Professor Sinclair sensed the two youths peeking through the classroom door. But she continued her lecture.
The two new students were late, so they should just stay out of the classroom.
What she didn't realize was that Skyler wouldn't be himself if he didn't shamelessly enter the classroom. Initially, he considered tiptoeing in, but since it was his first day, he dismissed that idea. Rather, he cleared his throat loudly to grab her attention.
Instead of the female professor, he got the attention of the nearby students who tried to see who was disrupting their class, but they could only see his ash-brown hair.
Sinclair's fingers tightened around the projector remote in her hand when Skyler dared to swing open the door and speak.
"Excuse me, professor! Can we have a minute of your precious time?"
He quickly dragged Charles in, who was sweating profusely as the whole class fell silent, all eyes fixed on them.
The heart of one individual in particular nearly dropped when he recognized them. How could he not when one was someone he had ditched and the other was someone he had been looking everywhere for? Zack's eyes widened as he cursed loudly.
"The Fuck!"
This was enough for all eyes to turn to him.
Zack clamped his mouth shut and lowered his head onto the desk before him, cursing every single person around him.
'The heck! The heck! The heck! Keeper of Time??? Where the hell are you??? What in the world?!! Why are Skyler and Charles here?! And why are they together?!!'
While he was screaming internally, Max, Austin, and Elena were equally shocked to see Skyler again. Jenny was even more so.
Professor Sinclair finally turned her gaze to the ash-brown haired young man who was smiling sheepishly at her. Her voice was curt and loud as she addressed him.
"A minute of my precious time? You have already disrupted the lecture so why not."
"Speak."
A shiver ran down Skyler's spine under the weight of her sharp gaze. At least it helped him ignore the curious stares of the other students around. He stepped forward.
"First, I apologize for interrupting the class, Professor. Actually, we just want to know if this is the First Year Elite Class A?"
His tone was polite as he adjusted the golden-framed glasses sitting on his nose. He had worn them on the way to look good for his first day of class. After all, he hadn't been able to properly get ready.
"We are new students of class A and aren't sure if we're in the right place. We're already late looking for the classroom since it's our first day. So, we hope you can help us a bit."
Of course, he was lying. He and Charles both knew where the class was, thanks to the timetable. Moreover, the class building was located near their living quarters.
But how could he tell the teacher he was late because he stopped for breakfast? That's why lying was necessary.
Charles could only clap mentally for his friend's audacity. Wow. He really needed to learn how to talk his way out of situations with an innocent facade from him!
Professor Sinclair raised a brow. A bit surprised at how the ash-brown haired youth sounded so genuine and distressed. Plus his face made it look like if she didn't answer him, she would be bullying a kid who just wanted to know directions.
She cleared her throat.
"This is First Year Elite Class A."
Skyler's eyes widened.
"Really? We finally found the class!"
She narrowed her eyes at the exaggerated dramatic expression. Suspicious. Had she been tricked by this new student?
"You both are late for your first class."
Skyler's shoulders slumped as he stared directly at her with a somber expression.
"Professor, you know the reason we are late! Please forgive us this time, since it's the first time. Now that we know where Class A is, we will be on time next time!"
Professor Sinclair could only sigh at how genuine the kid apology sounded. Usually, students couldn't even muster the courage to speak in front of her, but this kid was not just speaking confidently, but had given explanations as to why he was late.
"Alright, come here and introduce yourselves to the class. I don't know why the VP put you two here, but I don't tolerate slackers. You bith are far behind everyone else. You need to catch up soon, or I will have no choice but to demote you."
Skyler and Charles nodded and quickly approached her. As they faced the whole class, Skyler finally became aware of what he had been ignoring all this time: the dark, judgmental stares of every student. They all radiated a powerful presence, looking down at him and Charles as if they were prey. All because they both had waltzed their way into their class without any struggle.
Skyler felt sweat trickling down his spine when he felt the pressure coming off them, but his calm expression did not falter. This was the class he had to surpass.
How could he get cold feet now?
A smile lit up his face, making him look extra charming. However, the eyes of the students were on the snake that slithered out of his shirt and slumped her head on his head lazily, messing up his hair.
"Hello everyone. I am Skyler Ironhart. I will be a part of the First year Elite class A from now on. So, I hope we get along."
He glanced at Charles who, just like him, stood straight with a calm expression.
"My name is Charles Mahson. I am here to become stronger so I will do my best."
Murmurs echoed through the classroom as students discussed why Skyler had a beast stronger than himself. Most importantly, did he say his last name was Ironhart?
Many eyes darted towards Jenny, who felt increasingly uncomfortable in her seat.
Austin and Elena's heads whipped toward her as well. Now they understood why she had cried so much when they had left 'Sky' during the preliminary test. A grin spread across Austin's face as he stared at her.
"A neighbor? Wow! Did you lie—"
He was cut off by Elena.
"Zip it. She must have her reasons."
Jenny's face burned with embarrassment. She never imagined she could be caught. In the end, she could only stay silent and sit quietly, pretending nothing had happened.
Max attempted to smooth things over.
"Come on, guys. Let's forget about what happened. Now we need to focus on Sky. He is new to our academy and class, and it's our responsibility to help him adjust."
Unlike the duo, he knew what happened back then. He needed to make sure they didn't misinterpret Jenny. She probably panicked when she saw her brother.
Austin snickered inwardly. If it were him whose sister introduced him as a neighbor to her friends, he would be pissed enough to fight her, let alone forget about it.
Professor Sinclair smiled, intrigued by the self-assured manner in which the two new students presented themselves. It seems they weren't entirely hopeless.
If the two also worked hard, they might manage to stay in the Elite class.
She clapped her hands to gain everyone's attention before turning to the new arrivals.
"Go find an empty seat for yourselves. I'll continue the class. If you don't understand anything, just ask. After all, you're directly starting from the Elite class unlike others."
Her simple words once again cast a very somber mood over the whole class. Was it not enough that these two had joined their class so easily, but they also lacked the prior knowledge everyone else had?
Did they bribe their way in?
That's what everyone was thinking.
The students exchanged furtive glances, secretly plotting to make the new students run away from their class on their own.
Charles was about to go find a seat, but Skyler stopped him and looked at Sinclair.
"Professor, can we sit in the front? The empty seats are all the way in the back. I have a bit of weak eyesight."
It was clear he was lying this time. What weak eyesight? Everyone knew those who could use Evol had sharp senses.
Sinclair didn't point him out, thinking Skyler wanted to concentrate on class. She looked at the students sitting in the front row.
"Can two of the students in front go back?"
No one budged, and some students even scoffed inwardly in distaste. Ultimately, it was Max who stood up with a smile.
"Skyler, you and Charles can sit in my and Austin's place. We can sit in the back."
Austin's eyes widened.
"The heck. When did I agree?"
He had to shut his mouth and follow Max when the professor thanked the jerk.
Skyler smirked when he saw Jenny and Elena following behind the two men. That's exactly what he wanted to happen. Charles shivered when he saw his smile. He knew his friend was going to ignore Jenny. But you see, Skyler was very petty. Directly or indirectly, he would settle all old scores.