Gabriel responded confidently to Celene's question, his voice steady and assured, "Of course, I passed the graduation assessment."
Celene's eyes lit up with a spark of excitement, her lips curving into a slight smile. "Really?" she asked, her tone tinged with both surprise and pride.
Gabriel nodded, his expression unwavering. "Yes, I passed. If you don't believe me, you can go to Green Leaf Academy and ask around. It's no secret—everyone at the university knows about it."
Upon hearing his words, a subtle blush crept across Celene's cheeks. Her initial excitement gave way to curiosity as she leaned in slightly and asked, "What's your awakened class, then?"
Gabriel met her gaze directly and answered, "I'm in the Support-Healer class, a Cleric. But just before coming home, I finished my class advancement and moved to a profession more focused on healing—I'm now a Priest."
As soon as the word "Priest" left his lips, the light in Celene's eyes dimmed, her smile fading. She sighed softly, her voice tinged with a hint of regret. "That's... a pity. But as long as you perform well in the martial arts assessment, you can still be accepted into a good university."
Gabriel noticed the change in her demeanor and couldn't help but sneer slightly. His voice carried a subtle edge as he asked, "Why? What's wrong with a support class?"
Celene quickly shook her head, her expression softening as she tried to clarify. "There's nothing wrong with it, Gabriel." She paused, searching for the right words. "It's just that... if you're considering Blue Fire University, you'll need to stand out in the martial arts assessment. They're looking for students who excel in combat. If you were a Dark Priest, for example, you'd have a better chance of getting noticed without being scrutinized as much. That class, while supportive, also has a strong focus on martial arts."
Gabriel frowned slightly, his mind turning over the possibilities. The mention of "Dark Priest" caught his attention, and he muttered under his breath, "Dark Priest, huh..." He looked back at Celene, his expression resolute. "Dark Priest might be the most combat-oriented support class, but I don't think that's the only way. I say this with confidence."
Celene's expression became more serious, her brows knitting together in concern. "You don't understand, Gabriel," she said, her voice carrying a note of frustration. She shook her head, trying to make him see the reality of the situation. "The martial arts assessment at Blue Fire University isn't as simple as you think. It's far more intense, far bloodier than anything you've faced before. Every year, the faculty prepares extensively to ensure the assessment is flawless and merciless. Even I, despite my reputation, can't get anyone in through the backdoors."
Gabriel finally began to grasp the gravity of what she was saying. Her words weighed heavily on him, and for a moment, he was lost in thought. "If Dad heard about this," he mused silently, "he'd probably ask Celene to pull some strings and get me in through a backdoor."
"In short," Celene continued, her tone firm and unwavering, "you'd be better off participating in the martial arts assessment with everything you've got. I'll do everything in my power to help you prepare over the next few days."
Gabriel's jaw clenched slightly, but he forced a smile. "Don't worry," he said, a determined edge to his voice. "I'll pass the university assessment. If I can pass the student assessment as a support class, then I can definitely pass the martial arts assessment too!"
The tension between them was palpable, hanging thick in the air. Each of them was adamant in their views, their words sparking an unspoken challenge between them. As the conversation grew more intense, they failed to notice Alfred, who was standing off to the side, growing increasingly agitated. Just as Celene was about to respond, Alfred suddenly coughed awkwardly, his hands fidgeting with his pants.
Gabriel, noticing Alfred's discomfort, broke the heated exchange. "The restroom is down the hall," he said, his voice calm but a bit curt. "Go to the kitchen, turn right, and you'll find it."
Alfred nodded quickly, eager to escape the rising tension between Celene and Gabriel. As he walked away, Gabriel turned back to Celene, his eyes searching hers for some sign of understanding. "You were saying?" he prompted, his tone softer, though still tinged with the remnants of their earlier argument.
Celene's face flushed with a mix of irritation and concern. She bit her lower lip, her thoughts racing. Gabriel's earlier remarks had made it seem like he was prepared to use any means necessary to secure his spot at Blue Fire University, and that left her disappointed in him.
"Little Gab," she began, her voice a mix of frustration and care, "you have to understand that it's always better to rely on your own strength rather than seeking shortcuts. I'm really proud that you passed the student assessment, but the martial arts assessment is a whole different challenge. You need to keep working hard and prove yourself there."
Gabriel opened his mouth to respond, to explain that she had misunderstood his intentions, but then he hesitated. He could see the worry in her eyes, the concern that maybe he wasn't taking this seriously enough. With a sigh, he decided to let it go. "Forget it," he thought. "I'm not going to make this worse." Instead, he turned away, heading towards the kitchen. "Did you eat already?" he asked, changing the subject abruptly as he busied himself with preparing food.
Celene watched him go, her heart heavy with a mix of emotions. She hadn't meant to come down so hard on him, but she was genuinely worried. After all, she knew just how brutal the world outside the academy walls could be.
As Gabriel focused on preparing food, trying to push the earlier tension out of his mind, Celene silently followed him into the kitchen, deciding to help. She was still mulling over their conversation, but the sight of Gabriel concentrating on something as simple as making a meal brought her a strange sense of comfort.
A few minutes later, Alfred emerged from the restroom, looking slightly more composed. Gabriel noticed him and, trying to be polite despite the tension, asked, "Are you staying?"
Alfred, feeling out of place in the modest kitchen, crossed his arms defensively. As a pampered young master, he wasn't accustomed to eating food prepared by commoners, and his disdain showed as he huffed dismissively, "Hmmp!" He then walked straight over to where Celene was, ignoring Gabriel altogether.
Gabriel, feeling slighted by Alfred's dismissive attitude, thought to himself, "Is he serious? Couldn't he at least answer a question properly?" Frustration bubbled up inside him as he recalled how Alfred had been acting since they arrived. This wasn't the first time Alfred had been rude, and Gabriel wasn't going to let it slide anymore.
He followed Alfred, his expression darkening. Gently but firmly tapping Alfred's shoulder, he said in a serious tone, "I think you've overstayed your welcome. Thank you for bringing Yhen home, but it's time for you to leave." He paused for a moment, then turned away, muttering just loud enough for Alfred to hear, "Bootlickers these days don't even use their brains."
His comment was a calculated jab, and it landed exactly where he intended.
Alfred bristled, his face flushing with anger. "Trash!" he snapped, whirling around to face Gabriel. "Who are you calling a bootlicker?" His voice was thick with fury as he grabbed Gabriel's hand, his grip tightening painfully. "Remember, if it weren't for Celene, I wouldn't have stepped foot in your godforsaken house!"
Alfred was on the verge of throwing Gabriel across the room, his rage boiling over, but Gabriel, unfazed, simply smiled coldly. "Brother," he said calmly, "before you worry about what I said, maybe you should take a look at who's standing behind you."
With that, Gabriel exerted just a bit of force, easily breaking free from Alfred's grip as if it were nothing. He then turned and walked back to the kitchen, resuming his preparations as if nothing had happened.
Alfred froze, his mind racing. Slowly, he turned his head, and there, standing behind him, was Celene.
"Ce…lene…" Alfred stammered, his voice shaking as he realized just how much trouble he was in.
Celene's face was cold, her eyes narrowing dangerously. A bone-chilling aura radiated from her, making the air in the room feel thick and heavy.
"Yhen," Alfred began, desperate to explain, "it's not what it looks like! Let me explain!"
"Don't call me Yhen!" Celene snapped, her voice cutting through the air like a knife. "You don't have the right to use that name—only those close to me, like family, can."
Alfred, his desperation mounting, pointed at Gabriel. "But he started it!" he protested weakly, his voice trembling.
Celene's eyes blazed with anger. "What? You're still talking? There's nothing to explain when you've already insulted my family!" Her voice was laced with a cold fury that sent a shiver down Alfred's spine.
In the next instant, Celene's body erupted with a dazzling light. The terrifying
pressure she unleashed was so intense that it caused a porcelain vase on the kitchen counter to rattle before it shattered with a deafening crack.
CRACK!! BOOM!!
Alfred's face went pale with shock.
Celene was known as the peerless genius of Blue Fire University in Flame City, the top student of her generation. Compared to her, Alfred, despite his wealth and connections, was nothing more than a mediocre student. He was just another rich kid who had bought his way into the university. His strength was like that of a firefly compared to the bright moon that was Celene.
Alfred's knees began to tremble, his body weakening under the crushing pressure Celene was exerting. He wanted to kneel, to beg for mercy, but he couldn't even muster the strength to move.
BOOOM!
Without warning, Celene threw a punch with lightning speed, her fist connecting with Alfred's chest.
Alfred flew backward like a rag doll, crashing through the window and landing several meters away in the front yard.
Gabriel stood frozen, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Celene had used no sharp weapons, no flashy skills—just pure, raw strength. With a single punch, she had sent an adult man flying through a window, helpless to resist.
At that moment, Gabriel found himself breathing heavily, the remnants of Celene's oppressive aura still weighing on him. If he hadn't activated his self-made skill, [Conqueror's Haki], he might not have been able to withstand the pressure she had unleashed.
"Yhen, that punch could've seriously injured him..." Gabriel said weakly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Celene clapped her hands casually, as if shaking off dust. "It's fine," she replied with a shrug. "That's what he gets for insulting our home. The students of Blue Fire University aren't as weak as you think."
Gabriel's lips twitched slightly, a mix of awe and apprehension flickering in his eyes. "Are you sure?"
"He's fine. At most, he'll be crippled," Celene replied nonchalantly, her tone matter of fact.
Gabriel was instantly petrified, his mind reeling.
For the first time, he realized just how powerful Celene truly was. As she retracted her aura, the oppressive atmosphere in the room lifted, and he finally exhaled, realizing he had been holding his breath. Outside, he heard the sound of a car engine roaring to life before speeding away in a panic.
---
Thirty minutes passed in what felt like the blink of an eye.
The two of them emerged from the kitchen, but Gabriel still couldn't shake the lingering fear that had settled in the pit of his stomach.
Celene's earlier display of strength had been too shocking, too overwhelming. The image of Alfred flying out the window played on a loop in his mind, each replay more vivid than the last.
"Yhen," Gabriel began hesitantly as he slowly set the table, carefully placing the snacks and food he had prepared, "what level are you at now?"
Celene flicked her hair back casually, her expression unreadable. "I forgot," she replied with a shrug. "Anyway, I'm at a level higher than you."
'I forgot...' Gabriel thought to himself, his mouth twitching again in mild exasperation.
---
After Eating
The two of them sat on the couch, the television playing quietly in the background, but neither of them was paying much attention to it. The tension from earlier had faded, replaced by a comfortable silence, but Celene still felt the need to clear the air.
"Little Gab," she called softly, turning to face him. Gabriel looked up, meeting her gaze.
"I'm sorry about earlier," Celene continued, her voice gentle and sincere. "I'm really proud of you, you know? I know I came down hard on you, but it's only because I care. From what you said earlier, I can tell you're determined to succeed, and that makes me proud. No matter how the martial arts assessment goes, when you come back, Dad, Mom, and I will be proud of you. It doesn't matter whether you get into a first-class Hunters Academy or a third-class one—we'll support you with all our hearts."
Gabriel's expression softened, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He could feel the sincerity in her words, and it warmed his heart.
Celene continued, her tone thoughtful, "I've been thinking about what you said earlier. Since you were able to advance your class so quickly, you must have awakened an incredible talent. I don't know what grade it is, but I'm sure it's related to why you chose a healing-focused class during your advancement."
Gabriel's smile widened, and he nodded in agreement. "No sweat, Yhen," he said with renewed confidence. "I'll give it everything I've got. There are only a few days left until the university's martial arts assessment. I'll try to increase my strength as much as possible."
Celene returned his smile, feeling a sense of relief and pride. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she knew Gabriel would face them head-on, and she would be there to support him every step of the way.