Choice

(Julius Argenti POV)

After a couple of hours, all the spars between the students were completed. Afterwards, we had to line up again, waiting for the judgement of the S ranks.

They all stared at us as if judging for all our worth. There were several reasons why S ranks had disciples.

The first and most common reason is to raise the strength of mages. Though that didn't apply now that the war is over.

Secondly, if their disciple becomes an S rank or an influential mage, they can repay their teacher by helping them out in various ways.

Lastly, the final reason is that S rank just took an interest in someone and that's why they are training them.

"Well done everyone on showcasing your strength. We have come to a decision and decided who we will choose as our students."

Rebecca, the Hero of Light, stood up and gave another speech to us. The only students here were the ones who participated in the duels. The rest returned to their regular classes.

"If are not chosen, do not be disappointed. Second years, you can always try again next year. Third years, this does not mean you cannot become S ranks. You just need to have strong willpower and determination to reach that rank."

After giving her speech, the speaker from our school came up and names were called out, stating that they haven't been chosen by any S rank and to return back to class.

The total number of students remaining was only 30 of the initial 2000. There were 23 S ranks, however, so some may have chosen several students.

Next, the students who only had one S rank take interest in them were called out. They could either accept or decline the offer, but everyone obviously took it.

The remaining students had two or more S ranks who had taken an interest in them, so could choose who they wanted.

Everyone else soon chose who they wanted as a teacher. Violet was obviously chosen by Rebecca Storm as they had similar attributes and personalities (and maybe a bit of nepotism).

Amina had chosen a woman named Priya Varma, a part of the 15 royals and number 19 of the 20 Rulers.

Her concept was called {Snipe} and she processed the {All-Seeing Eye}. Unlike Amina's and Umbra's {Hawk Eyes}, the {All-Seeing Eye}, gave her a very wide range of vision and could see and detect targets from miles away.

The {Hawk Eyes} on the other hand was very useful in close-range battle giving amazing kinetic vision and could easily track the target while in the middle of a fight.

The {All-Seeing Eye} was more useful for Amina since she was primarily a long-range fighter, and even at close range she tried to keep a distance.

The {Hawk Eyes} weren't particularly useful in the fights Amina participates in. Though she was Umbra's granddaughter, so she was stuck with the cards she was handed with.

James took the guidance of Damien D. Tyson, known as the King of Combat, ranked number 6 of the 20 Rulers. He had the concept {Impact} that allowed him to multiply the force of his attacks.

Then, there was only me. I had the most options to choose from but it wasn't as many as you would think.

Rebecca obviously wouldn't want me because my philosophy is incompatible with hers. I was a ruthless killer, and while she was an extremely kind person.

After considering my options, I had narrowed down my choices to two. First was Blanche Sistina, a young S rank, or Demetrius Desmond, number 2 of the 20 Rulers.

Demetrius was a mysterious figure, even among the S ranks. He was by far the oldest human on the continent, being even older than the late Trevor Wells.

Despite that, he still looked extremely young, only around 25, in his prime. Nobody knew how he was able to defy aging for so long and is extremely reclusive.

In terms of demon kills, he has by far the most, holding the Mage Emperor title for nearly a century before being dethroned.

He rarely appears in public and information on him is limited. His abilities and concept was a mystery as well.

The shock on everyone's faces was palpable as nobody expected him to raise his hand. Everyone time he has shown up to these events, he never takes a disciple.

Now for the first time, he is choosing someone.

I should have immediately chosen him as his wealth of experience would've helped me a lot. However, there was something about Blanche Sistina that intrigued me.

From what I know, she had the frost attribute like me and was extremely talented. Someone as young as her usually wouldn't be in my consideration but something about her made me want to learn from her.

But my brain was telling me to take Demetrius.

'Should I risk it? No... I might offend them. But, if they accept, it would solve my problem.'

'Fuck it. Even if I lose this opportunity, it's not the end of the world.'

"May I please take two teachers? I would like to learn from both Mrs Sistina and Mr Desmond."

After I spoke these words, everyone fell silent. Nobody expected me to be so audacious. I could see some S ranks who were twitching, trying to hide their anger.

S ranks were very prideful and for one to take you as their teacher should be considered an honour. But to want two have teachers shows you want to take advantage of them.

However, my only focus was on Blanche and Demetrius. Only their opinion mattered. For a second I thought I saw Demetrius' lips curl up.

"Hahaha, you're bold kiddo."

Umbra broke the silence. After he did so, the speaker realised he had to do his job. He nervously asked both S ranks in question if they would accept this arrangement.

Everyone was sure they were going to immediately reject me.

"Sure."

However, Demetrius' single word shattered everyone's expectations. Then the speaker went to Blanche.

"Well if the old man accepts the proposition, then I have no complaints."

That was her answer.

The resulting ordeal left everyone shocked as nobody expected this outcome. This was the first time this had ever happened. My gamble had paid off.

With the selection over, we the students with master were invited to a small gathering at the end of the day.

It was a good opportunity for the students to connect with their teachers and allow the teacher to create a training regimen based on their personality.