Typically, research labs were quiet.

There was hardly any chatter.

Everyone was too swamped and exhausted to chat.

However, this particular research lab was even quieter than the rest.

There were no sounds of footsteps or rustling papers, save for one individual.

Ugh

This was Professor Gracie's lab.

Compared to other labs, it was almost empty, devoid of people or clutter.

The only thing present in this barren lab was an enormous pile of papers.

Gracie slouched dejectedly at her desk.

"I need an assistant"

After becoming a professor, Gracie had tried fervently to recruit one.

However, the number of students who applied to be her assistant?

Zero.

Not a single one.

The potential teaching assistants knew all too well.

Joining Gracie's lab meant facing tremendous difficulties...

Why would they willingly enter Gracies understaffed lab, when they knew theyd be swamped with work without any perks?

In other labs with more assistants, at least tasks were distributed.

But here, it was obvious that one would be overwhelmed without even the chance to leave work on time.

And it wasnt just the first-years who were reluctant.

Even the second and third-year students declined Gracie's offers.

By their second and third years, students had generally adapted to the academy's environment.

As a result, they saw no reason to join Gracie's new lab, especially when they could join more established professors.

Should I try to lure in some freshmen...

This year, Gracie was in charge of first-year students.

To be exact, she was teaching the top class of the first-years for practical magic.

The top class of practical magic was initially handled by Professor Cromwell.

Which meant Gracie had no choice but to take over.

While one might think that the top class should be managed by a more experienced professor, these were still first-year students.

Regardless of how exceptional they were compared to their peers, they were still novices.

Teaching them wasnt the issue.

However, recruiting them as teaching assistants was a different story.

Even the brightest among the first-year students were still just that first years.

"Maybe I can just ask them for a little help with the paperwork..."

While first-year students might not be able to assist in the more complicated research, they could still handle routine paperwork.

Gracie glanced at a paper bag beside her and picked it up.

She opened the bag and began sifting through the papers inside.

These were documents detailing the entrance exam scores of first-year students and also listed the names of her students those in the top practical magic class.

[

Practical Magic Class

Yuni Von Ristonia

Diark Verde

]

There were only two students in the top class.

And unfortunately, both were individuals she couldnt easily approach.

Yuni would never consider taking on the role of a teaching assistant, being the princess of the empire.

As for Diark...

"Why would a top student from a prestigious family even consider joining my lab?"

Diark is the sole heir of the Verds family.

The Verds family owns fertile farmland in the southern plains and has served under the empire for generations.

However, before Diark, the Verds line hadn't produced any notable talents.

Given the prosperity brought by their fertile territories, the family never felt the need to excel.

Emerging from such an environment was their sole heir, Diark Verds.

It was unlikely that such a cherished noble offspring, raised in luxury, would have any interest in joining her laboratory.

"Ugh..."

Gracie sighed deeply.

The new term had begun.

Freshmen had completed the entrance ceremony and were now officially part of the academy.

Now in my second year, I've started attending various new classes.

"Rudy, what's our next class?"

"Introduction to Dark Magic. It's Professor Robert's class."

Luna and I chatted as we walked toward the cafeteria.

Today marked the beginning of the new academic term, and there was much to discuss about our classes.

We exchanged information about which classes we liked, which professors taught well, and started planning potential changes to our schedules.

In our first year, we couldn't freely choose our class schedules, but from the second year onward, we had the freedom to customize them.

For instance, those in the Magic Department could choose which intermediate magic courses they wanted, including classes in magical tool creation, advanced rune studies, and practical magic applications, tailoring their classes according to their career path.

For me, I leaned towards dark magic and practical magic classes, while Luna focused on courses related to magical tools and runes.

Of course, there were other mandatory courses we had to sign up for - the general education courses.

While you'd choose general education courses based on personal interest, there was one crucial thing to consider: which classes had fewer assignments, easier exams, and more lenient professors.

Frankly, while general education courses were designed to broaden one's horizons, they shouldn't be the main focus.

As a student of the Magic Department, my main priority should be magic.

Dedicating too much time to general studies would only be detrimental.

So, Luna and I aimed to choose the ones that demanded the least amount of our time.

"Shall we go for 'Royal Politics' then?"

"Yeah, sounds good."

While Luna and I were deep in conversation on our way to the cafeteria, we noticed a commotion ahead.

"Sigh... Just because you were lucky enough to be born a noble, you think you can talk so much."

I frowned at the scene.

A male student, known as a commoner, stood defensively with a female student hiding behind him, confronted by a noble student.

And that commoner boy was someone I knew.

Letting out a sigh, my expression changed, and I began walking towards them, calling out to the commoner student.

"Kuhn, how have you been?"

Kuhn.

He was the guy I spoke to during the freshman entrance exam.

And here he was, already in a conflict with another student so soon into the new term.

Seeing my approach with a smile, Kuhn's face twisted in discomfort.

"Ugh..."

When I called Kuhn's name, the noble student facing him looked at me, his eyes widening in surprise.

"Ah... Rudy Astria..."

I cast a side glance at the girl hiding behind Kuhn.

It was Emily, Kuhn's childhood friend.

After briefly meeting her gaze, I turned back to Kuhn.

"Kuhn, don't you think we have some things to discuss?"

With that said, I smiled at the noble student standing opposite Kuhn.

Can I take this guy with me for a moment?

At that, he looked taken aback and nodded vigorously.

Do as you wish! Please, take him!

Hearing this, I turned my gaze to Kuhn.

Let's grab a meal together.

Hearing my invitation, Luna tilted her head and asked from behind me,

Who is he?

I gave a faint smile,

A junior I've taken a keen interest in.

With that, I led Kuhn and Emily to the cafeteria.

Luna took a seat beside me, while Kuhn and Emily settled down across from us.

As soon as they were seated, Emily bowed her head towards me,

Thank you for saving me

Its nothing,

I brushed off her gratitude and looked at Kuhn.

His black hair obscured his eyes, giving him a rather brooding appearance.

Directly, I posed my question to him,

So, Kuhn, what have you decided about my proposal?

Kuhn hesitated before speaking,

You probably already know what I'm going to say.

His words referred to our previous encounter.

I had approached Kuhn before and suggested that we work together in the student council.

He scoffed and walked away.

A clear rejection.

Yet, I had my reasons for asking again.

Umm Im sorry,

Emily began hesitantly,

But what are you talking about?

Emily was the reason.

During the freshman entrance exam, I had spoken only to Kuhn.

Even though I knew he would refuse, I decided to give it a shot.

As expected, he turned me down.

So I decided to bring it up again but in Emily's presence.

As I explained the situation to Emily, she turned to Kuhn with a smile,

Kuhn?

I said no. I'm not doing it.

Kuhn???

"I... I won't do it..."

The usually brusque and prickly Kuhn was visibly flustered when Emily pressured him.

To Kuhn, Emily was his greatest vulnerability, yet also his greatest strength.

They had grown up together in an orphanage and shared a bond that was both a deep friendship and a budding romance.

If it was Emily, he would inevitably relent.

After all, the only reason he was refusing was because of my noble status.

Luna watched their playful banter with a warm smile,

You two seem really close. Hehe.

Hearing this, Emily, who was busy glaring at Kuhn, glanced at Luna and replied with a light laugh,

You two seniors also seem to have a good relationship!

Huh??

Hmm?

Both Luna and I looked at Emily with bewilderment.

Emily's eyes widened in realization, her face showing a hint of regret,

Oh Were you two not? I'm so, so sorry!!

As Emily bowed her head in embarrassment, Luna waved her hands dismissively,

No, no! There's no need to apologize. Its fine.

Ah, so you are dating or, not?

Emily's gaze darted between the two of us, her face filled with confusion.

At the training grounds on the outskirts of the academy.

Yuni strolled leisurely toward it.

"Why do the people I'm looking for always prefer such secluded places?"

Grumbling, Yuni stepped inside.

Inside, a man was focused on his sword practice.

"Hello?"

Yuni greeted the man with a warm smile.

Hearing her voice, the man turned his head.

"You're Evan, the top student of the second year, right?"

"I am Evan, yes. But who are you?"

In response to Evan's words, Yuni introduced herself politely.

"I'm Yuni Von Ristonia, a first-year student here."

And with a playful grin, she added,

"How about teaming up with me?"

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