n

n

n

n(Celidri POV)

nFrom the moment I saw him, I felt a chill shoot down my spine. He had a relatively uncaring expression which is probably why he didn’t stand out even amongst these average-looking dark elves. Of course, there were the campus sweethearts whom even men or women would drool over, but he wasn’t far off from their looks.

nNow, he was definitely good-looking, but what really attracted me to him was his power. He was a beast in sheep’s clothing. He didn’t look all that impressive especially since he slightly slouched as if his height was hindering him, but from what I could sense, he had to be on par with some of the strongest students in this academy.

nQuickly, I introduced myself with as much kindness as I could muster. It almost looked like I was hitting on him, but I didn’t care for the onlookers who looked him with jealousy and scorn, as I knew I needed to recruit him.

nUpon getting closer, I noticed a leaf badge, meaning he was home to the leaf dormitory. And as I shook his hand, I felt the press of death nearly tear my soul from my body… yet I showed no reaction. I was already used to this… now I just needed to recruit him.

nThe process of acquiring his pass was fast and simple. It had taken barely any time and by the time it was all done, he looked joyful at his ability to freely explore the campus now.

nTo be honest, I had no clue what family he was from. Most of the distinctive features that big dark elven families have are plastered all over this man’s body. The spiky royal dark elf tattoos of the Gil family. Sharp bone-white eyes of the Silon family. The rigid bone structure is like that of a model from the Nytup family… it was like he was a predecessor of every single dark elf here.

n“What?” He asked as it seems I had been staring at him for too long.

n“Nothing… I was just entranced by how handsome you are. I’m sure you’ll become a rising star not only in terms of power but also in the looks department.”

n“Thanks, but there is no need for any more flattery. Tell me what you’re here for before I start getting annoyed.”

nI chuckled at his straightforwardness and I smiled at just how intimidating he was. It was as if I was staring at some monster rather than a humanoid being. His mana was seemingly undetectable while a thousand pounds of miasma poured out from every orifice on his body, nearly breaking my spine as he stared into my soul.

n“I have a question first…” I slowly widened my smile as we walked through the campus, me leading him toward all the best spots. “Why did you join the Leaf Clan? Don’t tell me you’re clueless about the dormitories… right?”

n“I’m very aware of the dormitories,” He smiled back.

n“Then why pick the weakest dorm? If you want, I can send a recommendation for the Crescent Moon Clan. We not only provide good benefits and support within the school but also outside of the school. Once you leave for the semester or once you graduate, all the families backing the clan support one another with good trading deals… you must be interested in such a thing as well, right? Aren’t you a young master?”

nAll of a sudden, he stopped. His eyes glanced around as he felt the watchful eyes of the upperclassmen look at him with jealousy. But, eventually, he looked further. He saw way past the surrounding dark elves and occasional demons… and noticed the nearly invisible scouts surveying the campus before the start of the semester welcoming.

n“A familiar face…” He muttered before disappearing in an instant. Not only did he shock me, but the surrounding dark elves and demons snapped their heads around, trying to catch just where Findir had gone.

n

n“Tch…”

n…

n(Finder POV)

n“What are you doing here?” I chuckled as the woman suddenly snapped her head towards me. Her eyes rolled as she saw me and with a quick skip and hop, she pressed her chest onto me, her expression rolling into a seductive smirk.

n“I’m not doing much…”

nOur lips locked for but a moment as another scout appeared right beside us, kneeling towards the woman and showing her as much respect as possible. But, she was more locked in with me than her current mission as instead of paying attention to the other scout member she leaned in for another kiss, and once again, we locked lips. 𝒪𝗏𝓵xt.𝚌𝗈𝕞

n“M-Ma’am…”

n“Yes… yes… I know. Is everything ready?” She sighed as I wiped the intentionally smeared lipstick mark from my bottom lip. The servant next to us nodded, causing Nell to sigh once more. “Alright, gather everybody up. We’ll start the welcoming speech now… the headmaster is ready, right?”

n“N-No… he is still getting changed into-”

n“Tell him to hurry up. I’ll direct everybody toward the middle of the campus… Findir, I’m gonna get going. You should also come otherwise you’ll miss one of the best speeches of your life,” Nell winked once while disappearing into thin air.

nIt wasn’t long ago that we became like this. At first our relationship was rocky at best and over time we bonded over our contrasting identities. I told her stories about the overworld and she told me stories about hell.

nOf course, everything wasn’t so easy. We were living together the entire time, both of us not only training but also having to take care of ourselves. You could almost call us a couple that was forced to meet. And even though we disliked each other, our bond continued to develop closer and closer and closer until… she took the first move.

nIt wasn’t anything special. It wasn’t anything fast. It wasn’t even very romantic… it just happened. And do I like her? Definitely, but my main priority is still getting stronger. I made that very clear when she made the first move and well…

n“I guess I should get going now.”

n

n