26 Joker Class

Golden light filled the grand hall as the new students of Karta Academy appeared one after another. Among them was Regulus, who wore a small smile.

'The application process is certainly effective.'

Looking around the cavernous space, Regulus could see the calibre of each student that now remained. Unlike the deer-like students that surrounded him prior, each remaining student carried the gaze of a predator.

The vast majority of students were dressed in fine attire and carrying a noble air. Only a meagre number were dressed in simpler clothing, representing the commoners.

'Even in Immisso, the power is heavily concentrated at the top; immense talent is required to break through those restrictions.'

Searching the room, Regulus's eyes stopped on a pair of black wings stuck out like a sore thumb; still wearing his signature shy expression, Azrael was glancing around the room.

'That angel managed to make his way through the final test.'

As the person Regulus had grown closest to in Immisso, he felt joy he wouldn't have to experience the academy alone. Unlike his past life, Regulus wanted to enjoy his time with people close to him.

'His lessons are going to get far more intense from this point out.'

While Regulus was plotting how he would teach Azrael the Scorpio technique, Erwin Croft appeared on the balcony once more.

The momentum he carried silenced the students filling the hall no matter where they came from; in front of a 'Queen' rank powerhouse, status became void.

The hawk-like eyes of the stone face combed through the students, looking for specific faces. Princes and princesses from the beast races, elves and humans, yet one was missing. 

'Where is she? Ria Soleras couldn't have succumbed to a mere examination.'

Well aware of Ria's late 'Ace' rank, Croft failed to compute why such a talent wasn't standing before him. 

'Ah, so that's why she failed. To think such a thing could happen in my academy.'

A furious expression adorned Croft's face as he located Saul Felt, the member of the ducal family sweating profusely under his gaze. The headmaster didn't have to be a genius to guess at foul play.

Pushing aside this problem for later, Croft began speaking to the assembled students, each one of them beaming with excitement at what their future would hold.

"Congratulations, applicants, or should I now call you students? Even stepping onto these hallowed grounds will launch your future to unprecedented heights.

Every aspect of Karta Academy, down to your housing, will build connections and experiences that will become the foundation for your grand future. Legends of Immisso have been born from the six classes of this academy.

You and your classmates will either grow from the challenges you face or be swallowed up by the classes below you. So whether you end up in the Royals or Joker classes, strive to grow. Thank you."

Abruptly cutting off his speech, Croft shot a glance at Saul before turning towards the depths of the academy once more. After his departure, snickers could be heard from the students of high birth.

"Even the Joker class can rise? What a joke."

"The fact they don't kick that defective group out is enough already."

Regulus was surprised that one group was getting such different treatment from the rest in an academy where everyone was considered elite.

'Even the worst of geniuses are still geniuses; why is this Joker class treated so differently?'

"What's the deal with this Joker class? What are they laughing about?"

His curiosity peaked. Regulus turned to the girl standing beside him and queried his handsome face once more, prompting an answer he wouldn't have gotten otherwise.

"Even though the Jokers are talented like everyone else who passed the examination, the people in that class are just a bit special."

Even though she tried her best to hide her prejudice, Regulus could clearly see a heavy bias against the Jokers laced into her words.

"Despite their talent, there is a deciding factor that prevents further growth. Do you see that black angel over there? The only place for a cursed being like him is in the Joker class. His race is naturally limited."

The blatant racism coming out of the girl's mouth appeared only natural to those surrounding her. Regulus even saw some nodding heads amongst the crowd that were eavesdropping their conversation.

Not enjoying the treatment of his new friend, Regulus remembered their faces before turning towards the line of teachers handing out playing cards.

"What do you mean Heart class? I am meant to be in the Royals class. Do you even know who I am?"

Unhappy with his class placement, the boy next to Regulus was pointing a finger at the teacher and squealing like a wounded boar. 

Despite the pressure from the student, the teacher wore an expression which could only be described as the epitome of boredom. Blowing earwax off his finger, the teacher turned his bored eyes to the student.

"Listen here, boy, how many times do you think I've heard those lines before? The Royals are a class of monsters down to the teachers. You should be lucky to even be a Heart with your skills."

At that moment, a change could be seen on the teacher's face as a cold glare shone in the depths of his eyes. Killing intent radiated from the teacher, causing the student to pant as if facing a dreadful monster.

"Now move along or stay there to see what happens."

Whilst the killing intent and the student's reaction silenced the room of new students to the point where no more complaints were made, Regulus stood unimpressed.

'What a pathetic killing intent. Despite his talk, this teacher has never seen a real battlefield. It's likely a stunt to prevent arguments between students and teachers.'

Surprised by the craftiness of Karta Academy, Regulus finally reached the front of the queue. Instead of simply receiving a card, Regulus was met by the teacher he met, Lance, wearing a smug smile.

'This teacher again? What could he possibly want now?'

Confused as to why a teacher was wearing such an expression, Regulus approached Lance with an inquiring look on his face.

"Well, Well, Regulus Cosmos. I honestly didn't expect you to pass the examination. Congratulations. However, this is as far as you go."

Still maintaining his punchable smile, Lance slid a card over it, which illustrated a clown in patchwork clothing with the words 'Joker' printed at the top.