It was already nighttime. Inside the last train wagon, Evo slowly opened his eyes after a pleasant nap. Actually, a very long nap — they had boarded the train in the afternoon, and judging by the darkness outside, it was now well into the night.
Evo rubbed his face as he looked out the window, watching the night scenery rushing by and leaving its traces behind.
– I think I slept too much!
He tried stretching his arms, but his left one wouldn't move. He felt a weight pinning it down, rendering him unable to move. He looked to the side, slightly incredulous.
– This girl is still sleeping?
Beside him, Lívia slept with a satisfied expression, her head resting on Evo's shoulder just as it had been hours earlier.
Evo observed her for a while. Her hair, which had been immaculate and perfectly styled before, was now sticking out in every direction, giving her a wilder appearance unlike anything he had seen.
– If your fanboys saw you like this, how would they react?
He asked with a dangerous smile on his lips, his golden eyes gleaming in the dim train car as he imagined how useful phones would be in that world.
– Too bad I don't have one to record this moment...
He gave a mischievous smile, gently lifted her head, and placed it against the seat's backrest. Then he stood up and stretched, his bones cracking loudly.
– I need to go to the bathroom... but where is it?
He muttered as he walked toward the next wagon. As he passed through the connecting door, he spotted a staff member and approached.
– Sir, could you tell me where the bathroom is?
Evo asked in a lower voice — he wasn't sure if anyone was sleeping nearby and didn't want to disturb anyone.
The guard turned toward the tall young man and answered calmly:
– Two wagons after this one. You'll see a small cabin on one side.
Evo nodded and continued on his way, hands in his pockets, quietly observing the train as he walked. Soon he reached a wagon that served as a restaurant and bar. Surprisingly, it was packed with students.
Some sat on stools, others stood around, and the strong smell of alcohol permeated the air. Evo looked around and sighed, resigned.
– These idiots are drinking... and no one's here to scold them?
He asked, exasperated. He couldn't tell if their behavior was bravery or sheer stupidity.
– Where are the train staff and the academy instructors?
– This looks more like a nightclub... these brats are going all out on the alcohol.
Evo sighed and decided to keep walking toward the bathroom.
– Well, it's none of my business.
He shrugged and crossed the car while many students glanced at him. Some girls whispered:
– Look, it's Evo! He's so handsome.
– Indeed. Besides his looks, he has that mature aura.
– And they say he's extremely gentlemanly with women. He's a catch! Girls from the first to third year hit on him every day, but he rejects them all.
Evo heard everything clearly. They thought they were whispering, but everyone nearby could hear them.
He simply sighed and kept walking. But one group of boys at the back heard it too — and they glared at Evo with murderous jealousy.
Evo sensed the hostility and turned. Four young men were stomping toward him, practically foaming with rage.
He sighed, already knowing where this shit was going. He just wanted to take a piss in peace, but apparently not even that was allowed.
Everyone in the wagon watched the four approach Evo, anticipating the trouble.
– What a pain... this is why I hate brats.
He muttered irritably.
– Hey, you!
One of them roared, dripping hostility, as he grabbed Evo's suit jacket.
Feeling his suit getting crumpled, Evo grew irritated. But instead of fussing like they did, his expression only became cold and severe.
– You think you're hot shit, huh? Walking around like you're the most important person in the world, with that arrogant posture!
The crowd stared at the young noble — likely from a minor house — daring to speak that way to the heir of one of the most powerful families in the empire. Either the guy was insane or had lost all sense of fear.
Everyone expected Evo to beat them senseless, but what he did instead was far different.
Evo stared silently at the drunken pig holding his jacket, his golden eyes icy.
– What's your name?
He asked, his voice apathetic and cold, not looking away for even a second.
The young noble replied arrogantly:
– Me? I'm Renner Mariell.
Evo raised a brow, mildly curious — but only for a moment.
– I see. So you're from the merchant family in the northern region of the empire.
Renner puffed up proudly, unaware of the trouble he was inviting.
– Tell me, Renner Mariell... since your family is from the north, your main clients are the noble family that rules that region, correct?
Renner smirked, thinking he sounded impressive.
– Yes, exactly. Our family is the main supplier of healing potions to the Eylam family, the rulers of the northern territory.
Those who knew the truth looked at Renner like he was an idiot. The clueless plebeians, however, had no idea what was going on.
Back with the group, Renner's friends chuckled, thinking Evo might apologize or back down — but what followed froze their souls.
– Hmm... does young Renner truly not know who I am?
Evo tilted his head, a cruel smile curling on his lips, his eyes glinting dangerously as Renner continued clutching his suit.
– Hm! And why should I care?
Renner muttered dismissively.
Seeing their ignorance, Evo glanced toward a nearby group of girls.
– Ladies, would one of you kindly explain to this ignorant fool whose clothes he is manhandling so rudely?
Renner glared at Evo but held his tongue, waiting.
The girls, seeing Evo's serene and gentle smile, blushed fiercely and straightened up.
– O-of course!
One of them approached and said:
– Well... the person you're grabbing so rudely is the heir of the Eylam family. Evo Eylam.
Renner froze instantly. His face drained of color as he turned toward Evo, who wore a cruel smile.
– Now, insect, would you mind removing that filthy hand from my clothes?
Renner snatched his hand back immediately. Evo calmly adjusted his suit.
– Renner Mariell... know that when I become head of my family, I will sever all business with yours. And I'll make sure everyone knows you were the reason.
He said it clearly for everyone to hear.
The entire car went silent. Especially the nobles who understood the weight of his words.
Without the Eylam family, the Mariell family was doomed.
Renner collapsed to the floor, trembling.
– I'm dead! My father's going to kill me!
His so-called "friends" had long abandoned him.
Desperate, he got up and begged:
– P-please forgive me, young master Eylam! Give me a chance!
But Evo didn't answer.
Instead, he unleashed his presence like iron upon Renner. The boy instantly collapsed, curling in on himself.
The cold, merciless aura crushed him, mocking him, suffocating him. Sweat poured down his back.
– No, no, no, no, no, no!
He repeated over and over, seized by primal terror.
Evo watched him with cold, arrogant eyes. His presence expanded through the entire wagon, making several students drop to the floor in panic.
He had activated his Authority of Conquest indiscriminately. Those underage brats drinking? Evo wasn't letting them off the hook anymore.
He would've ignored it, but those four idiots pissed him off — so he decided to punish everyone.
Some students clutched their heads as though they were about to lose their minds. Others tried to scream or flee, but their legs wouldn't respond.
Meanwhile, in a distant wagon, the academy instructors were drinking and rolling dice.
– Hahaha! Won again! Pass it here, losers!
– Damn it!
Elizabeth threw the dice, frustrated.
– Oh come on, instructor, don't be a—
He didn't finish.
A wave of arrogant, disdainful aura blasted into the wagon.
Evo's presence reached all the way to the instructors.
Elizabeth shot to her feet, terrified, feeling that aura seep into her very bones.
– W-what is this?
She stared at the floor, gripping her arms.
– Who is releasing such a heavy, arrogant aura inside this train?
– Is an enemy attacking the students?
– If so, they're in big trouble. Whoever it is... they're very powerful.
– Move! Now!
Elizabeth shouted, and everyone's expressions hardened instantly. Even their drunkenness evaporated as if it had never existed.
They were now completely sober — and ready to protect their students.