.

The upperclassmen's gazes were glued to me.

I stretched languidly in my chair, arms crossed behind my head, trying to ignore their scrutiny.

The very picture of nonchalance.

*Scoff*.

A few of the seniors began to chuckle.

But it wasn't malicious.

It wasn't mockery I sensed in their laughter, but acknowledgment.

Just by releasing a fraction of my energy, I'd managed to make my presence known.

And as a bonus, I'd prevented a potential clash between Guwar and the upperclassmen.

Well, except Guwar, who seemed rather displeased that I'd defused the situation he'd almost escalated.

I could have won that. He muttered.

Of course.

I replied with a smile.

Guwar, though frowning, didn't display any hostility toward me.

He'd finally acknowledged, after numerous encounters, that I was a demon worthy of being here.

As expected, the best way to deal with someone like Guwar was to show him strength.

The moment he recognized power, his attitude changed.

Actually, it wasn't just Guwar.

The seniors had reacted similarly.

And Baltan

You've gotten stronger, haven't you? I can't wait to fight you.

He said, rubbing his shoulder as if itching for a fight.

Typical.

I looked away from Baltan and towards Rene.

.

She was completely ignoring me, as usual.

*Flinch*.

Or so I thought, until I noticed the slight twitch of her black horns.

Why had Rene been reacting this way lately?

Despite my confusion, I decided to break the ice, hoping she would respond.

Lady Rene, it's been a while.

Indeed.

Finally, a response.

It was the first time she'd spoken to me directly since rescuing me from Diana.

A strange feeling washed over me.

She finally responded.

Taking a step closer, I leaned towards her and whispered,

I trust you've been well. You've been rather elusive lately.

.

She didn't reply.

Instead

*Flush*.

For some reason, her ears turned bright red.

What is going on?

Her reaction only deepened my confusion.

There was definitely something she wanted from me, I was sure of it.

But since she didn't seem keen on talking, I backed off.

The murmuring in the meeting room gradually subsided.

After the display I'd given, the upperclassmen no longer dared to taunt us.

And so

.

Everyone waited with bated breath for the Headmistress, seated at the head of the table, to speak.

Finally

Let the meeting commence.

Headmistress Luzian began.

As the instructors have explained, this practical exam will be a series of matches between representatives of each year. And as you know, you will all receive full marks regardless of the outcome.

The students nodded.

In a way, this practical exam was more of an exhibition.

Hence, all participating representatives would receive full marks.

The point was to show the other students how strong their representatives were.

There was no better way to earn the trust of soldiers than to demonstrate the might of their general.

As I was pondering the practical exam

However, there's a slight change of plans. There's a possibility of a tie for the top spot.

Luzian's voice took on a serious tone.

It was a valid point.

If there was a tie, the rewards would have to be shared.

And those rewards couldn't exactly be cut in half, could they?

So, was she planning to change the criteria for the exam?

Unable to contain his curiosity, a student in a second-year uniform raised his hand.

The second-year uniform, like ours, was designed for combat and practicality.

But unlike the plain first-year uniform, it featured some embellishments.

They weren't too flashy or distracting, though. Just enough to add a touch of flair without hindering movement in battle.

I'll be wearing that uniform next year, huh?

As I thought that, the second-year student spoke.

Does that mean our scores will be lowered from perfect marks?

No, not at all. Those who demonstrate exceptional skill during the exam, based on the new criteria, will receive an additional point. Only one student from each year will be chosen.

An extra point?

Not bad for me.

*Smirk*.

.

Hey, is there something on my face?

Baltan asked, noticing my confident expression and reaching up to touch his own face.

I let out an internal sigh.

To those who didn't know him, Baltan might seem like a simple-minded battle maniac.

However, Baltan was a cunning strategist with a sharp mind.

He'd lost the top spot in the last midterm, so he would have prepared thoroughly for all subjects.

Just like me, he had a high chance of scoring full marks in theory, weaponry, and magic.

If he earned the extra point, he could secure the top spot. But

There was no way to know what the criteria for that extra point were.

The Headmistress had made it clear that she wouldn't reveal them.

The students, predictably, began to protest.

However

Do you have a problem with that?

The moment they saw the Headmistress's deceptively gentle smile

.

Every student fell silent.

Perhaps this was another test in itself.

A test of our ability to adapt and figure out the hidden criteria using our own skills.

If she wouldn't tell us, we'd just have to find out ourselves.

And I had just the thing to help me.

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