The school year officially begins.
The classroom is massive, built in descending semicircles with a central podium, just like a university lecture hall.
Chris sits in one of the last rows.
On his right is Alexia.
On his left, Jasmine.
Kellen Wynne—the blond guy who fought Alexia in the opening duel and ranked second in all of HESPARC Academy—is sitting to her right.
Someone walks through the door, and silence falls instantly.
It's a man whose presence demands respect—short red hair, ice-colored eyes.
Vincent Carreaux, the head of the education division at the academy.
In other words, the principal.
The few whispers that survived his entrance vanish the moment he clears his throat.
«It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to HESPARC Academy. As future HESPARC agents, we will do everything to provide you with the best education possible, and we expect the same level of commitment from you...»
Those words make Chris shiver—he's restless with excitement.
But something else is making his leg twitch.
A hand. Under the desk.
It's gently caressing his left thigh.
Jasmine's hand.
Chris shoots her a quick, questioning glance.
But she just smiles and keeps touching him like nothing's happening.
Her fingers graze along his thigh, occasionally slipping 'by accident' toward more central areas.
It makes him really uncomfortable.
But it also feels good.
So he doesn't stop her.
«...and for that very reason, this year I have the honor of introducing an extraordinary guest! Due to the nature of his role and his countless responsibilities, he'll only be able to teach during the first trimester. So make sure to take full advantage of his presence! Ladies and gentlemen, I'm proud to present not only a dear friend and colleague, but also the most powerful Monster Reaper in the world. Please give a warm round of applause for Shin Tendo!»
As soon as Principal Vincent Carreaux announces him, a charming man in his thirties walks into the room.
He has short facial hair, soft brown eyes, and slightly tousled brown hair.
The complete silence that ruled just seconds ago shatters in an instant.
Everyone rises to their feet—from students to teachers—and begins to applaud him with overwhelming enthusiasm.
Shin Tendo, thirty years old, is a true celebrity among those involved in that world
He's known not just for holding the title of the most powerful Monster Reaper—a title earned after an almost endless series of kills against the creatures from N'Raeth who threaten peace on Earth—but also for becoming the director of HESPARC Japan.
The youngest director in the organization's history.
But the applause isn't the only sound that fills the room.
Whispers begin to rise—mostly from the girls.
«Shin Tendo, you're so hot!»
«Shin, I love you! Marry me, please!»
But that's not all.
«I knew he was coming. My dad told me! Apparently, he only accepted because he's got a thing going on with some Misaki Yuunami, the head of the medical division!»
The voice grumbles from somewhere not far from Chris.
He, too—like everyone else—keeps staring at Shin, his eyes practically glowing.
«Shin Tendo... mmmh... my pussy's all wet just from looking at him from this far...» Jasmine pants.
But that's not what unsettles Chris.
It's Alexia's gaze.
She doesn't say a word, but her eyes are like two flashing hearts.
She stares at Shin with her mouth practically watering, drooling like someone starving in front of a gourmet feast.
Even she hasn't escaped the irresistible charm of Professor Tendo.
And for some reason, Chris finds himself deeply irritated by it.
But he's not the only one.
Kellen Wynne, sitting beside her, nudges her with his elbow—like he's trying to snap her out of that trance she's fallen into at the sight of the man.
Finally, once silence falls again, Shin begins his usual formal speech.
He hopes the next three months will be productive and says he'll do his best to share everything he knows about the creatures from N'Raeth—and how to fight them.
He ends the speech with:
«My role as your instructor officially begins tomorrow, but if you really can't wait and have something urgent to ask me, I'll be waiting in my office.»
When he finishes speaking, he winks.
No one knows who it's aimed at—probably just a general gesture.
And yet, Chris gets the distinct impression that Shin was looking straight at Alexia.