The boy's long crimson hair was parted neatly down the center, and his complexion was fair and clear. His demeanor exuded arrogance and overconfidence—qualities that grated on Tristan's nerves with every passing second.
"Who exactly are you?" Tristan asked, his voice tinged with irritation.
The boy scoffed.
"I'm surprised you don't already know. My name is Benjamin Vermillion, son of Decker Vermillion."
'I knew it... they're alike in every possible way.'
Benjamin ran his fingers through his lustrous red hair, his expression twisting into one of disdain as his eyes met those of Tristan and Garfield.
"And you must be Tristan Merigold—the wannabe Vermillion. I've been meaning to meet you. You managed to turn a few heads during the Entrance Exam," he said, a smug grin stretching across his face.
Tristan had already suspected the connection, but hearing the name confirmed it. His jaw clenched, and he clicked his tongue in frustration as Decker Vermillion's face flashed vividly in his mind.
'Is there no escaping this man? Every turn I take... he's there.'
He returned Benjamin's venomous glare with one of equal contempt.
"Where did you hear that? As far as I'm aware, members of the Five Great Families aren't permitted to attend the Entrance Exam."
Benjamin turned his head ever so slightly, casting a sharp glance in Tristan's direction.
"My father was there—but he's not the one who told me. Yaron did. You left quite the impression on him. His hatred for you could be seen from a mile away," he said with a sneer.
Tristan's gaze shifted to Yaron, who sat just a few seats to Benjamin's left. Yaron barely acknowledged Tristan, offering him only a fleeting glance before turning back to face the front.
Frustration continued to churn within Tristan as he stared at the two boys. Their stares were soaked in condescension, and the tension between them grew heavier with each passing second. The rest of the class watched on, the air thick with anticipation.
But before the atmosphere could ignite into confrontation, Charles intervened. He clapped twice, his hands echoing across the room, snapping everyone's attention back to him.
"I do apologize, Mr. Benjamin. May I continue with my lesson?" Charles asked, his tone polite but tinged with unease.
Benjamin turned to the instructor with a disarming smile—one that masked whatever lay beneath his composed facade.
"I apologize. You may proceed."
With the heir's approval, Charles continued.
"If you ever find yourself in such conditions... you may well be doomed. You'd best pray to our Lords for survival."
He walked behind his desk and pulled the hidden lever once more, causing the classroom to shift and descend again. Within moments, they were back in the room from which they'd begun.
As the lights settled, Amelia raised her hand.
"Miss Amelia," Charles said quickly, "you don't need to raise your hand. You may speak freely."
"I prefer to be treated like everyone else," she replied in her usual cold, emotionless tone.
Charles nodded awkwardly, his embarrassment evident as he struggled to maintain eye contact with her.
"Oh. Very well then..."
"My question, sir," Amelia began, her blue eyes steady and inquisitive, "is there even the slightest chance of surviving such extreme cold?"
Charles placed his hand over his mouth, thinking carefully. He closed his eyes, focusing deeply, and after a moment of silence, gave his answer.
"You'd have a far better chance of survival if you're not alone. Two individuals can keep each other warm—through physical closeness, body heat."
Amelia tilted her head, puzzled by his implication.
"I mean," he clarified awkwardly, "you and another person could embrace... to share body warmth."
Realization dawned upon Amelia, and her expression shifted instantly. Her pale face turned a vivid shade of red as she looked down, flustered and silent.
Tristan and Garfield exchanged glances, stifling their chuckles as they watched her rare moment of embarrassment.
"Well," Charles said, clearing his throat, "I believe that concludes today's class. We'll begin full Survival Practice training tomorrow."
With that, he exited the room, giving the students time to speak amongst themselves. Almost immediately, Benjamin made his way to the front and positioned himself behind the teacher's desk, as if assuming command of the classroom.
"We know quite a bit about Tristan and Garfield over there," he began, "but they know very little about us. I believe it's only proper we introduce ourselves—so they'll know how to address us respectfully."
Those who had passed the Entrance Exam stood first, followed by those who had yet to formally introduce themselves.
A girl rose with elegant poise and confidence radiating from her. "Adelia White," she said coolly. Her voice dripped with superiority and unveiled the truth behind her polished exterior—she saw others as insects beneath her notice.
Without another word, she sat back down.
Next was a boy with a sharp, raspy voice and short amber hair.
"You may address me as Adrian Garnet," he said simply before returning to his seat.
Benjamin stepped forward once more.
"In this classroom, four of the Five Great Families are represented. It is important that you all understand our hierarchy. Of course, I am ranked first. Then comes Miss Amelia, followed by Adrian, and finally, Miss Adelia."
He paused to scan the room, smirking confidently.
"The rest of you are ranked according to your Entrance Exam results. And do you know where that puts you? Below me."
He let his words linger in the air for a moment before continuing, his tone laced with mock kindness.
"Don't be too hard on yourselves—not everyone is born gifted. I, after all, come from the strongest bloodline in all of Constella. But that doesn't give commoners like the two of you," he said, glaring directly at Tristan and Garfield, "the right to treat nobility as your equals."
Once again, their eyes locked. Hatred swelled between them like a storm on the brink of breaking loose. The tension, which had briefly settled, returned in full force—this time heavier, darker, and far more hostile.