How was Number One supposed to pass the Final Test? He tried to master a low-ranked Soul Art for weeks and failed. If they ask him to master a higher-ranked Soul Art within a day or even worse a few hours, he was completely doomed.
"Is the Soul Art for the Final Test decided already?" Number One questioned casually with sneaky intentions in mind.
Since he had an unlimited Soul Art Library pass, he could find it and start mastering Soul Arts much earlier. Unfortunately, his plan got crushed by Darius the very next second.
"The Soul Art is already decided but it will only be announced right before the Final Test," Darius replied with a cheering smile. "Rest assured, we wouldn't force you to learn a low-ranked Soul Art. It will be at least a high-ranked Soul Art. Naturally, we can't expect you to master it fully right away, so we will just judge your progress instead."
Number One's heart sank as his chances to pass dropped below zero. How was he supposed to learn a high-ranked Soul Art if he struggled with low-ranked trash arts? The only reason he even had a single Soul Art was thanks to the nameless crystal that embedded itself into his chest.
"Are you worried you are not going to pass?" Luna teased with an amused smile but Darius stepped in before Number One could say anything.
"I wouldn't be too worried about our star. If he can master such powerful Soul Art, anything else is just a piece of cake," Darius assured confidently. "Now that he has access to the Soul Art Library, he can finally unleash his potential. You guys still have a whole month of practice so that's a lot of time."
"Wasn't it a year?" Number One was taken aback. He hoped he could at least use up a whole year's worth of privileges before his real potential was discovered.
"It is a year for normal students but we will host a special advance Final Test for all of you in the top class," Darius informed. "Two months from now on, the Dragon Academy in the Capital will host a Young Dragon Summit for all Soul Artists under thirty years old. Our Winged Soul Academy has ten guaranteed seeds that will spare you the lengthy qualifiers. We want all of you to pass the Final Test earlier and compete for them."
Darius glanced at the front row and added, "You two have a great chance of securing one of the seeds with your supreme battle power. I'm counting on you."
"One of the seeds is already mine," Luna replied confidently as she glanced at Number One. "It should be easy for you to get one too, right?"
Number One was already dead inside but he still put on a fake smile. "I think you forgot my name. I am always Number One."
Luna matched his gaze but she didn't comment on what she had in mind. She has already proven that Number One's light gun was useless against her. As long as she had the right speed, he wouldn't be able to hit her.
"Perfect, I like this energy," Darius nodded as he clapped his hands. "Alright, that's all I wanted to say when it comes to the main points. Follow me. I will show you the Academy and talk about the facilities at your disposal."
Everyone was excited to finally start their Academy life and they all jumped up from their seats to follow the teacher. Only Number One and Luna remained still, both for the exact same reason.
They were crafting a plan on how to get the most out of their stay in the Academy. A month might be a long time for a normal commoner but it was nothing to a Soul Artist who was constantly training.
"Hey," Luna called out first as soon as the last student left. "I have something to discuss with you."
Number One would normally shut her down but his plan has changed. Since he had to maximize his benefits, he could no longer ignore her. His body could regenerate so he could easily stay in the Soul Training Room for a longer period of time. If he could trade his privileges for more time, he could fill the whole first door and secure a second Legendary Soul Art.
"What is it?" Number One asked back casually as he stood up to follow the group. "I'm not going to answer any questions if that's what you want."
"No, it's more like a favor," Luna corrected as she walked by his side and went straight to the point. "I want you to lend me your unlimited Soul Art Library pass. I want to study a few high-ranked Soul Arts and only you can take out as many Soul Arts as you want."
Number One raised his eyebrows, realizing it was exactly what he needed. He didn't show any other reaction and played it cool, "And why would I help you? Did you forget that you stabbed me twice? You didn't even apologize and now you want favors from me."
"I'm sorry for stabbing you. It will not happen again," Luna apologized without hesitation and asked again, "Will you lend me the pass now?"
"Don't you have your own? You are a Soul Master," Number One pointed out but Luna only clenched her fists.
"I did my research. With my rank, I can only reserve one high-ranked Soul Arts every month. It would be fine if the Young Dragon Summit was by the end of the year but it's just two months away. If I don't get your help, I won't be able to master the Soul Arts I want," Luna explained honestly. "I will give you whatever you want as long as it's reasonable."
"Those are dangerous words," Number One muttered while shaking his head. "You told me everything just like that. Even if I wanted you to be my servant for a month, you would be forced to agree."
Surprisingly, Luna wasn't affected at all and nodded, "Sure, I don't mind. Is it a deal then?"
"Do you realize what you are agreeing to?" Number One questioned with wide eyes. "What if I ask you to do something sexual? You already said I'm a pervert."
Luna blushed as she glanced down his body but her determination didn't falter. "As long as you promise I remain pure, I am fine with anything. It's just a month of humiliation in exchange for a better future. I have been through worse."
Number One stared at her in wonder and finally nodded, "Alright then. If I want something in the next month, I will tell you. For now, all I want is your Soul Training Room time. I hope you don't need it to study your Soul Arts?"
"Not at first, but maybe later," Luna replied while looking at him suspiciously. "Why do you need more time though? The teacher said one hour is the highest one can handle."
"Secret," Number One replied with a shrug. "If you ask me any more questions, I will have to rethink this deal."
Luna sealed her lips, but she didn't stop looking at him with her piercing gaze.
"You can stop looking at me too," Number One added with an eye roll, causing her to turn her head abruptly.
Number One stopped paying her attention and looked at the group of female students ahead of him. It would be a hassle but he had to use his charm for once.