"No, he's my friend." Lillian gave a faint smile. "Why are there so many people outside today?"
"Vornia Academy is hosting the Bloom Festival," Declan said. "Have you ever thought about enrolling there? Their lead medical professor is a vampire who has been studying medicine since he was human. He's got over a thousand years of experience. You might even discover ways to enhance your spiritual power there."
Samuel caught a brief flicker of something dark in Lillian's eyes before she replied, "I don't have the time for school, and the tuition is too high."
Vornia Academy was known as the best school on Azure Planet, offering top-tier resources reserved exclusively for females. But getting in wasn't just about meeting academic requirements; it also demanded extensive knowledge and significant financial backing.
Justine was currently studying there, already in her second year, receiving a premium level of education.
Lillian, on the other hand, had always been labeled a failure by her family. She was barely managing to survive on her own, let alone pursue her studies. Even though she had four million stellar coins along with some savings, they still weren't enough to pay the tuition.
"Didn't you see the announcement? They revised their policy this year. If you're outstanding enough, you can qualify for a grant and attend without paying," Declan said, passing Lillian a registration form. "Today's the deadline. Do you want to give it a try? I can help you submit your application."
Lillian paused for a moment, a spark of excitement flashing across her eyes. "Yes, I've been so caught up hunting aberrant beasts that I completely missed this!"
Just as she started filling out the form, a familiar, mocking voice came from behind her.
It was Waylon. Having overheard her intention to apply to Vornia Academy, he couldn't resist mocking her, saying, "Lillian, you should be more realistic about your goals."
Samuel noticed Lillian's expression darken slightly and immediately turned toward the two men nearby, his guard up.
Standing next to Waylon, Jaycob, who was holding a bouquet meant for Justine, looked at Samuel and said, "Man, don't you know your female only has an F-level spiritual power? She's basically useless! She can't even soothe a sparrow, yet she thinks she can get into Vornia Academy. She must be dreaming."
By now, Lillian had learned to let their scornful words pass over her like wind. She stayed focused on filling out the form, ignoring them completely and missing the growing coldness in Samuel's eyes.
Waylon looked Samuel up and down, his eyes settling on the gray wolf ears that refused to retract. He smirked at Lillian.
"So this is the werewolf you ended up with? He can't even hide his ears. Must be some low-grade stray from Rogue Planet. Just look at him. Pathetic. I bet he can't even afford basic nutri-fluid. With such a useless female by his side, I'm sure he'll starve to death soon."
Samuel's ears flattened abruptly, not because of the insults thrown at him but because he saw Lillian's hand pause mid-writing.
It lasted only a second, but it told him everything about the kind of hurt this seemingly gentle, angel-like female had gone through in the past.
"Let's leave," Lillian said to Samuel. She set the pen down, folded the registration form, and slipped it into her bag, her voice steady as though none of it had affected her. "I have the form now. I'll complete it later."
She turned and started to walk away.
Samuel reached out and lightly took her hand, his voice low as he said, "I won't stand by and let anyone treat you like that."
Waylon moved quickly, stepping in front of them to block their path. "Lillian, I'm telling you, a failure like you should stay at home instead of coming out here to embarrass Justine—"
He didn't get the chance to finish his words.
Samuel's fist slammed into his face with a heavy thud.
It happened so quickly that even Lillian didn't have time to react before Waylon was sent flying, his body crashing hard into two trash cans by the roadside.
"Samuel!" Lillian cried out, stunned.
Jaycob froze for a brief second, then immediately assumed a fighting stance and charged at Samuel.
Samuel didn't even bother to look at him.
He simply flicked his hand, and Jaycob was pushed away, his body tracing a clean arc through the air before landing hard in the middle of the street.
Jaycob and Waylon were both A-level males, yet they couldn't withstand even a single move from Samuel!
Lillian stood there in shock.
There was no doubt about it; Samuel had to be an S-level male.
Not far away, Justine stood with a composed smile, speaking gracefully with Darren. Suddenly, Jaycob dropped from above and hit the ground right in front of her, sending dust flying into the air.
Dirt splashed onto Justine's dress. Jaycob looked up at her, his face twisted in pain, and called her name weakly.
The smile on Justine's face froze.
People passing by began to slow down, turning their attention to the scene and whispering among themselves.
Justine drew a steady breath, forcing down her irritation, and asked in a soft tone, "What happened?"
Jaycob struggled to his feet, wincing. "Lillian's male attacked Waylon and me."
Justine's expression changed at once.
She had always taken pride in standing above Lillian, gaining admiration by keeping her suppressed. Yet now, the two males she had deliberately taken from Lillian, both A-level, had been injured by Lillian's new male?
Could it be that Lillian had somehow bonded with an S-level male?
As Justine looked up, searching for Lillian, she found that Lillian had already left with Samuel.
Waylon, still burning with humiliation, walked over and said, "Lillian was talking about enrolling in Vornia Academy earlier. I just told her to be realistic, and her male immediately attacked us."
Justine instinctively glanced at Darren and noticed that his attention was fixed in the direction Lillian had gone.
Her chest tightened. Quickly, she dismissed Waylon and Jaycob, then turned back to Darren. "I'm sorry you had to see that. I didn't handle my family matters well."
"Lillian is your sister?" Darren asked.
Justine gave a small nod, putting on a helpless expression. "She only has an F-level spiritual power, is quite lazy, and has never made any effort to improve. On top of that, she has a terrible temper and often mistreats the males bonded to her. Waylon and Jaycob are ones I took in after rescuing them from Lillian's side."
Some nearby students overheard her words and quickly said, "We've heard about Justine's sister, Mr. Lloyd. Her reputation is awful; she's always bullying Justine. If someone like her were admitted, it would bring shame to Vornia Academy."
