Elder Jasper continued, "In light of this, let's talk about Class 1-A, whose performance was outstanding. They garnered immense respect in this expedition; victory and loss no longer mattered after their phenomenal display, which the academy will remember for years to come.”
The sour faces of Class 1-A brightened a bit at his words. Even the students of Classes 1-B, 1-C, and 1-D were looking in their direction with a hint of guilt and respect.
“We witnessed Class 1-A's best teamwork against overwhelming odds, a battle that seemed impossible to win. Not only did they face more than seventy students in battle with just twenty on their side, but they also fought valiantly. Especially Garrick, Felix, and Princess Elara, who showcased their prowess to buy time for their designated king, Lorian, and their leader, Violet."
Elder Jasper's gaze swept across the gathered students. “It wasn't that their leader, Violet, was weak and needed protection. On the contrary, she single-handedly took down half of the enemy students, becoming the second-highest scorer in this expedition. Even when wounded, her opponents feared to get close, as she fought like an injured tigress. Meanwhile, Lorian, with his tactical acumen, stayed resilient and protected Violet during her time of need.”
His words began to shed light on the events that transpired after Class 1-A students were initially eliminated. Considering that Violet and Lorian had been absent, the full details of the expedition remained shrouded in mystery.
Elder Jasper’s stern face softened with a rare smile. “That boy, Lorian, tricked everyone, including his own classmates. Using his wits, he outmaneuvered Prince Julian by secretly passing the Sovereign Emblem to his friend just before the other sections could encircle and eliminate Class 1-A.”
As if a bomb had been detonated, the murmurs among Class 1-A quickly grew into an excited buzz.
“That boy fooled us all, it’s unbelievable…” Felix whispered, shaking his head in amazement.
“But this ensured we had a chance to win the expedition,” Elara responded.
“If Lorian didn’t have the Sovereign Emblem, then who did? And did we actually win?” Garrick frowned deeply.
Their faces were puzzled as they tried to piece together what had happened. The question of whether Prince Julian had succeeded in finding the student with the Sovereign Emblem remained a puzzle to solve. Even if Class 1-A had their Sovereign Emblem, they needed other classes' Sovereign Emblems to win the expedition. It was still a mystery if Prince Julian claimed their Sovereign Emblem or if it stayed with Class 1-A.
Elder Jasper raised his hand once more, calling for silence. The students’ voices died down as they turned their attention back to him, eager for more revelations.
“Class 1-A,” Elder Jasper continued with a commanding voice, “demonstrated not only strength but also remarkable strategy and resilience. Despite being outnumbered, their teamwork earned them great respect within the academy. Now, regarding the ultimate outcome of the expedition…”
He paused, letting the suspense build, his eyes scanning the crowd to ensure he had everyone's full attention.
“We must acknowledge the true mastermind behind this expedition's outcome. He was the one who took the emblem from Lorian just before the attack was planned and left the 1-A territory. While three classes were busy trying to eliminate the students of 1-A, this boy infiltrated their hidden place. Not even Prince Julian anticipated this, and only a few students remained to protect their designated kings. Despite being unable to use mana due to the Sovereign Emblem, this boy, a beast tamer, turned the situation to his advantage. He claimed all the Sovereign Emblems in one fell swoop, becoming the highest scorer of this year and securing the victory for Class 1-A.”
A wave of surprising murmurs and celebration spread through the pavilion. The students of Class 1-A couldn’t believe what they had heard. They burst into cheers and hugged each other in celebration. This was a rare occasion as they had not only faced overwhelming odds but had actually won the expedition.
While everyone was shocked by the revelation that a single student had outplayed everyone, the truth sank in. Not only had that boy taken advantage of Prince Julian's strategy for his gain, but he had also taken down all three sections in one decisive move.
“Let this serve as a lesson to all,” Elder Jasper continued, his voice rising slightly to command attention. “The journey you undertake here at Phoenixwing Academy is not just about individual prowess, but about learning to work together, to support one another, and to rise above challenges with honor. Remember, true strength lies not just in power, but in the ability to think ahead, to outmaneuver, and to act with integrity. Moreover, losing a battle with a warrior’s respect is equally important.”
The students of Section B looked particularly embarrassed, their faces flushed with shame at their leader Julian’s absence. It was clear that his tactics had not only cost them victory but also respect. Sections C and D, having been retorted by Elder Jasper for losing their warrior’s respect, stood silently, their heads lowered, feeling the burden of their actions. Meanwhile, the students of Section A were busy celebrating their victory, their faces alight with joy and relief. Their seniors watched the scene unfold, shocked by the turn of events. The unexpected success of Class 1-A had left everyone in disbelief.
Amidst the celebrations, however, the trio at the center of this victory—Lorian, Violet, and the mysterious strategist—were nowhere to be found.
“It’s praiseworthy for that student who planned all this alone and brought an impossible victory…”
“But Elder Jasper didn’t reveal who that student was.”
“Class 1-A should know who it is.”
Even within Class 1-A were not sure about the mysterious student. They all had one name in mind, a name that had been missing throughout the battle.
However, the mastermind of the expedition was currently facing a barrage of complaints from his friends in a quaint one-story house situated in the Eternal Garden.
A crimson-haired lady chided him, "I understand that the outcomes of the war have upset you, but that doesn’t mean you should treat us like strangers... Do we mean nothing to you after that one incident?”
"Big brother even forgot me..." Neria complained with a pout, tightening her grip around Theo's hand.
Theo listened silently to their complaints, sitting beside Neria who was literally hugging him like a koala bear. He was amazed by how Neria didn’t resemble the kid he had met six months ago. Instead, she appeared as young as the twelve-year-old girl.
He was about to inquire about her sudden growth over the last six months when Aerin resumed her barrage of complaints.
"We've all been worried about you, Theo. A little communication wouldn't have been an impossible task," she said, her voice tinged with frustration. "It's like you've forgotten those who care about you. You could at least pretend to be interested in what's going on with us. And thanks for missing my birthday, by the way. Really made my day."
Elena, sitting quietly across from them, sent Theo reproachful glances, her silence as loud as Aerin’s words. Aiden seemed to enjoy the scene, his eyes twinkling with amusement and Lorian was not present to lend Theo any support.
Theo allowed them to vent their frustrations, accepting their complaints with a quiet acknowledgment.
Eventually, seeking to defuse the tension, Theo reached into his golden vault and pulled out some Duskbloom and Abyssal Delight Berries, offering them around as a peace offering to soothe their ruffled feelings, which worked like magic to quiet the complaints.
Catching Theo’s puzzled look toward Neria, Aerin explained, “I was also amazed at her transformation and found out it was because she reached circle rank twenty. As she gains more rings in the future, she may grow even more. The teacher said Neria’s aging depends on the number of evolved rings she owns. And what's more surprising is that she is only four years younger than Lorian, yet she remains as adorable as a child.”
“Does that mean when she gets to circle rank hundred we'll have to call her granny?” Theo asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
Aiden couldn’t help but chuckle at the comment, repeating, “Granny…” to tease her.
“Big brother…” Neria shouted, her tone mock-offended as she glared at Aiden.
Just then, the door to the entrance flung open and Lorian rushed in, announcing with a serious face, “Brother, the Headmistress wants to meet you.”