Justified

Silence descended as those who had gathered to witness the connecting of the graduating class's Manifestations watched in shock. While they themselves didn't know the answer to Elder Naoki's first question, the look on his face was enough to tell them that the Cifer had answered correctly.

Momo held her breath. This was the most terrifying interrogation she'd ever witnessed, and had grown instantly colder when Elder Naoki recovered from his surprise at Cifer's knowledge. Especially when she saw his smile turn icy.

"And what is required to connect to the Conqueror Essence? I'm already impressed you could recall my daughter using my own fused Essence type as her example before, but that was only half of what you had to prove." Elder Naoki moved quickly, repainting the situation against Cifer again.

Momo knew that Cifer didn't have the answer. War's passion and Tyranny's fear didn't seem to blend like the Essences themselves did when forming the overwhelming Conqueror Essence. She observed the reaction of the crowd, hoping that they would see through this farce to collectively pressure Elder Naoki.

She should have know better. The crowd was murmuring that Elder Naoki made sense. While the Cifer had already demonstrated that his knowledge was above the norm, it didn't justify his overbearing and outrageous behavior. Unless his ability was actually as high as he claimed, then his character was in question instead.

Elder Naoki could use that to justify Akemi to the crowd.

Momo silently pleaded for Cifer to burst with one of his sudden insights and inspirations to slap Elder Naoki and the others across the face. It didn't seem likely to happen.

Elder Naoki smirked. "Take your time. Consider it closely. Any workable answer will count even if it isn't the ideal connection." He offers generously.

Momo could see Cifer had no answer, only able to set his jaw to endure what nobody should ever have to endure. Her heart bled when she saw his courage and determination.

Then Cifer shocked Momo. "Is this the kind of knowledge commonly known to those who have become disciples in our Clan instead of students? If I were to ask of those in the crowd the name of this fusion, would most know the answer? I do not claim to be greater than our experts on the path of Cultivation, only more knowledgeable than the other students who are yet to set off. are these questions fair to the point to be proven?"

Momo felt like her eyes would pop out of their sockets as the crowd generally admitted that the Cifer actually had a point. Let alone their siblings and children, they themselves hadn't even known as much as the Cifer. However...

"INSOLENCE!" Elder Naoki bellowed. "Since you will not accept this seat's offer to prove your worth, this seat also will not accept your plea for judgement! Akemi Sensei was right to deny you this opportunity when your character is so wild as to spit on the generosity of your elders and to defame your betters!"

Momo immediately went to Cifer's defense. "Elder Naoki, please reconsider." She pleaded. As she begged, falling on her knees the lecture hall reopened.

Akemi and all the others, heard Elder Naoki's roar in response. "My word is final and my will unbreakable on this matter! Akemi Sensei's decision to exclude her student, the Cifer, from this lecture is fully justified!"

A voice broke in at that point. It was soft spoken, and deadly calm. "Excuse me? Who gave you or this Akemi Sensei the right to interfere in the matters of my Crimson Sect?"