"I forgive you for not recognizing the princess. You should die a hundred times for such an offense, but I'll show you mercy."
The princess of this country, with her fierce gaze, gave me a final warning.
"Do not be rude to me again."
She snorted lightly, looking down on me, then swiftly turned her head and gracefully walked away down the corridor.
Once Marika disappeared from view, the atmosphere, which had turned tense due to the silence, lingered.
It was natural for the mood to be like this, especially when the highest authority of the country, the royalty, had been angered. And if that anger was directed at me, even more so...
"Harold, are you okay?"
But Aris, with her ever-bright disposition, broke the silence and showed concern as soon as Marika was out of sight.
"Yeah... It's my fault, so don't make such a face."
While the unfairness still lingered, I tried to put on a calm face for her, since, in general, I was the one at fault.
To interpret differently, I had disrespected someone without recognizing their status.
Carefully touching my stinging cheek, I tried to soothe the pain.
"You really didn't know... Most people know Marika since she's the first heir."
Was it that bad?
How ignorant have I been to not recognize the next ruler of the country?
"Yeah... Ever heard of a place called Land Roll Village?"
At my question, her face turned into an ambiguous smile, and she hesitated to answer.
"Uh, sorry... I don't know all the geography. It's the first time I've heard of that village."
She lowered her head, admitting her limitations.
Then, I heard murmurs from the other students.
"Land Roll Village... How remote is that place? It's my first time hearing about it."
"I feel the same. Did Aris ever not know something?"
"Did she not recognize the princess because he's from another country?"
They even began to suspect that I was from a foreign land, throwing suspicious glances at me.
No matter how unfamiliar it might be, I'm still a citizen of this country, which was somewhat hurtful.
Suddenly, there was an intense electric sensation in my head.
In an instant, I almost screamed out loud in front of everyone.
What was that sensation? What was that feeling?
My head was dizzy and there was a strange feeling, like trying to remember something forgotten. Although it was hard to describe, the unfamiliar stimulation was also unpleasant.
However, the discomfort soon subsided and the usual calm returned.
What was that feeling from earlier? The words 'forgotten memory' lingered in my mind.
"Harold, you looked distressed just now. What happened?"
Aris noticed my unease and her concern helped fade my worries.
"You looked shocked?"
"It's nothing..."
I reassured Aris and we continued on our way.
What was that strange sensation I felt earlier?
No matter how hard I thought, I couldn't find an answer. All I could do was temporarily set it aside. Suddenly, an explosion echoed in the distance.
"Final damage, 700."
This place was an examination hall to measure the students' abilities. All the students waited for their turn and evaluated the performance of the ones before them.
"It's a decent score, well done."
The student in charge received brief encouragement and vacated the spot, making way for the next student.
The measurement method was as follows:
In front of them were targets made of a precious stone called Maruti Mewn. The students had to use their abilities to strike the stone with magic.
Maruti Mewn is a rare and hard stone known for its resistance to magic. It's also a primary ingredient in expensive armors.
When students hit the processed Maruti Mewn stone, after a while, the measured value is announced through a voice message.
"Next up, Amanda?"
"Yes!"
I still had some time before my turn, so I sat idly, deciphering the contents of the letter Mr. Morione had given me. Just an hour ago, a letter personally written by Mr. Morione.
The content of that letter was shockingly revealing.
While part of the reason I was sent to the academy was for education, the primary reason was to investigate and apprehend the heretics hidden in the academy's shadows.
Lately, there have been rumors that the academy conceals a secret and harbors suspicious activities...
Specifically, the mysterious movements of these heretics.
Inside the academy, there are rumored to be secret facilities of these heretics, and they are said to be hiding throughout the academy to find offerings for the ancient gods.
Their ultimate goal is to find a perfect physical specimen to offer to the ancient god's spirit.
I was dispatched to prevent these heretics' evil plans.
But there was one major problem...
They have a powerful ally who supports them and ensures the smooth progression of their plans.
And that person is the principal of this academy, Ms. Arcia.
She manipulates information and covers up incidents to allow the heretics to operate. If any student starts to suspect, she ruthlessly expels them from the academy.
To me, Ms. Arcia's first impression was that of a virtuous and kind person, someone who seemed capable of leading numerous students.
But in reality, she was an accomplice to the wicked group, a heretic ruining the academy...
The disparity between her exterior and true nature was confusing and alarming.
My teeth gritted in rage, recalling that just a few days ago, the heretics caused chaos in the royal road.
On a particularly dark night, they set the royal road on fire, taking many lives.
People referred to that night as the "Night of Doom", a terrible nightmare that left an indelible mark of pain on everyone.
Thanks to Mr. Morione's foresight and measures, a major disaster was averted. But I too was once in a life-threatening situation because of them.
Recalling the painful and infuriating memories, I began to harbor a deep resentment against these heretics, and my previous perception of the kind-hearted Ms. Arcia started to sour.
"Harold!"
But soon, a familiar voice called out to me, prompting me to hide my emotions and expression.
"Aris? What is it?"
Without waiting for her turn, she casually sat next to me and began to talk.
"How are you feeling? Aren't you nervous about having to measure your limits soon?"
Whether she wanted to make small talk or was genuinely curious about my feelings, I wasn't sure.
How I feel right now?
Excluding the anger I felt earlier, I was...
"I'm not sure, but I think I'm a bit nervous..."
I couldn't recall exactly how I had learned them, but I currently possessed some exceptional magic.
Nevertheless, the realization of discovering my unknown potential was indeed nerve-wracking.
Yet, considering the magic I've seen so far, I felt confident, even if it might drain my energy.
"Right? But it's best not to be too nervous; excessive caution might backfire."
I was grateful to Aris, the only one on my side.
Because now, the other students' views of me had become quite pitiful.
Initially, they were generally friendly towards me, a newcomer, but after the incident, their views shifted negatively.
After angering the princess and getting slapped, my peers began to look at me with a mix of disdain and pity.
However, Aris still appeared friendly and supportive, which was touching.
"Next up, Aris."
"Ah, I should go... Yes!"
Responding to the professor's call, Aris left her seat with a bright reply.
"We can expect a lot from the top of the class, right?"
As she took her position, the professor threw an obvious question, encouraging her.
"Yes, I'll do my best!"
With enthusiasm, Aris began her incantation by drawing a magic circle.
"I will heed the cold silence within me and become the cruel empress who freezes all! To every being, be frostbitten, Ice Burst!!"
She passionately chanted an incantation that seemed too long to hear in one go. From the magic circle, a ray made of blue crystals was emitted. "ㅇ"
I personally feel very awkward when it comes to chanting spells...
It might be normal for others, but since I've always cast magic without chanting, I feel uncomfortable every time I hear such chilling incantations. It feels as if my hands and feet are shrinking in response.
Whooooosh!
The violent storm, filled with icy frost, directly hits the crystal. Calling it a mere snowstorm would be an understatement.
"Oh, she's the class president after all."
"I can't even imagine being in the same class as her..."
The students who witnessed Aris's magic all let out exclamations of admiration.
"Total damage: 7000."
With that announcement, a soft cheer erupted.
"Amazing!"
"It's even better than last time, right?"
"She's at least 10 times stronger than me..."
Some praised her, while others expressed a tinge of envy, elevating Aris even higher. "And next, it's the princess."
However, the admiration for Aris was short-lived. When it was announced that Marika, the princess, was up next, everyone's mouths shut.
The atmosphere became tense, and in the silence, only Marika's voice could be heard.
"All laws and sources open up to me. I desire the power to lead the golden age. Create a harmonious balance in everything, or destroy my enemies and elevate my status... Gold Storm!"
Then, a golden light, like a sandstorm, shot out with a loud noise.
Boom!
The magic of the princess, even louder than Aris's, exploded upon hitting the crystal, leaving everyone in awe.
"Total damage: 8200."
Following the announcement, there was a momentary silence before everyone erupted in applause and admiration for Marika.
"Woah!! You surpassed Aris!"
"Remarkable!"
While Marika's higher score played a role, her status as a princess also seemed to have a significant influence.
"Congratulations, Princess."
Even Aris, who was surpassed, clapped with a bright smile for Marika.
"Hmph... It was an expected result."
While her tone was brash, she didn't seem to be genuinely boasting.
"A truly impressive spell, Princess. And next... the newcomer, Harold Wicker."
The professor, too, appeared to admire Marika, but then he called my name.
The atmosphere became tense again, similar to when Marika was called, but this time with a different undertone. Everyone seemed unsure.
I moved to the designated spot under the weight of all the eyes on me.
"How much do you think he'll score?"
"Maybe 1000 at a glance?"
"Isn't that an overestimation?"
From the murmurs, it seemed that not many had high expectations for me.
"You can start whenever you're ready."
As the professor's words ended and I was about to cast my spell with one hand...
"Wait a moment, you lowly one."
An arrogant voice interrupted me.
"Did you call?"
Suddenly, Princess Marika, referring to me, looked at me with a haughty expression.
"How about a bet with me?"
"A bet... you say?"
I tried to sound indifferent, recalling our unpleasant memories, but she already seemed firm in her decision.
"Yes, the one with the better result wins. The winner gets absolute command over the loser. How about it?"
It was clear she was sure of her victory. This proposal was inescapable.
"If I win, you should expect quite a lot."
With a condescending smile, she seemed to imagine the future after her potential victory. I didn't know what she would command, but she might socially annihilate me...
"Your Highness, that seems a bit excessive...!"
Aris, unable to hold back her shock, voiced her objection. However, Marika seemed unswayed.
"My decision is final. Now, Harold, let's see what you've got."
I felt the stares of those worried for me, those indifferent, and those with mixed feelings.
"I'm truly curious about your performance! Do your best."
Despite her provocations, I remained silent. However, an overwhelming anger welled up within me, feeling that I couldn't possibly let her off the hook for such behavior. Even if she's the princess, she's crossed the line. While I might be of lower status, my indignation was screaming to show her some humility right in front of her, who stood there with excessive arrogance.
Want to see what I can do? Fine, I'll show you.
Drawing a blue magic circle, I began to cast my spell. Using my unique skills and talents, which others didn't possess, I planned to put forth all my power in front of this arrogant princess.
"Great Electro!!"
My confident voice echoed throughout the training ground, and the completed magic circle burst forth. However...
"What's going on? Nothing's happening?"
"His voice was so confident. Was it all just a bluff?"
"Did he even cast a real spell? I've never heard of such magic..."
Despite my spell chant, nothing seemed to happen...
"Pffft...!"
Marika, witnessing this spectacle, couldn't contain her laughter and jeered at me.
"What did you just do? Haha! Did you think just shouting would cast a spell?! Did you even have any talent in magic to begin with? Kuhahaha!"
However, soon a loud noise that cut off everyone's voices began to rumble in the sky.
"What... What?!"
The previously clear sky started to warp and form dark clouds. These clouds covered the shining sun, darkening the surroundings, and lightning began to flash, causing everyone to tremble.
"Strike down."
BOOOOOM!!!
Suddenly, blinding blue lightning struck from the sky.
"Aaaahh?!"
The deafening storm caused everyone to cover their ears in pain, and the strong winds blew their hair wildly. The sight of real lightning striking right in front of them made everyone fearful and lose focus. The scene, though brief, was etched into everyone's minds. Soon after, the lightning ceased, and the dark clouds cleared.
"The crystal is gone?!"
Returning to their senses, the professor exclaimed in shock. Where the Luminous Crystal should have been was now an empty space, and soon after, a message indicating the power measurement flowed.
"Total damage: Over 520,000."