At first, everyone was surprised to see Mr. Jacob, but upon reflection, they found it normal. Since becoming the headmaster of the Golden Lion Academy, he had been obsessed with recruiting every S-rank he could find, even going as far as visiting other countries and realms allied with humans. Many despised his greediness, but no one could oppose Mr. Jacob. Supported by powerful allies, he himself was a formidable S-rank fire mage. At over fifty years old, he was not to be underestimated, capable of leveling an entire city with his powers.
As the crowd prepared to see what Mr. Jacob had to offer, Mrs. Joan felt her world crumbling. She feared Mr. Jacob might recognize her, so she restrained herself from rushing to Dante's side.
"Hello, young hero. I am Mr. Jacob," he said, extending his hand to Dante.
Mr. Jacob was a tall, imposing figure with a commanding presence. His greying hair was neatly trimmed, and his piercing brown eyes bore into those he looked at. His deep voice was both soothing and authoritative, his tailored suit and crisp white shirt reflecting his attention to detail. Despite his dignified appearance, Dante sensed things were not as they seemed.
"My name is Dante," he replied, shaking Mr. Jacob's hand.
"Let's keep this simple," Mr. Jacob continued confidently, sure he was about to make an offer no one could refuse. "I want to offer you admission to my school. I can assure you, no school is better than my Golden Lion Academy," he added with undisguised pride. Miss Sapphire, standing nearby, let out a low scoff, barely audible but caught by Mr. Jacob's sharp ears.
"Do you have something to add, Miss Sapphire?" he asked, glancing in her direction.
"Nothing at all."
"I thought as much. Perhaps still smarting from your students' loss in the last competition," he remarked coolly, causing Miss Sapphire to walk away, avoiding further confrontation.
"As I was saying, I will provide you with the best. You will be surrounded by talented peers, and I will improve conditions in your village," Mr. Jacob stated confidently, leaving no doubt he stood above all others, evident from the cautious distance everyone kept.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Jacob. I'm not interested," Alex said, his voice calm yet heard clearly by all present, given their heightened senses as awakeners.
The collective disbelief among those who heard Alex's rejection was palpable, with everyone showing surprise, and Mr. Jacob himself appearing more shocked.
"I don't think you heard me correctly," Mr. Jacob chuckled dismissively. "No one here or anywhere else can offer you what I can."
"I heard you perfectly well. I'm simply not interested," Alex replied firmly.
Mr. Jacob's face flushed with rage, his eyes seeming to blaze with fire. Had it not been for the presence of reporters, he might have incinerated Dante on the spot.
"You're rejecting a chance at a better future?" he barked, his voice dripping with frustration. His intense stare would have made most cower, but Dante, once a pinnacle of power himself, remained unfazed.
"I'd appreciate it if you controlled yourself. My friends have already suffered enough from the blood dog," Alex said coolly, Adam and Gavin tremble, though Mr. Jacob's gaze was not directed at them.
"He's not intimidated by Mr. Jacob?" remarked a reporter, setting off a chain of comments from those gathered. Many praised the boy's fearlessness and saw Mr. Jacob's loss as unprecedented.
"I admit, I should have given you more time to consider," Mr. Jacob conceded grudgingly.
"There's nothing to consider," Dante replied without hesitation.
While everyone was surprised by Dante's resolve, his mother felt a mix of pride and fear.
"Boy," Mr. Jacob leaned closer, his voice a low whisper meant only for Dante's ears, "since I've made you an offer, you're already mine. But if you persist in rejecting me," he snarled, "no academy will dare to accept you again."
Thinking the threat would sway Dante, Mr. Jacob waited, but Dante remained resolute.
"Stubborn fool," Mr. Jacob muttered, storming off. True to his words, no other academy attempted to recruit Dante, except the reporters who lingered, eager for more stories about the village.
"Are you not disappointed that no academy offered you admission?" Mrs. Joan asked, alone with her son after everyone had departed.
"No, I don't need any academy. I'm strong enough to protect you," Dante replied with a reassuring smile that warmed his mother's heart. She hesitated, wondering if now was the moment to reveal the secret of his birth.
"I'm proud of you," she couldn't find the courage to say it.
"Thanks, Mom."
"But you must spread your wings. What kind of mother would I be if I held you back?" Her smile masked the sadness in her eyes.
"Mom..." Dante began, interrupted by a knock at the door. Opening it, he was met with disbelief.
"You," Dante stated, his face a mix of shock and realization.