61 Grand ceremony.

In the Grand Hall of Reckwerth Academy. All the first years were seated in their seats when Ivys Vinnay walked onto the stage and stood behind the podium, "Yesterday was an eventful day full of action and surprises. Well done to everyone who participated. No matter what place you got in the tournament you are valued here at Reckwerth.And if you are not happy with your results. Train! Get stronger and improve your rank. Anyway, you are all brought here today to honour Reckwerth's top 20. So without further deliberation, please put your hands together for Reckwerth's number 20. Kane Roughmore."

The crowd clapped their hands as he walked onto the stage. Kane Roughmore walked to Ivys Vinnay and another official. Where they gave him a bag of gold in a pouch. This pouch altered the weight of the gold to a carryable one. They also gave him a golden ticket which he would need to enter Ivys Vinnay's lecture. Lastly, they gave him a purple pocket-sized polygon plaque. He would use this as proof to gain access to the school's artefacts. Once he received everything he stood on the far right of the stage.

Then Ivys Vinnay called number 19. They received the same rewards and stood next to Kan Roughmore. This continued until rank 10. When rank 10 was called to the stage. The plaque they received had a gold lining on the edge of it. As well as the colour changed to green... Rank 10-6 received the same rewards. Rank 5 and 4's gold pouch was slightly bigger as they received more gold. Additionally, they received a red ticket. This they would use to gain access to the lecture on the essentials of being a battle mage.

Once rank four had been announced Ivys Vinnay called rank 3. This was none other than Silvya Rouge. The crowd cheered fervently as she graced the stage with her beauty. She received her awards and then stood next to Brutus Maximus. The only difference between her and Brutus Maximus's rewards was that she got another ticket. This was the ticket to the lecture on how to lead a battalion. Once she was settled Ivys Vinnay called the number 2. This was Seth Thornheart. But he did not walk onto the stage. Then Ivys Vinnay called out again but he still didn't make an appearance. After calling for the third time. Seth Thornheart walked on stage reluctantly. Clearly, he wasn't too thrilled about being second place. Because first place was what he was striving for. After a slow walk, he received his awards and stood next to Sivya Rouge.

Once Seth Thornheart was done, Ivys Vinnay continued, " And lastly and definitely not the least. Number one of the tournament and also the new King of The First Years, Lucas Lightningstorm."

Lucas walked on to the stage and when he did the whole place was in an uproar of praise. They were standing and shouting as Lucas walked to collect his rewards. Once they handed his rewards he stood next to Seth Thornheart. Then the crowd switched from clapping for Lucas to everyone. Once the applause ended. Ivys Vinnay said, " That concludes the celebrations. Class starts tomorrow. Remember to go and fetch your student mage coats and your student cards at the reception. Thank you."

With that, she left the podium and then the teachers left the hall, followed by the students. Of course, this meant Lucas too. Lucas left the Grand Hall and wondered what he could do next. He had a full day to himself before classes began. He wanted to fetch his student mage coat and student card but that's probably where everyone was heading too. Thus the lines must be exceedingly long. Lucas wasn't keen about standing in a line for hours. He would rather go later when things have cleared up. Then he thought about maybe going to visit Tamara Everly. But as he was in thought someone tugged him on his shirt, pulling him out his thoughts. Confused Lucas looked downwards to where the pulling was coming from. There he saw a girl.

When the girl saw that Lucas had taken notice of her. She removed her hands from his arm, " Uhm, sorry for disturbing you. But I just wanted to say. I saw your fight against the Royals and the nobles. And I was deeply touched by your combat prowess. Even though you yourself are not of noble bloodline, you still possess such strength. You inspired me to keep fighting. I just wanted to tell you that. Ooh and if you ever need any help with anything, please let me know. I would be more than willing to assist where I can."

Lucas looked at the girl and then nodded his head, " Nice. I could hear your resolve in your voice. I hope all goes well and you achieve your dreams. Also if I ever need help and I see you are around. I'll be counting on you." Lucas said in a charming way. The girl revealed a smile and then began walking away. It was then when Lucas called out to her. She turned around and then Lucas said, " I actually need your help with some information."

She revealed a smile and said, " You need my help so soon" then chuckled a little bit.

Embarrassed Lucas said, " Hey, you offered your help. You never gave it an opening date."

The girl laughed again, " So what can I help you with?

" It's simple actually I just want to know when the lines will clear out. So I can get my coat without standing in a long line."

" The lines will probably clear out in two hours. That's when I'm going to collect my coat. But you, on the other hand, can go now. The top 20 get their coats in a different line, as such, you don't need to stand in a long line. That's at least what my brother told me. He is a second year. When he was a first year, and he got home to visit. He would often complain about the top 20s and the way they abused their perks. One of them was not having to stand in line. So you set. Just go."

It was then that Lucas remembered that one of the perks of being King was not having to stand in line, " Oh wow. That was informative. You are quite reliable. By the way where are the other students?"

" They are all away on holiday. They coming back later today because classes start tomorrow."

" I see. And thank you." Lucas said revealing a wide smile.

" Anytime."

And then she walked away. Lucas was on the way to the reception. He wanted to collect his coat. Once he got there. The line was extremely long just as he expected. The line was so long people were in queues outside the building. But Lucas casually walked past them and entered the building. The faces of the students contorted when they saw Lucas casually strolling past them. But they knew he was part of the top 20 so he did not have to stand in line. The officials had made an announcement to all the students in line. 2 minutes ago. That if you in the top 20, you can come right forward as you don't need to stand in line. The students gritted their teeth as Lucas casually walked past them.

Once Lucas was in the building he saw the smaller lane on the left-hand side of the bigger one. So Lucas kept walking till he stood at the back of the line. When the person at the back of the line turned around to see if someone else was taking chances. Claiming they are in the top 20 but not really. He gasped as his pupils dilated. He thought he would be able to use his authority and reprimand the person behind him. Little did he know that the person he wanted to shout at was not only on the list. But on the top of it too. The boy revealed an awkward smile when he saw Lucas.

Lucas looked at him quizzically and then waved his hand to say hello. Just as Lucas was going to mind his own business again. The boy in front of him gave up his place for Lucas. When Lucas saw it happen he did not object and took his place. Now he only had to wait for 19 other people. Lucas thought that it wouldn't take long. It was just 19 people compared to the other line that stretched out till who knows where.

So Lucas tapped the girl in front of him on the shoulder and asked her, " Do you know what is going on. What is the hold-up?"

The girl looked at who was tapping on her shoulder. When she saw it was Lucas she smiled and said, " You seem to be the problem. You see, Seth Thornheart keeps demanding that they change the number on his student card. Because his says two. And he wants a one. But the officials obviously can't and won't do it. Because of such obstinance, he is holding up the line. If this was an ordinary person they would have thrown him out long ago. But Seth Thornheart's dad is a Duke. Of course, they don't want to offend him. Even though nobility and royalty mean nothing here. It's not like you live here permanently. You still need to go to the outside world. As such you don't want to offend people in high places. "

" I see and how long has this continued?"

" It's been going on. Nobody has got their stuff yet. Seth Thornheart refuses to move. So he is holding up the line. It's quite annoying. But hey. What can we do about it...?"

" I see. And nobody is going to move him by force. Afraid of the repercussions... But isn't Silvya Rouge royalty. Why hasn't she done something about it?"

" She might be royalty. But this isn't her land. Of course, she doesn't want to start diplomatic problems over something so silly."

" Wow as liberating as a title can be. It can also bind you... Oh well, if no one is making a move then I can assume this line is for show. So nobody would be mad if I walk to the front of the line and go claim my stuff."

" Well... No one would. But that wouldn't be the smartest of ideas. Yes, you are stronger than him in combat. But I still object to the idea."

" I appreciate your concern. But as you can see. I am the rightful owner of the number 1 position. That alone gives him all the reason to hate me. Plus I don't have any family or anyone I care about in this word... Well... Uhm so yeah that kinda makes me the perfect existence to defy his orders. Plus I'm not about to wait in this line forever I have better plans to use my day off for."

The girl raised her eyebrows, " Your funeral. Don't say I didn't warn you."

" Thanks but it's unwarranted ."

With that Lucas walked out of line and started walking to the reception. As he did he pointed at some people on the way. He was pointing at the people that still had a bet they needed to settle. Lucas could see the fear and regret in their eyes when he pointed at them. After a while, Lucas reached the front and then looked at Silvya Rouge. He gave her a smug smile and then looked at Seth Thornheart in front of him. Then casually sidestepped him and stood at the front at the reception.

When the people saw Lucas was directly defying Seth Thornheart they gasped. Some thought he was brave. Others thought he was signing his death certificate. Others thought he was just simply ignorant. Seth Thornheart gritted his teeth as he saw Lucas defying his orders. Then he publicly declared, I am going to make sure daddy hears about this. Those words vexed Lucas but he kept it together and ignored Seth Thornheart. Lucas didn't come here to cause trouble. He just wanted his stuff asap. And that's it.

Now that Lucas was at the reception he spoke to the official in front, " I am Lucas Lightningstorm. I have come to collect my stuff."

" Yes, you are. Magnificent fight by the way. You are definitely worthy of being number one... Please wait a moment while we fetch your stuff."

" Thank you very much. I will do so." Lucas said revealing a smile.

A few moments later an official came back from the storeroom with items in his hands. Then he placed them on the table in front of Lucas and said, "Here we go. All your gold is here. The various tickets you will need to get into the secluded lectures. Your plaque you need to get your artefact. Your student card. Also here are four personal tokens. These are Ivys Vinnay's. So it can only be used on her. This is for the four extra hours you have with her. To do anything. Educational of course. Lastly your unique student mage coat."

Lucas nodded his head and then took all his stuff. He put it one for one in Thea's storage. Once he was done. He turned around and said, " You can go Silvya Rouge. Like I've taken the number one place already. Therefore he can't take anything else."

Chirping in Seth Thornheart said, " No! Wait for me." Then he walked in line again and collected his stuff again. And on his student card, it said, number 2. He cringed at the site but accepted it anyway.

Then Seth Thornheart looked at Lucas and said, " The position of number one isn't set in stone. I will get stronger and then I will take it from you!"

" Good luck," Lucas replied.

Seth Thornheart gritted at Lucas's nonchalant reply. As if he didn't take him seriously. Then he walked away.

Lucas didn't mean to sound so nonchalant. He really meant good luck. If Seth Thornheart increases his strength that is good for the Kingdom. The stronger the mages become the better chance humans had against the demons. But that was not how it was perceived, unfortunately.

Lucas shook his head at the misunderstanding and then said, " Now you can go."

" I see so." Silvya Rouge replied and then went collected her stuff.

Once she collected her stuff she walked towards Lucas who was waiting on the side. Because Lucas did not leave the second he got his stuff. She knew Lucas was here to claim what was his. In this case, it was her. Since she had signed the contract she was currently Lucas's slave for a month. Because of said contract, she could not simply run away from it. Once she got to Lucas she nervously stood in front of him. Then said, " I guess I am your slave for a week. If you try anything funny. Even though I can't oppose. My family will have your head."

" I'm glad you understand that I was here for you and all the rest I made a bet with. Also, don't flatter yourself. You are not my type."

" Don't lie to yourself. I am everyone type."

" I am not everyone."

" Pfft, you are just lying. I am everyone's type. Watch this." After saying that she walked up to a random guy in the line and asked him, " Am I your type?"

Flustered by Silvya Rouge's beauty and the sudden question. The boy said, " Of course!"

When he replied Silvya Rouge turned her reply to the boy behind him and asked the same question. Then he replied, " Most definitely!"

Then she went to the next male and asked the same question. The boy replied, " Of course. You are an unparalleled beauty. You are everyone's type. "

Then she returned to Lucas and said, " See. Not one person said they I am not their type. So you are definitely lying. So again. I know you want to try something with me. But just know I won't enjoy it. And when I do I will tell my father!"

When she was talking Lucas put his hand on his forehead and thought, " Yoh, this chick is full of herself."

Then he said aloud, " Honestly, I have 0% interest in you. But we digressing here."

" Liar. But if that is the case. As your sl-a, sla, your slave. What do want from me?"

" First things first. I am promoting you. You are no longer my slave. You are now my lackey. Like the other person."

" Why? Aah... If you think that this is going to convince me that you don't want this. It is not working."

" Again you and your fantasies. The reason I don't want you as my slave is because I despise that word. Back where I am from. My people were made slaves for years. We had no rights. We weren't even considered human. We had to work for other people. We had no say in what we wanted to do... Oh, you want to be a doctor. Sorry that job is not meant for you. You want to be a scientist. Don't even think about it you are too stupid to achieve that goal. Rather do something that requires physical strength. Something your people seem to have an abundance of as compensation. It was a real struggle. Oceans of tears were cried out during that period of time... Hatred burnt in the hearts of some that would put hell to shame. Anyway, years later we got our rights back. And slowly things began to change. Nothing is perfect, we are still persecuted. But in different ways now. Such as racial prejudice. Racial stigmas etc. I do see the correlation between the accusation and the accused. But it's not all of us... Some of us are still fighting that good fight in a system that opposes us. Yet we fight the fight. That slave mentality still lingers in the minds of my people. Despite being free they stay shackled... Anyway, this is the reason I don't want you as a slave. Because I have seen the effects of slavery. If given the option. I would never do the same to someone else. Not even the perpetrators. So rest assured when I say. I don't want you as my slave."