Mid-Terms I

Before, I hadn't been able to observe them directly, but now there was a contingent of Imperial Knights stationed at the Academy. Frankly, this was a significant breach that would undoubtedly stir up unrest among other world powers, given that their heirs were all attending the Academy. The Slatemark Empire, however, managed to negotiate a unique arrangement: two <Ascendent >-ranks from each major force would be sent to the Academy.

This diplomatic solution involved representatives from Mount Hua, the Creighton family, the Windward family, the Viserion family, the Kagu family, the Ashbluff family, and, of course, the Slatemark Empire. These forces, numbering two for each, contributed to a substantial boost in Academy security. Unlike instructors, their sole focus was on defense, enhancing protection until the year-end festival.

However, the looming question persisted: if demons dared to attack, even with the presence of top powerhouses in the stadium, how could Mythos Academy effectively fend them off? Prayer seemed hardly sufficient.

"What are you thinking about Arthur?" Rose asked me as she leaned in, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Nothing much," I shook my head, "Just the upcoming mid-terms."

"They are nothing to be worried about anyway," Evan said as he stretched his arms, "They are almost just a formality at this point."

"The theory exams are," I countered, "But the physical exams will help you guys see how much you need to improve to rank up during the mid-years right?"

Rose agreed with me as we entered the cafetaria. There on, we went our separate ways.

Navigating through the cafeteria, I found my way to the Class 1-A table. Surprisingly, it seemed like a no-go zone for other students. The usual confident strides of Mythos Academy attendees were replaced with cautious glances and maintained distance.

Class 1-A housed celebrities and heirs to powerful families, but in a school filled with students from influential backgrounds, this level of wariness was unusual. Something seemed off.

As I approached, the reason became evident—the <Ascendent >-ranks, representatives from each influential faction, had their attention laser-focused on the Class 1-A students. It made perfect sense; after all, why wouldn't these guardians be particularly vigilant over the heirs of their respective families?

Taking my place between Seraphina and Cecilia, I brushed off the scrutinizing gazes and sat down.

"You took your time, Arthur," remarked Lucifer, passing me the tablet for ordering. This sophisticated system transmitted our meal preferences directly to robotic waiters and chefs, a far cry from the dining experiences I knew before entering this novel.

"Got caught up with some other students," I replied truthfully. Despite my lack of intimidating background, I'd managed to make friends outside Class 1-A.

Cecilia chimed in, flashing a seductive smile. "We were just discussing the upcoming mid-terms." Her attempt to playfully engage me was apparent, and though she hadn't repeated the audacious moves from before, her efforts to incite desire were still evident.

'Honestly, if I didn't know her true nature, I might have fallen for it,' I thought. Her allure was undeniable, and she embodied my ideal type perfectly in this world.

While the mid-terms wouldn't shuffle the rankings, they carried the weight of providing grades—an essential part of academy life, even if the possibility of failing was exceedingly rare.

"Well, none of us have much to worry about," Rachel remarked, sighing as she rested her face against her palm, a bored expression adorning her features. Rachel, a model student, consistently aced every exam, showing a nonchalant attitude toward the impending tests. She understood that no one in Mythos Academy would perform abysmally, rendering excessive worry unnecessary.

'Such a contrast from my previous world,' I reflected. There, exams seemed to herald impending despair and ruin, while in Mythos Academy, they were merely a minor inconvenience.

Were the theory exams easy? Certainly not. Mythos Academy aimed to cultivate future leaders, and as a result, the theoretical exams were of the highest caliber, delving into intricate details of relevant fields of study.

Mana theory, world history, racial differences, black mana theory, space exploration, linguistics—subjects reminiscent of those in my previous world but elevated to a different level.

Fortunately, the body I inhabited had a diligent studying habit. This attribute allowed me to quickly catch up on the more challenging subjects at Mythos Academy, bridging the gap despite being initially behind in terms of my own knowledge.

My food soon arrived and I began eating while conversing on the side.

"These exams are just a waste of time," Ren declared. "If a Shadow Seeker or an ogre is attacking you, would you recite world history to it?"

Lucifer clicked his tongue in annoyance, while Jin nodded in agreement with Ren.

"That's a simplistic view, Ren," Cecilia retorted, stretching her arms as she rested her upper body on the table. Her crimson eyes focused on the white-haired boy. "If you can't use your brain, you're just a warrior. Leaders are the ones who employ their intellect. Well, only one person at this table truly excels in strategic thinking."

As she finished speaking, everyone's attention shifted to me. I scratched my head and responded, "It wasn't that impressive, guys."

"It was beyond impressive, bro!" Ian interjected. "You were able to perfectly predict the movements of the second-years, almost as if you're a seer!"

Even seers can't predict like that. I smiled at his comment while others nodded in agreement.

As lunch came to an end, it was time to head back to class.

"Arthur," Seraphina called out, holding the hem of my school uniform.

"What's up, Sera?" I responded with a smile, though a hint of concern lingered. Seraphina was typically reserved, but today her quietness seemed more pronounced during lunch.

"Don't get too close to Cecilia," she advised before walking away.

I had no intentions of getting close to Cecilia, Seraphina, trust me.

The mid-terms arrived, and the entire class gathered in the examination room. It seemed surprisingly lacking in traditional anti-cheating measures, but Mythos Academy had a clever system in place.

Their anti-cheating method was ingenious—each student received a unique set of questions. With only classmates in the room, the academy could generate a manageable number of distinct papers, making traditional cheating methods ineffective.

Nero, our teacher, distributed the papers, offered words of encouragement, and settled into his seat at the teacher's desk, setting the stage for the mid-term exams. Good luck echoed through the room as we delved into the challenge before us.

As the exams progressed, the room fell into a hushed concentration, interrupted only by the scratching of pencils on paper. The diverse array of questions tested our understanding of complex magical theories, historical events, and practical applications of various skills.

I delved into my own set of questions, a mix of theoretical concepts, magical problem-solving, and practical scenarios.

Finally, the last question was answered, and I took a moment to review my responses. Satisfied, I submitted my paper along with the rest of the class. We exchanged relieved smiles, the shared sense of accomplishment palpable in the room.

The mid-term theory exams were over, and now all that remained were the practicals.

"Seraphina, did you do well?" I inquired, and she responded with a simple nod. It was to be expected; none of these accomplished heirs would settle for anything less than perfection. Despite the exam's difficulty, achieving a flawless score was practically a given for those destined to inherit the world's greatest powers.

Rachel sighed with disappointment, stating, "The exam was as easy as expected." Glancing at her, I noted, 'She's the type who enjoys challenging questions, but satisfaction might have to wait until the fourth year with the truly difficult subjects.'

Lucifer, wearing his characteristic charismatic smile, remarked, "Of course it was. Truly a walk in the park."

Ren, ever the confident one, declared, "I don't know what you guys were so worried about. Theory is easy. Easy!"

Cecilia, however, was quick to cut through the bravado. "Why are you so dense, Ren?" she sighed, delivering a light smack to her forehead. The group's collective gaze widened as Ren retorted, "What did you just say?"

"You're dense, Ren," Cecilia reiterated, "Sure, answering these questions in a calm exam room is easy. But applying these concepts in the heat of battle, under threat and danger, is a whole different challenge, dummy."

Ren, unable to counter Cecilia's remark, simply turned his head and walked away from the group.

"Don't be so mean to him, Cecilia," Lucifer chided, but she responded with a blank expression.

"Don't tell me what to do, Windward," she scoffed, her tone defiant. "There is no one in the world other than my father who can tell me what to do."

"It was just a suggestion," Lucifer countered, squinting his eyes in response.

"Keep it to yourself," Cecilia finished as she walked away on her own, leaving Lucifer looking downcast.

"Don't worry about it," I reassured him, patting his back. "She's just like that."

"I know, I know," Lucifer sighed. "I guess I was hoping for too much after just a few months of being in the same class."

"We should go home and rest for tomorrow," Rachel suggested. "We have practicals, after all."

Everyone nodded, and we headed back to our respective dorms.