Chapter 39 " beyond the exam "

At the Huntington Academy’s Grand Lecture Hall

Seated around a grand oak table, the academy’s most esteemed professors and scholars reviewed the list of incoming students. Dressed in formal attire—elegant suits, cravats, and flowing gowns—they wore expressions of contemplation and concern.

The headmaster placed a parchment on the table. "In four days, we will welcome three hundred and seven new students. Among them, one stands out—not because of his background, but because of his entrance exam."

A murmur spread through the room.

"He took the exam two days ago," the headmaster continued, "and now we face a dilemma. His performance on the first section was perfect—impressive, but not unheard of. Another student that day achieved the same feat. However, the second section, where we assess not just knowledge but applied intellect, presents a challenge."

Professor Elias, one of the examiners, leaned forward. "The issue isn’t his answers—we’ve all reviewed them. The issue is how to grade him."

"Before we decide on that," another professor said, "Professor Elias, you were his examiner. What kind of young man is he?"

Elias exhaled, recalling the moment. "When I entered the examination hall, I found him at the center of a commotion. Not because of anything he did, but because of how he looked. He wore a simple tunic and boots—clothing common among villagers, adventurers, or street folk. It was clear he was neither noble nor merchant-born."

"Hmm," one professor mused. "Yet he achieved this score?"

"There’s more," Elias continued. "He has a striking presence. Black hair, black eyes—not a common combination—but what stood out most was his demeanor. He wasn’t nervous. He wasn’t arrogant, either. Just... calm. Completely at ease, as if the exam was nothing more than a trivial task."

The professors exchanged intrigued glances.

Professor Vaelgrim Ironquill, a highly respected scholar, tapped the table thoughtfully. "I examined his work carefully. He didn’t just provide correct answers—he reshaped the very foundation of the questions. His tax reform proposal didn’t merely account for loopholes; he anticipated how different social classes would react, adjusted for economic incentives, and suggested policies to prevent corruption before it even arose. His understanding is... beyond what we have taught."

This dwarven professor, despite his common birth, had earned a surname—Ironquill—a rare honor bestowed for scholarly achievement. He wore a finely tailored emerald robe with gold embroidery, a burgundy tunic, and a scholar’s sash. Silver-rimmed glasses rested on his nose, and his neatly braided beard symbolized both wisdom and status.

Professor Elias nodded. "And he completed the exam faster than any other student."

Another murmur.

Professor Mayen, known for her strict grading, exhaled sharply. "Then how do we grade him?"

Professor Veydris scoffed. "The exam follows a structured point system. He should be graded like any other student."

"But," Zorlan countered, tapping the parchment, "what grading system accounts for answers that exceed the scope of the test itself?"

Silence.

Mayen frowned. "The real question isn’t whether he deserves full marks—it’s whether our grading system is even capable of measuring his intellect."

Zorlan nodded. "If we give him full marks, we imply that his work is merely perfect. But this isn’t just perfect—it is beyond the limits of our current evaluation. If we alter the grading scale, we admit our system is outdated."

Uneasy glances were exchanged. For years, students had been judged within a rigid framework. Now, for the first time, they realized that framework was insufficient.

After a long pause, Professor Vaelgrim Ironquill spoke again. "Professor Elias, you mentioned the boy is not from a noble or merchant family. Tuition might be an issue. I propose we grant him a full scholarship, contingent on his continued performance. If he meets our expectations, he pays nothing. If he falls short, he pays like any other student."

No one objected. Even the headmaster, after a brief silence, nodded in agreement.

Vaelgrim Ironquill was a highly respected scholar whose knowledge influenced countless fields of study. His research on natural phenomena reshaped how scholars understood the world’s fundamental forces. His writings were widely studied across Yedon, making him a leading authority in multiple disciplines. Beyond theory, his innovations led to the invention of tools that advanced society and improved human lives. Because of his esteemed reputation, his judgment was rarely questioned—if he deemed a student worthy, no one dared argue.

Thus, the decision was made.

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Inside the carriage, I noticed Arthur fidgeting, his hands clenched on his lap.

"Arthur, why do you look so nervous?" I asked.

He let out a shaky breath. "I’m just anxious about the exam results."

"But didn’t you say you were sure you passed?"

"Yeah, but I still can’t help feeling nervous," he muttered.

Sarah leaned back against the seat, arms crossed. "Come on, Arthur. I’m not even sure if I passed, but I’m not as tense as you."

"Aren’t you worried about failing?" I asked.

She shrugged. "If I fail, I fail. It’s not like my life is over. I can always try again next year or enroll in one of the easier academies in Liras City."

Then she smirked. "Want to know the secret to not worrying?"

Arthur and I exchanged glances. "What is it?" I asked.

She leaned forward, lowering her voice like she was about to reveal some great wisdom. "Just don’t expect anything."

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Is that even possible?"

"Of course! If you know you didn’t do well, then don’t expect good results. No expectations, no disappointment," Sarah said matter-of-factly.

"But Arthur already said he's sure he passed," I pointed out.

"Exactly! That’s why I don’t get why he’s freaking out. My mom even gave me twenty gold coins as a down payment for enrollment. What if I fail?" She laughed.

"Wait, twenty gold coins? Do we need to pay that much upfront?" I asked, my stomach sinking.

"Not today," she clarified. "But before you're officially enrolled, you need to pay at least ten gold coins as a down payment. The remaining ninety gold coins can be paid in installments throughout the year, or you can pay the full amount upfront if you prefer."

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For a moment, silence filled the carriage. Arthur and Sarah exchanged glances, likely noticing my concern.

"Caelan, I can lend you ten gold coins if you need," Arthur offered.

"I can pitch in five," Sarah added.

"Since you’re not an adventurer anymore, I can ask my father to hire you at our furniture shop," Arthur suggested.

"You could also work part-time at our restaurant," Sarah said. "The pay isn’t much, but it’s something."

I appreciated their kindness, but I already had a plan. "Thanks, guys. I might need to borrow some for the down payment, but don’t worry—I have things figured out."

Even if I took a part-time job, I wouldn’t earn enough to sustain myself in the Northeast District. Rent there wasn’t cheap, and right now, I barely had two gold coin and three silver to my name. A full-time job wasn’t an option since I was enrolling in the academy.

My only real hope? The treasure Van and I found in the bandits’ hideout. If the academy had the answers I needed, I might not stay for long. But first, I needed money to make sure everything went smoothly.

As we entered the Southeast District, my thoughts remained occupied with my predicament. As always, the district was alive with movement, its streets exuding elegance and exclusivity. Theaters with grand facades towered beside private clubs, their entrances guarded by attendants in crisp uniforms. High-end taverns and eateries lined the avenues, their hanging ironwork signs, inlaid with gold and enamel, gleaming under the sunlight, their chains occasionally rattling with the wind, carrying the rich aroma of roasted meats and spiced wine.

After weaving through the bustling district, we finally reached Huntington Academy.

Near the entrance, a large crowd had already gathered at a busy crossroads. Most weren’t students but noble servants, likely sent to check the exam results for their masters. From spring to summer, today was the defining moment for many—the announcement of entrance exam results.

At the heart of the crowd stood a grand bulletin board, crafted from polished wood and trimmed with gold. Beneath its protective glass cover, neatly arranged parchments displayed various announcements. At its center, a freshly posted parchment bore bold, official lettering, its contents drawing the eyes of all who gathered."

"Tension filled the air as murmurs spread through the gathered onlookers. Some whispered in anticipation, others anxiously scanned the board for names that would determine their futures—or the futures of those they served."

Without wasting time, we hurried toward the board to check our names. Sarah started from the bottom, working her way up, while Arthur and I scanned from the top.

I found my name immediately—ranked first, with a perfect score. Arthur was fourth, but the difference between the second, third, and fourth rankings was just a single point each.

A note beside my name caught my attention:

"The highest scorer is required to report to the Headmaster's office."

Arthur clapped my shoulder, his voice filled with excitement. "Caelan, congratulations! Not only did you get the highest score, but you also got a perfect score!"

I could tell he was genuinely happy for me.

"Congratulations to both of you," Sarah added with a smile.

"Thanks," I replied simply.

Arthur turned to her. "How about your results, Sarah?"

She grinned proudly. "I passed! I'm ranked one hundred forty three out of three hundred seven passers."

"That’s great! Congratulations." I couldn’t help but smile—she seemed so proud of her achievement.

Arthur beamed. "We all passed! We should celebrate!"

"Yeah! Let’s go to my family’s restaurant—it’s on me. My parents won’t mind letting us eat for free since I have great news!" Sarah said excitedly.

"Sounds good, but I need to go to the Headmaster’s office first," I said.

"Huh? Why?" Sarah looked confused.

I pointed at the bulletin board. "It says at the top that the highest scorer needs to report to the Headmaster."

"Alright, we’ll wait for you here," Arthur said.

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The Headmaster’s Office

I walked toward the academy’s main building. Unlike the exam day, when students filled the halls, the area was now eerily quiet.

Near the entrance, a man was waiting. He was an older gentleman with neatly styled dark hair, cool gray eyes, and a calm, composed expression. He wore a refined black suit with gold trim, a lace-patterned vest, and a cravat with a purple gemstone brooch. His dignified posture and sharp gaze gave him an air of authority.

"I assume you are Caelan, the highest scorer?" he asked, his tone measured.

"Yes. I came because of the announcement on the bulletin board," I replied.

"That’s correct. The Headmaster is expecting you. Follow me."

I followed him down a long hallway, heading in the opposite direction of the exam room. At the end of the corridor stood an imposing door labeled "Headmaster’s Office." The man knocked.

"Headmaster, Caelan, the highest scorer, is here," he announced.

"Let him in," came a deep voice from inside.

The man opened the door, and I stepped into a grand office. Dark wood furnishings, tall windows, and bookshelves lined with aged tomes filled the space. A large ornate desk stood at the center, and a chandelier cast a warm glow, adding to the room’s refined yet authoritative atmosphere.

Behind the desk sat an older man with long white hair and a well-groomed beard. His golden eyes were sharp, his furrowed brows giving him a stern presence. He wore a high-collared black and white outfit adorned with intricate silver embroidery, a large blue gemstone pendant resting on his chest.

Two individuals stood beside him:

A woman on the left: with auburn hair tied neatly, soft green eyes, and a high-collared dark green dress with a black ribbon. Her composed demeanor exuded quiet elegance and discipline.

A man on the right: with long blond hair, green eyes, and round glasses. He wore an ornate beige and navy suit, his intelligent gaze giving him an air of authority. Yet, unlike the others, he seemed approachable.

The Headmaster spoke first. "I assume you are Caelan. I am Headmaster Nicholas."

I placed a hand over my chest and bowed slightly. "Good morning, Headmaster. I am Caelan from the Sanderson territory of the Klehon Empire."

The room fell silent. The professors exchanged surprised glances, as did the Headmaster, though he quickly masked his reaction.

Despite my simple attire, my manners and etiquette seemed to catch them off guard.

The Headmaster remained composed. "Take a seat, Caelan."

I did as instructed.

"I called you here to inform you personally about the privileges you’ve earned as the highest scorer. Achieving a perfect score is a rare feat, and as such, we are granting you a full scholarship," he explained. "However, it comes with a condition—if you fail to maintain an excellent academic performance, the scholarship will be revoked. If that happens, you will be required to pay the standard tuition fee of one hundred gold coins per year."

I nodded. I understand. It’s similar to how scholarships work in my previous world. If a student fails to meet certain grades, they lose their financial aid.

"I’ll do my best to meet your expectations," I said, giving the answer they wanted to hear.

Truthfully, I wasn’t too concerned about the scholarship. If I could get my hands on all the treasure hidden by the bandits, the tuition fee wouldn’t be an issue. Besides, my main reason for being here wasn’t for education—I had a different purpose.

The Headmaster studied me for a moment before nodding. "Good to hear."

After Caelan Left

The office remained silent for a few moments before Professor Mayen spoke.

"Despite his attire, his posture, speech, and even the smallest gestures reflect noble etiquette and refinement. It’s as if he was raised with it from birth," she remarked.

Professor Zorlan adjusted his glasses. "Indeed. There was no nervousness—only confidence."

The Headmaster leaned back in his chair, eyes thoughtful. "That boy… is mysterious."

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"Hey, what happened?" Arthur asked.

"I just got some great news—I don’t have to pay for tuition!" I said with a grin.

"Wow, that’s amazing! A double celebration!" Sarah exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.

Arthur nodded. "That’s a huge relief. Everything's falling into place now. But Caelan, if you ever need help, just let us know. My offer to work at our shop still stands."

I smiled. "Thanks, Arthur. I’ll definitely keep that in mind if the time comes. But for now, I have a plan." I hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Also, I wanted to tell you both—I won’t be attending the academy for the first three days of class or more

"Huh? Why?" Arthur asked, exchanging a puzzled glance with Sarah.

I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. "I have somewhere important to be."

I didn’t tell them where. It was better that way.

Because I was planning to retrieve the treasure that the bandits had left behind.