Chapter 142: Transfer Student – Brita Kuusk

The grand bell of the Verdant Dawn Academy tolled, its deep, resonant chime marking the beginning of a new academic year. Alaric Steele stood near one of the academy’s many courtyards, watching students both old and new flood the grand hallways and lecture halls with a sense of renewed purpose—or in some cases, sheer dread at the prospect of another year of rigorous studies.

It was his eighth and final year at the academy, and unlike the previous years where he had focused on securing a strong foothold within the world of magic, combat, and the political games of noble factions, this year was going to be different. He had already carved a name for himself, shaken the very foundation of this world’s power structures with his introduction of the Phone, and gained both allies and enemies who wished to either control or eliminate him.

But this year… this year would be about something else entirely.

Innovation.

Standing near one of the open terraces, he gazed at the horizon, where the sun’s golden rays illuminated the vast academy grounds. A thoughtful smirk played on his lips. ’I’ve already disrupted communication in this world. But why stop there?’

His mind buzzed with possibilities. This world had magic, the very elements themselves bent to the will of those who trained in their usage. But the civilizations here hadn’t even begun to grasp the true technological potential that magic could unlock. The artifacts currently available were primitive compared to what could be created.

In his previous world, technology had reached unimaginable heights, but it was limited by the physical laws of that world. Here, however, those limitations did not exist. Magic was a force that could alter reality itself. If used correctly, it could push technology beyond anything ever conceived.

’What if I could create a magic-powered computing system? Or long-range encrypted messaging through mana waves? What about enchanted weapons that automatically adjust to the wielder’s fighting style?’

The possibilities were endless, and Alaric intended to spend his final year in the academy researching, developing, and perfecting these concepts. The more artifacts he created, the greater his influence would grow. A skilled artificer in this world was a rare and valuable asset, and Alaric intended to ensure that no one—not the Royal Family, not the Phantom Assembly, not even the nobility—could keep up with the pace of his innovation.

But just as he was about to lose himself in his thoughts, a voice called out, snapping him from his planning.

“Hey, have you seen the new transfer student?”

A passing student chattered excitedly to a friend. “I heard she’s gorgeous. And not just normal gorgeous. I mean, jaw-dropping, heart-stopping, ’please step on me’ levels of gorgeous.”

Alaric’s brow arched. Normally, he would ignore such trivial gossip, but something about the way the students were whispering about this transfer piqued his curiosity.

As if on cue, the crowd near the entrance of the academy parted slightly, and then—he saw her.

Long, flowing dark hair cascaded down her back like liquid silk, catching the sunlight in just the right way to make it shimmer. Emerald green eyes, sharp yet sultry, scanned the area with a confidence that made it clear she knew exactly how much attention she was drawing. Her curvaceous figure, accentuated by the fitted academy uniform, seemed almost too perfect to be real. And then… her name was announced by one of the faculty members.

’Brita Kuusk.’

Alaric’s smirk widened ever so slightly, though inwardly, he was downright amused.

Now, as Alaric Steele, he had never once interacted with Brita Kuusk. There had been no confrontations, no exchanges of words or hostility.

But as the masked man?

Well.

That was an entirely different story.

Brita Kuusk was a high-ranking member of the Phantom Assembly, one of their most skilled auctioneers and, at times, an enforcer for the organization. He had encountered her when he had infiltrated one of their secret auction halls, watching from a VIP room as she masterfully conducted the bidding wars between the underworld’s elite.

Of course, that wasn’t all that had happened that night.

The moment the auction was over, and chaos had erupted due to Alaric’s own interference, Brita had tried to personally take him down.

And, naturally, he had not only outmaneuvered her in combat but had also—ahem—taken the opportunity to fondle her rather ample assets during their skirmish.

She had not been pleased.

In fact, she had been furious.

But the most amusing part? She had no idea that the masked man who had humiliated her that night and the young prodigy known as Alaric Steele were one and the same.

Alaric leaned casually against the stone railing, watching as Brita was formally introduced to the faculty and students. Her posture was flawless, exuding both confidence and charm. If he hadn’t already known who she really was, he might have been fooled by the pristine academic background that had been prepared for her.

Oh yes, the Phantom Assembly had gone to great lengths to ensure that her cover was airtight.

According to official records, Brita Kuusk was an orphan who had shown exceptional talent in magic from a young age. She had received a scholarship to a local mage academy when she was only twelve and had spent the past eight years honing her skills, earning both prestige and wealth through her missions. Now, at twenty years old, she had decided to upgrade to the Verdant Dawn Academy, the best in the region, to further her education.

Everything checked out.

Too bad for her, Alaric already knew the truth.

The timing of her transfer was also painfully obvious. Unlike the previous year, when noble heirs and faction representatives had flocked to the academy to cozy up to Alaric for the sake of acquiring the secrets of the Phone, Brita had waited. She had let the initial rush settle, choosing instead to arrive now—when the competition for his attention had died down.

A subtle approach.

’Smart.’

Clearly, the Phantom Assembly had sent her here for one reason—to seduce him, to gain his trust, and ultimately, to extract the secrets of the Phone. And considering her beauty, charm, and intelligence, she was probably their best candidate for the job.

’Too bad for her, I enjoy playing games more than they realize.’

Alaric chuckled inwardly. He had no intention of revealing her true allegiance. In fact, her little charade would serve as free entertainment.

He would let her try. Let her pull all the classic tricks—the accidental run-ins, the oh no, I tripped, please catch me moments, the flirtatious glances and mysterious smiles.

And then, when she was certain she had him exactly where she wanted him—

He would remind her why playing games with him was a dangerous mistake.

As the formalities of her transfer wrapped up, Brita Kuusk turned her gaze toward the academy grounds, her emerald eyes sweeping over the students.

For a brief moment, their gazes met.

Alaric gave her the most charming, perfectly polite smile he could muster.

She tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into a small, knowing smirk.

’Oh, this is going to be fun.’

~~

The lake shimmered under the soft moonlight, casting gentle ripples across the surface as a faint breeze rustled through the surrounding trees. Alaric Steele stood by the water’s edge, hands tucked in his coat pockets, gazing at the reflection of the moon while beside him, Natasha stood with her arms crossed, frowning. She had been listening to him with a mix of irritation and exasperation, her delicate features twisted in mild frustration.

“So, let me get this straight,” Natasha said, her voice laced with annoyance. “You’re telling me that all these girls throwing themselves at you aren’t actually in love with you but are just here to steal your secrets?”

“Exactly,” Alaric confirmed, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

Natasha huffed, running a hand through her golden hair before grumbling, “Selfish bastards. Every last one of them.”

Alaric chuckled at her response. “I knew you’d say that.” He turned to face her properly, his expression growing more serious. “But listen, since they’re coming to use me, I’ve decided to use them in return.”

Natasha’s blue eyes snapped up to him, narrowing. “Use them how?”

“For power. Influence. Information,” Alaric stated casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “If they think they can seduce me and gain something in return, I’ll let them believe that… while I get exactly what I need from them first.”

Natasha crossed her arms even tighter, glaring at him. “And you expect me to just stand by and watch while these vultures try to sink their claws into you?”

Alaric reached forward, gently grasping her hand. Natasha’s breath hitched slightly as he intertwined their fingers, his grip warm and firm. “I don’t want you to doubt me,” he said, his voice softer now, more intimate. “No matter what you see, no matter who tries to get close to me… I will never choose them over you.”

Natasha’s expression softened, though there was still a flicker of unease in her eyes. She bit her lip, hesitating before finally admitting, “I know you’re not that kind of man, Alaric, but…” Her fingers tightened around his. “It would still make me uncomfortable to see you with them. I won’t ruin your plans, but…” She hesitated again before looking up at him with the faintest hint of vulnerability. “Just… promise me you won’t betray me.”

Alaric gazed at her for a long moment before smiling ever so slightly. Words weren’t necessary. Instead, he leaned in, closing the distance between them with slow intent. Natasha’s breath caught, her cheeks tinged with a deep shade of red as her eyes fluttered shut just as his lips brushed against hers.

It was soft at first, gentle. A quiet promise in the form of a kiss. Natasha’s fingers clutched at the fabric of his coat, her heart racing, her entire world narrowing down to this one singular moment. As the kiss deepened ever so slightly, she felt herself melt into him, her previous worries and frustrations dissolving into nothingness.

By the time they pulled apart, Natasha’s face was flushed, her breath uneven, and her eyes hazy with emotions she probably hadn’t even fully sorted out yet.

Alaric chuckled, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “Does that answer your question?”

Natasha swallowed, nodding quickly before burying her face in his chest to hide her embarrassment. “Just shut up already,” she muttered.

Alaric only smiled.

A few days later, Alaric found himself standing in one of the academy’s open-air training grounds, his arms crossed as he watched a certain emerald-eyed beauty saunter toward him with a practiced grace that could put seasoned courtesans to shame.

Brita Kuusk.

Her long, dark hair cascaded in perfect waves down her back, her academy uniform tailored just right to accentuate all the right curves without appearing indecent. Her emerald eyes twinkled with amusement and something else—something calculated.

“Lord Steele,” Brita greeted, her voice smooth like honey. “I’ve heard that you are quite proficient in magic martial arts. I was hoping you could give me some guidance.”

Alaric raised an eyebrow, amused. ’So, she’s making her move already, huh?’

Magic martial arts was a hybrid combat style that combined magic with close-combat techniques. Most mages specialized in long-range attacks, but those proficient in magic martial arts were just as dangerous up close as they were from a distance. Alaric had trained extensively under Professor Maelis, one of the academy’s top instructors in the field, making him one of the best practitioners in the academy.

However, Brita Kuusk was not some helpless novice.

Alaric had fought against her before—though she didn’t know that. Back when he had infiltrated the Phantom Assembly’s secret auction hall as the masked man, he had gone toe-to-toe with Brita. She had fought with a seamless blend of magic and martial prowess, wielding her magic staff with expert precision while integrating spells into her physical attacks.

She didn’t need his training.

No, this was nothing more than a carefully crafted excuse to get close to him.

And Alaric had absolutely no intention of declining.

With an easygoing smile, he gestured to the empty training ground. “Of course. I’d be happy to help you, Miss Kuusk.”

Brita’s lips curled into a pleased smirk as she stepped forward, stretching her arms above her head in a way that just so happened to emphasize her figure. “I appreciate it. I’ve been struggling with integrating my magic into my close-combat movements. I was hoping you could demonstrate some techniques.”

Alaric nodded, stepping closer, deliberately maintaining a confident but casual stance. “Magic martial arts is all about fluidity. You can’t just throw a spell and then follow it up with a punch—it has to be seamless, like a dance.”

Brita’s smirk deepened. “A dance, huh? Sounds intimate.”

Alaric chuckled. “It can be. Here, let me show you.”

He moved behind her, placing his hands lightly on her waist. He could practically feel the slight tension in her body as she realized just how close he was.

’Ah, so she’s not entirely unaffected, huh?’

She quickly masked it with a teasing laugh. “You work fast, Lord Steele. Most men at least buy me dinner before touching me like this.”

Alaric smirked. “I work in efficient ways, Miss Kuusk. Now, focus.”

Brita let out a dramatic sigh but did as instructed. Alaric guided her through a basic motion, subtly pressing against her back as he moved her arms into position. He felt the way her muscles tensed and relaxed beneath his fingertips, the way her breath hitched ever so slightly at the intentional proximity.

’So, she’s using physical closeness as a tactic to fluster me? Cute.’

He decided to play along.

As they continued the session, Alaric found opportunities to place his hands on her shoulders, adjust her stance, or brush against her arms—all under the perfectly valid excuse of instruction. Brita, to her credit, was smooth about it, feigning innocence every time she “accidentally” leaned too close or pressed her hand against his chest for “balance.”

By the time they wrapped up, Brita was smiling victoriously, clearly thinking she had managed to take a step forward in her seduction plans.

Alaric, on the other hand, was inwardly laughing.

She had no idea she was the one being played.

~~

It didn’t take long for the entire Verdant Dawn Academy to catch wind of the news.

After all, it wasn’t every day that two of the most attractive and enigmatic students in the academy started training together.

Brita Kuusk, with her voluptuous figure, striking emerald eyes, and mature charm, had long since bewitched many young men in the academy. Even without trying, she attracted suitors left and right, from noble heirs to promising commoners looking to rise in the ranks. Her mere presence in a room could make heads turn, hearts race, and poor souls act like fools just for a shred of her attention.

And Alaric Steele? He was in a league of his own. A man whose name had already shaken not just the academy but the entire kingdom. Handsome, talented beyond reason, and possessing an intelligence that made even the most powerful factions wary. He had gathered the admiration—and envy—of many, especially the young noblewomen who saw him as the ultimate prize.

So when word got out that Brita Kuusk and Alaric Steele were training together, whispers spread like wildfire through the academy halls.

And naturally, two individuals in particular did not take this news well.

Kenneth Darlington-Whit and Noah Gilkes.

Both were extraordinary in their own right.

Both had their own ambitions, their own paths, and their own secrets.

Both were transmigrators.

Yet, despite sharing such an uncommon origin, they were neither allies nor friends. In fact, they were rivals—each carefully maneuvering within different influential circles, gathering power in their own ways. Their paths rarely crossed, and when they did, it was with veiled hostility and competition.

And both of them had taken an interest in Brita Kuusk.

Kenneth, with his sharp aristocratic features and refined charm, had been smitten with Brita from the moment he first laid eyes on her. His system had given him an incredible edge in improving his magic martial arts and political influence, making him a respected figure within noble circles. He had envisioned himself standing by Brita’s side, believing that her beauty and charm deserved someone like him—a noble of great talent and future potential.

Noah, on the other hand, was more discreet about his desires. His system was different, more alchemical and research-based, allowing him to create rare potions and artifacts that were beyond the understanding of this world. He was rising in power not through noble connections but through innovation, gathering allies among scholars, researchers, and hidden figures who recognized his genius.

Neither of them knew the other was also a transmigrator.

But both of them knew one thing.

Alaric Steele was their obstacle.

It was unacceptable. Unforgivable.

That he—of all people—was getting close to Brita Kuusk.

Thus, both men, in their own ways, decided they needed to destroy this so-called “relationship” between Alaric and Brita.

Kenneth was the first to make his move.

He was a skilled magic martial artist himself, and while he was nowhere near Alaric’s level, he was still considered talented. His lessons were often shared with other promising students in this field. And as luck would have it, Brita Kuusk had been attending the same classes.

One particular day, when Alaric was running late—likely caught up in a conversation with his friends—Kenneth saw his opportunity.

With his usual confident smile, he approached Brita, adjusting the cuffs of his elegant uniform before speaking in a charming, low voice.

“Miss Kuusk, if I may offer you some friendly advice…”

Brita turned to him, raising a perfectly shaped eyebrow. “Oh? And what might that be, Lord Darlington-Whit?”

Kenneth exhaled dramatically, shaking his head as if he were carrying the weight of a heavy truth. “I couldn’t help but notice your association with Alaric Steele. I feel obligated to warn you about him.”

Brita tilted her head slightly, feigning curiosity. “Warn me?”

Kenneth nodded, lowering his voice, making it seem as though he was revealing a great secret. “Alaric Steele… he’s not the man you think he is. He’s selfish, Miss Kuusk. He only associates with people when they are of use to him, and once he’s gotten what he wants, he leaves them behind without a second thought.”

Brita’s eyes didn’t waver, but inwardly, she was amused. ’Oh? So that’s how you’re playing this?’

Kenneth continued, mistaking her silence for intrigue. “He’s surrounded by women, you know. Many women. It’s not just you. He has no loyalty, no sincerity. He collects women like trophies, forming… intimate relationships with them without committing to any of them.”

Brita pursed her lips, pretending to ponder his words. “That’s… quite the accusation.”

Kenneth nodded gravely, placing a hand on his chest as if swearing an oath. “I only speak the truth. You deserve better than a man like that. If you truly wish to master magic martial arts, I’d be more than happy to teach you myself. I assure you, my guidance would be no less effective than Alaric’s.”

Brita smiled at him, her expression warm but unreadable. “That’s very kind of you, Lord Darlington-Whit. I’ll be careful, then.”

Kenneth felt a rush of satisfaction. ’Yes! She’s listening. She understands!’

Or so he thought.

Brita, of course, had no intention of distancing herself from Alaric. She had simply humored Kenneth’s words, knowing that forming a connection with him could be useful in the long run. After all, Kenneth had quite the noble backing. It wouldn’t hurt to keep him within arm’s reach.

But rejecting his “advice” outright? That would have been foolish. So instead, she let him think he had convinced her.

A few days later, it was Noah’s turn to make his move.

Unlike Kenneth, Noah wasn’t going to waste his breath warning Brita away from Alaric. That wasn’t his style. Instead, he opted for something more… intriguing.

One afternoon, Brita found herself approached by a quiet, enigmatic young man with deep-set eyes and an aura of mystery. He held a small, intricately crafted glass vial filled with a shimmering golden liquid.

“Miss Kuusk,” Noah greeted smoothly, extending the vial toward her. “This is for you.”

Brita arched a brow, taking the vial cautiously. “And what is this, exactly?”

Noah smirked slightly. “A very rare elixir. One that enhances the synergy between your magic circuits and your body, allowing for significantly improved training efficiency.”

Brita’s interest was piqued. She examined the liquid carefully before looking back at Noah. “And what do you want in return?”

Noah shrugged casually. “Nothing. I simply appreciate talent when I see it. Consider it a gift.”

Brita narrowed her eyes slightly before laughing softly. “Generous, aren’t you?”

Noah smiled but said nothing.

Brita, despite her usual caution, recognized the value of the elixir. It was an incredibly rare concoction, and the fact that Noah had simply given it to her without demanding anything in return made her curious. He wasn’t like Kenneth, who tried to persuade her with words. He was more… subtle.

’Interesting…’

She accepted the gift, thus forming a new connection with Noah Gilkes.

Both Kenneth and Noah had made their moves.

Both believed they had taken a step toward claiming Brita for themselves.

And neither of them realized…

That Brita Kuust told all about this to Alaric Steele.