Villainous Instructor at the Academy
Chapter 96: Simple feast (2)

Chapter 96: Simple feast (2)

The clearing at the center of the forest was alive with the sounds of chatter and the scent of roasted meat. Fires crackled, casting flickering shadows over long wooden tables stacked with food. The feast marked the end of the first three days of survival camp—the hardest part. Tomorrow, there would be no trials, just rest and reward distribution.

My class and I walked into the clearing, drawing more than a few stares. Some were curious, others outright hostile. But none burned hotter than the glares coming from three particular figures standing off to the side: Professors Halloran, Kellan, and Gale.

Kellan’s appearance was especially amusing. His usually well-groomed hair was scorched, uneven patches of burnt strands sticking out in wild tufts. The sight made me smirk.

Then Kellan’s lips curled into a sneer. "Look at him. The great Professor Drelmont." His voice dripped with mockery. "A coward who ran away instead of fighting."

That got the attention of nearby students. Conversations slowed as heads turned toward us.

I tilted my head. "Oh? You sound upset, Kellan. Maybe it’s the burnt hair talking."

The jab earned a few stifled laughs from my class, but Kellan ignored them, his eyes locked onto mine. "You ran, Drelmont. You didn’t fight, didn’t prove yourself. Just tucked your tail between your legs and left others to handle the real threats. That’s who you are."

Ah. So this was the angle he was going for. Trying to discredit me in front of the students.

I let out a slow exhale, then turned to my class. "Julien," I said casually, "remind me—who was it that tried to kill me during the scavenger hunt?"

Julien grinned. "That’d be Kellan, sir."

I nodded. "And what happened to him?"

"Got his hair fried," Mira answered, smirking.

That was enough to set off a wave of chuckles. Even Felix, who looked like he wanted no part in this, couldn’t help but crack a smile.

Kellan’s fists clenched. "You think this is funny?"

"Oh, absolutely," I said. "Especially since I’m still standing here, and you look like a half-plucked rooster."

The laughter grew louder. Kellan’s face darkened with rage, but before he could lunge at me, a heavy hand landed on his shoulder, stopping him.

Halloran.

Unlike Kellan’s raw fury, Halloran’s gaze held something colder—disdain. He had been a pain in my ass since the start of survival camp. He was in charge of the supply distribution and had gone out of his way to make things difficult for me and my class, giving us the bare minimum while other groups received more than enough.

"You’ve had your fun," Halloran said, his deep voice carrying over the murmurs of the crowd. "You might have gotten lucky in the trials, but that doesn’t change the truth. Your class survived on scraps, and we all know why."

I kept my expression neutral. "Enlighten me."

"You didn’t earn anything better."

My students tensed beside me, but I held up a hand to keep them quiet.

"I see," I said. "So you’re saying survival supplies were based on ’merit’ and not, let’s say, bias?"

Halloran’s eyes narrowed, but I continued.

"Because if we’re talking about merit, then my class—who made it through every event despite getting the worst rations—must be pretty damn impressive."

That shut a few people up.

Gale, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "This isn’t the time or place for arguments," he said smoothly. "There’s a feast. Enjoy it. Or don’t. Either way, some of us have more important matters to discuss than your petty grievances."

A dismissal.

For now.

I exhaled and gave Kellan one last amused glance before turning away. My students followed, still grinning among themselves.

As I grabbed a plate, I felt their stares on my back. The hostility hadn’t faded. But neither had my resolve.

Felix groaned in relief. "Finally, no more running for our lives."

"Until next time," Garrick reminded him.

Leo sighed. "You just had to say that, didn’t you?"

Mira smirked. "What, scared?"

Leo shot her a deadpan look. "Mira, we’ve spent three days nearly dying. I think I have a right to be a little concerned."

I smirked as I scanned the clearing. The Feast of Respite was designed to lull students into a false sense of security. Long tables covered in food stretched across the area, the scent of roasted meats and freshly baked bread filling the air. Large cauldrons simmered with fragrant stews, and platters of fruits and desserts were stacked high. Magic-infused lanterns floated overhead, casting a warm golden glow over the gathering.

It looked like a grand reward. A celebration.

But I knew better.

Because in the game, the feast wasn’t just about eating.

It was a test.

And Gale was waiting for his turn.

I noticed him standing near the faculty table, a goblet of wine in hand, watching me with a knowing smirk. There was no immediate threat, no outward hostility. Just patience. A quiet promise.

He hadn’t forgotten about what happened during the drinking night.

A single misstep here, and he would make his move.

I smirked. Looks like I’ll be earning my meal tonight.

I took my time selecting my meal, carefully picking out a plate of roasted meat, bread, and a generous helping of stew. My students followed suit, albeit with much less caution. Felix, in particular, piled his plate so high that Mira gave him a skeptical look.

"Planning to eat your weight in food?" she asked.

Felix huffed. "After three days of suffering? Absolutely."

I ignored their banter as I found a seat, making sure to position myself with a clear view of the faculty table. Gale was still watching, still waiting. The other instructors were engaged in quiet conversations, but their eyes flickered toward me every so often.

The test hadn’t begun yet, but I could feel it creeping closer.

Julien took a seat beside me, lowering his voice. "What’s the plan, Professor?"

I took a slow bite of my food before answering. "Eat. Enjoy the meal. But keep your guard up."

He nodded, passing the message along to the others. None of them questioned it. Good. They were learning.

Time passed, and the atmosphere around us gradually lightened. Laughter rang out, students sharing stories of their survival experiences. Plates clattered, cups clinked together in celebratory toasts. For a brief moment, it almost felt like an actual moment of peace.

Almost.

A hush spread through the clearing as Gale finally rose from his seat. His goblet of wine remained in his grip, his expression unreadable.

"Students," he called out, his voice smooth, practiced. "Tonight, we feast in celebration of your accomplishments. The trials of survival camp have pushed you to your limits, tested your skills, and, most importantly, revealed your true potential."

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the gathering.

Gale’s eyes swept over the crowd before settling on me. "But, as we all know, survival isn’t just about brute strength or endurance. It’s about adaptation. Wit. Knowing when to take risks and when to hold back."

I leaned back in my seat, already seeing where this was going.

Gale smiled, raising his goblet. "With that in mind, let us have a little... demonstration."

A few students perked up, intrigued. Others tensed, sensing the shift in tone.

"Professor Drelmont," Gale continued smoothly. "Since your class has managed to survive under such difficult conditions, why don’t you show us how much they’ve learned?"

Ah. There it was.

I placed my fork down, tilting my head. "And what exactly are you proposing, Professor Gale?"

His smirk widened. "A challenge. A simple contest of skill. After all, this feast is meant to recognize the strengths of our students. Why not give them a chance to shine?"

I glanced at my class. Julien was already grinning, eager. Garrick cracked his knuckles. Mira looked intrigued. Even Felix, for all his grumbling, had a glint of curiosity in his eyes.

A setup, no doubt. But an opportunity nonetheless.

I met Gale’s gaze. "Alright. We’ll play. What are the rules?"

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