At 7:20 in the morning, Cael arrived at school.
He was twenty minutes early.
According to Class 2's routine, students were split into nine groups to take turns handling morning cleanup. Today was Group 4's turn—his group.
As Cael reached the classroom door, two boys exited, each carrying a trash bin.
They paused, locked eyes with him, then quickly stepped aside. One of them even gave a fawning smile.
Cael gave a curt nod. "Morning."
"Good morning!" they replied, visibly pleased.
He kept his expression neutral, but inside, he found the reaction strange.
This was undoubtedly the aftermath of yesterday's incident with the grass hound. In everyone's eyes, Cael was now a bona fide powerhouse.
Simply put, his status had soared.
He stashed his bag, picked up a broom, and began sweeping the classroom floor.
A few early students stood up and moved their chairs aside without needing to be asked.
When he finished, each one politely said, "Thanks."
Without exception.
The whole interaction felt like underlings greeting a boss.
Cael didn't act superior. "You're welcome," he replied, calm and cordial.
Small details—easily missed—yet telling of human nature.
Three minutes before class, homeroom teacher Mr. Varin walked in, as he always did.
The room fell silent.
Cael put down the lotus leaf cake in his hand, another treat gifted daily by Rhea.
Mr. Varin cleared his throat. "Class, I've an announcement. Hayden Fang has taken a long-term leave and won't be returning."
No one looked surprised.
By now, Hayden had become a laughingstock throughout the school. If he dared return, the stares alone would probably break him.
Mr. Varin continued, "Hayden previously held the role of Class Inspector. Since he's gone, the role needs to be reassigned."
The Class Inspector supervised student behavior and discipline—second only to the class monitor in authority. Tasks like cleanliness and conduct were monitored, with the inspector empowered to order redos for subpar work.
A role of real influence—and coveted.
Mr. Varin scanned the room. "Cael, you'll be the new Class Inspector."
Cael stood up. "Alright."
"I'm confident Cael will excel in this role," Mr. Varin said, smiling as he began clapping.
Clap! Clap!
A signal—everyone joined in.
Many eyes glittered with envy.
The position came not just with power but with a scholarship—every student wanted it.
Cael couldn't help but reflect.
He'd only just begun to show signs of strength, and already he'd earned respect and favor—from peers and teachers alike.
Rhea Quin beamed. "Cael, please look out for me going forward."
Cael smiled. "Of course."
Wen Jie glanced at him, filled with regret over past rude comments. What if Cael remembered and decided to retaliate?
For a moment, the boy considered switching schools.
On the 9th of every ten-day cycle, Fifteenth Middle School held a Grand Review—a thirty-minute event held before lunch.
The format resembled radio calisthenics, though the routines were different.
Today was Review Day.
One duty of the Class Inspector was to lead the class to the field, report to the host teacher, and monitor student performance.
For Cael, this was the perfect chance to observe other students.
Inside a classroom, it was hard to assess someone's build.
Outside, in an open area? Everything was in plain view.
And as the inspector, he'd be standing behind the rows—a perfect vantage point.
Ding-ling~
The class bell rang.
Cael stood. "Everyone, gather outside the main building immediately. If you need to use the restroom, go now. Urgent matters? Come see me directly."
As he spoke, he quietly channeled the True Flame Remnant Seal. His voice took on a subtly resonant warmth that made others want to listen.
Students moved fast.
Cael's eyes swept the room—and stopped on a short boy named Adrian Hale.
He was pale and skinny. His lips had a faint bluish tint.
Cael frowned and whispered mentally: "Deduce."
A wave of insight hit him.
If Adrian Hale participated in the review, he'd faint ten minutes in, disrupting the event and costing Class 2 ten points.
Cael walked over briskly. "Adrian Hale, are you feeling unwell?"
The boy hesitated, lips trembling. No reply.
"Are you feeling anxious? Short of breath? Cold sweat on your back? Stomach burning from time to time?" Cael asked.
Exactly what the Eye of All-Knowing had revealed.
Adrian Hale blinked in shock—and nodded.
Cael gripped his shoulder gently. "You don't have to go to the review today. I'll get you excused."
Then he called out: "Marcella Wendt! Adrian Hale's not feeling well. I think it's acute gastritis. Can you take him to the infirmary?"
Marcella—Class 2's monitor—nodded immediately. "Sure, I'll go now!"
Nearby students turned to watch.
Cael barked: "What are you staring at? Move. Let's get to the field."
Even his frown carried weight now. No one dared hesitate.
Five minutes later, 45 students marched in formation toward the field.
Cael held the class flag, leading them calmly.
When they passed the podium, he called out: "Report! Grade 3, Class 2—one student ill, one escorting. Two absent. Forty-five present!"
His voice was steady, powerful, clear enough for all twelve teachers to hear distinctly.
It didn't sound like someone doing this for the first time.
He spoke like a seasoned leader.
Many students thought back to Hayden Fang—and couldn't help comparing. Cael's performance was in a whole different league.