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Beside the towering mage spire, nestled an enchanting garden, fragrant with blooming sunflowers of every color, their petals shimmering under the sunlight like fragments of rainbows. Within lay a grand plaza that pulsed with life. The cobblestone pathways were inlaid with intricate mosaics of pure white stones, forming celestial patterns that guided visitors toward the centerpiece—a magnificent round fountain.

A bluish statue of a breathtaking shark-kin woman stood in the heart of the fountain, her lithe form barely draped with a translucent cloth that seemed to flutter in an unseen breeze. She reclined gracefully on a pedestal from which water flowed in delicate sheets, creating a cascading veil that split at precise intervals to form the word "Insight" in flowing script. Around her, in vibrant colors, were various statues in a riot of colors of younglings from different races, seemingly splashing with water and playing, their carefully carved eyes showing wonder and innocence

Janina stood at the fountain's edge, her gaze fixed not on the jubilant depicted scene but lost in the sound of the water—a subtle tension coiled in the air around her, like a storm gathering strength.

Breaking through the ambient sounds of rippling water, a sharp voice sliced through the atmosphere. Belia L. Rosé, a leopard-kin with eyes that burned like molten gold, strode forward, her posture rigid with indignation. "This whore has no right to attend such a prestigious school!" she declared, her words dripping with venom. "Do you understand what that means for Mr. Alexander when this scandal surfaces?"

Beside her, Henry L. Orchid—a jaguar-kin whose perpetual scowl deepened the shadows on his sharp features—narrowed his gaze at Janina. "You need to comprehend the gravity of her betrayal against our households," he added, each word sharpened to cut.

Janina lifted her chin, her canine ears twitching ever so slightly, betraying a simmering irritation beneath her calm exterior. "I believe you're overstepping your privileges," she replied coolly, her voice steady but edged with a warning. Her tail flicked behind her, a subtle sign of her restrained agitation.

A circle of youths began to tighten around them, their faces a mix of curiosity and unease. Though they tried to appear indifferent, their constant glances and the way they leaned in betrayed their keen interest in the unfolding drama.

Meanwhile, further away, within the protective confines of a vacuum dome laced with spells, Alexander observed the scene with a contemplative smile playing on his lips. 'How adorable,' he mused, watching the noble youths attempt to confront Janina with all the gravitas they could muster. They were like fledgling birds, flapping their wings earnestly but uncertain of how to truly take flight.

Their families had sent them to forge stronger ties with him, anticipating his ascent as the heir—an unspoken truth made evident by his siblings becoming official retainers, signaling the subsequent Lord's rise. Yet, despite their apparent goodwill, they hadn't sent their best and brightest. The contracts he used were too restrictive for their comfort, and it showed. They resembled puppies learning the boundaries of their leashes, dabbling in politics with someone who preferred a more straightforward approach.

'If they keep this up, Nina will tear them apart,' Alexander thought, envisioning various scenarios, most of which didn't end well for the young nobles. Though his little sister appeared tame, it was only in comparison to the madness that often emanated from their family. 'I should prepare,' he decided, beginning to weave spells and set up contraptions as precautions.

Back at the plaza, Henry took a cautious step closer to Janina, a disingenuous smile stretching across his face. "Janina, the teacher caused significant problems for our households," he insisted, eyes darting around to ensure the surrounding students were listening. "All we want is justice. Isn't that what your brother preaches, symbolized by such a beautiful and fair school?" His tone was smooth, almost silky, but underneath lay a manipulative edge designed to humiliate her publicly.

Janina raised an eyebrow, her tail flicking more sharply now. "Oh? Is that so?" she responded, her tone laced with feigned innocence. Henry and Belia exchanged quick, triumphant glances, believing they had gained the upper hand. But Janina's eyes hardened as she continued, "Didn't your mistress already punish her? Who are you to decide how she lives her life now?" Her words hung in the air, a subtle challenge wrapped in polite rhetoric.

From his vantage point, Alexander analyzed the fascinating exchange. The youths were wielding phrases and concepts that seemed beyond their years, and yet, the naïveté with which they did so was almost endearing. His musings were interrupted as Anastasia leaned casually against him, her hip brushing against his, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She chuckled softly, drawing his attention.

"What's so amusing?" Alexander asked, arching an eyebrow, though a slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Anastasia wiped a tear of laughter from the corner of her eye. "Isn't this exactly your ideology at play?" she teased, her eyes dancing with mirth. "Did you think I couldn't identify your mindset?" She leaned in closer, her face inches from his, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial but humorous whisper. "What a naughty brat—you might know how to navigate a discussion like this, but I doubt Janina fully understands what she's saying."

Alexander met her gaze, recognizing the subtle mockery but also the underlying truth in her words. 'Perhaps I should be more cautious,' he thought, a slight frown creasing his brow. His teachings were progressive—modern and Earth-like concepts that Orbis wasn't ready to embrace. While Janina appreciated his ideas, it didn't mean she grasped them thoroughly, which could leave her humiliated in debates steeped in traditional values.

"Well, I suppose I'm more influential than I realized," he admitted aloud, a touch of humility softening his tone.

Anastasia's gaze drifted back to the confrontation below. "It's getting interesting," she remarked, a sly smile playing on her lips. "So many interesting losers, oh my," she added with a melodramatic sigh, her tone dripping with playful disdain.

Belia's face flushed with anger, her golden eyes flashing dangerously. Before she could retort, a young leopard-kin man with an elephant brooch pinned to his blazer stepped forward. His movements were measured, and his saphir eyes held a quiet strength that belied his unassuming appearance.

"That's enough, Belia," he said softly but firmly.

Belia whirled around, her long hair whipping like a dark curtain behind her. When she saw him, her expression twisted with disdain. "How dare you speak my name directly?" she spat. "A bastard like you thinks he can tell me what to do?"

Anastasia leaned closer to Alexander once more, her voice barely above a whisper. "Look at them—so consumed by their own petty squabbles that they even forgot Janina," she mused, her tone taking on a darker edge. "Trash will always be trash, Alex, and you know it."

A faint smile tugged at his lips. "Isn't that what this school is for?" he replied, his eyes reflecting a mix of amusement and determination.

Alexander hadn't just allowed these nobles into his school to forge alliances but also to subtly influence them—soft power, a means of shaping others through culture and education rather than force. 'It's working, though,' he thought, watching Louis J. Rosé, a noble youth who, despite appearing average, was stepping up to calm the situation. Even if Belia remained angry for weeks, the change would come gradually, perhaps over months or years. If his plan succeeded, some would rise to positions of power and carry his modern values and ethics into their leadership.

Louis met Belia's glare without flinching. "Here, you're not at home, little girl," he replied evenly. "You might command me there, but in this city and especially on these school grounds—we're all equals."

Belia's eyes blazed with fury, a low growl rumbling in her throat. "You'll regret those words," she hissed, her pupils constricting.

Henry moved to her side, his muscles tensing as his hand drifted toward his spatial pouch. "Louis, you should watch your tongue," he warned. "You know you'll have to return home eventually."

Louis smirked, though a hint of sadness flickered in his eyes. "Will I? I'm not in line to become an heir. I've been disinherited, remember? Why should I care about returning when I have more opportunities here than my siblings ever will? This school—" He glanced toward the horizon, his gaze distant. "—is so much better than whatever they were sent to."

Anastasia suddenly burst into laughter, the unexpected sound causing Alexander to jump slightly. "What are you laughing at?" he asked, a touch of exasperation in his voice.

She wiped a tear from her eye, her laughter subsiding into a mischievous grin. "Really? Do you remember all those awkward interviews and correspondence? Now—" she shrugged, straightening up proudly, "—I must apologize, as you were clearly right. They really don't care after seeing such opportunities."

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Alexander felt a faint blush rise to his cheeks, and he looked away to hide it. "Of course I am," he mumbled, trying to sound nonchalant.

He recalled how most nobles, except those from the Guard Households, had dismissed his little project as a school for commoners, offering only basic literacy and arithmetic. They had doubted he would provide mana skills or otherwise valuable training. As such, he had made promises that if they could finish the school earlier by taking more exams, he wouldn't disgrace them and might even congratulate them.

Yet, they must have realized by now that such a feat was impossible after the introductory lesson. Louis was the first noble to declare his desire to stay and grow, proclaiming Alexander's school as one of the best.

'Yeah, from his point of view, it makes sense,' Alexander agreed. Unlike other institutions where students with lower status were hindered, this school even forced them to participate and learn as much as possible. Challenges and support between the student body were encouraged, fostering generations of prodigies who would venture into the world carrying his ideals.

"Still having problems taking compliments?" Anastasia teased, her tone light but her eyes keen.

Alexander nodded slightly, a rueful smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah. Now watch—" he gestured toward the unfolding scene below, "—it's getting interesting."

A panther-kin girl stepped forward before the tension could escalate further. Her strides were silent but purposeful, and an elephant brooch identical to Louis's adorned her blazer. Her green eyes were sharp, taking in every detail as she assessed the situation.

"Louis," she said, her voice cool and measured. "Consider your next words carefully. Regardless of your status, you carry the Rosé bloodline."

'Hana II Lotus,' Alexander mused. 'Always one to seize an opportunity.'

Hana's arrival instantly shifted the dynamics. Louis's bravado wavered under her steady gaze. "Fine," he conceded, raising his hands in mock surrender. "If it's you, Hana, I'll stand down."

She was the sole heir of the Lotus fief, the next Viscountess ruling over at least one-sixth of Moorgrel, and the strongest faction from central Mal-Gil. Known for their neutrality, the Lotus family aligned themselves purely based on political advantage, indifferent to the Duchess they served—a notorious warmonger.

Because of that, they were strategic in their dealings, leveraging their unique status to thrive. As such, when Hana contacted him, wanting to join the school, her motive became apparent when they discussed his contract: she wanted the Helping Paw within her territory more than anything.

It was a give-and-take, as Hana wanted the charity while Alexander would have a great boost in prestige with her attendance.

'I swear, I still get PTSD when thinking about us discussing the damn terms,' he thought with a sigh, recalling their week-long negotiation sessions, poring over every clause to eliminate loopholes. The contract had ended up being a three-hundred-page monstrosity and a compromise.

She would pay 5%, a literal tax, but 90% of that would be used for her future territory while the rest, 0.5%, would be for outward use. Alexander immediately knew that while she didn't share his vision, there was a cold and calculative understanding of the merits of what he did, seeing the great success in Wolfsteeth. At the same time, the other cities also started to see significant improvements.

His musings were interrupted as he sensed another presence approaching. His eyes narrowed as he recognized the newcomer.

A young woman sauntered forward, her hips swaying in a calculated rhythm that drew eyes to her. Her purplish hair cascaded over her shoulders, and a predatory grin curved her lips. Her eyes gleamed with obsidian malice. Nathalie Orchid—the daughter of a fling the Orchid Lord had—enrolled, obviously, to protect Henry and the other youths from the Flower Households, whether from physical harm or humiliation.

"My, my! If it isn't Louis," she drawled mockingly, her voice dripping with disdain. "How are you faring after all that humiliation from your lovely brother?"

Alexander sighed, rubbing his temples. "And here comes Nathalie to stir the pot," he muttered.

Anastasia chuckled. "Can't say this isn't entertaining."

He glanced at her, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Should we intervene?"

She shook her head. "Let them have their drama. They might learn something from it."

He groaned softly, hoping the situation wouldn't escalate beyond control. "You're probably right," he conceded. He recalled his interview with Nathalie, outwardly confident, but he sensed that given a chance, she would immediately let go of her old life, shedding the facade she presented to the world.

Nathalie undid her silk scarf, holding it in her hand, playing with it—a deliberate gesture, something nobles do to challenge someone to a life-and-death duel. "I've always despised you, little boy," she sneered at Louis. But now, I can finally put you in your place," she said, holding the scarf before her, about to let it fall.

Louis clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "Careful, Nathalie," he warned, his voice low. "You're overstepping."

Before the situation could spiral further, Alexander's voice rang out across the plaza, amplified by a subtle spell. "That's enough!"

All eyes turned toward him. The crowd hushed instantly, and the tension was palpable. His spell was too strong, making some immediately flinch and hold their ears as pain graced their faces.

"There will be no aristocratic duels, private or otherwise!" Alexander declared, his gaze sweeping over the gathered students. "No deaths or law-breaking. If you wish to settle disputes, you will do so within the rules of this academy, my academy!"

Hana stepped forward, attempting to mediate. "Mr. Alexander, perhaps we can—"

He held up a hand, snapping his fingers to silence her. She attempted to use her [Energy] to break the spell, but it was futile. She stared at him anxiously, stepping back. "Hana, I appreciate your initiative, but this ends now."

Nathalie scoffed, her arrogance undiminished. "And what authority do you have, boy?" She allowed her [Energy] to surge around her, cloaking herself with a bluish film. "You're just a child playing at being in charge," she taunted, her tone dripping with condescension.

A dangerous glint flashed in Alexander's eyes, and a chilling smile curved his lips—a hint of madness lurking beneath the surface. The air grew heavy with an oppressive killing intent, causing several students to shudder involuntarily. "Authority?" he echoed softly, his voice deceptively calm. "Allow me to demonstrate."

In the blink of an eye, Alexander vanished from his spot, reappearing directly in front of Nathalie. Her eyes widened in shock, but he delivered a precise strike to her side before she could react, his kick connecting with calculated force.

Nathalie gasped as the air was forced from her lungs. Under his shin, he could feel the cracking and breaking of bones, dispersing even her protective [Energy] as he used a wind cutter spell around his leg like a chainsaw.

She was sent hurtling backward, crashing through a small tree before skidding to a halt on the grass. The crowd watched in stunned silence, the only sound the distant trickle of the fountain.

Alexander stood tall, his expression composed, but his eyes cold as ice. "Let this serve as a lesson," he announced, his voice carrying a steely edge. "I will not tolerate recklessness that endangers others."

He gestured, and Nathalie's unconscious form floated toward him, suspended by multiple air contraptions. "Wake up," he commanded, a hint of impatience in his tone. He conjured a slender ice spear that hovered menacingly over her abdomen, the tip pressing lightly against her skin.

Nathalie's eyes snapped open, a mixture of pain and fear contorting her features. "What... what happened...?" she gasped, her hand instinctively moving to the sharp chill at her stomach immediately, trying to use all the [Energy] left to disperse it, but because she had not invested anything in [Defense], she was forced to use much more [Aura].

As Alexander locked eyes with her, she began to tremble, a palpable anxiety overtaking her arrogance. With a thought, he conjured an earthen bullet before him, the small projectile spinning rapidly, creating a whirling vortex of wind around it. "Do you think you can take it, little girl?" he asked softly, his voice laced with a quiet menace.

Alexander suddenly felt a disruption in his spell, forcing him to turn his head. Hana had summoned an unusually high amount of [Energy] to break through his construct. She stepped forward again, her tone respectful but firm. "Mr. Alexander, please. Allow me to tend to her."

Their eyes met, and for a moment, an unspoken understanding passed between them. Alexander nodded slowly. "Very well," he said, letting Nathalie fall to the ground. He pulled a vial of shimmering liquid from his spatial pouch and handed it to Hana while dispersing his spells. "A high-grade healing potion. She'll recover quickly."

Hana accepted the potion with a slight nod. "Thank you, Mr. Alexander. I want to apologize for her behavior; this is not how the Flower Households should act." She sighed, clearly weary of the ongoing tensions. "I will ensure she receives appropriate punishment, and if you choose to send her away, I will ensure the circumstances are accurately reported so no misunderstandings fall upon you."

Alexander chuckled softly, turning to face her fully. "You know, Hana, I appreciate your astuteness and willingness to take responsibility, but each individual is accountable for their actions here." He amplified his voice once more. "I established this school to demonstrate that you alone are responsible for your choices."

He glanced at Nathalie, who was struggling to steady her breathing, her face pale from the blood loss. "Everyone will get a chance to achieve greatness, but also failure! What will you choose? It is your decision alone."

He turned to the assembled students, his gaze firm but not unkind. "As this is her first day, I will let such inappropriate behavior slide. Let this be a lesson to everyone—I expect better from all of you. Use the opportunities I give you to grow, not to indulge in petty rivalries. You saw that I expect so much more from you than you ever believed possible, but trust me, you can achieve the impossible here; rise and take stars!" He gestured vigorously, clenching his fist.

The tension began to ease as the students absorbed his words. Some exchanged thoughtful glances, while others looked at Alexander with newfound respect, perhaps realizing the depth of his commitment to their development.

Anastasia appeared at his side once more, a subtle smile on her lips. "Well handled," she remarked quietly.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I hope so," he replied, his gaze drifting over the students slowly dispersing. After a few moments, he noticed Hana still standing nearby, her expression mixed with embarrassment and concern.

Alexander snapped his fingers to get her attention, surprising her. "Hey, sleepyhead! Nathalie is injured, you know?" He nodded toward Nathalie, who was clutching her abdomen, her breaths shallow.

Hana's face flushed red, but she immediately moved to Nathalie's side and administered the potion. He watched as the healing liquid took effect, and color returned to Nathalie's cheeks.

Turning back to the student body, Alexander clapped his hands once, the sound echoing across the plaza. "Now! You will all receive your mana skills, even Nathalie! Move to the tower." He gestured toward the imposing structure. "Hop hop!"

A ripple of excitement passed through the crowd as the students began to make their way toward the mage tower, whispers and murmurs filling the air. The earlier tensions seemed to fade, replaced by anticipation.