Kael's eyes shifted from the glowing holographic board to the figure standing just beneath it.
The teacher was striking a tall man with an aristocratic bearing, a sharp jawline that could probably cut glass, and luxurious brown hair that reached just to his jaw. His emerald green eyes had a subtle glow to them, as if permanently enchanted with wisdom or mana or both.
But what made Kael blink in surprise wasn't the man's presence…
It was his clothes.
"Wait..."
The teacher was wearing the exact same old-money style outfit as Kael: the same chestnut long coat, the same high-collar shirt, the same formal elegance.
Kael stepped forward, cleared his throat, and gave a respectful bow.
"Good morning, sir."
The teacher looked him up and down, then offered a small but genuine smile.
"Ah… Kael Vernier, right? It's good to have a fighter of your caliber taking a seat among books instead of blades."
Kael returned the smile politely.
"It's nothing much. I've just got... a few things I need to learn."
The teacher chuckled.
> "Well, I hope you learn them quickly. Oh and great fashion taste."
Kael grinned, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Guess great minds think alike."
As the teacher turned back to his notes, Kael scanned the room. Only one seat was available and it was beside a guy wearing goggles, who looked like he hadn't slept in days.
But more importantly…
She was seated next to that guy.
Kael froze briefly.
Cat ears perked slightly atop her soft brown hair, twitching as if she sensed his stare. Her hazel-brown eyes were focused on her flask, swirls of silver mist curling from the potion she was stirring.
It was her. The genius girl he'd been looking for. The one with the highest registered magic IQ in the school. The one always described as "untouchably brilliant."