Astra followed a group of students to the academy's hostel so he wouldn't get lost in the huge, maze-like hallways.He found the room with his name written in black on a silver plate above the door.He opened the wooden door and entered his room.
The room had wooden flooring and a single bulb on the ceiling, which was enough to illuminate the entire space.In one corner, there was a wooden desk with a cabinet placed right next to it. On the opposite side of the room, just below a window, was a fairly large bed.
Astra jumped into the bed and groaned."I couldn't even reach Class S, and I want to be the Valour," he scoffed. "What a joke."
One hour earlier, at the Auditorium.
The results of the first group were displayed on the screen, and the entire hall erupted into an uproar after seeing that Hito had received a massive score—93 points.The second place, Davier, had only 70.Hito had defeated the runner-up by 20 full points.
As the screen began showing the next group's results, the murmurs continued.Everyone was still shocked by the genius's score—except the genius himself, who was sleeping peacefully in one of the chairs.Next to him, a white-haired boy looked at the screen in shock and distress.
'I ranked so low.'
Astra had scored a total of 34 points, placing him 18th in the exam.
What?! I defeated an actual beast! He got a little salty. That should've been worth like 30 points by itself.
Snap.
A vivid sound echoed through the auditorium—someone had clicked their fingers.It brought instant silence to the room.Even the sleepy genius woke up, yawning.
A tall man with a long beard stood in the middle of the stage. He wore a blue robe and held a staff in his hand.
"As of now, all of you have been selected for your classes. There will be no changes until the practical exam, which will be held in six months.You can either move up or down a class depending on your performance."
He paused deliberately, surveying the eager faces before him.
"Enough of that. The students in Class S have the most authority in the school. Those in Class D, however, will have no authority until they climb up."
He scratched his beard and continued."Remember, this school is based on power, not nobility."
Raising his voice, he said, "Now, all of you—classes start tomorrow. Get to your rooms and don't let me catch anyone skipping the first day."
After the shock of not even reaching Class A, Astra had collapsed into bed, full of regret for trying to become the Valour.
He sat up and stretched both hands out.
Slap.
He slapped both cheeks hard, turning them red."What was I thinking? Stop being the Valour?" He smiled. "Of course, things won't always be as easy as they were in the kingdom.Here, I'm not a prince—I'm just a student like everyone else."
He pulled his hair back, revealing his forehead, and blew out a breath."Time to prepare for the practical ex—"
Astra lay back in bed, and before he could finish the thought, his eyelids grew heavy and eventually closed.He fell asleep.
The Next Day.
"This should be right," Astra mumbled.
He stood in front of a classroom and opened the wooden door, his eyes on the floor.
"Oh, we got another student. Welcome, welcome," said a calm female voice.
He looked up to see a beautiful woman leaning on a table that was drilled to the floor.She wore the same robe as Sir Richard, along with a shirt bearing the academy's logo on her chest.The logo appeared to be coming to life, emphasized by her large breasts.
The classroom was large, with five rising rows, each level higher than the last.A wide aisle split the rows down the middle, allowing access to any seat.At the front was a large blackboard and a table.
"Well, introduce yourself, then take a seat wherever you want."
Astra walked toward her and looked at the class. His golden eyes shone slightly.
"My name is Astra Van Vontrea. I am from the Vontrea Kingdom."
The class immediately burst into murmurs.
"He's Astra Van Vontrea, the kid who killed his mother.""Yeah, that's him—white hair and golden eyes.""I can't believe he did something like that."
Astra heard every word but ignored them. He knew there was nothing he could do about it.
Clap.
"Okay, everyone, be quiet. And Astra, please take a seat," the teacher said loudly.The class fell silent again.
Astra walked along the rows, but every time he got close to a seat, someone was already sitting at the edge—clearly discouraging him from joining them.He walked with his eyes down, fists clenched.But as he reached the third row, someone tugged on his shirt.
He turned to see an elf with a pale face and green hair.She quickly wrote in her notebook: You can sit here.
Astra smiled gently. "Thank you." He took the seat next to her.
"What's wrong with that elf?""Yeah, why is she sitting next to a murderer?"
More whispers spread through the room.
Sylvie patted Astra's shoulder, trying to cheer him up.
Clap.
The teacher clapped again, bringing silence once more.
"Okay, let me introduce myself." She cleared her throat."My name is Sara. I am a warrior from the Vontrea Kingdom, and I will be your professor for Class B.You may call me 'ma'am' or 'professor'—your choice. I know some of you won't listen in class."
Her tone sharpened."I have the authority to give recommendations that can move students up a class.So get on my good side—or be ready to go down a class."
She pointed down with one finger, then turned to the board.Grabbing a piece of chalk, she wrote in large letters:
"Our first class will be about: Survival in the Wilderness."
Astra left the class last. Even Sylvie had already gone.He stretched his arms out."That was more interesting than I expected."
He headed straight back to his dorm.
One Week Passed.