Under normal circumstances, the Rank Trial would be announced days in advance, giving students time to decide whether to join.

Regardless of noble lineage, any student ranking high in the academy before graduation could join the Royal Capital's Knighthood.

Even for nobles, this meant fame and fortune—and later, royal favor that greatly benefited their families.

But failure brought shame, so the academy always warned students to know their limits.

The trial took place in mountains near the Royal Capital, teeming with monsters. Students were judged by the Monster Cores they collected.

Teachers accompanied them for safety, yet the wilds were lawless. Survival depended on quick thinking.

"Are you really skipping this trial?" Lilith asked Lorin.

Lorin had arranged Xueyi and Lilith's partnership. Without his help exposing the culprit behind that incident—and his personal request—Lilith would never have teamed up with her rival.

Xueyi had always seen Lilith as competition. Cooperation was tough, but this time went smoothly—all thanks to Lorin.

After settling their issues, both girls wondered if Lorin would team up. Instead, he refused to participate entirely.

Even as a prince, the trial was a chance to shine. The eldest prince gained recognition through past performances.

"This trial’s useless to me," Lorin said, stretching lazily. He wouldn’t have interfered at all if not for Xueyi.

"But..." Lilith started. Seeing his calm expression, she sighed. "Alright. You must have your reasons."

The throne was secured. Lilith had heard from her father that Lorin would soon leave the Royal Capital. Indeed, the trial meant nothing to him.

She wanted to help, but royal matters were set in stone—far beyond her reach.

"Done talking?" Xueyi cut in from the side. She hadn’t interrupted, but her face held a hint of displeasure.

Lorin sighed at her. "Once the trial starts, watch each other’s backs. Don’t be reckless."

Teaming up meant more monster kills to split. Both were strong, but Xueyi’s impulsiveness worried him more than Lilith’s steady nature.

"I know. I’m not a kid," Xueyi retorted.

Lorin had repeated this daily. It was the only time she’d heard the same advice from many without snapping.

"Oh, take this." Lorin handed Xueyi a bracelet.

"What’s this?" She examined it, disdainful. "You’re giving me this cheap thing?"

Lorin pinched her cheek. "Seriously, so chatty?"

He recalled her similar complaints when he’d given her a mask last time.

"Ah—ow!" Xueyi swatted his hand away and pocketed the bracelet. "Bad taste is one thing. Don’t silence my complaints."

Lilith watched, covering her mouth as giggles escaped.

Nearby, carriage bells jingled incessantly—the signal for trial participants to gather.

Time’s up. Xueyi glanced at Lorin. "We’re leaving."

"Go ahead." Lorin watched them head toward the academy carriages and clapped his hands. "Time for me to prepare."

The trial lasted exactly one day—from this evening to the next. It would end at nightfall.

Lorin pulled out a bracelet identical to Xueyi’s and addressed the Bookkeeper in his mind. "Is this thing actually useful?"

"Forged from the same magic ore. It senses its pair within range."

"Fine." Lorin pocketed it. To him, it was like a crude tracker—imprecise at best.

As the academy carriages departed, Lorin waved. A black carriage, waiting nearby, rolled forward.

Unlike his usual brown one, this was pitch-black, mysterious in the night. Even the driver wore all black.

Lorin boarded. With a horse’s neigh, the carriage sped toward the city gates—straight for the trial mountains.

Lorin had said he wouldn’t join the Rank Trial. He never said he wouldn’t go.

Late at night, he arrived at a cliffside long before the academy group.

"We’re here," the driver murmured to the carriage interior.

With a creak, Lorin stepped down in a black cloak. He looked himself over. Probably this world’s version of a night vigilante.

The driver eyed the cliff, muttered, and summoned a gust of wind. It shot a grappling hook upward.

Lorin watched, murmuring, "So this is wind magic?"

The driver tugged the hook, securing it. "Climb up to enter the trial grounds. I’ll wait here tomorrow evening."

"Mm." Lorin nodded.

This driver and his gear came from the black market, per the Bookkeeper’s advice.

Last time, Lorin thought he’d visit such a place only once. He hadn’t expected to return so soon.

When he’d stated his request, the black market dealers weren’t surprised—almost expected. It dawned on him: if exams had cheaters, nobles would prepare for risky trials too.

Sometimes, even Lorin thought himself naive.