Maine's face turned beet red with rage as she watched Kairah basking in the spotlight. She seethed with envy, her fists clenched at her sides. "This isn't fair," she muttered to herself. "I'm the one who deserves the attention, not her."
Meanwhile, Kairah's parents received the news with joy and tears of happiness. They hugged each other, overwhelmed with gratitude. "Our daughter is a hero," they exclaimed, beaming with pride.
But in the shadows, a dark figure watched the news broadcast with interest. Alucard, the powerful evil god, smiled to himself as he gazed at the image of the Hallow tree on the screen.
"Ah, the Hallow tree, restored to its former glory," he mused. "How... intriguing. I'll have to take care of that little problem."
Alucard's eyes gleamed with malevolent intent as he began to plan his next move. "I'll destroy the Hallow tree once and for all," he vowed. "And Kairah, the little hero, will be the first to fall." Alucard smiled to himself as he gazed at the image of the Hallow tree on the screen. "Ah, the Hallow tree, restored to its former glory," he mused. "How... intriguing. I'll have to take care of that little problem."
He picked up a phone and dialed a number. "Mike Merlin, my most trusted operative," he said, his voice low and menacing. "I have a task for you."
Mike Merlin answered, his voice smooth and confident. "Yes, Lord Alucard? What's the mission?"
"Go to the Willowdale Academy," Alucard instructed. "Pretend to be a student, and get close to Kairah. Gather information, spread chaos, and wait for my signal to destroy the Hallow tree."
Mike Merlin's voice was unwavering. "Understood, Lord Alucard. I'll infiltrate the academy and play the role of a student. No one will suspect a thing."
Alucard's smile grew wider. "Excellent. I'll be watching from the shadows. Don't disappoint me, Mike."
With that, Alucard hung up the phone, and Mike Merlin set his plan in motion. He arrived at the academy, donning the guise of a new student. With a charming smile and quick wit, he began to blend in, his eyes fixed on Kairah...
Back at the Willowdale Academy, life slowly returned to normal. Kairah went home, exhausted but exhilarated by the events of the day. Her parents welcomed her with open arms, thanking her again and again for her bravery.
The reward from the council would change their lives forever, making them wealthy beyond their wildest dreams. Their bakery, once a small, humble shop, would flourish, attracting customers from all over the country.
As the days passed, the bakery's popularity soared. People came from far and wide to taste the delicious pastries and bread, and to catch a glimpse of the famous Kairah. The family's income skyrocketed, and they became one of the wealthiest families in the town, rivaling even Maine's family.
The Headmaster, Maine's mother, couldn't help but notice the sudden change in the family's fortunes. "It seems Kairah's heroics have paid off in more ways than one," she said to her daughter, a hint of surprise in her voice.
Maine scowled, her envy growing. "It's not fair. We're supposed to be the richest and most influential family in town."
Her mother smiled wryly. "Patience, Maine. We'll always be ahead of them in terms of social standing and power. But it's good to see the Kairah's family doing well. They deserve it."
Maine huffed, crossing her arms. "I don't see why they deserve it. I'm the one who's always been talented and hardworking."
But deep down, Maine knew that Kairah's achievement was something special, something that had brought her family a level of recognition and wealth they never thought possible. And it was hard to deny the admiration and respect that Kairah had earned from the people around her.
The academy's grand hall buzzed with excitement as students gathered for the unexpected assembly. Headmaster Maine's mother stood at the podium, a warm smile on her face.
"Welcome, students, to a new era at Willowdale Academy! I'm thrilled to announce the arrival of our esteemed Royal students, hailing from the most powerful elemental families. Let's welcome them!"
The Royals stepped forward, each introducing themselves with confidence and poise. "I'm Princess Lily Rose Smith, element of Water." She smiled warmly.
"I'm Prince Valir Vladd, element of Fire." His voice was bold and commanding.
"I'm Princess Ana Krimpton, element of Ice." Her tone was cool and collected.
"And I'm Prince Josh Crystal, element of Winds." He grinned, his enthusiasm infectious.
The Headmaster nodded, pleased with their introductions. "These talented individuals will be joining our Hero Class, a prestigious program designed for students with exceptional abilities and potential. The Hero Class will push their limits, testing their skills and preparing them for the greatest challenges."
Maine's eyes narrowed, her expression skeptical. Kairah watched the Royals with interest, wondering what this new development would mean for the academy.As Kairah and Kelly headed to their next class, the Royals caught up to them. Valir Vladd sneered, "You must be Kairah, the so-called hero. Let's get one thing straight - you're just a Rank C, and you're no match for us."
Lily Rose chimed in, her voice dripping with condescension, "Yes, you'd do well to remember your place. We're the true heroes, and you're just...amateur hour."
Ana Krimpton snickered, "I bet you're just thrilled to be in the presence of greatness. Try not to embarrass yourself."
Josh Crystal, however, seemed slightly more approachable, but still smug, "Hey, don't get us wrong, Kairah. You're...fine. For a Rank C. Just don't expect to keep up with us."
Kairah's eyes narrowed, her pride stinging from their mocking tone. Kelly stepped forward, defending her friend, "Hey, Kairah's done some amazing things. You don't have to be so rude."
The Royals exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying the exchange. Valir Vladd chuckled, "Oh, I'm shaking in my boots. A Rank C hero and her little friend think they can take on the likes of us."
As the Royals walked away, they couldn't help but steal glances at Kairah. Valir Vladd's gaze lingered, his eyes narrowing slightly as he whispered to Josh, "She's definitely got spirit."
Josh nodded in agreement, his grin returning. "Yeah, and she's got looks to match. I'm definitely intrigued."
Ana Krimpton, however, seemed less than impressed. "Please, she's just a commoner. We're royalty. We can't be seen with someone like her."
Lily Rose shot Ana a sidelong glance. "Oh, come on, Ana. Don't be so uptight. Kairah's done pretty well for herself, considering her rank."
Ana's expression turned icy. "You think she's worthy of our attention? I highly doubt it."
Valir Vladd chuckled, his eyes still fixed on Kairah's retreating form. "I think she's more than worthy. And I think I'll make it a point to get to know her better."
Josh grinned, clapping Valir on the back. "Count me in, Val. I'll make sure to introduce myself properly."