At the Valenmont estate, Celestine was speaking with her father, David.
"Why hasn't the Matriarch killed Leon yet? Wasn't he already branded a traitor?" David asked.
"I've told you already, that's my business. As someone from a lower branch of the family, you have no right to interfere," Celestine replied coldly.
"But if we let this continue, isn't there a chance that his child might one day seek revenge for his father?" David insisted.
"Let it happen. If his child comes here to avenge him, I will personally take care of it," Celestine answered.
Hearing her response, David immediately stepped back.
"In that case, I shall take my leave, Matriarch," he said respectfully.
"Go, and don't bother me again with such insignificant matters," Celestine replied.
David quickly exited the room.
Shortly after, the spy Celestine had sent out arrived.
"Matriarch, I bring interesting news," the spy said.
"Oh? What is it? Did Leon's child fail the first test?" Celestine asked.
"No, Matriarch. On the contrary, Leon's child passed the first test," the spy reported.
"If he passed, what's so interesting about that?" Celestine asked again.
"Leon's child… he has mastered all elemental magic. Even more, he possesses the extremely rare dimension element," the spy answered.
"Are you sure you didn't make a mistake?" Celestine asked sharply.
"No, Matriarch. I saw it clearly. Even the headmaster was shocked," the spy confirmed.
Hearing this, Celestine burst into satisfied laughter.
"Hahaha! As expected of Leon's son. He has mastered all elements, including the dimension element," she said.
"So, what are your orders, Matriarch? Should I continue observing him?" the spy asked.
"Yes. Watch over him, and if possible, protect him from the shadows. Make sure he never knows you're there," Celestine instructed.
"Understood, Matriarch. However, there's one more thing I need to report," the spy added.
"What is it?" Celestine asked with her usual cold tone.
"It appears Leon's child is getting close to the daughter of the Vernadette family," the spy revealed.
"Oh? Interesting. Very interesting. He's even managed to get close to the Vernadette princess," Celestine said.
"That's all for my report, Matriarch. I shall take my leave now," the spy said.
The spy then disappeared into the shadows.
However, behind the door, David had overheard everything.
"So the Matriarch is still protecting Leon's child? This cannot be allowed. If that boy lives, it will interfere with my plan to make my son the next heir of the Valenmont family," David muttered in his mind.
He quickly left the area to think of a way to kill the boy.
What he didn't know was that Celestine had purposely let him hear the conversation.
"Interesting… If he dares to interfere with Leon's life or his family, I will personally eliminate him," Celestine muttered coldly.
Back to my side, I returned to my seat casually.
"So, who exactly are you?" Clarisse asked.
"I'm just an ordinary applicant," I replied lazily.
"An ordinary student who can control all elements, including the dimension element? Even the headmaster, who controls only four elements, caused a stir. And yet, you've mastered them all?" Clarisse pressed.
"That's not your concern. I just want to prove to someone that I can do it," I said coldly.
"Someone? Who?" Clarisse asked curiously.
"That's my business. You don't need to know more," I replied.
"Hmph, fine. But don't forget our bet about the chantless magic you mentioned," Clarisse said.
"I remember," I replied.
Some time later…
"Alright, the first test is over. Now we begin the second test," Hugo announced.
He then used his magic, and in an instant, we were all transported to a different location.
"This is the second test. Each of you will use your magic to defeat at least 10 magical beasts. Be warned—if you fail to eliminate 10, you will be disqualified," Hugo explained.
Immediately, the students erupted in protest.
"What?! I'm not sure I can pass this test!" "Ten beasts?! Isn't that too many?" "One magical beast alone can destroy a small town… and now we need to beat ten?!"
Clarisse teased me again.
"Nervous? Don't worry. If you fail, you can always become my servant. I wouldn't mind if it's you," she joked.
"Shut up and prove yourself on the field. And don't forget about our bet," I replied coldly.
"Oh? How about I raise the stakes? Not only must you demonstrate chantless magic, but if you defeat more beasts than I do, I'll let you live in the same dorm as me—the noble dorm. Tempting, right?" Clarisse smirked.
"Fine. Do as you please. Just don't regret it when you lose," I replied.
"Alright then," she smiled confidently.
Meanwhile, David stood in the back, clearly displeased with the earlier element test results. He still couldn't accept that someone from common origins could surpass him.
But seeing his expression made me smile. I could already imagine his face when I showed a fraction of my power.
Hugo then created a barrier to prevent the magical beasts from escaping during the test.
"Alright, when your name is called, step into the barrier to begin your trial," Hugo announced.
Everyone began preparing and waiting for their names to be called.
Twenty minutes passed, and more than half the students had already failed.
Then came the call:
"David Valenmont, step forward!" Hugo announced.
"Understood," David said.
He stepped into the barrier and began casting his spell.
"O great god of fire, grant your servant the strength to burn the bones of these sinful beasts—Fireball!" David chanted.
A fireball suddenly erupted from his hand, striking and killing fifteen magical beasts inside the barrier.
"Wow! He killed fifteen of them!" "He passed the minimum requirement easily!" "As expected of the Valenmont family. Another genius!"
"As expected of a Valenmont. You've met the standard to pass. David Valenmont is the first to qualify for Stellaris Academy," Hugo declared.
David stepped out of the barrier and immediately approached Clarisse, mocking me.
"Well? Don't you think I'm more worthy to be your partner than that lowborn?" he sneered.
"Don't get cocky. You want to be my partner? Dream on. Even if you defeat the Demon King himself, I still wouldn't like you. Now get lost," Clarisse snapped.
Enraged, David tried to strike Clarisse, but I quickly blocked his hand before it hit her.
Hugo immediately reprimanded David and sent him back to his seat.
Will Kyle pass his exam? And if he does, how many magical beasts did he defeat? What is his father David's plan after discovering Celestine's hidden agenda? And does David also have a secret plan, since Kyle held back his punch just before it hit Clarisse?
Find out in Chapter 6.