As shiki made agreement with emma to attend academy,shiki had to take theory exam and combat test to get special seat which was granted privilege to attend the school with high dignity and honour. Shiki as he look at the school from the gate and thought about how he should be around the world. For shiki it was first time but he didn't felt it like first time.....

As Shiki approached the towering gates of Aeternus Academy, he couldn't help but wonder, Is this really the academy they spoke of? The grandeur of the place was overwhelming, but he pushed forward, stepping into the unknown.

Just inside the gate, a young man dressed in an elaborate silk uniform caught Shiki's attention. The man's outfit radiated wealth and power as he barked orders at a servant, demanding his luggage be carried with haste. Shiki, thinking little of the interaction, walked past them, only to feel a sharp glare on his back.

"Hey, you!" a voice called out, dripping with arrogance.

Shiki paused and turned, his expression calm. "Do you have any business with me?" he asked, his tone even.

The young man strutted towards him, eyes narrowed. "Where is your respect? Do you know who I am?"

Students nearby began to whisper, casting sympathetic glances at Shiki, clearly pitying him for having crossed paths with the wrong person.

Shiki blinked, genuinely puzzled. "Do I need to know who you are to join this school?"

Laughter rippled through the crowd, only intensifying the young man's embarrassment. His face reddened, but he tried to maintain his composure. "I am the son of a court noble, and the rightful successor of the great warrior, Lord Nava!"

Recognition flashed across Shiki's face as he nodded. "Indeed, I've learned about Lord Nava. He was a great man who earned respect through his deeds. But," Shiki's eyes locked onto the young man's, "I don't see any reason to respect you since you haven't accomplished anything yourself."

The students around them erupted in quiet giggles, the sound only further humiliating the nobleman's son.

The young man's face twisted with rage as he drew his sword, pointing it at Shiki. "You've done it now," he snarled. "In the name of Lord Nava, I shall grant you death for your disrespect toward his successor! Prepare to face the judgment of my blade!"

Just as the young man prepared to strike, an imposing figure appeared, his presence instantly commanding respect. An older man with a stern, intimidating face stepped between them, halting the attack. The crowd immediately dropped to their knees, bowing in reverence. Even the young man, now trembling slightly, lowered his head.

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But Shiki, still confused by the sudden turn of events, remained standing. The young man, flustered by Shiki's apparent lack of respect, barked at him, "You ignorant fool! Why aren't you bowing to the Royal Duke?"

The Duke, his voice calm yet authoritative, interrupted, "There is no issue here. He is new to the custom we have." He turned his piercing gaze to the young man. "But Ragus, you were about to misuse your power without the permission of the officials. Worse, you dared to invoke Nava's name to justify your actions. That is not permitted."

Shiki's mind raced as he took in the new information. Ragus... so that's his name, he thought.

Ragus, trying to regain some of his lost dignity, stammered, "My lord, this man was being disrespectful towards me. I thought it was my duty to punish this ignorant fool."

The Duke's eyes narrowed, his voice growing colder. "That boy merely spoke the truth. Furthermore, you are not the successor, but merely a candidate. So, Ragus, what authority do you think you have in this academy to punish anyone?"

Ragus's bravado crumbled as he looked down at the ground, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... I was wrong, my lord."

The Duke's glare deepened. "Return to your duties, all of you. And as for you, Ragus, get out of my sight before I expel you."

With that, the crowd quickly dispersed, casting cautious glances at Shiki, who remained unfazed by the encounter.

The Duke turned to Shiki with a discerning gaze. "So, you must be Shiki the First. It must have been challenging, facing a noble."

Shiki nodded, his expression solemn. "Yes, it was difficult. I didn't have any data on him."

A slight smile played on the Duke's lips. "Well, you handled yourself well. I was watching from afar, and even I was impressed by your resolve. Come, Shiki. I will personally escort you to the Director's office."

Shiki followed the Duke through the grand corridors of Aeternus Academy. When they entered the office, Shiki found himself before a round table where twelve individuals were seated. The moment the Duke stepped in, all twelve rose to their feet, bowing deeply in respect.

The Duke walked with authority to the head of the table and gestured to Shiki. "Welcome to Aeternus Academy," he said, taking his seat. The twelve figures followed suit, their eyes now fixed on Shiki.

"Normally, students must pass a rigorous theory exam to prove their knowledge," the Duke continued. "But today, you shall be an exception. I will personally grant you admission to this academy—if you can land a single hit on any one of the twelve people present here. But don't underestimate them; they are the chosen Elites, each a master of their own unique discipline."

As the Duke's challenge hung in the air, one of the Twelve Elites rose from his seat and bowed deeply toward the Duke. "My lord, please grant me the honor of testing his abilities. I've heard quite a bit about him from Leon."

The mention of Leon caused a ripple of surprise to pass through the room. The Duke and the others raised their eyebrows in unison, clearly intrigued. The Duke leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Is that so? To think that even Leon has taken notice of you, Shiki. This becomes more intriguing by the moment."

The Duke allowed a brief pause, then nodded decisively. "Very well, Midas. I grant you this opportunity."