After the speech that Toki had presented. He stayed at the side of the stage. With the same person who gave him the microphone. Now standing at the center of the stage once more, bringing it to his lips, speaking in a stern tone to make sure the students pay attention.

  "As you all may know, you are one of the few bunches that we have gathered due to your files and capabilities. Some of you may have experience using magic in your daily life or maybe even in your work life... But have any of you used it to fight?"

  Almost every students' body froze, not in shock, but due to the anxiety. Because of the new modern magic society. Any magic used to attack or to harm anyone was prevented. An invention was also made for the police workforce to track any and all suspicious activities of magic. That's why the country has a low crime rate. Add the fact that Rin had made tranquilizers specifically made for magic users to paralyze them just in case they attack.

  So the generation of this magic society has grown soft, weak, and spoiled. With the students looking down to the floor, hiding the embarrassment. Some have surely used magic for other purposes, but never about violence.

  Toki didn't expect to see that most of the students are inexperienced, thinking to himself.

  Seriously? A few centuries pass, and they're not familiar with fighting? The world in this time works so differently...

  The man then continued to speak, "I assume nobody has. Our country has been thoroughly and properly protected by our people. Now that we have other species in our academy, such as elves and anthroms, you are all welcome in our country, make sure to behave yourselves. All of you, understand?" The students simply stayed quiet, looking at the man nervously.

  "Fantastic. Now, let me introduce myself as Kinra. Headmaster of the Magi Cademy. For us to have a demonstration on how serious we are about fighting, let's have a little show." Kinra smiled, bringing his free hand up to the air and snapping his fingers.

  —

  The scenery changed into something similar to a battle arena. The students were seated while a battlefield was in the middle. Everyone looked around confused and then looked up to see that there was no sky at all. But instead, dirt. They were underneath the school grounds.

  Kinra appeared at the center of the battlefield, the microphone still in his hand as he brought it to his lips before saying, "So, who will be the lucky contestant to face off against a monster that we have recently found?"

  Toki, Cash, and Luster were sitting beside each other. With Toki at the middle, Cash at the right, and Luster at the left. Toki looked at Luster before asking, "Hey, I didn't get your name earlier, by the way."

  Luster looked at Toki with a kind smile, answering him, "Oh, right! My name's Luster. And I didn't expect for the legendary hero's son to save me on the first day... Really making a name for yourself, aren't you?"

  Toki laughed, feeling rather happy that he did make a good first start in the academy by helping someone. But he did find it odd. The guy that was pursuing her suddenly attacked her out of nowhere, then just left after he realized he was in the wrong. Her pupils are similar to Cash's as well, having an odd symbol rather than a normal one.

  Just then, Cash stood up, speaking loudly, "I'll participate, Headmaster!"

  Every student's attention gathered to Cash, some gasps and mutters can be heard when he spoke to participate. Toki was surprised himself, and so is Luster. The two of them never expected he'd be willing to do it.

  Cash was suddenly teleported right in front of Kinra. Of course, the teleporting is Kinra's doing. He then asked, "Are you sure about this, young man? It won't be as easy as you think."

  Cash simply nodded. With the same sickly odd yet bright smile on his face as always, without hesitation, Kinra nodded, then vanished in a blink of an eye. All of the students were now eyeing Cash to see how he's able to stand up and fight against the monsters that the headmaster has prepared.

  Then a monster would rise from the ground, just in front of Cash. It was a monster made out of rocks, which is called a Golem. A notoriously dangerous monster due to its immunity to magic, being only able to be hit by strong enough physical attacks.

  Cash would whistle, amazed at the very tall height the golem has, nearing 20 feet. And a huge width of 30 because of its boulders and rocks connecting to one another. He looked at the middle to see a strange black orb connected to its body. Putting a hand on his chin while turning around and talking to himself, "Could that be the core? If I remember, monsters don't usually have a core... unless they were summoned! Wait, was it? Beginning to have a little bit of trouble remembering—"

  While Cash was too busy lost in his own world. The golem struck its giant fist down at him. A huge cloud of dust and smoke would erupt as soon as it made contact with the ground. The students gasped. They knew that this wasn't the same as their ordinary life. This was entirely something else on another level.

  But when the golem brought its arm back. Cash was nowhere to be seen. But behind the golem instead. "Seriously? Sneak attacking as a monster. You are one interesting specimen." He spoke while chuckling. Amazed about the monster capable of attacking him without hesitation. This is a norm after all, no monster will ever not sneak attack its prey.

  Toki couldn't help but laugh, seeing how relaxed Cash is. "Reminds me of when we got into that incident. How time flies." Luster just stared at Toki with an interested look. Before looking back at the battlefield.

  All of the students' eyes were now on him and the monster. Some were terrified. Some were excited. But most importantly, they were all hooked. Nervous if he's going to survive or if he's going to win. It made them unable to remove their eyes from the scene.

  Then Cash started walking slowly to the golem. His left hand resting inside his pants pocket. He stared at the monster with an uneasy and deadly look. Despite the smile, his eyes had a different meaning. It was ready to kill.

  The golem felt threatened. As it roared while throwing another heavy punch at Cash. Only to be stopped by him, with just his right hand. A cocky laugh came out of his mouth as he spoke, "That's it? You have to try harder than that!" The golem was shaken. Pulling its arm back before slamming both of its arms down to the ground. Causing the ground to shake with boulders that were shaped like spikes, rose from the ground, moving to Cash's area.

  Cash easily moved out of the way. Yet he noticed that the spiky boulders were still in pursuit despite the fact that he was escaping them easily. He turned to look at the golem to see that it was just standing still. Their arms on the ground. Cash realized what the monster was doing as he smirked, "So that's what you're doing!" Cash spoke before turning around and running towards the golem's back.

  Before he could reach it, a huge wall rose from the ground and blocked his way. Cash clicked his tongue, annoyed, moving to jump and propelling himself off the wall, then landing safely, as the spiky boulders had stopped appearing from the ground. He looked at the golem as it stood up and turned around, staring at him as it roared once more. "You are one annoying monster." Cash said with an irritated tone. His eyes began to glow a bright green.

  He calmed himself down, composing himself and returning his expression to the same sickly smile that he always has. The golem felt that he was going to attack. So it made sure to get itself ready...

  Until Cash was gone. The golem looked around to find him, but he was nowhere to be seen. Other than right in front of him. Cash stood still, his right hand holding the black orb in the middle, before saying, "I wouldn't want to delay this any further." And then shattering the orb with his bare hand.

  The golem roared as a response, but once its orb was shattered. It crumbled into tiny pieces of stones on the ground. Cash stayed still, looking at the lifeless body of the golem as he snickered. He then heard cheers and claps from every student, even Toki and Luster were cheering for him.

  Cash looked around, seeing that every student was congratulating him. He couldn't help but feel... annoyed. He cleared his throat, bringing his right hand to his lips with a microphone appearing out of nowhere, showing he was capable of Item Manifestation.

  Cash then spoke, "What are you all cheering and clapping for? Because I beat a monster? Really? How foolish of you all to think this was simple! I was only stronger than this beast, so it makes sense that I would win..." He paused, noticing that all of the students had stopped cheering him. Instead, they looked at him confused and bewildered.

  Toki didn't even know what he's trying to do, and neither did Luster. He looked at her and asked, "Hey, do you have any idea what he's talking about?"

  Luster answered, "No... I don't." The two were caught off guard by the sudden speech Cash was doing as he continued.

  "But what if all of you were to face up against a monster like this? Would you guys fight it? Cower in fear and run away? Or maybe even waste your life because of a simple mistake of overconfidence! All of you, cheering and clapping for me as if this was something you all could do. Yet none of you noticed that you yourself did not participate at all. So unless you weaklings decide to actually do something, make sure you guys don't die, alright? That is all!" He ended, as he bowed rather proudly.

  The students had their fists clenched, teeth gritting in anger. Until all hell broke loose. Instead of cheers and clapping, the students began cursing him. It was even louder than the cheers from earlier.

  "What the hell, man?! We congratulate you, and you say something stupid like that?!"

  "You're a pathetic waste of human life! Go off yourself, loser!"

  "A disgrace to you and your family for acting that way, you insolent bastard!"

  And many more insults were being shouted towards Cash. He raised his head while having the same sickening happy expression and smile he has. He couldn't help but feel proud of what he did at all. Both Toki and Luster just sighed, disappointed and confused as to why Cash would even start a fight on the first day of the academy. "What is he thinking... Now almost everyone here hates him." Toki said while having a nervous smile, his expression being worried and anxious for his childhood best friend's experience.

  "To be fair..." Luster spoke softly, making Toki turn to look at her as she continued, "He has been... always like that ever since he was a kid. Despite being hated by others, he was respected because of how strong and intelligent he is. But that intelligence is more like cockiness and arrogance." She said with a sigh, shaking her head.

  Toki looked at Cash to see that he wasn't bothered at all, as if he was enjoying this situation instead. Then asking Luster another question, "How did you guys meet, by the way? He seems pretty chill around you compared to other people."

  Luster snickered, a slight snort could be heard doing so. She looked at him while waving her hand around carelessly while responding, "He and I have been friends since elementary school. He pretty much took care of me during school. But that didn't stop him from getting into fights... I'm positive almost half of these students might recognize him."

  Toki chuckled, intrigued about that information, replying back, "I'm surprised myself that they didn't have yet. With his odd eyes alone, I'm sure people are going to recognize him immediately." As the both of them shared a laugh, smiling playfully while talking about Cash.

  Kinra himself was looking at the battlefield from above the stadium, a sigh coming out of his mouth as another member of the academy approached him, asking, "Do you think it's a good idea for that young man to stay here? I mean... Look at what he's done to his reputation!"

  Kinra looked at her and responded, "Yana, it's going to be fine. It was his decision in the first place... Besides, the way he moved was surreal. No footsteps were made when he approached the golem. He simply... appeared right in front of it." He said, sounding worried and curious. A student with a power at that age needed to be observed thoroughly.

  Yana nodded. Looking down at the stadium as she spoke, "I agree. Should we increase the security measures for the school? We are letting all of them live here on the school grounds. The dormitory student residences have been prepared properly."

  Kinra nodded, responding back, "Let's. We cannot risk the lives of the future generation. Most importantly, keep an eye on Toki Keyston. He is a young man with a bright future ahead. Only we in the academy grounds know of his relations with Rin Keyston."

  —

  A few minutes passed by, and all the students were now back outside, just near the gymnasium, the afternoon sun shining rather lightly above their heads. Meanwhile, at a breezeway they found near the gymnasium. It was Luster, Cash, and Toki. The current situation being this:

  "What the hell do you think you're doing making fun of every student in the entire academy?!" Luster said while shaking Cash rather roughly once more. She felt disturbed about the scene he caused and confused because of the fact that nobody in the entire world is sane enough to start something like that. With Cash being the sole exception.

  Toki was just standing right beside the both of them, his arms crossed while watching them. A calm smile on his face while his expression showed that he was pretty comfortable in this situation since he was used to this kind of banter in his previous life. He then intervened, asking Cash, "I am curious, why did you do it in the first place? You know, you will become the most hated student in the academy."

  The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

  Luster stopped shaking Cash in order to hear his answer, but that didn't mean she'd let go of him just yet. She wanted a reasonable answer, so the both of them listened as he spoke, "...because I thought it would be fun to start a bit more differently—"

  "And what's the difference that you did back then compared to now?! Even some of the students didn't like you even if you were the top-achieving student!" Luster spoke, irritated and now more annoyed because of the stupid reason she heard from him, proceeding to shake him more violently.

  Toki couldn't help but let out a chuckle. He was, of course, baffled by the scene Cash made. Sure enough, he assumes that he had a reason to. Then the speaker above the gymnasium would start to register, a familiar voice could be heard, and it was none other than Kinra, the headmaster.

  "Hello? Is this thing on? Oh, alright. Ahem. Can young Toki Keyston please go to the headmaster's office? Toki Keyston. To—"

  Then it was abruptly cut off, Toki, Cash, and Luster's attention was directed to the nearby speaker. The two of them looked at Toki, their expressions changing to intrigue. Wondering if he did something bad for him to be called directly to the headmaster's office.

  Toki looked at the two of them, his arms gesturing confusion as he asked, "What? I promise I didn't do anything!"

  "Uh huh." Said Luster, clearly not believing it.

  "Whatever you say, buddy. Make sure you still live after that." Cash said jokingly, his smile becoming more playful and teasing as he snickered.

  "Not the time to joke around, guys... But I'll see you guys later after this. Just wait for me at the gate!" Toki said before running off to the school path. And just as soon as he was seen by other students, he was suddenly swarmed by multiple students. Asking random questions and many more.

  Both Cash and Luster felt rather betrayed by the attention he was getting. He is the hero, Rin's son, after all. So that amount of attention is pretty normal to desire at their age. Toki was just familiar with it and knew how to go with the flow.

  Luster lets go of Cash, sighing after as she leans against the gymnasium's wall behind her. Looking at Cash a bit more seriously, then asking, "So, mind telling me what the purpose of you provoking every student is? I know you have a reason, you always do."

  Cash adjusted his uniform, a smirk on his face as he looked at Luster with a lively expression. It's obvious he was proud and satisfied doing it. "Of course I do! It was to make sure nobody pays attention to me. Notice how for the past years, I've always been in the spotlight. But with Toki now present... I can work properly, finding the other incarnations. Is that not a good way, Lust Incarnate?"

  Luster. Incarnation of Lust. Now attending Magi Cademy along with Cash, the Incarnation of Greed. She couldn't help but laugh a little before looking at him, feeling rejuvenated about this foolproof plan he has. "You still are the same intelligent man I met back then... But one problem." She paused, tilting her head at the outside of where they are. Seeing both students and staff of the school walking by.

  For some odd reason, they weren't noticed or seen by anyone. Luster looked back at him and continued, "Despite not having the eyes of the students, you have the eyes of the teachers and the headmaster himself. Letting yourself go like that can make you look vulnerable, you know? And you thought it was a foolproof plan, but the desire for you to still garner attention for yourself is still holding you back—"

  Just as Luster was speaking, she was suddenly held by the throat. Cash held her easily while looking at her with a wicked smile, his odd pupils shining a brighter green. Luster couldn't breathe at all, making her move her hands and hold onto the arm that was holding her captive.

  Cash then asked her, his tone of voice being more sinister and deadly, "Remember... You're the weakest out of all of us. I was kind enough to make sure you are protected and safe, and you have the audacity to speak to me like that?" He said while bringing her closer to him, the both of them face-to-face while he maintained a tight grip on her throat. Her expression was now terrified, and she was worried for her safety, with eyes that showed fear. Cash would tighten his hold on her, choking her rather strongly.

  Tears began swelling up at the edge of Luster's eyes, trying to get some air only to find none. She was then released, falling on the ground while gasping for air. She choked and coughed, trying to breathe properly, her chest heaving after not receiving any air. "I- I'm sorry... I won't do it again..." She said weakly.

  Cash looked down on her, his expression now satisfied after what he's done to her. He clapped his hands once in a happy way, feeling refreshed after that. "Great! Now, let us go explore this academy! I will take notes on hidden places I see, so hurry up and get yourself together." He said, walking towards the exit of the breezeway, waiting for her to stand up and fix herself.

  Luster couldn't help but feel... excited. She clenched her chest, her heart pounding rapidly. A huge flush on her face with a wicked smile alongside it. Despite the way he treated him, this was something she enjoyed. Maintaining her hidden enjoyment and thrill for it. Even if she is the incarnation of lust, she has possessed a deep obsession towards Cash for the longest time.

  "Y- Yes! I will..." She said, clearing her throat as she stood up. Fixing her uniform and straightening her skirt down properly. Her face more composed and happy, the mark of Cash's hand was slightly visible on her throat, but she didn't mind it. Showing how sick her mind currently is and has been. As the two left the breezeway, walking side by side, Cash snapped his fingers to remove the camouflage he set up at the breezeway, making sure no one noticed.

  —

  Toki's POV: Main Building of Magi Cademy.

  Somehow, I managed to escape the students that kept asking me questions... I didn't expect that much attention at all. While walking through the hall, I can sense some stares lingering on me. Thankfully, I wasn't being bothered or asked a lot of questions this time. They just stared at me like I was an attraction... Is this what cosplayers feel?

  While walking, I noticed familiar species that I rarely saw back then in the past. It was the elves and the beastmen, currently known as anthroms. I never had the chance to actually get to know what they were like. Other than Darky and Yumi. The only elf and beastwoman I talked to back in the past. Usually, whenever I ask what it's like to be in their country and people, the only answer I get is an annoyed groan.

  Though I don't think they're that bad at all, it seems like modern society is now more comfortable around species like them. The questionable things they wish for them to do in the webnet are disappointing to see, at least.

  A sigh came out of my mouth, moving my arms to rest behind my head while continuing to think; Why did the headmaster call me? I've been curious ever since I was called, I don't know if I did anything wrong at all... Or is it the commotion from before? I shake my head, positive that I wasn't the one who was at fault in that situation.

  I noticed some construction tape at the edge of the hall. There was also an open doorway, and when I took a look, a construction worker stopped me, preventing me, as they say, "Sorry, you shouldn't go here, people are working after all. Your school's elevator will be made in a week, so the only option you have is the stairs." He said, using his thumb to point at the stairs.

  I felt... Devastated. I know what elevators do, and I thought it had been made already, but you can't rush things after all. As the said construction worker would float some of the tools needed using magic, bringing them down to the bottom to another construction worker. How useful it is to work labor with magic.

  I then looked at the stairs, feeling dread and despair at not only walking. But to walk how many flights of stairs needed. Knowing academies. I assume the headmaster's room is at the very top of the building. I sigh, not wanting to direct any more attention towards me. I then cast a not-so-regular spell, "Float." I chant, and my feet levitate above the ground, and it immediately has the students in the vicinity look at me, hearing things such as.

  "No way! He knows the flying magic spell?!"

  "Unbelievable! Truly the hero's son!"

  "Someone as smart as him is surely going to be the next hero!"

  And more. But it really isn't difficult at all. I merely took the inspiration from a balloon. Making enough magic energy and converting it into helium and surrounding the right amount around my body, causing me to float just slightly above the ground while maintaining control. It isn't the hardest spell, but just an improv of it.

  I begin to float up the stairs, already passing the first staircase, then another and another, until I stop at the tenth floor. Seeing that it didn't have any more floors to go other than the rooftop that was left above. I cancelled the spell, landing back on my feet with a sigh. One small issue is that I always feel slightly lightheaded after the Float spell... It's almost like experiencing no gravity for the first time because of how unusual it is.

  I walked through the hall, seeing a very large door compared to the others. Assuming it's the headmaster's room, I knock on it gently until I hear someone say, "Come in."

  Opening the door and entering inside, I close the door behind me. Now standing inside the headmaster's office. Bookshelves at the sides of the wall, a painting of himself above where he sits on his desk. He looks at me with a serious expression, his hands held together with his elbows resting on the desk. I walk towards him, stopping just right in front of him before asking, "Why did you call me here, headmaster?"

  "Regarding your situation, your mother has not come home yet due to the work she had overseas. I assume you don't know why, correct?" He asked. I never did know why she had been gone for three years now, so I wish to know from him. I answer his question.

  "No, I never knew. She only told me that she had gone to work overseas... Though, I did overhear her conversation with a friend talking about an expedition."

  "You never knew? I see. Well then," He paused, standing up from his seat and walking at the side, stopping by the window just behind him, looking down at the students, then continuing. "Would you like to know?"

  He asked me a straightforward question. Of course I always wanted to, even if it's just a little bit of information to know my mother's alive. "Yes, I—" But before I could agree. He raised his hand, his index finger facing towards me, and it prevented me from speaking as he turned to look at me, a cold, stern expression on his face. I could feel my mouth being unable to move at all, my voice not coming out.

  "You are not strong enough yet. Until then, once you're capable of breaking my spell: Speak No Evil, I will allow you to know where and why your mother went on the expedition. So do your best in this academy. Understood?" He said before disenchanting the spell. Putting his hand down as I feel my mouth now being able to move. This guy... This guy's the headmaster for a reason. He's ridiculously strong. I couldn't help but nod, looking at him with a determined smile. "You can count on me." I said.

  "Glad to hear that. Now, another reason as to why I called you. Would you be interested in living in a dorm room? Of course, your school funds are paid, so you are free to live there without any payment." He suggested, sitting back down on his desk. I was familiar with the dorm room life due to the amount of shows and manga I've seen. But then again, if mother comes home some day. It's better if I see her when she arrives.

  "No thanks. I'm satisfied getting here from home." I say confidently, showing no hesitation or regret about rejecting the offer.

  "...well said, young man. Go on, explore the academy while you have the time. Later at 2 PM, I will announce the time through the academy speakers about your official starting day at the academy." He said, making sure that I remember as I nodded.

  "Understood, headmaster!" I said while slightly bowing to show respect, heading towards the door and exiting the room and closing the door with a sigh of relief. My legs were now trembling as my body finally relaxed. "I really thought I did something wrong... Glad it wasn't anything serious."

  But his words returned to my head. He said I was still weak. I need to improve and learn more here in the academy so I can find out where my mother has been.

  —

  Kinra's POV.

  Seriously... You're just like him, Rin. Outgoing, positive, and most of all, courageous. He's a spitting image of you. I'm glad that I get to watch over your son. You did promise me back then that if you were ever in any danger, I would be there to take care of him when he trains his magic.

  And now, Oracle is out there somewhere, trying to find you after gaining enough information, along with your old friends, that you are alive. Surely, and hopefully, you get to see him soon. I look out my window while turning my chair to do so. I couldn't help but feel guilt. Responsible for being a disappointing teacher to Rin. If only I hadn't told him about that forbidden sacrificial iconique spell... Then he would still be here, taking care of his son.

  Sadly, this is the curse of being a hero. You sacrifice yourself in order to save the people you love, even in the face of death. You do everything in order to win. I wish that the young man, Toki, becomes strong enough to never face any hardships when he becomes the hero.