The chapter began with Ivan standing beside the Emperor. Minato Kobayashi stood before the gate.
"Ivan! Isn't that you?"
Ivan looked up. "Yes. Who are you?"
The Emperor's aide: "Don't worry, Ivan. I'll introduce you. This is the President of the elite Tankio Academy."
Ivan: "His magic is incredibly powerful. No wonder he has a level comparable to Emperor Ryohei."
The Emperor's aide: "I have work to do. I must go now. I'll leave him in your care, President."
Minato looked at Ivan, thinking to himself, "What power this boy possesses! He's only fourteen, yet he's reached a truly terrifying level. And that surrounding flame... it flows so profusely from his body. Jin, you've created a monster! The will of the muto, huh?" Minato extended his hand to shake Ivan's. Ivan waited a few seconds, then shook his hand as well.
Minato, sensing the magical power, said, "Interesting."
Ivan: "No wonder you're the President of this elite academy. Your magical power is astonishing." Minato: (Laughs) Don't exaggerate. I haven't reached Gin's level yet. Well, come with me, I'll introduce you to the teacher who will administer your test.
As Ivan and Minato walked through the academy building, someone stopped in front of Minato and said, "I haven't seen you in a while, Minato."
Ivan sensed the person's powerful aura and drew his sword. But then, the person calmly and majestically walked past him. "Good reaction, young man. I like it."
Ivan: "What a wave of magic emanates from him. Who is he?"
Minato: "It's you, Chief of the Wataru clan, Zora Wataru, or rather, Yellow Thunder."
Ivan to himself: "I see. His name echoed in the memory of my weak other half (referring to Leo Takahashi) in the Mountain of God."
Zora Wataru: "As usual, you're very modest, White Ghost.
And I see you have a promising young man here."
He lunged at Ivan with his fist, who fought back with great difficulty using both arms. Ivan: He's at a high level. That's how noble families are in the Kingdom of Union.
Zora: Interesting.
Minato stopped him and said: That's enough, Zora. I see you have business to attend to.
Zora: See you later, White Ghost, and you too, boy. (To himself: Wow, he sensed my aura and then blocked my attack. I wonder who he is.)
After Zora and Watro left, Minato apologized to Ivan, saying:
I'm sorry about what happened, Ivan. Zora is always like this.
Ivan: It's alright. He's a really powerful person.
Minato: Zora is one of the pillars of the Yonton Kingdom. He possesses two types of magic: Yellow Thunder Magic and Earth Magic.
Ivan: Who are they? (He knows who they are but is hiding the whole truth.)
Minato: That's right, I didn't tell you. Yonton has Emperor Ryohei Yamamoto, who is the head of the Yamamoto family. There are other families as well:
The Sato family, the Mutsu family, the Takahashi family, the Aramaki family, the Watro family, and the rest you will learn about later.
Ivan and Minato arrived at his office, where their master, Pain, was waiting for them. He was a skilled swordsman. Pain: It was a pleasure meeting you, Ivan.
Ivan: Me too.
The scene returns to Ryota Tsubaki, who is seated with Emperor Ryohei Yamamoto and his aide, discussing the events in the dungeon.
Ryohei: So, the appearance of such a powerful monster is connected to what happened two years ago.
Ryota: Your Majesty, you command us to defeat it and use all our magical power against it. It's an ancient-type monster, and those two mysterious figures possess immense power. One of them even used a demonic summoning technique.
The aide replies: This is truly dangerous!
Ryota: I don't think they'll stop here. Someone said it's just the beginning; that means we'll encounter them again.
The Emperor: I understand now. It's Diablos.
Ryota and the aide reply together: Diablos?
The Emperor: Yes, an organization that appeared out of nowhere. According to our investigations, they've been secretly active, and I'm certain today's incident was orchestrated by them. Listen, Yaritsu, I want you to send the commander of the Fifth Division to Tatoo Town. (Tatu is a town located in the south of the Kingdom of Union, in the middle of the desert.)
The mayor sent us a message saying he's created a magic gate there.
Ryota: Another gate, Your Majesty. If you approve, I'll join them.
The Emperor replied: No, Ryota, you need to rest. I know you used all your strength against the monster from that dungeon.
Ryota: As you command, Your Majesty. Now, if you'll excuse me.
Ryota left for his room. As he walked, he almost fainted, but Castle Ko, a member of his squad, caught him.
Ryota: Castle, thank you.
Castle: You need to rest, Commander. I know that technique of yours is very strenuous.
The Emperor continued speaking to Ritsu: Ritsu, the appearance of this magic gate means another dungeon. I chose the commander of the Fifth Division because he knows the terrain well and also has a strong squad.
Ryota: There's another important matter. Should I complete the secret mission or postpone it? Ryohei: Let's postpone it. We have other things to do. In a year's time, we'll hold the grand competition between kingdoms and even teams against each other. Important figures and some kings will be there. We'll dedicate this competition to forging new alliances to counter the Diablos organization.
Retsu: We'll prepare for it in the best way possible.
The scene returns to Minato's office: Well, Ivan, you have to pass the entrance exams, and I'm confident you'll succeed.
Pain looks at Ivan: Why do I sense a certain aura around this boy? Or am I just imagining it?
Minato Kobayashi, the headmaster of Tankio Academy, and Ivan headed towards the written technical exam hall.
He began the first written entrance exam, discussing topics related to magic. Ivan also placed his hand on the crystal ball for evaluation, and it glowed with a fiery light. This was due to the Phoenix Flame he had acquired, but he concealed his Phoenix Magic, only using regular fire magic. He passed the written exam and moved on to the practical exam. He was well aware that he had to hide his true power from everyone. He skillfully hit targets with fire magic. After a while, the final test arrived, where he faced Pain in sword fighting. Ivan and his teacher began fighting under Minato's watchful eye. Minato smiled and said, "No wonder he's Gin's heir! What a fantastic style!"
The teacher was impressed by Ivan's swordsmanship skills and said, "You're proficient in both sword fighting and fire magic. That's amazing!"
Two hours later, the test results were announced, and Ivan was accepted into the academy.
He headed towards Minato's office. As he walked, he was in for an unexpected surprise: he ran into Kono Takahashi, who was walking with his usual swagger. Their eyes met, but Ivan wasn't interested in what he saw because he knew exactly what he was doing.
**Kono asks: "Who is this?"
His classmate: "He just joined today."
**Kono:** "What's that strange feeling? Did you feel it, Fioner (Black Wolf Spirit)?"
His classmate: "What did you say, Kono?"
Kono: "Nothing. Let's continue." Minato: "Congratulations, Ivan. You passed the exam.
This is the academy robe you can wear.
Ivan's first-year ranking was B. He deliberately concealed his true strength.
Minato: We've prepared your room in this academy. Two people sleep in one room."
Ivan: "Never mind, I didn't come to complain about the room."
Minato smiled and added:
Minato: "Now, listen carefully. I know you're smart, but I'll give you some advice. You're the heir to the legend I respect. You need to train harder. The more you train, the better you'll become."
Ivan went to his room while Minato spoke to the Emperor, who appeared at the window and said: "He's truly exceptional, Ryohei. You didn't thank him for nothing."
Ryohei laughed: "No one will hear Minato's title. That's important."
Minato: "Don't worry, only the three of us know about him. After all, he's the boy of prophecy. I expect Gin is very happy."
The Emperor smiled (looking towards the window) and said: "That's right. He's waited a long time for this moment."
Ivan headed towards his room and opened the door to meet a classmate named Naofumi Hanasaki, who seemed nervous.
Naofumi: "Hello, you're the new guy here, right?" Ivan: "Yes."*
Naofumi:** "I'm Naofumi Hanasaki. It's a pleasure to meet you. You know, I feel at ease."
Ivan: "Why?"
Naofumi: "I suspected you might be one of those arrogant noblemen, but you're so humble with me. I'm glad of that. And it's a pleasure to meet you. What's your name?"
Ivan: "Ivan."
Naofumi: "Ivan, let's be good colleagues. Get some rest, and then I'll show you around the academy."
Ivan didn't sense any malice from Naofumi because he has a very strong instinct that helps him detect when someone is lying.
Reply:
Ivan: "Thank you."
Morning arrived, and Ivan and Naofumi began to wander around the academy. Naofumi said:
"This is the Academy's library. It has many different magic books that talk about various magical elements and different fighting techniques. By the way, what's your specialty?"
Ivan: "Fire magic and sword fighting."
Naofumi replied: "That's great! I have inflation magic. I can inflate things around me with magic bubbles."
Ivan: "You have good magic."
Naofumi: "And this is the training center for the elite, those of S and A levels. We have our own special center for those of B, D, J, and F levels. Oh, right, there's a very nice lake with a waterfall. It's called Lake Ryakin.
We can train there too. It's very special. There's a waterfall that allows me to improve my internal structure. It allows a magic user to control their power through Ki."
Ivan: "Ki?"
Naofumi: "That's right. Ki is an important element for developing your full senses in order to increase the flow of magic around you for several cycles. In self-defense, you'll need it because it will allow you to deflect the strongest attacks."
Ivan: "You're very knowledgeable about magic books." Naofumi, blushing and with his hand on his head: Thanks for the compliment, Ivan.
After a while, a special bond developed between Ivan and Naofumi. As they walked, another person spoke up:
"Naofumi, you commoner from the mountains, you've made a friend. Good for you!" (Laughs and mocks him)
Naofumi: "What do you want, Dan?" (An angry look on Naofumi's face)
Dan Watro, a member of the first group:
Dan: "Don't worry, I'm not interested in you or your friend." (Laughs) "Just make sure you don't get in my way."
Naofumi: "This is Dan Wataru, the son of the man nicknamed Yellow Thunder. He's also at A level, and it's said he'll reach S level soon."
Ivan: "That man with the long hair?"
Naofumi, surprised: "What? You know him?"
Ivan: "I met him in the corridor leading to the Academy President's office."
Naofumi: "I heard he's incredibly strong, equal to the Academy President and even the Emperor. An ordinary person would faint instantly upon Yellow Thunder's arrival. You're amazing, Ivan. Only a few encounter him and withstand his destructive aura. As for his son, Dan (Naofumi, slightly angry), despite his strength, he's a bully who preys on the weak. I remember two years ago, there was a boy from the Takahashi family—I don't know his name—who constantly beat and bullied him. (Angrily) If I were strong, I would have taught Dan a lesson, but I'm saddened by what happened to him."
Ivan: "What do you mean? What happened?"
Naofumi: "It happened two years ago. It was said that he stole a holy book. Yes, it's him." The book of the legendary god Osiris, in which the legendary destroyer Lucifer was imprisoned.
Ivan: A demon, huh!
Naofumi: That incident had a heavy impact on the kingdom. To be honest, Ivan, I don't believe he was the culprit. Perhaps someone else committed the act, killed him, and then framed him.
Ivan: (Recalls a glimpse of what happened to himself.)
Naofumi: Anyway, let's continue, Ivan.
Naofumi looked at Ivan and thought to himself, (What a boy! He wasn't afraid or angry.)
We rarely find people like him. It's good that I met him.
As they walked on...
Ivan and Naofumi sensed an immense magical power coming from nearby.
Naofumi said, "Did you feel it too? It's coming from the training center. What luck, Ivan! It's rare to see them training here."
Ivan: Who are you talking about?
Naofumi: Come with me.
They walked up the upper gallery until... A beautiful girl with blonde hair and blue eyes appeared, training skillfully with her students. Ivan looked on in surprise (and thought to himself: Two-Sword Style?). Ivan said, "Who is she?"
**Naofumi: That's right, you're new here and don't know her. I'll tell you. She's the genius and princess of the Kingdom of Amedonia, Emilia Rose. A member of the Special Forces, she's an exceptional two-sword swordsman. Her swordsmanship is S-level. Do you know, Ivan? She's the youngest member, the same age as us, and is known as the Sword Princess of the Kingdom of Amedonia. She also possesses water magic and the spirit of the legendary Blue Falcon, Iron.
Ivan glanced over with his hidden eye, thinking to himself, "Iron, the legendary falcon spirit, her power is equal to that of the Phoenix Shura. No wonder the magical energy emanating from her surrounds her so immensely and terrifyingly."
At that moment, the legendary blue falcon spirit sensed something strange.
Emilia glanced up but saw nothing; Ivan and Naofumi were already gone.
Ivan: "What a deadly power! The sensation of her spirit is truly terrifying. I must be more careful in the future." Emilia: "Is something wrong, Iron? This is strange; it's not like you to be like this." Days passed, and Ivan grew accustomed to life at the academy. He and Naofumi trained beneath the waterfall of Lake Ryakin within the academy grounds.
Ivan gradually began to understand the power of ki techniques.
On the rooftop of the royal palace,
the emperor watched them from afar, smiling.
"It seems you've grown accustomed to life here, Ivan," he said, then departed for the palace.
Naofumi and Ivan sat concentrating beneath the waterfall, their eyes closed, when someone attacked them simultaneously. They deflected the attack with great difficulty.
Ivan (to himself): Storm magic?
Naofumi: "Who did this?"
The person clapped and laughed.
Person: "Interesting. Good reaction."
Naofumi was astonished by the person standing before him.
Naofumi, amazed: "Impossible!" "You're the captain, Yahiko!"
Ivan: "Who is he?"
Naofumi: "It's the captain of the Ninth Division, Yahiko Soran, nicknamed 'Storm.'"
Yahiko Soran, Captain of the Ninth Division:
Yahiko: "You two will join my division."
Ivan: "I refuse."
Yahiko grabbed them both by their robes and then told the Ninth Division member:
Yahiko: "Jugo, activate your teleportation technique."
Jugo: "Yes, Captain. Guys, I'm glad you're joining us!" (He smiles.)
Jugo Alyosti is a member of the Ninth Division who possesses teleportation magic.
Ivan: "Why is this happening now?" (He makes a funny face, his hand on his cheek.)
Naofumi: "This is what I was afraid of." (He makes a funny face of fear.)
While the Emperor was laughing when he heard that Yahiko had grabbed them both, he said:
Emperor: "Yahiko, if your choice is Jin's heir, things will get interesting from this moment on." Yahiko and Jugo arrived at the 9th Division headquarters with Ivan and Naofumi. Yahiko said,
"Listen, you two!" (He mocks and laughs at them.) "From this moment on, you are welcome in my pathetic division!" (He laughs.)
Thus began Ivan's adventure with the 9th Division.
Ivan thought to himself, "It's all because of that sly old man."
Meanwhile, two people arrived in the Kingdom of Yunyuan, preparing to join the elite Tankio Academy.