In the midst of the chaos, all the professors on the podium exchanged shocked glances. Principal Sylvester stroked his beard, a slight smirk playing on one side of his lips. Amidst the noise, various opinions echoed throughout the hall.
Some whispered, “Are you sure there’s no mistake?” Others scoffed,
“She must be using some artifact.”
“What a monster!”
“Impossible.”
The students’ reactions ranged from awe to fear, jealousy, and disbelief. Some stared at her in amazement, others shrank back, while a few couldn’t hide their envy. However, the professors—those who knew better—were aware that no artifact could manipulate a token. A genius had truly emerged among them. All eyes now turned greedily towards Athena, eager to claim her as their own.
This was a momentous event in the academy’s history. For the first time, the doors of House of Alpha had been opened. Since its foundation, no one had ever been deemed worthy to occupy such a prestigious dorm. Legend spoke of it shrouded in the aura of the fallen, with mana levels rivaling that of the heavenly palace itself. Its architecture mirrored the grandeur of the Heavenly Palace.
Principal Sylvester clapped his hands, and the hall gradually fell silent. His booming laughter echoed throughout the space. “Good! Very good! It seems we’ve found an exceptional student this time. Young lady, I hope you’ll work hard in the future.” Hearing the Principal Sylvester recognize her as a prodigy, many students who had doubted her were silenced—for now.
“Now, now, let’s continue.” With that, Athena returned to her spot, and the other students resumed their turn at the device to discover their dorms.
Ayden and Julian exchanged proud glances, their grins spreading across their faces. Meanwhile, the Northern prince glared, his expression twisted in disdain as if he had just swallowed something sour. The thought of a girl surpassing him was like a stinging slap to his pride.
The rest of the classification proceeded without incident. Once every student had received their dorm assignments, Principal Sylvester stood once more, his commanding presence drawing everyone’s attention.
“Seniors, you will now escort the new students to their respective dorms. Classes will begin in five days. During this time, you are free to explore the academy and discover what interests you. However, students in lower-level dorms are strictly prohibited from entering upper-level dorms. Your seniors will also brief you on the restricted areas within the academy. Please ensure you stay out of these areas. Additionally, no one is permitted to roam the academy grounds after 10:30 p.m.
For detailed rules and regulations, a rulebook has been provided in each dorm room. I urge you to read it carefully. Now, seniors, guide the students to their dormitories.” He paused and turned his attention toward Athena. “Miss Arcane, please remain behind for a moment. The rest of you may proceed to your dorms or return to your classes.”
The seniors, dressed in various uniforms, began organizing the students into groups based on their assigned dorms. Ayden and Julian lingered near Athena until their escort arrived.
“Hello, I am Casper Evander, a fifth-year student in the House of Delta. I’ll be guiding you to your dorm.”
The young man wore the black-and-yellow uniform of a fifth-year and had an air of calm confidence. His black hair was neatly combed, and his warm brown eyes were inviting. He flashed a friendly smile, urging the boys to follow him.
Reluctantly, Ayden and Julian bid farewell to Athena. Ayden turned to her before leaving, promising, “I’ll come find you after I settle in.”
With that, the boys followed Casper toward the exit. Once the hall had emptied, silence descended, leaving only Athena and the professors behind. The way their eyes gleamed with curiosity and ambition, Athena knew they wouldn’t let her leave without questioning her further. She steeled herself for whatever was to come.
One of the professors, a stern-looking woman with sharp features, rose from her seat and approached Athena. “Child, did you use any artifact to obtain a golden token?”
As she asked, the other professors leaned in slightly, their gazes sharp and probing.
Athena met her gaze steadily and replied, “No, Professor. If I had used any artifact, I wouldn’t have been able to conceal its traces from a mage as powerful as Vice Principal Leylani.”
The professor studied her for a moment before shaking her head. “I sense no foreign mana on you. But can you tell me—what did it feel like when you climbed the steps?”
Athena nodded and answered honestly, “Nothing special. Just like climbing any other steps.”
The professor frowned in thought, then asked, “Would you consider becoming my disciple?”
The room tensed slightly as Alfred shifted uncomfortably. The question had come from none other than Professor Madeleine, a renowned expert in mental magic—an unmatched mind reader and controller. Alfred understood that someone like Madeleine could greatly enhance Athena’s abilities, especially given her extraordinary mental strength.
Athena, however, didn’t hesitate. “I’m sorry, Professor. I’ve already committed to someone else as my mentor. But I will always welcome your guidance.”
Though disappointment flickered across Madeleine’s face, it was quickly replaced by a small, satisfied smile. Her sharp, weathered features softened, and she nodded. “Very well. I’ll hold you to that promise.” With a graceful turn, Madeleine returned to her seat.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
Principal Sylvester rose next, his commanding presence filling the room. He regarded Athena thoughtfully before speaking.
“My dear child, as you may already know, no one—not even I—has ever entered the House of Alpha. Therefore, I will assign two of our strongest students from the Beta House, along with Professor Leylani, to escort you there. They will guide you to the path leading to the dorm, but the final journey is yours to complete.”
Athena raised an eyebrow. Why are they making it sound like a trial?
As though reading her mind, Sylvester chuckled. “I can sense your thoughts, child. Let me explain. Each dormitory path includes a trial designed to gauge the potential of new students. It’s nothing overly strenuous, but it is a necessary tradition of the academy. When the first bell rings, your challenge will begin. You must reach your destination before the second bell.”
He paused, his expression turning serious. “Normally, we don’t disclose these trials to newcomers—it’s part of the surprise. However, in your case, an exception has been made. Still, surprises often bring out the best results.”
With that said, Principal Sylvester rose from his seat, patting his beard as a small smile played on his lips. He walked toward his office, followed closely by the other professors, except Alfred.
Alfred approached Athena, his expression warm. “Shall we head outside? Your seniors are waiting for us.”
Athena gave him a small smile and nodded.
When they stepped outside, two girls were waiting. One wore a black-and-red uniform with a matching cape, and the other was dressed in the black-and-purple uniform of a fourth-year student.
The first girl, with almond-shaped golden eyes and long platinum hair, exuded a gentle aura. A small mole beneath her lower right lip accentuated her soft features. Her eyes held a warm affection as they settled on Athena.
The second girl stood in stark contrast. Her dark hair framed her face, and her piercing red eyes gave her an air of seriousness. She looked at Athena with indifference, her posture calm but intimidating.
The gentle senior stepped forward to introduce them both. “Hello, little princess. You may not remember us, but I certainly remember you. I’m Galena Damarius, and this is Angela Borghildr. If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to ask us.”
Alfred, watching the interaction, raised an eyebrow. “Saintess, have you met Athena before?”
Angela let out a derisive snort, her expression cold. “Unlike a certain no-show godfather, we actually attended the little princess’s naming ceremony.”
Athena turned to Alfred, curiosity evident in her eyes. “So, you’re my no-show godfather who always sends me mana stones to practice making runes on?”
Scratching his head, Alfred sighed. “I am. And I’m sorry for missing all your birthdays. I promise to make up for it.”
Athena looked him up and down, assessing him with an air of playful authority. “Alright, just don’t forget ever again.”
Alfred gave her a rare smile, patting her head affectionately.
Galena sighed dramatically, watching the usually stoic professor soften. “So, you can smile. That’s news to me.”
Angela rolled her eyes, clearly impatient. “If everyone’s done wasting time, let’s get to it. Princess, shall we?”
Athena smiled at both seniors and replied, “Please don’t call me ‘princess.’ Just Athena is fine. Here, we’re all equals. There are no royals or nobles—just fellow students.”
Galena crouched slightly and returned the smile. “Of course, Athena.”
She extended her hand toward Athena, who hesitated for a moment before taking it. Athena then extended her other hand toward Angela. Angela looked at the small, outstretched hand for a long moment before clasping it. The strength in Athena’s grip surprised her, far surpassing that of a typical student, but she showed no outward reaction. As expected from the daughter of the Demon King and the Steel Lady, she thought.
Together, they began their walk toward the dorm area. Galena chatted animatedly about the academy’s flora and fauna, while Angela only spoke when necessary, such as when pointing out the canteen and explaining meal schedules. Alfred followed silently, watching Athena interact with her seniors with ease.
When they reached a fork in the road, Galena and Angela instinctively turned toward the House of Gamma. Alfred stopped them. “No, we’re heading to the House of Alpha.”
Both girls froze, their voices overlapping in shock. “What?”
Alfred cleared his throat. “Ladies, allow me to introduce our first-ever student to enter the House of Alpha on her first day.”
The two seniors turned to Athena with wide eyes.
Galena broke the silence first, her voice filled with awe. “Wow. I knew you were a genius, but this… This is beyond anything I expected. Just… wow.”
With newfound amazement, the group continued walking. When they finally reached the entrance to the House of Alpha, Alfred stopped.
“Athena, we can only accompany you up to this point. The rest of the path is yours to walk alone.”
Turning to the seniors, he instructed, “Please provide her with a weapon.”
Without hesitation, both girls summoned swords from their dimensional rings, their gazes expectant as they handed them to Athena.
Athena glanced at the swords before taking both and sheathing them on her back. The seniors exchanged pleased smiles at her decisive action.
Meanwhile, at the Delta trial, Ayden and Julian stood before Casper, their faces a mix of shock and disbelief.
“What do you mean there’s another trial?” Julian asked, incredulous.
Ayden, clutching Julian’s arm as if heartbroken, wailed, “There are more trials?!”
Casper, unable to bear Ayden’s despair, tried to console him. “It’s nothing serious, just a little challenge. Trust me.”
Ayden tightened his grip on Julian’s hand. “Brother, I miss my sister.”
Julian sighed, his voice tinged with exasperation and fondness. “I miss your sister too. Let’s just stay optimistic.”
With renewed determination, the pair took the swords Casper provided and stepped forward bravely.
Back at the House of Alpha, Athena sneezed. A thought crossed her mind: Ayden and Julian must be starting their trial.
Smiling, she bid farewell to her eager seniors and Alfred. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward.
In an instant, her surroundings shifted, transforming entirely.
As if of one mind, three voices echoed in disbelief. “What in the world?”