**Chapter 59: The Entrance Ceremony Takes a Turn**
“New students, congratulations on your admission!”
The headmaster, standing on the podium, spoke with a gentle expression.
“You have entered the Royal Academy, the largest educational institution in the Aiwood Kingdom. From here on, you will accumulate numerous 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 memories of youth that you can look back on and laugh about with friends when you become adults.”
(A school life without regrets… that truly is a challenge.)
Rest understood all too well how simple it sounded, yet how difficult it could be. In his previous life, he had been a struggling student, lacking parental support. He had studied desperately to secure scholarships and worked part-time jobs to pay for his tuition… only to end up embroiled in conflicts with his father over school fees, leading to his untimely death by stabbing. He had never had a girlfriend, nor had he participated in any clubs. How many people could he even call friends?
(I’ve been reborn for a reason… This time, I want to make lots of friends and create a school life filled with laughter.)
“That concludes my speech. Everyone, enjoy your time at the academy.”
“Thank you, Headmaster. Next, we will hear from the top-ranking student.”
The headmaster’s address came to an end. Next up was a speech from the student who had excelled in the entrance exams. Prompted by an elderly male teacher, five students—three boys and two girls—stepped onto the stage, representing the top scorers from the Magic Department, Knight Department, Civil Official Department, Priest Department, and Arts Department.
“First, let us welcome the top student from the Magic Department, Celestine Crocus.”
“Yes.”
The first to step forward was a stunning girl with platinum hair and violet eyes.
(Is that the daughter of the prominent noble family… the House of Crocus?)
Rest recognized her name. She was famous for her beauty and intelligence, known as a paragon among noblewomen. With looks that rivaled even the Rosemary Sisters, she possessed not only exceptional magical talent but also remarkable intellect—a perfect beauty often referred to as a divine masterpiece bestowed by the heavens.
“Greetings, everyone. I am Celestine Crocus from the Magic Department.”
She pinched the hem of her skirt and bowed her head before speaking in a clear, unwavering tone.
“I am truly honored to be admitted to this prestigious magic academy and to receive the great honor of being the top student. Though it may be presumptuous of me, I will strive to be a guiding light for all of you during our time here.”
(Wow… impressive…)
Rest was captivated by Celestine’s confident demeanor as she addressed the entire student body. It was remarkable for a girl in her mid-teens to speak with such assurance in front of an audience—something he could never have done in his previous life. Her refined presence and eloquence drew the attention of everyone present, regardless of gender.
(Is it the difference in innate grace and charisma? Just speaking draws everyone’s gaze; it’s almost unfair.)
“…………?”
As everyone was entranced by Celestine on the podium, Rest suddenly sensed an ominous presence.
Thanks to his training with Diable, he had activated the Life Search spell, allowing him to detect the magical energy around him. He felt someone preparing to cast a spell.
(In the middle of the ceremony? What could their intention be!?)
Before he could gather his thoughts, someone unleashed their magic. Rest quickly responded, using his own spell to intercept.
(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 used was the non-lethal Mud Bullet, which 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 using magic… But still, the headmaster is impressive.)
Rest glanced at the headmaster, who stood at the edge of the stage. While Rest had intercepted the spell with his Wind Shield, the headmaster had also cast a defensive spell. A transparent magical shield had appeared in front of “her,” ensuring that no harm came to Celestine, the intended target.
“…………!”
Celestine Crocus widened her eyes in shock on the podium. It seemed she had realized she was the target of the spell. Stunned, she halted her speech mid-sentence.
(A mud bullet… Who would dare to pull such a prank on a noble lady?)
“Everyone, please remain calm! This is a formal ceremony. I ask for your silence!”
The teacher in charge raised his voice to quell the murmurs among the new students.
“…………Tch.”
Amidst the commotion, a new student seated a few rows behind Rest clicked his tongue softly, seemingly unfazed by the chaos around him.