An hour passed before the commotion within the banquet hall—ignited by Seok in a matter of minutes—finally settled down. As they awaited the arrival of the awards, Soliver spoke in a calm, measured tone. The honors included storage rings filled with high-quality resources, a sum of 60,000 platinum coins, and a gold-framed certificate of merit—a tribute bestowed by Versalkin Academy in collaboration with several other influential powers.
"I am addressing those who oppose the decision to honor the student Seok, from the Elite Class, Combat specialization. Versalkin Academy is a place to prove one's worth; it celebrates the talented and the high-achievers, while casting out the pathetic and the useless. Anyone who questions the integrity of Versalkin Academy is free to leave—and need not return, for they shall no longer be welcome here."
"Furthermore, effective January 1st, 676, new regulations will be implemented to prohibit and penalize social-class-based discrimination within the academy grounds. We have faced significant criticism due to your sordid and petty behavior, and measures are now being taken to curb this crisis."
The hardline nobles were left in a state of shock and disbelief; yet, neither the students nor the faculty who clung to these class-based prejudices dared to voice the words stuck in their throats. After all, leaving Versalkin Academy was no trivial matter—it would be nothing short of madness. As for their pride—which would make them feel inferior to a commoner student graduating from the academy—they would never allow such a thing.
Several staff members entered the stage, carrying cushions. On each cushion sat a storage ring and a certificate of merit made of pure gold, to be presented during the honors ceremony.
"Now that the time for the honors ceremony has arrived, and the misunderstanding has been successfully resolved, I invite student Yuta Caseral—head of the Barony of Caseral—to come forward and receive what he has earned."
Yuta walked with steady, deliberate steps toward Soliver. He cast a look at the man that held a hint of mockery; the person he disliked most in the world was now forced to honor him. What a strange world it is.
The sentiment was mutual for Soliver, whose expression betrayed a wish that someone else were performing this task instead. Yet, as the academy's director, he knew he had no choice—whether he liked it or not.
Soliver approached Yuta, holding the certificate, followed by a woman carrying the storage ring. He spoke in a voice loud enough for everyone in the hall to hear:
"Master Yuta Caseral, you have shown great diligence and perseverance throughout the year, achieving much during your academic term. Today, you shall be rewarded for all of it." Although he detested Yuta for the indirect threat he had posed to his granddaughter, Yuta had requested several measures that proved highly beneficial for Versalkin Academy. These included increasing the student body to 25, establishing a "Masters' Class," and providing computers and technological tools capable of efficiently grading student assignments—all of which served to make operations within Versalkin Academy more efficient and transparent.
Yuta then handed him a storage ring, wearing a faint, insincere smile that prompted Yuta to scoff inwardly. In a voice so quiet it was barely audible—yet perfectly clear to Soliver—Yuta remarked:
"Mr. Soliver, I must commend you for doing the very thing you least wanted to do. That said, you would do well to be careful; your enemies might be right under your own roof."
"Consider this a piece of advice regarding your earlier behavior. You'll find it quite useful in the future, Mr. Soliver—I can promise you that."
While Soliver's outward expression remained unchanged, he was inwardly struck by the gravity of the situation. Yet, he could not fathom why Yuta would tell him this—was it out of pity, or was there some hidden motive?
Without further ado, Yuta placed both the certificate of merit and the storage ring into his own personal dimensional space and departed.
Soliver pulled the microphone toward himself; it had been two meters away, and walking over to it would have been beneath his dignity and embarrassing for the principal of Versalkin Academy.
Looking toward Seok, he spoke:
"Let us move on to the second student." "I ask student Seok, from the elite combat-specialization class, to step forward."
"As you know—and as I have mentioned before—there are several reasons why student Seok, a first-year, is being honored today. Among them are his achievements on Jeju Island and in the city of Yospikers. Furthermore, there is the perseverance he demonstrated despite being overlooked and neglected by the Academy—despite possessing unique, one-of-a-kind talent and ability."
The audience remained silent, save for Hinataku, who clapped with such enthusiasm that others cast subtle, annoyed glances her way. Soon, however, Yorichi, Grey, Beatrice, Leo Venessa, Callista, and Julian joined in the applause.
They were followed by Jian Yi, Armin, Lucy, Gowther, Tom, Catherine, Bao Xin Yi, Kaito Ishikawa, Yusopra, and Tao Xin Bi—along with the five girls he had rescued from the depraved instructors on the third day of the festival.
Next came the commoner students and the non-elite faculty members—those he had saved during the battles against the Scorpion Organization and the Goblin Ruler, Kavlir.
The students and faculty belonging to the fanatical nobility were left in shock; so many prominent figures were now offering their congratulations to someone they had dismissed as a "filthy commoner."
This only fueled their rage toward him. Yet, they could do nothing—they knew that harming him now would not end well, especially given that the Student Council was among those offering their congratulations. Soliver handed Seok a certificate of commendation, speaking in a calm, sincere tone:
"Well done, Seok. You have accomplished things you can truly be proud of. Furthermore, please accept my apologies for the Academy's shortcomings and the way it neglected you. Moreover, you will be compensated for all the work you have carried out."
A look of slight astonishment crossed Seok's face as he grasped what Soliver meant by "compensated for all the work you have carried out"—a reference to his killing of Jason, Jaiden, Masayoshi Take, and Hudson.
Nevertheless, he decided to play along. Following the scandal caused by Hinataku—who had revealed the truth to the world—Principal Soliver had become far more lenient toward him.
"Thank you, Principal Soliver. I accept your apology graciously. I am also grateful to Verselkin Academy; had it not been for the resources provided to me over the past few months, I would never have become this strong."
A look of astonishment crossed Soliver's face. In that moment, he realized that Seok was not someone who could be ignored or taken lightly. He felt as though he might suffer a stroke long before reaching his retirement—a retirement that, at this rate, might never arrive at all.
He let out an internal sigh, realizing that students of this caliber were becoming increasingly common—and that the complex problems likely to arise over the next three years would be insufferably troublesome.
Without another word, Seok turned and left, taking with him the storage ring that held the compensation Soliver had promised.
Soliver watched him go, his expression unreadable. Finally, he broke the silence that had fallen over the hall:
"And now, we come to the last first-year student to be honored today: Gia Guilford—the adopted daughter of the Duke and Magic Emperor, Aster Guilford—and arguably our most gifted student. As you are all aware, she attained the rank of 'Ruling Master' at the age of just fifteen."
"She is truly one of the prodigies of the Central Continent—standing alongside the likes of Gother MacTire, Yuta Caseral, Beatrice, Jian Yi, and Son Goku from the Gense Magic Academy." [We ask student Gia Guilford—from the Mythology class, specializing in magical combat, beast contracting, and so on—to come forward and receive what she has earned.]
Gia headed straight toward the podium, drawing the gaze of every student in the room. As one of the most beautiful students at Versalkin Academy, she had a way of captivating anyone who laid eyes on her the moment they saw her.
Among those watching were Frederick and Zi Mingtao—both of whom had long desired to get closer to her, though neither dared to openly challenge the other. Furthermore, both were deeply bothered by the notion that she might be involved with Yuta; this was especially true for Zi Mingtao, who had witnessed Yuta kissing her on the lips just days before the written examination.
"Gia Guilford is absolutely stunning, isn't she? I wish she'd spend a night with me—her body is just so alluring."
"You're fantasizing about things that would get your head separated from your shoulders. Have you forgotten about Yuta Caseral, Frederick Renlick, and Zi Mingtao? They've all got their eyes on her. Besides, I saw Yuta kissing her on the lips and embracing her back when we were on Gigua Island, just before the written exam."
The student's companion looked visibly dejected as he listened, quickly abandoning the thought. Deep down, he knew such a thing was entirely out of the question.
Nevertheless, the students—both male and female—continued to watch her with admiration. "Although she is the daughter of the Magic Emperor, Aster Guilford, she also possesses the blessing of a mysterious entity—a mark of noble blood. No commoner could ever hold such a blessing; it is reserved exclusively for those of distinguished lineage, such as the great dukedoms, clans, and major sects across the entire world."
"You're right! If only I were in her shoes! To be the daughter of the Magic Emperor, Aster Guilford, and to possess such terrifying talent—I would be counted among the 'Ten Miracles.' That group includes Yuta Caseral, Beatrice, Gowther, Jian Yi, Son Goku, Crown Prince Arthur Johnflin, and three others whose names I don't even know."
A girl looked at her friend, bewildered:
"Aren't you exaggerating a bit? You could have just said you'd be one of the 'Ten Miracles'—there was no need to list all their names! A fool like you could never be among the 'Ten Miracles,' no matter how hard you tried. You'd belong among the 'Ten Failures'—and you'd take the top spot, hands down!"
Elsewhere, Gia stood before Soliver. She fixed him with a gaze so intense that, for a split second, he mistook her for Yuta—a realization he managed to correct in the blink of an eye.
Trying to mask the tension and embarrassment he felt—having intended to mock her, thinking she was Yuta—he spoke:
"Lady Gia Guilford—the pride of the 'Class of Legends' and one of the most powerful students at Versalkin Academy. And that's not just among the first-years; she stands out across all four academic years." "One day, you will be the pride of the Duchy of Guilford, having distinguished yourself as the top student of the year across all 160 academic disciplines. Today, your efforts shall be recognized."
With a snap of his fingers, another attendant appeared, carrying an honorary medal upon a cushion woven with golden threads. He took his place beside Director Soliver and Gia.
Gia gazed at the medal with indifference; her sole purpose in enrolling at the Versalkin Academy had been to grow stronger—to prepare for what lay ahead.
Six months had passed, and six more remained before she would leave the academy—a span of time during which anything could happen. For her, this was a test: a way to determine whether the progress she had made was truly valuable, or merely a waste of time.
If it proved to be a waste, she would identify the flaw, rectify it, and strive to become even stronger. The future lay before her, and she had no choice but to face it head-on.
Deep down, she steeled herself for what she might witness at the Summer Festival—and for the truth that had remained hidden from her ever since she first entered the House of Guilford nine years ago, at the age of six.
She shifted her gaze toward Yuta. This drew sharp, hostile glares from both Frederick Reinlick and Zi Ming Tao, who were clearly displeased that Yuta had managed to capture her attention. Frederick, though he had intended to ignore Yuta, was certainly not about to let him claim what he considered his own rightful due.
Yet, their expressions soon shifted to bewilderment as they noticed the peculiar smile Yuta wore while looking back at them. Nevertheless, they sensed a murderous intent behind that smile, so they chose to keep watching, pretending as if nothing had happened. Yet, Yi Fan noticed it with complete ease.
She laughed at them inwardly, mocking them in her thoughts:
"A bunch of foolish narcissists. Yuta, Frederick, Zi Mingtao, and Jia—they're all so bizarre. And yet, Yuta is currently two points ahead, while they have zero. Hahahahahahahahaha!"
Jia turned her gaze back toward Soliver, who—with a faint smile—pinned a badge of honor onto her school uniform, before handing her a certificate of merit and a storage ring.
"I wish you success, Lady Gia Guilford. You are the jewel of the Guilford family, one of the gems of Ferslkin Academy, and the pride of all humanity. I trust you will prove equal to this task."
Gia offered no verbal response to Soliver's words—though, had she spoken, her answer would hardly have been what he wished to hear.
In the silence of her own mind, as she gazed at Soliver, the head of Ferslkin Academy, she thought:
"I am responsible only for myself; my choices are guided solely by my own will and ambition. I came to Ferslkin Academy to become the strongest—nothing else matters to me. Whether the world endures or burns to ashes, it is of no consequence."
"As for being a 'jewel'—that is merely a naive platitude used to deceive fools. I shall never be anyone's tool. My life is my own, and I alone choose the path I tread, be it for good or for ill."
She returned to her former spot beside Yuta Caseral and Siuk. Around them, the students and faculty—especially the first-years of noble birth—were applauding with great fervor.
"What's the matter, Lady Gia Guilford? Try to smile, at least. We aren't at a funeral—not yet, anyway. Once the mask of your protector falls away, you may scowl to your heart's content, Lady Gia Guilford. Hahahaha!"
Yuta spoke softly, casting a sidelong glance at her. Both Gia and Siuk looked back at him, their expressions marked by bewilderment, before they turned away and settled back into their seats. Director Soliver returned to his podium once the loudspeaker had been reinstalled in its proper place.
[Having honored the top first-year students—Yuta Caseral from Elite Class 1 (specializing in Combat, Magic, Contracting, and Alchemy), Seok from Elite Class 4 (specializing in Combat), and Giya Guilford from Legend Class 2 (specializing in Combat, Magic, Contracting, and Alchemy)—]
[—we now turn to the second-year students, who are to be recognized for their efforts throughout the year. I trust I shall not see a repeat of the disgraceful behavior witnessed moments ago.]
Soliver's tone was stern as he surveyed the students, causing many to swallow their words before they could even be voiced.
The recognition ceremony for the second and third-year students began, one by one, amidst an atmosphere of applause and congratulations—a moment shared by students and faculty alike, transcending all social strata.
For some, these moments were truly unforgettable; for others, they marked the final days of the academic year, while some were graduating entirely. These graduates would now face a choice: to remain at the Academy as staff—provided they met all requirements and passed the necessary employment examinations—or to venture elsewhere.
This was more than just a celebration of their time at the Academy; it marked the conclusion of their preparatory phase for the journeys they would undertake during the upcoming break. For the graduates, it was the moment to step out from behind the screens and prove their worth to the world at large. The Versalkin Academy provided housing, food, clothing, resources, security, education, and an excellent environment for personal growth. Yet, in just a few hours, all these provisions would vanish, leaving the students to fend for themselves.
Yuta and Jiya are in the city of Berhais, awaiting the Summer Festival—an event destined to unveil secrets that Jiya was either unaware of, or perhaps already knew but lacked the key to connect all the scattered clues and hints.
Beatrice, Lucy, and Prefika are on a quest to uncover the truth about Boswal: was he truly a kind, loving soul, or merely a hypocrite? Beatrice is not entirely certain she is prepared to face the reality, yet her drive to uncover the truth remains as intense as ever.
Yurichi and Grey have embarked on a journey to surpass their current limits—to catch up with the peers and rivals who have already outpaced them, and to finally unlock the full potential of the abilities and skills they have thus far been unable to wield.
Jian Yi, Tom, Seok, and Hinatako are honing their abilities, clearing their minds, and learning to balance raw power with precise control atop the peaks of the Hua Sect—a place where fragrant plum blossoms drift through the air, creating a scene that perfectly blends beauty and strength, delicacy and resilience.
As for Armin, he seeks a period of rest—a chance to spend time with his family and explore his own capabilities over the coming five months; for him, this is the ideal way to spend the break.
Four distinct paths, four different destinations—yet they all lead to the same outcome: none of them will emerge the same as they were when they began. Each of them would undergo some form of change—be it great or small.
[And now, we shall honor the fourth-year students: Frederick Renlick from the Class of Legends—specializing in politics, combat, military strategy, pact-making, and alchemy; Ye Fan from the Class of Legends—specializing in politics, history, Qi, alchemy, archaeology, ancient languages, and runology; and Zi Mingtao from the Class of Legends—specializing in history, Qi, combat, military strategy, survival techniques, Gu-refining, Gu-hunting, and Gu-rearing. Please, come forward to the stage.]
Frederick Renlick held the gaze of Academy Principal Versalkin for several seconds before making his way toward the stage, accompanied by the applause of students and faculty alike. He had served as the Student Council President for four consecutive years—so firmly entrenched that even Principal Soliver could not displace him to install his own granddaughter, Lauren, in the role.
Frederick approached the podium to deliver a speech on behalf of the graduating class, even though his own time at the academy had been extended by an additional year.
Yet, given his position as Student Council President, he remained the most logical choice—far better than having someone else take the spot through what might be termed "cronyism." Initially, some students were opposed to being represented by someone who was not actually graduating; however, after Frederick spoke with them maturely behind closed doors, they changed their minds. Ultimately, they became his staunch supporters, backing Frederick Renlick to serve as the student representative for the graduating class of the Versalkin Academy—the cohort of June 30, 675.