The Academy Director stood on the platform, his expression soft as he addressed the crowd. "New students, I offer you my heartfelt congratulations on your enrollment."
"You have joined the Royal Academy, the premier educational institution in the Aiwood Kingdom," he continued. "Here, you will gain a wealth of experience, hone your knowledge and power, and eventually venture out into the world. Finding a way to live your academy life without regrets is... well, surprisingly difficult. However, I hope you find a youth worth remembering, one you can look back on and laugh about with your friends once you've grown."
(A life without regrets... He’s right, that isn't easy.)
Lest knew better than most just how difficult that simple-sounding task actually was.
In his previous life, he had been an impoverished student with a wretched home life. He had studied himself ragged to earn scholarships and worked part-time jobs just to cover his fees. In the end, he never even got the chance to truly enjoy his time in school; he had been stabbed to death by his own father during a dispute over that very tuition.
He’d never had a girlfriend. He’d never joined a club. He could barely count the people he might have considered friends.
(I’ve been given a second chance. In this life, I’m going to make plenty of friends. I want a school life filled with laughter.)
"Well then, that is all from me. I wish you all a fruitful academy life."
"Thank you, Director. Next, we will hear the greetings from the representatives of the top students."
As the Director finished his address, it was time for the students who had achieved the highest marks on the entrance exam to speak. Prompted by an elderly male instructor, five young men and women stepped onto the stage—the top representatives of the Magic, Knight, Civil Official, Priest, and Art Departments.
"First, representing the Magic Department: Celestine Crocus."
"Yes."
A beautiful girl with platinum hair and purple eyes stepped forward.
(So that’s the leading noble... the daughter of the Duke Crocus House.)
Lest recognized the name. She was famous for being as brilliant as she was beautiful. Her appearance rivaled even that of the Rosemary sisters, yet she also possessed a magical aptitude and intellect that made her truly peerless. She was widely hailed as a Divine Work of Art.
"My name is Celestine Crocus of the Magic Department," she began, her voice steady and clear after a graceful curtsy. "It is a profound honor to be admitted to this prestigious Magic Academy and to be recognized as the top student. While I know it is a heavy responsibility, I intend to dedicate myself to my studies so that I may serve as a guide for my peers."
(Wow... she's incredible.)
Lest watched her with genuine admiration. Standing before the entire student body and speaking with such poise was something his former self could never have managed. Celestine’s refined mannerisms and elegant speech had the entire room spellbound, regardless of gender.
(Is this what they call innate grace? She’s a natural-born leader. Just watching her speak is captivating—it’s almost unfair.)
"......?"
While the rest of the audience was mesmerized by the girl on stage, Lest felt a sudden, ominous prickle.
Thanks to his grueling training with Dieble, Lest kept his Life Search magic active at all times. His sensory net had just snared a faint trace of someone preparing to cast a spell.
(Magic? During the ceremony?! What are they planning?!)
Before he could even process the intent, the spell was released. Lest reacted instantly, relying on his senses to intercept.
"Wind Shield!"
A wall of compressed air shimmered into existence. A split second later, a mud bullet slammed into the barrier with a wet thud, spraying filth across the floor.
Someone had cast Mud Bullet—a non-lethal offensive spell designed to humiliate rather than injure.
"What?!"
"What was that?!"
Viola and Primula cried out beside him. The rest of the new students erupted into a panicked murmur, with some jumping to their feet in shock.
(It doesn't look like anyone noticed I was the one who cast the shield... but man, the Director is fast.)
Lest glanced toward the edge of the stage. While Lest had blocked the projectile with his wind magic, the Director had reacted at the exact same moment. A transparent Mana Shield had shimmered into existence directly in front of Celestine. Even if Lest hadn't interfered, she would have been protected.
"......!"
On stage, Celestine’s eyes were wide with shock. She clearly realized she had been targeted. Her speech died in her throat as she stood there, frozen.
(A mud bullet? Who would pull a childish prank like that on the daughter of a Duke?)
"Silence, everyone! We are in the middle of a ceremony! Remain in your seats!" the moderator shouted, trying to regain control of the buzzing room.
"......Tch."
Amidst the chaos, a student sitting several rows behind Lest let out a sharp, quiet click of the tongue.