After breaking through the security into the dorm for the second time, the intruders were chased by a mad woman across the city. If not for their many measures beforehand all of them would already have been caught by her.

They quickly discovered that the woman is S ranked and way beyond what they could handle, but luckily for them, the Devilheart family’s cautiousness could also be ranked among the top in the Empire, and they managed to fall back using their prepared illusion seals.

Seals are in fact a very highly ranked among martial arts. Allowing a practitioner to create an energy trap, the trapped energy could then be used for illusions, healing, improving ones’ strength or even other miraculous abilities. Their potency is only limited by creativity.

Even sealing up creatures and wild spirits into a separate dimension is possible, and the benefits for doing so are innumerable. Not only could it neutralise a dangerous monster, but the sealer could also even force the creature to use any unique ability it has at will.

Besides these uses, the power of the seal symbols can also be used by itself, taking advantage of the different effects that are brought out, including but not limited to trapping, rebounding, and absorbing attacks.

Of course, for all its uses, the sealing arts come with considerable limitations as well. Just the basic cost of sealing stones are incredible. But there is no doubt that the Devilheart family are a mighty titan within the Empire that even the Emperor highly looked upon.

……

The next day, the two brothers have continued to practice till morning, but instead of feeling tired, they became refreshed like after a good rest.

Although they do not have higher cultivation to show for it, their physical strength has both risen a level. Perhaps, because they never trained in external enhancement before, they both had results to show. Jones has reached Beast Rank, Xuan Grade while Kairos at Man Rank, Heaven Grade.

They had received the news late in the evening that Jones’ God-father, Discipline Head Instructor Yi De, had returned from his trial. After their hearts were set at ease, Jones who wanted to hurry back was asked by Kairos to stay the night and finish the practice.

That decision proved extremely fruitful. As the two walked out of the room talking excitedly about their upgrade in strength, a student ran right into Jones.

With their current physical strength, the student bounced right back and sat heavily on the ground.

“Ow ow ow! Did I run into a Sky Cow?”

Immediately Kairos and Jones’ face turned black as their eyebrows twitched. This person’s imagination is unbelievable.

A Sky cow, in the school?

The sky cows are a fearsome type of magical beast, but they were often subdued and domesticated by powerful beings. After domestication, they and their children will become tough and loyal guardians, and many large clans keep them as protectors. However, as the beast’s size is at least a carriage big, it’s incredibly hard to find anyone keeping it indoors.

“Oh! Not sky cows! You are the ones that recently finished the mock battlefield exam, right?

I’m instructed to inform you to go to the gathering hall immediately! Help me tell the others too okay? Great! Thanks! Bye!!”

The student said a bunch of words, jumped up to her feet and then ran off without letting them reply.

At this moment Jones spoke, “Wow, she’s so lively. And cute. You saw her dimples? Her brown doe eyes. Hehehe.”

Kairos rolled his eyes, “Come on. Let’s go already. Don’t you want to know your results?”

“Not really? I’m going to pass with flying colours anyway. Bwahaha.”

“You’re probably right on that account, but there is no harm in knowing what awards we could win right? I hope it will be worth quite a bit.”

“Oh yeah! There’s money! Here we come,” Jones’ attitude changed like a Sky Cow that shot off and becomes a Space Cow, then he promptly ran off.

Kairos who saw him rolled his eyes again. This brother of his has not changed a bit since they last hanged out together. He himself wasn’t as impatient to run off to the gathering hall, so he went about each room nearby and knocked on the door.

Soon, Alan and the rest came out of their room already dressed and energetic. It’s apparent that all of them spent the entire time training after they reached their rooms. Every one of them let out purer aura than before, and a few of them even show signs of reaching the next level.

Kairos quickly told them the instructions to go to the gathering hall, and they all made their ways towards the building.

When they reached downstairs, they found Jones standing there waiting for them with a broad smile on his face. He had charged towards the gleaming gold stuff first, thinking that Kairos would be right behind him, but after reaching the bottom, he quickly remembered about the other four when he found himself alone.

Jones secretly contemplated how he had become used to being by himself, and a sense of loneliness gripped him. He shook himself out of his thoughts as a smile lighted upon his face, “I guess its fine to continue living freely since my heart is no longer alone now. It suits me more to be unchained, anyway.”

After a long stroll, the group of six finally reach their destination in the middle of the academy. The gathering hall is a large oval building that is separated into many levels where students could sit and view the stage at the bottom.

This hall not only accommodates the academy for gatherings but it is also used as a grand lecture hall and sometimes even as the academy’s auction hall.

And right now in the building, not just the first years are gathered, but also students from the other years, thirteen to sixteen-year-olds.

Once everyone is seated and accounted for, the principal started talking in an overly loud voice,

“Well done everyone on your previous exam. This year’s results are absolutely fantastic, and I would like to congratulate everyone who participated.

The scoreboard will be placed up for everyone to see later this afternoon. I’m sure you will all be pleasantly surprised by what you acquired. I must say that there are quite a few dark horses this for this year’s exam!

For the ones that failed to advance to the next grade, please apply again through our academy enrolment. Otherwise, the tradesman federate is a wonderful establishment for you to consider as well!

With this, the important announcements are over, and we will begin the highlight of today’s assembly. The award ceremony for our top students!”

The pudgy principal gave a cough and looked around the hall. Checking that his students are still attentively listening to him, he seemed pleased with himself.

It isn’t often that his students could stay awake during his speech, and so he thought that he did a great job today to have everyone’s full attention. Of course, the real reason the students are so attentive is all because of today’s highlight.

“Alright! We will now announce the top students of this year!! Those that are called out, please come to the front of the stage!”

*Yeah!!!*

There was thunderous applause. This was what everyone has been waiting for. They were hoping that the principal could just stop talking and start this sooner, but of course, none dared to say that out loud.

This hype was understandable since the most important exams are the first year’s mock battlefield exams and the forth years’ finals. The former is the best stage to show one’s potential and the latter is no different than one’s credentials. Those that wish to recruit fresh talents will have their eyes on those that did well. It is no wonder that many family heads and clan leaders are present in the audience.

For better or for worse, it can even be said that these two exams will determine every student’s future.

Not only that, for the powerful families who heavily invest in their young, the results are a good indication on how strong the next generation head will be. It is especially true this year when many heirs of great families and clans are present.

The Devilheart, Angelheart, Light Rose, Blue Frost, Resounding Thunder, Northern Cross families, which of them are not a powerhouse in their own rights? Even clans like Mountain Cat and White Snow that are famous for producing generations after generations of brilliant wartime strategists to the Empire have sent their inheritors, and the future of Saint Empire’s military forces holds its breath on the results this year.

Besides these major clans & families, many minor houses have also sent their young generations. For them, the scores of their young will be predictive on the rise and fall of their noble rankings, and also determine the subsidies and benefits that their families can receive from the empire.

With so many young talents, it’s no wonder that many in the academy make it their priority to befriend a future clan leader or family head, even to the point of delaying or hastening their enrolment for a better chance of developing a strong social circle among the gentry.

This situation is made more intense by the internal power struggles within each large family and clan. The path to becoming the next leader is one filled with betrayals and blood. To have the support of others in similar situations would improve their chances immensely.

Even those that did not have a hope in the past, by befriending someone powerful, it will become a chance for them to overtake the main heir and become the next family head.

As long as the heir apparent is not determined, there will always be a contest within the younger generation. For the case of clans, becoming the clan leader is a little more complicated but generally works similarly.

The pudgy principal raised his voice, his tone higher and sharper than normal as he failed to contain his own excitement since this year’s top students are quite different than before.

“First I will like to congratulate the Red team for winning the mock battlefield exam!

The merit of this result truly goes to George from the Mountain Cat Clan!

His assignment to the red team is a test of his strategic abilities to lead a weaker force against the stronger blue team, and as we all can see, George managed to overturn the odds and led them to victory!

A round of applause please!”

*GEORGE!!*

The resulting claps were loud and unreserved, although, some students were obviously unhappy because of how many were simply cheering because of the prestige of the Mountain Cat clan when Kairos was the person who got the victory for the red team.

There are also some, like Kairos himself, who also clapped wholeheartedly because George is definitely someone who is a worthy leader and a good strategist who overturn the disadvantage and challenge the overwhelming odds.

“We will also need to honorary mention Kairos and Luciette. Great job in leading your teams, it has been a truly incredible match up, unseen for years in the school!”

The entire hall became silent as the principal said that, and a glint appeared on his eyes as he observed everyone’s expressions.

Of course, the silence in the hall was not because Luciette is mentioned. Her name is expected to appear. However, no one outside of the first years has heard of Kairos’ name before today.

“Next on the list are this year’s top achievers!

The top combatant award goes to the Indie Annie Jones! Please come forward to the stage.”

Jones smiled and raised a fist towards Kairos besides him. When the latter met his knuckles, he said, “I’ll wait for you there,” and then he walked down to the stage.

“Top tactician on the ground goes to Snow of the Autumn Blossom Clan! Come to the stage as I call your names alright?

The top general award goes to Luciette. No surprise here!

The top group goes to Snowdrifts!

And Top strategist goes to…….. George…..MUDSKIPPER!! Please come forward, everyone!”

Everyone’s jaws dropped from hearing George’s name. Isn’t his family name Kitty? When did he change it?

George blushed and looked at Jones who is staring at him and laughing unreservedly on the stage.

“Sighhh Why did that exasperating guy got mixed up with me!”

When each of them stood on the stage, they turned to face the other students, and the principal walked to the front to address everyone.

“Before I publically announce the scores of each of our top achievers, I am going to tell all of you one more thing.

During this exam, there are a few students that are horribly disappointing. Calculus, I am talking about you, and your group!”

*GASP*

The student body collectively sucked in a breath of air in shock beyond belief when they heard what the principal said. It was like a direct challenge towards the Devilheart’s family!

Ignoring their astonishment, he continued talking while looking directly at Calculus’ direction, “There are several nasty reports sent to our education board regarding the behaviour of certain a group during the exam.

I would like everyone to refrain from selfish acts that jeopardise the safety of other students. After all, if all your daddies have to come to the school begging and scraping their knees for their brainless younger generations, our academy can no longer run properly.”

The message he said completely stoned the entire hall.

He had not only insulted the Devilheart family, but also Calculus’ father.

Calculus himself jumped up from his sit. His face beet red from shame and anger but thinking of what he was warned, he sat back down furiously. Calculus’ father, Calculate Devilheart has told him to strictly restrain himself or else all his resources from the family will be cut off for the next year.

This threat is incredibly effective on the arrogant young noble, but even though Calculus have restrained himself, his hatred only grew.

However, even knowing the unhappiness that is growing, Calculate have no choice but to threaten his son this way.