Seeing the immense enthusiasm of his classmates, Kazien actually wanted to refuse. For him, spending time teaching others was a hassle. He would much rather go home, relax, and spend quality time with Alvin at the mansion.
However, before a word of refusal could escape his lips, he felt a soft touch on his arm.
Alvin looked at him with hopeful mint-green eyes. He gave a signal. A subtle wink and a thin smile, so that Kazien would agree to teach them. That look seemed to say, "Come on, my dear, just teach them. There's no harm in sharing knowledge."
Kazien sighed deeply inwardly, his shoulders slumping slightly in surrender.
Good heavens, Alvin! thought Kazien, feeling both fond exasperation and resignation. If you look at me like this, I can't refuse their request! You know very well I never want to disappoint you!
Kazien looked at the students who were still holding out their notebooks with pleading expressions.
"Alright," said Kazien finally, his voice sounding firm but no longer cold. "I will teach you! But I don't like repeating explanations. So, I hope you pay attention carefully."
"Okay!" they all exclaimed in agreement with beaming faces.
Kazien walked back to the front of the class, picking up the chalk he had put down earlier. He erased part of the blackboard, leaving a large empty space.
He began redrawing the basic structure of the magic circle. This time, his movements were slower and more deliberate so they could be followed easily.
"The key to this type of magic circle is symmetry and reflection," explained Kazien while drawing a line. He spoke like a young professor. "Don't memorize the shape, but understand the logic."
All students in his class listened intently. There was no chatter, only the sound of chalk scratching and regular breathing. Even Allen took notes diligently.
Kazien pointed to the diagram he had just made.
"Pay close attention. If you see that part A is imperfect or confusing, don't panic. Try shifting your view and look at part C!" Kazien drew an imaginary connecting line between the top left and bottom right corners. "Each of these two patterns has the same shape, just the position is reversed. They complement one another."
Kazien switched to the other side. "The same goes for part B! If it's incomplete, just look at part D. That is the key."
A student sitting in the front row, who had previously been afraid of Kazien, now ventured to raise his hand.
"Wait, Kazien. Do you mean... parts A and B are like looking in a mirror and producing parts C and D in the pattern?" asked the student hesitantly.
Kazien smiled thinly, appreciating the question.
"Exactly! That's a good analogy!" praised Kazien. "That is the basis of Mirroring Enchantment. But remember..." Kazien looked at the class seriously. "Not all magic formulas have the same shape or are symmetrical. There are many high-level spells, especially ancient magic, that have different and asymmetric patterns in each part. However, for the academy's basic level, this mirror principle will save your grades."
The students nodded in understanding. Kazien's explanation was much easier to understand than their convoluted thick textbooks.
The teaching session continued. Kazien didn't just stand in front; he began walking around between the desks. Kazien tested them one by one.
When someone had trouble perfecting the magic circle formula and looked frustrated, Kazien happily guided them with patience. There was no shouting, no kicking like on the academy field earlier.
"Not like that!" corrected Kazien softly when seeing a female student draw a line incorrectly. "Draw the line from the inside out, so the mana flow is smooth. Try again."
His classmates were very enthusiastic about getting private tutoring from him. Their fear slowly evaporated, replaced by respect.
"Kazien, you're amazing!" exclaimed a male student while slapping his own forehead. "I can understand this lesson because of your help! Even though I almost gave up earlier."
"You really helped us! Thank you, Kazien!" chimed in another.
And slowly but surely, their perception of Kazien had changed drastically.
The figure who this morning was considered a monster who kicked a woman now appeared as a genius who was kind but firm. Many of them began to admire and like his protective yet intelligent personality.
There were even some female students who began to steal glances with blushing faces. They started to have feelings for him, mesmerized by the dual charisma Kazien possessed: fierce when protecting loved ones, but gentle when sharing knowledge.
However, for Kazien, those admiring gazes meant nothing. He just wanted to help them because of Alvin's request, and there was no other intention. His heart was locked tight only for one name.
The sun began to dip to the west, painting the sky with streaks of orange. School hours had fully ended.
The three of them walked out of the academy building toward the main gate. The atmosphere that afternoon was quite busy with students going home.
However, midway, Alvin's steps slowed slightly. His hand touched his chest, right beneath his uniform.
"My dear..." whispered Alvin softly, bringing his lips close to Kazien's ear. "Someone is following us from behind. The distance is about twenty meters. And... the necklace you gave me is reacting. The crystal is warming up."
The necklace was a protective magic tool made by Kazien that would detect evil intentions or killing intent directed at the wearer.
Kazien did not turn his head. His expression remained flat looking forward, but his eyes sharpened.
"I know," answered Kazien calmly, but coldly. "I've felt it since we left the lobby. Let her do what she wants to do. I want to see how far her courage goes."
"But what if she attacks?"
"If she just stalks, I will let her be," continued Kazien, his tone changing into a terrifying threat. "But if she is reckless enough to do something stupid or tries to touch even a fingernail of yours, that's when she and her whole family will be destroyed!"
Allen, walking beside them, also felt the tension. Goosebumps rose on his skin hearing Kazien's threat.
"So, what should we do? Go straight home?" asked Allen anxiously, glancing back with the corner of his eye.
"Yes, let's just go home! Ignore that useless woman." decided Kazien.
They crossed the large street separating the academy from their residential district.
Allen quickened his pace following Kazien. I don't know why I feel something big is about to happen, thought Allen uneasily. This peace feels like the calm before the storm.
Meanwhile, across the street, specifically from behind the sturdy pillar of the academy gate. A blue-haired woman with a face full of rage was standing there, peering out.
It was Marina.
The woman continued to stare at Kazien's back as he slowly walked across the street toward the grand mansion on the other side.
Her gaze was filled with burning anger and deep hatred for Kazien. Her pride, which had been crushed on the field earlier, demanded retribution. Her eyes narrowed when she saw Kazien, Alvin, and Allen enter the mansion gate.
So, they live in that mansion? thought Marina, noting the location in her memory. He looks like a merchant's child who just happened to get lucky with his trade.
Marina squeezed her magic wand until her knuckles turned white.
Just you wait, I will settle the score with you! You were wrong to hit me at the academy earlier. Who do you think you are? I am a Marquis's daughter! I will make you regret your actions! I will make you kneel begging for mercy at my feet.
The woman smirked cunningly, a smirk that ruined her beautiful face. Evil ideas began to pop up in her head. She was planning something cruel for Kazien.
After her target disappeared behind the mansion door, Marina turned around. She walked arrogantly toward a luxurious carriage with the Marquis family crest that was already waiting on the roadside.
The coachman opened the door respectfully. Marina entered and threw her body onto the soft velvet seat.
Just wait, stupid man! You don't know who you are fighting against.
"Hahaha."
Inside the carriage that started moving, the woman laughed full of victory. A laugh that sounded discordant and full of obsession. She couldn't wait to see what would happen to the person who had humiliated her in public.