Chapter 71: STRIKING A DEAL

Aaron strolled into Professor Elias’ office the next morning, moving with the kind of confidence that made it seem as though the room already belonged to him. Dropping lazily into the chair across from the professor, he crossed one leg over the other, his expression unreadable but his posture radiating control.

Professor Elias studied him quietly for a moment, rubbing his temple as if preparing for a headache.

"Seeing you here, I assume you’re still intent on going through with the deal," he said at last, voice calm but edged with wariness.

"Of course, Professor. I don’t go back on my word." Aaron’s lips curled into the faintest of smiles. "Though how quickly I act depends entirely on how well the school treats me."

That smile, sharp and arrogant, was enough to make Elias frown. "I’m sorry, Aaron, but we cannot give preferential treatment simply because you wish to help the school."

Aaron leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "It’s not going to be anything outrageous, Professor. I just want a little freedom. The right to skip classes when I need to, and the ability to go on dungeon raids to build real experience. To be frank, there’s very little I can learn from the classroom anymore." His tone softened into something almost persuasive, but the confidence never left.

Elias raised a brow. "And how sure are you of that?"

"Hundred percent," Aaron replied without hesitation. His grin widened as if he’d just declared an unshakable truth.

The professor sighed. He had expected something like this—Michael had once made a similar request. After a pause, Elias spoke, "Then let’s do this. You’ll have access to the first floor of the library. Every text and record needed for your first-year curriculum is there. If you finish them and can prove to me you truly understand everything, I’ll grant you the freedom to skip classes as you like."

Aaron’s eyes gleamed. "That sounds fair. But why not make it interesting?" He leaned forward, a mischievous smile forming. "If I finish all the required books within one month, I want to be allowed to take four people with me on expeditions. Every time. If I fail, then aside from building the new training arena, I’ll finance any structure the school desires."

Professor Elias blinked at the audacity, but then chuckled softly. The boy was dangerous in his confidence. "...Agreed. Take this note to the head professor of your department. He’ll know what to do." He slid a sealed letter across the desk.

Aaron accepted the note with a faint frown. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Elias had just pulled one over on him. Still, he wasn’t worried—after all, he had his "lovely slave," the system, by his side.

As he rose to leave, Aaron casually added, "Oh, and Professor... I’ll also need a piece of land. Free land. I plan to build a proper villa for myself and my friends. Four in total. The one I’m living in now doesn’t suit me."

Elias froze mid-breath, staring blankly. Of all the outlandish requests he’d heard in his career, this was unmatched. "Aaron... you are in a school. You are not its owner."

Aaron waved a hand dismissively, his smirk widening. "Think of it as a win-win, Professor. Once I graduate, the villas will belong to the school. You’ll be left with new property. All you have to do is let us live there for four years—or less, depending on how quickly I grow bored of school."

The professor pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling his patience tested. "...How much land are we talking about?"

Aaron tapped his chin in mock thought. "Well... let’s say one villa should take the landmass of four ordinary ones. Oh, and I think it’s about time I get my driver’s license and a car." He grinned, standing and strolling toward the door as if the matter were already settled.

Professor Elias was left speechless. He could only watch Aaron leave with that insufferable smile plastered across his face.

"...That boy will be the death of me," he muttered under his breath, already dreading the inevitable argument with the school board.

---

Later that day, Aaron slipped into the classroom, where Alice had saved him a seat. The moment he entered, whispers rippled across the hall. Boys envied him for sitting beside Alice Frost, while the girls shot longing glances his way.

"You missed the orientation," Alice said, raising her hand to beckon him over. Her tone carried both amusement and annoyance.

Aaron dropped into the seat beside her with a grin. "Aside from that orientation, I didn’t miss anything important, right?"

"Not really. It was mostly introductions. I take it you met with Professor Elias?"

"Yup. Struck a deal too. Worth it, trust me. Just sit back and wait for the good news." His casual words carried an almost arrogant certainty.

Alice sighed but smiled faintly. She was getting used to his attitude.

The teacher walked in just then, a strict-looking man who scanned the hall with hawk-like eyes. "Freshers. Welcome to Ragnarok Academy. Today, we begin with the history of dungeons and the awakened." His voice was crisp, commanding silence at once.

As the lecture began, Aaron leaned slightly toward Alice. "By the way, where’s Nathan? Haven’t seen him since orientation."

Alice chuckled. "You’ll be surprised. Nathan’s actually a second-year. He’s in the Support Department—the ones who assist hunters."

Aaron blinked. "Then why didn’t I see him during the Freshers vs. Sophomores event?"

"Because supporters don’t participate in that. They have separate events. Don’t tell me you never realized we didn’t run into a single support awakener during the whole thing?" Alice asked, brows raised.

Aaron shrugged, unbothered. "Didn’t even cross my mind. I was too busy having fun."

Alice shook her head, exasperated.

"Aaron Highborn. Alice Frost," the teacher suddenly called, his voice sharp. His gaze was locked on them. "Do you find my class boring, or are you not part of this academy?"

The room fell silent, dozens of eyes turning to watch.

Aaron and Alice exchanged a quick glance before replying almost in unison, "Apologies, sir."

But the man wasn’t satisfied. He sneered. "Better to shut your mouths in the first place than disturb my class."

Aaron’s brows furrowed. He clenched his jaw, resisting the urge to snap back. It was too early to earn the reputation of troublemaker... though his patience had limits.

"Since you claim to be listening," the teacher continued, eyes narrowing, "why don’t you give me the origin of dungeons and the awakened?" His tone dripped with condescension, clearly intending to humiliate Aaron.

Aaron rose slightly from his seat, his smile faint but edged with challenge. "Awakeners existed long before dungeons. Back then, only a handful of families could awaken, and even then their talents were limited—barely reaching D-rank. That all changed about a century ago when dungeons began appearing around the world. With them came a surge in both the quality and quantity of awakeners. Over time, this evolved into what we now call ’Blesseds.’" He leaned back with an easy smile. "Anything else, teacher?"

Murmurs filled the class. Students exchanged glances, impressed despite themselves.

The teacher’s lips curled in irritation. "Stop acting arrogant, Aaron. It was the same arrogance that got your parents killed."

The words dropped like a blade, cutting through the air and silencing the entire room.

Aaron’s smile froze.