Monarch of Darkness, Arsene

"So you have returned," Grimlor stated with his mighty body pulsing with power.

I could not feel it before, but the man before me was truly a monster. Every inch of his body was bursting with power as he looked me up and down.

"I have. It's good to see you again, Principle Grimlor," I stated with a smile not reaching my eyes.

Grimlor nodded as he looked over a document from his desk, "There have been many stories about you, Ashen Prince. You are feared by many, especially the common people. I hope you know killing is not allowed no matter the crime at my school."

Giving a kind, innocent stare, I smiled, "Me? I would never, principle Grimlor, you must be pulling my leg. I have not killed since the day of my birth promise to god." I said, my eyes looking like those of an innocent puppy.

Showing bright teeth, I saw Grimlor quiver as he pointed to the door, "get out. Your classroom is still the same."

"Good day Lord Grimlor" giving my farewell, I left with an innocent grin.

Making my way to my old classroom, a smile formed as two young men eyed me up and down. There was no grace in their steps nor elegance in their stance as they walked toward me with arrogance.

"My fellow senior, how can I be of help," I asked, giving them a warm smile masking my cold bloodthirsty intent.

The three young men looked me over like prey smiling like savages, "Are you new here? I don't remember seeing you here." they asked, walking around me in a circle.

"Yes, today is my first day," I replied, "Lord Grimlor just told me to head to class,"

Smirking, one of the seniors gripped my shirt tightly, "Fuck what he said, there is a toll..."

Not allowing him to finish his sentence, my finger was trusted into his chest with exquisite precision. Piercing through his lung with my finger that was covered in a dark qi. A scream escaped from his mouth as I knee him in the crotch, making him drop to the ground.

Blood and foam poured from his mouth as I glanced at the two shocked seniors with a warm smile. Staring at the young man on the floor convulsing, I coldly stomped on his leg, causing him to scream like a pig to the slaughter.

His high pitch screech alerted everyone causing hundreds of people to rush out of the classroom. Wiping the blood from my hand with a handkerchief, I fixed my eyes on the other two seniors.

"Will that be all senior brothers." I gracefully asked.

"What happened," A loud feminine sounded, causing me to grin as I turned towards a face I had not seen in years.

"A-A-A-Arsène" Victoria shouted with shock as she stared at the bloody young man beneath my feet.

"Instructor Victoria its has been so long. Have you missed me? " I asked, walking up to her, giving a respectful bow of that of a gentleman.

Her eyes shot up in surprise at my behavior, causing me to smile. A lot had changed; no more was I that wild unruly child. Grey had instilled class deep into my bones.

"Please excuse this mess, Instructor. My dear seniors over here tried to extort me. A foolish decision, I must say. I would usually not care, but they dared to place their filthy hands upon me."

Shaking my head with revulsion, my eyes grew cold as I stared at the two young men with chilly intent. A shiver ran through their bodies as they lowered their heads.

Eyeing me, trying to see if I was lying, Victoria nodded as she commanded everyone back to class. None of the other instructors spoke in defense of the three young men causing me to smile. Knowing that they were trouble makers.

Walking into my old classroom, I smiled as I stared at some of the familiar faces before me. A deep set of amethyst eyes stared at me like a hawk causing me to smirk inwardly.

"Good morning everyone, My name is Arsène Snow, the child of Emma and Duke Val. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance...again."

I could vaguely see Victoria gagging, remembering how I first introduced myself when compared to before. Looking at how my seat was still empty, I couldn't help but grin happily.

"Your the Ashen Prince," a cute-looking girl with long pink hair asked with a blush.

Smiling, I nodded, "Indeed, that is one of my names. Can I ask the beautiful young lady's name?" I stated with a charming smile. Her face grew a deep shade of crimson as she lowered her head, squirming like a small bunny.

"Ava Silmor," she said with a whisper.

"Find your seat Arsene." Victoria coldly spat, clearly annoyed.

Following her command, I took my seat that was closer than what I remember to Yura. She had truly changed, becoming a phoenix among the local cats. Yet all I could do was stare at her soul-catching eyes with a smile.

Her long silky jet-black hair fell to her back, raining down freely. In contrast, she sat straight up, her bewitching appearance sending my heart into a fluttered state. There was a gentle air to her that didn't seem to connect with her icy persona.

"Lady Yura, how have you been...Did you miss me?"

Giving me a sharp glance over, she stared at Victoria with a cold focus, clearly ignoring me. Not being offended, I finally, for the first time, decided to listen in.

"We will be leaving for the Forest of Serein in a few days. Our class, amongst others, will be joining us as we have an early competition this year. Your Class president will have more details, Yura if you would."

Yura quickly stood up before the class, speaking in a cold and clear tone, "There will be a week-long hunting competition. Only those that have entered Qi Condensation shall be allowed to participate. First place will receive one hundred spiritual soul gems, a tier-three weapon, and your choice of any arte the academy has placed up for you."

Rubbing my chin, I couldn't help but smile before raising my hand, "what is our response if someone tries to steal our prey, or more importantly if they try to kill us."

"Killing is not allowed, but crippling should be acceptable, "Yura responded with indifference, startling the entire class.

Victoria quickly coughed, "Please disregard that; crippling is not allowed, just break a few bones," She responded with cold sweat on her brow.

"Lady Yura, have no worries. I, Wynnstan Aytone, shall claim victory!" A handsome young man with short dark hair shouted with arrogance.

Glancing at Wynnstan, who was at the Fifth stage of Qi Condensation Realm, a thought came to mind. Will this be an individual tournament, or will we have to work as a team?