The second year at Mythos Academy had begun.
A fresh start. A new battlefield.
Unlike the first year, where everything had been about adapting, proving ourselves, and surviving the brutal hierarchy of the Academy's rankings—the second year was different.
This year had two major events.
The Inter-Academy Festival—a competition between the strongest academies in the world, where our skills would be tested against the best of the best.
And the Field Trip turned disaster.
After a quiet first night back, I adjusted to my new dorm—Ophelia Hall.
It wasn't particularly different in terms of size or luxury from my old first-year dorm, but the location had changed.
I was now on the top floor, which meant two things: more time in the elevator but also more privacy.
Morning came quickly.
I dressed in my Mythos Academy uniform, which remained largely the same—except now, where the Roman numeral 'I' had been, a bold 'II' was stitched onto the fabric, marking my promotion to the second year.
A small change. But a significant one.
Then, I made my way to the Commencement Ceremony.
The hyperloop station was busy, students rushing towards the auditorium, eager whispers filling the air. As I boarded, I felt more eyes on me than usual.
Dancing with three princesses at major noble events and securing Rank 1 in the most competitive generation in years had made me somewhat of a campus-wide sensation.
Annoying. But expected.
The hyperloop arrived, and I stepped into the massive auditorium, where thousands of second-years were already seated.
My gaze scanned the room until I spotted four familiar heads—
Two blonde.One silver.One brown.
They were all sitting together, an empty seat left right in the middle.
I made my way over and took the seat between Rachel and Seraphina, with Cecilia and Rose sitting beside them.
Rachel turned, huffing. "You took so long."
I smirked. "Takes time to look this good."
Cecilia snorted. "You took longer than the four of us, and we're girls."
I rolled my eyes. "Stop complaining."
Before she could retort, the lights dimmed.
Silence settled over the crowd as a figure stepped onto the stage.
A woman with navy blue hair, her aura unmistakably commanding.
Headmaster of Mythos Academy.
Seraphina leaned slightly towards me, murmuring, "We really get preferential treatment, huh?"
I hummed in agreement.
Then, Eva's voice rang through the auditorium.
"Hello, second years."
Her voice was smooth, controlled—sharp enough to command respect, but warm enough not to be outright intimidating.
"Welcome back to Mythos Academy. I trust your summer break was both eventful and—hopefully—relaxing."
A murmur rippled through the audience.
Relaxing? Yeah, sure. If getting nearly killed by a Radiant-rank cult leader counted as relaxing.
"Now," Eva continued, "I will outline a few key changes for your second year."
The auditorium stilled.
"As before, you will undergo two practical evaluations in your first semester. However, your mid-term and final evaluations will be merged into a single event—the Inter-Academy Festival, taking place in December."
A buzz of excitement spread through the room.
The Inter-Academy Festival wasn't just some internal ranking test.
It was a world-stage competition where Mythos Academy would be facing off against other top academies, with nobles, guild representatives, and world leaders watching.
"Additionally," Eva continued, "second-years are now required to join a club as part of their elective program. If no existing club suits your needs, you may form your own—provided it is a unique concept and has at least four members, including yourself."
I barely processed that before her next words rang out—
"Now, will the two student representatives step onto the stage?"
Then, she read the names.
"Rank 1, representing the male students—Arthur Nightingale."
No reaction from me. Expected.
"Rank 4, representing the female students—Rachel Creighton."
I felt Rachel stiffen beside me before she let out a dramatic sigh. "Why is it us?"
I chuckled, pushing myself up from my seat. "Because we're the best, obviously."
She gave me a flat look. "I swear, you're getting more arrogant by the day."
I grinned. "Only because I know you secretly love it."
Rachel rolled her eyes, but I caught the slight pink hue dusting her cheeks.
I stepped forward, feeling the weight of thousands of eyes on me as I walked toward the stage.
The second year had officially begun.
After Rachel and I repeated the oath, we made our way back to our seats.
The ceremony was far shorter than last year's—less fanfare, less drawn-out explanations. No need for hand-holding this time.
We were second-years now.
They expected us to already know the rules.
And just like that—it was over.
Since Rose had been moved to Class A, all five of us—Rachel, Cecilia, Seraphina, Rose, and I—were now in the same homeroom.
We walked together, weaving through the halls of the second-year building until we reached the fifth floor.
The moment we entered the classroom, I took a quick scan of the room.
Eight other students were already inside.
'So she's here now too.'
The Headmaster's daughter.
A slight surprise, but not entirely unexpected. Clana was strong enough to deserve a place here.
Still, her inclusion meant something. The Academy didn't make changes to Class A lightly.
Then there was Lucifer.
I felt it before I even looked at him.
The shift. The change in his presence.
He had already completed the second stage of Integration.
Twice the mana quality.Twice the mana quantity.
He could already take down a mid Integration-rank opponent.
He was stronger than me.
I clicked my tongue, shifting my focus back to Rose.
"Wait, Rose—what's your rank?" I asked.
She smiled, casual as always. "Rank 10."
I blinked. "Oh. Not bad."
She chuckled. "Not bad? Please, Arthur, I just got here. Give me some time."
We took our seats, following the usual class hierarchy.
First row:Lucifer and I.
Second row:Rachel and Ren.
Third row:Cecilia and Seraphina.
Fourth row:Jin and Ian.
Fifth row:Rose and Clana.
Clana and Rose were the weakest students here but they were already at mid Silver-rank. Ren and Rachel were both at White-rank but I could tell Ren had already began the Integration process and would likely complete the second stage by the time the Festival began.
A familiar figure strode inside, his presence as imposing as ever.
Professor Nero Astrellan.
His sharp grey eyes scanned the classroom, taking us all in.
"Welcome back, Class A," he greeted, his voice even, measured. Then, his gaze flicked to Rose and Clana.
"And welcome to our two new students."
He clasped his hands behind his back.
"Now, let's begin the briefing for your second year at Mythos Academy."