A warm morning.
Pastel patrolled the shops around the Academy.
She visited each shop to check for any suspicious large-scale distribution, like a secret warehouse for awakening drugs.
“Is there anything troubling you?”
Pastel visited a shop where a tax evader looked awkward as he handed her a small box with a nervous smile.
“This is a small token from our store.”
The box clicked open, revealing a pile of gold coins.
Wow.
Is this what it feels like to be the thug collecting protection fees?
How much tax evasion must these people have committed to give so generously?
While the desire to check the accounting books surged within her, she held back.
Curiosity kills!
The Student Council doesn’t engage in the evil act of repossessing the shop rights granted to the surrounding shops by the Academy.
Though they have the power to do so.
She closed the box and tucked it away.
“This shop seems fine!”
Yes, yes!
Pastel nodded with a smile.
The merchant also nodded back with a smile.
A peaceful daily life!
The merchant cautiously opened his mouth.
“I heard the Mage Tower is visiting? Though I can’t see it, I’ll support Your Excellency’s academic discussions.”
Academic discussions?
Oh no.
An unpeaceful daily life!
A harsh ordeal struck the good Pastel, who had just been collecting bribes!
Oh no.
I just wanted to enjoy my title as top student in writing.
Pastel hurried out of the shop and rushed to the chicken skewer shop. She hurriedly ordered chicken skewers.
“One chicken skewer, please!”
Oh no, academic discussions.
She received the chicken skewer and sprinkled some magic stone powder on it.
Biting into the chicken, she pulled it off with a satisfying munch.
The crispy texture of the outer skin crunched before the juicy meat filled her mouth, accompanied by the aroma of charcoal.
Wow.
It was so delicious that I almost forgot the agony of moments ago. Did something happen?
A peaceful daily life!
The shop owner smiled kindly.
Instead of gold coins or gold bars, he offered free chicken skewers to student members, earning the top spot in the bribery ranking.
“Is it delicious?”
“Yes!”
“What topic are you discussing? Enjoy your meal and do wonderfully. I’ll be cheering for you!”
Gulp.
An unpeaceful daily life…!
Pastel felt a wave of nausea approaching.
No one knows.
I have no idea what I’m doing right now.
I received the topic in advance.
– Discuss the gradual revelation that can be understood through the Old Testament and New Testament from the perspectives of continuity and distinction.
What a bizarre topic! Pastel only thought, Oh no! No idea about this topic at all! Nobody knows how clueless I am.
Oh no.
Totally a crisis!
#
A high-ranking mage from the Mage Tower stood on the railing, looking down at the docking station. She could see people from the Academy coming to greet them.
Among them was a pink-toned girl, inexplicably trembling.
Craft.
The mage narrowed her eyes.
This year’s top student in writing wasn’t Melissa.
Melissa Camerott had received systematic education as an heir of the Binghy White Clan since birth. After being recognized for her talent as the next Grand Mage, she also received imperial-level educational support.
In contrast, Pastel Love Craft became famous in society for apparently being a moron since birth. It was said she barely managed to learn to read and write.
Melissa and Pastel could not be compared from the start.
It wasn’t long ago since Pastel woke up in a moron state after the extraction ceremony and massacre at the Craft Mansion.
After awakening from her moron state, she immediately enrolled in the Academy.
She had barely a few weeks of proper study in her lifetime.
Clearly, it was apparent who would have the upper hand between Pastel and Melissa without even pondering on it.
The Viscount Craft must do her best to avoid embarrassment.
No way they’d allow a Viscount to fail the entrance exam. They’d find a way to pass her, but she’d be a laughingstock for life.
However, the entrance exam produced an unexpected result.
Viscount Craft secured the top spot in writing, overwhelming Melissa Camerott by a significant margin.
Though it was said she scored zero in combat practicals, it was obvious that fighting with a weak body barely developed since awakening from a moron state was unreasonable.
The high-ranking mage gazed at the trembling pink girl. Though she was still shaking, she wouldn’t be fooled by Craft’s innocent appearance.
Defeating an elite educated for a few weeks in writing?
Truly nonsensical intelligence.
Why do those pink monsters always look like that? Is it the cruel tradition of deciding an heir through blood feuds?
Information control inside the Academy made it hard to accurately track Pastel’s movements afterward. However, just the fact that a new student holds the position of Vice President of the Student Council gave an idea.
The Empire’s best scheming clan may be collapsing, but their intellect remained strong. Terrifyingly so.
Craft should still avoid even stepping on shadows.
The high-ranking mage stepped away from the railing.
But there were gaps.
She stared at the rookie mage who would debate Pastel.
“Academia is an ivory tower built by numerous geniuses. One cannot simply overwhelm it with personal arrogant intelligence and talent.”
If a monster like that were to appear, it could conquer the ivory tower. However, Pastel still didn’t have that much time.
Without spending the time, holes open up in understanding and bias seeps into logic. Unshaped learning is merely stubbornness.
“Debate is neither competition nor fight. However, this exchange is a matter of pride for both the Academy and the Mage Tower. Press gently if you notice a gap.”
To embarrass them in front of the public.
The Academy and Mage Tower, competing over the Empire’s budget, didn’t quite get along.
The rookie mage wore a confident expression.
“She’s not Melissa, and is she really going to be hard after being a moron? The top position in writing must be a mere coincidence. I’m not scared at all. I’ll push right through.”
The high-ranking mage narrowed her brows.
“Just don’t act disrespectfully toward the Viscount. Is there a reason to fight?”
“Oh. Yes….”
The rookie mage shrank.
#
Oh no.
Tremble tremble.
Pastel sat in the audience area, shaking her hands.
I hope time doesn’t move.
I wish time would just stop like this.
Please grant me the power to stop time.
The world couldn’t have abandoned me like this.
Surely, there must be a power to stop time hidden in the basement of the dormitory left by the Demon Lord.
Did I miss my opportunity by just waiting for the summer vacation construction?
Did I just throw away the fate of being the top student in writing?
Oh no, how realistic.
The child who didn’t want to go to the library couldn’t possibly be the top student in writing!
Gasp, finally the consequences have come for me.
Pastel realized the truth of the universe.
Amidst all this, Melissa, the top student in combat, stood facing the opponent mage at the podium. After exchanging elegant greetings, they pointed their staffs at each other.
As the duel began, magic bullets crossed in rhythm. The mage dodged the bullets lightly and swung her staff repeatedly. Light bullets and fire bullets collided and exploded.
It was a static and calm exchange of magic.
Wow.
Do mages really duel so politely like that?
So noble!
I can wield a sword too!
Swish swoosh.
The number of colliding bullets gradually increased. At some point, the Mage Tower’s mage could no longer increase the number of bullets.
Her evasive actions increased until a light bullet struck her staff. The Mage Tower’s staff flew away and fell to the ground. Silence ensued.
Victorious Melissa held her skirt lightly and curtsied.
“It was an enjoyable match.”
“Likewise.”
The opponent also returned the bow.
Applause echoed from the students in the auditorium.
Wow.
Mages are so elegant.
What was that foolish fighting they were doing while sweating?
Dustyn! Leonard!
What did you expect from me?
You were all so foolish.
As the top student in writing, I think graceful magic suits me better than that sweaty martial arts.
Oh wow, come to think of it?
Since I don’t even go to the library, I’m not really a proper top student in writing! I have no reason for magic to suit me.
Oh no.
Consequences are overwhelming.
Pastel, who had been whining, was pushed forward onto the podium by an official. She sat down in the chair.
She could see the Academy’s students and Mage Tower officials filling the auditorium.
Oh no.
The moment Pastel’s intelligence is unveiled!
The presenter stepped forward.
“Today, we will lightly discuss the gradual revelation given by God, focusing on continuity and distinction. Since it’s an event for mutual exchange, please enjoy it with a light heart.”
A hand pointed at Pastel.
“This is Pastel Love Craft, representing the newcomers. She will speak with a focus on continuity.”
A great round of applause erupted in the auditorium.
Oh no.
A requiem of consequences!
Everyone is welcoming the social death of the top student in writing.
The formalities and introductions concluded.
“Hmm. Even if it’s called an academic discussion, it’s just an informal exchange event, I suppose I can speak casually.”
“Please start, our first speaker, Pastel.”
“Adapt it suitably and speak along.”
Oh no.
“We must first understand the concept of soteriology to examine the gradual revelation. Soteriology refers to God’s saving acts that have continued from Genesis to the present….”
She babbled in a daze.
Oh no.
I can’t keep up with the topic at all!
Is this the requiem of consequences?
“Therefore, we can view that the Old Testament and New Testament are continuous and form a coherent theme. That’s all.”
The moment Pastel’s intelligence was unveiled!
Pastel’s mouth curled up.
I have no idea.
But there’s a Demon Lord.
Hehe.
Life is easy.
They moved on to rebuttals and audience questions, and applause rang out.
Pastel skipped down from the podium.
“I’m the top student in writing, Pastel~.”
The pink girl skipped around.
“I’m just a smart kid~.”
Wobbling and skipping around again.
“I might score zero in combat, but that’s okay~.”
Because I’m smart.
Wow.
The mage who debated hurriedly followed after her, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
“How were you able to achieve such academic success in such a short time? Do you have any secrets?”
Huh?
Secrets?
Pastel made a serious face as she pondered.
And immediately stated the secret that came to her mind.
“Talent.”
Hehe.
The mage was amazed.
“Could I do it too?”
Hmm.
Pastel seriously thought about it and nodded.
“Difficulty.”
She patted herself.
“I’m a super ultra genius.”
Great and fantastic.
The mage gazed at her with admiration in her eyes.
Isn’t that a bit too objective?
Hehe.
Pastel beamed with joy as she returned to the lounge.
“I’m the top student in writing, Pastel~.”
Bouncing around.
“I’m just a smart kid~.”
While singing, Pastel suddenly gasped.
Oh no.
Can I really blurt out my weakness like this?
Oh no.
The death game targeting the weaknesses of the smart kid has begun.
Eek!
The sound of footsteps approached.
“Craft.”
Turning around, she saw a girl with blonde hair and blue eyes. A neat mage robe enveloped her body.
“Melissa!”
Pastel’s eyes widened.
“To think you’d talk to me first! It’s been so long! I’m so happy! We are definitely best friends!”
Melissa snorted.
“There’s probably no one else in this world who calls someone a friend after just one conversation.”
Pastel’s mouth dropped open.
“Wow wow! So chic! I want to do that too! Ahem! No one else in this world would say that.”
Gasp.
So super chic.
Melissa looked dumbfounded.
“By the way, Craft. You certainly possess remarkable knowledge. Others might have been deceived by your naive appearance, but I’ve already seen through it. You’re hiding deep intentions.”
“Huh, really?”
How did she know I was smart?
Hehe.
Pastel blushed.
Melissa gazed at her coldly.
“I haven’t heard that you’re going out for external requests. So, you plan to fill in the semester report with research results?”
Huh?
Semester report?
A gentle voice resonated.
“Though you might have lost in writing, I won’t lose in the semester report. I will be the research lead, so just keep that in mind.”
Pastel’s eyes widened.
“What’s a semester report?”
“Are you teasing me? Craft, you’re using the self-study system, aren’t you? You need to submit the semester report before the first semester ends, got it? I’ll be the research lead, so just remember that. Excuse me now.”
Melissa turned away.
The sound of footsteps faded.
Huh.
Semester report?
Self-study system.
It’s one of the systems the Academy implemented to overcome the prejudice of being a military officer training center.
Students who wish to may skip classes, as long as they submit reports each semester.
Reports can be filled through external requests or personal research. However, beware that low-quality reports will be rejected, and you’ll have to undergo not only mandatory classes but supplementary ones as well.
Children from good families have usually completed homeschooling at a high level before entrance, so most top-performing students utilize the self-study system.
Thus, when ranking the students’ grades, significant differences usually don’t arise based on the semester report scores.
Huh.
The Pastel, who had only been loafing around, was left in a daze.
Then she suddenly woke up and screamed.
“Demon Lord! Demon Lord! Demon Lord! I didn’t do anything!”
Oh no.
Like suddenly remembering my homework just before the vacation ends!
The Demon Lord calmly spoke.
“It’s alright. I was just considering gently mentioning it. If you take on appropriate external requests and execute them quickly, you’ll fill that report in no time.”
Pastel hesitated.
Oh.
As expected of the Demon Lord.
She beamed.
“But then, the report will only be filled with combat requests, right? Combat lead?”
“That’s correct. It fits your aptitude.”
Huh.
Has Pastel evolved from the top student in writing to the combat lead?
Pastel frowned and imagined.
Upon imagining, a title “Top Student in Writing” was stuck atop Pastel’s head like in a game.
With a flick of her finger, she slapped on the combat lead title.
Combat lead Pastel.
Pastel’s blank expression expanded.
Mweeeng.
Mweeeng.
Oh no, I look completely foolish!
Especially being pink makes it worse!
Top student in writing, Pastel?
Super evolution~
Foolish, foolish Pastel!
Mweeeng.
Oh no.
Pastel clutched her head.
No, absolutely not.
“I need to hold onto my title!”
I’m a smart kid!
If I lose the title of intellect, people will misunderstand!
“Hmmm. Even if you fill the semester report with research from now, it’ll be difficult to reach the top position. Research results from the next Grand Mage are quite tricky to contend with in such a short time.”
“It’s okay! Life is too easy for Pastel, so I’ll solve it!”
“Oh?”
Pastel raised her arms in triumph.
“In order to get ideas for the research report, I will first go to the Demon Realm!”
The Demon Realm, the Demon Realm.
The demon’s bewildered voice echoed.
“…Why the Demon Realm?”
“Academic research! Academic research! The Student Council will commence a survey of the Demon Realm for seamless academic research for the students!”
Personally, I’ll glean ideas for research too!
“You just want to engage in smuggling on the side—”
Pastel interrupted urgently.
“Let’s go~!”
Towards the position of research lead!
