence? To prove that even in this mundane arena, Valerius was the superior intellect, the true master.
He had always been intelligent, of course, far more so than Kaelen, whose brilliance lay in brute force and unwavering conviction. Valerius's mind was a labyrinth of intricate schemes, of subtle manipulations. He had always found Kaelen's straightforwardness almost endearing in its naivety.
Now, he would turn Kaelen's own perceived weaknesses in this world into a weapon against him. If Kaelen struggled with these "midterms," if he floundered in the academic arena, it would not only undermine his confidence but also diminish his standing in the eyes of those he sought to protect – Itami, and perhaps even Li Wei, whose pragmatic nature might question a leader who couldn't even master a simple "algebra" problem.
The chess match had been a prelude, a test of Kaelen's strategic mind. But this, the midterms, was a test of his very capacity to exist and thrive in this new reality. And Valerius intended to make him fail spectacularly.
He closed the textbook he was pretending to read, a history of this world's "World Wars." Such primitive conflicts, so devoid of true magical grandeur. But the principles of strategy, of logistics, of psychological warfare – they remained universal. And he would apply them to this new "academic battle."
Valerius rose from his seat, a new, chilling resolve settling over him. He would not merely pass these midterms. He would dominate them. He would not just be the "top student" for show; he would become the undisputed intellectual superior, a constant, mocking reminder to Kaelen of his own inadequacy in this new world.
He would study every subject, master every concept, not for the sake of knowledge, but for the sake of power. He would ensure his scores were impeccable, his answers flawless, his understanding beyond reproach. He would make it impossible for Kaelen to ignore his academic prowess, a constant, nagging reminder of who truly held the reins of control, even in the trivialities of school.
As he walked out of the library, the setting sun casting long shadows across the campus, Valerius felt a surge of exhilaration. This was more than just a test. This was a declaration. A new battlefield had been drawn, and the first academic skirmish was about to begin. Kaelen had his general, his bewildered friend, and his ancient memories. But Valerius had foresight, ruthlessness, and the chilling realization that in this world, the sharpest mind, not the sharpest blade, would reign supreme. The midterm exam was not just a hurdle for Ren; it was Valerius's opening move in the academic war.