The morning sun peeked through the curtains as Grimrose stirred awake. He stretched, a low groan escaping his lips, before shuffling towards the bathroom. A nice, relaxing bath was just what he needed to start the day.
Afterward, the aroma of Lia's cooking wafted through the air, drawing him to the kitchen. He gobbled down whatever yummy breakfast she had prepared, savoring each bite. As he headed out the door, he turned back, offering a little wave.
"See ya later, Lia!"
Lia, ever the sweetheart, replied with a cheerful,
"Yes, master!"
...
As Grimrose walked, he couldn't help but notice the stares. People always watched him. Having A+ charm was both a blessing and a curse, he mused. He tried to ignore it, focusing on his destination.
Suddenly, a large group of students caught his attention. Drawn by the commotion, he made his way towards them. He overheard snippets of conversation.
"The ranking is there, let's go!" a boy exclaimed to his friends.
"Yes!" someone else replied, their voice filled with excitement.
'I'll go too,' Grimrose thought, curiosity piqued. He pushed through the crowd and saw it: the rankings.
RANKINGS:
1. Grimrose Dawnstar 139 kills
2. Ethan Morningstar 57 kills
3. Lucy Brandon 49 kills
4. Leonard Lionheart 48 kills
5. Yue Sou 43 kills
6. Yuki Sou 42 kills
7. Lonja Jiwo 40 kills
...
"OMG, look! It's Prince Grimrose!" a girl exclaimed, practically bursting with joy!
"Yeah, he's TOO handsome!" said another girl, practically drooling!
"Hmm, what's so cool about him anyway? He's TOO feminine to be handsome!" a random guy scoffed.
"Unlike you, muscle brain, he's handsome, strong, AND a prince!" a girl retorted, eyes blazing.
"So what?!" the guy grumbled.
Grimrose, unfazed by the commotion, simply continued his walk straight to class, radiating confidence!
~~~
*Ethan's pov*
'Sigh,' Ethan sighed in the classroom, drawing the attention of the girls. His B-charm was considered high class, contributing to his popularity. Suddenly, the door opened.
*Door opens*
A handsome man walked in, distinguished by his white hair and white eyes. His face possessed a divine quality as he made his way to the back of the room.
Grimrose was quite the sight—a handsome and strong prince. But you know what? Ethan wasn't interested, so he simply ignored it when suddenly
"Hey, Ethan, mind if I join you?" It was Grimrose, flashing a warm smile.
"Yeah, of course," Ethan replied, returning a wry smile as he noticed a few girls eyeing him with interest.
"Thanks!" Grimrose chirped, offering him a chocolate bar. "Want a bite?"
"No, I'm alright," Ethan said, subtly masking his not-so-secret dislike for chocolate.
"More for me then!" Grimrose chuckled, happily munching away while they waited for their professor.
*Door opens*
"Alright everyone, let me introduce myself. I'm Gustav Draiker, and others call me Metal Lord. It's a pleasure to meet you all! I'll be teaching Class S," Gustav announced with a grin.
~~~
While diligent students like Ethan scribbled notes, absorbing every word, one figure dared to defy the norm: Grimrose, lost in slumber.
When suddenly,
"Cough, cough." The sound sliced through the air as Professor Gustav, a man etched with years of magical study, fixed his gaze upon the sleeping student. "Grimrose," he began, his voice laced with thinly veiled frustration, "can you answer this?"
A weary voice responded, "Yes, Professor. What was the question?"
Gustav sighed, the sound heavy with the weight of his expectations. "What is the essence of magic? What gives magic its true power, Grimrose?"
A moment of contemplation hung in the air before Grimrose spoke, his words carrying the weight of profound understanding.
"The essence of magic isn't in the rules, Professor. It's in the reason you use it."
An eyebrow arched in skeptical curiosity. "Explain."
"A spell's power doesn't come from reciting it perfectly or wielding your wand flawlessly. It originates from the intent behind it." Grimrose gestured towards the ancient rune emblazoned on the blackboard. "That symbol means 'to heal.' But if you twist its purpose – using it to control, driven by greed – the magic itself transforms. It perceives your true motives."
A scoff echoed from a nearby student, shattering the contemplative atmosphere. "Nonsense! Magic's a tool. It's indifferent."
Grimrose's gaze hardened, meeting the challenge head-on. "Then explain why curses backfire with such devastating force. Why do healing spells falter when the caster's heart festers with malice?" He turned back to Gustav, his voice resonating with conviction. "Magic's essence is the delicate balance between action and intent. It's a living force—not merely within us, but intertwined with us. That's why it demands reverence, not just skillful manipulation."
The room fell silent, every breath held captive by the sheer weight of Grimrose's words. Professor Gustav's face remained an enigma, unreadable. Then, slowly, deliberately, he nodded.
"Good answer," he conceded, and the class continued, forever changed by the profound truth Grimrose had unveiled.