After a while, the opening ceremony finally drew to a close. The event had been nothing short of magnificent, just as expected from the most prestigious learning institute in the entire continent of Axian.
The vast auditorium still echoed faintly with the sounds of applause and music, lingering like a memory in the air. Professional actors had graced the stage with a historical drama that stirred the hearts of the students, while dancers moved in perfect harmony to the rhythm of drums and flutes. Songs of triumph and hope followed, filling the hall with an atmosphere of grandeur and celebration. Truly, it was a spectacle worthy of the institute's reputation.
As the great bronze gates of the auditorium swung open, the sea of students began to pour out in groups, their chatter buzzing with excitement and nervous anticipation. Among them, the four companions naturally drifted apart to pursue their own paths. Vern and Edward turned toward the direction of the result section belonging to the Swordsmanship Department, while Charlotte and Salena made their way to the Alchemy Department's wing.
Though each of them had filled out their application and written their examinations carefully, the moment of truth still weighed on their hearts. Charlotte and Salena could not help but feel a tinge of nervousness. Their steps were light but hesitant, and their expressions carried a mixture of curiosity and unease as they walked side by side.
On the other hand, Vern and Edward carried themselves with an entirely different air. Neither of them looked the least bit worried. Their strides were steady and unhurried, their expressions calm. Unlike many others who whispered anxiously, their confidence radiated silently. After all, they already knew what the results would reveal—there was no room for doubt in their hearts. With this assurance, the two walked at a relaxed pace through the wide stone-paved path that led toward the department halls, their posture unshaken by the uncertainty that troubled so many around them.
"Vern, do you think there's anyone in this entire institute who could give us trouble in a swordsmanship battle?" Edward asked as they walked along the stone path, his hands clasped lazily behind his back, his tone carrying more curiosity than concern.
"Why do you ask?" Vern responded in his usual calm manner, his eyes drifting over the students scattered across the courtyard.
Edward tilted his head slightly, his gaze settling on a group of older students passing by. "No, it's just… I saw a few of the second years from the Swordsmanship Department earlier. But honestly, they aren't really worth fighting against. Their stance, their grip, their aura—it was all sloppy compared to what we've trained for." His voice carried a hint of boredom as he spoke, as though the very thought of facing them in battle was uninteresting.
He paused for a moment, his expression thoughtful before he continued, "The third years, though… they're not bad. Their techniques are more polished, and some of them probably think quite highly of themselves. But even then, they wouldn't stand a chance against you or me."
Vern gave a small nod, his expression unchanged, his tone steady as ever.
"Hmm? Have you seen the top students?" Vern asked with a faint hum, his eyes narrowing slightly with interest.
"No, I haven't," Edward admitted, shaking his head. "Although they might be stronger in overall ability, when it comes purely to swordsmanship, they cannot beat us. That much, I can guarantee." His tone was firm, almost arrogant, but filled with conviction.
"You're right," Vern replied casually, his gaze shifting forward as the two continued walking. "So then… why did you get admission here in the first place?" His voice carried a hint of curiosity, as though he had long wondered about Edward's reasons.
"Hm… well…" Edward's confident tone faltered, replaced by an awkward stutter. "In truth, there were many reasons, but I… I can just tell you two." His voice dipped into an embarrassed murmur, his ears faintly reddening.
"Oh?" Vern leaned slightly closer, his calm composure breaking into mild intrigue. "And what would these reasons be?"
"Well, first…" Edward scratched the back of his neck, looking anywhere but at Vern. "My father said that I should go to the institute for studies."
Vern raised an eyebrow. "And?"
Edward hesitated, his voice dropping to an almost sheepish whisper. "Well, you see… recently, I read a novel…" He trailed off again, his face betraying a mix of embarrassment and reluctance.
"A novel?" Vern repeated, tilting his head slightly.
"Yes," Edward admitted, lowering his voice as though he were confessing a crime. "In that novel… the protagonist goes to an academy for studies. At first, he gets bullied, but later he becomes strong—strong enough to stand above everyone else. He even finds a rival who pushes him forward and, well… a girlfriend." Edward's tone grew more animated as he spoke, though his face was tinged red with embarrassment. "So… I wanted to experience something like that for myself and—huh?"
His words stumbled to a halt when he noticed Vern's expression.
Vern had stopped mid-step, staring at him with eyes wide open in disbelief, his usual calm demeanor shattered. For a moment, he simply stood frozen, as though trying to process whether he had heard correctly.
Is he really… the future Sword Saint? Vern's thoughts churned in disbelief. What the hell is this? This idiot really came to the most prestigious institute on the continent because of… a novel?
The thought was almost too much for Vern to digest. His lips twitched as if he wanted to speak, but no words came out.
Edward scratched his cheek awkwardly, frowning. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"No, no… nothing," Vern said quickly, waving his hand dismissively. But despite his calm words, the disbelief in his eyes hadn't fully faded.
After that, an awkward silence hung between them, stretching across their walk. The lively chatter of other students filled the background, yet for the two of them, the quiet was oddly heavy, each step echoing faintly on the stone path.
Before long, they arrived at the area where the results of the Swordsmanship Department were being displayed. Despite Nalanda Institute's size and reputation, they didn't have to wait in a line—surprisingly few people had gathered there, and the courtyard felt almost spacious.
A large board was mounted on the wall, its surface gleaming faintly under the sunlight. Names were etched neatly into it, listing the results of those admitted. Vern's eyes scanned the board calmly, while Edward leaned forward slightly in anticipation.
There were only seven names on the list of the incoming class. Out of all of them, the very first spot shone with unmistakable clarity—Vern.
And right beneath him, as expected, was Edward in second place.
Edward smirked, his confidence reaffirmed. "Heh, just as I thought."
"Kazik Nathan, huh…" Vern muttered as his eyes landed on the third name on the list.
"What do you think?" Edward asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Hmm? Well, although his mana capacity is certainly better than mine, his swordsmanship isn't that good from what I've observed. And—" Vern was cut off mid-sentence.
"No, no, I'm not talking about that," Edward interrupted, waving his hand. "I mean… don't you get the urge to beat him up?"
Vern blinked. "Huh? Why would I get the urge to beat him up?"
Edward leaned closer, lowering his voice as though he were sharing some great secret. "No, I mean… don't you get that ominous feeling from his eyes?" His tone was strangely serious, carrying the air of a boy convinced he had stumbled onto something mysterious.
Vern let out a quiet sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. This idiot has been completely consumed by those fantasy novels again.
He turned his head slightly, giving Edward a flat look. "Let me guess… did you read about a character who resembles him in one of your novels?"
Edward coughed lightly, avoiding Vern's eyes. "Well… maybe."
"Okay… when you decide to beat him up, then inform me," Vern said at last, more to divert the conversation away from Edward's nonsense than anything else.
Edward grinned, satisfied with the answer even though Vern's tone clearly carried exasperation. The two continued walking, leaving the results board behind, the chatter of other students fading as they headed toward the Alchemy Department's wing.
As they turned a corner along the marble-paved path, two familiar figures appeared from the opposite direction. Charlotte and Salena were walking side by side, their faces lit with lovely, cheerful expressions. The faint breeze toyed with the strands of Charlotte's golden hair, while Salena's bright eyes sparkled with excitement.
The moment the girls spotted them, their steps quickened ever so slightly, as if eager to share their news.
As Vern and Edward approached, Charlotte's lips curled into a playful smile while Salena's cheeks glowed faintly pink, her eyes flickering shyly toward Vern. Their steps quickened until the four of them stood together, the air heavy with unspoken anticipation.
Edward wasted no time. "So—how did it go?" he asked, his curiosity overflowing.
The girls exchanged a knowing glance, as if silently daring the other to speak first. Charlotte finally placed a hand on her hip, her tone brimming with confidence.
"Well," she said, drawing out the word just enough to tease them, "I took first place in the Alchemy Department."
Vern's eyes flickered slightly in surprise, though his expression remained mostly composed.
Before Edward could comment, Salena spoke in a softer tone, her voice carrying both pride and modesty. "I… also got first place."
Her lovely expression only grew brighter under their stunned gazes.
For a moment, silence hung in the air. Then Edward let out a low whistle, shaking his head in disbelief. "Tch… looks like our group has nothing but monsters."