Another day of reluctantly attending classes, and before I knew it, it was after school.

“Dieeeeee!!”

“You die!!”

“While we're at it, you die too!!”

Even today, the academy echoed with the sounds of clashing swords and battle cries from all directions. Man, this backwater feeling. With such dangerous shouts filling the air, I sometimes forget I’m even at an academy.

The Promotion Duels have been going on for almost two weeks now. The event was reaching its climax—building up to its final main attraction. Most students were desperately fighting to reach the milestone of Fourth Rank.

It was only natural. Without reaching this rank, the path to a Refined Magic Sword Corps recommendation would be completely cut off. However, while most students were pushing themselves to their limits, I had already reached Fourth Rank with ease and was now at the stage of selecting a Faction. And so, today again, I made my way to the upperclassmen’s building.

—I absolutely won’t go near the second-year building today…

Despite the trauma from yesterday, here I was, stepping into the lion’s den once more. But I wasn’t going to repeat the same mistake. Today, I was headed to the third-year building, where their classrooms were located. That meant I wouldn’t run into that group of perverted women… probably.

“Hey, look at that…”

“What’s a first-year doing here?”

“Should we rough him up a bit?”

“N-No, wait! Look at the color of his amulet! We’re only Sixth Rank—there’s no way we can take him.”

As I walked down the hallway, a little tense on the inside, I could feel the strange stares directed at me. It wasn’t just because underclassmen rarely visited this area—rather, I was the only first-year who had advanced far enough to be choosing a Faction. Because of that, I was attracting unnecessary attention.

—As long as they don’t try anything, I don’t really care...

Back when I was Sixth Rank, it was a different story. But now that I was Fourth Rank, even the upperclassmen had no choice but to acknowledge me as superior. No one dared to pick a fight.

This was the cruel yet fair reality of the academy. Age and years of enrollment meant nothing. Strength alone dictated everything—if you could prove your power, nothing else mattered.

—As long as you're strong, almost anything is permitted.

And yet, I couldn’t help but feel that, despite that, my school life hadn’t been going smoothly… Well, that was something to think about later.

Today, I was heading toward the Faction with the highest chances of producing one of this year’s Five Supreme Knights. I’d heard that the group had already gathered its members and was preparing to participate in the final selection duels of the Promotion Duels. However, I still believed I had a chance to break in.

Among the upper-ranked students, those whose Factions were already formed had entered a waiting period, and many were just passing time. Given the academy’s meritocratic nature, it wasn’t unusual for members to be replaced up until the final selection process. Everyone was desperate to become the strongest in the academy, and they were willing to do anything to increase their chances.

Because of that, I still had the option of kicking someone out and taking their place in an existing Faction.

—It’s unfortunate, but I have no choice.

I needed to borrow that book, no matter what. Steeling my resolve, I continued down the hallway. Along the way, I asked an upperclassman—one I had previously defeated in a duel—where the Faction I was looking for was located. Eventually, I found my way there.

“This is the place…”

Even though I had made the effort to come all the way to the third-year building, the location I had been directed to was the rooftop of the abandoned old third-year building—one that had been used a few years ago.

—The atmosphere here is something else…

Apparently, the building had been in use until just a few years ago, but due to age and deterioration, it had been sealed off. Technically, no one was supposed to enter. However, as expected, troublemakers had turned it into their hangout. And recently, that group had officially become a Faction.

I had little to no information on them—nothing from my previous life’s memories either. That uncertainty made me tense. As I debated how to initiate the conversation, I found myself in front of the rooftop door. I took a deep breath and pushed it open.

The wind howled past me.

“Who the hell are youuuuuu?”

A sluggish, growling voice greeted me.

Stepping onto the rooftop, I saw five students gathered there. One of them—a man seated in an extravagant chair that clearly didn’t belong on a rooftop—glared at me. The moment our eyes met, every hair on my body stood on end.

“Tch…!”

If I had to describe my first impression of this man in one word—fierce. His entire being exuded a savagery that seemed capable of destroying everything in its path. With his massive frame, rock-like presence, and wild golden hair that crackled like lightning, this man was clearly the ruler of this place.

—Jade Calamity.

Even though I wasn’t here to fight, my instincts immediately activated Bloodflow Control, sending my blood surging in preparation for battle.

—He’s strong.

My body knew it instinctively. Stronger than anyone I had encountered at the academy thus far. He was comparable to one of the Seven Peerless Swords—perhaps even as powerful as the Fifth Seat: Frozen Demon Emperor. There was no doubt in my mind that he was stronger than my weakened grand uncle.

Jade, seeing my instant reaction, twisted his lips into a crooked grin.

“Heh… Not bad. At least you’re not just some dumbass.”

At that moment, I realized—I had come to the wrong place.

This was not somewhere I could just casually visit.

“Uh… It’s a pleasure to meet you…”

I quickly bowed to show I had no hostile intent. At the same time, I subtly observed the rest of the Faction.

They weren’t as strong as Jade, but the others here were no pushovers either. Taking them all on at once would be rough.

—Now, how do I start this conversation…?

I had come here on impulse, but things had escalated quickly. This was no longer a situation where I could just challenge someone and take their place.

And to make matters worse, my polite greeting was completely ignored.

“Hey, Jade. Isn’t he that rumored Beheader?”

“Huh? That so?”

As I hesitated, trying to figure out what to say, a girl perched on the armrest of Jade’s chair glanced at me and suddenly remembered something.

A man standing beside Jade—his hair tied in a braid—elaborated.

“He’s the first-year who overwhelmed Rail Braysicle and skipped straight to the selection stage.”

“Ah… So, he’s the one who took down that loser…”

Apparently, my reputation had already reached their ears. As they discussed me amongst themselves, I could do nothing but remain silent.

Then, as if finally recalling who I was, Jade’s piercing gaze locked onto me again.

“So? What does this hotshot rookie want with me?”

“Uh… well…”

Despite his rough manner, Jade was direct. He was willing to listen to what I had to say—an unexpected lifeline.

—But… can I really say why I’m here…?

The atmosphere was far too tense for that.

“What’s wrong? Spit it out.”

—Screw it!

Bracing myself, I spoke.

“Actually, I still haven’t decided on a Faction… So, I was hoping you might let me join yours?”

“Oh? My Faction, huh…”

Jade smirked.

“Y-Yes! I’ve heard that your Faction is the leading candidate for this year’s Pentagram. I believe I can contribute! Please, let me join!”

It was a desperate plea, but it was the best I could do.

Jade leaned on the other armrest, exhaling.

—If he was listening, that meant someone else in his group would likely test me in a duel.

As long as it wasn’t Jade himself, I had a good chance.

But his response was—

“You’ve got some nerve.”

The rooftop was instantly engulfed in heavy killing intent.

Before I realized it—

“Huh?”

Jade had drawn his sword, its tip now resting against my throat.

“Draw your weapon. I’ll personally show you your place.”

With that, the king himself prepared to test me.