Arthur understood that the academy wasn't just a school; it was a node of power connected to the Global Defense Front's network. To control the world, he first had to own the node. He spent the next few days maintaining his "Prodigy" mask, attendings classes while his Dimensional Sensing mapped every secret passage and hidden laboratory beneath the floors.
The Student Council Hall was a chamber of opulence, circular in design, with holographic displays showing the status of the academy's atmospheric shields. At the head of the table sat Marcus Thorne, a Rank 5 (Spirit Sea) senior who believed he was the strongest student in the city.
"You're late, Pendragon," Marcus said, his voice booming with the authority of his Rank. "And you're not even a member. This is a closed session for the elite of the elite."
Arthur walked in, his footsteps echoing with a rhythmic, heavy finality. He didn't stop until he reached the center of the room. Behind him, Seraphina followed like a silent ghost.
"I'm not here to join, Marcus," Arthur said, his crimson eyes scanning the holographic map. "I'm here to reorganize. The academy's sub-space transmitter is being used to monitor 'Leaks' in the Pacific. I need full access to that data."
The room went silent. Then, Marcus laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. "Access? That's military grade. You're a freshman with a fancy lightning trick. Get out before I—"
Marcus didn't finish. Arthur simply released 1% of his Void Pressure.
The temperature in the room dropped to absolute zero for a fraction of a second. The holographic displays flickered and turned grey. The students at the table felt a weight like a collapsing star pressing on their shoulders. Marcus, a Rank 5 master, was forced to his knees, his "Spirit Sea" turbulent and terrified.
"I wasn't asking," Arthur whispered, leaning over the table. "I am telling you. From this moment on, the Student Council reports to me. You can keep your titles. You can keep your pride. But the keys... they belong to the Void."
By the time the pressure lifted, the council members were gasping for air, looking at Arthur not as a student, but as a monster wearing a human skin. Marcus looked up, his face pale. "Who... what are you?"
Arthur didn't answer. He turned to the holographic map and pointed to the Pacific Trench. "Seraphina, activate the transmitter. I want to hear what the abyss is saying."