Reincarnated as the disaster prince

The morning sun bathed the academy grounds in golden light, the air alive with the chatter of students. Both Class A and Class B had gathered outside, awaiting the principal's arrival. The teachers, Miss Dalia and Mr. Neith, stood at the forefront, exuding a stern patience. Among the crowd stood Theodore, his hands tucked casually into his pockets, his sharp gaze fixed forward.

Despite his aloof demeanor, whispers spread like wildfire around him. Students stole glances at the enigmatic prince, while others exchanged quiet sneers, their loyalty still tied to Caden. The second prince, glaring daggers at Theodore from across the assembly, stood flanked by his loyal lackeys.

The buzzing crowd fell silent as the air shimmered with magic. In an instant, Mr. Roman appeared, his teleportation spell fading with an elegant flourish. The principal adjusted his robes, his ever-present smirk cutting across his aged face. "Good morning, students," he began, his voice carrying authority and warmth. "Today's project is one of great importance: a hunting expedition."

Excitement rippled through the students. Hunting missions were not only a chance to display their skills but also an opportunity to gain prestige. Mr. Roman's gaze swept over the group, pausing momentarily on Theodore. His smirk deepened as their eyes met, and he gave Theodore a deliberate wink.

Theodore's stomach churned in disgust. What is that old man playing at? He turned away, uninterested in whatever game the principal was planning.

The students quickly formed groups, chattering excitedly as they aligned with their friends. Theodore remained still, making no effort to join anyone. He had no interest in teamwork. They'll only slow me down, he thought.

As the groups were finalized, a voice broke through the chatter. "Prince Theodore, it seems you're alone." The speaker was a tall, confident girl with striking golden hair and piercing green eyes—Lady Elisa, the Duke's daughter. She approached him with a practiced grace, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

"I prefer it that way," Theodore said bluntly, his crimson eyes narrowing.

Her smile didn't falter. "Oh, I understand. But I have exceptional abilities, you know. I could be—"

Before she could finish, a figure stormed toward them. It was Vivian, her white hair billowing like a storm cloud. "Elisa, back off," she snapped, standing between the Duke's daughter and Theodore. "He doesn't need someone like you tagging along."

The two girls immediately launched into a heated argument, their voices growing louder as accusations flew. Theodore rolled his eyes. This is why I prefer being alone. Without a word, he turned and walked away, leaving the girls behind.

Theodore sought out Mr. Roman, who was watching the scene with amused detachment. "Mr. Roman," Theodore called, his tone flat but commanding.

The principal turned, his staff gleaming in the sunlight. "Ah, Prince Theodore. To what do I owe this honor?"

"When will I be advanced to the higher class?" Theodore asked, his gaze unwavering.

Roman chuckled, stroking his beard. "Ah, young ambition. Unfortunately, advancing you directly would stir the nobles' ire. Many parents… influence such decisions with their wealth. For you, it must be undeniable. The world must see your strength."

Theodore's eyes narrowed. "So, what's your solution?"

"I've added you to the advanced class's missions. Perform exceptionally, and your advancement will be inevitable." Roman's smirk widened. "I trust you'll make it… memorable."

Theodore nodded, understanding the challenge. "Fine. Just don't get in my way."

Roman laughed, raising his staff. With a flourish, he cast a spell that ignited a bright flare in the sky. The hunt had officially begun.

Theodore ventured alone into the sprawling forest, his hands still tucked in his pockets. The dense canopy above filtered sunlight into golden shards, while the underbrush rustled with the movements of unseen creatures. He felt the presence of others—students and monsters alike—but paid them no mind.

As he walked deeper, voices reached him. "There he is," one hissed. Theodore sighed, glancing to his left. A group of other students from the B class emerged, smirking with ill intent.

"Time to teach you a lesson," one of them sneered. "For humiliating Prince Caden."

Theodore shook his head. Idiots. He turned to walk away, uninterested in wasting energy on children.

"Let's not break his bones," one of the students said with a cruel laugh. "We'd get suspended."

Theodore stopped in his tracks. Slowly, he turned, his lips curling into a sinister smile. His crimson pupils gleamed like smoldering coals. "Did you say you'd be suspended if you broke bones?" His voice was low, but the malice in it was unmistakable.

The students exchanged uneasy glances. "Yeah, so what?" one challenged.

Theodore's grin widened. "Perfect."

In a blur, he grabbed a thick branch from the ground and swung it with a casual motion. The wind from the strike cut through the air, and the tree behind the students splintered and crashed to the ground. Their faces paled.

"What the—?!"

Theodore's smile turned feral. "Your turn." He lunged forward, the branch a blur in his hands. Panic erupted among the students. Some fainted outright, while others tried to flee. Theodore moved like a shadow, breaking legs and arms with precise, merciless strikes. Their screams echoed through the forest, but Theodore didn't care. He was enjoying himself too much.

Exhausted from the chaos, Theodore eventually sank down against a large tree. He stared up at the sky through the canopy, his breathing steadying. The branch, now splintered and bloodstained, rested beside him.

As the forest quieted, he felt it—a presence. It was unlike the others. Cold and overwhelming, it made the air heavy.

A childlike voice echoed around him, soft and mocking. "Hello, Theodore."

The prince stiffened, his eyes scanning the shadows. "Who's there?" he demanded, his tone sharp.

The voice chuckled. "Deja vu, isn't it? Just like the first time you touched the Shadow God's book."

Theodore's heart raced, but he forced himself to stay calm. He stood, his aura flaring as he prepared for an attack. "Show yourself."

But the presence faded as quickly as it had come, leaving only silence. Theodore frowned, gripping the branch tightly. What was that?

Shaking off the encounter, Theodore resumed his hunt. But now, instead of animals, he sought the remaining students. Their terror amused him, and the forest soon echoed with the sound of snapping bones and desperate cries.

Even the monsters, sensing his malevolent aura, fled before him. Goblins that had been chasing other students turned and bolted at the sight of him, their shrieks blending with the students' panicked screams.

By the time the sun began to set, the forest was a battlefield of broken bodies and shattered spirits. Theodore leaned against another tree, his smirk fading into a look of quiet satisfaction. Perhaps this hunt wasn't so dull after all.