It has been two months since the dreadful Royal Academy Incident, and things have relatively returned to normal.

Resumption was delayed as a result of the chaotic incident back then, but ultimately, with everything stabilizing, we have already resumed our Summer Term. Even now, I am currently on my way to class—almost as though our school didn't get overrun by monsters just a couple of months ago.

As I walk down the clean, polished path that leads to my lecture hall, I grow somber and reflect on everything that happened after Professor Alaric's demise.

The long night came to an end and dawn arrived early.

Till today, no one has been able to explain this phenomenon, but looking at the clock, it seems it was indeed the correct time for dawn to appear. And so, the only acceptable explanation is simply that everyone somehow lost track of time during the chaos.

I find that hard to believe, since I was always conscious of every moment, but I digress…

Brutus managed to escape during the chaos, so he couldn't be arrested for his crimes of colluding with Professor Alaric. That man certainly is one sly dog. In the end, he survived and even managed to avoid the consequences.

But, I'm not too worried about the matter. There's only so many places a fugitive can hide in the Randalorion Kingdom.

Sooner or later, he will be found and brought to justice.

Over a hundred people died as a result of the calamity caused by the Cadre 4 Magivore that Professor Alaric became. That number would have been a lot higher if it weren't for the evacuation attempts orchestrated by Earl Balric as well as his timely retreat once things turned awry.

If he weren't such a competent leader, the numbers would easily be in the late hundreds.

A Cadre 4 Magivore is a big deal, after all.

Cadre 1 Magivores are largely harmless, and even the violent ones can be dealt with by normal people wielding the lowest grade Armaments. Cadre 2 Magivores require a D Grade Armament and a Knight to handle. Cadre 3 Magivores require C Grade Armaments and a powerful Knight to handle. As for Cadre 4…

'… They require B Grade Armaments.' I sigh, shaking my head calmly while recalling the nightmarish scene of two months ago.

A B Grade Armament is made up of at least one Rank 4 Special Resource. It is rare, and its danger level is very high, as it is capable of making substantial contributions to the fiercest battles. Such a weapon is usually wielded by Small-Sized Nations, powerful forces, and the highest-ranking members of society.

In essence, such a weapon would not be casually lying around in the Academy. Even if it was present, it wouldn't be something easily withdrawn in the middle of the night.

There would be several procedures to activate such a prized weapon, which is why only C Grade Armaments and below were used in the battle.

Honestly, if Professor Alaric hadn't imploded, things would have ended really badly for us.

I'm certain Earl Balric Wolfshade has a B Rank Armament. After all, he is one of the highest-ranked members of the Randalorion Kingdom. However, such a weapon would be a family heirloom and would be treated as a sacred treasure locked within the vault of his Estate.

It wouldn't be something he could carry around, unlike his C Grade Armament.

The same applies to most of the High Nobility in the Academy.

Even Prince Korrin and Lord Garron were in the same situation and could only use C Grade Armaments at most. B Grade Armaments are simply too rare and powerful, making up a High Noble's accumulation of wealth and power.

This should also go to show how strong a Cadre 4 Magivore really is.

I should say we are quite lucky that only a hundred people died in that incident, but how can I say that in good conscience? Everyone who perished was a person—an individual who walked down their own path of life with dreams and aspirations.

They had families, friends, those they loved, lives they lived, and so on…

A hundred of those perished.

Most were soldiers, guards of the Academy, but several of them were Professors.

As I step into the lecture hall, I witness how gloomy the classroom is. We're supposed to have Alchemy now, and the memories of a certain beautiful and energetic Junior Professor enter my mind. The way she tilted her glasses, the youthful smile she had, and the passion she displayed for the subject she taught.

All of that ended on the night of the Royal Academy Incident.

My eyes uncontrollably move to Noah Louis, who still looks distraught, his eyes swollen beyond what mere cosmetics can hide.

It appears he is yet to get over her death.

The reports say that Miss Beatrice kept calling out Noah's name as she was dying, screaming and struggling under the power of the crimson tendrils. Judging from that, as well as Noah's current state, it seems like there was indeed some reciprocity in feelings between both of them.

But none of that matters now, does it? She's dead… alongside ninety-nine others.

No. Likely more.

Once I take my seat, I place my head on my desk and close my eyes, trying to drown out all the whispers and words that echo within the classroom.

It has been two months already, but people still won't stop talking about the incident.

Well, I can't really blame them.

After all, I'm still thinking about it right now, am I not?

However, what makes me uncomfortable listening to their discourse is the way the matter has been framed, particularly in terms of politics.

Senior Professor Alaric belonged to the Noble Faction; thus, his rampage was used to diminish their influence and reputation by the Royal Faction. Prince Korrin and his aunt, Anna, used this opportunity to combat the High Nobility—especially the Noble Supremacists like Earl Klaus—by pushing a portion of the blame to them.

Prince Korrin used the information I provided in my letter to him, as well as Brutus' cooperation before he fled, as a way to further pin the High Nobility down for their steep corruption and many other accusations of which there is currently no proof.

If Brutus were to be found, I'm certain this would only be another nail in the coffin for the Noble Faction. As a result, I wouldn't be surprised if the High Nobility are also seeking him out in order to eliminate him before it's too late.

Since he was their errand boy, he is bound to know many secrets.

With the Royal Academy Incident being pinned on the High Nobility, it has affected a lot of student interactions as well. The Prince's Faction has gained a lot more prestige than before, while the Noble Factions have suffered a heavy blow—especially the Ashfall Faction.

The Starcrest Faction was able to maintain its influence due to the bravery Garron Starcrest exhibited during the Royal Academy Incident. He led squads and subdued many of the Rot Worms, elevating his reputation and saving the prestige of his Faction.

Vaelen Ashfall, on the other hand, didn't do anything.

As a result, he was the biggest loser.

The biggest winner, however, was Prince Korrin Randalorion himself.

Everyone keeps talking about his actions in the Royal Academy Incident: how he gathered backup soldiers together, both students and staff, and expertly delegated roles to them with an astute mind.

By sending these backup soldiers to various sections of the Academy, casualties were minimized, and none of the students thankfully died.

Most of these are exaggerations, but they've spread across the entire Academy.

Due to all the rumors and statements, Prince Korrin has officially cemented himself as the hero of the Academy and one of the most outstanding students in the history of the school. In my past life, I didn't hear much about the prince, but it seems he's on a good track this time around.

I don't think I'll be so surprised if he actually becomes king with the rate at which this is going.

That would cause another change to the future… but I can't help it, can I?

In fact, I'm almost certain that the Royal Academy Incident didn't occur in my past life.

Professor Alaric wouldn't have gotten Uncle Damon's research if it weren't for the changes I made to the timeline. I attended the Royal Academy, and also had Davin be the contact for me and my uncle, giving the crazy professor a way to reach the latter's residence.

If I hadn't changed anything, none of this would have happened in the first place.

But—

'I have no regrets at all…' I tell myself with a sigh. 'I am not responsible for the decisions of others, so I shouldn't feel guilty about their actions.'

Indeed, I changed the future with my actions, but Alaric was the one who chose to do what he did. He made that choice on his own, without my influence. I will not burden myself with the weight of his actions.

He was his own man… just as I am my own person.

'In any case, it doesn't seem like me or Uncle Damon will be getting into any trouble for what happened with Professor Alaric. This is perfect.' I sigh in relief, glad about the lack of recognition.

If we got involved in this feud between the Royal Faction and Noble Faction, things could end up badly for me—especially my family. The High Nobles and Royal Family can protect themselves due to how powerful they are. They would only end up suffering minor losses at most, but my entire Household could be razed to the ground if things escalate and our name gets mentioned.

My family is only a Mid-Rank Knight Household.

Even the Royal Family won't spare much energy in trying to protect us if it doesn't bring them sufficient benefits.

'In fact, the main reason why we aren't getting recognition is likely due to Korrin's interference.'

A wry smile forms on my face.

'Korrin knows of my involvement with Professor Alaric, but he can't make the matter too public, since I am a part of his Faction and he has already blamed the Noble Faction for the Incident. If I am brought into the limelight, it would give the Noble Faction a chance to retaliate using me.'

Of course, Korrin can cut me off to save his own skin—which he will undoubtedly do if the truth comes out and it becomes inconvenient for him—but there really isn't any reason to.

At least, not at the moment.

I am still extremely useful to him, so he won't let go of me easily.

Plus, since Earl Balric Wolfshade belongs to the Royal Faction, he won't rat me or my uncle out.

We're all on the same side here.

With the Noble Faction suppressed, I should also have a much easier time in the Royal Academy.

And so, despite how much the tragedy weighs heavily on my heart, I also cannot help but clench my fist and look ahead in hope for the future.

I still have a long way to go in this Academy, and this is only the beginning!

*********

Time flies quickly…

Years in the Royal Academy have shown me a lot of things, both good and bad.

Ah… So much has happened. Where do I even begin?

Okay, let's start here:

I became one of the most exceptional and popular students in the Academy, breaking records and shattering expectations. The J-Tutorial Club expanded beyond my expectations with the rise of the Prince's Faction and fall of the Noble Faction, creating a brand new era within the Academy.

As I advanced through the years, the Club only grew bigger.

At some point—and I'm not exaggerating here—I even became the most influential student in the Academy, surpassing all my peers and seniors.

If not for my lack of High Nobility Status, I would have even become Head of Student Council.

Yes! I became that powerful.

Everyone is also aware of this, even the current Student Council Head.

Because of this, I got an honorary role as the Special Adviser to the Council—a newly made position designed just to accommodate me in the high seat. Some High Nobles opposed my rise at first, but they all turned silent after some time.

It appears that all the powerful people in this Academy already know that I will be going places, so even the previously snubbish High Nobles have begun to warm up to me.

I even got a letter of invitation from Earl Klaus Gerondester, inviting me to a party at his Estate.

Naturally, I ignored it.

Even though I wasn't busy at all during that period—which he must have been sure of—I wasn't going to step anywhere in the vicinity of such a man. His intentions remain obvious to me, but I don't ever want to have anything to do with him.

Instead, I enjoyed my time with the friends I made in the Academy.

Seth Clayford, as well as Arthur Moriah, a Knight from a High Rank Knight Household, became my closest friends. Oh, there's one more… Serena Rudinger!

I never expected that we would get so close, but we have actually become really good friends.

She still hasn't made any overt moves on me, and I think she's already gotten the hint that I'm not interested in her that way. As such, we've been good as just friends.

In fact, I actually went to her family manor for her engagement party with the Duke's son.

Maybe she invited me to make me jealous, but I took it in good stride and congratulated her with utmost sincerity. She doesn't really like the guy and thinks he is sort of a brainless idiot, but she is smart enough to manipulate him to get what she wants.

In essence, she's being clever about her arranged marriage and she has a plan in place.

Such a woman…

I certainly know who will wield the power in that Household.

Regarding relationship with staff, my favorite person remains Anna Randalorion. I actually got my wish, and we've become much closer than I anticipated.

Yes, even to the point of friendship.

Then, I have somewhat grown to tolerate Earl Balric Wolfshade.

Just the other day, he called me aside to offer me an early congratulations. He hasn't stopped bragging about the advice he gave me back then, and how glad he is that I decided to walk down the path he showed me.

Honestly, that man…

Ah, who am I kidding? He actually still gets on my nerves.

But, he is a worthwhile connection I have managed to make in this Academy, so maintaining relations with him is important. In fact, I have made far more connections than I expected—both from students and instructors.

My graduation is tomorrow, which means this chapter of my life is about to come to an end.

It was quite the journey, but I had fun.

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