Charlotte’s POV:

’It’s surprising to know I was easily forgiven by Leomaris. I know I was being influenced, but even so, I should have at least resisted. I went against the person who gave me hope, and I could have killed him as well. If he had cut ties with me, I would have understood, but instead he is trying to help me again.’

Charlotte had planted herself in the front row of the gymnasium, fingers tapping against her thighs like she couldn’t keep it together.

The practical exam was only a few minutes away, and Instructor Mike was nowhere about, which was already eating into the anticipation she’d been building toward it.

’Leomaris knew exactly what I wanted without me even telling him. I want to become a Void Ruler, raid a Void-rank Rune Realm, and claim both the title and the riches that come with it. That alone would be enough to allow my family to retire, but it will not be possible without sufficient strength.’

’He knew this and has personally advised me on how to become a Sorcerer. I must embody what poems stand for: emotional, observant, dramatic, quiet, wise, childish, and ancient all at once. In summary, he asked me only to be expressive, and to be mature.’

’The kind of person who sees what others ignore. The one who knows what to say at the right moment, and who can connect with all.’

’Once I have embodied these, I will complete my personality synchronization and be ready for my solution.’

’That alone should have been enough, but he also wants me at his side. He wants me to lead an exclusive clan within his faction. That in itself feels like too much kindness. Not to mention his promise to help me reduce the harshness of my contractual cost.’

’This is why I can’t fail him. I will use the mid-semester examination as an opportunity to prove to Leomaris that he trusted the right person. This time, I will use my powers to protect him.’

When the thought echoed in her mind, her attention drifted to the cadets on her left. Two ladies she knew well enough. She frowned at the sight of them.

"I can’t wait to see the Apostle of Death in action... he’s practically the strongest first-year cadet at this point."

The other one blushed. "I know, right? And lately he just keeps getting cooler and more handsome."

When they realized their murmurs were being heard by Charlotte, they frowned. "If only someone hadn’t blocked our chances of joining his faction... we would have at least had a chance."

Charlotte exhaled in disbelief and shook her head. They’d come to her once, cap in hand, pleading to join Leomaris’s faction, Mercy of Death. Initially, she’d been well inclined to the idea. After all, the more members the better.

However, these girls wanted more. They wanted her to help one of them pull Leomaris. That was a tall order if ever there was one. Leomaris was engaged to Raine St. Claire, and that was no secret. Moreover, Leomaris himself wasn’t someone who looked the least bit interested in such things.

Charlotte had weighed it all up and respectfully declined their request. But that was the moment she realized her personality synchronization wasn’t going to be a doddle. That act of maturity had made these ladies loathe her entirely.

She puffed out a breath.

Her body shivered.

’Raine is scary... I don’t know why anyone would go after her fiancé. She rejects boys every day, and last time she even humiliated a third-year cadet, Calamity Will, in front of everyone. I don’t know the details, but apparently he insulted Leomaris. She’s scary.’

Soon enough, Instructor Mike walked into the gymnasium. He walked carefully toward the podium, had a fiddle with a few mechanical buttons, and the ground split open, making way for a nearly ten-foot white crystal.

AHEM

While the crowd oohed and aahed at the growing crystal, Instructor Mike cleared his throat and reeled their attention back in.

"For today’s examination, points will be awarded based on your performance against this artifact. Your task is simple: attack the crystal physically or use your abilities to strike it. As long as it shatters, you will pass. Do not be concerned about what happens afterward, it will reassemble itself at my command."

His hand brushed the scar across his left eye for a moment. It looked as though it had gone itchy, or perhaps something in the crowd had reminded him of what gave him that scar.

"This examination assesses your strength. Completely shatter it, and you will receive twenty points. Causing cracks will earn you between two and ten points, depending on the extent of the damage. Those who inflict no damage will receive zero points. Keep in mind that each of you is permitted only one strike."

From far behind Charlotte, a cadet quickly raised a question. "Are weapons allowed?"

Mike nodded in affirmation. "Weapons are allowed, and summoners are permitted to summon their creatures as well."

Smiles etched across their faces as they started feeling very confident about their chances of passing. Instructor Mike, however, was quick to call the first cadet to the podium.

"Third-class cadet Pulp Swine."

Charlotte watched with curiosity as Pulp confidently made his way up to the podium. She was dead keen on knowing exactly how tough the crystal was.

Pulp summoned his creature before long. A hulking, muscle-covered thing with jagged canines that protruded from its mouth and curled near its nose. It resembled a bull in many ways but stood upright on two legs, its torso almost human in appearance.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

At Pulp’s command, the creature engulfed its fist in flames and charged at the crystal full pelt, delivering a powerful strike and swallowing it in flames in the same motion.

Charlotte watched with piqued curiosity as the flames died down, but her expression went horrified the moment she realized nothing had happened to the crystal.

Pulp gritted his teeth in irritation, and he wasn’t alone in that. Almost everyone in the crowd was equally gobsmacked.

’That attack could have easily knocked me and most people out... this won’t be an easy exam.’

Instructor Mike sent Pulp packing off the podium and, with a few adjustments, reinforced the crystal’s strength, ready for the next cadet.

’Failed... failed... failed... is there anyone who can actually pass this exam?’

Three cadets failed beside Pulp. Charlotte was anxious enough, the last thing she wanted was to fail in front of Leomaris, but she was still curious to see if anyone could pull it off.

"First-class cadet, Raine St. Claire."

When Raine’s name was mentioned, Charlotte felt a sense of relief wash over her. If anyone could break that crystal, Raine was definitely the one. But her expression darkened the moment she clapped eyes on her.

’Where’s her sword? Don’t tell me she wants to break this with her bare hand?’

Raine’s face gave nothing away. Her concerns began and ended with herself. She stood before the crystal and delivered a punch so precise it barely looked like an effort.

’Huh?’

A moment of stillness. The crystal shook but didn’t look fazed, and then the cracks split across it all at once and shattered it completely.

Charlotte’s expression twisted with confusion while Instructor Mike simply let out a sigh.

"Finally, someone passed," Mike said, sounding as though he had nearly given up hope.

Charlotte gulped bile.

’I’ve always known she was strong. The way she carried herself as though she had everything figured out in life, and the way she faced everything with unshakable confidence. And yet, for some reason, I’m still surprised to see her seem this strong even without her sword.’

She watched them fail, watched some barely pass, and let it build something in her. Raine had succeeded. Failure wasn’t an option for her. She had a dream to work toward and someone to make amends with. For any of that to happen, she needed to embody confidence, not just reach for it.