The Sovereign II

As the festival drew to a close, it was time for the official announcement of the new ranks and the one who earned the title of Sovereign for our year.

Since they were sticking to the schedule, it seemed the tension between the Kagu and Windward families had been resolved smoothly, just as it had in the original novel. After all, the Kagu family couldn't afford to make a serious move against the Windwards.

To go after Lucifer would risk sparking a world war, forcing the most powerful forces in the world to choose sides and battle it out. That was unthinkable, especially with the looming threat of black magic species pressing at humanity's borders.

Besides, it wasn't like Arden had done anything to steal the Gift from the Kagu lineage—that was simply impossible. The Gift of God's Eyes had manifested in Lucifer just as it had in the Kagu family's progenitor.

I couldn't help but wonder, though, whether that Gift would be passed down. Gifts often ran in families, but they were unpredictable. Even the same Gift could manifest in wildly different ways. In Lucifer's case, it appeared seemingly out of nowhere—none of his Windward ancestors had ever possessed the God's Eyes, while the Kagu family had passed it down through generations.

I sighed. This world's mysteries, especially about Gifts, were vast and unpredictable.

The true power of God's Eyes lay in its ability to assist in mastering the formidable elements of space, time, and gravity—widely regarded as the most difficult to control, alongside dark and light magic. Yet, even for Lucifer, who didn't wield those elements, the Gift proved to be immensely valuable.

That much had already been clear when he defeated me, despite the gap between us. He had only just unlocked the Gift, and it still tipped the scales in his favor.

I snapped out of my thoughts as Valerie's voice echoed through the arena. "We now have the new ranks for the Mythos Academy students."

I turned my gaze to the screen.

Rank 1: Lucifer Windward 

Rank 2: Arthur Nightingale

Rank 3: Ren Kagu 

Rank 4: Jin Ashbluff 

Rank 5: Rachel Creighton

Rank 6: Ian Viserion

Rank 7: Cecilia Slatemark 

Rank 8: Seraphina Zenith 

Rank 9: Luke Orden 

... 

Rank 12: Rose Springshaper

I glanced at the names that mattered before shifting my focus away. 

'Rose moved up four spots since the start of the year,' I mused, a hint of satisfaction tugging at my thoughts. She was coming into her own.

As the final ranks settled on the screen, Valerie's voice rang out once more, her tone commanding the attention of everyone present.

"And now, for the moment you've all been waiting for—the title of Sovereign for this year's class."

There was a palpable hush across the arena, every student holding their breath in anticipation. Even though the outcome was clear, the weight of the announcement still carried immense significance.

Valerie took a brief pause, her gaze sweeping across the crowd before her eyes landed on the figure standing tall at the front of the stage.

"The Sovereign of Mythos Academy for this year is... Lucifer Windward!"

A thunderous round of applause followed, cheers erupting from the audience as Lucifer stepped forward, his expression calm and composed. He was always like that—steady, unshaken, as if the weight of expectations never touched him.

Lucifer glanced at the crowd, then nodded slightly, his vivid green eyes scanning the faces. For a moment, his gaze met mine, and there was an unspoken acknowledgment between us. His victory was well-earned, and while I had been confident in my own strength, that battle had shown me just how powerful he had become.

The Gift of God's Eyes had tilted the balance, but Lucifer was more than just his Gift. His skill, his unwavering focus, and his sharp instincts had made him unstoppable.

I kept my expression neutral, but internally, I accepted the result. I wasn't bitter. This wasn't the end—there were greater battles ahead, and the title of Sovereign, while prestigious, was just one step on the path we both walked.

Valerie continued, "Lucifer Windward, as Sovereign, you will hold this title until the next tournament. Use your strength wisely, as this title represents not just power, but responsibility."

Lucifer nodded, his face still as composed as ever. "I will," he said simply, his voice carrying across the arena with quiet confidence.

The crowd continued to cheer, but my mind was already shifting away from the present. The title of Sovereign wasn't my goal. My sights were set on something far beyond these walls. The forces at play in the world, the looming threat of the demons, the ancient powers yet to be awakened—those were what truly mattered.

'Summer break', I thought.

The end of the academic year was almost here, with only the written exams left before the long, two-month summer break officially began.

It hit me—an entire year had already passed.

I clenched my fist, reflecting on everything I had achieved.

In just one year, I had risen from Low Silver to White rank, obtained the Qilin's Will, created my own Grade 6 art, and pushed Lucifer to unlock the God's Eyes years earlier than he was supposed to. I had surpassed my own expectations in nearly every way.

But this was only the beginning.

The second year would bring new challenges, and there were two major events I couldn't afford to take lightly: the Inter-Academy Festival and the Field Trip. Both would be crucial, and I needed to be fully prepared.

'There's no looking back now. The only way is forward.'