-621- [ Thirteen ]

"Hm?"

At this moment, Kimberly, who was previously indifferent on the platform, showing no intention to intervene, voiced her surprise.

"This is..."

Not only Kimberly but even the little dragon perched on the girl's hat lifted its head, displaying astonishment.

Others remained oblivious, still staring at Rozen.

Especially the girl referred to as Charl by her automaton, who furrowed her brows.

And then...

"We... we were talking about a fourth-year student at this academy."

The student Rozen was focusing on involuntarily began to explain.

This left everyone in surprise, including Charl.

However, disregarding the reactions of others, the student continued explaining.

"He excels in both technique and magic, consistently scoring full marks in regular assessments. In practical courses, no one can rival him. He has held the top position in overall performance throughout the years, known as the most terrifying genius since the founding of this academy. He possesses six humanoid automata and can perfectly operate the entire squad with just one person, showcasing the full potential of all individuals."

The student disclosed without any reservation.

"At the academy, he has always held the top position, acclaimed as the leader of the 'Thirteen,' the man closest to the Wiseman, bearing the code name — 'Marshal.'"

———'Thirteen.'

This referred to the top thirteen ranked students in the academy, considered the most likely to win in the Night Party.

The term 'code name' referred to the moniker possessed by students who made it to the top hundred in the academy, granting them qualification for the Night Party, recognized by the academy, and officially registered.

The code name of the prodigious talent leading a six-person squad was — 'Marshal.'

"'Marshal'... huh?"

Rozen smirked, a mix of sarcasm and indifference in his tone.

"So, what's his real name?"

Rozen asked the student again, his voice still carrying strength.

In this situation, the student's lips trembled for a few moments, then they spoke.

"Magnus."

This name echoed throughout the entire church.

"His name is Magnus."

The student answered Rozen's question.

"Is that so?" Rozen nodded and said, "Thanks."

After saying this, Rozen snapped his fingers.

"Snap!"

With the crisp sound of snapping fingers, the student who was previously terrified looked at Rozen as if he had been freed from some constraint.

"Sorry about that, let me treat you to a meal sometime."

Rozen patted the student's shoulder and then looked at Charl, who was still stunned.

"Heh..."

A moment later, Rozen made this laughter and turned around, walking to the last row of the classroom and sat down.

Yaya then realized and quickly followed, sitting next to Rozen, looking at him with admiration.

As for the rest of the students, they looked at the terrified classmate, one by one, swallowing nervously.

The scene before their eyes, surely, anyone could see it, right?

To realize that the classmate answered Rozen's question truthfully, it was all because Rozen used some means.

Whatever means made others obediently answer, it made all the students present show expressions of fear.

As for Charl...

"You...!"

Charl stood up as if stimulated.

"Calm down, Charl."

The little dragon patted the girl's hat and advised her calmly.

"He mocked me? How dare he mock me!?"

Charl was so angry that her face turned red, feeling as if she had been slapped hard, her rage burning.

But that's the truth, isn't it?

"Who asked you to mock others first?" The little dragon spoke in a calm tone, "So, you brought this upon yourself."

It had to be said, this was an indisputable fact.

However...

"I didn't expect that the famous 'Rex' would be provoked by a transfer student."

The little dragon looked at Rozen, who was yawning at the back of the church, and murmured to itself as if in a monologue.

"Combined with the unusual magic power I sensed just now, and the interest he showed in the 'Marshal,' I'm afraid this time, a very extraordinary person has come."

Compared to the impulsive owner, the automaton little dragon showed a sense of alertness.

"Be careful in taking the same classes with such an individual, Charl."

The little dragon offered this reminder to its owner.

However...

"I don't care!" Charl still seemed quite upset, glaring in Rozen's direction and menacingly saying, "If he dares to provoke me, I'll burn him to ashes!"

Whether Rozen heard this or not, he turned around and looked at Charl, a playful glint in his eyes, making Charl grind her teeth in frustration.

On the other hand, the little dragon couldn't help but laugh.

"Isn't this a good thing? You, who have always been isolated, finally have someone interesting interacting with you. Maybe it's some kind of opportunity."

The little dragon seemed quite pleased with this.

"Who wants to interact with that kind of person?" Charl immediately threatened, "Say anything strange again, and I'll change the chicken for lunch to green beans, Sigmund."

At these words, the little dragon referred to as Sigmund could only smile wryly.

While Charl was fuming, Rozen developed quite an interest in her.

"A beautiful girl, yet sitting all alone in the corner of the classroom, and no one is willing to approach her. It's quite intriguing," Rozen murmured.

"Curious about a beautiful girl...!?" Yaya, who was looking at Rozen with admiration, froze suddenly, seemingly forming some strange delusions.

But Rozen was used to it. He simply approached and patted the shoulder of a student sitting in front of him.

"Let me ask you, what's the background of that ill-tempered young lady over there?"

Rozen asked the student in this manner.

"I... I'll tell you! I'll tell you! Just don't do anything to me, please!"

The student being questioned was tense, sweating profusely, and hastily spoke up.

"She's like Magnus, one of the 'Thirteen.' She used to be a noble, but now the family has declined, and the only remaining fortune is the automaton she carries."

The student explained desperately.

"Her name is Charlotte Belew, the daughter of the Belew Earl's family. The family was once granted the unicorn emblem by Her Majesty, the Queen, but now it's in decline. She ranks 6th and has the codename—'Tyrant Rex.'"

Because she uses a dragon-type automaton, she is also called 'Tyrant Rex' by people.

"Her... her temper is not very good, and her personality is quite bad. She once sent five senior students to the hospital, pushed her roommate out of the dormitory window, and even damaged the anatomy practical classroom. She burned down a courtyard in the academy. You'd better not provoke her."

Towards the end, the student even gave Rozen this warning.

"Well, she is indeed a willful young lady."

Rozen grinned and looked back at Charl.

Charl was still angry, looking like she wanted to pounce on Rozen and bite him.

At this moment, Kimberly clapped her hands to regain everyone's attention.

"Is the commotion over?" Kimberly glanced at Rozen and then said coldly, "Let's start the class."

So, Rozen's life at the Machinart Academy began in this way.