The atmosphere inside the Academy's main building was heavy with tension. Students gathered on the first floor, anxiously waiting for the results of the hall test. Many conversations revealed just how shaken they were. Some regretted enrolling, others admitted their fear of continuing, and a few clung to the hope of surviving the next three years.
Different groups of students carried different attitudes.
Kingdom nobles with red sleeves seemed overwhelmed by their first true battle, struggling to accept the harsh reality. Some spoke of quitting entirely.
Allied Nations nobles with blue sleeves, raised in a culture centered on trade, discussed their grades and efficiency. They spoke of test scores and strategies, treating survival like an investment.
Imperial nobles with black sleeves, accustomed to constant threats from Meteors, discussed the exam like warriors. For them, strength was status, and practical combat was natural.
When Connor appeared, the mood shifted. Students whispered about the rumor that he had returned early with his mana cylinder completely filled. Kingdom nobles eyed him with jealousy, dismissing his efforts as tricks, while students from the Allied Nations speculated about his technique. The Imperial nobles, however, admired his combat ability, wondering how many Meteors he had slain.
Amid this, Sina approached Connor, speaking casually as if they were close. Her behavior drew sharp stares from the Kingdom nobles, who muttered insults about her common origins and pretensions of nobility. Realizing this hostility, Connor tried to distance himself, but Sina clung to him stubbornly, unwilling to let go.
The situation grew even more complicated when another figure appeared—Anastasia Draco Aldhibain, the ancient vampire who had awakened from a thousand years of slumber. Entering with her parasol and lofty tone, she declared Connor the "Seeker of the Way," claiming it to be his true name. To her, their meeting was destiny.
Sina, terrified by Anastasia's presence, fled quickly, leaving Connor alone with the vampire. Anastasia, however, seemed oblivious to the fear she caused, proudly basking in the distance others kept from her. To her, intimidation was a sign of noble charisma.
Despite Connor's protests, Anastasia continued to declare him her servant, praising his performance in the trial as though he were already under her command. Unable to shake her off, Connor eventually walked with her toward the bulletin board where the results were being posted.
When Merog finally arrived with the documents, the crowd rushed forward, desperate to see their scores. The lists were arranged alphabetically, making it difficult to immediately spot the top results. Students speculated wildly about who might have taken first place—Astaroth, Astram, or perhaps Connor himself.
But when the first name was revealed, the outcome shocked everyone:
First Place – Anastasia Draco Aldhibain.
As for Connor, the announcement listed something unusual:
Connor McCloud – Score Pending. Report to the Principal's Office immediately.
The hall filled with surprise. While Anastasia stood triumphant, Connor now faced a mysterious summons that raised more questions than answers.