Chapter 3: A Test of Mettle

Name: Nangou Jiangli

Blazer Rank: E

Attack Power: C

Defensive Power: F

Magic Quantity: F

Magic Control: F

Physical Ability: E

Luck: F

The details were laid out before him, etched into his vision. Shinguuji Kurono, as her gaze settled on the displayed material, couldn't help but furrow her brows, a hint of surprise creasing her features.

No matter how one examined it, the material indicated a lowly E-Rank status.

"As far as I'm aware, none of "God of War"'s disciples have descended to the level of a C-Rank Knight or below."

Leaning back in her computer chair, Shinguuji Kurono lit a cigarette, exhaling smoke rings with a sense of satisfaction. Her scrutinizing gaze alternated between Jiangli and the computer screen.

"Could it be because you're a direct descendant of the God of War?"

The God of War, Nangou Torajirou. At ninety-two years of age, he had been an active Blazer decades ago, contributing significantly to world peace. He currently held the distinction of being Japan's oldest living Mage-Knight—a veritable living legend. Disciples under his tutelage, regardless of their level, garnered immense attention within the knightly realm.

For instance, Toudou Touka, Jiangli's Senior Sister, was nurtured by the God of War himself. She was an exceptional B-Rank Blazer, not only holding the title of Hagun Academy's Student President, but also ranking among the top four Student Knights in all of Japan. Her brilliance shone brilliantly, a focal point of attention.

Numerous other A-Rank and C-Rank Blazers had undergone training from the God of War to some extent, aligning themselves with his lineage. Yet, among his disciples, an E-Rank disciple had never before been presented.

"No, I'm not a member of the Nangou Family."

Jiangli stood, his gaze unwavering, as he clarified to Director Kurono, "While I am indeed a ward of the master, I lack any blood ties to the Nangou Family."

His face retained an indifferent expression. As an E-Rank Mage-Knight, he had no reason to feel inferior. Criticizing his master on such a basis was far from his thoughts.

In the realm of Blazers, stratification was indeed in place.

According to the standards set forth by the "League of Mage-Knight Nations", a Blazer's overall level was determined through evaluations of their Noble Art, Magic Quantity, Magic Control, and other factors. This process yielded ranks from A to F.

Jiangli's Blazer Rank was the fifth tier—E-Rank.

Within this world, the majority of Blazers fell within the E-Rank or D-Rank, with those achieving C-Rank being considered exceptional, and B-Rank Blazers standing as talents among the knights. Attaining A-Rank status was the hallmark of a true state-level treasure.

Toudou Touka was such a talent. Five years prior, she had been chosen by Nangou Torajirou during the middle school training camp and was accepted as his disciple. Every year, she underwent rigorous training under his guidance.

Being an E-Rank Blazer wasn't particularly remarkable, nor was it a source of embarrassment. However, it did have limitations. After graduation, E-Rank Mage-Knights could hold civilian positions at best, precluding them from engaging in high-level combat against fearsome terrorists, unlike their higher-ranked counterparts.

For E-Rank Blazer, such as Jiangli, to be the most preliminary form of Blazer was only natural.

"I understand now."

Shinguuji Kurono spoke, forming smoke rings with the cigarette's release of air. Simultaneously, she nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

"As a Blazer, I hold the God of War in high regard. However, that doesn't mean I'll allow his disciple to slide by. While Hagun Academy is part of the Seven Stars Academies, we have our own standards for admission. Are you aware of this?"

Although she had only assumed her position this year, her resolve was unwavering. This was underscored by her previous fame, even after retirement due to marriage, her name, "Shinguuji Kurono," remained prominent, particularly among those who followed the KOK League.

"Admission standards?"

Jiangli wore a puzzled expression, glancing at his Senior Sister beside him. This was a topic he had never come across in either this life or his previous one. "I've never heard of that, whether in my past life or in this one."

"Though we are one of the Seven Stars Academies, Hagun Academy differs from the others."

Senior Sister noticed Jiangli's perplexed look and took the initiative to explain, "Our academy operates on a boarding system. Tuition fees are completely waived, and students receive free room and board. Additionally, we have a financial aid program. These are advantages not offered by other academies. Consequently, Hagun Academy maintains certain admission criteria."

"Hagun Academy's admission standards correspond to E-Rank high-rank."

Shinguuji Kurono extinguished her cigarette, tapping its ash into an ashtray before returning her attention to the table. She spoke with measured composure.

"Before the start of the term, there is an entrance examination. Only those Blazer who meet the standard may enter Hagun Academy."

The other six academies did not conduct such exams. Any Blazer was eligible for admission without the need for testing. However, Hagun Academy's exceptional provisions warranted additional criteria.

"My master assured me that my Junior Brother's strength meets the requirements for entry." Senior Sister's gaze was earnest as she affirmed this to Shinguuji Kurono.

"Yet that doesn't exempt him from the entrance examination."

Shinguuji Kurono's stance was firm. With her left hand propping up her chin, she regarded Jiangli from her seated position. Her features lifted slightly.

"Even if he's as handsome as they come, I won't be lenient on this matter. Though you're a direct disciple of the God of War, I treat this matter impartially. Were your master not so renowned, I might even have felt a certain fondness for you."

From the perspective of an adult woman, she had to concede that Jiangli was the most delicate and attractive male she had encountered in this life. His mere presence exuded an air of freshness, like a breath of invigorating air, a truly captivating sight. With his charm value so close to the maximum, Jiangli's appearance was nothing short of exceptional.

However, Shinguuji Kurono's implementation of a male-female mixed boarding system upon taking office underscored her decisive, uncompromising demeanor. Such considerations rendered her immune to sentimentality.

"What are the examination methods?" Jiangli inquired, his tone measured. He held little interest in the matter, as he could directly enter through the front door. However, he was disinclined to indulge in any superfluous formalities.

"Examiners haven't yet returned to the academy, so I'll be conducting the examination myself."

Observing Jiangli's composed demeanor, Shinguuji Kurono nodded in agreement.

"Present yourself in any manner

you see fit; I will be evaluating you accordingly. It's as simple as that."

This form of examination, Jiangli realized, was highly subjective. An examiner's whims could easily sway the results.

Yet, judging from Shinguuji Kurono's commanding presence, she would hardly stoop to such underhanded tactics. Jiangli's apprehension lay elsewhere—not in the subjectivity of the evaluation, but in the appropriateness of his own abilities.

"Any method is acceptable?"

"Indeed."

Shinguuji Kurono confirmed, her gaze unwavering.

"In that case..."

Jiangli hesitated briefly, then raised his head. His dark eyes met Shinguuji Kurono's from several meters away.

"I challenge you to a duel—to prove myself in combat. May I have your permission?"