Chapter 139: Year End Examination

The Verdant Dawn Academy was abuzz with tension.

The end-term exams loomed over the students like a guillotine, and fear was the dominant emotion in the air.

Some students hadn’t slept in days. Others clutched their textbooks like lifelines, whispering prayers to every deity they could think of.

Alaric, on the other hand, was perfectly calm.

“You’re not worried at all, are you?” a fellow student groaned, dark circles under his eyes.

Alaric offered a polite smile. “I’ve been a little busy.”

A little busy. Right. The guy had only revolutionized communication, sent nobles scrambling to curry favor, and somehow still managed to be the academy’s star student.

But what Alaric didn’t know—what he couldn’t know—was that he wasn’t the only one carrying a secret.

Just like how he had accidentally acquired the Harem God System (courtesy of a celestial god’s blunder, which, funnily enough, still hadn’t been noticed), there were others here who possessed systems.

But unlike him, they hadn’t gotten them due to some divine clerical error.

No.

These individuals had been gifted their systems, carefully chosen by the gods themselves.

Designed heroes of this world.

And two of them had transferred into the academy.

One of them was Kenneth Darlington-Whit.

A young man with sharp golden eyes, noble features, and the kind of confidence that came naturally when you had an entire Eternal Emperor System whispering in your ear that you were destined to rule.

Kenneth’s system had granted him overwhelming charisma, the ability to command attention with ease, and the subtle push to always seek power.

Which was exactly why he had set his sights on Alaric Steele.

’If I can recruit him… no, if I can make him my right-hand man, I will be unstoppable in this world.’

Kenneth had tried to interact with Alaric a few times.

Tried.

It hadn’t gone well.

The first time, Alaric had been surrounded by admirers—students, professors, even the occasional noble’s daughter—all vying for his attention. Kenneth had barely gotten a nod in before Alaric was whisked away.

The second time, Kenneth had prepared a grand speech, a proposal of cooperation… only for Alaric to be “suddenly” needed by the Headmaster for something important.

By the third time, Kenneth had to face an unfortunate truth.

’This guy is impossible to get a hold of.’

But that wasn’t all.

Kenneth had expected to shine in this academy. With his system, his charisma, and his bloodline as a descendant of a fallen royal family, he should have been the most eye-catching student here.

Instead?

Everywhere he turned, the girls were talking about one person.

“Did you see Alaric in the training hall today?”

“He’s so talented… and so mysterious!”

“I heard he invented a new spell just last week!”

Kenneth clenched his fists.

It was infuriating.

No matter what he did, no matter how much he flaunted his talents, the girls’ eyes always wandered to Alaric Steele.

’How is this even fair?!’

Of course, Kenneth wasn’t the only one facing this problem.

Noah Gilkes was dealing with a similar headache.

Noah, heir to a prominent alchemy union, had transferred to the academy with one goal in mind—Alaric Steele.

’A genius inventor like him… I need him under my wing.’

His Ultimate Alchemist System had given him unparalleled knowledge of alchemy, but there was a limit to what he could do alone.

Alchemy required rare ingredients. Artifacts. Connections.

And most importantly? A craftsman.

And Alaric?

Alaric was that craftsman.

Noah had already envisioned their future partnership.

Alaric would create, Noah would market, and together, they would dominate the industry.

There was just one problem.

He couldn’t even get close to the guy.

The first time he had tried, Alaric was in the middle of a three-hour-long conversation with an esteemed professor.

The second time? Alaric was “busy” testing a new invention.

The third?

Well.

Let’s just say Noah had been left standing outside Alaric’s dorm for a good twenty minutes before finally giving up.

’What is with this guy?!’

And, just like Kenneth, Noah had also noticed something annoying.

“Alaric is really something, huh?”

“I wonder what kind of girl would be worthy of him?”

“Do you think he prefers refined noble ladies, or strong warrior types?”

Noah was going to explode.

It was already bad enough that Alaric was stealing all the attention.

But the worst part?

The one girl Noah had been interested in… she only had eyes for Alaric.

’Are you kidding me?!’

Kenneth and Noah had yet to realize they were both transmigrators.

They had yet to realize they were both struggling to meet the same person.

And they definitely had yet to realize that they were both falling for the same girl.

Not that it mattered.

Because at the end of the day?

No matter how much effort they put in…

No matter how much they schemed or strategized…

One simple, undeniable fact remained.

Alaric Steele was already ten steps ahead of everyone else.

And he had no idea that two supposed “destined heroes” had come to make him their subordinate.

~~

The Verdant Dawn Academy crackled with nervous energy. The end-of-year practical exams were upon them, a looming judgment day for every student, but none were more eager—or desperate—to prove themselves than the new transfer students.

Among them stood Kenneth Darlington-Whit, a young man blessed with golden eyes, impeccable posture, and the kind of confidence that only came with noble lineage and an overpowered System whispering reassurances in his mind. His perfectly coiffed blond hair barely moved as he leaned against the window, gazing down at the courtyard where students bustled about, their faces drawn tight with anxiety.

’These exams are the perfect opportunity,’ Kenneth mused, a smug smile playing on his lips. ’Time to show everyone who the real prodigy is.’

He had always known he was destined for greatness. His Eternal Emperor System had been working overtime, granting him rapid advancements in his magical prowess. He had already ascended to the Adept Rank, an impressive feat for someone his age. Each new skill he acquired only reaffirmed what he had always believed: that he was meant to rule.

And yet…

“Did you hear? Alaric Steele isn’t even worried about the exams.”

Kenneth’s brow twitched at the mention of that name. He didn’t turn his head, but his ears sharpened as the nearby students gossiped.

“I know, right?” another student whispered. “He’s been spending all his time with Professor Maelis lately. Can you imagine? One of the strongest combat instructors at the academy, and she’s practically tutoring him personally!”

Kenneth’s jaw tightened. ’Alaric Steele again,’ he thought bitterly.

Everywhere he went, it was the same. No matter what he did, no matter how impressive his feats, someone would always bring up that name. Alaric Steele, the so-called genius. The academy’s golden boy. The enigma who, despite being a noble, never quite acted like one.

’Popularity doesn’t win practical exams,’ Kenneth told himself. ’Skill does. And I have plenty of that.’

He flexed his fingers, feeling the magic thrumming in his veins. This was it. His moment to shine.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the academy, another transfer student was preparing for the upcoming trials in his own meticulous way.

Noah Gilkes sat at his workbench, his fingers deftly polishing a set of enchanted alchemy tools. His sharp green eyes flickered with concentration as he inspected a vial of shimmering liquid, turning it this way and that under the candlelight.

’This is it,’ he thought, his lips curling into a confident smirk. ’Time to shine.’

His Ultimate Alchemist System had granted him unparalleled knowledge in the field of alchemy, allowing him to concoct elixirs and potions with precision beyond his peers. Already, he had made a name for himself as a rising star, but that wasn’t enough.

’Alaric Steele might be an inventor,’ Noah conceded, ’but I’m a master alchemist. And alchemy trumps invention any day.’

He carefully arranged his tools, ensuring everything was in perfect order. He had spent countless hours preparing for these exams, refining his skills, perfecting his techniques. There was no room for failure.

“I heard Alaric is skipping practice again,” a voice muttered from outside his workshop.

Noah’s ears perked up. He clenched his jaw, gripping his workbench tighter.

“Yeah,” another student said. “Apparently, he’s too busy training with Professor Maelis. I swear, he must a loose screw in his mind. To think he would be training with that demonic instructor.”

Noah’s eye twitched.

First, Alaric had stolen all the attention in the academic field. Now, he was monopolizing the most sought-after professor in the academy?

’I’ll surpass him,’ Noah vowed. ’I’ll show him what true talent looks like.’

Both Kenneth and Noah were confident, bordering on arrogant. They were ready to prove themselves, to outshine their classmates, and most importantly, to surpass Alaric Steele.

Little did they know that Alaric was barely aware of their existence.

Alaric Steele sat at his desk, absently flipping through an old tome on advanced magic martial arts. His eyes weren’t really focused on the text, though. Instead, they were staring out the window at the setting sun, his mind occupied with more… pressing concerns.

’Exams?’ he thought, amused. ’Oh, right. Those are happening soon, aren’t they?’

He supposed he should care.

But in all honesty? He had bigger priorities.

Most of his focus lately had been on strengthening his connections within the academy—particularly with certain professors. He had already built a solid rapport with Professor Amelia Lyon, a brilliant scholar, and now he had set his sights on Professor Maelis, the esteemed instructor of Magic Martial Arts.

’Professor Maelis,’ Alaric thought, a smirk tugging at his lips. ’Such a wondrous beauty. Long silver hair, piercing violet eyes, that incredible physique… she’s definitely a target.’

His recent training sessions with her had been highly educational. Maelis was a warrior through and through, wielding twin enchanted battle wheels that cut through the air like lightning. She was strong, agile, and utterly relentless in battle. Each session left Alaric more battered than the last.

And he loved it.

“Again,” she commanded, adjusting her stance as Alaric wiped sweat from his brow.

“I was hoping you’d say that,” he replied with an easy grin, raising his fists.

Maelis smirked. “You talk big, but you’ve yet to land a single solid hit.”

“That’s because I’m pacing myself.”

Her eyebrow arched. “Pacing yourself?”

Alaric lunged without warning, his fist streaking toward her face.

She dodged effortlessly, stepping to the side. He followed up with a rapid kick, but she blocked it with one of her wheels, the clang of metal echoing through the training hall.

“You’re improving,” she admitted. “But you’re still holding back.”

Alaric grinned. “Observant as ever, Professor.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Why?”

“Because surprises are more fun.”

Her smirk deepened. “Then surprise me.”

He would. Soon.

For now, though, he was content to let her think she had the upper hand. He could tell she was growing more intrigued by him with each passing session, each narrowly dodged strike. And that suited him just fine.

’I’ll win, eventually,’ he thought. ’And when I do…’

Well. He had plans for that.

While Kenneth and Noah were desperately scrambling to prove themselves, Alaric was playing a completely different game—one of charm, patience, and carefully calculated moves.

They wanted to surpass him.

But the truth was, they weren’t even on the same board.

~~

The examination chamber hummed with anticipation, a faint magical aura pulsating through the walls. Students lined up before an ancient-looking archway carved with glowing runes. The air was thick with tension, excitement, and in some cases, sheer terror.

Professor Verenthia, the stern and ever-composed invigilator of the exam, stood before them in her deep green robes, her golden eyes gleaming with a knowing amusement. Unlike the other professors at the academy, who often indulged in long-winded speeches before an exam, Verenthia kept things brief.

“This will not be your usual examination,” she said, her voice carrying effortlessly through the hall. “You will not be simply hurling spells at stationary targets or reciting incantations from memory. Today, you will be tested on your adaptability, resourcefulness, and survival instincts. The conditions will change based on your magical affinity and your past performance in practical combat. I do not care how powerful you think you are. If you lack adaptability, you will fail.”

A murmur of unease rippled through the students. The Verdant Dawn Academy was known for its rigorous exams, but the way she emphasized survival made several students shift nervously in place.

Kenneth Darlington-Whit, standing at the front with his arms crossed, smirked.

’Survival? Please. I was born for this.’

Noah Gilkes, adjusting the straps of his alchemy satchel, narrowed his eyes.

’Adaptability? That’s my specialty.’

At Verenthia’s command, the archway flashed, and the first student stepped forward hesitantly. As soon as they crossed the threshold, their surroundings warped, and they were thrust into a personal illusionary battlefield tailored to their abilities. The exam was a fully immersive magical simulation—a dangerous one.

The first few students struggled. A water-affinity mage was suddenly surrounded by a desert with no moisture to draw from. A wind mage found themselves in an underground cavern where their spells barely had room to move. The results were… not inspiring. Many barely lasted a few minutes before the enchantment forcefully ejected them, leaving them panting, frustrated, and, in some cases, slightly burned.

Kenneth’s turn arrived. He strode into the archway with the confidence of a man who believed he was destined for greatness.

The moment he entered, the battlefield formed—a ruined cityscape, with broken towers and burning streets. A perfect arena for an emperor.

’Oh, how fitting,’ Kenneth thought with a smirk.

The simulation wasted no time. Hostile figures—warriors in tattered armor—emerged from the shadows, their hollow eyes glowing crimson. He was surrounded.

A lesser mage would have hesitated. Kenneth, however, was already moving.

He extended his hand, and golden magic swirled around him like a royal decree. His Eternal Emperor System had enhanced his command presence, and with a single word—

“Kneel.”

The spectral warriors hesitated for a fraction of a second. And that was all he needed.

A brilliant explosion of golden energy erupted around him as he surged forward, cutting through his enemies with precise, devastating attacks. He commanded the battlefield as if he were born to rule it, his every movement a declaration of power.

The challenge adjusted, sending even more powerful foes against him, but he adapted, crushing them under the sheer force of his magic. He exited the archway twenty minutes later, his uniform slightly ruffled but otherwise untouched.

He turned back to the class, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair.

“That was… manageable,” he said, his voice just loud enough for everyone to hear. Then, with a pointed glance at the remaining students—particularly Noah—he added, “Try to keep up.”

Noah rolled his eyes. “Tch. Arrogant bastard.”

But inside? He was intrigued.

’So, this guy’s an Adept Mage too?’

His turn came next. He stepped into the archway, and the illusion twisted around him. Unlike Kenneth’s grand battlefield, Noah was thrown into something far more sinister—a dense, dark alchemical laboratory, filled with unstable potions, rogue elementals, and hazardous concoctions bubbling over. The room felt alive, shifting and twisting as if it were testing his every move.

’A puzzle, huh? Good. That’s my game.’

One of the unstable potions exploded near him, sending a shockwave of acidic mist through the air. Noah reacted instantly, grabbing a nearby flask and tossing it into the cloud. A neutralizing vapor burst forth, counteracting the acid just before it reached him.

The room adapted.

A creature formed from pure liquid mercury slithered toward him. Noah’s eyes glinted.

“Let’s see how you like this.”

With practiced ease, he pulled three ingredients from his satchel, mixed them in a swift motion, and threw the resulting potion directly at the creature. The moment the liquid touched the mercury beast, it solidified into useless, brittle metal.

He grinned.

’And that is why alchemy is superior to brute force.’

It took him slightly longer than Kenneth—twenty-two minutes—but he emerged victorious.

Kenneth was waiting for him, arms crossed, an amused expression on his face.

“That was cute,” Kenneth said. “A little slow, though.”

Noah scowled. “I’d like to see you handle half the things I just went through.”

Kenneth’s smirk widened. “Doesn’t matter. I still won.”

The rivalry between them flared. They weren’t friends, not even close, but now? They saw each other as serious competition. And in their minds, competition meant one thing—Alaric Steele needed to be surpassed.

Kenneth turned to the rest of the class. “I expect better performances. That was embarrassing.”

The true target of his taunt, of course, was Alaric.

The class murmured as Alaric, who had been watching everything with an almost bored expression, finally moved.

He stepped toward the archway, hands in his pockets, posture completely relaxed.

Kenneth raised an eyebrow. “Finally going to take this seriously, Steele?”

Alaric yawned. “I was going to, but after watching you two struggle, I feel like I should hold back a bit. Wouldn’t want to make anyone cry.”

Kenneth’s eye twitched.

Noah scoffed. “Talk big all you want. Let’s see what happens inside.”

Alaric simply shrugged and stepped into the archway.

He focused his will, and the archway shimmered, adapting to his magical signature.

The challenges that materialized before him were unlike anything Kenneth or Noah had faced. They were complex, intricate, and… strangely familiar.

Alaric recognized some of the patterns, the magical constructs, the elemental forces. They were similar to the training exercises he had designed for himself, the challenges he had used to hone his skills.

’Interesting,’ he thought, a hint of curiosity in his mind. ’It seems the professors have been studying my methods.’

He moved through the array with effortless grace, his magic flowing smoothly, his movements precise and efficient. He didn’t rush, didn’t show off, simply navigated the challenges with a calm confidence that bordered on nonchalance.

He manipulated the magical constructs with ease, dispelled the elemental attacks with a flick of his wrist, and bypassed the intricate traps with a casual stroll. He made it look so easy, so effortless, that it seemed almost… boring.

The crowd watched in stunned silence, their eyes wide with disbelief. They had expected Alaric to struggle, to face a real challenge. But he was breezing through the exam as if it were a leisurely walk in the park.

Kenneth and Noah watched with a mixture of frustration and awe. They had poured their hearts and souls into their preparations, pushing their systems to the limit, only to be outshone by someone who didn’t even seem to be trying.

’How is this even possible?’ Kenneth thought, his fists clenching.

’He’s not even using his full power,’ Noah realized, his face flushed with anger.

Alaric reached the endpoint, his expression unchanged. He had completed the exam without breaking a sweat, without even raising his voice. He had simply… been himself.

He glanced at Kenneth and Noah, a faint smile playing on his lips. “That wasn’t so bad,” he said casually. “Did you guys have fun?”

And with that, he walked away, leaving Kenneth and Noah seething with frustration, their rivalry burning even brighter. They had wanted to prove themselves better than Alaric, but he had once again left them in the dust, showing them that they were not even close to his level.