The atmosphere was thick with tension. Almost everyone was targeting Nebis Leyang. After all, he’d been showing off earlier. Now they had a chance to please the duke’s son—and kick him while he was down.

Soya Jemi didn’t step in. She wanted to see how this kid would handle the situation. Letting him face a setback or two might temper his arrogant nature. Too much pride would cost him dearly later.

“You can’t talk about him like that! Lord Leyang is the only one whose strength reached the Mundane Iron tier. In raw talent, none of you can match him. What gives you the right to look down on him?!”

Leyang was about to speak when the little girl beside him shot to her feet. She shouted in his defense, braving the crowd’s pressure. Her tiny frame trembled slightly with fear, yet her small face held unwavering resolve. She faced everyone without flinching. A ripple stirred in Leyang’s heart.

“You’re just a knight’s daughter. How dare you defy us with your little bit of talent? Do you know the consequences?”

“Threatening others at your age? Have you considered the consequences of making me your enemy?”

A hand pressed Phoenix back into her seat. Leyang stood up. He’d never cared about the vice-monitor position anyway. Giving it up cost him nothing.

But these brats were infuriating. So young, yet so in need of a lesson.

Leyang glared down at them, his expression dark. A wave of inexplicable dread crashed over the crowd. Their mouths snapped shut instantly.

“Y-you wouldn’t dare hit me! I’m from the Chester family!”

“Hit you? No, no. I’d never do that. But crushing a few brats like you? Simple. Want to try first? Hmm?”

“Eeek! Waaah! So scary! Mommy, I want my mommy…”

The noble boy fled, sobbing.

“Tch. That’s your courage for threatening others? Boring. Got any more complaints? Say them to my face. I’m listening.”

Leyang’s icy gaze swept over the other teens.

They shrank back, shaking their heads frantically. This guy was terrifying—he might actually kill them!

“Hmph. I don’t want this vice-monitor seat. Take it if you want. Just don’t bother me. Annoy me, and you’ll feel my sandbag-sized fist!”

Leyang raised his fist, flexing it like a show of force. To discipline brats, you had to be tougher and fiercer than them. Otherwise, they’d never respect you—and the trouble would never end.

Phoenix watched Leyang with adoring eyes, a strange gleam in them.

*This boy… usually so calm and collected. But when trouble hits, he turns so domineering and reckless. Doesn’t he fear offending other families? He’s impossible to read.*

Ailin Camila Lumier blinked, studying him curiously.

“Alright, everyone sit down. No more fighting. I’ll bring Chester back.”

For a split second, even Soya Jemi felt a chill—as if facing a terrifying dragon. *He’s just an eight-year-old. How can he radiate such dread?*

She didn’t dwell on it. Soya Jemi left Class A for ten seconds and returned, dragging the tearful Chester noble back to his seat.

Poor kid. After this, he’d probably have nightmares about Leyang.

“Since no one objects, it’s settled. Princess Lumiere is monitor. Phoenix and Leyang are vice-monitors. If they fall short, I’ll replace them anytime. So work hard, everyone.”

Soya Jemi winked, smiling.

“Yes, Mentor Soya Jemi!”

“Ugh… stuck with a troublesome position.”

Leyang shook his head helplessly. Monitors and vice-monitors always got stuck with the most chores—discipline, grades, homework. His head ached just thinking about it.

Take classroom discipline: if he carried out his future plans, he couldn’t even control himself. What use was his academy pass then?

“Lord Leyang… are you unhappy?”

Phoenix noticed his mood, concern in her voice.

“No. This title won’t last long on me. You two will have extra work.”

“Huh?”

During the theory lesson, Soya Jemi outlined the forces around the Camila Empire. She wanted the students to grasp the reality—and feel a little pressure.

“To the north lies the Beastman Kingdom. As the name suggests, beastmen live there. They’re warlike, greedy, and lustful. In past wars, female captives from the Camila Empire suffered inhuman abuse—forced to bear offspring. Male captives were worked to death as laborers.”

“Relations between the Camila Empire and the Beastman Kingdom are terrible. Small and large clashes erupt yearly. It’s practically a fight to the death.”

“To the far west are the elves’ lands. Most elves love peace and are gentle. Only the rare Dark Elves lure mates from other races to steal their magic. They’re despised and exiled by their kin.”

“One race matters most: the Demon Race. They’re the common enemy of the Camila Empire, the Beastman Kingdom, and the elves. They constantly scheme to devour our lands and enslave all races. If you ever see a demon and can’t win—run immediately. Otherwise, you’ll endure torture worse than death. Demons even eat live humans… especially tender kids like you.”

Soya Jemi added that last part as a playful scare.

*Cannibals?!*

Sure enough, the students paled, terror flashing across their faces.

“How do we know if someone’s a demon?”

“It’s simple. Demons always have two horn-like growths on their heads. That’s the clearest sign.”