Reborn Financier-Chapter 49: The Headmaster

Back at the academy hospitals, a conversation between a young greater grandmaster who hides his power and a an old martial master who is just too smart, the Head master.

"You’re quicker-witted than I anticipated," Kaidën replied in a hoarse but even tone.

"I’m the Headmaster of the best school in the continent," said Alaric, an eyebrow arching. "If I couldn’t determine a faked knockout, I’d be in the kitchen boiling potatoes."

Kaidën smiled dryly. "Could’ve fooled the rest of us, though."

You did, Alaric admitted. Even a few of the professors. You almost got me. But I’ve fought in a couple real battles to understand when a person’s hurling a swing... and when a person’s laying the groundwork.

He pulled a chair next to Kaidën’s bedside and sat.

"You let her win," Alaric told her, voice no longer raised. "And changed your own mind. You didn’t intend to get hurt—although you understood that the technique would do what you intended. You risked. Drawn the match. Won the result."

Kaidën didn’t respond

He looked the Headmaster closer. Alaric Varnel was no ordinary martial master. He was a warrior-sage in a past incarnation, so people said, who fought demons in the Great North. Others believed that he was the former king sword. Others whispered he was once part of a secret group that assassinated rogue gods.

Kaidën had always dismissed such rumors as fantasy... until now.

Alaric leaned forward slightly.

"I should be worried about you," he said, tone still casual. "Three years missing. You come back with no explanation. You’re stronger than you should be. Too calculating. Too composed."

He narrowed his eyes.

"In my experience, that makes one of three things: a prodigy, a monster... or a spy."

Kaidën clenched the sheets unconsciously.

"But then I got a letter," Alaric continued, standing now, his hands clasped behind his back. "From Commander Steven. He begged me to let you enter the academy without fanfare. Said you weren’t a threat. Said you were... different."

He turned around and faced the wall, pausing before adding: 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"He said you were broken—but not dangerous. Yet."

Kaidën blinked. He really said that...?

There was a heavy silence.

"I owe Steven," Alaric said quietly. "So I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt. For now."

He turned back toward Kaidën. The fire in his eyes had returned.

"But don’t mistake that for trust."

Kaidën nodded slowly. "Understood."

Alaric walked toward the curtain but stopped halfway.

"Oh, and one more thing," he said. "You were aiming for C-Class, weren’t you?"

Kaidën didn’t respond.

Alaric smirked again.

"Well, too bad."

Kaidën blinked. "What?"

"You’re being placed in B-Class."

Kaidën sat up straighter. "Why?"

"So I can keep an eye on you," the Headmaster replied. "You’re clever, but not clever enough to escape my radar. B-Class gives me proximity. Also..."

He looked over his shoulder.

"You’re not as invisible as you think you are."

And with that, Alaric exited the room, robes billowing slightly behind him.

Kaidën sat in silence.

The moment was heavy, not with fear, but realization. He knows. Maybe not everything... but enough.

Then came another thought: Steven... you really put your neck out for me, huh?

He exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair.

"Looks like my peaceful life really is going up in smoke..."

He slumped back into the pillows, staring up at the ceiling.

"But at least I made it this far."

***********************************************

Back at the Academy Judges’ Discussed the placement of students into their respective classes based on their performance.

There were five teachers seated in a circular room under the academy’s tallest tower. Illusions in the enchanted table standing there fluttered in the air as the last matches repeated.

The stern-looking martial arts teacher rapped the table. "Not perfect control that Ji possessed but she does have the bloodline and the talent. She deserves A-Class."

"Agreed," another concurred. "In spite of the ultimate outburst, she showed enough restraint."

Then came Kaidën’s replay.

The room fell quiet.

"His form is inconsistent. He switches stances mid-combat. He never follows through the way he should."

"Or he’s hiding," said the mana instructor. "Holding back. Subtly. Carefully."

One of the professors with a long beard immediately said, "there is no way he is hiding his power, he is just weak"

The Headmaster spoke through a projection window.

"Place him in B-Class," he instructed.

No one questioned it.

***********************************************

It was finally time for the results of the practicals to to appear. The students gathered together in the Grand Hall

The Grand Hall was a work of mystical genius. Crystal chandeliers hung suspended in the air above, casting soft glowlight over the space, throwing gentle patterns across the thousands of students gathered. The atmosphere vibrated with anticipation.

There was a huge magical projection hovering over the stage, listing names in sparkling runes.

Classes were allocated by classes.

S-Class: exceptional. Hand-selected. Only the best of the best, taught only by the headmaster.

A-Class: Meng Ji’s name appeared.

Applause followed. She stood calmly, but her eyes searched the crowd.

Then—

"Kaidën Valtorin – B-Class"

A wave of murmurs swept through the hall.

"B-Class? Seriously?"

"Thought he got lucky."

"Maybe he’s a noble?"

"Nepotism?"

Kaidën stood among them, hands in his pockets. His face was calm. But inside, he was screaming.

"B-Class? I aimed lower. But now the rumors won’t stop. I’ll be watched. Talked about. Questioned."

He forced a smile. A thin, bitter one.

"Peaceful life, huh?"

***********************************************

The crowd thinned. The hall slowly emptied. Kaidën stood alone near a marble pillar, listening to the echo of fading footsteps.

From across the room, Meng Ji turned. Their eyes met.

She nodded once.

Kaidën didn’t return it.

He left.

Down the stairs. Through the corridor. Into the shadowed courtyard.

The wind blew gently.

His internal voice murmured:

"B-Class, huh? Could be worse. Not A. Not S. Still low enough to vanish in the noise. Especially with the monsters they’ve thrown into the higher ranks."

He walked forward, each step slow, heavy, thoughtful.

"It’s not what I planned. But it’ll do. For now."

He disappeared into the dusk.

"Let this peace... last just a little longer."

To be continued...