A few days had passed since the events in the city of Silono, and the students of the Shenoro Academy had returned to the capital of Kasegi.
"Today I will tell you about a hero called Midan," the teacher began.
"Midan?"
"Twelve years ago, the world was plunged into chaos, and all of it was caused by the ruler of the demons known as Shonetsu. His name was Kinuro. The demons attacked our world, and for the first time in history, the four nations joined forces to stand against them. However, the one who defeated the demon king was Midan, whose real name was Matomiro Dakero. But he paid for his heroic actions with his life."
"Wow, he was a real hero," one of the students commented.
"Exactly, so you can follow his example to become a great mage like Midan."
"Awesome, I'll definitely become just like him, or maybe even surpass him!"
"With those grades, you can forget about it," Jako pointed out. "Actually, before we end the lesson, I wanted to inform you that next week there will be an exam for rank C mage."
"Rank C?" Derivan tilted his head.
"You see, mages have different ranks. The lowest rank is rank D, which is the rank of a beginner mage. Next is rank C, the rank of an average mage who already possesses some knowledge and experience. Then comes rank B, an advanced level mages with rank B can complete missions on their own and even form a team. The next rank is rank A, also called 'super,' awarded only to exceptional mages. Then there is rank S, also called 'ultra,' usually reached only by mages at the level of kings. And the final rank is rank Z, the legendary rank. So far, only one person has ever achieved it Midan himself."
"Wow, incredible!"
"Alright then, I'll give it everything I've got to reach rank Z," Derivan thought, clenching his fists.
Nohara just glanced at him. "Idiot."
Soon the bell rang, and everyone left the classroom. While walking through the city, Derivan noticed a man wearing glasses who dropped his briefcase, causing papers to scatter. The boy walked over and helped him pick them up.
"I'll help you, sir."
"Thank you, boy. I didn't expect young people to be so helpful."
"I can see you're new to Kasegi, am I right?"
"Yes, I've just arrived in this city. Could you show me the king's palace?" the man asked, adjusting his glasses.
"Of course, follow me." Derivan led the man to the place where the king's palace was located.
In front of the entrance stood several knights, one of whom remembered Derivan very well.
"You again? What are you doing here, thief?"
"You're still hung up on that? Give it a rest. Anyway, this guy wants to meet the king, so I brought him here."
"Do you have any documents?"
Before the man could say anything, the doors opened, and King Maroke stepped out.
"Oh, welcome, Borner, you've finally arrived."
"It's been a while, Maroke. Should I address you as Your Highness?"
"Come on, you can call me by my name. We've known each other for so many years. Come inside, please."
As the King and Borner entered the palace, Derivan decided to go train.
"So Maroke, when will the magic exams take place?"
"In about half a year, why do you ask?"
"I think you should speed things up. Rumors have reached me that something bad is coming. Have you heard of the criminal group Black Blood?"
"Yes, and what about them?"
Borner adjusted his glasses. "I heard they plan to attack your city on the day of the magic exams. To avoid postponing the exams too far, maybe you should hold them earlier, so you can prepare for the upcoming attack afterward," Borner suggested.
The King of Kasegi thought about Borner's proposal for a moment. "Not a bad idea, but the students will have less time to prepare properly."
"Then it's best to announce it as soon as possible, preferably within a few days. The sooner, the better."
"You're right. I'll announce it tomorrow. I need to decide the exact date for the exam."
"Excellent."
Meanwhile, Mikado was sitting in his hideout when Violet suddenly entered his office.
"Mikado, I have bad news Borner has arrived in Kasegi."
The man looked surprised by this information. "What? Was he captured by the knights?"
Violet shook her head. "It turns out he entered like an ordinary person. What's more, he went to meet with the king."
Mikado clenched his fists. "What is that old fool thinking… If he discovers who Derivan really is… Violet, keep me updated on how the situation develops."
"As you wish."