Christopher sighed deeply, his mind a whirlwind of calculations.
'The Golden Organization has already infiltrated Cordelia. This is dire. And that fool recognized me after reincarnation... Hmm... There's only one path forward.'
He turned his gaze towards Advika, Katherine, and Adonis.
'Those closest to me must grow stronger. It's the only way to ensure their safety. Katherine and Adonis possess powerful beasts, yet they themselves are weak. Advika is even weaker. I must begin with her.' He thought, his brow furrowed.
'Adonis and Katherine can commence their practice, but Advika's training will be significantly different. I require information.'
"Hmm... Master Christopher."
Christopher's train of thought was interrupted as the Dean and Monica approached him.
"We wish to express our gratitude for today... However, concerning that beast, the Spirit Fox..."
"Dean, don't concern yourself with it. It's merely an insignificant individual seeking peace. We should extend forgiveness to Leon and Master Lincoln for their behavior, and they will be duly punished. There's no cause for alarm," he said with a reassuring smile.
'They mustn't be privy to this information yet. I need to gather all the necessary intelligence. They would only become needlessly worried, and with the presence of all these students, it's not ideal.' He thought, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.
"Thank goodness it's settled..." Monica sighed in relief.
"Miss Monica, what about the competition? The third round?" Mariana inquired.
"Oh." Monica turned to Mariana, her expression thoughtful.
'With Christopher's overwhelming strength, she still inquires about the competition.' Monica sighed inwardly, then spoke aloud, "The third round is straightforward. You will all challenge Master Christopher. Anyone who manages to defeat him or even score a point against him will advance to the next round."
"....."
A collective silence descended upon the crowd. They exchanged bewildered glances before turning their attention to Christopher.
"Hmm... Principal Monica, I forfeit."
The individual who had secured the golden ticket declared, eliciting knowing smiles from Monica and the Dean.
"Very well then... So, you four are the victors of the competition and will represent Vitality Academy in the academy competition next week!"
She addressed the audience, "Everyone, please applaud for Master Christopher, Master Mitchell, Miss Advika, and Miss Mariana! They are the winners!"
The crowd exchanged hesitant glances before erupting into applause, their minds still reeling from the extraordinary events they had witnessed.
"Alright... This concludes today's proceedings. You are all dismissed to rest and will resume tomorrow," she announced to the academy students.
"Oh... Did we just get an early dismissal?"
"YES!!"
"Understood, Principal Monica!!"
The students erupted in cheers upon hearing the news of their early dismissal.
"You are all free to leave," Monica added, addressing the contestants.
The four victors exchanged nods and departed.
"Dean, you can handle the disposal of the beast carcasses. You can sell their parts or utilize them as nourishment for other beasts. Consider it an investment from me in the academy," Christopher said as he walked away.
'That scoundrel! He already pilfered the ten cores! And now he's donating empty carcasses, attempting to portray himself as benevolent!!!' He inwardly fumed, before regaining his composure.
'But wait, how did he extract the cores without anyone noticing?' He pondered, his gaze fixed on Christopher's retreating figure.
"Dean, do you harbor any suspicions?" Monica whispered.
"Christopher Valhalla, the supposedly useless son of the Valhalla family, who was once terrified of even Common-stage beasts, has suddenly become immensely powerful, commanding two Perfect-stage beasts that effortlessly vanquished ten Mythical-stage beasts... Furthermore, a Divine beast communicated with him telepathically... What do you deduce from this?!"
Monica nodded slightly, "And that beast spoke of being reborn, and that Christopher defeated its master... When did all this transpire?"
"I have no knowledge... All we can do is monitor him closely." He turned his attention to the carcasses, "Although he seized the cores, these beasts still possess considerable value. Their parts will fetch a high price at tomorrow's auction."
"Indeed... That's a sound strategy. We can reserve three for beast feed," Monica added.
"Advika." Christopher called out, approaching the trio.
"Yes?"
Advika halted and turned to face him.
"We will be venturing into the mountains before the competition."
"Uh? Why is that?" Advika asked, her brow furrowed.
"You need to commence your training. You must subdue the goddess within you."
"Oh!"
Advika nodded slowly, then fixed her gaze on Christopher.
"Will we be the only ones going?" she asked.
"You may bring your sister if you desire, but I advise against it. The goddess will resist, and it will be perilous for weak tamers," he said, patting her head.
"Don't worry, I will assist you." He walked past her.
"Why are you touching my hair?! Do I resemble a child to you?!"
"Yes."
Christopher replied with a smile, pushing the door open.
"You!"
Advika hurried after him, slowing down as she reached his side.
"How will you assist me?" she asked.
"Be patient." Christopher replied tersely and opened the door.
"Master Christopher!!"
"Master Christopher, can we be friends!!"
"Master Christopher, I love you!!"
"Master Christopher!!"
Christopher and Advika froze at the arena's entrance, gazing at the throng of students before them, predominantly female.
"What is transpiring here?" Christopher muttered, his brow furrowed.
"What do you expect? You are now a celebrity within the academy," Advika whispered.
"Don't forget you're associated with me. You will also achieve notoriety, perhaps they will misunderstand," Christopher said with a smirk.
"You!"
Advika swiftly distanced herself from him.
"Make way!"
"Quickly, step aside! It's Miss Chloe!"
"The academy's strongest student and the Dean's disciple!"
"Wow!"
Christopher looked ahead as the students parted, revealing a purple-haired beauty approaching him with a smile. Beside her were his sister, Katherine, and her best friend, Bella.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Master Christopher."
She halted before him and extended her hand for a handshake.
"....."
The students were stunned, including Katherine and Bella. Chloe had always been cold and aloof towards the opposite sex, but now, she was initiating a conversation.
"Hello, Miss Chloe." Christopher shook her hand.
'Chloe, the only daughter of the Borodino family. Any man who marries her will become the next head of the Borodino empire... If I recall correctly, this girl despises me, or rather, the previous occupant of this body...'
He released her hand, as she showed no signs of letting go.
'What are you scheming, Chloe?'