"It's truly impressive that Julian's pupil achieved double excellent grades in the mid-term assessment," Byrne remarked as he and Luciel walked side by side.
Byrne had kept a close watch on Luciel for some time now. As soon as the mid-term results were released, the Swordsmanship Association received word of them immediately.
He still remembered the moment when the results were announced. The proud elites of the Swordsmanship Association—many of whom had doubted Luciel's potential—stood in stunned silence for three full seconds.
And after that, no one questioned Byrne's interest in a third-year student.
"Julian's reputation is known throughout the entire academy," Byrne continued. "I trained under him for a year, and even then, I only received a single 'excellent' grade. To achieve double excellence… is rare."
Byrne's manner was warm and easygoing, which made Luciel feel at ease.
"You studied under Tutor Julian as well, Senior Byrne?" Luciel asked, slightly surprised. That made Byrne his direct senior.
Byrne nodded. "Yes, though unfortunately, Julian's battlefield injuries have greatly reduced his strength. Otherwise, he would never have retired to train apprentice knights."
There was deep respect in Byrne's voice. "He is a true knight and a man worthy of honor."
Luciel nodded in understanding. His chip had already analyzed the injuries on Julian's right arm and shoulder. Severe internal damage.
As they walked, they finally reached the Magic Puppet Challenge area. Luciel immediately noticed some changes.
A massive glass viewing window had been installed. Now, spectators could clearly watch the battles inside, making the challenge even more exciting.
Inside the challenge room, a familiar face was already in action—Maris, a recognized elite of the Swordsmanship Association.
The crowd's attention shifted as Byrne entered the hall. Many greeted him respectfully, and soon, whispers spread about Luciel as well.
"Who's that walking alongside Senior Byrne?"
"He must be important if Byrne is paying him so much attention."
"He looks like a third-year student."
"Maybe he has some noble background?"
Neither Luciel nor Byrne paid any mind to the discussions, instead focusing on Maris's battle.
Maris moved with precision and power, fully demonstrating the strength of a seventh-level apprentice knight.
From his movements, it was clear he had studied the puppet's attack patterns. He dodged efficiently, using minimal movement to evade its strikes.
But then… the puppet's attacks began to intensify.
Maris's movements turned strained, his dodges became desperate.
Luciel's sharp gaze caught the pattern. "So the puppet's offense escalates over time… That explains why endurance is the primary measure of strength here."
He thought back to his own experience.
"Without my chip's analytical ability and the ability to exploit the puppet's weak points, I wouldn't have lasted long either…"
His eyes flickered toward Byrne, who was rumored to have lasted over ten minutes against the magic puppet.
"If that's true, then his physical attributes must be extremely close to a real knight's level."
Inside the challenge room, Maris finally faltered.
He rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding a lethal strike. Panting heavily, he dropped his sword.
The magic puppet stopped instantly.
"Final time: Three minutes."
Someone announced the result.
Byrne nodded approvingly. "Maris is one of the most hardworking members of the association. His growth rate is impressive."
Maris exited the challenge room, drenched in sweat. He gave Luciel a long, complicated look before turning to Byrne.
"Sir," he greeted.
Byrne acknowledged him with a nod before introducing Luciel.
"Luciel Lanster. You've met him before."
Maris hesitated, then nodded slowly. His gaze remained conflicted.
Just as he was about to speak—
"I want to participate in the challenge!"
A voice interrupted.
The three turned to see Taylor stepping forward.
A confident smirk played on his lips. He had clearly been watching them.
Taylor made his way into the challenge room, his movements deliberately exaggerated—seeking attention.
Byrne and the others exchanged amused glances.
Taylor had skill. That much was evident.
A fifth-level apprentice knight, he had solid fundamentals.
At first, he was rushed and nervous, but he quickly adapted—dodging, blocking, and parrying the puppet's attacks with growing confidence.
"This one from the Hill family isn't bad," Byrne commented. "Unlike his brothers, who waste all their time chasing women."
Maris, however, was unimpressed. "Compared to the third-year chief student Lawrence… he's still far behind."
Maris hesitated for a moment, then bit back the rest of his words.
He had wanted to compare Taylor to Luciel.
But something about that comparison made him uneasy.
Then—
"Sixty-eight seconds!"
The result was announced.
A respectable time for a first attempt.
Cheers erupted from the spectators.
"As expected of Taylor!"
"That's close to Lawrence's first attempt!"
"Impressive!"
Taylor straightened his back, his ego swelling from the praise.
He approached Byrne with a self-assured stride.
"Senior Byrne, am I now qualified to join the Swordsmanship Association?"
Byrne smiled and nodded.
"Of course. Taylor Hill, you are worthy of becoming a member of our elite ranks."
Gasps of envy rippled through the crowd.
Taylor's smug expression deepened.
Just as his smile was about to fully bloom—
"Oh, right," Byrne suddenly turned to Luciel. "Brother Luciel, I'd like to formally invite you to join the Swordsmanship Association."
Taylor's expression froze.
And then—
"I'd like you to serve as Vice President of our association."
Silence.
Stunned, shocked silence.
People blinked, wondering if they had just misheard.
Taylor's breath caught in his throat.
Vice President?!
Even the audience—previously in awe of Taylor's achievement—now looked at Luciel with a mixture of confusion and disbelief.
"Who is this guy?!"
A third-year student.
A nobody just moments ago.
And now, personally invited by Byrne—not just to join the association, but to lead it alongside him?
Taylor's fists clenched.
His mind raced.
"How…?"
"Why…?"
He had just finished proving himself. He had worked hard to gain recognition.
And yet—
Luciel stole it from him in an instant.
---
To Be Continued…