Chapter 127 The Selection Process (2)

Chapter 127 The Selection Process (2)

The air was thick with anticipation as the students gathered in the auditorium once more, awaiting the announcement of the results from the written exam. Whispers of excitement and anxiety echoed through the chamber, while the tower representatives sat in their plush seats, their expressions inscrutable.

Professor Isabella, her presence commanding as ever, stepped forward to address the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed students and tower representatives, I am pleased to announce the results of the written exam."

A hush fell over the room as all eyes turned toward the stage where Professor Isabella stood. The tension in the air was palpable.

"In first place," she declared, "we have a remarkable achievement. Aurora Brittan has secured the highest score in the written exams."

A murmur of approval rippled through the assembly, acknowledging the prowess of the princess. Her reputation as a prodigious talent had clearly been well-deserved.

But on such an occasion, the princess didn't seem happy, there was no smile on her face as she received congratulations from her peers, she seemed lost thinking about something.

"In second place," Professor Isabella continued, "we have Julia Rozantal, who displayed a deep comprehension of magical principles."

Julia's face lit up with a mixture of pride and relief as she heard her name called. She had worked diligently for this moment, and it had paid off.

But it only lasted for a minute before her face somewhat distorted as she mumbled, "Tch! I should have gotten first place!"

Nevertheless, Instructor Issabella continued her announcements.

"And in third place," the professor announced, "we have Luna Primrose."

Luna's expression remained composed, but a gleam of satisfaction shone in her eyes. She had always been dedicated to her studies, and although she was happy she didn't forget the grace of being a noble and carried herself in a collective manner.

The rest of the results were read out, and the room buzzed with a mixture of disappointment and elation. Among those who had passed with flying colors was Eren Pendragon, who had secured the 13th place. Eren couldn't help but smile inwardly at his ranking. While it might not have been at the top, he was satisfied with his performance, given his unique circumstances and past experiences.

'The Tower of Diligence,' Eren silently acknowledged as he recognized the emblem. As his eyes fell upon the man, he found himself met with an intense and unwavering gaze. The man possessed fiery red hair and eyes that gleamed with an almost predatory intensity, their piercing scrutiny making Eren feel like he was being sized up for consumption.

The name of this formidable figure was Vlad, a moniker that carried an aura of infamy and notoriety.

Vlad, the Scarlet Scoundrel.

It was a name that had become infamous, largely due to his fiery temperament and the ruffian-like attitude that had become synonymous with it. Yet, beneath this notorious exterior, he radiated an aura of intensity that seemed capable of altering the very atmosphere around him.

Fixing his piercing gaze squarely on Eren, Vlad posed a question that hung in the air like a palpable presence, "Tell me, Eren Pendragon, in your estimation, what is the single most vital virtue for a man?"

Eren felt a sudden weight in the air, as if the very room was pressing down on him. Yet, He didn't back down but met Vlad's eyes, unwavering. "The most important virtue for a man in my life is resilience. It's the ability to keep moving forward, no matter the challenges or setbacks he faces."

Vlad remained unresponsive, his intense gaze fixed unwaveringly on Eren. She couldn't deny the validity of Eren's perspective, though she was unwilling to admit it openly.

"Hmp! I see," Vlad eventually uttered, his voice laced with a challenging undertone. The atmosphere in the room seemed to shift, and in the next instant, a tremendous pressure descended upon the interview room, an invisible force that pressed down relentlessly, testing Eren's mettle.

"Vlad!" the voices of other tower representatives rang out in unison, their concern evident as they observed Vlad's actions. Freljord Academy had been unequivocal in its directive that no students were to be harmed during the selection process, leading to understandable worry among the other representatives.

However, a hand raised among the representatives, signaling for them to withhold their interference. It was an elderly woman from the Tower of Wisdom. Her intervention commanded respect and silence from the others, who observed the unfolding scene with rapt attention.

Eren, realizing that no one is going to step in, drew upon his inner well of magic and his profound understanding of magical theory. He focused his mind, countering the oppressive force with a subtle magical barrier he conjured. The room crackled with energy as their opposing forces collided.

The other representatives watched with growing fascination, captivated by this unexpected confrontation. Eren and Vlad engaged in a silent battle of wills, a test of magical strength and knowledge. From a mere glance, it was evident that Eren was at a distinct disadvantage, yet it was no less impressive that he managed to hold his ground against the pressure exerted by a 7th-star knight, a testament to his remarkable resilience and determination.

As time passed, Eren realized that this interview was more than just a formality. It was a trial by fire, a chance to prove himself not just as a student but as a magician worthy of sponsorship by the Towers.

As the pressure in the room reached its zenith, Eren's determination remained unshaken. He was ready to meet this challenge head-on, determined to show that he was more than just a promising talent—he wanted to show that he was a force to be reckoned with.

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