The **Headmaster of Regalia Academy** was a man known as **Grand Magus Alistair Velnore**.

  A **6th-circle mage.** One of the **strongest humans alive.**

  And the moment I stepped into his office, I could **feel** his power pressing down on me.

  **"Lucian von Kaiser."**

  His golden eyes stared into mine, as if he could **see right through me.**

  **"You’re quite an interesting student, aren’t you?"**

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  I kept my expression calm.

  **"Is something wrong, Headmaster?"**

  Alistair leaned forward.

  **"I don’t like troublemakers in my academy. And you… you’re making quite the name for yourself."**

  I smirked.

  **"I’m just a student, sir."**

  He narrowed his eyes.

  **"Don’t play games with me, boy. I know you had something to do with last night’s incident."**

  My mind raced.

  If I pushed too hard, I’d make myself suspicious.

  But if I **folded too easily**, I’d look weak.

  So I chose the middle path.

  I exhaled, feigning exhaustion.

  **"Look, Headmaster. I don’t know who started the rumors, but do you really think I’d be dumb enough to try something like that?"**

  I met his gaze.

  **"Especially in the middle of the academy? With witnesses placing me somewhere else?"**

  Alistair studied me for a long moment.

  Then, surprisingly—he smiled.

  **"Hah. You remind me of someone."**

  I blinked.

  **"Consider this a warning, Lucian. But I’ll be watching you."**

  I gave a small bow and left the office.

  As soon as the doors shut behind me, I let out a breath.

  **Close call.**

  But now?

  I had the **Headmaster’s attention.*

  *

  And that could be both **a blessing and a curse.**

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