Chapter 165: The Principal’s Reward

Just like when they had departed, accompanied by the pale flames blazing around them and the monochrome scenery of the Death Realm passing by like a scroll before their eyes, the group of exhausted apprentices finally returned to the first-floor hall of the Magic Tower at White Coral Academy, through Anthony-Rook’s teleportation witchcraft.

"You all did very well this time. I’m very pleased."

Out of the top fifty, twenty-one were from White Coral Academy.

Not only that, the top scorer of this Three-School Joint Examination was also an apprentice from White Coral Academy.

For the academy, which hadn’t claimed first place in years, this was undoubtedly an unexpected surprise.

"In this Three-School Joint Examination, our academy not only placed first in the overall score rankings but also secured the individual first place—"

At this point, Anthony-Rook and the other apprentices couldn’t help but glance again at Janna, who stood at the center of the group.

"So, I will fulfill the promise I made before we set out: any apprentice who placed in the top hundred will be rewarded with 200 academic credits; those in the top fifty will receive 300 academic credits; and those in the top ten will receive 500 academic credits—"

Upon hearing about the 500 academic credit reward, Janna, who had been mentally exhausted, suddenly felt a sense of relief.

"As for Janna, who placed first, in addition to the 500 academic credits, I will personally reward you with a miraculous alchemical seed."

As he spoke, under the envious gazes of the crowd, a pineapple-shaped seed with a metallic sheen flew out from Anthony-Rook’s interdimensional space ring and landed in Janna’s hand.

"The Principal sure is generous."

Seeing the miraculous alchemical seed in Janna’s hand, even Vivian, who usually didn’t lack money, couldn’t help but quietly marvel at Anthony-Rook’s generosity this time.

After all, a miraculous alchemical seed was nearly equivalent in value to an apprentice-level witch tool.

"Alright, tomorrow is Thursday. The academy is giving you all a day off. Use this time to get some proper rest."

Though their curses and injuries had been treated after leaving the Secret Realm, the dual toll on body and mind over the forty-eight hours definitely required some real rest to recover—

"Janna, where are you going now?"

As the apprentices gradually left the first floor of the Magic Tower, Vivian took the chance to pull Janna’s arm and ask.

"I was planning to go straight back to the dorm—but I think I’ll eat something first."

Vivian didn’t say it out loud, but based on how she kept rubbing her stomach, she was clearly hungry.

"Let’s go. My treat today. You can eat whatever you want."

"Pfft, no wonder you’re the top scorer of our academy—so generous now."

Though she teased with her words, Vivian was genuinely happy for Janna.

As they spent more time together, Vivian had already begun to treat Janna as “one of her own.” She just didn’t know if Janna saw her the same way.

"Miss Janna—"

Just as the two were about to step out of the Magic Tower’s main entrance, Maro Heigel, who had been waiting at the door for quite a while, called out to Janna.

"Miss Janna, I wonder if you have time today to join me for a meal—"

"Sorry, we already have plans."

Before Maro Heigel could finish his sentence, Vivian cut in without hesitation, her face full of wariness.

"Ah, then I apologize. How about this weekend? Would you be available, Miss Janna?"

Maro Heigel had intended to properly host a meal to thank Janna, but his plan was abruptly thwarted by Vivian.

Being a well-mannered gentleman, Maro Heigel naturally wouldn’t insist rudely. So he had no choice but to change the day for his invitation.

"Mr. Maro, you can just call me Janna from now on."

"Then don’t call me ‘Mr.’ either. Just Maro is fine!"

Hearing Janna say that made Maro Heigel genuinely happy.

"So, are you free this weekend?"

"Really sorry, I have rehearsal this weekend. I might have to stand you up."

"Rehearsal?"

Upon hearing that, Maro Heigel was momentarily taken aback. Then, as if remembering something, his expression turned slightly dazed.

"I almost forgot, Janna, you’re now one of the most popular actress in all of Turin!"

Their time together in the Secret Realm, though only a dozen hours, had almost made Maro Heigel forget that the person before him was the same dazzling opera performer on stage.

The contrast between the two personas was simply too stark—so much so that Maro Heigel nearly forgot Janna’s other identity.

"Then, on the weekend of the first week next month, I’d like to invite you and Vivian to see my new opera performance."

"New opera?"

This time, not only Maro Heigel, but even Vivian looked surprised.

"Janna, are you performing in a new opera?"

"Yeah. Be sure to come support me when the time comes."

"Of course, no problem!"

Last time, Vivian had only found out about Janna’s opera identity by surprise.

Though she enjoyed Janna’s performances, she definitely didn’t like the feeling of being left in the dark.

"What about you, Maro?"

"Of course, I’ll be there too—"

After agreeing on the next time to meet, Maro Heigel politely took his leave, no longer disturbing Janna and Vivian’s dinner plans.

After the two enjoyed a satisfying meal at the Acorn House, Janna said goodbye to Vivian at the dormitory entrance and took the elevator back to her room alone.

"Miss Janna, you’re finally back!"

As the mechanical elevator doors opened, the Door Spirit, who had spotted Janna from afar, excitedly greeted her.

"Yes, I’m back. No one came looking for me these past few days, right?"

"No one—Only your most loyal Door Spirit has been here, faithfully waiting day and night—"

"Alright, I’m going to rest now. If anyone comes looking for me, just let me know."

"As you command!"

Gently pushing open the door and taking off her clothes, the first thing Janna did was head into the washroom, turn on the shower, and start bathing in hot water.

"Staying in the Secret Realm too long… I was almost assimilated by the stench of the swamp—"

Especially that rotting stench inside. Just thinking about it made Janna want to gag.

"I heard there are many such places inside the Mist Tower—No wonder they always wear masks. Otherwise, just the bacteria and toxins inside would be enough to cause lung infections—"

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