"Sorry about that, Ryuga. But thanks, you really helped me out."
"It was nothing. Even so, it seems you're quite unpopular with them. Did you do something? ...Or perhaps it's just jealousy over you having such a cute girlfriend?"
"A cute girlfriend? Oh, stop it, you flatterer! I mean, it's not like you're entirely wrong, but it's not exactly like that either! Eeeeek!"
Yugo and his companions kept their distance from Cyan, Egos, and the rest of the group known as the Hero Candidates, conversing quietly while watching them from afar.
When Yugo introduced Ryuga to Melt—mentioning the morning's encounter as well—she handled the introduction with her usual high social skills, treating him with the same friendly demeanor she showed everyone else.
Yugo reflected on how Melt's unabashedly positive nature was a blessing in situations like these. He then turned to the two of them to bring up the question that had been bothering him.
"It's not just Egos and his cronies; Ryuga, you were called here as an exchange student too. I wonder what the intent was behind gathering this specific group?"
"It doesn't feel like we're here for a lecture, at least," Melt added. "And we haven't attended enough classes yet for this to be about our grades..."
On one hand, there was Yugo, notorious as the Academy's Number One Scum. On the other, there were Cyan and his group—the so-called Hero Candidates who were the school's rising stars. Throw in Melt, a transfer student in the High School Division, and Ryuga, an exchange student, and it was hard to see a common thread among the students gathered there.
They weren't all from prestigious families, nor were they exclusively top-tier or failing students. As Yugo turned these thoughts over in his mind, Ryuga spoke up quietly.
"It looks like someone has arrived to give us an answer."
"Eh...?"
"Quiet! Everyone, gather around!"
The moment Ryuga finished speaking, a woman's voice rang out across the training ground.
Yugo turned toward the sound and saw a woman who appeared to be a teacher, leading Professor Castle and several other faculty members.
"Melt, who is that?"
"Um... if I remember correctly, that’s Professor Lamy Neila. She's the Vice Supervisor for the first-year High School Division."
"Everyone, you’re late! Gather up, quickly! Hurry!!"
With her spindly limbs and sharp features, the bespectacled Lamy looked every bit like a praying mantis. Even at a glance, her demeanor suggested she was prone to hysterics.
Watching her shriek at the students who were slow to assemble, Yugo figured his first impression was likely spot on.
Deciding it would be a hassle to get on her bad side, Yugo and his friends hurried to join the rest of the group. They stood in silence as Lamy scanned the crowd before beginning her speech.
"Now then... many of you may feel anxious about being summoned here without explanation. However, rest assured. Everyone gathered here is present because your abilities have been recognized. Starting now, you will all be taking a short examination."
The students began to murmur among themselves.
From their position at the very back, Yugo and his group didn't notice the faint smirks on the faces of Cyan and the other Hero Candidates. They seemed to understand exactly why they had been summoned.
Unaware of their reaction, Lamy cleared her throat and continued.
"As you know, exchange students from Yamato have recently joined the first-year class of the High School Division. I, Lamy Neila, have been tasked with overseeing all matters regarding these exchange students on behalf of Professor Castle, who is occupied with his duties as Grade Supervisor. Mark my words: what I am about to tell you is a matter of great importance concerning these students."
The buzzing in the crowd grew louder.
The nature of the noise shifted from confused murmurs to excited chatter, prompting the high-strung Lamy to let out another hysterical shriek.
"Be quiet! I am still speaking!! ...Ahem. Everyone gathered here was chosen because the faculty believes you to be students of character—those who lead upright lives within the academy and actively participate in requests. From among you, we intend to select individuals to interact with the exchange students who have come to Luminous Academy as representatives of their nation. Of course, there may be some among you who are... unsuitable for such a position, so we wish to observe your true abilities as a final confirmation."
Toward the end of her speech, Yugo felt Lamy’s gaze bore into him, causing him to scowl.
It seemed it wasn't just the students who hated him; the faculty felt the same way. As he felt a bad premonition sink in, one student raised their hand to ask a question.
"Professor! You said this test is to decide who interacts with the exchange students, but what exactly will we be doing? And what are the criteria for passing?"
"Er, well, as for that—"
"It is simple. You need only show us your strength. I wish to witness your prowess in battle."
It was not Lamy who answered.
A dignified voice rang out through the air. As the answer was given, a trio of girls emerged from behind the professor.
Upon seeing them, the majority of the male students let out a collective gasp of awe.