-630- The beginning

Inside the academy, at Magnus's workshop.

At this moment, students were gathering around the workshop, pointing and discussing animatedly.

In front of the workshop stood Magnus, wearing a black cloak and a silver mask. His eyes were closed, seemingly preparing for something, surrounded by his squad of female-type automatons, guarding him and staying vigilant.

Magnus maintained this position, eyes closed in deep concentration, while students gathered, engaging in discussions.

There was a noticeable empty spot in the crowd.

This was because one person stood there.

"What's going on? Why do they all scatter when I approach?"

The girl expressed her dissatisfaction.

She was Charlotte Belew, the 6th ranked daughter of the Earl of Belew, registered under the codename "Tyrant Rex."

Perched on her head was a small dragon, almost like her registered trademark.

"Do you really not know the reason?"

The small dragon, Sigmund, sighed lightly.

There's no helping it.

"Not being afraid of the 'Rex' is actually rare. After all, no one knows if they'll be kicked away just by talking to you," Sigmund said like this.

There was no helping it.

"I'm not that bad-tempered!"

Charlotte retorted.

However...

"Never mind your past misdeeds, but didn't the doctor in the infirmary get kicked by you just for talking to you not long ago?"

Sigmund reminded her of the incident.

"But... but that's because he was planning to do something inappropriate!"

Charlotte stumbled a bit but immediately explained the situation.

Unfortunately, this was useful for others, but not for Sigmund.

"He hadn't even touched you yet, had he?"

Sigmund pointed out calmly.

"But... but his expression seemed evil, and his movements were lewd. As a woman, my instincts naturally made me wary in an instant."

Charlotte muttered.

"Alright."

Sigmund shook his head, saying, "But regardless, this incident, combined with your past actions, has spread around. Others are afraid to approach you. It's quite understandable."

"...Forget it."

Charlotte fell silent for a moment, then turned her head, saying, "After all, every student in this academy is an enemy. It's better if hypocrites stay away from me."

"Perhaps," Sigmund responded without committing to either side, then looked ahead, focusing on Magnus, who was peacefully meditating in front of the workshop. "However, I didn't expect the Marshal to value Rorelai Arneet so much."

Yes.

Valued.

That was the first impression that all the students had when they witnessed Magnus's actions.

"It's just a transfer student, and he doesn't even have the qualifications to participate in the Night Party. For the Marshal, he should be inconsequential. Why is the challenge being treated so seriously?" Sigmund voiced the thoughts of many.

"Who knows?" Charl crossed her arms, snorting,

"Maybe they find it refreshing to see such an idiot; that's the only explanation."

This sentiment echoed in the minds of most.

"Is that so?" Sigmund pondered, "In other words, you think Rorelai Arneet has no chance against Magnus?"

"Isn't that obvious?" Charl responded without hesitation, her face turning serious as she looked at Magnus. She added in a low voice, "Magnus is the top performer throughout the generations and the biggest genius since the academy's establishment. At this stage, no one has the confidence to defeat him."

Thanks to this, Magnus had always been a thorn in the side of students hoping to triumph at the Night Party, weighing heavily on their minds.

"The Night Party is held every four years, but the past winners couldn't compare to Magnus. If we talk about sheer power, he's already at the level of a Wiseman."

Charl spoke heavily.

Evidently, Charl also felt immense pressure facing Magnus.

In this light, the notion of a student who transferred midway being able to defeat Magnus was something nobody could fathom.

So, Charl's thoughts reflected what most students believed.

No one thought Rozen would win.

Even those who had high hopes for Rozen merely expected him to display exceptional ability, pushing Magnus to reveal his true strength or hidden trump cards for intelligence gathering purposes to use against Magnus in the Night Party. Nobody actually believed Magnus would be defeated.

Because of this, seeing Magnus waiting so cautiously surprised the students.

"Could it be that Magnus has a different perspective than others?" Charl mused.

And then...

"Rather than a perspective, isn't it more accurate to say that he understands Rorelai Arneet's strength better than you all?" A voice suddenly sounded from behind Charl.

"Yah!"

Charl was startled and jumped up, letting out a scream.

Immediately, Charl saw who had appeared behind her.

"Oh? I didn't expect the 'Rex' to produce such a cute sound."

The female professor, her words tinged with a hint of sarcasm and indifference, appeared.

Who could it be other than Kimberly?

"P-Professor?"

Charl couldn't help but sound a little timid.

It seemed that even Charl, with her temperament, couldn't flare up in front of Kimberly.

"Quite the lively scene," Kimberly commented, unfazed by Charl. She surveyed the surroundings casually and said, "Our transfer student is indeed extraordinary. He disrupted my class on the first day of school, and now he's disrupting the entire academy. Students are willingly risking absences and penalties to come here and witness what's going on. The days ahead for the academy might be quite challenging."

Kimberly made these remarks as if no one else were around.

"Professor..." Charl hesitated for a moment, then cautiously asked, "Are you interested in this matter as well?"

"Somewhat," Kimberly admitted without denial. She pushed her glasses and looked at Magnus. "Before the Night Party begins, I want to witness how intense the atmosphere can get."

After saying that, Kimberly seemed to notice something and turned her head, looking in a specific direction.

"See, whether it's the protagonist, a supporting role, or a villain, someone has made their entrance."

Hearing Kimberly's words, Charl turned her head instantly, looking in that direction.

At the same time, the other students present also noticed. They all lowered their voices.

Rozen, walking slowly on the path, appeared with a group of people, heading towards this direction.

Rozen raised his eyelids and looked forward, coincidentally meeting the gaze of the figure wearing a silver mask, protected by the girls.

Magnus stared at the youth walking towards them, draped in a noble coat.

The gazes of the two locked onto each other.

In the next moment, a chilling aura radiated out.