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“Eight students… And I am one of them. I thought there were eight of us?” I thought, knowing that some of us had managed to solve the problem from the academy, and there were exactly eight of us.

Just look at the expression of one of us; they all show calm faces.

With just this, I know they’re not really thinking about whether they should fail or not.

In the end, the fact that they are all quite talented students cannot be denied.

But what? I know one of them is an intruder from the demon race.

Look at that man sitting next to me. He seems to have already finished his first exam.

Maybe it’s true; initially, I didn’t expect demons to be able to solve problems involving the human race.

But remembering how good they are at casting spells, it’s impossible for me to forget what happened.

On the other hand, I have to accept that demons are able to solve problems in basic-level magic.

“Congratulations, I knew you’d finish your exam. I’m sure you’re the first to finish.”

“Really? I didn’t expect to answer the academy’s question. I thought Noah was the first one to finish,” said the class president, none other than Miller.

If I may say so, some of my classmates call the class president by the name Miller.

Maybe because of this, those at the top rank in Class E would never hesitate to call their president by name.

“Ha ha ha. But you’re amazing. You beat Noah in the academy exam.”

For some reason, I didn’t really care about the conversation between the people in front of me.

Maybe it’s true; I know they couldn’t be talking about me.

But what? Should I join their conversation?

Look at that, in less than a few seconds, I see my classmates walking toward the class president.

Indeed, these people are the top students in Class E.

But I’m different; I’m not really interested in getting close to people like them.

I know, realizing that I’m not required to form a relationship with them.

Anyway, the fact that I won’t be in Class E forever cannot be denied.

I know, realizing that second year is the time when I must be moved to a place above Class E.

If I remember correctly, whenever first-year students finish their final exams,

They are surely ordered to have their talents and powers checked.

‘Should I leave? There’s nothing more I can do. I think so?’ Unfortunately, just as I was about to leave the classroom,

I heard someone call me, as if it were something very important.

“Hah, ha… Noah! The Emperor, he… he’s calling you to the headmaster’s office!”

“Eh? What?! His Majesty? Did he really call Noah? I don’t believe it.”

“Alright… I need to go right away.” I must admit, I was truly shocked to hear that the Emperor was calling for me.

But remembering that the Emperor was the one who granted me the right to enter the academy, it’s impossible for me to refuse his request.

Therefore, I had no choice but to head toward the headmaster’s office.

Fortunately, my classmates didn’t ask why I was called.

They only cared about one thing: they thought I was the luckiest person?

In the end, it’s undeniable that it’s very rare for the Emperor to personally call someone.

Especially his own children, he rarely meets with them.

With that, they guessed that I must be the Emperor’s favorite child.

‘The Emperor… What does he want? I didn’t expect him to call me without asking directly,’ I thought, very curious about why the Emperor decided to call me.

If I recall, I never bothered the Emperor’s children.

But why? What could be the reason the Emperor wants to speak to me personally?

Deep down, I was afraid that I might face the Emperor’s wrath.

If the Emperor were to get angry, I didn’t know whether I could escape death or not.

Kreek-

“I’ve arrived. Is there something you wish to discuss, Your Majesty?”

“Come here. Don’t worry. No one else can overhear our conversation. Not even the Great Wizard.”

“Understood.” Finally, with no other choice, I decided to sit right in front of the sofa where the Emperor was sitting.

In fact, I didn’t dare to look into the Emperor’s eyes.

I must admit, I hadn’t faced the Emperor with my own eyes in a long time.

And now, I couldn’t react as if this were the first time we met.

“The layer of perfection at the Innate Stage… Impressive. Even if you’re behind the hero’s companions, you’ll surpass them in strength,” the Emperor commented, constantly trying to assess my power.

He had to admit, he knew I wasn’t really far behind the hero’s companions.

On the contrary, he knew I had just overcome the obstacle within me.

Surely, sooner or later, I would catch up to them.

“Thank you for the compliment! I’m truly grateful to hear these words from you.”

“Ha ha. I wonder where your gaze was when you first met me. Have you forgotten it?”

“Uhuk! I-I wouldn’t dare. I know you are the strongest. I was weak and narrow-minded back then.”

For a moment, I saw a small grin form on the Emperor’s lips.

Before his smile disappeared as if nothing had happened.

“What is this?” I asked, not understanding why the Emperor was showing me the faces of some people.

If I looked at their faces, I thought they were high-ranking nobles?

“Remember their faces. If you meet them, I hope you won’t try to approach them. They are treacherous nobles. They won’t hesitate to kill you.”

“But why are you showing me their faces, Your Majesty?”

“Of course? I’m doing this because I need to warn you that there are others targeting your life. You’re a talented kid.”

For a moment, I couldn’t help but unconsciously wear an annoyed expression.

I had to admit, I knew the people the Emperor was talking about were not ordinary.

On the contrary, they might be among those above the Warrior Stage and Mage Stage?

With that, I knew it was impossible to avoid my death if I faced them.

“… Is this all you wish to tell me?”

“Oh. Of course not. I want you to accept this letter.”

“Hm? What? Let me see it.” Unexpectedly, I didn’t know whether to accept or refuse the letter from the Emperor.

I knew, realizing what the Emperor’s letter meant.

“Adopted child? What do you mean? Why should I be adopted as your child?”

“Don’t act cold. You have no choice. Do you think you can protect yourself? You should be glad to receive my support.”

“Your Majesty… Do I really have no choice? Could I really be adopted as your child?”

Truly, deep down, I had no desire to form a father-child relationship with the Emperor.

But why? What reason did the Emperor have to force me into the imperial family?

“Yes. Now people outside know about you. I know this is one way I can help you.”

“But Your Majesty…”

“No refusal. Once the final exam is over, I will announce you as a member of the empire and as my adopted son.”

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep