December 18th, 8:00 AM.

The sun rose far above the clouds, the clock in Cassien’s room making steady ticking noises with its second hand.

’So, it’s time then.’

...

8:40 AM.

Cassien took a shower, made some breakfast, then brought nothing else along. He, of course, wore his academy uniform as always, but brought an extra pair of swim trunks just in case.

’The Class Rep did, in fact, say to bring our swimsuits just in case. It might prove worthwhile after all.’

While they weren’t allowed to bring their own food, they were permitted to bring extra sets of clothing since the bacteria on the island could be quite vicious.

...

8:45 AM.

"Here."

Cassien raised his arm as attendance began.

"Nice, everyone arrived exactly on time. We should head towards the gymnasium now. That’s where we’ll receive our hotel room assignments aboard the cruise, alongside being teleported on board," Olivia spoke, just like a true leader.

Cassien watched his class carefully.

"Well, time to leave."

Ren, Siv, Olivia, Audrey, Alex, Cassien, and the rest of the students continued moving toward the gymnasium.

...

Once they arrived, they stood in a single-file line while the other classes gradually made their entrance.

It didn’t take long until everyone showed up and the hour hand finally moved into place.

9:00 AM.

’It’s time.’

...

The student council president gave one final speech, alongside a hint titled:

"Do Not Trust Anyone!"

Then, the academy’s principal showed herself, a one-in-a-million occurrence.

She doesn’t usually mess with the school’s affairs unless appointed to, but this time she did.

Vestria Von Nosguard.

Vestria delivered a brief speech to the first-years.

Once her speech concluded, every first-year student was given their own individual hotel room aboard the cruise.

After each person claimed their access card, and without leaving room for any further chatter, she transported them all through her own magic directly onto the ship.

...

As soon as everyone from every class boarded, the cruise immediately set sail.

Several instructors, medics, and knights also came along, ensuring no horrifying casualties occurred while providing an extra layer of protection.

Another reason was to make sure everyone followed the rules.

One instructor stepped forward.

She was the first-period instructor for Class 1B.

Cassien couldn’t remember her name exactly, though.

"The cruise today is meant to be a nice little warm-up for what’s coming tomorrow. Please, no fighting. Doing anything of the sort is strictly prohibited and will get both you and your class disqualified, potentially leading to expulsion. On top of that, mana has been disabled aboard the cruise ship. I’ve already cast the necessary chant. Thank you all for listening, and I wish you the best of luck."

No more than fifteen minutes later, people were already diving into the luxurious pool. Some gathered around the bar, flirting with women, others gambled away their life savings, and then there was Cassien, standing beside Olivia thoughtfully.

Cassien stared directly at Olivia.

"So you changed into a swimsuit after all. I thought you were against the idea?"

Olivia looked at him.

"Now you’re the odd one out. Plus, the sun was burning my skin, so I needed a change for once."

As the two walked around checking on their classmates and making sure they weren’t causing trouble, Aiysha stepped forward slowly.

"So... this is your type?" Aiysha asked, clearly disgusted.

Olivia looked directly into Aiysha’s gaze.

"And what if it is? Is there a problem?"

The two locked eyes.

Cassien immediately stepped between them.

"Ladies, ladies, please. No fighting on this beautiful cruise ship. Just look around at all the excitement. You don’t want to get suspended before anything even begins, do you?"

Both of them looked away from each other.

Then Olivia awkwardly grabbed Cassien by the collar of his academy uniform.

"Let’s go. We need to check on the rest. We can’t leave those idiots unsupervised."

As they walked away, Cassien glanced back.

Aiysha gave him one last smile before turning away.

"No fucking way."

Olivia panicked slightly.

"That idiot." 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Cassien stepped forward.

"Let me handle it."

...

"Beat his ass!"

"Don’t let the instructor see; that’s it!"

"Then stop screaming, you idiot!"

Siv was getting slapped across the face repeatedly by three heavily built men, while three girls stood behind them.

"I’m telling you those girls are lying!" Siv yelled. "I didn’t and would never take a photo of their asses! They’re fucking ugly anyway!"

"You crazy?" one of the men stepped forward. "Don’t talk about my girl like that."

Without mana, Siv was extremely weak, especially with his small and frail-looking body.

Just as the man pulled his arm back, preparing another slap—

Cassien grabbed it.

"Calm down."

The man tried forcing his arm forward, but for some reason he couldn’t overpower Cassien’s absurd physical strength.

"And who are you to tell me otherwise?!"

Cassien glanced at the three women behind him.

Then he ignored the man entirely and walked over to them instead.

"Hello, ladies."

He gently lifted a strand of one girl’s hair.

"Your swimsuits look amazing on each of you."

Afterward, he leaned closer.

"Lovely, like the tide of the ocean."

All three of them blushed.

’He’s so freaking hot and charming.’

The thought crossed all of their minds simultaneously.

The three men immediately began marching forward.

Cassien let go of the girl’s hair before turning around.

"What’s wrong?" Cassien asked mockingly. "Are you three upset because your girls fell for me?"

The three men continued walking toward him, cracking their knuckles and stretching their necks as if it actually meant something.

"Fucking bastard...!"

Cassien smiled.

"Come on then. Do something."

The three men began rushing toward him.

Every single one of them.

Then suddenly—

They felt a certain aura.

A woman stepped forward with elegant precision.

Every person stopped.

But Cassien could only think of one thing.

’Which character is she again...?’

Then it came back to him.

’Oh yeah.’

He smiled.

"Hello, Princess."

She began to turn, while Cassien bowed down elegantly.

"It’s very nice to meet you today."