The Dalian Duel Announcement

The first floor of the lecture hall, a dedicated room for the Silver Owl class, was abuzz with energy as cadets gathered for announcements before the start of their regular morning classes.

Bang-! Bang-! Bang-!

Emma slammed the podium hard and shouted, "Okay! Okay! Everyone, pay attention! Professor Feiyang has an announcement regarding today's final exam for the Dalian class!"

The Dalian class was a common subject taken by all grades. It served as a place for exchanges between seniors and juniors, but it was also a competitive field where students tested their skills.

Emma, in the brightest tone possible, continued once she had everyone's attention. "As you all know, the final exam for the Dalian class has been moved up a bit according to the academic calendar."

The final exam for the class was always a one-on-one duel, a match against a randomly assigned opponent, regardless of grade—be it first-year or fourth-year.

Seeing the cadets drooping in their seats, Emma tried to lift their spirits with her cheerful voice. "They said the match schedule for the Dalian match will be released today…"

The cadets sighed softly as they listened. Despite the competition, the difference in skill levels between the first and fourth graders was immense.

Knights, mages, and priests all specialized in different fields, but the first-years almost always fared the worst in these sparring matches, except in rare circumstances.

As Zane sat quietly, listening to the murmurs around him, he caught snippets of conversation.

"…Please, I just don't want to be up against a first-year. At least give me a second-year opponent."

"Isn't it really unfair? If we fight a fourth-year, we're bound to get hurt."

"Wasn't the last time a junior won when Max defeated a fourth-year the year before last?"

Holy Academy, divided its students into three primary categories:

1. Knights, who trained in physical combat and defense with cold weapons.

2. Wizards, who specialized in elemental magic.

3. Priests, who focused on white magic.

While a knight might seem to have the advantage in close combat, that wasn't always the case. These categories were just convenient distinctions based on their main focus of study.

"It's up to you what classes you take, and most professors encourage students to take a variety of courses! You know that, right?" Emma reminded everyone.

Elite students often took advantage of the dual major system, enrolling in classes from other disciplines.

Furthermore, those who completed the Dual Class curriculum could attempt a special exam, which, if passed, recognized them as part of a special class like a paladin, white magician, or magic swordsman.

While it added only a few extra letters to their diploma, the prestige of such titles carried weight in society, especially with the Holy Academy name attached to it.

Emma herself had entered as a priest major, but she was now taking knight classes as well.

"Everyone..." she said, smiling brightly. Lower-year students, not confident enough to avoid the geniuses among their seniors or peers, were more nervous than excited.

"Let's hope we find a good opponent!" she added optimistically.

But to the students, it was a death sentence.

* * *

In the evening, after class, Zane was the first to leave the classroom. His plan to be a model student was going smoothly.

During the earlier class on how to use mana, only very basic knowledge was covered, but the professor seemed pleased.

'When moving mana into the bloodstream, you should focus on the finer blood flow rather than the larger veins. Even a child can pour mana into the large vessels, but fine control requires painstaking effort.'

'The basic formula for determining the mana required for a spell is…'

'As the professor said, the existing theory seems correct in that regard. There is an operational method that matches the characteristics of each type of mana...'

In liberal arts classes, perhaps because the Black Fang gang was no longer around, students from other classes now approached Zane with ease, eager to chat.

"Hey Zane, are you free today?"

"Zane, want to study theory together?"

"Zane, something's different about you. What perfume are you wearing?"

"Are you taking any extra tutoring? How did your grades improve so suddenly?"

"Wait, where are you going, Zane? You haven't answered my question yet!"

The reason Zane left the classroom in such a hurry was because he didn't want to waste time on meaningless social interactions. Being a model student didn't necessarily mean fostering good relationships with everyone.

'I'll earn points for good behavior, but… I should avoid drawing too much attention to myself.'

As he walked towards the cadet mess hall, Emma appeared, out of breath.

"Hah... Hah... Oh, hello," she greeted him awkwardly.

Zane looked at her curiously. "What's going on?"

"Huh? Oh, it's... I was concerned about what I heard yesterday."

"…?"

"I'm talking about Max. For some reason, it seems he wants you as his sparring partner."

"Isn't the sparring partner chosen randomly?"

The opponent for the Dalian test was randomly selected by Professor Feiyang. At least, that was what Zane remembered, and it was what Emma had said that morning.

Looking around cautiously, Emma whispered, "Of course, that's true. But with Max… it might be a little different. He's a model student with the backing of the Pendragon family…"

"Are you suggesting foul play?"

Emma flinched, quickly waving her hand. "Oh no! It's just... just a feeling I have."

"…I see."

Zane considered the possibility. With the influence of a family like Pendragon, it wasn't hard to imagine someone manipulating the system to their advantage.

'Is the Pendragon family really that powerful?' Zane tried to recall what he knew about them.

Hesitating slightly, Emma continued, "If... if Max is your opponent, maybe you should consider forfeiting."

"Forfeit?"

Emma nodded. "His skills are real, Zane. If he has bad intentions, it won't end well for you. Before you get seriously hurt…"

Zane met her eyes and spoke softly, "Is that why you came to me?"

Emma's gaze flickered away. "Oh, no! I just happened to be here for some exercise, and we ran into each other! That's all!"

"Exercise in the hallway?" Zane asked, raising an eyebrow.

Emma laughed awkwardly as Zane walked past her.

"Well, thanks for the advice," Zane said over his shoulder.

Emma let out a sigh as she watched him leave.

It wasn't really her business, and it wasn't something she should've brought up lightly. But for some reason, she felt compelled to warn him. It wasn't out of pity for Zane, nor was it because of the rumors surrounding him.

'...Curiosity. Yes, it's just curiosity. And I'm the class president, after all.'

Emma nodded, convincing herself as she walked away, her steps brisk but still tinged with awkwardness.