The wide field of Hero University was filled with energy and nerves. Hundreds of students stood neatly in rows, all dressed in sharp academy uniforms that glinted in the morning sun. The building itself loomed behind them—a massive structure of glass and steel, its banners fluttering with the crest of Duptin's greatest academy.
On the grand stage at the front, five adults stood in a row, each radiating heavy, intimidating power. Their presence alone was enough to make the crowd uneasy, like they could end a life with a single gesture. Ray, standing further back in his assigned line, studied each figure carefully.
"These are the mentors?" B's voice echoed quietly inside Ray's mind, full of curiosity.
Ray nodded briefly, eyes scanning the stage. "They're all powerful experts," he replied, "the best in their fields. We're supposed to learn combat and academics from them."
B snorted, his tone mocking. "Learn from these weaklings? The standard here has dropped, hasn't it? I've seen real power before, kid—they're nothing."
Ray's jaw clenched. "You don't understand. On Duptin, these people are legends. Don't underestimate them."
B laughed inside his head, "One day you'll see what real power means."
Ray was about to reply when a booming voice interrupted the field.
"Good morning, students!" The principal's words echoed across the grounds. "I am Grey Ford, the principal of Hero University. And, as you may know, an expert-rank fighter."
Instantly, the field buzzed to life with whispers.
"That's Grey Ford!"
"Our principal!"
"He's the expert rank!"
"I want to study under him!"
Grey Ford raised a single hand. Immediately, the field fell silent, as an invisible pressure rushed down on every student. Ray felt a weight pressing against his body—his bones strained, his muscles tensed. Most of the students crumbled, dropping to their knees or hands, gasping and shocked by the force.
Ray remembered this scene from his last life—the moment when he, too, had collapsed under the principal's pressure. But now, he didn't feel the same strain. He remained standing, legs firm, even as the pressure mounted. All around him, students struggled. Ray's body was hardly affected; this is the S-grade Raspel's power, he realized.
On stage, Ford scanned the field, tone cold and commanding. "I did not give permission to talk." His aura flared again—a deeper, crushing force. More students buckled. Only a handful remained standing, refusing to bow. Ray, feeling the challenge, braced himself. It was heavier now, but nothing like the hopeless weight from his last life.
Ford turned to his left. "Let's see who stands." The principal's sharp eyes landed on five students: Lyra Ashford, light blue eyes and icy blue hair, known for her cold beauty—the Ashford family's heir. Will Stone, tall and muscular, with blonde hair and brown eyes—the Stone family's pride. Vera Colin, dark hair, black eyes, mature and silent—a presence from the powerful Colin family. Sera Hawke, silver hair, striking height and figure—heiress of the Hawk family.
Ford noted, "As expected, the four great families' children. But… who's that?" His gaze stopped on Ray, whose aura seemed to shimmer with something different, unnoticed by everyone else.
Ford narrowed his eyes, increasing the pressure focused on Ray alone. Ray felt the force, a growing heaviness, but still did not budge. B's voice piped up. "He's testing you now. Raising the pressure just for you."
Ray shot back, "So you're saying he knows I'm different?"
"Of course. But even this is nothing—he's not using even ten percent of his strength. You've got nothing to worry about unless he goes all out. Most with lower-grade Raspels can't affect higher ones, remember?"
Ford watched closely, mind racing. Why didn't the team inform me about this student? Who is he, that he can resist so much of my power? He must have a Raspel close to my own rank… Maybe even higher. Ford's competitive edge flared. I'll have to keep an eye on him.
As he pondered, a woman walked onto the stage—a beautiful woman in her thirties, conference glasses perched on her nose, sharp features marked by a kind smile. She moved with confidence and ease, her gaze worried at the struggle below.
"Principal, what are you doing?" she called quietly. "You'll kill the kids at this rate."
Ford blinked back to reality, realizing he was still suppressing most of the students. He hastily withdrew the pressure. Relief swept across the field—students gasped, stretched out sore muscles, some nearly collapsed from fatigue.
Even the heirs of the great families looked rattled, barely holding their composure.
Ford coughed, hiding his embarrassment, then addressed the crowd again with humor in his voice. "Well… I see many talented students this year. I hope all of you understand discipline now. It's the key to success here. And for now, class selection will begin soon—take this chance to look around the school."
He shot a look at the woman beside him—Vice Principal Fiona Croft, his trusted second-in-command. "Fiona," he said quietly, "get me all the information we have on the student who resisted my pressure—besides the heirs. I want everything in five minutes. No mistakes. I need to know who we missed, and how."
Fiona nodded, glasses glinting as she made swift notes on her tablet.
As students broke ranks to explore the campus, Ray felt eyes on him. Not all attention was welcome, but one thing was clear—he was no longer just another face in the crowd.
And above, the mentors and the principal watched silently, wondering what else this new year might bring. Suspicion and curiosity lingered like thunder in the distant sky.