Ken wondered why Kevin had summoned him to his office. He had always been an "average" student, and he didn't think he had done anything that would warrant a meeting with the academy's headmaster.
Although he was somewhat powerful compared to others. It wasn't much big thing according to him.
As he remembered his meeting was the headmaster of the academy - [Veronica], he felt cold shivers. He didn't want to meet her again. What if she found out his secret? Ken was scared of this thought.
Ken spent the rest of the day attending lectures and trying to focus on his studies, but he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease.
He was worried that he might have done something wrong, and he couldn't think of anything that would have caught Kevin's attention.
Finally, the lectures were over, and Ken made his way to Kevin's office. When he arrived, he was surprised to see that Kevin was not alone. Sitting next to him was a woman he had never seen before.
"Ken, please come in," Kevin said, gesturing toward the empty chair in front of his desk.
Ken walked into Kevin's spacious office, taking in the familiar surroundings of the polished wooden desk, leather chairs, and bookshelves lining the walls.
As he sat down, Kevin looked up from his work with a smile, his expression as calm and collected as ever.
"How are your studies going?" Kevin asked, setting aside his work and taking out a small jar filled with leaves from his space ring.
"They're going great," Ken replied, returning the smile. "With your and the seniors' help, even things with the Blood Supremacy club aren't escalating."
Kevin nodded, pouring hot water into a teapot and beginning to brew the leaves into tea.
As he worked, he retrieved a set of stylish cups from his space ring, placing them neatly on the desk.
In just a few moments, the tea was ready, filling the room with a rich, inviting aroma.
"What the heck is he making?" Ken couldn't help but think, inhaling deeply. The scent was intoxicating, a heady blend of earthy, floral notes that left him feeling relaxed and invigorated at the same time.
As Kevin poured the tea into the cups and passed one to Ken, the two settled into an easy conversation, discussing their latest academic and social pursuits.
For a few moments, the world outside Kevin's office melted away, replaced by warmth.
"Sir, what kind of tea is this?" Ken asked while sipping the tea. As he drank it, he was feeling relaxed.
"This tea is made from Dragon leaves," Kevin said nonchalantly while sipping the tea leisurely.
Hearing the details about the tea, Ken choked for a moment. He heard that the dragon leaf was too expensive.
He stared at Kevin blankly. He felt like something was odd.
"Don't worry, this tea is free," Kevin said politely. Still, Ken's senses were tingling. However, he couldn't stop drinking that tea now as he already drank half. It would be wasted.
"How did you get these leaves, sir?" Ken was curious, he heard that these leaves were rare and hard to find.
"I got it from a [friend], as a gift," Kevin answered, not bothering to disclose the details.
Soon, both teacups were empty.
"Thanks for the tea, professor. If you ever need my help, just call me." Ken stood and started leaving.
"Hmm. Wait, I think I will need your help." Kevin called out to Ken.
Hearing this, Ken felt deep regret. He shouldn't have said those words.
"Sit, here. Let's discuss." Kevin said, gesturing for Ken to sit.
"What do you think about the practical exam?" Kevin asked.
"I don't think much. It's slightly weird to change the venue for the practical exam, though." Ken commented.
Kevin leaned forward, his expression becoming even more serious.
"I need you to understand, Ken, that this is not just a test of your skills and knowledge. There may be real danger involved," he said.
Ken swallowed hard, feeling a knot form in his stomach. He didn't expect this.
"What kind of danger?" he asked.
"I'm not sure," Kevin said, shaking his head. "But I have reason to believe that this change in the exam format is not just a coincidence. There may be some kind of conspiracy or threat involved."
Ken nodded, feeling a sense of unease settle over him.
"What can I do to help?" he asked again.
"I want you to be alert in the dungeon, and keep an eye out for anything suspicious. And I want you to try to protect the other students if you can," Kevin said.
Hearing this, Ken hesitated. Although saving fellow students was good. However, he had too much on his own plate, too.
For example, Blood Supremacy club, Becoming Stronger, and even more, he still didn't know anything about that demon who attacked his city in the previous life.
Noticing Ken's hesitation, Kevin said,
"Ah, I remember someone still owes me a favor."
Ken's face wrinkled hearing this, he didn't expect Kevin to use the favor for this.
"That certain someone also drank my expensive tea." Kevin further commented.
"Keuk.." Ken choked for a moment. He didn't know Kevin was this kind of person.
"Okay, I agree," In the end, Ken couldn't take it anymore. He didn't want to worsen the relationship with Kevin or hear his taunting.
"I'm grateful," Kevin said in a light tone, but to Ken it just looked like some creditor collecting debts.
"But if circumstances require it, I want you to use your full power. I know you've been holding back, Ken, but now may be the time to reveal your true strength."
Ken widened his eyes, he didn't expect that Kevin would know about this.
He nodded again, feeling the weight of Kevin's words.
Seeing Ken wasn't asking questions like how he knows about his hidden strength, Kevin was satisfied.
"But I also need you to understand that your safety is paramount," Kevin continued. "If you can't protect the other students without putting yourself in danger, then don't. Your safety is more important than anything else."
Ken nodded once more, feeling a sense of responsibility settle over him.
"I'll do my best," he said.
"I know you will," Kevin said, giving him a small smile. "Just be careful, Ken. And if you sense anything out of the ordinary, come to me immediately. I'll do everything in my power to protect our students."
Ken left Kevin's office feeling even more nervous than before. But he also felt a sense of determination settling over him. He would do everything in his power to protect his fellow students, even if it meant revealing his full strength.
***
As Ken recalled his conversation with Kevin and couldn't shake off the uneasiness that was creeping up on him.
Just then, Nick caught his attention and he felt a bit reassured.
He had heard that Senior Nick was a kind and helpful person who was also physically strong. Maybe they could explore the cave a bit more with him around. Ken thought to himself.
"Okay, we can explore the dungeon a bit more," he finally agreed.
Ken took out the map they had obtained and pondered over where they should go next. He also took out his compass to ensure they were headed in the right direction.
Noah stood beside him, peering at the map. The other three members of their group also came closer to look.
"Let's go towards the northeast," Luna suggested, pointing to the map. They were currently located slightly to the north of the center, so the northeast wasn't too far away.
"I agree," Marry chimed in, and Elena nodded her assent as well.
"Noah, what do you think?" Ken asked.
Noah also agreed with the others.
"According to this map, there's a goblin nest located in the North East part. It looks like it will be a relatively straightforward hunt," remarked Ken, as he and his team prepared to set out.
After organizing themselves, they all set off toward the northeast part of the cave.
As Nick looked at them from distance, a smirk appeared on his face.
"Looks like my skill worked on him." He was excited to see the bitter end of these people.
***
[In The South West Part Of Cave]
"Boss, why this fucking goblins don't end?" One of Ben's minions said.
"Don't bullshit much and work fast. We have to go towards the North-East part of the Cave, after completing the mission." Ben said sternly while slicing through a goblin's throat.
"I didn't know why he told me to go there." Ben thought inwardly.
The source of this c𝐨ntent is fre𝒆w(e)bn(o)vel