Ch.17Chapter 17. Inter-Grade Competition? (1)

At Crescen Academy, there were many unwritten rules.

Unwritten rules that were more like ghost stories or legends, such as “commoners cannot enter S Class,” “one should not enter the Training Forest alone,” or “if you touch the statues in the annex building incorrectly, you’ll disappear without a trace.”

Among them, some had evolved into official school regulations, but most were just traditionally passed down “invisible” rules.

For instance, while there was a saying that “one should not enter the Training Forest alone,” none of the faculty actually monitored whether students went in alone or not.

“Ahem. A commoner in S Class.”

“This is unprecedented.”

“But it’s only natural for the entrance exam valedictorian to go to S Class.”

Though the semester had only begun a few days ago, all the faculty members knew why the professors’ meeting had been called earlier than expected.

Despite the Chancellor’s approval, the incident of a commoner entering S Class was undoubtedly the hottest issue within the Academy at present.

Not only among freshmen but also among current students, rumors circulated questioning whether the commoner had cheated, made some deal with the entrance exam proctor, or even had connections with the Chancellor.

Moreover, during the student council meeting on the first day of the semester, the commoner in question, Ryu, reportedly showed his face briefly before leaving, claiming he had urgent business.

It was an opportunity to address the allegations against him in front of the student council members who represented the student body, but his hasty departure only deepened the council members’ suspicions.

Fortunately, the Sinclair family heir who had accompanied Ryu somehow managed to smooth things over at the time, but with the issue growing, calling a professors’ meeting was inevitable.

“Well, if we release the video of student Ryu’s entrance exam, wouldn’t that help dispel some doubts? There was clearly no evidence of cheating in the footage.”

“Hmm. Even if we release the video, they’ll just claim it was edited and won’t believe it.”

Amillion felt the weight of several gazes directed at her and actively suggested a solution, only to be shut down immediately.

Indeed, in a situation where people suspected connections between the student and the Chancellor or professors, it was unlikely they would trust any video provided by the faculty.

Not just the Academy students, but Amillion knew that the noble families of the Empire standing behind them would deliberately refuse to believe it.

During one’s time at the Academy, claiming the title of “Academy Valedictorian” even once carried significant meaning.

In a space where all the promising talents of the Empire gathered, being recognized as number one ahead of everyone else was an achievement and source of pride that would be acknowledged anywhere.

Moreover, Ryu wasn’t just any “Academy Valedictorian” during the semester; he was the valedictorian entrance student who entered with top honors.

This meant he could be invited at any time to “Crescent,” the association of Crescen Academy valedictorian entrance students, which included individuals who could influence the Empire’s and even the continent’s political landscape.

It was natural for nobles to resist the idea of a commoner joining such a gathering, where participation alone could build golden connections.

That’s why numerous nobles were desperately trying to find fault with a commoner claiming the top spot.

If the opponent was a commoner, they believed he wouldn’t be able to properly handle even the most baseless accusations.

*Thud*

“You’re all working hard this morning.”

“Ah, Vice Chancellor. You’ve arrived.”

The person who instantly silenced the bustling meeting room was Crescen Academy’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Landgar, who was the last to enter through the door.

Unlike usual, the Vice Chancellor entered hurriedly with a stern expression, causing the seated professors to stand one by one to greet him.

“Please, everyone sit down. I’m aware of the issue. Let’s handle this quickly. Not only is a commoner in S Class, but he’s also the valedictorian. Even with the Chancellor’s approval, this is problematic. Isn’t that right, Professor Amillion?”

“Uh…”

Amillion lowered her head, realizing the arrow was pointing at her.

On one hand, she felt angry and wronged.

What was she supposed to do?

The school rules clearly stated that “ranks 1-7 in the entrance exam are assigned to S Class,” while nowhere did it say “commoners cannot belong to S Class.”

In such cases, shouldn’t they follow the documented school rules?

“Of course, I understand it couldn’t be helped. That’s why I’ve been thinking about something.”

As soon as he sat down, the Vice Chancellor began speaking as if he had already thought about the matter, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Why don’t we create an opportunity to prove the student’s abilities? The current issue has grown because everyone hasn’t ‘directly’ seen the student’s capabilities.”

“Oh!”

“Ah.”

Positive reactions emerged from various corners in response to the Vice Chancellor’s suggestion.

“Given the various fairness issues, we can’t suddenly create a new event. Some advocates for equality might protest, asking if commoners need to prove themselves again.”

The Vice Chancellor’s words had a sharp edge, but no one objected.

“So, I was thinking…”

While Amillion thought the Vice Chancellor’s opinion might be somewhat radical, she found herself nodding, thinking it could cleanly resolve the situation.

**

Crescen Academy had several traditional events that had been passed down.

These included the class promotion assessment held at the end of each semester, the Northern Expedition conducted under the guise of field trips, and the social party disguised as a festival held during the first semester.

The “Inter-grade Competition,” which by its name alone seemed disadvantageous for lower grades, was also one of the Academy’s traditional events.

Under the pretext of promoting interaction between juniors and seniors, juniors would learn from seniors, while seniors would demonstrate their dignity and abilities to juniors, ultimately stimulating motivation for all.

Just from the description, it seemed like an event planned with good intentions and not a bad idea.

“There was no mention of this in the student council meeting. It seems this wasn’t decided at the student council level but suddenly determined from above.”

“Ah, I see.”

“However, I don’t understand the reason. I was under the impression that this event is typically held at least two months after the semester begins.”

“Well, they must have their reasons.”

“That may be true. But sigh, just three weeks from now? That’s too little time to prepare.”

“Hmm? Elaine, are you participating too?”

“…”

“…Huh?”

“I was being presumptuous with my concerns. I forgot that I haven’t been asked by the representative yet.”

That “representative” must be referring to me.

Elaine gave a bitter smile and slightly bowed her head.

My curiosity about the Inter-grade Competition was only satisfied after meeting Elaine.

Elaine must have checked the announcement as well, as she brought up the Inter-grade Competition before I could ask, and I seized the opportunity to inquire about it.

It was an event where I absolutely had to secure first place, even for the sake of my skill.

Elaine was now sitting beside me as if it had become her designated seat, and Cynthia was seated in front of us.

Judging by how she had been flinching whenever we conversed, Cynthia seemed eager to join the conversation but hadn’t yet.

“Ah! If you join too, it would be reassuring! With the first and second-ranked students, couldn’t we win everything?”

“…I’ll do my best.”

Elaine spoke with the expression of a hero setting out to save a village in peril, rather than someone participating in a student competition.

I didn’t think there was a need to be that solemn.

“So, I understand what kind of event it is, but how exactly is it conducted? Do you know?”

“Well… I’ve heard the competition format differs each year. Last year’s event was reportedly a dungeon exploration created by the Academy itself.”

This Academy seems to really like “self-production.”

Beyond magic tools like crystal balls and golems, they even create “dungeons,” one of the anomalous phenomena in Arcaria.

“Dungeon exploration sounds good!”

“Since the event has changed every year so far, we probably won’t compete in dungeon exploration like last year.”

“That’s a bit disappointing.”

I was intrigued by the idea of a dungeon created by the Academy, thinking it would have appropriate safety measures and would make it easier for me to use my abilities without others noticing. It was disappointing to hear otherwise.

“More importantly… forming a team should be our top priority.”

“Team formation? Ah, so the grade representative doesn’t participate alone.”

“Yes. Depending on the event, from what I know, first-years typically form a representative team of around 10 members.”

“What? Ten people each?”

When working with the Black Shadow Corps, I preferred smaller groups and tended to move separately even in special situations that required a larger force.

Like in the recent Hourglass Operation, unless a large-scale operation was absolutely necessary, I typically formed teams of at most 4 people.

But now, having to move as a team of 10 people…

“Yes. Usually, freshmen report their confirmed numbers first, and then second and third-years form their representative teams accordingly. It’s a consideration from the seniors, given that the difference in grade often translates to a difference in skill.”

“I see.”

Elaine seemed to know a lot of information, making me wonder if she was really a freshman like me.

“But 10 people? How is the representative team formed?”

“Typically, all S Class members naturally participate in the competition. In addition to the 7 members from S Class, the grade representative can approach students from other classes and invite them to join the team.”

“I see. So first, the 7 from our class?”

“Well… ‘typically’ that’s the case.”

Elaine hesitated slightly and looked around.

As always, the classroom was silent except for the sound of my conversation with Elaine.

Everyone seemed to be listening to our conversation, because as soon as Elaine finished speaking and looked around, Cain walked towards us with a smirk, as if he had been waiting for this moment.

Just seeing him walk over made me want to punch him, for some reason.

“I have no intention of participating in the representative team.”

“…”

‘Of course not.’

Cain spoke with a very satisfied expression, arms crossed and one corner of his mouth turned up in a smirk.