As the orientation concluded, the faculty was introduced.
Ethan paid close attention. In the novel, several teachers played crucial roles—both as allies and enemies.
[PROFESSOR MARCUS IRONHEART]
Subject: Combat Fundamentals
Rank: S-Minus
Role: Former Knight Commander, Lucien's Mentor
A mountain of a man with steel-gray hair and scars covering every visible inch of skin. He had retired from the imperial knights after losing his right arm in the Demon War. A prosthetic made of enchanted metal now took its place.
Marcus was gruff but fair. He would become Lucien's primary combat instructor and father figure.
In Ethan's knowledge, Marcus had a hidden technique—the [Ironheart Breathing Method]—that could dramatically increase one's physical attributes. The protagonist would learn it in chapter 89.
But I can try to learn it sooner.
[PROFESSOR CELESTE MOONSHADOW]
Subject: Magical Theory
Rank: A+
Role: Court Mage (Retired), Elena's Mentor
An elegant woman who appeared to be in her thirties but was actually over two hundred years old—an elf, like the headmaster. Her silver hair was tied in an elaborate braid, and her purple eyes held ancient wisdom.
Celeste was strict but brilliant. She would guide Elena in unlocking the secrets of stellar magic.
She also, Ethan recalled, possessed knowledge of a hidden dungeon beneath the academy—one that contained a legendary artifact.
[PROFESSOR DAMIEN GRAVES]
Subject: Alchemy and Enchantment
Rank: A-
Role: Hidden Villain (One of the Demon King's Agents)
This one made Ethan's blood run cold.
Damien Graves appeared trustworthy—a handsome man with scholarly features and kind eyes. He was popular among students, known for his patience and helpful nature.
But Ethan knew the truth.
Damien was a traitor. He was secretly feeding information to the Demon King's army and would orchestrate the "demon beast attack" in chapter 47—the very attack that killed the original Ethan Blackwood.
He wouldn't be exposed until chapter 234, after causing untold deaths.
I have information that could destroy him, Ethan thought. But I can't expose him yet. No one would believe an F-Rank student accusing a beloved professor without evidence.
He would need to be careful. Very careful.
[PROFESSOR LYDIA FLAMEHEART]
Subject: Elemental Combat
Rank: A
Role: Victoria's Aunt, Disciplinary Committee Head
A severe woman with the same crimson hair as Victoria. She showed no favoritism toward her niece—if anything, she was harsher on Victoria than other students.
Lydia had a secret: she was dying from a magical curse, one that would kill her in two years. Her death would send Victoria into a spiral of despair.
But Ethan knew the cure. It was mentioned in a throwaway line in chapter 312—a flower that grew only in the Demon Realm's northern mountains.
Another piece of knowledge I can use.
[PROFESSOR THERON BLACKWOOD]
Subject: History and Lore
Rank: B+
Role: Ethan's Uncle, Failed Mage
Ethan froze when he saw this name above one of the professors.
Theron Blackwood. In the original novel, he was mentioned exactly once—as the relative who sponsored the background character Ethan's admission to the academy.
He was a thin, tired-looking man with the same black hair and silver eyes as Ethan's current body. His posture suggested a lifetime of disappointment.
That's right, Ethan remembered. The original Ethan was only admitted because his uncle worked here. He had no talent, no backing, no future.
Theron's eyes briefly met Ethan's across the courtyard. There was something there—concern, perhaps, or resignation.
They hadn't spoken since Ethan arrived at the academy, apparently. Their relationship was strained.
Another thing I need to fix.