“I must admit, the progression they’ve made is excellent.” Jonathan nodded in acceptance of the praise given to him by Donovan, the two looking over the reports on Donovan’s desk.

“Thank you for the praise, however I cannot claim all the credit this time around.” Jonathan noted, feeling a smidge of annoyance at that fact.

“The Kazuya’s are stronger, Jonathan, and more experienced than even you. There is no shame in not being their equal.” Donovan reminded, knowing that Jonathan was thinking more on Tony and his much reduced shyness.

“Nonetheless, I am their teacher and it hurts that someone else gave the help and support I should have. But I will be thankful for it.” Jonathan admitted, looking at the reports that he himself wrote.

Liza von Krown, Edward Valzard, Hiiro Kazuya. The three second-years who managed to make it through the School-Wide Tourney and into the top eight, the only ones of their year who were eligible to enter the International Juniors.

“They were extremely lucky that they managed to progress so close to the School-Wide Tourney, what with Liza doing so two weeks before and the two boys doing so during the Tourney… it’s rare.” Donovan pointed out, and Jonathan nodded in agreement.

It was very rare to progress to the next Star during a battle, and the only reason the two weren’t knocked out at that point was because Liza was guarding them from whatever enemies took note of the occurrence.

Now, approaching the fourth term of the school year, there were three four Star Sages within the second years, Tony, Edward, Vince and Leah all being spurred into training harder.

“It’s a shame that despite their efforts there won’t be an International Juniors next year.” Donovan noted, looking at the report on the other four students of the S-Class, and Jonathan nodded, already having heard the news from the Prince of Lightning when he was in the Empire with Rabia.

“The Exchange, they wanted to call it? The name makes sense… having the best of the Fae’s young against the best of our young, in an attempt to foster friendship in these trying times… But what is the chance that this is just to show off their superiority?” Jonathan asked worriedly.

“High for some, low for others. Oberon and Titania would rarely, if ever, care for showing off their superiority, they are confident enough in their strength… but for others…” Donovan recalled a very specific Fae… a young Yeti with defiant eyes.

“For some, yes, it’s to show off their superiority. But for some, that’s the most important thing.” Donovan said, thinking silently for a moment before looking back to Jonathan.

“Regardless, your class will likely be going, considering they’ll be third years by then. Remember that.” Donovan then sighed, handing a file to Jonathan.

“For now though, your class has an assignment, and our certified Sage should be here any moment.” Donovan said, and surprise, the door opened at that moment.

“Hey dad... I hear we’re working together.” Jonathan’s eyes widened as he looked between the file and his son.

This… would be weird, wouldn’t it?