ce felt like he was finally free and had nothing but a wonderful school life ahead of him!My mood became incredibly light, even the autumn night air felt much fresher.Often, when in this state of well...Chapter 18: Talya Felt Uneasy

On a bright and sunny day, with a gentle breeze blowing through it, the Icteria Academy.

Many school areas have magic screens similar to those in a commercial street.

These screens provide students and staff with real-time information, announcements, and academic events. They also display a variety of interesting short films and live broadcasts of major campus events.

Therefore, these screens sometimes become focal points for people in the academy to gather and discuss during their breaks.

Such as at this moment.

It is currently broadcasting the annual entrance exam, which is quite interesting for many returning students.

Many people simply want to watch freshmen suffer or embarrass themselves. There are also upperclassmen who want to scout for potential newcomers and recruit them to their teams.

Only the screen

Wind howled and snow raged, a vast expanse of white.

While other candidates were still struggling in the freezing cold, Lanchi had already met the conditions for passing.

He sat in the warm house, roasting treats by the fireplace.

A skilled and comfortable appearance, completely devoid of the tension of challenging the shadow world. It was as if they were filming a new ad for holy nation-themed desserts.

Next, he just needs to wait for the time limit of the artificial shadow world to end, and the terminal will complete his score settlement.

Even though not many students were paying attention to the Ranch operation just now.

But with several gasps.

The students quickly started discussing it amongst themselves.

"Do you guys know what this guy just did!"

"What"

He's really a tough guy! He just arrested the whole family!

"Could this be considered giving people a warm winter"

"Just tell him he didn't complete the requirements, well, he actually did."

"Haha! What a logic genius!"

The terrace of the Learning & Education Building.

People resting here either sit or stand, and many have gathered around the suspended screen, forming a lively little circle.

Many people have started discussing who this new star named "Lance Wilford" is.

However, no one present had known the name before.

Only one student, wearing gold jewelry from the academy, mentioned that he had heard of a company called "Wilfort Merchant Association," whose chairman supposedly had an illegitimate child.

But he had never heard of the young prodigy, Lanchi.

"…"

Tallia listened as the students gradually grew more interested in the discussion about Ranch.

She sat silently, her head bowed as she looked away from the magic screen on the edge of the patio, waiting on a wooden chair outside.

Although she had been keeping an eye on the movements of the Corner Ranch in the split-screen just moments ago.

But when she truly understood Ranch's actions and the gasps of astonishment from those around her.

She just wants to escape from here, as far away as possible.

Because she began to hear people whispering, "This fellow named Lance doesn't act like a human at all. Could he be a spy for the demons"

This sent shivers down her spine.

Talya absolutely refused because being too close to Lance would lead people to misinterpret her as a dangerous person requiring special attention.

These aren't something she taught...

Actually, during these three months of getting to know Lance, she gradually realized that this boy's thoughts and personality were somewhat unusual.

But only now was she finally sure.

This guy is definitely a little off!

Staying by his side, it's impossible not to be noticed.

However.

As agreed.

She must protect Lance and continue to be Lance's teacher.

As soon as I thought about leaving the academy with Lance later, and spending at least a while with him in this capital city.

She felt like she was being roasted over a fire.

If she had endured in silence for so long, her long-held desire for national restoration would ultimately have been thwarted because of this human, exposing her identity and failing to achieve her goal.

Then she wanted only to die with Lanci.

Now she wants Lance to hurry out of the exam hall and leave this place with her as soon as possible.

>She hopes Lance will never come out, she doesn't want anyone to see them together.

"Lan... Chi..."

Talya gritted her teeth and muttered.

She clenched her hands tightly, feeling like every second that followed was an eternity.

After the destruction of the demon race, she spent decades wandering alone.

It was the first time a human had made her feel such pain.

……

The seven-story atrium of the Learning and Education Building blends modern design with natural elements, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere.

The skylight bathes the entire space in sunlight, creating a play of light and shadow. Indoor plants surround the courtyard, and alongside them are some art installations and sculptures, adding a touch of gentle humanity to the courtyard.

The chief examiner standing in this courtyard, the Headmaster of the Sage's Academy, Loren, now clenched his fist.

This exam question was personally selected by him.

According to historians' analysis, this first-tier shadow world [Winter Concealed by Flame] was originally a predicament faced by the last holy emperor of an ancient civilization renowned for benevolence and righteousness in a distant past over ten thousand years ago.

Lore's most revered legendary figure has always been this righteous and holy emperor.

Every feat of the Holy Emperor inspired awe in Loren.

In fact, this exam wasn't just about testing the freshmen's "wisdom and character."

I hope they can also feel the sacred emperor's state of mind and situation when he helped the villagers back then.

...and the emperor's helplessness and sorrow when he learned the truth.

Yet, he remained steadfast and unwavering, continuing to uphold his principles of benevolence and righteousness afterwards.

Damn it...

However, this kid's name is Lance Wilford.

His actions.

It seems like the emperor is portrayed as rather foolish.

Is it also possible to sacrifice one's sense of righteousness and morality in exchange for demonic power

So, just waiting for the exam time to end.

Lorene raised her head, staring at Rance leisurely roasting sweets on the giant magical screen in the courtyard.

I feel like there's a fire burning inside me.

If he could enter the film world, he really wished he could kick that broken stove!

"This guy's magic is so weak, why is he a candidate from our academy"

Loren eventually calmed down, muttering to himself in confusion.

The moment he arrived at the examination hall, he sensed the magic emanating from all the examinees.

He remembered that Lance's magical strength was undoubtedly the lowest among all present, even inferior to many of the magecraft students from the Knight Academy.

If Loren hadn't noticed Ranchi on the magic screen, she almost mistook him for a candidate from the Knight Academy at first.

If he passes the first round of attribute tests when applying for admission, it can only be said that his mental attribute would be very high, and after being weighted, it would make up for the overall evaluation...

But how can he pass the practical exam...

The third round of assessment may differ from the first two rounds. Besides your own hard skills, there are no shortcuts or tricks you can use.

Lauren was very sure that Lance wasn't a clergyman.

There is no sense of divine protection emanating from him.

Then Lanci naturally wouldn't be able to use the cleric archetype magic cards that "influence treatment amount with spiritual strength".

……

Through the glass dome, light in the atrium gradually changes angles, like the hands of a clock, recording the passing of each moment.

The exam is finally nearing its end.

Candidates were sent out one by one from the gigantic vortex-shaped void gate, in the order they had entered.

Only when all the reference personnel had left the artificial world did Lauren lightly touch the secret key on the terminal, closing the portal to the void.

Subsequently, the artificial shadow world initiated and the terminal began the final tally of the exam results.

Loren stood on the platform, looking out. She saw many successful candidates who had not yet left the examination hall, scattered in the courtyard. Some could not hide their joy, while others remained stoic.

Although you won't know how other students are progressing in their shadow worlds during the exam.

But obviously, there are quite a few very confident examinees. They are very sure that their scores in this world of shadows will definitely be among the best.

(The End)

[ ]uilding their city-states but also diligently learning every day. Under the guidance of the leaders, they have thoroughly grasped the importance of wisdom....even began to become addicted to learning,...