Ancestral Lineage-Chapter 79: After the Meeting Ends.

The hallway outside the Tyrants’ Meeting Hall. The atmosphere is tense, with the echoes of footsteps as the Tyrants disperse. The air is filled with a mix of murmurs and lingering power signatures from the intense meeting.

Ethan adjusted his spectacles as he stepped out of the meeting room, his mind buzzing with everything that had been discussed. He could feel the eyes of the other Tyrants on him, some filled with curiosity, others with thinly veiled hostility.

Lamair fell into step beside him, his usual calm demeanor unshaken. "You handled yourself well back there," Lamair said in a low voice. "But be careful. You’ve stirred the pot, and Leon isn’t the type to let go of a grudge easily."

Ethan nodded, his grey eyes glinting with a mix of determination and caution. "I’m aware. If he wants to challenge me, I’ll be ready."

As they walked down the long corridor, the conversation was interrupted by a sudden, mocking laugh. Ethan turned to see Leon leaning casually against a pillar, his icy blue eyes gleaming with malice.

"Well, well, if it isn’t the academy’s newest golden boy," Leon sneered. "Enjoy your little victory in there, Ethan. But remember, you’re just a rookie playing in a league far beyond your reach."

Ethan met Leon’s glare with a calm smile. "If that’s the case, I suppose you won’t have any trouble proving it when the time comes."

Before Leon could retort, another figure stepped between them—a guy with white long hair tied in ponytailed braid and purple feline eyes with tanned skin. He was tall, standing at 6.2 feet tall with white and black tiger ears. Lu Qi, the Tyrant of Lightning, known for his unpredictable nature and carefree attitude.

"Now, now, boys, let’s not get too heated," Lu Qi said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "We’ve got bigger fish to fry, remember? Inter-schools’ tournament, student exchange... no need to tear each other apart just yet."

Leon scoffed but pushed himself off the wall, turning to leave. "This isn’t over, Smith," he muttered, his voice cold as the frost that seemed to follow in his wake.

Lu Qi chuckled, watching him go. "Don’t mind him, Ethan. Leon’s just sore because he thinks you’re stealing his thunder. You know how ice types get—cold and easily cracked."

"Thanks for the heads-up," Ethan replied, relaxing slightly. "But I’m not here to make friends or enemies. I just want to focus on getting stronger."

Lu Qi’s grin widened. "Spoken like a true underdog. I like that. Just don’t get too caught up in the politics of this place. It’s easy to lose yourself."

Lamair, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "Lu Qi’s right. The academy is a breeding ground for ambition and rivalry. But remember, strength isn’t just about power. It’s about strategy, patience... and knowing who to trust."

Ethan nodded, absorbing their advice. "I appreciate the warning, but I’ll be fine. I’ve dealt with worse."

Lamair gave him a thoughtful look before turning away. "Let’s hope so. The outing will be a chance for everyone to show their true colors. Stay vigilant."

"By the way, why are you hiding your real power?" Lu Qi suddenly said to Lamair, catching him off guard. He had a wide and almost manic grin on his face while the air crackled around him with streaks of purple lightning.

"Chill bro. I’m not planning to hold back for real long, you know... Some people are getting over their heads. They need to know their place." Lamair replied with a calm tone which only seemed to make Lu Qi more agitated.

"Yes! That was what I was expecting. I expected nothing more from the strongest 3rd year student." Lu Qi practically screamed in joy.

""...""

As the trio reached the end of the hallway, they parted ways. Ethan watched them go, his mind racing with the implications of the meeting and the words exchanged. It was clear that the academy was a battlefield, not just in terms of physical strength but also in the realm of alliances and hidden agendas.

...

Ethan hurriedly headed to his class block. A massive two-story white building–the Class 2 Block stood tall as a two-story building, designed with a modern yet sophisticated architectural style that reflected the academy’s prestigious reputation. The entire building was painted in a crisp, clean white, giving it a sleek and elegant appearance. Large glass windows with black metal frames were evenly spaced along the façade, allowing ample natural light to flood into the classrooms.

The main entrance was highlighted by a set of wide double doors made of polished glass with silver handles, framed by sleek black metal. Above the doors, there’s was prominent archway engraved with the words "Class 2 Block" in bold, silver lettering. A short set of four stone steps led up to the entrance, with a smooth white railing on either side. The entryway was shaded by a small overhang, providing a bit of shelter from rain or sun.

The building’s white walls were pristine, with subtle grooves and patterns that added texture and depth. The ground floor featured large floor-to-ceiling windows on either side of the main entrance, offering a glimpse into the spacious lobby area. Vertical black stripes ran between the windows, giving the exterior a touch of contrast and a modern aesthetic.

The front of the building was surrounded by a well-maintained cobblestone walkway lined with neatly trimmed hedges and colorful flower beds, providing a vibrant contrast to the white building. Several white stone benches were placed along the walkway, inviting students to relax between classes. Small ornamental trees were planted on either side of the entrance, adding a touch of greenery.

The second floor featured a long balcony that ran along the entire front of the building. It was enclosed by a sleek white railing, providing a comfortable spot for students to relax between classes. Glass doors with black frames led from the classrooms to the balcony, allowing easy access and a flow of fresh air.

The building had a flat roof with a slightly raised white parapet, adding to its clean, rectangular shape. The roofline was adorned with LED strip lighting that glowed softly at night, enhancing the building’s elegant look. A small digital clock and school emblem were mounted near the roof’s center, facing outwards for all to see.

Upon entering, students were greeted by a spacious lobby area with white marble floors and a high ceiling. A large chandelier hanged in the center, casting a warm glow across the room. The walls inside were painted in a soft off-white shade to reduce glare, with motivational quotes and framed artwork lining the corridors. The first floor housed six classrooms, each equipped with sliding glass doors for easy access. The classrooms were furnished with modern white desks, ergonomic chairs, and large digital screens for interactive learning.

To the right of the lobby was a wide staircase with white marble steps and a sleek silver handrail, leading to the second floor. Next to the staircase, there was a small elevator with transparent glass doors, allowing students with mobility needs to move easily between floors.

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The second floor had an open layout, featuring six more classrooms along with a study lounge for students to work on group projects or relax between lessons. The lounge was furnished with plush white sofas, low coffee tables, and bookshelves stocked with academic resources.

The hallways on both floors were well-lit with recessed ceiling lights that emitted a soft, natural glow, complementing the bright and airy atmosphere. Potted plants were placed strategically along the corridors, adding a touch of nature to the sleek, modern design.

At the back of the Class 2 Block, there was a cozy outdoor seating area with white wrought-iron tables and chairs under large white umbrellas. This space was perfect for students to enjoy their lunch or engage in quiet study sessions surrounded by the greenery of the academy gardens.

The rear of the building featured two emergency exits, marked clearly with red signage. Each exit had a fire escape staircase painted in matte black, adding a functional yet stylish contrast to the all-white building.

Ethan stared at the huge building in wonder and awe. This was a castle as compared to the Class 1 building. There was enough space–too much space for everyone to learn effectively.

Ethan headed to the lobby where he came into the presence of restless students. They amounted about 1000+ students but there was still space in the lobby and enough cushions for everyone to share. Ethan took a deep breath and went to stand at the center, right under the chandelier. The lobby was instantly enveloped in silence as all eyes turned to Ethan. His tall figure and calm expression created a very strong presence to his fellow Class 2 students that he didn’t need to shout or command silence. Ethan was inwardly surprised at this progress, but he wasn’t complaining. Not now, not ever!

He cleared his throat and started.

"Thank you for coming on short notice. I’ve already asked permission to have this meeting." Honestly, he didn’t need to, but he was still new to his work. He only got to know when "Miss Beli" told him had enough authority to hold a meeting and no teacher can challenge him.

He said in a very serious tone.

"The reason why I called you all is to share a very confidential message with you. It wouldn’t really be confidential as most of it would be release by the end of the week but I will tell you anyway so we can prepare for anything.

As part of the incoming outing and other programs, all the Tyrant are tasked with special tasks but the one I will tell you about is the training program. Starting from today, I will be surveying and checking everyone’s progress. The reason for this is to select subordinates who would aid me in leading our class during the outing. There will be a price for each class and also one for the class that comes on top, so be prepared. For now, I will be supervising every training session we have to select strong subordinates. As we are in Class 2, there isn’t much to teach so most of the learning will be done privately. As such, we will be using those periods for training. Not just physical training, but strategies etc.

I will need a list of every class with their affinities and levels from all class monitors by tomorrow. Training starts tomorrow. Any questions?" Ethan said with a calm and collected expression.

A hand instantly shot up and Ethan nodded towards it, beckoning the person to ask away.

"Who do you think you are to tell us what to do? And even claim to supervise our training. Please don’t get over your head just because you became a Tyrant." A fair skinned guy with short blonde hair with an arrogant said with a hint of anger and jealousy drawn on his face.

"What are you insinuating, Jerry?" Ethan asked in a cold tone.

"So, you know my name? Cool!" Jerry responded in a carefree attitude.

"I am the Tyrant of Psychics and in charge of Class 2 by default."

"Yeah yeah, we all know that shit and many more, but do you think you can order us around? I don’t even know how you became a Tyrant when you clearly lost in the duel."

"Yeah! This is very suspicious now that I think about it. He bribed the principal, didn’t you?" another guy with a thin build said with sneer.

"Someone who bribed the principal can’t be a Tyrant! Get out of here, fraud!" another person chimed in, this time a girl with long black hair and a haughty look.

"Shut up! All of you! It’s not true." Clara suddenly shouted with clear anger on her face.

"Keep it down princess... You can’t possibly be defending this makeshift Tyrant." Jerry said in a jeering tone.

"Will you fuckers stop messing around?! Who are you calling a makeshift Tyrant?" Trevor also exclaimed, clearly irritated. Even Emily who was by him had a rare expression of anger on her face.

"I can see. He charmed you guys with his good looks, no?"

"Fuck you!"

"If it wasn’t for your background, I would’ve..."

"You would’ve what? Can’t talk again?" Jerry was cut short from the heavy presence he was feeling and the voice filled with something he had only read about, killing intent. Intent so heavy that he saw a huge beast behind Ethan with glowing red eyes.

All those who had voiced up earlier were all shivering like they were encased in prisons of ice, even the girl was close to fainting.

"I am the Tyrant of Psychics and as a Tyrant, I have permission to use force if needed. Slandering or blatantly disrespecting a Tyrant is punishable by a week’s detention and manual labor but I will let it slide. I know why you are doing this. Letting someone control your lives like you are animals–idiots! If you want to test or witness my strength and why I am a Tyrant, you are welcome to try but I don’t think you can do anything in this situation." Ethan said in a cold tone which sent shivers down everyone’s spines. They all felt his killing intent, which was forming a beast behind him, its form unknown but its glowing red eyes, pure with intent. At some point, Ethan’s eyes had also changed to red and was glowing ominously.

"Ethan..." Clara whispered, also shivering but not from fear but reverence. The subordinate mark not only protected them from Ethan’s killing intent but increased their reverence for him anytime he asserted his power in their presence.

"Any more questions?" Ethan asked once again, his now red eyes boring into every pair of eyes his met.

"M-Mm-me!" a dark-skinned girl with short dark hair and pale-yellow eyes stammered as she raised her hand shakingly.

"Yes?"

"The name isss L-L-Lisa, Lisa Tennyson!"

"Yes Lisa?"

"How are y-you gg-going to supervise everyone? Please?" She asked with shaking leg causing Ethan to display a small smile on his cold face and catching her off guard causing her to blush profusely. But it ended quickly when he felt a chill he was now becoming accustomed to on his neck. The girl was so cute! He couldn’t help it, okay?

"That is very simple but also a secret." Ethan said while winking at her which earned him another cute blush and a massive headache. It was obvious Clara had attacked him telepathically. Girl, you are making it obvious to everyone.

"O-okay! T-t-thanks!"

"Actually, I can check up on everyone with my abilities, it’s a secret though. But, on our first training, anyone who still has doubts about my capabilities and strength is welcomed to challenge me to a mock duel. If you win, you instantly become a subordinate, if I win, it doesn’t count. Any more questions?"

"..."

And just like that, the meeting ended with Ethan asserting dominance over his mates.

...

The principal’s office was a stunning blend of elegance and authority, designed to exude both warmth and professionalism. Upon entering, one was greeted by the sight of a spacious room bathed in natural light streaming through large floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the academy’s lush grounds. The walls were painted in a soft, calming shade of cream, complemented by dark wooden paneling that added a touch of sophistication.

At the heart of the room stood a grand mahogany desk with a polished surface, neatly arranged with a sleek computer, a few well-organized files, and a classic brass desk lamp that gave off a warm, golden glow. Behind the desk was a high-backed, plush leather chair, exuding both comfort and authority. On the opposite side, two comfortable, cushioned chairs faced the desk, providing a welcoming space for visitors and students alike.

To the left of the room, there was a cozy seating area with a pair of luxurious leather armchairs flanking a glass coffee table, adorned with a vase of fresh flowers that added a pop of color to the room. Above this seating arrangement, a large, framed painting of the academy’s crest hung proudly on the wall, symbolizing tradition and pride.

Bookshelves lined the right side of the office, filled with an impressive collection of books on education, leadership, and history, their spines adding a burst of color and texture to the space. Nestled between the bookshelves was a tall indoor plant, bringing a touch of nature indoors. The soft scent of polished wood and fresh flowers filled the air, creating a welcoming and serene ambiance.

A thick, plush carpet in deep navy blue covered the floor, muffling footsteps and adding an extra layer of comfort. The office was lit by a combination of recessed ceiling lights and a stunning crystal chandelier that cast a soft, inviting glow throughout the space, while subtle gold accents on the fixtures and decor added a touch of luxury.

In one corner, a small, well-stocked minibar offered refreshments for meetings, and a discreet wooden door led to a private, adjoining bathroom. The overall atmosphere of the principal’s office was one of elegance, authority, and a quiet confidence, making it a perfect space for important meetings, reflective moments, and the occasional visit from curious students.

Carmen Steil, the principal, sat in one of the armchairs, swirling a glass of red wine as she laughed heartily. Her usually stern demeanor had softened, a rare sparkle of genuine amusement lighting up her sharp black eyes. Whatever had amused her so greatly remained a mystery, but between her fits of laughter, she kept repeating with a tone of satisfaction, "He’s doing it! Finally!"

Who she was referring to was anyone’s guess, but the glint in her eyes suggested she was more than pleased with whatever recent developments had unfolded.