"Ehem..."

Everyone’s attention was immediately drawn upward as the pole continued rising toward the sky.

Silence slowly spread throughout the atmosphere.

Even the guards shut the gates completely before making their way toward the center.

And the person standing above them all was a woman who radiated discipline and authority.

She didn’t use a microphone.

Instead, magic circles began forming beneath every student present.

Those circles acted as speakers.

Whoever was casting them possessed an absurd amount of mana.

Almost infinite.

As if she were an Infinite Mage herself.

Even so, Cassien’s expression didn’t change in the slightest.

’The Headmistress has finally made her entrance into the story.’

"Thank you all for coming today."

Her voice carried a calm yet imposing tone, one filled with royalty and nobility.

She didn’t need to raise her voice, as the circles beneath them transmitted every word perfectly.

"I hope all of you have had a pleasant week. And for those who have completed the trials..."

A faint smile appeared on her face.

"Pat yourselves on the back. For you are strong."

Smiles naturally spread across the crowd.

Cassien glanced toward Ren Castor, whose expression almost looked angelic beneath the academy lights.

Tears streamed down his face.

’Emotional bastard.’

Though Cassien couldn’t fully blame him.

Other than today, Ren Castor had spent most of his life standing at death’s door.

Born an orphan.

Taken in as a slave.

Sold as a war slave.

Manipulated by countless people.

Forced to watch the only people he considered family die after being branded as traitors to the continent.

Again and again, his life had been nothing but suffering.

Cassien hated everything about him.

’Why protect a distorted continent that abandoned and tortured you?’

’What’s the point of becoming a hero when nobody respects you until you’re powerful?’

’How does someone continue fighting for people who ruined their entire life?’

’[A Hero’s Will To Survive]... huh. Maybe a villain would’ve suited that title better.’

Those thoughts continued crashing into one another.

While Ren experienced genuine happiness for perhaps the first time in years, Cassien turned away and looked back toward the Headmistress of Nosguard Academy.

Vestria Von Nosguard.

Her speech continued.

"For those unfamiliar with me, my name is Vestria Von Nosguard. Though it was merely a coincidence that my name matched the academy’s."

A small smile escaped her lips.

"After all, these noble grounds have existed far longer than I have."

Some students laughed. Others remained completely serious.

"Today, I’m pleased to welcome a new generation of graduates into Nosguard Academy."

Her silver-white hair gently swayed behind her, while her brilliant white eyes seemed to capture everyone’s attention effortlessly.

"Remember this well."

"These grounds do not accept ordinary individuals. We only accept the best of the best."

"The fact that you stand here today means you are among them."

Her voice remained calm, yet every word carried weight.

"Do not fear the challenges awaiting you here. Instead, embrace them."

"Feel excitement."

"Feel at home."

"Because adapting to this place is the only way you’ll survive Nosguard Academy."

Vestria paused for a brief moment before continuing.

"Today will mainly focus on distributing your identifications, dorm assignments, and class schedules."

"You will then be given one full week before classes officially begin."

"A week to rest."

"A week to meet others."

"A week to explore the academy grounds, familiarize yourselves with your dormitories, train, and take on quests from the academy boards before your studies truly begin."

For some reason, the students around Cassien suddenly erupted into cheers.

But the moment Vestria snapped her fingers—

Silence returned instantly.

She snapped once more, and the towering pole slowly began lowering itself.

"Without further delay, the student council I personally selected will now begin calling each student by name."

"Please remain where you are until your information has been distributed."

Then she paused slightly.

"Before we begin... First-Year Student Council President, would you like to say a few words?"

It was the same princess.

The king’s daughter herself.

She stepped forward calmly.

"Good luck."

And with that—

The speeches ended.

Silence once again filled the air.

"First up... Tim Marvelle."

...

After a long period of names being called, everyone finally received what they had been waiting for.

Cassien stared down at his own identification.

———————→

Photo: [ ___________ ]

[Academy Rank: 100/1,000]

[Rank: D-Rank]

[Family Status: 3rd Degree]

[Specialty: Mana Distributor]

←————————

Those one thousand rankings included every single year within the academy.

If it were limited to first-years alone, Cassien would’ve undoubtedly been considered one of the strongest among them.

The rankings are updated every twenty-four hours through a specialized spell attached to each identification card, tracking an individual’s overall prowess.

Cassien eventually made his way toward his assigned dormitory, located on the second floor of a building titled:

’Speakers.’

A strange name for such a noble-looking place.

...

He arrived before his roommate did, giving him enough time to unpack everything he had brought with him.

The dorm itself was extravagant.

But the true beauty came from the view outside the window.

For now, Cassien temporarily let Ren Castor slip from his mind.

He would deal with him later.

At the moment, he wanted to confirm whether anything within the novel had changed.

And so far...

Nothing had.

Just as Cassien flopped onto his bed, a sudden glow emitted from his pocket.

He immediately reached inside.

It was the same wrapped gift Tiara had given him before he left.

At that exact moment, a voice echoed throughout his mind. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

[Open It.]

[Open The Package.]

Cassien stared at the glowing object for a second before immediately beginning to unwrap it.

Inside rested a folded letter.

[Unfold it.]

[Read It.]

The voice continued speaking without pause.

Cassien frowned.

’I’ll read the damn thing!’

[Good.]

[Now... let the transmigration games begin.]

...

A slow smile spread across Cassien’s lips.

’Interesting...’