After an unexpectedly sweet holiday had come to an end for the first-year students of Orion Academy, a small event marked the return to their regular routine.
That day, both first-year and second-year students gathered in the main auditorium for a morning assembly.
Inside the auditorium, several high-ranking public safety officers were already seated. They were exchanging greetings with the instructors before the assembly officially began.
Then, the ceremony commenced.
As Joo-yeon tapped the microphone with her finger from her seat at the corner, the students stopped chatting and turned their attention to the front.
– We will now begin the morning assembly.
One by one, they went through the usual formalities.
When they sang the Orion Academy anthem, Rohan sang along to a song he had never heard before in his life.
Then, each student saluted while thinking of their home country.
And finally came the moment they had all been waiting for.
– Next is the award ceremony. Awardee: First-year student Lee Rohan, please come forward.
As Joo-yeon called his name, Rohan sprang up from his seat and walked to the front.
He moved as he had been instructed beforehand.
Climbing the six steps to the stage, he stood before the wooden podium fitted with a microphone.
There, an older male officer, adorned with an ornate rank insignia, stood in place.
The officer who was holding a stiff piece of paper began reading the words in a resonant voice.
“Award Certificate. The above student played a distinguished role in severely punishing criminals who disturbed the peace and in single-handedly dismantling an organization, thereby rescuing innocent hostages…”
The Public Safety Department officially closed the investigation.
Finally, the reward for taking down the organization “Yellow Toad” alongside Clara had been deposited into his account.
Since the amount was quite substantial, he planned to use it as a deposit to secure Clara a place to live.
Since Sion had secured the mansion, the money could simply be split in half.
“Therefore, in recognition of this contribution, this certificate is awarded. On behalf of the Chief of Public Safety of Elysium.”
– Please give a big round of applause.
When Joo-yeon took the microphone again, applause from the students echoed from behind.
“You’ve done something truly remarkable. With students like you around, maybe it’s time I retired.”
The officer said with a laugh, adding a personal remark as he turned off the microphone.
Rohan expressed his gratitude and respectfully accepted the certificate, tucking it under his arm.
Then came a thick hand extended toward him.
Rohan didn’t refuse and shook it.
…This guy’s no joke.
From that thick hand, he could feel hardened calluses and a strength that wasn’t ordinary.
Even without releasing any magical power, it was obvious.
This middle-aged officer, while not quite on Joo-yeon’s level, was definitely stronger than the average instructor.
– This concludes the award ceremony.
Recalling what he had been taught, Rohan turned around, saluted, and descended the steps.
He returned to his seat and calmed Gilbert, who looked as if he was about to let out a wild cry at any moment.
This is a bit overwhelming.
Seated again, Rohan could feel the many different gazes fixed on him.
As Joo-yeon had said, there were indeed many students at the academy who carried the weight of their family names and valued honor.
That’s why receiving a certificate in front of everyone might serve as a strong motivator.
Mental discipline would still be necessary to prevent reckless actions driven by baseless confidence—
But Rohan now truly understood that it could be an effective source of motivation for the students.
– ….
Joo-yeon lowered the microphone and began speaking with the instructors who had come up beside her.
After receiving some information, she brought the microphone close to her lips again.
– We will now hear a speech from the Headmaster. Students, please rise.
The students all stood up at once.
The academy headmaster stepped out from behind the curtain.
He was an elderly man with a long, snow-white beard.
Contrasting his wrinkled face was a strong, sturdy body, clad in the relaxed and flowing attire of the Three Nations’ Eastern-style garments.
The headmaster who was exuding a heavy presence took his place on the stage.
When he faced the fresh, young students head-on—
The atmosphere shifted in an instant, and a gentle smile appeared on his face.
“Let’s all take a seat and listen comfortably.”
– Sit.
At Joo-yeon’s quiet follow-up, the students sat down in unison.
“There’s a perception that speeches like this are dull, and that they’re just an opportunity for old people to act pedantic.”
Everyone listened quietly.
It wasn’t a question that required a response.
“And that’s not entirely wrong. What I’m about to do is use past experiences to remind all of you, who will one day lead the future, of the current situation.”
It was a moment that made it clear what topic he was about to address.
“I’m sure you’re all aware that dimensional rifts have been appearing recently, not just in Academy City but in multiple countries.”
The headmaster who was now without a trace of a smile continued.
“There have always been great natural disasters in this world. Unspeakable catastrophes have constantly threatened humanity.”
Rohan’s eyes met Joo-yeon’s who was standing beside the stage.
Rohan figured that the unspeakable catastrophe the headmaster referred to must have included the fall of the South.
“That’s why it’s time to renew our mindset. We must now truly understand the value of everyday life and peace.”
Neither the headmaster nor the instructors had planned to directly emphasize the importance of peace through words.
They believed that the students should enjoy their academy life, hone their skills, and come to understand it on their own.
But the rapidly changing circumstances no longer allowed for such luxury.
“There will be a major overhaul of the academy curriculum. I hope you will all devote yourselves to further improvement and strengthening your abilities.”
Then—
The headmaster stepped down from the podium and, in full view of everyone, bowed deeply.
His beard touched the floor.
“And I apologize for the unfortunate incident that affected this year’s first-year students. I am truly sorry.”
His voice echoed through the vast auditorium.
Watching it all, Rohan felt a swirl of emotions. It had been something no amount of preparation could have prevented.
A position of responsibility always carried a bitter taste, even just to witness.
“However, it is unacceptable for the rights of growing students to be violated by such depraved individuals. We will not allow the classes to shrink back or proceed half-heartedly. We will reinforce protection and increase the budget.”
At a school in his previous life, a statement like that would have caused an uproar among students and parents alike.
But at Orion Academy, this was the norm. No one resisted or objected.
Each person had their own purpose.
After all, this was a place where most had chosen to make combat their profession.
***
“I’ll be handing out the midterm report cards.”
Class 1 had returned after the morning assembly.
Joo-yeon took out a stack of papers.
“Noah Frozenheart.”
“Ah…”
Noah raised her tail stiffly and stepped forward with a tense expression.
Joo-yeon handed her the report card while gently patting Noah’s head.
“Well done. You kept your promise.”
“!”
In theory, first place went to Ichinose Yui, and last place to Noah Frozenheart.
Noah’s average score was in the 40s, but Joo-yeon didn’t hold back her praise.
It was an excellent first step that, unlike in the past, Noah had solved the problems herself instead of guessing randomly.
“Rohan.”
“Y-Yes…”
“Excellent. You’ve surprised your instructor.”
“Thank you!”
Rohan’s average was in the 70s.
It seemed like a decent score, but in an academy where everyone was focused on studying, it placed him slightly below the middle.
He hadn’t managed to fully avoid the subjective questions that determined the top rankings or the tiny, hidden traps.
If he had practiced more with the question types, aiming for the middle ranks might have been possible.
But trying to master unfamiliar subjects from a zero base in such a short time had pushed him to his limits.
He couldn’t ignore physical training just to hold a pen all day.
There was a strict hierarchy of importance to consider.
Numbers are just so hard to get along with.
Rohan stared at the report card with lingering regret.
It was clear which subjects were dragging his average down.
“Since rankings will include the practical exam scores, don’t let your guard down.”
With a faint smile, Joo-yeon placed a new stack of papers on the podium.
“The top scorer in the practical exam is…”
All eyes turned to Joo-yeon’s lips. It was a tense moment, everyone wondering whose name would come out.
Joo-yeon paused deliberately for a moment.
Then, she called out the names.
“Rohan and Ichinose Yui.”
““!!!””
Rohan’s head turned, and Ichinose looked this way as well.
They smiled as soon as their eyes met. They exchanged a thumbs-up gesture as well.
“Of course, enduring the sticker played a part, but the biggest factor was how they cleanly subdued another student who tried to interfere during the supply acquisition.”
So someone had been watching the scuffle between Ok Myung-jin and him.
It was surprising, especially since he hadn’t sensed any eyes on him at the time.
“When your name is called, come up to receive your practical exam score sheet. Both bonus and penalty points will be listed. We’ll accept objections for up to a week.”
··
··
Before the first class began.
Rohan, having already taken out his textbook, was admiring the practical exam score sheet that made up for his disappointing theory grades.
In that quiet moment.
A fluffy creature approached and started poking Rohan’s cheek.
It was Noah’s tail. It was white with black stripes.
“Hey! Hey!”
“What? You want me to grab your tail?”
When Rohan reached out to grab the plump tail,
Noah quickly pulled it back and got to the point.
“Are you busy at lunch today?”
“Lunch? Nothing planned, really.”
He had only thought about going back to Sion’s mansion and eating with the three of them.
But there was no set plan.
“Then let’s eat together with Nose. I’ve got something to give you too.”
“Oh, right.”
There had been a similar promise before.
He’d had to turn it down last time, which he felt bad about.
Rohan’s gaze naturally drifted toward Ichinose’s seat.
“Eek…!”
He saw Baby-nose, who had been watching them, suddenly flinch and quickly turn her head.
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