Imperial Capital

On an unassuming street, a figure in a black cloak leaned quietly against a large tree, muttering under their breath.

"Easy enough. Next, I just need to secure a spot for myself, and that’s it."

Kevin seemed to realize something. She silently questioned the system in her mind—after all, a system should serve its purpose.

It couldn’t just laze around inside her body all day. What was the point otherwise? Though, come to think of it, this system really was useless to her.

"System, must the spot be for me personally? Or can someone else take my place?"

A grating, glitchy electronic voice crackled in her head almost instantly.

[The host must complete the task personally. No substitutes allowed. Please proceed promptly.]

"Got it."

Having gotten her answer, Kevin prepared to cut off the connection. There was no need to keep talking.

[Host, how did you accomplish it?]

"Huh? What do you mean? Be clear, system."

[How did you reclaim your family without using system rewards?]

"Just a single command."

[Incomprehensible. Incomprehensible. Host’s actions exceed parameters.]

The system fell silent, likely retreating to hibernate within her. Its voice alone had sounded off. Kevin simply shook her head slightly, dismissing the thought.

She extended a slender, pale hand and gently touched her soft abdomen through thin fabric, sensing her remaining mana reserves.

"Not bad. Used spatial magic once, but the drain was heavy. Time to handle this enrollment spot." Kevin murmured, then strolled leisurely toward her objective.

Soon, she arrived at the Imperial Academy registration site. Staff were already packing up, yet many commoners still waited—hoping for a life-changing chance. Noble families usually monopolized these spots.

But thanks to Kevin Jaeger, one-fifth of the academy’s students now had to be commoners. Many nobles grumbled and wondered why, yet they obeyed without fail.

No noble dared provoke a Tenth Tier powerhouse—especially one who was an Empire Guardian. Better to play by the rules; there were other ways to secure spots anyway.

"Hello. I’m Kevin. I need to see your headmaster, Kurt."

Kevin spoke calmly, her voice magically disguised to its original tone. The staff member before her didn’t budge. She paused, then added,

"I’ve already contacted Headmaster Kurt. Haven’t you received word?"

At the mention of Kurt Stoudenmire, a trace of warmth flickered in Kevin’s smile. She’d personally lifted this commoner to the position, despite fierce noble opposition.

Back then, no commoner had ever led the Imperial Academy—even teachers were nobles. It had cost her much effort. But an icy voice snapped her back to the present.

"Are you insane? You think you know Headmaster Kurt? Look at your rags—even a stray dog dresses better."

The staff member sneered, then burst into loud laughter. People like her showed up daily.

Nearby commoners waiting desperately just lowered their heads in shame. They dared not act, terrified of losing their chance.

"Is that so? Fine. I’ll wait. I’ve already messaged Kurt Stoudenmire. Remember what you just said."

Kevin listened to the insults without a hint of anger. No need to dirty her hands over this.

"Huh? I told you—"

The staff member’s mouth slammed shut by raw magical force. She choked, unable to utter another word, struggling against the invisible grip.

The academy’s highest authority arrived in a frantic rush, clothes half-fastened, face etched with panic and shock.

"Big Brother Kevin! What brings you here?"

His eyes scanned the crowd and locked onto Kevin in an instant. Onlookers stared in disbelief, as if seeing a ghost.

Kurt Stoudenmire, headmaster of the Imperial Academy, bowed deeply to the cloaked figure, his voice thick with gratitude.

"Big Brother Kevin, what a surprise! I wasn’t prepared—I rushed over as soon as I heard."

"Just a small matter."

Kevin replied casually. Her gaze drifted nonchalantly to the now-trembling staff member, as if the issue were trivial.

The woman had lost all her earlier arrogance. She collapsed to the ground, eyes wide with fear—and deep regret.

If her mouth weren’t sealed, she’d likely be begging for mercy.

"Your staff has a filthy mouth. Handle it. Then find us a private place to talk."

"Understood."

…………After some time…………

"Big Brother Kevin, you want this girl enrolled?" Kurt Stoudenmire examined the photo. Even in the image, her charm was undeniable.

"Yes. Don’t ask questions. Just arrange it."

Kevin waved dismissively, her entire form hidden flawlessly under the cloak. Securing her own spot would be effortless—this place was hers.

"I’ll take my leave."

With that, Kevin vanished from the lavish room. Walking out would’ve been too showy. She’d replenish her mana later.

A pungent alcohol stench drifted from the bustling street nearby. Kevin instinctively covered her nose. A strong gust swept past her face, tearing the cloak from her stunning features.

Two gazes pierced through the dense crowd, meeting in a miraculous instant—as if time itself had frozen.