Alucard stepped into the classroom labeled Class A, the so-called peak of first-year talent.
Rows of elegant seats were arranged in a semi-circular arc, giving a perfect view of the grand crystal board at the front. Soft rays of sunlight pierced through the tall, stained-glass windows, painting subtle patterns on the dark wooden floor.
He quietly took a seat in the far back — not out of fear, but habit. Low presence, sharp observation.
The room was already half full. And every aura… felt dangerous.
These weren't just top students. They were monsters in human skin.
Alucard leaned back, arms crossed, scanning the room.
On his far left, sitting like a frozen statue, was the cold beauty with flowing silver-blue hair and eyes like glacial steel — Seraphina Glacius, daughter of the only SSS-ranked human alive. Her reputation preceded her: emotionless, ruthless, an unmatched genius in Ice Art.
Two seats ahead, relaxed and regal, was Princess Elowen Sylvari, the heir to the Elven royal bloodline. Her green locks flowed like forest vines, her emerald eyes glowing faintly — an aura of wisdom and pride wrapped around her. Beside her sat her older brother, Prince Thalor Sylvari, his sharp jawline and longbow resting across his back. Unlike Elowen, Thalor was openly arrogant, his presence crackling with judgment.
On the opposite side, one of the desks was surrounded by students offering greetings and fake laughs. Sitting among them was the golden-haired devil himself — Link Rex, the villain of the novel. Son of an SS-ranked general, potential of reaching SSS, and secretly, a sadist who'd trample anything in his path.
Beside him, was the infamous shadow-born villainess, Lira Nightshade. Her long black hair glistened like ink, and her crimson eyes held nothing but disdain. Rumors said she learned forbidden shadow magic before the age of ten.
Across from her, looking half-asleep, was a white-haired teen with golden scales faintly visible beneath his uniform collar — Kael Draconis, the Dragon Prince, and Link's main supporter. He didn't speak much, but his sheer presence silenced most conversations.
Another dragonkin — a girl this time — leaned by the window, silver horns curled subtly around her head like a crown. Her name was Veyra Draconis, Kael's cousin, and known as the "Silver Flame." Her gaze flicked to Alucard briefly… but then away, uninterested.
Near the front, sat Darius Thornhelm, a tall boy with scars running down his knuckles. He was glaring at anyone who looked weaker than him. He had once declared in public:
"Weaklings deserve to kneel. This world belongs to the strong."
Not far from him, whispering with a cheeky grin, was Zane Cross, a noble brat with quick wit and faster daggers. He was friendly on the outside but known for manipulating people into doing his dirty work.
Beside Zane, a calm and analytical girl flipped through a book — Amara Gale, a wind attribute genius. Cold, calculative, and unbothered by drama.
These were the Top 10 of the class — the strongest, most gifted students of the year. All of them had recognition… All, except Alucard.
And he felt it.
Suddenly, a mocking voice echoed through the room.
"Tch... They let trash in Class A now?"
A few students snickered, eyes subtly shifting toward him. Even if no one said his name, it was obvious who the insult was aimed at.
Alucard didn't flinch.
He looked down at his clenched fist — rough, calloused from a month of hellish training.
"Weak, huh?"
He didn't deny it.
Not yet.
But the fire in his chest said otherwise.
Weakness was death.
He wouldn't die. Not before becoming the strongest.
The door creaked open.
A tall, figure cloaked in red stepped into the room.
Eyes sharp. Aura oppressive.
Everyone immediately fell silent.
Alucard narrowed his eyes.
The instructor had arrived