The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

As battles raged on relentlessly throughout the course of the test, the arrival of the final day brought with it a growing realization among the participants that something was amiss. Their bodies were abruptly teleported back to the field in front of the academy gate, leaving them with grim expressions as they surveyed the undisturbed white-robed figures and Jessy, the enigmatic examiner.

To their surprise, there were no complaints about the test's duration. Instead, the participants appeared healthy and brimming with youthful energy. As they glanced at one another, they couldn't help but notice the princess's furrowed brow, prompting some of them to voice their frustration.

However, before they could articulate their concerns, they were swiftly silenced by her friend's blunt reprimand.

"What's the fuss about? This is how the academy tests our talent! If you're dissatisfied, you shouldn't have joined in the first place!" Gabriela, the daughter of the city lord, glared at the mentally weak individuals who sought to scheme and exploit her best friend for their own agenda.

Given her elevated status, none of the young participants dared to challenge her, choosing instead to grumble privately and withdraw into the shadows. Although the test had already concluded, tension and animosity lingered palpably in the air.

Across the field, Diana stood not far from the princess, her arms folded tightly across her chest. She rhythmically tapped her foot on the ground, expressing her clear discontent towards the academy, its white-robed members, and Jessy.

Behind her, Matson maintained a stoic silence, his gaze fixated on Diana's back, harboring malevolent thoughts that sent shivers down the spines of any student who dared to approach him. His cold and arrogant demeanor effectively discouraged any interaction.

However, unlike his peers of the younger generation, Clark found himself surrounded by a group of students, engrossed in cheerful conversation despite the piercing stares and mocking words of Gibson.

"Listen, students," Jessy announced, shedding her hoodie and speaking as she keenly observed the expressions of each individual. Her gaze eventually settled on a young man who appeared to deviate from the collective mood. His demeanor exuded a subtle warmth, and his gaze remained resolute even under the scrutiny of the female students.

Whenever approached by one of them, he would simply nod in acknowledgment and then fall silent.

Could it be him? Jessy pondered silently, recalling the report she had received from higher authorities about a talented young man who had managed to pilfer the miniatures belonging to all the students, igniting a fierce battle amongst them. The higher-ups had been uncharacteristically excited, leading her to believe that they would personally recruit him without following the usual protocols.

Lost in her contemplation of the young man, Jessy failed to notice that all the other students had fallen silent, their gazes fixed upon her expectantly.

"Um... Now, I shall announce the rules for the next test," Jessy finally spoke, eliciting dumbfounded expressions from the students.

"Excuse me, teacher," boldly spoke up one of the students, his audacity earning him the admiration of his peers. He dared to dream of receiving praise, as his value seemed to soar for fearlessly posing a question.

However, contrary to his expectations, Jessy's response came in the form of a withering glare. "No, and you are not a student yet. Do not address me with that title again, or you will find yourself disqualified," her abrupt shift in attitude instantly silenced all the students, leaving them no choice but to seal their lips.

No longer daring to voice their dissatisfaction, the students patiently awaited Jessy's next instructions. Her words hung in the air, announcing that the upcoming test would be a group battle. Random four-man teams would be assigned, and unlike before, their only task would be to fight with all their might, regardless of victory or defeat.

As Jessy paused, observing the silent assembly, she nodded before proceeding, "Before that, as usual, I will dismiss the losers." With a wave of her hand, a soft glow enveloped some of the students, causing them to vanish into thin air. It appeared they had been teleported back to the Military District. Witnessing this, the remaining students grew increasingly nervous.

They silently lamented their fate, aware that even some of their comrades had been disqualified at random.

"Relax, students," Jessy reassured them, breaking the tense silence. "Those who disappeared were either faint-hearted or, much like rats, chose to hide instead of fighting. Your miniature's sudden absence may have tipped you off, but opting for concealment instead of engaging in battle has diminished your worth."

The black-haired girl, who had been surreptitiously observing Desmond from behind, flinched upon hearing Jessy's words. Had it not been for her confrontation with Desmond earlier, she might have faced expulsion. Yet, as her gaze returned to his back, her wavering expression hardened into one of calm and cold determination.

"You have five minutes to rest your bodies and minds," Jessy continued, pointing her finger towards a narrow path on her left. "After that, you should head in that direction." As she concluded her instructions, her body became enveloped in a shroud of water element before gradually vanishing into thin air. The white-robed individuals had already departed prior to her disappearance.

Once the academy staff was gone, the students collectively released a tired sigh. They exchanged glances and sighed again, beginning discussions about the upcoming test. Amidst their conversations, a young man with short, mustard-colored hair approached Desmond from a distance.

"Hey, hey, young master Edison," the students murmured to one another, remembering how he had openly ridiculed a person who seemed to have a close connection with the princess. However, only those hailing from other cities dared to talk disparagingly behind Edison's back. Those born in Helmfirth remained silent, fully aware of the fearsome background he came from.

"But who is that person?" one of the students pointed towards Desmond, momentarily forgetting the pressure of the test, which had caused them to overlook Desmond's previous act of burning Gibson alive.

"I'm not sure, but there's a faint familiarity," another student whispered, cautious in their tone. "But if it were me, I'd politely decline young master Edison. After all, we all know how tarnished his family's reputation is." The students continued their hushed conversation, carefully mentioning his family name as if afraid of being overheard.

Edison's expression twitched upon catching snippets of their conversation. He halted his steps and glanced back, searching for the speaker, but they were all part of the crowd, making it nearly impossible for him, not yet a wizard, to detect their auras.

"Tch!" he snorted dismissively, giving up on his pursuit and resuming his stride towards Desmond.

As Edison drew attention to himself and Desmond, the young man with purple hair glared at Desmond with a potent mix of jealousy and anger. "A pretty boy and a privileged young master. It's unbearable to watch," he sneered, eliciting chuckles from those around him.

"You're not wrong," a voice cautioned him, neither supporting nor mocking his words. "But be careful with what you say, friend. Both of them hold higher social status, and you might find yourself living in the slums the next day."

Feeling a touch on his shoulder, the purple-haired young man turned to see a blue-haired individual, with a muscular build akin to his own, leaning casually against him. The blue-haired young man looked at him with a smirk and introduced himself. "My name is Fin."

Without waiting for permission, Fin firmly grasped the purple-haired young man's hand and shook it forcefully. "And you?" he inquired.

As the grip tightened, the purple-haired young man was taken aback for a moment, feeling a surge of excitement coursing through him. His trembling lips betrayed his eagerness as he replied, "Gregory."