Reborn as the General's Useless Daughter-Chapter 108: The Academy’s first beauty

Reesa herself was stunned for half a breath, then delight surged through her. Her eyes lit up, and after bowing deeply to the three instructors, she rushed straight toward Zora.

"You were right!" Reesa said excitedly, her face glowing. "I got such a high score. Even I can’t believe it!"

Zora smiled faintly. "The third assessment will depend entirely on you. Give it everything you have. I believe you’ll succeed."

From the instructors’ expressions, Reesa could tell they were extremely satisfied with her performance.

Barbara clenched her fists, bitterness rising in her chest. So it was because of Zora.

If not for her, Reesa might never have changed her approach. The more Barbara thought about it, the more unwilling she felt. This resentment quietly took root in her heart.

Nearby, Zora and Baldwin continued observing the assessment.

Excitement, disappointment, relief, despair—every emotion played out across the faces of the participants.

Although many had come to take part, only a small fraction would remain.

That was precisely why the academy’s reputation stood so high.

As expected, the final results soon emerged.

Reesa passed smoothly and became a student of the academy. Nigel, after exhausting every ounce of effort, managed to secure the final admission spot. Prince Philip passed without difficulty, while Sapphire fell just short and had no choice but to leave.

Afterward, Zora accompanied Reesa to the student dormitory. Ordinary students lived four to a room, and everything had to be arranged by themselves.

"You live alone, don’t you?" Reesa asked, unable to hide the envy in her eyes.

"Yes," Zora replied calmly.

"The treatment for special enrollees really is something else," Reesa sighed. "It’s so enviable."

Zora took her hand gently and smiled. "Work hard at your cultivation. Your strength already stands out among the new students. As long as you perform well and earn the tutors’ recognition, you’ll be able to move into the special enrollment quarters, too."

Hearing this, Reesa’s eyes lit up at once, bright as morning stars. Her pretty face overflowed with anticipation.

"Really?"

Zora nodded calmly. "I heard it directly from Senior Raphael. There’s no mistake."

"That’s wonderful!" Reesa clenched her small fists, her eyes sparkling with determination. "I’ll work hard. When that day comes, I’ll go find you!"

The excitement in her voice was impossible to miss.

After a brief pause, Reesa looked around her empty dormitory and sighed. "There’s nothing in my room at all. Zora, do you have time to go to the city with me to buy some things?"

She had only just entered the academy and hadn’t made many friends yet. Going alone felt a bit dull.

Zora smiled. "Of course. Let’s have dinner in the city and come back afterward."

"That’s great!" Reesa exclaimed happily.

She shut the door behind her, and the two left the academy together.

At this hour, many newly admitted students were busy shopping in Heavenly City. If they didn’t prepare today, they wouldn’t even have the basics to get through the night. The merchants clearly understood this and had stocked their shops well in advance. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

After purchasing what they needed, Zora and Reesa headed to a nearby restaurant for dinner.

The moment they entered, several cultivators in the hall glanced up, their eyes lighting with interest.

"That woman in white is the special enrollee this year. Her strength is unclear, but her looks alone are stunning."

"I heard people arguing in private. Some say Sylvandria is still the academy’s number one beauty; others say Zora."

"Funny timing. Sylvandria just arrived, and now Zora appears."

"If this continues, Sylvandria might not be able to keep that title."

Reesa listened, glanced around the hall, and didn’t spot Sylvandria. "She’s probably upstairs," she whispered.

The waiter approached with a polite smile. "Misses, the private rooms upstairs are full. Would you mind sitting in the hall?"

Zora looked at Reesa. After receiving her nod, she replied, "That’s fine."

They took their seats. Reesa poured tea for Zora and said with enthusiasm, "I really think you’re far more beautiful than that so-called first beauty."

"During the assessment, I heard plenty of people supporting you."

Zora smiled faintly. "Since Sylvandria is known as the academy’s first beauty, she must have her own merits."

Reesa snorted softly. "That’s only because no one better appeared before. Now that you’re here, that title might change hands."

"My master is the true number one beauty of the Imperial City!"

A sudden, triumphant voice rang out.

Reesa froze, blinking in confusion as she looked around. "Zora... did you hear someone else talking?"

Zora sighed helplessly, the corners of her lips twitching.

That little Blacky... acting up again. "No, you must’ve heard wrong," Zora said calmly.

"Is that so?" Reesa frowned. She was certain she had heard a voice just now, yet there was clearly no one else nearby. It felt strange.

Inside the Ring of Chaos, White lifted a paw and smacked Black on the head.

"The master told you not to talk nonsense. And you still dared to speak!"

Black rubbed his head unhappily. "Wasn’t I praising the master?"

"Say another word, and you won’t eat tonight!"

Zora’s cool warning instantly silenced the two little beasts. Food was their lifeline.

"Zora. What a coincidence, meeting again."

A warm, gentle voice drifted over. Raphael approached with a smile, his gaze falling naturally on Zora and Reesa.

Zora was slightly surprised. "Indeed, Senior Raphael. I didn’t expect to see you here as well."

"The academy just reopened. A few of us came out to eat together," Raphael replied. "We usually dine at The M Diner."

"I see." Zora smiled faintly. "Senior Raphael, this is my friend, Reesa."

Reesa’s eyes shone with excitement. "Senior Raphael, it’s a pleasure to meet you!"

She had long heard of Raphael’s reputation. Among the students of the academy, his name was spoken with the most admiration. Strong, gentle, approachable, and never arrogant. He was practically the dream senior of countless female cultivators.

Raphael smiled warmly. "Since you’re Zora’s friend, you’re a friend as well. If you ever need help, feel free to look for me."

Reesa nearly melted on the spot. So the rumors were true. Senior Raphael really was as kind as everyone said.

"Raphael."

A soft, delicate voice sounded from upstairs.

Moments later, a woman descended slowly from the second floor.

She wore a hibiscus-colored dress that accentuated her fair, luminous skin. Her long black hair was arranged simply yet elegantly, framing gentle, refined features. Every step she took was graceful, every smile tender, as if she carried spring water in her eyes.

Even Zora couldn’t help but pause for a breath.

A beauty like flowing water.

"Your friends?" Sylvandria asked softly, her gaze resting on Zora and Reesa.

Raphael nodded. "Yes. Let me introduce you. This is Zora, and this is Reesa."

Before he could continue, Zora smiled lightly. "Sylvandria. The academy’s first beauty. I’ve heard your name."

Raphael laughed. "Her reputation is indeed far greater than ours. Many people enter the academy just hoping to catch a glimpse of her."

Sylvandria’s smile remained gentle. "Miss Zora has exceptional beauty and temperament as well. Standing here, it’s hard to say who truly deserves the title."

As the two women stood side by side, the contrast was unmistakable.

Sylvandria was soft and elegant, like rippling water, her presence soothing and graceful. Every word she spoke carried warmth.

Zora, on the other hand, was poised and striking, calm yet sharp, like a blade hidden beneath silk. Her beauty was quiet, but overwhelming.

For a moment, the surrounding diners forgot how to breathe.