The group presentation went surprisingly well, and as expected, we had the best presentation. This was a given, considering the concentration of top students in our group. Everyone was within the top fifteen of the batch in the written exams, so this result was no surprise.

I leaned against the window, reflecting on the recent events and the path ahead. 'There are no more canonical events until the end-of-year tournament,' I mused, recalling the <>.

This meant I finally had a break to train and get stronger to face off against Lucifer for Rank 1. The only notable event before the tournament was the mid-term exams, but those weren't a major concern. After that, it would be the end-of-year tournament and the second Freshman Ball, marking the end of my first year at Mythos Academy.

'Soon, I will have been in this world for over a year,' I thought, clenching my fist slightly. It seemed like a long time, but simultaneously, it felt brief.

The events in <>, at least up to the eight published volumes before I died, spanned ten years. There was still much to cover since Lucifer, the main character, hadn't yet reached -rank or clashed against Jack Blazespout or the Demon Overlord.

That was my true worry. So far, I could predict most events because of my knowledge of the novel, but this would become less reliable as time passed. The timeline seemed to be deviating, some of it because of my actions, but some of it was beyond my control. Like how the demons attacked Mythos Academy during the first mid-terms out of nowhere.

None of my actions, even with the butterfly effect, could have changed the timeline enough to make demons attack from space. But they did.

It was a stark reminder that this world had a life of its own, with variables and twists that even my foreknowledge couldn't account for. This uncertainty only fueled my determination to grow stronger, to prepare for whatever lay ahead. The tournament, the battles, the unforeseen challenges—I needed to be ready for all of it.

As the bus rolled out of the hotel grounds, the chatter and laughter of students filled the air. The successful presentation had lifted everyone's spirits, and the atmosphere was light and carefree.

"Hey, Arthur, come sit with us!" Rachel called out, waving me over. I made my way down the aisle and took a seat beside her. Luke was already there, his usual nervousness around Rachel now tempered by the shared success of our project.

"Great job on the presentation, everyone," Rachel said with a smile. "We really nailed it."

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"Yeah, thanks to your leadership," I replied. "You made sure we all stayed on track."

Rachel blushed slightly, waving off the compliment. "It was a team effort."

Cecilia leaned over from the seat in front of us. "I still can't believe Sera and I managed to work together without killing each other," she said with a chuckle.

Sera, sitting next to her, rolled her eyes. "I could say the same about you, Princess. But credit where it's due, you did a good job."

"Why, thank you," Cecilia said, mock-bowing from her seat. "I'll take that as a high compliment."

Luke, still somewhat star-struck by Rachel, finally found his voice. "So, what do you think our next project will be?" he asked, trying to join the conversation.

'Ah yes,' I thought as my smile twitched, 'This Academy thought it was a wonderful idea to never change these groups for all future group projects.'

This was because the Academy wanted to reduce the alienation between the different classes in the same batch. It made sense, but I couldn't say I liked it.

"Hopefully something less stressful," I said. "This one was a lot of work."

Rachel nodded. "True, but it was worth it. And besides, we all learned a lot about the Temple of Enlightenment."

"I still think the Wall between -rank and -rank is the most fascinating part," Luke said. "I mean, the idea that a place can help someone break through that barrier... it's incredible."

"It is," Rachel agreed. "And it gives us a lot to think about for our own future growth."

The bus hit a bump, causing everyone to jolt in their seats. Laughter erupted, easing any lingering tension. Cecilia and Sera resumed their playful banter, and Rachel started discussing potential training techniques with Luke, who hung on her every word.

I leaned back, enjoying the moment. It was nice to see everyone relaxed and getting along. These small, everyday moments of camaraderie were a welcome respite from the constant pressure of training and competition.

"Hey, Arthur," Rachel said, breaking into my thoughts. "Do you have any plans for the weekend?"

I shrugged. "Probably just more training. You know how it is."

She smiled knowingly. "Always focused. But don't forget to take some time for yourself. Balance is important."

"I know," I said, appreciating her concern. "Thanks, Rachel."

As the bus continued its journey, the conversation flowed effortlessly. We shared stories, joked around, and for a little while, it felt like we were just ordinary students on a field trip, without the weight of our responsibilities and ambitions.

We soon reached the Academy and made our way to the dorms to rest. Being a Class A student, I had access to the best dorm, and all eight of us Class A students ended up going there together.

I exchanged small talk with everyone except Ren. Every time our eyes met, I could almost see the smug grin on his face, clearly proud of having beaten me after I took Rank 2 from him during the mid-years.

It was infuriating.

Finally reaching my room, I collapsed onto the bed, the events of the day catching up with me.

'Luna,' I asked mentally, 'Did you analyze the weaknesses of God's Eyes?'

'Yes,' she transmitted back, her voice calm and steady. 'What would you like to do with the information?'

As expected of a qilin, always prepared.

'Time to make a plan,' I responded, taking out my tablet and starting to jot down notes.

The title?

How to Beat God's Eyes.