Several instructors came out from the side entrances. They directed us with strict orders, and in just a few seconds, an orderly formation formed on the floor. The line wasn't really uniform in Carine's eyes, but that was the least of my worries right now.

"Welcome, examinees, to the Royal Knights Academy of Setus."

The woman's voice was steady, sharp, and carried easily across the hall. Even I, Carine, who was standing at the back could hear her clearly. The way she stood so perfectly told me she had decades of experience and dedication.

"My name is Avala. Today marks the beginning of this year's entrance exam — a test not only of your skill, but of everything you stand for. For generations, this Academy has forged the kingdom's finest knights, commanders, and heroes. Whether you will stand among them… is the subject of our trial today."

A few examinees straightened their backs reflexively. Even I caught myself stiffening a little.

"I expect each and every one of you to put forth your best effort. Prove yourselves worthy of the Academy's name. Prove that you have the strength and discipline to become proud knights of Setus."

The words landed heavy on the crowd… Or at least that was what I would've expected. Although the standardized track examinees seemed to take them seriously, a few of the gilded track seemed to… not care?

Some were yawning under their breath, some had a lazy posture… With both of my super eyes and ears, I caught several that seemed to not take this thing seriously.

I knew that the gilded track guarantees admission, but aren't you guys taking it a bit lightly here?

Thankfully, more than half of them were taking the speech in without blatant disrespect.

"Now, as is tradition," Instructor Avala continued. "You will first be addressed by the Academy's Student Council President."

Oh? That's cool.

The Student Council President of Royal Knights Academy. Amongst all the students in the Academy, they had the most privilege and prestige. You had to be an elite of the elite to reach it, ace every exam, be popular enough to earn the votes…

I wanted to meet and maybe learn from someone who could achieve all of that. They could be a great person to talk to, an ally if I was lucky, or maybe someone I can learn from if I was unlucky.

Instructor Avala showed a slight, gentle smile as she turned to the side. "This year's newly appointed president requires little introduction. You may know her as the Saint."

My breaths paused.

So did others around me.

The… Saint?

The curtains parted further, and a figure stepped forward.

A young woman with chestnut-brown hair and bright eyes, a warm smile framed on her face. She wore a variation of the uniform the gilded track wears, but its colors were dark with red accents, with shorter hems off the blazer and slight differences here and there.

But new clothes aside, that bright, warm, gentle aura couldn't be mistaken.

It was Clara.

Wait. Huh?

She's the president?!

Gasps and murmurs rippled instantly through the crowd, who were as confused as I was.

"The Saint?"

"She's the president?"

"Since when did a commoner?"

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Some were words of surprise, some were words of admiration, and some were… slightly biased. My ears caught it all, clear as if they were speaking into my skull.

Clara, however, remained unshaken… Probably because she couldn't hear them.

"Good morning, everyone," she said brightly, her voice smooth, gentle—the very opposite of Avala's stern edge. "My name is Clara. I am honored to serve as your Student Council President this year, and it is my joy to welcome you to our Academy."

She gave a respectful curtsy, and when she straightened, her eyes swept the hall steadily, as if gauging reaction. When her gaze met mine, her lips parted slightly, her eyes widened.

I didn't think we would see each other this soon… I wanted to give her a wave, but considering a few instructors were standing in line in front of us, I just gave her a small, awkward smile instead.

Her smile seemed to brighten before she continued.

"I know many of you are nervous. Exams like these can feel overwhelming. But do not let fear take hold. As long as you give your best, you will not walk away empty-handed!"

Her words were gentle, energetic, something I thought I would never see here. But it was comforting all the same.

"This Academy is not just where knights are trained. It is where bonds are forged, where comrades are found, and where you will be challenged to grow into more than you believed possible."

Her hands clasped together gently in front of her.

"So stand proud, you are on the cusp of reaching heights greater than you could ever know. I look forward to seeing each of you rise!"

Her words were simple, yet they seemed to glow. The hall was silent; some were captivated by her speech.

…Yeah. She was exactly as I remembered.

"That is all from me. I shall leave the stage to Instructor Avala."

Clara stepped back with a graceful nod.

Instructor Avala returned to the front of the stage, expression stern once more. Her voice cut through the silence Clara had left behind.

"Now, to the matter of the written examination. All examinees will participate immediately following this assembly. The rules are as follows:

You will be provided with the necessary tools for the exam. You are not allowed to bring your own.

You will be given a strict time limit. Please submit your papers before then.

You will be supervised at all times by instructors and Student Council members. Any dishonest acts shall be punished accordingly.

Straight into the game, huh?

"Following this, the practical examination will take place. You are to prepare for departure after the written exam." Avala's gaze swept across the hall, her voice echoing deeply. "That is all. Give your best in both exams. Setus holds high hopes for each of you."

She gave a sharp nod.

The instructors stationed beneath the stage moved in unison, splitting into two groups, their feet stomping against the floor in one, united motion. With sharp gestures, they began guiding the Gilded and Standardized tracks toward separate exits of the assembly hall.

I joined the flow of bodies, keeping my steps steady, though my chest felt tight.

Written exams first, huh? Would all the books I read finally pay off?

—

Royal Knights Academy - Grand Assembly Hall's Backstage

Clara heard the countless footsteps echoing outside in the hall; they were the sound of the examinees being led out of the assembly hall to their exam rooms. Instructor Avala had followed them as per the schedule, so she was alone backstage.

She was here gathering her breath before heading to her next location in her schedule. It was her third time speaking in front of a large audience, and it hadn't been easier than before.

But she was also relieved. She spotted a certain familiar face in the crowd, specifically that of the Standardized Track. As the Third Prince predicted, many of last year's failed applicants had shown up to take the test again. He had given them special discounts to ensure this, and they seemed more prepared than ever.

Besides the returning examinees, there were many new ones as well, a whole lot more than last year's, and probably the previous years as well. Among them all stood one face…

So, Feyt joined the exam…

Clara was relieved that her words to him back at that infirmary resonated with him. Feyt had come, just as she hoped, and as promised, she would do everything she could to help him find his footing here.

She was slightly worried about the possibility of him not passing. But, if the Third Prince's words held true, then...

She shook her head. This wasn't the time to worry about that. She still had a schedule to keep up.

Her next destination was the staff room. From there, she needed to assign her council members to supervise each exam room. It was her first real task as the student council president.

She still couldn't get the hang of ordering people around, especially with her tone of voice. Worried people might think she was a joke, she even thought of asking Instructor Kathe for advice… though imagining the woman's barked response for even asking made her scrap that idea.

That aside, she pulled out several pieces of paper from her bag. Each contained the name of the supervising instructor, the exam track, and the names of the examinees.

"So many…" she murmured, flipping through them.

For a moment, she considered assigning them at random—let the council members sort it out, while she gathered a breath or two in her office before the practical exam. She was going to offer another speech there after all.

But then her eyes froze on one particular name, lying casually in one of the papers.

Carine Sareid.

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