The Genius and the Monster

It seemed those with troubled expressions likely had friends among the eliminated, which explained their demeanor. Karen, however, showed no reaction, simply because none of her friends were on the elimination list.

Having spent some time with Karen, Ai Ou had come to understand her character. This young lady was arrogant and proud, generally looking down on her peers. Throughout their months of travel, she hadn’t made many friends. Aside from eating, exercising, and listening to stories, she mostly stayed in her room with the door closed, never coming out. No one knew what she did in there. Nor had anyone seen her interact much with others.

Ai Ou felt that, apart from himself, who could perhaps be considered half a friend, no one else had caught her eye.

Indeed, Karen would only show him a pleasant expression; at all other times, her face was cold and haughty, radiating an air of disdain.

“Haha, is that so? That’s truly a pity. We all came here together as companions. To think they were eliminated like this. I hope they all have promising futures.”

‘Yes, what a pity. I hadn’t even finished fleecing them completely, and now they’re eliminated. What a genuine shame.’

Ai Ou’s words immediately brightened the expressions of the others in the small group. After all, Ai Ou was well-versed in the art of emotional intelligence, and his remark offered everyone a graceful way to step back from their somber mood. Karen, however, did not sense the shift in atmosphere.

She looked up, like a proud peacock, and addressed Ai Ou.

“Ai Ou, how were your admission results? Did you barely scrape by? Hmph! I, Karen, am a genius! My admission test revealed a superb water-element talent and superior spiritual power! The testing instructors even praised me as a genius, saying my talent was rare. So, how about it? Consider becoming my subordinate, and I’ll look out for you in the academy! Ya ha ha ha!”

Karen was like a little girl who, after receiving praise from her teacher, yearned for her parents’ commendation. She desperately wanted to show off in front of Ai Ou, as if this news absolutely had to be shared with him.

She didn’t know why, but after discovering she was a genius, she felt an overwhelming urge to share her joy with Ai Ou, wanting him to partake in her happiness.

Yet, despite her true feelings, she ultimately succumbed to her tsundere nature. Though she longed for Ai Ou’s praise, her words twisted into a declaration that she would protect him instead.

Upon hearing Karen’s words, the other members of the small group immediately began to echo her sentiments. This group revolved around Karen; Ai Ou had noticed from the moment he joined that everyone centered their attention on her, constantly trying to curry her favor.

“That’s right, Boss is correct! Such magical talent is exceptionally rare in the world! She will definitely become a Saint-level mage in the future!”

“In this admission exam, no one’s talent could possibly surpass Boss’s! Boss’s talent completely crushes all the other new students! After admission, Boss will surely become a prominent figure in the academy!”

“Exactly! But I heard that during the admission test, one student apparently had dual-superb talent and superb spiritual power. I don’t know who it was, but that’s terrifying!”

“It’s impossible for such a monster to exist! Boss is certainly the most talented among this batch of new students and will be the leader of the first-year class! In the future, Saint Roland Academy will definitely be proud of Boss!”

Though Karen outwardly showed no reaction to the group’s flattery, her heart swelled with immense pride. She gazed at Ai Ou, her aristocratic arrogance evident, and posed her question.

Before Ai Ou could answer, Provence returned. The moment the people in the room saw Provence emerge, complete silence fell.

“Alright, prepare to follow me. Once the banquet begins, you’ll have plenty of time to chat.”

With that, he walked towards Karen’s side. Then, he spotted Ai Ou among them, his expression becoming somewhat excited.

“Greetings, Instructor!”

Though they didn’t know who their official instructor would be, Provence had, after all, discovered them and spent so much time with them on the cruise ship. Compared to other teachers, Provence was more approachable, and they truly hoped he would be their instructor.

“So you were all here! Oh, isn’t this Ai Ou! Excellent, excellent! You’ve truly done me proud! When we go to the auditorium, you’ll lead, and Karen will follow behind you!”

Provence patted Ai Ou’s shoulder, a look of pride on his face.

“Teacher! Why should he lead? I believe Miss Karen is more qualified!”

“Exactly! Miss Karen possesses superb water-element affinity, a truly exceptional magical talent!”

“Doesn’t the person with the strongest talent usually lead? Why let this guy lead? Boss Karen’s talent is clearly the strongest among this year’s new students!”

Ai Ou had not undergone the talent assessment with them, so they had no idea of his abilities. However, they knew that when Karen was tested, the entire venue was stunned, and the testing instructors treated her with utmost respect.

Since no one else received such treatment, they understood just how powerful Karen was.

Everyone in this small group had been conned and swindled by Ai Ou at some point. While many instances were voluntary, they still harbored resentment towards him. Their magic stones, gold coins, and rare local specialties had all been reaped by Ai Ou. So, although they could chat calmly now, they were likely cursing Ai Ou, that scrooge, behind his back. He had swindled so much from them, yet he never once treated them to a meal, always freeloading everywhere. Truly shameless.

Upon hearing their words, Provence’s expression drastically changed, suddenly turning grim, and he cursed at them.

“You rascals! Show some respect! If you disrespect Ai Ou, St. Roland Academy will have no place for you!”

“Teacher, he’s just a mere new student, someone who entered with us. There’s no need to respect him, is there?”

“Exactly! He’s just a small-time live-in son-in-law—bah, just a kept man, only slightly handsome. Teacher, are you really into men?”

“You! You truly are blind! Student Ai Ou is a monster with dual-superb talent and superb spiritual power! He is arguably the most talented mage in over a decade! And you not only fail to curry favor with him but also can’t even recognize his worth!”

Provence was furious. He hadn’t expected that after spending so much time with him, these people would be so utterly lacking in discernment.

“What! Ai Ou is actually the person from the rumors!”

“What! That news is actually true! Ai Ou is that monster!”

Upon hearing Provence’s words, the other members of the small group were all dumbfounded, unable to believe their ears. Even Karen’s beautiful eyes widened, staring at Ai Ou with an expression of utter disbelief.

“Let’s go! To the auditorium!”

Seeing everyone speechless, Ai Ou’s lips curled into a wicked smile, instantly transforming him into a crooked-mouthed war god.