Chapter 328: Returning Practically 2



Arriving back at the academy, I couldn’t say I expected a grand welcome or some over-the- top reunion.

That wasn’t really my style, nor did I particularly care for it.

Still…

It would’ve been nice to at least get a moment to soak in the nostalgia.

I had only been gone for a week at most, but the feeling of returning here this surreal yet oddly comfortable sensation-was something I hadn’t anticipated.

‘I guess I got used to academy life more than I expected…’

Right now, I was seated inside a carriage, its wheels rolling smoothly across the paved roads as it made its way toward Chronos Hall-the administrative heart of the academy, where the principal’s office was located.

If it were up to me, I would’ve headed straight to my dorm, collapsed onto my bed, and trained for a bit before dealing with all the academic work I’d have to catch up on tomorrow.

But, unfortunately, that wasn’t an option.

With practical exams currently underway, I’d need permission from the professors if I wanted to participate.

It was a bit of a hassle, but honestly, it would be worth it.

Unlike first-year exams, where students were individually assessed through customized tests designed by the professors, things were different for second-years and above.

At our level, the academy didn’t bother with controlled environments anymore.

Instead, we were given only two options for our practical exams:

[Dungeon Clearing]

[Monster Hunting]

It was a two-week-long exam period, where your results and accomplishments determined your final

Since it was a rare occurrence where the academy actually permitted students to leave its grounds, this was an opportunity I couldn’t afford to ignore.

Among the two choices for the practical exam, monster hunting was the easier route.

All you had to do was gather and present proof of the monsters you’d hunted.

The stronger the creature, the higher your grade.

Simple, Straightforward and Efficient.

On the other hand, dungeon clearing was the more challenging and troublesome of the two. It required strategy, teamwork, and an actual risk to your life.

However, there was a massive trade-off-successfully clearing a dungeon essentially guaranteed a free pass for this exam period.

In fact, if you cleared one deemed difficult enough, you could even be exempted from the next semester’s exams altogether.

After all, there was no point in testing someone who had already proven their worth in real combat.

That said, grades still varied depending on the rank and size of the dungeon, but overall, it was the better option-especially if you were aiming to farm experience and level up in the process.

‘I should probably meet up with Lucas…’

Since he’d most likely choose dungeon clearing, teaming up with him wasn’t a bad idea.

As much as I tried to avoid interfering with the main scenarios too much, ensuring I stayed relevant was just as important.

Otherwise, all the knowledge I had of the future would go to waste.

Doing something like this shouldn’t interfere with what’s to come.

After all, this isn’t exactly a main scenario tied to Lucas alone.

The dungeon clearance raid for students was limited to a maximum of six members, meaning

I had some flexibility in choosing who to bring along.

As long as Lucas didn’t decide to invite someone random, I could use this chance to assess a few key people.

That shouldn’t be a problem.

Knowing Lucas, he probably only had Janica as a reliable party member. In that case, bringing along Seo, Rose, and Kagami wouldn’t be an issue.

Right now, assessing their current specs was my top priority-especially considering that those cult bastards were bound to make their move soon.

And then there was that boss of a demon-its appearance was inevitable at this point.

Which meant…

I’d have to meet the Saintess soon.

And Senior Alice as well… there was also the thing with that damned cat…

Haah…!

I let out a long sigh.

Even though I just got back, it was clear-I had no time to relax.

Maybe I should’ve indulged myself a little more back in the imperial palace…

Rose and Snow were practically drowning me with their affection back there…

Speaking of Rose and Snow…

‘I wonder if those two are doing alright back there…’

Since I had both of them promise not to harm or act hateful toward each other anymore, I was fairly certain they would comply.

But knowing their competitive personalities, some kind of trouble was bound to stir up

sooner or later.

For reference, the two had to stay behind to deal with the remaining problems in the imperial

palace.

Snow, in particular, had been ordered by the emperor to handle the situation regarding Rose’s unexpected chaos.

I just hope Snow doesn’t take advantage of the situation…

After all, that girl can be quite a tease when she wants to be.

Since they’re both going to be my wives in the future, I can only hope that this small bit of

time alone together helps them grow closer-even just a little.

That aside, there were also matters I wanted to clear up with Sophiel.

But for some reason, until the very moment I left the imperial palace-she was nowhere to be

seen…

“We have arrived.”

With the coachman’s words, the carriage rolled to a stop just outside Chronos Hall. Its large, majestic structure loomed over the courtyard, unchanged from the last time I saw it.

“Thanks.”

I stepped out, nodding to the coachman.

He responded with a slight bow and a tip of his hat before urging his horse forward.

The rhythmic gallop of hooves faded into the distance as he departed.

‘Man, they’re really masters of disguises…’

I suppose there was a reason why they were Shadow Knights.

Their ability to blend seamlessly into different roles-whether it be servants, soldiers, or

even simple coachmen-was nothing short of impressive no matter how many times I’ve seen

it.

“Student Riley?”

“Hm?”

Turning around, I was met with a familiar face-Professor Amelia.

The moment our eyes met, she instinctively took a small step back, her body stiffening ever so

slightly.

I could tell she was still afraid of me, even after all this time.

“The principal is waiting inside… follow me.”

Without another word, she turned around and began leading the way.

I followed in silence, noting her stiff posture and the way she deliberately avoided looking at

me.

Whether it was fear or hatred, I wasn’t sure-but it was obvious that she wanted nothing to

do with me.

Not that it mattered.

I had thought about apologizing for what my other self had done to her, but in situations like this, it was better to stay quiet.

After all, there was no point in forcing her to relive the traumatic experience of being beaten

to a bloody pulp by me.

“Sorry for suddenly summoning you, especially right after you just returned…”

Leilah Grace, the principal of the academy, spoke with her usual composed and elegant demeanor, her gaze fixed on me as she leaned slightly against her desk.

“It’s fine,” I replied casually, settling into the chair across from her. “I’m sure you’re just concerned and certainly curious-about what transpired back in the imperial palace.” She chuckled softly, a knowing glint in her electrified violet eyes.

“Fufu~ It’s good that you’re quick on the uptake,” she said, tilting her head slightly. “But please don’t misunderstand. While I am indeed curious about what happened in the Imperial Palace, those are matters beyond me. As per our deal-and the Emperor’s-I have no intention of prying if you don’t wish to say anything.”

She leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the desk.

“I summoned you here for a different reason.”

“Is that so?” Even as we spoke, I couldn’t help but notice-Leilah Grace was just as breathtakingly

beautiful as ever.

Despite being three times my age, she barely looked a day older than when she was in her

prime.

Normally, she concealed her true form with magic, but right now, there were no traces of such

a disguise.

Her long, silky black hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her flawless porcelain skin.

Those piercing purple eyes, crackling faintly with strands of electricity, held an enigmatic

charm—one that had undoubtedly captivated many over the years.

Is it because of the trial….

She sorts of remind me of General Lisa…

A person in my previous life. Shaking my head off the thoughts I looked straight towards the principal as she continued

flipping through some papers on her table.

Meanwhile, Professor Amelia, her ever-dutiful secretary and grand daughter, moved quietly

around the room.

She brewed a pot of tea with practiced efficiency, carefully preparing two cups before placing

them on the table.

Then, with a slight bow, she excused herself, leaving the principal and me alone in this vast,

luxurious office.

The faint aroma of the freshly brewed tea lingered between us as silence settled in the air. “I’m sure you’re quite aware that the academy is quite busy right now, Riley.”

Leilah Grace’s voice carried a note of exhaustion, though her expression remained as

composed as ever.

“Well, it’s that time of the semester for practical exams, right?”

“Yes,” she confirmed with a nod. “Although we have a lot of professors and academy staff,

and most of the ones who were previously on standby are now active, it still isn’t enough to keep up with the massive flux of students-from first years to fourth years. The seniors, in particular, are difficult to keep track of, considering the open process of their practical

exams.”

She sighed, rubbing her temple slightly. “And most importantly, the death rate among eager younglings hasn’t gone down. With all the controversies surrounding the academy right now, preventing any further incidents is a top priority.”

I tapped my fingers lightly on the armrest of my chair. “I understand your concerns regarding

the matter, but… what exactly does this have to do with me?” Leilah Grace’s lips curled into a knowing smile as she rested her chin on her hand. “Fufu- For someone so quick on the uptake just moments ago, you’re rather slow now, hm?”

I frowned slightly. That tone of hers… yeah, I wasn’t going to like what came next. “The academy is practically swimming in chaos~” she continued playfully, though the underlying exhaustion in her voice was still evident. “At the moment, I’m just relieved no major incidents have happened so far. But, thanks to a certain someone, most of the initial

plans had to be changed-or outright derailed. Some professors haven’t even fully recovered yet…”

I groaned. “Tch… Yeah, yeah, I get it.”

As much as I wanted to protest, she wasn’t wrong. Even if it wasn’t exactly me who had gone

around beating up professors left and right, it was still a fact that Riley Hell had done it. My

other self.

The weight of that fact settled heavily in my mind, and I sighed.

“So, you want me to help out…?”

Leilah Grace clapped her hands together, her teasing smirk widening. “Bingo~” Sipping her tea with a graceful motion, Leilah Grace continued, “Right now, the problems

regarding the seniors can be handled by entrusting them to external support through foreign means.”

“Are you guys hiring mercenaries?”

She chuckled softly, shaking her head. “No, not exactly. However, according to Professor

Gale’s reports, he did make use of some to protect students from a distance. Right now, a number of adventurers are being hired in the background, but that’s beside the point~” Her tone shifted slightly, her expression growing more serious. “There’s a particular issue

with the freshmen. Or, more specifically, with the professors handling the first years.” “The first years?”

“Yes. I’m sure you’re already aware-thanks to Professor Ferdinand’s example-that the

academy can be quite ruthless when it comes to demanding results. However, a recent curriculum change has expanded on that even further for the first years.” I leaned forward slightly, intrigued. “How so?”

“Well, it isn’t impractical per se, but let’s just say we decided to make their practical exam a

simultaneous one?” she continued, swirling her tea in thought. “It allows us to save time in properly assessing the students. Evaluating students based on a professor’s personal judgment isn’t a new method in the academy, but determining their capabilities through mere opinion alone isn’t exactly reliable-especially when some students are strong enough to completely overpower the professors assessing them in the first place.” “The S-Ranks, huh…” I muttered, immediately understanding the issue. Leilah Grace snapped her fingers with a satisfied smile. “That’s right~ Most of our stronger

professors are currently occupied with supervising the seniors. Between dungeon raids, monster-hunting expeditions, and other upcoming practicals, we’re rather short on available personnel. That’s why…”

She placed her teacup down gently on the table before looking at me with those keen, electric-purple eyes.

“I want you, Riley Hell, to assist some of the professors currently assessing the first years.”

I exhaled sharply, already seeing where this was going. “So, you want me to play professor

now?”

“Fufu~ Not quite.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t worry, you won’t be responsible

for evaluating every first-year. You only need to give your opinions regarding the S-Ranks-

however you see fit.”

I tapped my fingers against my armrest, considering her words.

‘Assessing the S-Ranks, huh…’

It wasn’t exactly a difficult task, but it also wasn’t something I had planned for.

Still, if the academy was struggling to handle the influx of new talents, I could see why they’d

want someone like me to step in.

Since my situation was rather unique, I was probably the only student they could ask for help.

Considering the absurd amount of free time I had compared to others, it wasn’t exactly surprising that they’d turn to me.

Of course, I still had to join my own practical exams eventually, but since the freshmen’s

practicals were scheduled for today, I still had some time to spare.

Though this was a bit of a hassle, it also presented a valuable opportunity to personally

assess some of the remaining first-year heroines.

“Sure, I’ll help out.”

Hearing my answer, the principal smiled in satisfaction before clapping her hands together.

“Fufu- Wise choice, Student Riley. Oh, and don’t worry, your assistance will be credited toward both your grades and your upcoming monthly allowance, so it’s a rather convenient win-win situation for both the academy and yourself~”

“An infinite supply of free food from the academy cafeteria will do.”

She blinked, then giggled at my request. “Well, if that’s what you want – Let’s just add it as a

bonus~”

Rising gracefully from her seat, she stretched slightly before brushing off her robes. “Well then, shall we?”

I nodded, pushing myself up from my chair as well.

A sudden pulse of mana filled the air, and within moments, a set of intricate magic circles

formed beneath us.

The principal’s purplish mana flickered for a moment, shifting to a more bluish hue. Runes-elegant, ancient, and complex-glowed across the inscribed formations, arranging themselves in a pattern that I instinctively understood as I observed the magic

naturally

unfold.

[Note: Skill: [Runic Mastery] automatic effects activated.]

“Ah, please hold onto my hand, Riley.”

I barely registered her words, still focused on analyzing the runes, but I nodded and reached

out, grasping her hand firmly.

In an instant, a purplish flash ignited around us.

The next thing I knew, the scenery before me had changed entirely.

We were now standing in the academy’s training grounds.

Students filled the training grounds around me as I stepped out of the small crater left behind

by the principal’s teleportation magic.

That spell of hers was certainly flashy… It wasn’t surprising that she had made such an

entrance-she always had a way of making herself the center of attention. Looking around, I quickly spotted familiar faces among the gathered students.

The heroines, standing out as always, and-ah. There she was.

My little sister, Reina.

She looked different from the last time I saw her-stronger, more confident.

My eyes briefly flicked to the massive, fallen golem behind her, its metallic body still

crackling with residual mana.

“The principal wasn’t lying… They really are being much harsher this year. Last year, all we

had to do was defeat a random opponent that Professor Ferdinand assigned to us… but this?’

The difference was night and day.

Before I could think any further, the principal’s voice rang through the air, immediately

drawing the attention of everyone present.

“Everyone, settle down-“

Just as expected, her words alone were enough to command the room

The students turned their focus toward her as she began explaining the situation.

Some sighed in relief upon realizing what was happening, quickly regaining their composure

and returning to their fights. Others… weren’t as lucky.

Those who had let their guard down too much had already suffered defeat, their failures now

etched onto the battlefield.

I let out a quiet breath and shifted my focus toward my real objective-the S-Rank students.

All of them had already defeated their assigned golems.

But that alone wasn’t enough for me to assess them properly.

‘Now then… how should I test out these juniors of mine~?’

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