Chapter 3: Magic Class and Inquisitive Gazes

The atmosphere inside the advanced magic lecture hall felt both majestic and stifling. 

The ceiling consisted of a massive glass dome revealing a bright blue sky, while tiered seats arranged in a semicircle overlooked a wide practical arena shielded by protective barriers. 

I sat in the front row near the window, propping my chin on one hand while staring blankly out the window. 

Inside my head, I was still replaying the incident from earlier that morning in the corridor with the prince. 

*Why is he getting closer instead? In the original story, wasn't he utterly disgusted whenever I acted overly friendly? If this keeps up, my peaceful countryside retirement plan is going to completely crash and burn before I even graduate!* 

"Alright, everyone settle down." 

A stern voice snapped me out of my daze. Professor Orion Grandis, head of the academy and instructor of high-level elemental magic, stood in the center of the arena wearing a long black robe that fluttered softly. 

His sharp eyes swept across the entire class before stopping for a moment on me. 

"Today we will test the stability and elemental magic control of each individual. We will begin with basic energy manipulation drills inside the magic circle." 

Several students stepped forward one by one to showcase their abilities. Some created small bursts of fire, summoned whirlwinds, or condensed water into crystal shapes. 

When my name was called, the classroom fell dead silent. All eyes locked onto me with a mixture of awe and reverence. 

I stood up from my seat, tidied my uniform for a moment, and walked down with calm, graceful steps. 

Inside, I wanted to burst into tears at the top of my lungs. 

*Ice magic? I don't even know how to ignite a gas stove in my old world, how on earth am I supposed to freeze a room without blowing this place up?!* 

I stood in the middle of the magic circle, took a deep breath, and tried to recall the residual memories of Alicia's body. 

I raised my right hand slowly, closed my eyes for a split second, and channeled energy toward my fingertips. 

*Screeech—!* 

In an instant, the air around the arena plummeted drastically. Sparkly ice crystals materialized in the air, forming a sharp, towering pillar of ice with absolute perfection and not a single flaw. 

The entire class froze in silence. The power was so pure, cold, and breathtaking. 

Professor Orion narrowed his eyes, staring at the ice pillar with a pensive expression. 

"Magnificent," Professor Orion praised flatly. "Extremely flawless energy control, Lady Alicia. You didn't even show any signs of fatigue." 

I pulled my hand back, put on an ice-cold face, and nodded slightly. 

"Thank you, Professor." 

Yet deep inside, I let out a long sigh of relief. 

*Thank goodness! This body is truly a genius! If it weren't, I would have totally embarrassed myself in front of everyone.* 

I walked back to my seat. As I passed the middle row, I accidentally caught someone staring right at me. 

Elena Rosehart. 

The girl with honey-brown hair and emerald-green eyes was looking straight at me. There was no hatred in her eyes, only a distinct shimmer of awe mixed with profound curiosity. 

When our eyes met, Elena looked slightly startled. Instead of looking away like most people usually did around Alicia, Elena actually smiled a small smile at me. 

I immediately averted my gaze, threw back my arrogant expression, and sat down at my desk. 

*Wait a minute... Why is the heroine smiling at me like that?! In the original novel, she's supposed to hate and fear me! Don't tell me the plotline has veered miles away from its original track?!* 

The class continued in tense silence, while in the corner of the room, Elena kept stealing glances at me with a heart full of growing turmoil.