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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