The Power of Money (1)
The academy exchange event hosted by Celestial Academy was finally reaching its climax. Just as the rumors suggested, Terastial Academy had ushered in a golden generation with its new freshmen, and they proved it decisively during the event. They claimed victory in both the spirit duel and swordsmanship duel on the first day, followed by runner-up in spear arts and third place in martial arts on the second, maintaining an overwhelming momentum.
They fell short in the archery contest, making it to the quarterfinals, but Elena Apocalipse—hailed as Terastial's strongest—even dominated the intellectual category using her wits instead of her body, restoring their momentum. The performances and theological debates on the following day were no different. Ciela Teraport, disciple of the Demon Star, delivered a flawless performance, and when Yeonhui—originally from Celestial Academy and top of her theology class—stepped up... there was simply no way to outtalk her. In a debate on divine scholarship, how could anyone defeat a living saintess?
"What the..."
"Terastial Academy's sweeping everything this time."
"How are they that good?"
"Maybe I should've pushed harder to get into Terastial Academy."
Students from other academies were dumbfounded, some envious. Terastial Academy's dominance in this exchange event was absolute. It truly felt like no other academy could compete. Out of the eight events held so far, they'd won all but three—more than enough reason for the others to feel outmatched.
Celestial Academy, Terastial's fiercest rival, was especially stung by their heavy losses. Astraea Advaldt, student council president of Celestial Academy, gnawed at her nails and declared:
"No matter what, we have to win the final day."
Vice President Gilbert Lennen responded to her perhaps impossible wish with a worried tone.
"I hear the guy from Terastial who enters the comprehensive sparring is dominating their internal tournament and took first place."
"......"
"'Dominating' means he easily beat even those who won the spirit and swordsmanship duels..."
"...Gilbert, I know that already."
Astraea had heard the rumors too. Elena Apocalipse, whom everyone expected in the comprehensive sparring, had entered the virtual simulation warfare instead—yielding the spot because that man was participating. It meant he was strong enough to earn even Elena's acknowledgment. And it seemed to be true.
Considering how Serena Eldark and Clarice Levatein—the two first-year girls who'd lost to him in the sparring tournament—had gone on to win the spirit and swordsmanship duels with overwhelming skill...
"But we still have to make it happen."
Astraea turned her gaze. It landed on the seats where Terastial Academy's group sat huddled together. Yeonhui was naturally there as well. Glaring at her with a sense of betrayal, Astraea said:
"...That way, we can show that Celestial Academy stands strong even without that woman."
"......"
"Sigh, if only I'd done better in the performance... but of all people, the Demon Star's disciple had to enter..."
Gilbert nodded quietly as Astraea sighed and blamed herself. He tapped the two daggers at his waist and said:
"I'll do my best for you too, President."
"...Please do, Gilbert."
The comprehensive sparring was exactly what it sounded like: open to any student confident in combat, regardless of weapon or field of study. It was safe to assume the strongest fighters from each academy would appear. While other events showcased specialized skills, this one proved pure martial prowess. That's why it drew even more attention than the rest—the top dogs from each school clashed here.
Winning brought immense honor to the victorious academy. Even if they'd lagged in prior events, triumph here could make them the event's star, with a bit of exaggeration. That was why Astraea believed victory would prove Celestial's enduring strength.
And Gilbert Lennen was a man capable of that feat. The eldest son of the Lennen family, which wielded immense power in the Holy Kingdom for generations. Before even entering the academy, he'd been firmly established as the family's successor—despite having two siblings. That spoke volumes about his talent.
Rumors swirled that no one could match his twin daggers, and he'd proven it upon enrolling at Celestial Academy. He'd claimed top spot in the combat department as a first-year and never relinquished it, even as a second-year. Astraea's plea for victory wasn't an empty dream.
"Now, to cap off the exchange event, let the comprehensive sparring begin!"
With Gold Star Giovanni's energetic shout, Gilbert Lennen's first opponent was decided.
And it was...
"Oh, it's the guy who guided us earlier."
A man with impressively sparkling hair like blue grass under the sunlight.
"Fancy meeting you here."
"......"
"Your presence here means you're Celestial Academy's strongest right now, right?"
The man Gilbert had dreaded before even stepping into the arena. The one who'd defeated Clarice Levatein and Serena Eldark—winners of the swordsmanship and spirit duels—and dominated the sparring tournament.
"Perfect."
A rumor that had coincidentally reached the ears of the Lennen heir alone...
"I needed a warm-up anyway."
The monster who'd severed Agnar Balderte's arm—one of the Empire's Five Knights—Seong Hyun-jin.
Gui-sal (Ghost Kill)
CRACK—!!!
Gold Star Giovanni, watching the exchange event, wore an intrigued expression beneath his golden mask.
'This must be the student the Demon Star mentioned.'
The world's richest man, Giovanni, was famous for giving as much as he earned. Lacking innate martial prowess, his title as a Palstar Hero stemmed from that philanthropy. Countless lives had been saved by his capital's grace. Sure, some envied or resented his wealth, but far more were grateful—insulting him on the street would draw immediate glares.
True to form, Giovanni donated generously to top academies. The returns were mere honor—useless to a merchant—but it was an investment in future leaders. Terastial's sparring tournament prize money was part of that. Show results, reap big rewards; it spurred ambition and effort. It worked brilliantly, making the tournament Terastial's flagship event.
And now, Giovanni felt his investment paying off handsomely. He'd spotted a true gem.
The object of his interest was Seong Hyun-jin, Terastial's representative. The first-year who'd won their sparring tournament with overwhelming swordplay, etching his name into every student's mind—not just first-years. According to Demon Star Eleonora, he was the Sword Star's disciple.
Knowing this, Giovanni had watched him closely from the start of comprehensive sparring, full of expectations. Most times, his hopes led to disappointment, but he still hoped.
And...
"Incredible...!"
For once in ages, Giovanni's expectations weren't betrayed.
Unstoppable. That described Seong Hyun-jin's momentum perfectly. He'd expected a tough first opponent in Celestial's Gilbert Lennen—whom Giovanni knew well from heavy sponsorships. Last year's event hadn't fully met expectations, but Gilbert had performed admirably.
Yet that same Gilbert...
Before even exchanging a single blow, he lost all weapons in one stroke and suffered utter defeat.
Nor was it just Gilbert. Despite such a formidable opener, no one withstood Seong Hyun-jin's blade. He breezed to the finals—victory feeling almost anticlimactic—and claimed the crown.
"Man, that kid's the real deal."
Giovanni clapped lightly, genuinely impressed.
"Vice Dean Liker."
With Shania absent, he called Celestial's vice dean, Eilin Liker.
"Yes, Mr. Giovanni? What is it?"
"Once the event ends, could I meet that kid briefly?"
"That kid... You'd need permission first."
"Permission? From whom?"
Giovanni eyed her curiously, wondering if it was Shania.
But Eilin shook her head slightly and replied simply:
"The Sword Star is here. As her disciple, you'd best ask her..."
"...The Sword Star's here?"
"Yes."
"Well, no time to waste then."
Giovanni rose with casual ease.
"Sorry, but wrap things up for me."
"Pardon? You're leaving now?"
"Gotta. I had business with the Sword Star anyway... Can't have her vanish again."
With that, Giovanni promptly departed.