Chapter 239: He even kissed me last night

Vlad’s body only slowed down when his dormitory became visible in the distance. As he approached its roof, the flames around him flickered before completely dying out.

He landed on the roof with a thud.

"Uncle Lucas is a Pyro Mage, yet his flames are faster than my lightning," Vlad exclaimed to himself. "Are Archmages even human at this point?"

He was well aware of his current abilities. Even though he was over a hundred times stronger than he had been before clearing the Ascension Dungeon, he never became arrogant about his new powers. He knew he still had a long way to go. And now, after seeing a spell from Lucas that he had used as casually as breathing, Vlad couldn’t help but feel even more excited in anticipation of his journey.

But for now, only for this day, he decided to take it easy. He had spent over four years in isolated training. Although he wanted to become stronger, he must not forget the actual reason for it along the way.

For those he deemed precious.

He moved down the stairs and arrived before his room.

"It has been years since I left this place," Vlad murmured as he opened the door.

The room was still exactly the same as he remembered. Two beds were placed against the walls on either side. Two study tables were connected side by side along the front wall, where morning light filtered through the transparent glass.

Vlad’s brows rose in mild surprise. His lazy roommate, Noah, the silver-haired, overly handsome young man, had already woken up.

He was dressed in a tracksuit, wearing sports shoes as he sat at the edge of the bed.

"Vlad," his blue eyes shifted to the tall man at the entrance, surprise clear in them. "You are alive?"

"How come everyone finds out that I died, but no one knows when I returned?" Vlad sighed, facepalming.

"Yeah, still kicking," Vlad replied, entering the room.

His eyes narrowed at Noah’s forearm muscles and the calluses on his hands.

"You have been training?" he gasped, finding it almost impossible to believe.

Noah only scoffed at his overdramatic reaction. He was acting as if the sun had risen in the west.

Noah wanted to ask about his adventure during the mission, but he had only just returned and most likely needed some rest.

"Yeah, I realized I have been slacking a bit too much," Noah replied, rising from the bed. He walked past Vlad as he continued, "I can’t have a freshman who just joined the academy surpass me."

"Are you sure that freshman hasn’t already surpassed you?" Vlad asked smugly, crossing his arms.

Noah immediately threw a punch straight at Vlad’s face.

Bam!

The loud sound echoed through the room, shaking the furniture. The fist had been stopped just before Vlad’s face by an index finger.

Blood dripped from Noah’s knuckles. He felt as if he had struck an immovable metal rod.

"Fuck," he muttered, retreating his hand. "You have become even more monstrous."

Vlad’s lips only rose slightly. "You have improved as well."

"Don’t be so cocky," Noah scoffed, moving out. "I will catch up soon and beat your ass."

Thud!

The door shut behind him.

"He should work more on his temper first," Vlad sighed, shaking his head.

He reached for his wardrobe and took out his phone. It was dead.

He placed it on the charging pad and went to the bathroom for a bath.

He could use his mana to remove all the dust and sweat from his body, keeping himself clean, but still, it had been quite a long time since he had taken a bath.

Nothing beat the massage of a warm shower in winter.

He came out half an hour later, completely bare.

"What should I wear?" he thought, looking at the clothes hanging in the wardrobe.

Ding!

His eyes shifted to the phone, which had just received a message.

It was from Seraphina. The moment Vlad read the message, he couldn’t help but shake his head with a bright smile on his face.

---

Sera:

Good Morning, Sir Vlad.

Your application to leave the academy for twenty-four hours has been approved by the Student Council.

You are ordered to fully focus on enjoying this holiday without thinking about training. If the council receives any complaints, you will be punished with a hundred spankings.

Successful completion of the mission will be rewarded with ten kisses.

Of course, both the reward and punishment will be personally given by the Council President.

Student Council President,

Seraphina Cendral.

Vlad: I have an objection. The reward-to-punishment ratio is not matching up.

Sera: ┐⁠(⁠￣⁠ヘ⁠￣⁠)⁠┌

---

"Now then, it’s time to have some fun," Seraphina snickered, putting her phone inside her storage ring.

She raised her hand and knocked on the door.

A few seconds later, the door opened, revealing a striking girl.

Chloe stood there in her usual high ponytail hairstyle, with her forehead covered by bangs. She wore her usual clothes: high-waisted trousers and a loose, creamy sweater.

"Seraphina?" Chloe murmured in her usual stoic tone, her expression revealing nothing of the mild surprise that she had after seeing the girl at her door.

Seraphina’s brows furrowed as she scanned her from head to toe. "Is this how you will be going on a date with Vlad?"

Before Chloe could even reply, Seraphina had already entered the room. Chloe’s room was quite modest compared to Seraphina’s grand room. However, there was only one bed. She had been paying extra rent just to have the whole room for herself.

As an extreme introvert, a roommate was the last thing she wanted in her room.

Seraphina lazily sat on her study chair and sighed. "At this point, just give up, girl."

Chloe’s brows slightly flinched at her remark. She closed the door and pivoted on her feet, walking towards Seraphina.

"Did Vlad tell you about the date?" she demanded.

"Of course," Seraphina nodded, leaning back and resting her face on her fist. "I came to check on how you will enchant him. But this..."

She shook her head in disappointment. "I was worried for nothing. You can’t steal him from me at all."

Now, Seraphina could clearly feel that Chloe was irritated, although she didn’t show it on her face.

"Vlad believes that I’m cute no matter what I wear," Chloe declared, leaving Seraphina surprised by how strongly she retorted.

Chloe’s eyes narrowed slightly at Seraphina as she continued, "And what do you mean, stealing? Vlad is mine."

"Nuh-uh," Seraphina shook her finger, the playful smile only widening on her lips. "I proposed to him last night. And he said yes."

Her eyes glimmered with mischief as she revealed, "He even kissed me on the lips."