Episode 8: Bunch of Weirdos
“…Yeah. All that happened in just two days.”
Ludwig Lihi, the headmaster of the Continental Academy, let out a wry chuckle.
When he first saw the list of incoming students, he had already predicted that this year would be far more chaotic than the last.
But as always, reality hits much harder than mere expectations.
‘And then there’s that one name that I hadn’t even thought about until recently.’
Abel Rotensilt—wasn’t that his name? A new student from the Ascal Kingdom.
Headmaster Ludwig was from the Empire. He had little interest in foreign affairs.
Even so, the Rotensilt name was familiar to him, mainly because of Lumine, a current third-year student.
She was a Radiance-type ability user, one especially specialized in manipulating pure light.
Her abilities had drawn attention from the Holy Order, to the extent that they tried to scout her even before she graduated.
She was an outstanding talent with a promising future—and Abel was her younger brother.
“A new student raising objections to the initiation is one thing… but someone charging straight at their seniors? That’s a first.”
“The relationship between the Ascal Kingdom and the Ragem Kingdom is well-known, isn’t it?
And youthful pride tends to exceed our expectations, Headmaster.”
“If men like us who aren’t even fifty start talking like that, we’ll sound ancient—let’s not.”
Once physical aging begins, an ability user’s powers tend to fade quickly.
While one can somewhat maintain their body with training, special abilities are much harder to preserve.
At a certain point, not even talent or experience can make up for the decline.
That’s why most professors average in their mid to late 30s.
Those who step back from teaching and move into administrative positions—academy higher-ups—are usually in their 40s or older.
Though Ludwig was the headmaster, his body was still in its prime at forty.
However, his powers were no longer what they used to be, so he had transitioned to an administrative role.
“And after that? It only gets better, huh? The sons of Lord Phoenix and Master Sparrow went at it for real?”
“Thanks to them, the academy’s front entrance is a mess. We estimate it’ll take at least three days to fully repair.
And, as previously mentioned, that Abel kid apparently tried to mediate.”
“From what I read, it sounded less like mediation and more like he just wanted to join in…”
His head was starting to ache.
He had a bad feeling ever since hearing that the Third Prince would be arriving, and now that unease had become reality.
The sons of the central figures of the Fire and Water elements…
Twin princesses from the northern principality…
Even the son of the republic’s prime minister in the south had finally decided to enroll.
And that’s just the abridged version.
Even if you exclude direct heirs to thrones and only count prestigious families, there are over a dozen high-profile new students.
Some clueless professors might be thrilled at the opportunity to teach such promising talent.
If they’re lucky, they might even be remembered as the mentors of future legends and give it their all.
And there’s nothing wrong with that.
If Ludwig were still a professor, he probably would’ve been overjoyed and brainstorming what kind of lessons to prepare.
But now, he had stepped away from direct teaching.
As the headmaster, he was stuck with all the administrative responsibilities.
Right—administration.
He may sit at his desk all day looking like he’s doing nothing, but he’s the one constantly burdened with all the exhausting problems behind the scenes.
And during situations like this, he’s the one whose heart pounds with anxiety, Because when something does explode, he’ll be the one running around like a dog with its tail on fire trying to fix it.
“There’s already talk outside calling this the Academy’s ‘Golden Generation.’”
“And rightly so. Their abilities are incredible, and the trouble they’ll cause will be just as ‘golden’—enough to overwhelm old men like us.”
“Where did that ‘don’t make us sound old’ guy go from earlier?”
Ignoring his secretary’s nagging, the headmaster turned to gaze out the window.
He could feel it in his bones.
Starting this semester, a huge storm was coming to the academy.
“Was today the power assessment for new students?”
“Yes, sir.”
“You’ve made sure to assign enough personnel in case something happens?”
“Of course. We’ve doubled the number compared to usual.”
“Double isn’t enough—make it more.”
“Even more?”
I just can’t shake this unease.
The secretary almost objected, but in the end, he followed the superior’s order.
He too agreed—this year’s new students were a ticking time bomb, ready to go off in any direction.
***
To enter the academy, one must first pass a verification by the examiners.
What abilities do they possess? Can they control them properly? Do they show potential for growth?
Five examiners observe everything in detail, and the student must receive majority approval to pass.
And those who pass the entrance process go on to face a new series of tests.
If the previous evaluations checked whether they were worthy to enter,
Then the tests inside the academy decide who stands above and who falls below.
Among these tests, the very first is Power Assessment—a test to measure the limits of each student’s abilities.
It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most important evaluations.
For the academy, it reveals how much can be drawn out from a student.
And for the student, it’s the moment they understand the true limit of their own power.
“Haa, haa…”
“I think that’s enough now. Miss Seria… Frisian.”
“Just one more… Can I try just one more time?”
Professor Rei, who was in charge of the measurement, hesitated for a moment.
It wasn’t uncommon. Many freshmen, confident in their own abilities, would be shocked when their power measurements came out lower than expected and would struggle to accept the reality. Some would even question the accuracy of the measuring device, but most would simply ask for another try. The job of the measuring professor was to discern whether a student could truly improve or not with a second attempt.
“Judging from that, this student—Seria—clearly isn’t going to show any improvement…”
But she wasn’t being stubborn because she couldn’t accept the truth. If anything, biting her lip at the measurement result showed she already had a rough idea of her own limitations. Yet she asked for another chance—most likely out of a desperate desire to give it her all just one more time.
“Alright. This will be your last chance, Seria. Nothing beyond this. Keep in mind you’re taking up the time of the students after you.”
“Thank you!”
With permission granted, Seria refocused and activated her power once more.
Small flames bloomed around her—like fireflies, or embers blown by the wind. After fully manifesting them, she sent the flames toward the measuring device.
The sheer number wasn’t bad, but each individual flame was too weak. And it wasn’t like they had any special alternative usage either. No matter how you looked at it, it was just pure flame—that seemed to be the entirety of Seria’s power. To be frank, it was a miracle she’d even made it into the academy.
“That’s enough. Stop there.”
At Rei’s signal, Seria collapsed onto the spot as if her legs gave out.
She must have used up a lot of energy. But based on the actual output, she shouldn’t have been this exhausted already. Which meant she was below average in both power and endurance.
“Good work, Seria. Your measurement results will be available later this week. You seem to have overexerted yourself—go get some rest today.”
“Yes…”
Her drooping shoulders made her look pitiful, but there was nothing to be done. Professors at the Continental Academy weren’t there to coddle like parents, showering blind faith and encouragement on every student.
They had to remain objective. Ability users were both the pride and military assets of their nations. And if a weapon was useful, it was maintained with care—but if not, it could be discarded at any time.
If someone could even land a job as a professor, they were considered lucky. Former elite ability users could find themselves in precarious positions once their powers declined. Those who had risen to fame thanks to their awakened abilities would crash twice as fast when those powers faded.
The various kingdoms, including the Empire, had founded the Continental Academy to strengthen their own nations. Yet many veteran ability users who now worked as professors still wondered if they could do something—anything—for the next generation. Perhaps it was national loyalty. Or perhaps it was something more personal.
“I just hope she improves, even a little, and finds her place in the world outside.”
As he went to call the next student, Professor Rei thought back to those he’d assessed today.
It wasn’t just Seria. Most of the freshmen were like her. Sure, getting into the academy meant they had potential, but once inside, the level of competition changed dramatically.
Calling them disappointing would be unfair—they were still first-years. Most had only ever trained by themselves. Of course there were gaps.
At the Academy, they’d experience other types of abilities, interact with other ability users, and learn and grow from there.
The nations benefited by raising stronger citizens, and the students gained exposure beyond their narrow worlds. As for has-beens like himself? They got a steady paycheck, which was always a good thing.
“The Imperial Prince, though… he’s in a totally different league.”
While most students pushed themselves to the limit, the Empire’s Third Prince did the opposite.
Controlling and even manifesting darkness—if that’s the level of his power, he was already highly skilled. There was no way his output could be weak.
Yet during the measurement, the Third Prince—no, the student Caligo—held back.
Above average, sure. But never enough to draw too much attention. As if he disliked being the subject of gossip, he purposefully stayed at a moderate level and left the exam quietly.
It was understandable. He was both a noble and an ability user. Of course he had to consider the atmosphere of the Imperial Palace.
But… could he really stay under the radar? With this lineup of freshmen, peace seemed impossible.
“Abel Rotensilt.”
Next up. From the same kingdom as Seria—Ascal—and the younger brother of the third-year student Lumine.
“Here.”
“Follow me.”
According to the observers’ report, he had both swordsmanship and physical enhancement abilities. The measuring device would be calibrated accordingly before the test.
With that in mind, Rei led Abel into the test chamber.
“See that device in front of you?”
“Yes, Professor.” “It’s simple. Just attack it with your full strength. Use your sword if you’d like, or strike it with your body.”
“I’ll use the sword.”
“Good. Let’s begin.”
As the device glowed with blue light, Rei stepped back.
Seria had been a letdown. Caligo, too reserved. But Abel—he had the guts to stand up to senior students. What would his performance be like?
“Huuuup!”
“Oh.”
Wait—Abel, hold on—
PING!
BOOOOOOM!!!
***
Hours later…
“Oh, dear god…”
Headmaster Ludewig collapsed backward in shock.
[ Test Chamber 3: Completely Destroyed During Freshman Power Assessment ]
Abel would be like 'but I held back'
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