CHAPTER - 17

  ~ Flashbacks Before the Academy's Opening ~

  Vittorio De Santis: You wanted to see me, if I'm not mistaken?

  What do you need? Speak up and get lost.

  Lord Alistair Valenhart: My daughter refuses to listen to me.

  She insisted on enrolling in this academy, for reasons I do not understand.

  In exchange, she agreed not to oppose an arranged marriage when I decide. So, I accepted her terms.

  She will attend the academy, but she is forbidden from training. She may only study.

  Biography

  Lord Alistair Valenhart is one of the 30 most powerful S+ rank Hunters in the world, a man feared for his strength and ruthlessness.

  However, behind his immense power lies a cold and calculating mind, obsessed with success and the prestige of his house.

  To him, children are not individuals with their own aspirations, but tools to climb the ladder of power.

  He despises the idea of Elysia striving to grow strong on her own and firmly opposes her training.

  He sees her only as a pawn to secure a profitable marriage with an influential family, ensuring further connections and power.

  His cruel and manipulative nature has led Elysia to utterly reject him, viewing him as the embodiment of nobility’s corruption and oppression.

  This guy is both dangerous and scum.

  Vittorio De Santis: And? I still don’t understand what you want from me.

  Get to the point.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  Lord Alistair Valenhart: If I find out that my daughter is training—even for a moment—I will expose who you really are to everyone and take Elysia away.

  You already know that she will be a talent, coming from a noble family like mine.

  Vittorio De Santis: Is that supposed to be a threat?

  Lord Alistair Valenhart: If things become difficult, if you try to stop me from taking her away or interfere with me in any way—then yes, it is a threat.

  - 30 Minutes Later -

  Vittorio De Santis: Finally, he’s gone.

  I wonder what will happen tomorrow at the academy's opening.

  ~ Opening Day ~

  Vittorio De Santis: An A-rank…

  What a waste, with a family and a father like that...

  I feel sorry for that girl.

  Dav: Vittorio, do you see that girl too?

  An A-rank! AHAHAH!

  Vittorio De Santis: ( thinking ) Not this time, Lord Alistair Valenhart.

  I will make sure someone puts such fear into you that you’ll never dare to threaten me or touch my students again.

  ~ Present ~

  Dav: Move your asses and get to training.

  Oh, they’re already in the arena...

  There’s no fun anymore in yelling at them to make them run like rabbits and do so many push-ups...

  My students are becoming real gentlemen. [;~;]

  Narrator: He headed to the arena to check on the students and join them in their training.

  Dav: Fiss...

  Are you waiting for someone, or do you have no intention of training today either?

  Elysia Valenhart: I can’t... (Clenching her fists in anger)

  My father, Lord Alistair Valenhart, forbade me from training in exchange for letting me attend the academy.

  Dav: (irritated) Listen carefully, kid.

  There are two things you need to remember.

  First: As long as I’m here, not even God himself can decide anything for my students without my permission.

  Second: If you have a problem, come to me. I’ll take care of it.

  Now, grab a sword and train with your classmates.

  Narrator: Elysia held back her tears as much as possible, trying not to let it show.

  But Dav noticed. Without saying a word, he gave her a pat on the head—a subtle gesture to encourage her...

  then, without warning, he kicked her off the stands straight into the arena.

  "Move your ass and train," he ordered.

  Dav: One less problem to deal with.

  ALRIGHT, EVERYONE! MAXIMUM TRAINING TODAY!

  I’M JOINING YOU, YOU LITTLE BASTARDS!

  Narrator: They trained like never before, pushing themselves beyond their limits.

  Every lunge was faster, more precise, more powerful—keeping up with the relentless pace set by their professor.

  Dav couldn’t help but notice Elysia’s determination… and, finally, her smile.

  ~ A Few Hours Later, After Receiving a Phone Call ~

  Lord Alistair Valenhart: So that’s how it is, Vittorio?

  For now, I’m very busy with my house affairs.

  Soon, I will come to see you, my dear Elysia.

  Our agreement is over, and as for the headmaster…

  I hope for his sake that he doesn’t interfere, or I’ll have to eliminate him.

  END OF CHAPTER - 17