-615- [ Night Party ]

Unlike other academies, Walpurgis Royal Academy of Machinart has a total of four academic years, starting from first-year newcomers to nearly graduating fourth-years, with a very strict hierarchical system.

Because this academy is entirely meritocratic, those with excellent performance are rewarded generously, while those with poorer grades only receive the minimum protection—there is a stark contrast in treatment.

The so-called academic assessments are used to determine these treatments.

In Walpurgis Royal Academy of Machinart, all students are ranked based on their respective performance, and every periodic examination results in a redefined ranking, determining the treatment of the students within the academy.

Even for transfer students, the academy holds impromptu academic assessments to decide their future treatment within the academy.

Rozen, under Kimberly's arrangement, participated in this academic assessment.

To be honest, Rozen didn't pay much attention to this academic assessment.

From the past till now, Rozen has never worried about academic performance.

In this batch of students, including Rozen, there were a total of 1236 people.

As for Rozen...

"Let's finish this quickly."

With this thought in mind, Rozen received the exam paper.

The moment Rozen saw the exam paper, without the slightest pause, just like when he was at the Onmyou Academy, he filled it in within ten minutes and directly handed the paper to the astonished Kimberly.

Immediately after, Rozen left the examination venue.

Yaya waited outside the door for Rozen, unfazed by Rozen's quick completion of the exam. Instead, she spoke proudly:

"You truly are amazing, Nuragami."

"I've told you to call me Rozen."

"Okay, dear."

"...Don't make me take action, really."

The two of them playfully bantered in the corridor, without a worry about their results.

Not long after, Kimberly came out.

"Your score sheet is out, take it."

Kimberly straightforwardly tossed the score sheet to Rozen, who took it in hand.

Rozen only glanced at it and was about to look away.

However, when Rozen prepared to shift his gaze, the rank that entered his eyes left him astonished.

"Rank 101?"

This result made Rozen raise an eyebrow slightly, and his gaze couldn't move away.

"What... what's this?" Yaya was equally stunned. It was only after confirming the rank of 101 on the score sheet that she exclaimed, "How did this happen?"

Clearly, Yaya never expected this result.

Rozen, on the other hand, seemed to know something and shrugged with a smile.

Kimberly, who had been watching Rozen's reaction, remained unfazed and spoke.

"What? Can't accept your own result?"

Kimberly just asked nonchalantly.

Rank 101.

In this academy with a total of 1236 students, such a rank was considered quite high.

After all, this place gathered geniuses from around the world, and even among these geniuses, reaching a rank like 101 was enough for any country's enterprises to actively recruit.

Therefore, there was nothing to be dissatisfied about with such a rank.

But...

"If this is truly my result."

Rozen spread his hands and said with a smirk.

Hearing Rozen's words, Kimberly pushed her glasses.

"You're quite smart." Kimberly gave this evaluation and continued, "I believe you have guessed; this isn't your real result."

That's right.

"In the test, you scored full marks. Even looking at the entire academy, there is only one person who can match you."

Kimberly calmly explained.

"Logically speaking, even if you don't get first place, second place shouldn't be a problem for you."

However, a problem arose now.

"Since you're so smart, you should know about the 'Night Party,' right?"

Kimberly asked.

——— The "Night Party."

It is a quadrennial feast held in this Walpurgis Royal Academy of Machinart.

The academy is structured into four grades because every four years, a grand feast called the "Night Party" takes place.

Its purpose is to select the most outstanding puppeteer of the era. In this extravagant event, the elite students of the academy engage in battles with their automaton magic until only one remains, who is then honored with the title of "Wiseman," signifying the most excellent and powerful being of the era.

Of course, merely a title might not generate much enthusiasm to excel in the Night Party. However, this event is acknowledged by the "Mage's Association" and comes with exclusive privileges that others cannot possess.

The victor selected through the Night Party, now adorned with the title of Wiseman, is exempt from the International Magical Charter and the Magus' Ethical Regulations.

In other words, the Wiseman can freely study forbidden arts, dangerous forbidden techniques, and conduct prohibited research, making them a unique group outside the norm.

This has driven countless individuals crazy in pursuit of the title of Wiseman, a seat that grants wealth, fame, knowledge, and power, practically possessing everything.

However, only the top 100 students in the academy have the opportunity to chase the title of Wiseman by participating in this blood-soaked festivity.

"There is a specialized department within the academy responsible for the Night Party selection. Students granted the opportunity to participate in the Night Party receive recognition from this department and are given exclusive gloves issued by the academy."

Kimberly looked at Rozen, her icy eyes revealing a probing tone.

"In that case, you should understand why your rank could only reach 101, right?"

Was there even a need to say it?

"Because the Night Party department hasn't given their approval yet, my rank could only reach 101, and I can't progress further, correct?"

Rozen voiced this answer.

"Correct," Kimberly nodded and continued, "Regarding your performance, we will provide it to the Night Party department. As long as they approve, your rank will rise to 50 and you will receive the gloves, allowing you to participate in the Night Party."

Upon hearing this, Rozen became interested.

"Even if the Night Party department approves, my rank can only reach 50?"

Rozen posed this question.

"Exactly," Kimberly said nonchalantly. "Because students before and after rank 50 are selected based on strength, not academic performance."

Hence, relying solely on academic exams, Rozen could reach a maximum rank of 50. He would have to wait for approval from the Night Party department to progress further.

Currently, Rozen's ranking in the academy was only at 101.

"I've never gotten such a low rank before," Rozen muttered to himself. "Well, it just makes things a little more troublesome."

Saying these words, Rozen casually discarded the report in his hand.

"Alright, let's go, Yaya."

Rozen called out like this, and then proceeded ahead on his own.

"Yes!"

Yaya, seemingly enchanted by Rozen's carefree demeanor, followed with hearts in her eyes. She tried to hold Rozen's hand, but he lightly tapped her head, making her lower her head in disappointment.

Kimberly made no effort to stop them.

"Your dormitory is at Raphael Men's Dormitory. I've already informed the dorm supervisor. Go find your room yourself."

Kimberly simply gave this indifferent notification, and in return, Rozen waved his hand nonchalantly.

At this moment, Kimberly turned around and looked at Rozen's departing figure.

On her indifferent face, there was a thought-provoking wry smile.