Chapter 59: The Entrance Ceremony, but an Incident Occurs
“New students, congratulations on your enrollment.”
The Headmaster, standing on the podium with a gentle expression, began to speak.
“You have all entered the Royal Academy, the largest educational institution in the Aiwood Kingdom. From here on, you will accumulate many experiences, acquire knowledge and power, and eventually spread your wings into the world. I hope you can live a school life without regrets… though that is surprisingly difficult. I wish for you to create a youth filled with laughter that you can look back on fondly with friends when you become adults.”
(A school life without regrets, huh… That certainly is difficult.)
What seemed simple was, in reality, a challenge that Rest understood all too well. In his previous life, Rest had been a struggling student, deprived of parental support. He had studied desperately to secure scholarships and worked part-time jobs to pay for his tuition… yet he never truly enjoyed the high school experience he fought so hard to attend. He ended up embroiled in a conflict with his father over school fees and was tragically stabbed to death. He had no girlfriend, nor was he part of any clubs. How many friends could he even call his own?
(I’ve been given a second chance at life… This time, I want to make lots of friends and create a school life filled with laughter.)
“Now, that concludes my speech. Everyone, have a wonderful school life.”
“Thank you, Headmaster. Next, we will hear from the Top Candidate.”
The Headmaster’s address came to an end. It seemed the next speaker would be a student who had excelled in the entrance exams. Prompted by an elderly male teacher, five boys and girls stepped onto the stage, each representing the top candidates from the Magic Department, Department of Knights, Department of Civil Affairs, Department of Clergy, and Department of Arts.
“First, let us welcome the Top Candidate from the Magic Department, Celestine Crocus.”
“Yes.”
The first to step forward was a beautiful girl with platinum hair and violet eyes.
(Is that the daughter of the prominent noble… the Crocus Duke House?)
Rest recognized her name. She was famous for her beauty and intelligence, a paragon of grace and talent. With looks rivaling even the Rosemary Sisters, she possessed not only exceptional magical talent but also remarkable intelligence—a perfect beauty often referred to as a divine masterpiece bestowed by the heavens.
“Greetings, everyone. I am Celestine Crocus from the Magic Department.”
After gracefully curtsying by holding the edge of her skirt, Celestine began to speak in a clear and confident tone.
“I am truly honored to be admitted to this prestigious magic academy and to receive the great honor of being the Top Candidate. Though it may be presumptuous of me… I will strive to be a guiding light for all of you during our time at the academy.”
(Wow… that’s impressive…)
Rest was captivated by Celestine’s poise as she spoke confidently in front of all the new students. A girl in her mid-teens speaking so assuredly in public was something he could never have done in his past life. Her refined demeanor and eloquence drew the attention of everyone present, regardless of gender.
(Is it the innate elegance and charisma she possesses? Just speaking makes her stand out; it’s almost unfair.)
“…………?”
As everyone was entranced by Celestine on the podium, Rest suddenly sensed an ominous presence.
Thanks to the training from Dibble, Rest was constantly activating the Life Search spell. He felt a disturbance in the magical currents, indicating that someone was preparing to cast a spell.
(A spell during the ceremony!? What could their intention be!?)
Before he could gather his thoughts, someone unleashed their magic. Instinctively, Rest prepared a counterspell.
(Wind Shield!)
A wall of wind materialized in the air, and with a sharp splash, a mud bullet exploded against it, scattering mud across the floor. The spell cast was the non-lethal Mud Bullet, a magic that literally hurled mud projectiles at its target.
“What!?”
“What was that!?”
Viola and Primula gasped in surprise from either side of him. Other new students were equally startled, some even rising from their seats.
(I haven’t been detected for casting magic… But the Headmaster is impressive.)
Rest glanced at the Headmaster, who stood at the edge of the stage. While Rest had intercepted the incoming spell with his Wind Shield, the Headmaster had also activated a defensive spell. A transparent magical shield had appeared before “her,” the intended target, ensuring that no harm came to her even without Rest’s intervention.
“…………!”
Celestine Crocus, the target of the spell, widened her eyes in shock. It seemed she had realized she was being targeted by magic. Despite being in the middle of her speech, she froze, her words caught in her throat.
(A mud bullet… Who would dare pull such a prank on a duchess?)
“Everyone, please remain calm! This is a ceremony, so maintain your composure!”
The teacher in charge of the proceedings raised his voice to quell the murmurs among the new students.
“…………Tch.”
Amidst the chaos, a new student seated a few rows behind Rest clicked his tongue softly.