Chapter 16: The Undying
Chapter 16: The Undying
Ren's expression flickered with surprise.
He knew how difficult it was to compete across years in the academy; his mother, a Saintess, had once explained to him how rare it was for students to advance ahead of their class by raw strength alone.
The academy permitted students to jump years if they were exceptional, but it wasn't common.
His parents—both Saints—had been exceptions to this rule, as had his eldest brother, who'd even managed to skip two years.
They were considered anomalies, rare prodigies with unparalleled skills.
Ren thought back; he was fairly certain that even Magnus, the head of the academy, had only managed to jump a single year.
For Kai to be considered strong enough to rival upperclassmen yet still remain in the fourth year... it didn't quite add up.
What made it even more crazy was that Kai had mentioned in passing before that he had already skipped a Grade.
"And," Selena added with a hint of humor, "Kai's also the richest student in the entire academy."
Kai rolled his eyes, barely looking over his shoulder. "Ignore her, she's spouting nonsense."
Selena sighed lightly, watching Ren and Oliver. "Well then, I suppose I'll see you both at the first-year competition next month."
Kai dismissed her with a slight wave, and Ren nodded back politely. Oliver, following his mentor out of the room, turned to Selena with a thoughtful look.
"Is Kai really that impressive?" Oliver asked, curiosity and skepticism mixing in his tone.
Selena paused, considering her response carefully before shaking her head. "In the entire academy, aside from Magnus himself, there shouldn't be anyone who can match Kai in combat."
Oliver's eyes widened. Magnus was of Heroic rank, a full step above the Rare rank Kai currently held.
Everyone knew that once a person reached Heroic rank, the increase in power was exponential—it was where ordinary limits started breaking down, and ranks no longer scaled in simple steps.
Oliver struggled to wrap his mind around it, and Selena could tell. She smiled, a hint of something almost reverent in her expression.
"But… explaining it won't mean much. You'll have to see Kai's strength for yourself someday."
Back in the room, Kai took a seat at the edge of the bed, his gaze assessing as he asked, "How are you feeling?"
Ren, still a little stunned, met his mentor's eyes.
He hadn't expected to learn all this about Kai—his reputation as a top figure in the academy.
To Ren, Kai had always seemed anything but polished or strategic.
He was messy, laid-back, and didn't seem to care much for decorum, and he certainly didn't look like someone who'd keep up appearances fit for a noble academy.
"I'm feeling better," Ren replied finally, gathering his thoughts. "I should be able to get back to training soon."
"Good," Kai nodded, a serious edge in his voice. "Because at your current level, you won't make it into Class 0."
Ren felt a pang of motivation spark through him.
It made sense—he had only recently begun his training, and compared to his noble peers, he had a lot of ground to make up.
Kai continued, leaning back slightly as he crossed his arms. "It's crucial that you make it into Class 0."
Ren's heart skipped a beat. Kai's tone was casual, yet there was a weight to it that Ren couldn't ignore.
Did Class 0 hold something important? Something vital to his progress or his goals here at the academy?
"I have a bet to win, after all," Kai added, a mischievous glint flashing in his eye.
...
In the heart of a grand room lined with prestigious awards and accolades for the academy's most accomplished mages, sat the vice headmistress.
She was a formidable figure—elegant yet uncompromising, her very posture exuding professionalism and control.
Her silver hair was styled into a meticulously arranged bun, a few deliberate wisps framing her face in a way that softened her otherwise sharp and dignified appearance.
The glasses perched on her nose added to her precision, enhancing her focused gaze that held both warmth and calculated intensity.
Her expression as she looked over the gathered students and nobles was one of calm authority, giving off a clear message: nothing escaped her scrutiny.
The vice headmistress sat at the head of a long table where five other academy officials were seated.
At the opposite end of the table stood Magnus, bowing respectfully as he extended a file toward her, awaiting her acknowledgment.
She accepted it with a slight nod, her fingers moving deftly over the papers as her eyes scanned them with practiced efficiency, the room silent under her attentive review.
"The Class 0 initiative has been approved," one of the professors remarked, his tone neutral. "However, it's worth noting that a significant amount of Academy Credits (AC) has been allocated for this plan."
Magnus, ever composed, nodded in agreement.
"I believe it's a sound plan. This scheme has the potential to produce exceptional graduates, and the resources we've invested are justified by its feasibility."
"Indeed, it's your decision, Council President Magnus," the Vice Headmistress said, her voice both respectful and firm.
She placed the stack of papers aside, her attention now fully on the matter at hand.
"Now, on a different note," she began, her voice steady and controlled. "Kai has formally requested to take the Graduation Exam."
At the mention of Kai's name, no one in the room appeared particularly surprised.
"As per academy rules, for a fourth-year student to graduate early, they must reach the Heroic Rank, defeat the current First Ranker, and gain approval from all faculty members. None of the professors or myself have objections to this request, and even the Headmaster is in agreement," the Vice Headmistress continued.
Magnus nodded, his familiarity with the academy's rules and its inner workings evident. "Of course," he said quietly.
"However," she continued, her voice taking on a more deliberate tone, "Kai has bypassed the Heroic Rank requirement by using 100,000,000 AC."
This revelation caused a brief stir among the professors, but Magnus remained unfazed.
He was well aware of Kai's resourcefulness and audacity.
"He now wishes to challenge you, Ranker Undying," the Vice Headmistress said, her gaze meeting Magnus's.
"Given the significance of this match, the Headmaster believes it would be an invaluable opportunity for the students, and therefore proposes that the fight take place during the implementation of Class 0."
"I understand," Magnus said calmly, his tone unwavering as he met the eyes of the gathered professors.
"You have the right to refuse," one of the professors reminded, their voice laced with caution.
"I will not," Magnus replied firmly, his gaze steady and resolute.
A subtle sigh escaped from one of the professors, who exchanged glances with the others before speaking again.
"Magnus, we know and respect your strengths. We have taught you, watched you ascend into the Heroic Rank. We understand the substantial advantages that come with it. After all, each of us here has reached that level."
She paused, allowing the weight of her words to settle before continuing.
"But... we all know Kai. He would not make such a declaration unless he is absolutely confident in his victory."
The room fell silent for a moment, the implications of her words hanging heavily in the air.
It was clear that Kai was not one to act impulsively—his confidence and reputation spoke volumes.
"That does not bother me. If I am to lose, so be it," Magnus said, his tone unwavering, full of conviction.
"I have lost before, and I will lose again in the future. Losing is a sign that I still have more to grow. I have never been one to shy away from a battle, and I will not shy away now."
There was a quiet resolve in his words, the wisdom of someone who had accepted the ebb and flow of victory and defeat alike.
It was clear that, for Magnus, the true value lay not in the outcome, but in the growth forged through the struggle.
He then gave a respectful bow to the vice headmistress, his gaze steady. "Then, Headmistress. I will take my leave."
The room, still heavy with the weight of his words, seemed to acknowledge his decision.
The professors nodded, each with a different expression of contemplation.
Magnus had always been…stubborn, but his approach to challenge and growth was something they all respected deeply.
With that, he turned and walked toward the door, his presence as commanding as ever.