CHAPTER 112: CHAPTER 112 : PITIFULLY SENIORS

A/n -- Another Chapter will come in a hour or two.

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On the floating island where the third-year accommodations were located, the floating island was teeming with seniors, most of them dressed in their finest attire, chattering excitedly as they made their way toward the grand Zenith Academy Ball.

Suits shimmered, dresses swayed, and magic-enhanced accessories sparkled in the ambient light of the floating mana lanterns lining the island’s edges.

Groups of third-year male cadets walked arm in arm with their partners, laughter and anticipation in the air. That was, until a sudden ripple of attention swept across the crowd.

A warp gate shimmered to life at the edge of the floating island. A moment later, a lone figure stepped through.

Alex Dragonheart had arrived.

He moved forward with slow, measured steps, as though the floating island belonged to him. His outfit was a stunning dark navy tuxedo laced with silver runes, tailored to perfection to hug his tall, athletic frame.

A crystal-lined silver cravat lay neatly against his chest, and matching silver cuffs glinted with ethereal blue gems. His long silver hair was tied loosely at the back, a few strands flowing freely, perfectly matching his piercing blue eyes. A sapphire earring dangled from his left ear — subtle, yet captivating.

He was, in short, unfairly handsome.

As he passed by, conversations halted. Third-year cadets — male and female alike — stopped mid-sentence, mid-step, just to gawk at him. Gasps were audible.

"Who is that?"

"Is he even real...?"

Several girls openly gulped, a few fanning their blushing cheeks.

"I wish I had him as my date..." one whispered under her breath, barely audible.

Some of the more confident third-year girls licked their lips without shame, making their male partners blink in disbelief before hastily dragging them away toward the warp gate. Tension built between couples. A few even began breaking up on the spot.

Alex smirked internally.

’Looks like I may have outdone myself this time.’

[ Did you purposely walk slower after exiting through the warp gate... or was I imagining things? ]

’Shut up, useless. You were definitely imagining things.’

He approached the entrance to the third-year top cadets’ building, but before he could enter, five tall figures stepped in front of him, blocking the way.

All five were third-years, and all dressed sharply for the ball — finely pressed suits, enchanted accessories, proud postures. Each one radiated a powerful aura, their mana stable and heavy — all at peak Expert-rank.

Alex halted.

’First, the third-year girls looked at me like they wanted to eat me alive... and now these guys are trying to play wall duty. Being this perfect really is a sin, huh?’

The tallest of the group stepped forward. "This building is for third-years only."

Another chimed in, arms crossed. "You lost, kid."

Alex took a slow breath and sighed internally.

’Lily... your big brother is really going through hell for you tonight.’

He muttered under his breath, "The sacrifices we make for our kids..."

Then he stepped forward.

The five blockers stood firm. They clearly weren’t budging.

Alex sized them up.

’All peak Expert-rank. If I fought them all together, I’d stand no chance. But why should I fight... when I have that badge?’

Just then, one of the third-years squinted. "Wait a second... Isn’t that the first-year Apex?"

Another snapped his fingers. "Yeah! That silver hair looked familiar!"

A third clicked his tongue and looked Alex up and down with surprise. "That’s the kid who dueled our President..."

They all stiffened. "You mean... Alicia?"

The air grew heavier with reverence.

"Didn’t he actually hold his own against her...?"

"He even landed a hit, right?"

"That’s what I heard! I didn’t see it myself, but the rumors were everywhere..."

They all became more alert, hands drifting subtly toward their weapon hilts. Suspicion flickered in their eyes, but also... something else. Respect.

Alex’s mouth twitched in amusement. Then he noticed — none of them had partners.

’Of course. When you see a newcomer acting like he owns the place, the natural response is this... because seniors always want one thing — and that is respect.’

He slowed his breathing, placed a hand over his chest, and bowed slightly.

"Good evening, seniors," he said politely.

The sudden humility caught them off guard. Their auras relaxed. Eyebrows lifted.

"Huh... respectful."

"Didn’t expect that from someone with his title."

"Not arrogant at all. Huh."

"I kinda like him."

With their guard down, Alex smiled and reached into his inner pocket. He retrieved a gleaming golden badge and held it out.

"This badge," he said, "was given to me by Senior Evelyn herself. She permitted me to enter the third-year dormitory wing."

The badge shone with authority, engraved with an Apex personal sigil.

All five third-years went wide-eyed. Then, in perfect sync, they bowed slightly.

"Our apologies for blocking your way, Junior."

Alex blinked, mildly stunned. ’Okay, I didn’t expect them to bow... but hey, if the work’s done, why ask questions?’

He nodded gracefully and began walking past them.

Then... a devilish thought entered his mind.

He stopped. Turned slightly. His voice soft and respectful.

"Seniors, may I ask something... if you don’t mind?"

They straightened and smiled again. "Of course, Junior. Ask right away."

Alex tilted his head innocently, with a slight nervous smile.

"Did... you guys not find any dates for the ball?"

The atmosphere shifted. A heavy pressure leaked from all five.

One of them narrowed his eyes. "Junior... even if Senior Evelyn gave you entry, mocking your seniors is unacceptable."

Another one looked away, muttering, "Tch... I knew someone would ask eventually..."

One of the five whispered, "I can’t believe I’m being bullied by a first-year..."

A third-year sighed heavily. "Yeah, we... we haven’t found any dates. That’s why we’re still here. Hoping we’d at least bump into someone before it’s too late."

Tears welled in one of their eyes.

Alex, rather than cowering, seemed... excited.

’Oh? Some of them are nobles — powerful too. Even if they’re ugly, this is perfect!’

He quickly softened his expression, becoming a vision of innocent diplomacy.

"Seniors! I didn’t mean to make fun of you," he said quickly, voice humble. "It’s just... I know a lot of first-year girls. If you’d like, maybe I could... help set something up?"

All five froze.

Then looked at him.

Then at each other.

"...Is this kid for real?"

"He’s not joking... right?"

"Suddenly... he looks like... an angel in a silver tux."

One of them had actual tears streaming down his face. "Junior... are you trying to save us...?"

Alex flashed his perfect, princely smile.

’Hook, line, and sinker.’

Some of them blinked at Alex like he had descended from the heavens.

"You... you’re a god," one of them whispered dramatically, holding back tears of disbelief.

"Are you really telling the truth?" another asked, voice quivering with hope.

Alex’s lips curled into a devilish smirk for a moment.

’Ah, that expression... that’s the one that says I’ve caught the fish and the net is tightening,’ he thought smugly.

His smirk made all five flinch, their instincts suddenly telling them something was off. One even thought, ’What... was that smile just now?’

But Alex quickly returned to his polite, harmless demeanor, placing a hand gently over his heart.

"Of course, I will help my beautiful and handsome seniors," he said smoothly.

The group collectively melted at the compliment — even though they knew it was exaggerated flattery. They still liked hearing it. After all, who didn’t like being called beautiful after standing around hopelessly for an hour?

Alex continued, voice dripping with charm, "The seniors who are our future... the seniors who will one day save us from the Abyss Lords—"

One of them coughed violently, mouth twitching. "Junior, now you’re overdoing the fake praises."

Alex instantly straightened, looking nervous. "Sorry."

Then, flashing a sheepish grin, he added, "Allow me to arrange your dates."

Their annoyance vanished in an instant. All five smiled again, hope flickering in their eyes.

Stepping back a few feet, Alex tapped on a sleek, wrist-bound EtherPad. From its holo-display, a call connected with a short buzz, and Seraphina’s voice rang out immediately.

"You idiot! Are you seriously not at the ball yet?! We’re literally in the Grand Hall! Come fast!"

Alex chuckled. ’Ah, she sounds excited. Typical Sera.’

"My dear Sera, I need a small favor," he said sweetly. "Could you arrange five girls for me? Right now, preferably. I don’t care if they break up with their boyfriends in the process. My situation is far more important than their love lives."

There was a pause. A dangerous one.

Then a flat voice: "Scumbag."

Alex blinked. "Wha—It’s not for me! I mean, I have some sla—uh, friends! Yeah, friends who don’t have partners. Can you help?"

Another pause. Then came the cold reply, "You were definitely about to say slaves."

"No, you heard wrong!" Alex said quickly.

"Really?"

"Really."

A long sigh came from the other end. "I know a few girls. But they want something."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "What is it? Anything’s fine... except money."

"Knew you’d say that," Seraphina muttered.

Another pause. Then she added, "They want your autograph. And pictures with you."

There was a moment of complete silence from Alex’s end.

Then — laughter. Loud, slightly manic laughter. The seniors watching him flinched again.

’This guy’s definitely broken,’ one of them thought nervously.

On the call, Seraphina clicked her tongue. "And this is why I didn’t want to tell you. Feeding your idiotic ego is going to backfire eventually."

Alex finally calmed down, grinning madly. "It’s truly a sin to be me."

"Shameless."

"Charming," Alex corrected smoothly. "Consider it done, my lady. I always respect women."

"Even if they rob you blind?"

"I especially respect women who spend money on me, not the other way around."

Seraphina sighed again. "Fine, I’ll send them to your sla—friends. And come quickly to the ball — if you have a partner, that is."

The last line especially sounded like a challenge to Alex.

In return, Alex just smirked. "Always a pleasure," he said, ending the call with a satisfied beep.

He turned back to the five seniors, who were now watching him like he was a divine messenger.

"Respected seniors, your dates have been prepared. Please wait here for just a few minutes."

All five of them looked at him like he had given their lives purpose.

"For the first time... we’ll have partners too," one of them whispered emotionally.

They stepped forward and placed their hands on Alex’s shoulder — he was taller than all of them despite being a first-year.

"Junior," one said, voice filled with brotherly warmth, "if you ever need help, if anyone dares trouble you, remember — we’re on your side."

’Hook, line, and sinker,’ Alex thought, hiding his devilish glee behind a graceful smile.

"I’ve only done what a good junior should," he replied humbly, bowing politely.

The gesture sealed the deal. All five seniors glowed with happiness, each handing him their contacts in gratitude.

Alex, of course, graciously accepted, inwardly grinning like a fox.

’Connections secured. Influence spread. Mission success.’

Alex said with a soft chuckle, "Seniors, I must take my leave now. Someone’s waiting for me."

The seniors exchanged looks, nodding slowly.

As alex left one said "He’s probably trying his luck with Senior Evelyn..."

"Poor guy. Goddess bless him."

As Alex walked toward the elevator, the system voice in his head returned, snarky and unimpressed.

[Host, you know you’re evil, right? Like, cunning-evil. I hope those poor souls don’t get dragged into your disasters.]

’Useless system,’ Alex replied mentally. ’Lately, you’ve been speaking way too much. Do me a favor and mute yourself until I need you.’

There was silence... blessed silence.

’Besides,’ he added, smirking, ’I just helped them. Generosity is a virtue, you know.’

Soon, the elevator doors opened with a soft chime, and Alex stepped inside, rising toward the tenth floor.

Once he arrived, he looked around.

"These ladies sure are high maintenance if they’re making me come get them for the ball," he muttered under his breath.

The door in front of him looked nearly identical to his luxurious penthouse from the first-year building—except perhaps a touch more refined.

He sighed and tapped a sleek, circular hologram button mounted beside the wallframe. It glowed blue and projected a holo-screen, signaling the doorbell.

A second later, a calm female voice came through the intercom.

"You’re eight minutes late. Looks like we’ll have to deduct from the promised money."

A vein bulged on Alex’s forehead.

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A/N:

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