The sleek black car glided smoothly along the elevated road toward the main portal connecting to the Island of Vias. Through the tinted windows, I watched Qara City sprawl below—a glittering metropolis that looked almost peaceful from this height, though I knew better.
Behind us, in a separate vehicle, Livia rode with what I could only describe as calculated displeasure. She'd wanted to accompany me directly, but I'd refused, citing my need for mental preparation. The real reason was much simpler: I needed space to think without her watching my every move.
Plus, I'd overheard her muttering something this morning that had genuinely concerned me.
"Riyan's fans are getting too bold. Maybe I should arrange some accidents. Nothing fatal, of course—just enough to keep them away."
The scary part? Her tone had been completely casual, like she was discussing weather patterns.
I'll need to have a conversation with her later, I thought with resignation. A diplomatic one. With witnesses present.
Livia's brother-complex wasn't just some character quirk—it was a genuine political tool she wielded with terrifying precision. She'd learned from the best, after all. Our mother wasn't just beautiful and powerful; she was a master manipulator who could smile sweetly while orchestrating someone's complete downfall.
Today marked the beginning of Reyas Academy's entrance examination, and I had plans. Big plans.
My goal was simple: achieve first place in tomorrow's Ranking Battle and establish my dominance from day one. Not for ego—well, not entirely for ego—but because positioning mattered. The higher I ranked, the more leverage I'd have for the chaos coming later.
Also, I really wanted to see the protagonist's face when I crushed him. That was definitely part of it.
The Academy's entrance process consisted of two distinct phases, each designed to filter candidates and establish hierarchy immediately.
First came the Qualification Test. Academy officials evaluated each applicant's affinity, potential, and current capabilities. The requirements were straightforward: applicants had to be between eighteen and twenty-two, have reached at least E-rank, or possess rare abilities that compensated for lower rank.
Those who passed became permanent students, protected from expulsion except through specific disciplinary procedures or direct intervention from the Vice-Principal or Principal.
The Ranking Battle followed the next day. Newly accepted students fought in combat duels, with winners climbing the rankings. The top ten positions received various benefits and the status of "Exceptional Students."
The top three got even more significant advantages. First and second place earned the title of "Elite Students" and served as representatives of their year.
These statuses could be challenged through official duels—a system that encouraged constant competition. However, Student Council members were exempt from challenges, their positions protected by different rules.
The Student Council President held supreme authority among students, with power to appoint council members and make decisions affecting Academy life. The current President was Raya Aero—eldest daughter of the Aero family, future Sword Saintess, and absurdly talented even by Academy standards.
She hadn't appointed a Vice-President yet, which struck me as both unusual and potentially exploitable.
The hierarchy was clear:
Principal (absolute authority), Vice-Principal (second), Student Council Members (third), Elite Students (fourth), Instructors (medium), Exceptional Students (low), Other Academic Staff (lower), Regular Students (bottom feeders).
Understanding power structures was survival 101.
I'd spent the past two months integrating the Dark Spirit Spear Art with my existing techniques. My Spear Mastery had hit Master level, and combined with my B+ rank at eighteen, I was confident. Not arrogant—confident. There's a difference.
The car slowed as we approached the portal checkpoint. Through the window, I could see the massive examination building—imposing architecture that blended traditional Academy aesthetics with modern defensive enchantments that probably cost more than most noble estates.
The crowd outside was enormous. Hundreds of hopeful applicants with their families and supporters created a sea of nervous energy and desperation. I could spot the main characters scattered throughout—protagonists, heroines, supporting cast, even minor villains waiting for their moment in the spotlight.
There, standing near the entrance with perfect posture, was Livia. Her expression suggested she was still displeased about the seating arrangements, and I made a mental note to smooth that over later. Preferably with expensive gifts and sincere apologies.
A female figure floated above the crowd, suspended through effortless flight magic. She wore pristine white robes marking her position, her presence commanding immediate attention and respect.
Lev Aven. Vice-Principal of Reyas Academy and a character I'd need to handle carefully. Her reputation for strict fairness was well-earned, and her power was reportedly formidable enough to justify her high position.
"Everyone, form orderly lines!" Her voice carried across the crowd without any visible amplification—neat sound manipulation magic. "You will approach the Evaluation Stone one at a time. It will display your qualifications. Those who meet Academy standards will be accepted. Those who don't... well, there's always next year to improve."
The crowd shuffled into something resembling organization, though the nervous energy remained thick enough to cut. One by one, applicants approached the massive crystal formation serving as the Evaluation Stone.
Many returned with expressions of crushing disappointment, dreams of attending the continent's most prestigious academy shattered by impartial judgment. A few emerged with relieved smiles, having barely met requirements but passed nonetheless.
Then the important characters began their evaluations.
Fera Starlight—my supposed fiancée—approached first among the story's main cast.
The Stone flared with brilliant light:
[Name: Fera Starlight
Affinity: Unique Rank Spirit Magic
Energy Source: Mana
Current Rank: D+]
The crowd's reaction was immediate and predictable.
"Miss Fera has Spirit Magic affinity!"
"That's Young Master Riyan's fiancée!"
"She's engaged to him..."
Many girls in the crowd looked at Fera with obvious envy, their expressions suggesting they'd happily trade places despite never having met me. Fame was weird like that.
I watched Fera scan the crowd, her eyes searching for something—or someone. Even from this distance, I could tell she was looking for me, though I wasn't entirely sure why. We'd barely interacted since I'd stopped the original Riyan's pathetic attempts at gaining her attention.
Strange. In the novel, she barely acknowledged his existence at all.
The other main characters followed in succession:
[Name: Iris Aero
Affinity: S Rank Blood
Energy Source: Mana
Current Rank: E+]
"That's the Student Council President's sister!"
"Expected from royal vampire bloodline..."
"But her rank is pretty low compared to her sister's achievements..."
Iris's expression tightened at the whispered comparisons, and I recognized the inferiority complex that would drive much of her character development. Being constantly measured against an exceptional older sibling had clearly taken its toll on her psyche.
[Name: Jessica Aven
Affinity: S Rank Light
Energy Source: Mana
Current Rank: D-]
"The Vice-Principal's daughter with Light affinity!"
Lev's proud expression was visible even from ground level, though she was clearly trying to suppress a smug smile. Angel bloodline showing through, and that would become relevant later in ways most people couldn't predict.
[Name: Ava Mairis
Affinity: S+ Rank Fire
Energy Source: Mana
Current Rank: C+]
My cousin. We'd had minimal interaction over the years, but her capabilities were undeniable. Strong, focused, and potentially useful as an ally if I played things right.
[Name: Livia Descartes
Affinity: S Rank Ice
Energy Source: Aura
Current Rank: C+]
Livia's evaluation drew appreciative murmurs from the crowd. I noticed several male applicants eyeing her with interest that made something protective flare in my chest before I consciously suppressed it.
Wait, when did I start caring about that?
[Name: Noha Kai
Energy Source: Aura
Current Rank: D-]
[Name: Roy Mark
Energy Source: Mana
Current Rank: E+]
[Name: Yanel Gates
Energy Source: Aura
Current Rank: D-]
The supporting cast members all passed with varying degrees of impressive qualifications. But I was waiting for the main attraction.
A boy with blue hair and bluish-white eyes approached the Stone with confident steps. Alex Karots. The protagonist. Destiny's golden child and future pain in my ass.
The Stone blazed with intense light:
[Name: Alex Karots
Affinity: S+ Rank Water, S- Rank Holy
Energy Source: Mana
Current Rank: C]
The crowd absolutely exploded with noise.
"His rank is C already!"
"How is that even possible for an orphan?!"
"Two S-rank affinities!"
"Holy affinity—that's incredibly rare in this era!"
"Is he some hidden noble's bastard child?"
Even Lev's composure cracked slightly, her eyes widening at the display. An orphan with those qualifications was unprecedented, the kind of anomaly that attracted attention from powerful families and dangerous organizations alike.
Plot armor in full effect, I thought cynically. Of course the protagonist gets blessed with absurd talents and zero logical explanation.
A girl with grayish-white hair and striking golden eyes approached next, her movements graceful and controlled. Raven Zeus—my childhood friend and one of the main heroines. She'd been waiting, scanning the crowd with increasing impatience before finally deciding to proceed.
She was looking for me, I realized. In the novel, she and Riyan took the test together as childhood friends supporting each other.
[Name: Raven Zeus
ffinity: S Rank Thunder
Energy Source: Mana
Current Rank: B-]
"How is that even possible!"
"The Principal's daughter!"
"Black Thunder affinity—that's legendary!"
"She's even stronger than most second-years already!"
The crowd's excitement reached new peaks. Raven's qualifications were exceptional even by Academy standards, befitting the daughter of the most powerful person in the entire institution.
Lev had to call for silence multiple times to restore any semblance of order.
Finally, it was my turn.
I approached the Stone calmly, aware of every eye tracking my movement. Unlike the original plan, I'd decided against the mask and goggles. Why hide? I was Riyan Descartes, and subtlety had never been my strong suit anyway.
Better to make an entrance than skulk around like some discount assassin.
I placed my hand on the Stone's cool surface.
The crystal erupted with light more intense than any previous evaluation, blazing so brightly that several people had to shield their eyes:
[Name: Riyan Descartes
Affinity: S+ Rank Fire, SS+ Rank Darkness
Energy Source: Mana and Aura
Current Rank: B-]
For exactly three seconds, there was absolute silence.
Then complete chaos erupted.
"WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK IS THAT RANK?!"
"IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE AT EIGHTEEN?!"
"TWO ENERGY SOURCES?!"
"SS-RANK AFFINITY?!"
"THAT'S THE HIGHEST AFFINITY RANK IN ACADEMY HISTORY!"
"IT'S YOUNG MASTER RIYAN!"
"THE COOKING INFLUENCER!"
"HE'S EVEN MORE HANDSOME IN PERSON!"
Even Lev couldn't maintain her composure, her eyes wide with genuine shock despite probably having seen some crazy things in her career. "Everyone, quiet down!" she commanded, but her voice lacked its usual authority.
I could feel the weight of hundreds of stares—awe, envy, fear, curiosity, and in some cases, what looked disturbingly like worship. The mixture was intoxicating and slightly concerning.
Perfect. Exactly the reaction I'd wanted.
I moved away from the Stone, heading toward where the other examinees had gathered. As I passed Raven, her golden eyes tracked my movement with an intensity that would've been unsettling if I didn't know her so well.
"Riyan," she said softly, her voice carrying warmth that contrasted sharply with the calculating look in her eyes. "You've gotten stronger. Much stronger than I expected."
"Had to keep up with you somehow, Ven," I replied with a grin. "Couldn't let my childhood friend leave me in the dust completely."
Her smile was sweet, wholesome even, but I caught the brief flash of something darker in her eyes—possessiveness, maybe, or determination. "We should spar sometime. Catch up properly."
"I'd like that."
She watched me walk away, and I heard her murmur something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like "mine" but I couldn't be completely sure.
From her elevated position, Lev watched the entire exchange with an expression mixing amusement and exasperation.
"This kid is going to cause so much trouble," she muttered to herself, though there was fondness in her tone. "Just like his mother did."
I caught Livia's eye across the crowd. She was smiling—not the sweet smile she showed strangers, but the mischievous one that meant she was already plotting something. She gave me a small wave, and I returned it.
Whatever she was planning, I'd deal with it later.