The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

Without waiting for Desmond's reply, he caught the faint murmur escaping Jessy's lips, sensing the crackling energy coiling around them like a protective shroud. The air seemed to shimmer with anticipation, adding an electric charge to the atmosphere.

*bubble* *bubble*

The energy transformed into a gentle, aqueous embrace, resembling a plush water jelly that offered comfort. A symphony of boiling water sounds filled the air, creating a soothing harmony that cocooned Desmond's body within an oval-shaped bubble. Though enclosed, a small pocket of air remained, allowing him to breathe freely.

As his feet made contact with the liquid surface, he marveled at how the water had solidified, providing a sturdy foundation for him to stand upon. Desmond couldn't help but acknowledge the stark disparity between Jessy's mastery over natural elements and that of the other students he had encountered thus far.

His eyes wandered, observing the immaculate bubble surrounding him, its watery confinement refusing to release a single droplet onto the ground. The bubble levitated gracefully, maintaining a mere inch of distance from the earth's surface. Within Desmond's gaze, he discerned several minuscule, ethereal vortexes scattered across the bubble's exterior.

These vortexes seemed to serve as conduits, drawing in external energy to sustain control over the bubble.

Meanwhile, Jessy remained immersed in intense concentration, her unwavering gaze fixed upon the academy building.

"Please refrain from touching the water," Jessy spoke, her words resonating with a clarity that suggested an uncanny ability to delve into Desmond's thoughts. Her gaze flickered towards him briefly, as if peering into the recesses of his mind.

Simultaneously, Desmond caught a glimpse of something ominously dark and abyssal, akin to the dimensions he had encountered upon entering the gate with Weston. Yet, this was no ordinary gate. Desmond knew well that only a mage of the 3rd class possessed the ability to cast such a spell. Questions swirled within him, challenging his understanding of the situation.

However, caution tempered his curiosity, for years of experience had instilled in him the perils of carelessness.

"Expert Spell: Gate!" Jessy's proclamation, laced with a sense of finality, triggered the energy surrounding them to surge towards the bubbles, including the vital essence emanating from her own being.

Desmond couldn't help but feel a jolt of surprise at her words, for he had just mentioned moments ago that only a 3rd class wizard or witch could wield the power of a gate spell.

In the same breath, he felt a sensation akin to that which enveloped him when he entered Weston's gate. However, unlike Weston's portal, this new gateway submerged him in a boundless expanse of water, a suffocating ocean devoid of breathable air, engulfing his sinking body in a murky abyss.

"Whoa!" The disorienting feeling lasted but a fleeting moment, abruptly compelling him to gasp for air as his vision gradually emerged from its watery haze, revealing a peculiar room.

"Hahaha, welcome back, kid," a familiar voice resounded through the haze, coaxing Desmond to shake his head in an attempt to dispel the remnants of blurriness. And there he stood, Jessy bowing her head in deference to a muscular man.

As clarity settled upon his vision, Desmond beheld the unmistakable figure of Weston, the same room, the same attire, and that signature smile directed at him.

"Greetings, Principal," Desmond addressed him, eliciting widened eyes from Jessy, who stood beside him, witnessing his unexpected display of familiarity with the school's headmaster.

Perplexed, Jessy mustered the courage to inquire, "Y-You know our principal?" Her voice tinged with astonishment, she had assumed Desmond would address Weston as "Grandmaster," as was customary among others.

Yet, as the realization dawned upon her—recalling the higher-ups' involvement in academy affairs—she oscillated her gaze between Desmond and Weston, contemplating the enigma before reaching a conclusion.

"Of course he knows me. After all, it was I who retrieved him from the initial trial," Weston retorted, his voice brimming with playful pride, casting a mischievous glance in Desmond's direction. Then, shifting his attention to Jessy, he added, "Well done. Come, sit with me.

The match has already commenced." With a resounding clap of his hands and a flicker of subtle incantation, chairs crafted from exquisite, high-quality wood materialized, beckoning them to take a seat.

Jessy stood there, utterly speechless, her gaze shifting between Weston and Desmond, as she struggled to process the implications of their conversation. Finally, she found her voice and inquired, "What about him? Should I send him back to the arena?"

Expecting Weston to dismiss Desmond and swiftly return him to the competition, Jessy was taken aback by his unexpected response. "No need. Just send him before the final battle," Weston casually declared, causing a deep frown to crease Jessy's brow.

"But, Principal! This will compromise the fairness of the competition. Many students will protest against us. Rumors will spread, accusing us of favoring children from influential or wealthy families," Jessy interjected passionately, her words pouring forth in a torrent of concern.

"Worst of all, undiscovered talents among ordinary citizens will go to waste, resigning themselves to a mundane life as farmers."

Her gaze remained fixed on Weston, a solemn expression etched upon her face, as she vehemently voiced her opposition to his decision—an opposition that also sought to bolster Desmond's entry into the academy.

The realization struck Desmond like a bolt of lightning. The only reason he found himself here, granted special treatment, was due to his family's connections and the intervention of the higher-ups.

But witnessing the favorable circumstances surrounding his admission, he couldn't help but entertain the suspicion that the principal and his family had long been acquainted, orchestrating arrangements to ensure his seamless integration into the academy.

Silently observing their exchange, Desmond could sense Jessy's energy surge, coiling around her body, despite her not uttering any incantations. Her white hair fluttered like a defiant flag, framing her yellow eyes that seemed to gleam like those of a fierce, fanged wolf.

Shifting his gaze towards Weston, Desmond found himself rendered speechless once more. The principal sat casually in his chair, seemingly unfazed, his attention fixated on a portrait depicting the students' battles within the arena.

"Principal!" Jessy's voice snapped like a whip, jolting Weston from his apparent indifference. Her fists clenched, lending strength to her suspicions, which grew stronger upon witnessing Desmond's calm countenance.

Weston abruptly made a movement, his body pivoting to face Jessy. Towering at an imposing height of two meters, his muscular frame exuded dominance that could intimidate anyone shorter in stature. With his eyes veiled in shadows and his arms crossed over his chest, his white hair hinted at a dormant lion awakening from its slumber.

Desmond inwardly cursed, urging the old man to rein in his power. It seemed Weston was unaware of the unintended recipients of his overwhelming presence, causing Desmond to grit his teeth.

As Weston turned his attention to Jessy, her rebellious demeanor instantly crumbled, leaving her pale and meek. "Ah, pardon me," she stammered, her voice trembling. "My aged self must be growing more useless. I couldn't hear your words earlier. Could you please repeat them?"

Weston, sensing the leakage of his own energy, swiftly withdrew it, offering an apology that caused color to return to Jessy's face. "As I said before..." Jessy began to speak, her tone still trembling slightly from the earlier encounter. However, her words faltered as she caught sight of the frozen island depicted in the portrait.

Her gaze hardened, a coldness descending upon her, and her energy leaked out once more. The previous nervousness had vanished, replaced by an unwavering determination.

From the corner of his eye, Weston observed her transformation, cautioning her with a firm tone, "Calm down. There is a student beside you."

As Weston's words sank in, Jessy's eyes shifted towards Desmond, her body gradually releasing the pent-up energy and her gaze softening.

"The reason I granted him special treatment is..." Weston's words trailed off as he manipulated the scene in the portrait once more, displaying Desmond with closed eyes, effortlessly manipulating the celestial plates that caused the island to freeze.

"Are you starting to understand now? Hahaha!" Weston's laughter boomed, reverberating through the room. The shock etched upon Jessy's beautiful face only served to intensify his amusement.

Initially, it was Weston who had been more astounded than Jessy. If he hadn't placed a surveillance magic crystal on the island, he would have found it difficult to believe that a student could possess such power.