Chapter 35
Chapter 35
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 35
Chapter Title: The Valedictorian's Test
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In the grand auditorium of the Union Academy.
Receiving the gazes of countless people, Loan ascended the stage. After accepting a plaque from Headmaster Gregor, he gave a light wave to the crowd, acknowledging their cheers.
Those who had been staring blankly at his smiling face hurriedly began to whisper amongst themselves.
"Do you think they picked the valedictorian based on his looks?"
"I wonder about his background. Which family is he from?"
"I heard an illegitimate child of the Pobel family is graduating. Isn't that him?"
"No, that's the salutatorian, and she's a girl. Rumor has it the head of the family was quite displeased. After casting her aside all this time."
Most of them praised Loan's appearance, speculating that he belonged to a renowned family.
It was only natural.
How else could such exceptional looks and dignity be cultivated, if not by being raised cherished in a noble family?
And so.
Loan’s graduation speech that followed was more than enough to bewilder them.
“...From the age of three, I grew up begging at the Deongteun Shelter. I was nearly offered as a sacrifice to the Le Tell Dark Order before the Union rescued me. I was ten years old at the time. Afterwards…”
Aside from Loan's voice, the auditorium was deathly silent.
The life he began to recount was so far removed from those of the people gathered there, yet his tone and voice were incredibly dignified.
“...I learned, I trained, and I thought. I vowed to protect people’s lives from the Grave, including Le Tell. Therefore, my abilities will be used only in the name of Faith, Harmony, Stability, Honor, Responsibility, Freedom, and Practicality.”
These were the values symbolizing the one kingdom and six duchies, as well as the names of each of the Union’s Seven Divisions.
Loan’s words were tantamount to a declaration that he would join the Union.
“Furthermore, my heart will move only for the sake of peace and the people’s welfare. To the one who became my guardian, allowing me to cultivate such a righteous character and making me someone to be proud of…”
A tense light flickered in the eyes of the few who were fixed on Loan’s lips.
It was a mystery why they were so desperate for the boy’s acknowledgment.
Loan delivered his answer.
“To Headmaster Gregor, all the teachers and staff, my seniors and juniors who encouraged, guided, and pushed me, and my peers who made this day possible with me. I offer all my gratitude to the Union and the academy that embraces them all.”
Applause and cheers, starting first from his friends, began to echo through the auditorium.
Amidst it all, Daphne’s eyes suddenly welled up with tears.
Though they didn't show it, those who had briefly argued with her seemed to feel the same.
They had all wanted to act as Loan’s guardian in the hopes that he, being alone, would not feel lonely and could purely enjoy the joy of graduation.
But after actually hearing his story, a plaque of appreciation seemed utterly pointless.
“Perhaps he never needed protection in the first place,” Lazaros said softly, and everyone silently agreed.
Soon after.
“That was an excellent graduation speech, Loan.”
Leaving behind Headmaster Gregor’s praise, Loan walked down from the stage, having left a deep impression on everyone.
The valedictorian of the Union Academy.
The prestige of that title was truly something special.
The emphasis was more on the “Union” than the “academy.”
Since the founding of the Union Academy, there had never been a case where the valedictorian failed to become a member.
Every year, over a thousand people, including adults, applied for the Union’s entrance exam, and with only about ten passing, it was clearly a remarkable feat.
This wasn't because they were given special advantages, but because the student with the highest probability of passing was chosen as the valedictorian.
“His demeanor is so composed, yet his presence is incredible.”
“What a shame. Another brilliant talent is going to the Union.”
“Hearing his story, it seems inevitable. We should be grateful he grew up so well despite everything.”
“We’ll have to wait and see. You don't know which way a stone will bounce until you throw it.”
The student who had garnered so much attention in the morning then displaying dazzling skills in the afternoon entrance exam.
There was no better picture to simultaneously elevate the prestige of both the Union and the academy.
Considering the crowd’s reaction, the Union had at least achieved half of that success.
But there was another curious rumor about this year’s valedictorian.
“I heard he uses magic, not swordsmanship?”
“How good at magic can a fifteen-year-old be to become valedictorian?”
“You don't know what you're talking about. They say even the Schwerin mages acknowledged him.”
“That’s just talk among mages. Even so, he has to be skilled enough to pass the test. With magic, how could he…”
“Who knows? Maybe he can even cast a Fireball.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
Soon after, the memorable Union graduation ceremony concluded with all the graduates going on stage one by one to receive their diplomas.
The hall quickly became chaotic as graduates and their families mingled.
Among them was an old man standing arrogantly, lecturing Sophie, and the father-son duo of Lucas and Oscar, who looked awkward with each other.
Loan took advantage of the commotion to slip out of the hall first.
Many eyes were still following him, but he paid them no mind.
*Five more years.*
Walking down a path lined with spring blossoms, he finally felt a sense of relief that he had successfully navigated the first half of his time.
The next five years would be fiercer, busier, and more arduous. He had been crouching down, preparing for that leap.
He had prepared his body and mind quite well. He felt proud.
And yet, there was a small, empty corner in his heart.
*So this is why families celebrate so enthusiastically. To soothe the heart as one leaves a beloved school.*
A sense of hollowness finally set in as he was about to leave the school gates.
Did it understand his feelings?
*Vwoom—*
The scabbard at his waist vibrated faintly. Loan gently stroked it as he passed through the gates.
Just then.
“Loan! You’re leaving without us? That’s low!”
Turning at the voice, he saw Lucas and Sophie running toward him.
Neither of them looked very happy. Especially Sophie.
As his friends drew near, Loan asked.
“Why the long faces? Are you sad?”
“As for me, I just got an earful from my father, who I haven't seen in ages. Oh, and he was looking for you.”
“I’ll greet him later, after the test. What about you, Sophie? Are you okay?”
Once again, Lucas answered for her.
“Of course she’s not okay. She got chewed out like that in front of everyone.”
“…”
Sophie couldn’t find the words to retort and simply glared at Lucas.
Unaffected, Lucas continued.
“Do something about her. She’s so dispirited, I’m worried she won’t do well on the test.”
“What about me?”
Sophie had grown into a very strong and beautiful young woman, but a dark, gloomy mood would sometimes surface.
It was even more pronounced today.
Perhaps because she was feeling even more down after the reprimand from her family’s elder, even her mana was tinged with a rather dim light.
Lucas said, “I just don’t get being scolded for missing the top spot. Graduating is an achievement in itself.”
Loan couldn't find the right words to comfort Sophie. After all, she was being scolded because of his excellence.
He could only add a few words as a friend.
“Let’s get into the Union and go even further. Then they’ll surely acknowledge you. I know your skills better than anyone, so you can trust me.”
Sophie’s face turned slightly red.
* * *
With the large-framed Lucas leading the way, the three of them pushed through the crowd.
After passing the park where they had once admired the clock tower, a wide plaza appeared.
The plaza seemed to encircle a cluster of buildings in the center and was divided into seven sections by boundary stones.
Each corresponded to the training grounds of one of the Seven Divisions. Passing through them, one would finally reach the core of the Union: the buildings of the Seven Divisions.
The outer walls of these buildings served as the Union’s inner defenses, forming a ring around the main clock tower building.
He had seen it before while observing the Union’s entrance exam every year, but he was once again struck by its scale and grandeur.
Lucas nudged his shoulder and said, “Let’s register first.”
“Yeah.”
The area around the registration desk was glittering, as if a festival of lights was being held.
That’s how many people with dense mana had gathered in one place.
To think that all these people wanted to become members of the Union; even Loan, whose heart was rarely stirred, felt a slight flutter of excitement.
Lucas said, “Wow, look at all the competition.”
“There are a lot of them, but I heard the evaluation itself is harsh. They say almost no one passes the Union entrance exam on their first try.”
Sophie, unable to hide her nervousness, continued.
“The Union is the most powerful entity on the continent, so it’s bound to be strict.”
Though it was called a kingdom, it was not a single, unified entity.
The world was divided into seven. In places beyond the kingdom’s reach, countless families and interest groups were scattered about.
On top of that, there was the Grave, which oppressed the people and committed atrocities.
As the Union was established to maintain the balance of power, it had to possess overwhelming strength.
It was only natural that people from all over flocked here to advance their careers or to realize their ambitions.
“Next.”
Loan, who had been waiting his turn, submitted his application at the desk and said, “Loan, a graduate of the Union Academy.”
Immediately, murmurs rippled through the surroundings.
“They’re Union graduates. I heard over a hundred of them are applying for the exam this time.”
“Do kids that young take the test?”
“He’s fifteen. At least he passes the minimum age requirement.”
“Still just a kid, though. What can a brat like that do among all these proven talents?”
Amidst the chaotic discussion, a staff member from the administration bureau in a red suit reviewed the documents Loan had submitted and spoke.
“Loan, valedictorian of the Union Academy. You are registered. Take this receipt and proceed to the first examination site.”
He deliberately added “valedictorian.”
It was a calculated announcement meant to hold the crowd’s interest.
It was effective.
“Hmm? The Union’s valedictorian?”
“They said he was a pretty boy, but that feels like an understatement.”
“This should be interesting. They say he uses magic.”
It was perhaps natural that the attention of dignitaries, merchants, residents, and spectators from various nations and walks of life, all gathered at the Union to witness the biggest event of the year, was now solely focused on Loan.
The downpour of attention was so intense that even Loan, who usually paid no mind to the stares of others, found it unfamiliar.
“Lucas, Sophie, are you done?”
“Yeah. Let’s go.”
After his friends finished registering one by one, Loan headed with them to the training grounds of the Faith Division, where the first test would be held.
A crowd of people followed Loan’s group.
The Union member exam requires applicants to take the first test immediately after registering.
It was a method to quickly filter out the truly skilled from the many people gathered from all over the continent.
As they submitted their receipts and blended in with those waiting, the whispers of the adult applicants reached their ears.
“I thought I was prepared, but I’m still nervous for some reason.”
“I think the first test being a free demonstration makes it even more nerve-wracking.”
The test had always been the same since the Union was first established.
Demonstration and Combat.
You showcased what you did best in front of the examiners, then you competed against fellow applicants to prove your skills.
An administration official in front of the examination site, who was in charge of proceedings, checked the receipts one by one before calling out the next turn.
“The next applicant is Loan, valedictorian of the Union Academy. When you are ready, please step up.”
At the intentional announcement, the gazes of the applicants, including his friends, Union members, officials, and spectators all converged on him.
Those who had volunteered to be Loan’s guardians were also present, having taken their places in various spots.
Loan walked onto the waist-high platform without hesitation.
At the examination site were two examiners in black suits and a single figure.
Loan gave a silent nod to the examiners, then focused his mind on the adult-sized figure opposite him.
A mud golem.
A magical creation made by combining a mana crystal with mud and overlaying it with a magic circle.
Though its size had been reduced and its aggression toned down for the test, the golem, which was not easily felled and could quickly reassemble itself, was the perfect target for a free demonstration.
One of the examiners spoke.
“Begin.”
The surroundings fell silent in an instant.
Everyone held their breath, watching the unarmed Loan as he faced the golem, wondering what kind of magic he would display.
Loan slowly extended a hand toward the golem.
And after muttering a few words.
The golem’s body began to vibrate violently—
Then, its dull color flashed brilliantly—
It lost its form and crumbled into dust, falling softly to the floor.
A silence born of astonished wonder.
From within the heaping pile of dirt—
*Crack—!*
Only the distinct sound of the mana core shattering echoed clearly.