After the unexpected sweet holiday for the first-year cadets of Orion Academy ended, daily life resumed with a small event.
Today, both first and second-year students gathered in the main auditorium for roll call.
Several high-ranking security officers were already seated in the auditorium, exchanging greetings with the instructors.
Then the roll call began.
Juyeon took the microphone from a corner seat and tapped it with her finger, causing the cadets to stop chatting and look forward.
"I will now begin the morning assembly."
She proceeded through each tedious step one by one.
After leading everyone in singing the Orion Academy anthem—a song Rohan had never heard before—they all saluted while thinking of their respective countries.
Then came the much-anticipated moment.
"Next, we will have the award ceremony. Award recipient, first-year cadet Lee Ro-han, please come forward."
When Juyeon called his name, Rohan, who had been sitting, stood up abruptly and headed to the front.
He moved as instructed beforehand.
He climbed the six steps and stood in front of the wooden podium with the microphone.
A middle-aged male security officer with elaborate rank insignia was standing at the podium.
The officer, holding a crisp piece of paper, began reading the text in a resonant voice.
"Certificate of Merit. This cadet has made outstanding contributions by bringing criminals who disturbed public security to justice, single-handedly destroying an organization, and rescuing innocent hostages..."
The Security Bureau had concluded their investigation.
He had finally received the reward money for handling the Yellow Toad Organization with Clara.
The amount was substantial, and he had planned to use it as a deposit to secure a house for Clara.
But since Sion had already found a mansion, they could simply split the money in half.
"Therefore, we present this certificate of merit. Read on behalf of the Elysium Security Bureau Chief."
"Please give a big round of applause."
As Juyeon took the microphone again, applause erupted from the cadets behind him.
"You've done a wonderful job. With cadets like you, I might as well retire soon."
The security officer, having turned off the microphone, added a personal comment with a smile.
Expressing his gratitude, Rohan respectfully accepted the certificate and tucked it under his arm.
Then came a thick hand extended toward him.
Rohan didn't refuse and shook it.
'...Look at this guy.'
The calluses and energy he felt from the thick hand were unusual.
Even without releasing magical power, he could tell.
This middle-aged security officer.
Though not as strong as Juyeon, he was stronger than the regular instructors.
"This concludes the award ceremony."
Rohan recalled what he had learned, turned around, saluted, and descended the stairs.
He returned to his seat and calmed Gilbert, who looked like he might burst into cheers at any moment.
'This is uncomfortable.'
Seated, Rohan could feel various gazes fixed on him.
Just as Juyeon had said.
The academy had many cadets who carried their family names on their shoulders and valued honor.
That's why she had said that receiving an award in front of everyone would be good motivation.
While mental education might be necessary to prevent them from doing reckless things out of unfounded confidence...
He could see that her words about it being good motivation for the cadets weren't wrong.
"..."
Juyeon lowered the microphone and conversed with the instructors who had approached her.
After receiving information, she brought the microphone close to her lips again.
"The headmaster will now give a speech. All cadets, please stand."
The cadets rose in unison.
The academy headmaster emerged from behind the curtain.
An elderly man with a long, snow-white beard.
Despite his wrinkled face, he had a sturdy body dressed in loose-fitting oriental attire from Samhwaguk, exuding dignity.
The headmaster, emanating a heavy presence, stood on the podium.
When he faced the fresh-faced cadets directly, the atmosphere suddenly shifted as he displayed a gentle smile.
"Everyone, please sit down and listen comfortably."
"Be seated."
As Juyeon's command followed, the cadets all sat down at once.
"I'm sure many of you think of a 'speech' as a boring occasion where old people show off their academic knowledge."
Everyone listened quietly.
It wasn't a question that required an answer.
"That's not entirely wrong. From now on, I will remind you of the current situation based on past experiences, for you who will lead the future."
It was clear what topic he was about to address.
"I'm sure you're all aware that dimensional rifts have occurred not just in the academy city but in many countries recently."
The headmaster, having wiped away his smile, continued.
"Throughout history, the world has experienced many natural disasters. Unspeakable calamities have always threatened humanity."
Rohan's eyes met Juyeon's, who was standing beside the podium.
He thought that the "unspeakable calamities" the headmaster mentioned probably included the destruction of the South.
"That's why it's time to renew our mindset. We must now clearly understand the value of daily life and peace."
The headmaster and instructors had no intention of directly mentioning the importance of peace in words.
They thought that cadets should enjoy academy life, improve their skills, and realize it for themselves.
But the rapidly changing situation didn't allow for such luxury.
"Major revisions to the academy curriculum are planned. I hope you will continue to strive and focus on enhancing your capabilities."
Then, the headmaster stepped aside from the podium and bowed deeply in front of everyone.
His beard touched the floor.
"And I apologize to the first-year cadets for the unfortunate incidents they experienced. I am truly sorry."
His voice echoed throughout the spacious auditorium.
Watching this, Rohan felt complicated. After all, it was something that couldn't have been prevented no matter what preparations were made.
It's always bitter to watch someone take responsibility.
"However, the rights of growing cadets should not be infringed upon by such ill-mannered individuals. We have no plans to start classes timidly. We will strengthen protection and increase the budget."
In a school from his previous life, such a statement would have caused students and parents to revolt.
But at Orion Academy, this was appropriate. No one opposed it; everyone accepted it.
Under their respective purposes.
After all, this was a place mostly filled with individuals who had decided to make combat their profession.
*****
"I'll distribute the midterm grade reports."
Back in Class 1 after the assembly.
Juyeon pulled out a stack of papers.
"Noah Frozenheart."
"Gasp..."
Noah perked up her tail and approached with a tense face.
As Juyeon handed over the grade report, she patted Noah's head.
"Well done. You kept your promise."
"!"
Ichinose Yui ranked first in theory, while Noah Frozenheart was last.
Noah's average score was in the 40s, but Juyeon didn't hold back her praise.
It was an excellent first step that she had solved the problems herself instead of guessing, as she had done in the past.
"Rohan."
"Yes..."
"Excellent. You've surprised the instructors."
"Thank you!"
Rohan's average was in the 70s.
While it seemed like a decent score, considering that everyone at the academy focused on studying, his ranking was slightly below the middle.
He hadn't properly avoided the subjective questions that determined the top ranks and the tiny traps hidden within.
If he had practiced more problem types, he could have aimed for the middle ranks.
But trying to rapidly improve unfamiliar subjects from scratch in a short period had its limits.
He couldn't just hold a pen all day and neglect physical training.
There was a clear hierarchy of importance.
'It's hard to get friendly with numbers.'
Rohan glared at his disappointing grade report.
Looking at the scores, there were clearly subjects that dragged down his average.
"Remember, rankings are determined including practical exam scores, so don't be complacent."
With a slight smile, Juyeon placed another stack of papers on the desk.
"First place in the practical exam is..."
All eyes turned to Juyeon's lips, tense about whose name would be called.
After deliberately pausing for a moment, she announced the name.
"Rohan and Ichinose Yui."
"!!!"
Rohan turned his head, and Ichinose looked his way too.
When their eyes met, they smiled at each other. They also exchanged thumbs-up gestures.
"Not only did they consistently collect stickers, but when another cadet attempted to harm them during supply acquisition, they subdued them cleanly. That was the most significant factor."
So someone had been watching his confrontation with Ok Myeong-jin.
It was surprising, as he hadn't felt anyone's gaze at all.
"When your name is called, come get your practical exam report. All bonus and penalty factors will be noted. I'll accept appeals for one week."
..
..
Before the first class began.
Rohan, who had already taken out his textbook, was admiring his practical exam report, which helped ease the disappointment of his theory scores.
In the midst of this, a fluffy tail approached and poked his cheek.
It was Noah's tail, white with black stripes.
"Hey! Hey!"
"What? Want me to grab your tail?"
As Rohan moved his hand to grab the plump tail, Noah hid it behind her and got to the point.
"Are you busy for lunch today?"
"Lunch? I don't have anything specific planned."
He had only thought about returning to Sion's mansion and eating with the three of them.
He hadn't made any definite plans.
"Then let's eat together with Nose. I have something to give you too."
"Ah, right."
There was such a promise before.
He had regretfully declined then.
Rohan's gaze naturally turned toward Ichinose's seat.
"Eek...!"
He saw baby Nose, who had been watching him, startle and turn her head away.