“Why is it taking so long?”
Amillion had told Emily Franz to bring the first-year representative team over about half an hour ago, and yet, here they were—still waiting endlessly for the tardy students.
The final competition events decided last night didn’t sit well with Amillion, but there was nothing he could do about it. After all, it was a proposal directly made by the Vice Chancellor and approved by the Chancellor himself.
‘The so-called grade competition is really just a glorified talent test.’
Dividing the competition into three stages like some kind of entrance exam was ridiculous enough, but the event categories were laughably far from what the annual “Grade Competition” was supposed to represent.
A written test? Obstacle running?
It was laughably transparent—Amillion could barely suppress a derisive snicker.
‘Still, whatever.’
But Amillion wasn’t overly worried.
Since the one-on-one consultation with Ryu the other day, his estimation of Ryu had skyrocketed vertically. After spending all night researching information about the First Emperor of Crescent, Amillion had noticed that Ryu’s magical characteristics bore a striking resemblance to those of the First Emperor.
While it wasn’t definitive, there was one account that described how “the Emperor’s movements were so fast that even mana, the source of all things, struggled to keep up.” Amillion instinctively felt that if he were to write down what Ryu’s movements looked like, it would probably sound exactly like this description.
If only there were any video records of the First Emperor’s use of magic, Amillion could analyze it in more detail—but alas, such resources were non-existent. So he had to settle for this.
Moreover, the fact that Ryu was a commoner with black hair only further fueled Amillion’s rising expectations.
It was just too similar, uncannily so.
Perhaps Ryu was actually a descendant of the First Emperor, a bloodline long thought to have been cut off centuries ago…
Knock, knock.
“…Yes.”
So absorbed in his thoughts that he didn’t even notice someone approaching, Amillion answered automatically as the training hall door opened to reveal Ryu and the rest of the four first-year representatives.
“…We’re sorry we’re late.”
Emily Franz faltered awkwardly but managed to step forward. “I… I didn’t communicate properly…”
Amillion hadn’t intended to scold them, but seeing the visibly nervous student made him feel guilty for no reason.
“No, it’s fine. Anyway, I assume everyone has seen the notices? That’s why I called you all here.”
“Yes, we’ve confirmed that.”
While Elaine’s reply carried a trace of irritation, Amillion proceeded to explain the upcoming plan for his students.
The teaching methods and how exactly they’d be preparing for the Grade Competition were part of the discussion.
‘I should definitely observe Ryu using some other kind of magic soon.’
Though part of his focus remained elsewhere…
“Eh? What is this nonsense?”
“Only four people from the first year? And these competition categories are even more surprising.”
Crescent Academy’s third-year S Class, led by the ever-confident top student Garet Iskear, were examining the competition categories with a mix of mild disappointment.
Another year of dungeon exploration?
There were two extra categories ahead of it, but Garet knew full well that they were essentially meaningless.
He had heard from the homeroom professor that due to the fact this year’s top student was a commoner, the Academy had decided to present a competition closer to an exam for the benefit of the nobles.
“Still, this is a chance for us to avenge last year.”
“True, that much is undeniable.”
“Man, why did the third-year students graduate already?”
Garet glanced sidelong at the soft-spoken voice chiming in beside him—it was Berte Bernstein.
A daughter of one of the six Great Houses and the second-ranked student in the S Class after Garet, Berte was one of the representatives for the third-year team.
Though her tone remained calm and collected, her eyes burned with an undeniable competitive spirit.
Last year’s Grade Competition had been a near-miss for Garet and Berte. While most of the annual competition ended with third-year students taking the crown, last year their second-year team had almost claimed the top spot.
Though, in the end, some unforeseen incident caused them to settle for second.
“This year, with just you and me participating, it might turn out better?”
“Hmmmm…maybe.”
This year’s Grade Competition would have the smallest number of participants in Crescent Academy’s history.
Four from the first year, three from the second year, and only two from the third year.
A total of nine participants.
Last year, the first-year participants alone numbered twelve, but this year, the competition had been scaled down to less than ten students.
Both Garet and Berte had already undergone dungeon exploration last year, and they were acutely aware of the dangers of two people venturing into the dungeon together—but this only bolstered their confidence.
After all, they both considered themselves stronger this year.
“Everyone seems to have looked over the details.”
“Ah, Professor!”
“Good afternoon.”
Behind Garet and Berte, a low voice rang out.
The neatly tailored professor attire suited the blonde-haired man well—none other than Cassius St. Claire, the homeroom teacher for the third-year S Class.
Cassius nodded in acknowledgment after seeing Garet and Berte poring over the Grade Competition details, his tone light as he joined the conversation.
“Both of you have already experienced this last year, so you’ll do even better this time, right?”
“Eh, unless the dungeon structure from last year is exactly the same. But it’s probably changed, meaning it’s practically the same as going in blind.”
“Hmm.”
Berte nodded in agreement with Garet’s words, while Cassius regarded the confident pair with an amused chuckle.
“As you all know, the competition categories have been announced and the schedule confirmed. Starting today, individual classes with each homeroom teacher will commence. Everyone clear?”
“Of course.”
“Aah, Professor, speaking of which…”
“Yes, Ms. Bernstein?”
“In this year’s batch of first-years, I hear you’ve got a younger sibling enrolled?”
“…And?”
“Is it possible that you’re going easy on her because of that?”
Berte’s crimson eyes, as fiery as her hair, narrowed as she turned a pointed gaze toward Cassius.
It was a valid question.
As the daughter of another of the six Great Houses, Berte was acutely aware of the weight carried by such esteemed families.
Every little action could spark controversy, and there were always people lurking in the shadows, ready to tear you apart the moment you slipped up—whether in public or private.
Cassius, knowing this just as well, must surely want to see his younger sister Elaine St. Claire put up a good fight in the Grade Competition. After all, both the family’s reputation and Elaine’s honor were on the line.
It would, therefore, be understandable to suspect that Cassius might lean lenient towards Elaine as her older brother—and, perhaps, offer her special guidance.
“Not a chance.”
“Are you confident about that?”
“Absolutely. On the honor of my name and family, I assure you, nothing like that will happen. In fact…”
Cassius hesitated for a moment, his choice of words deliberate.
“My sister Elaine needs to learn the bitter side of life. She has to experience the world’s harshness.”
“Hooo…”
“…Ugh, that’s complicated. If it were my sibling, I’d probably want to protect them, you know?”
While Berte wore a fascinated smirk at Cassius’ words, Garet couldn’t help but shake his head, looking thoroughly unimpressed.
“In any case, there’s no need to worry about that point. Any other questions?
“No, none here.”
“Phew, noble families are complicated indeed! No questions from me either!”
“Eventually, Garet, when you graduate from the Academy, you’ll naturally understand. I’ve already heard that noble houses have started taking an interest in the Iskear family because of you.”
“Eh…”
Garet scratched his head sheepishly as he excused himself from the conversation.
Even with Berte Bernstein, the second daughter of one of the six Great Houses, sitting right there, Garet Iskear—a supposed unknown noble—had managed to remain the top student since reaching second year, proving himself one of the most gifted individuals in the Academy.
‘Garet is certainly the right person to properly mentor Elaine.’
Cassius held Garet’s abilities and potential in high regard.
Emerging from obscurity with nothing but his sheer talent, Garet had not only dominated the Academy as the top student but was already attracting attention beyond its walls.
Completely opposite to the “impenetrable defenses” associated with the traditional St. Claire family, Garet wielded an aggressive combat style that seemed to epitomize the belief that “the best defense is a good offense.”
An incident where he cleanly slashed through the famed blue flames of the Bernstein family was still widely talked about, both among students and faculty alike.
‘If only this were a duel instead of a dungeon exploration.’
Cassius found himself regretting that Garet wouldn’t get to teach Elaine a valuable lesson through a one-on-one sparring session.
Elaine still had so much to learn about the world’s hardships.
Even after losing the top spot to a commoner, she still had the audacity to say things like “the commoner was truly exceptionally talented” with an air of calm indifference.
‘This isn’t a bad turn of events, though.’
Though limited exclusively to the S Class, the fact that the first-year team was confident enough to send only four members spoke volumes, and Cassius suspected Elaine had played a crucial role in motivating them.
The overly confident Elaine must’ve easily convinced some oblivious commoner of her plan.
“Professor?”
“Yes, go ahead.”
“Yes, is it true that the dungeon structure has been altered? There seem to be some hurried preparations, and the schedule feels pushed forward.”
‘Sharp as ever.’
Cassius avoided giving a direct answer as he met Berte’s penetrating eyes, knowing full well that the astute Bernstein heiress would immediately pick up on what his silence implied.
“…Go ahead.”
“Hooooh.”
Cassius deliberately pretended not to notice the curious smile playing on Berte’s lips.
