CHAPTER 240: SET UP (1)

In a long, quiet hallway, a ginger-haired girl walked alone. Her tiger-like ears twitched nervously. She hadn’t wanted to come, but she didn’t have a choice.

Turning left, she entered an office. Inside, Vania was immediately met by Rucian’s fierce glare.

Thwack!

A thick book flew toward her. She barely dodged it in time, eyes widening in disbelief.

What the hell just happened? Did that assistant professor just throw a book at her? Rucian —of all people— just attacked her out of nowhere?

From the moment that snakeman had called her here, she’d had a bad feeling. Her opinion of Rucian had already hit rock bottom after he made her spread false rumors on purpose.

Vania was no saint. She knew exactly when someone tried to use her. And that’s exactly what Rucian had done.

After everything that had happened, she’d sworn never to talk to him again, unless it was strictly about academy course.

And now he dared treat her like this? No way she’d let him—

Before she could explode, Rucian’s cold voice cut through the air.

"You useless thing. I didn’t realize you’re nothing but a brainless girl. You can’t even control your own Talent."

A chill ran down Vania’s spine.

Lately, she’d become the laughingstock of the beastfolk students from high clans. They mocked her openly, whispered behind her back.

But they were just arrogant brats, children playing status games.

Rucian, however, was an assistant professor. A grown man. Someone who was supposed to know better.

His words struck hard, straight into her weakest spot.

Vania had always tried to convince herself that one day she’d be able to control her Talent.

After all, she’d entered the academy without even taking the entrance exam— that had to mean something, right?

But the students here were far more gifted than she’d ever imagined. In Class S, she tried not to judge herself too harshly, always hoping someone else might be less talented than her.

Yet even the ghost girl —the one who barely spoke or showed herself— was far more capable than she was.

Her anger toward Rucian faded. She couldn’t even muster the strength to defend herself anymore. Her gaze fell, empty.

Rucian clicked his tongue in disgust, watching her sink deeper into shame.

"Hey," he said coldly, "a weak girl like you has only one way to survive in this academy."

Vania looked up, voice trembling. "H-how?"

"I’m your way," Rucian said, his tone serious but unreadable.

Vania blinked, confusion flashing across her face.

"Do everything I say," he continued, "and I’ll make sure you stay in Class A, at least."

Her heart dropped. The implication was clear. She wasn’t worthy of Class S. And even Class A was a stretch.

Vania didn’t know what to say. Her pride shattered by the very man she’d once thought was on her side.

Despite the sadness in her eyes, Rucian showed no sympathy. His voice remained calm, detached, as he revealed the real reason he’d called her here.

"I want you to set Gara up during next week’s Class S Duel. If you don’t know how, I’ll provide the drug—"

"Set him up?" Vania snapped, her sadness instantly breaking.

Until now, she had only spread false rumors, lies she believed to be true. But framing someone? That was something else entirely.

"Why are you so shocked?" Rucian’s tone dripped with irritation, annoyed that she had interrupted him. "That’s the only way you can survive in this academy."

"But Gara’s amazing..." Vania blurted before she could stop herself. "He’s not some weak Human. He deserves to be in Class S."

"What did you just say?!" Rucian roared, veins bulging on his temple.

For Vania —a beginner-level Liner— the pressure radiating from him was overwhelming. Her knees trembled.

"Do you not understand your situation?!" he barked. "You’re not just about to be kicked out of Class S, you’re one step away from being expelled from this academy!"

"But framing Gara has nothing to do with whether I can stay or not!" she shot back, voice quivering but firm.

"That doesn’t matter!" Rucian slammed his fist against the desk, his fury burning hotter. "I’m the only one who can help you, so you’ll do as I say!"

Vania fell silent, refusing to answer.

Her pride —what little she still had— kept her from agreeing.

No matter how she looked at it, there was no justification for framing someone like that. Not after knowing that Gara was the one who had saved her.

She might never have the courage to thank him in person, but she would never stab her savior in the back.

Bang!

Rucian slammed his desk again. His patience finally snapped.

He had assumed the girl had no brain, judging by how she’d always picked fights with Gara before. So why was she suddenly defying him now?!

"Get out!" he barked. "Think carefully about what I said! Remember— no one else in this academy will help you except me!"

Vania remained quiet. She bowed politely, turned, and left.

Dilemma. That word perfectly captured her heart.

Walking down the dim stone corridor, the ring on her finger glowed faintly. She pressed the purple crystal embedded in it, and a familiar male voice came from within.

"How’s my little girl doing today?"

Before she could respond, several other voices followed.

"Big Sis Vania, is studying at the academy fun?" piped a childish voice, bright and curious.

"How are your classmates? Did they like the Alrova Shampoo I sent? If they did, I’ll try to buy more next time," said a man’s voice, warm and a bit weary.

"Mom will send you more salt soon," came a woman’s gentle tone. "So you can share with your friends. Our daughter must be everyone’s favorite, right?"

Hearing each voice, Vania’s eyes welled up.

She had promised her family she would make them proud— show the Shereen main family and all other beastkin that their branch of the family could be just as worthy.

For years, she had watched the children of the main family strut around arrogantly.

When she finally got her chance, she ended up becoming just like them. No— even worse, twisted by jealousy that had taken root since childhood.

Gara, Mona, Miki, and all the other Class S students had made her realize where she truly stood. And that realization only deepened the cracks in her heart.

Finally, Vania took a deep breath, wiped her tears, and forced a cheerful tone into her voice.

...