"Nebis Leyang, you must be the son of Lord Nephus, correct?"

Ard shielded his master, gazing down at Leyang with icy indifference. A formidable aura radiated from his entire being.

"Indeed. And who might you be?"

Leyang met his gaze without flinching, his expression utterly calm. Ard couldn’t help but feel a trace of surprise.

As a Bronze-rank warrior, his imposing presence usually crushed ordinary people. Yet this eight-year-old not only withstood his pressure but stared back with unsettling composure—as if *he* were the one being looked down upon.

"I serve Viscount Wyatt. How dare a fallen noble bully the Fifth Young Master of House Wyatt? Don’t get arrogant. You’ll regret this someday."

Ard’s eyes narrowed at Nebis Leyang. With Wyatt Paul standing behind him, he couldn’t afford to show weakness—not without losing his young master’s respect.

"Insolent! A mere servant dares threaten me? Do you know who stands before you? The future viscount heir of House Nebis! I am Nebis Leyang, inheritor of a viscount’s domain. What are *you* but a mongrel yapping at my heels?"

Leyang’s voice cut like ice, his aura so overpowering that even Ard instinctively recoiled.

"You—!"

Rage flashed in Ard’s eyes. Being intimidated by a child? An unforgivable disgrace.

"Silence!"

A resonant voice echoed through the hall. Three figures—two men and a woman—materialized atop the high platform, their auras crushing. They surveyed the crowd below.

"Ard, return. The enrollment ceremony comes first. We’ll settle this later, Nebis Leyang. Remember my words."

"Yes, sir."

Wyatt Paul swiftly recalled Ard, shooting both boys a venomous glare before slowly walking away.

"Tch. Brats are such a nuisance," Leyang muttered, shaking his head dismissively.

"Welcome, students, to Kamila Noble Academy. I am Plan Dominic, Headmaster of this institution."

The white-haired elder on the platform raised his staff, his voice carrying clearly.

"Plan Dominic?! Archmage Plan Dominic of the Empire!"

"It’s truly him! We’re standing before a living legend!"

"The headmaster is Archmage Plan Dominic—the hero who single-handedly turned the tide at the Battle of Starfall!"

...

Plan Dominic’s name echoed across the empire. His prestige was untouchable, his power unfathomable.

Only true monsters could sway wars alone.

Leyang’s eyes narrowed slightly. The trio’s auras were terrifying. *Best stay low-key for now.*

"To my left stands Bark Keith, mentor for War God Temple elites. To my right is Soya Jemi, mentor for Magic Court prodigies."

The man on the left crossed his arms. His chiseled face radiated savage arrogance, muscles coiled like sleeping beasts. Merely standing there, he made onlookers tremble.

"Fifth Rank Hero! ‘Raging Boulder’ Bark Keith!" someone gasped.

A warrior who could crush armies alone. A legend drenched in imperial blood and glory.

The woman on the right wore a high-slit pink robe, her generous décolletage exuding hypnotic charm. Every smile tugged at hearts, every glance promised ruin.

"Fifth Rank Great Mage! ‘Phantom’ Soya Jemi?!"

A far deadlier threat than Bark Keith. Enemies lured by her beauty rarely saw death coming.

Three Fifth Rank powerhouses—renowned heroes and archmages—hidden within Kamila Academy. Its depth was staggering.

"You’re gathered today for a simple test. The top ten scorers will receive rewards from the academy. The top three may claim *any one privilege*—within reason."

Plan Dominic raised a finger, his ancient voice piercing every mind.

"*Any* privilege?"

Leyang’s eyes flickered with calculation.

"Participation is voluntary. Those unprepared need not force themselves. Attend closely."

Attendants rolled out a smooth boulder and a floating seven-colored crystal, placing them on either side of the platform.

"Hm? What are those?" Leyang frowned.

"The Strength Stone and Prism Magic Crystal, my lord," Phoenix whispered beside him. "The stone measures physical power. Breaking 500 jin with one hand qualifies you as a Mortal Iron-grade warrior."

"The crystal tests magic affinity and elemental alignment. Wind glows cyan, fire red, wood green, earth brown, water blue, metal gold, lightning purple. Stronger talent means brighter light."

"Clear now?"

Her explanation was patient, earnest.

"I see. Thank you, Phoenix."

Leyang offered a faint smile.

"N-not at all! I’m glad I could help..."

Phoenix’s cheeks flushed pink as she ducked her head.

"These tools are familiar to all. Line up. Test the crystal first, then the stone. Myself and the two mentors will reward the top ten. Those who impress us may become our personal disciples."

"*Personal disciples* of a Fifth Rank Hero and Archmage?! This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance!!!"

"I’LL GO FIRST!!!"