The atmosphere on the beginner’s test grounds remained neutral after the nobles emerged victorious in the second-to-last round. All the students stood together, eagerly awaiting the announcement of their next test.
Letti emerged from the director’s room, a piece of paper clutched in her right hand. Her expression appeared somewhat neutral, giving nothing away.
As she walked through the corridors toward the stage, her footsteps echoed in sync with the turmoil within her. She couldn’t shake off the unease that gripped her, the nagging feeling that something was terribly amiss.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Letti began, her voice projecting with a mix of authority and trepidation, “as you are all aware, this year’s beginner’s tests have been nothing short of captivating. And now, in a surprising turn of events, Director Kale has chosen the final test for this year’s beginners: the Kingdom’s Night Run.”
A murmur spread through the crowd as excitement and curiosity filled the air. The students exchanged glances, their minds racing with anticipation.
“What? Director Kale himself has chosen the last test?” gasped a student in disbelief.
“That means he will personally oversee this test,” Letti continued, her voice carrying a touch of awe.
“What? The director will be present to witness the test?” exclaimed another student, their eyes widening.
“I will do everything within my abilities to impress Director Kale,” one student declared with determination, their voice resonating with confidence.
“Count me in. I’ll give it my all as well.” another chimed in, their face glowing with eagerness.
The students’ enthusiasm echoed throughout the grounds, and even the teachers couldn’t help but share their excitement.
“But that test was long abolished! Its high mortality rate led to its banishment over two hundred years ago,” one teacher remarked, concern etching their face.
“Yes, as a student, I had only heard rumors about that test. It was used in the past to reduce the number of students and ensure higher quality within the academy,” added another teacher, their voice tinged with nostalgia.
“Why would the director choose such a test?” questioned a curious student, their eyes darting around as if seeking answers.
“Is it even legal to conduct this test?” asked a concerned voice from the crowd.
Seti, the director’s confidante, stepped forward, her presence commanding attention. She surveyed the students and teachers, her gaze piercing through their doubts and fears.
“Take your concerns up with the director if you dare,” Seti interjected, her voice carrying a hint of challenge. “You’ll soon learn what he’s capable of.”
“No way! He’s a maniac,” whispered a student, fear evident in their voice, while others nodded in agreement.
Back in the director’s office…
Thud
The sound of splintering wood filled the room as Director Kale unleashed his frustration, shattering the table with a single powerful punch. His anger and disbelief were palpable.
“What? Seti, have you lost your goddamn mind?” Kale bellowed, his voice reverberating through the office.
Seti maintained her composure, unfazed by the display of rage. She met Kale’s gaze with a steady resolve.
“I apologize, sir, but that’s the truth,” Seti replied, her voice even and unwavering. 𝓫𝓭𝓸𝓋𝓁．𝓬𝓸𝓂
Kale paced the room, his mind struggling to accept the reality that a commoner had excelled in the tests, defying all expectations.
“Let me make sure I understand correctly. You’re saying a commoner not only aced the first two rounds but also shattered the Kingdom’s javelin throw record?” Kale’s voice resonated with disbelief.
“Yes, sir,” Seti affirmed, her tone carrying an air of certainty.
“Fuuuuckkk, Seti! This can’t be happening! He’s just a commoner,” Kale exclaimed, his frustration mounting.
“I understand your concerns, sir, but it is what it is,” Seti calmly responded, her eyes meeting Kale’s unwaveringly.
“No, you must ensure he fails. Do whatever it takes to make him fail the test. Change the next event to something more competitive, something that will tilt the odds in favor of the nobles,” Kale ordered, his voice laced with determination.
“Sir, I’ve devised a way to ensure the nobles’ victory in the next round,” Seti revealed, a sly smile playing on her lips.
Kale’s curiosity was piqued, and he leaned in, his eyes fixed on Seti. “Tell me, what is your plan?”
Seti locked eyes with Kale, an evil glimmer in her gaze. “Kingdom’s Night Run.”
Silence enveloped the room as Kale stared at Seti, his expression a mix of shock and contemplation. For a full minute, neither uttered a word.
“Seti, have you truly lost your mind this time?” Kale finally spoke, breaking the silence.
“This is the only way, sir. Either we win or we become a laughingstock. Once news spreads that a commoner has triumphed over the nobles in the academy’s beginner’s test, our reputation will be tarnished beyond repair. No one will even spare a glance at this academy,” Seti explained with conviction.
Tension tightened Kale’s face even more as he weighed the consequences of the upcoming test. After a lengthy deliberation, he made his decision.
“Do it,” he finally uttered, a mixture of resolve and resignation in his voice.
“As you wish, Sir Director,” Seti replied, her lips curling into a malevolent smile as she left the office.
Outside the office, Letti stood patiently, unaware of the unsettling plan that had been set in motion.
“Letti, here you go. Now go and announce it on the stage,” Seti instructed, handing Letti a piece of paper.
Letti’s hands trembled slightly as she unfolded the paper, her eyes widening in surprise as she read its contents.
“But, ma’am, this isn’t fair,” Letti protested, her voice tinged with concern.
“What’s not fair?” Seti retorted, her voice dripping with an air of authority.
“This test was banned long ago.”
“No, it wasn’t banned; we simply stopped including it in our tests. But today, we’re reintroducing it, following the director’s orders. Do you have a problem with it? Take it up with the director,” Seti declared before swiftly departing the hall.
Letti stood there, wrestling with her conscience, her mind plagued by doubts. She took a deep breath, gathering her resolve. She couldn’t let her concerns go unaddressed.
“Sir, may I come in?” Letti asked, her voice laced with a mixture of apprehension and determination.
“Yes,” Kale replied, his voice carrying a weight of authority.
“Sir, this test… it’s too dangerous,” Letti began, her voice trembling slightly.
Kale interrupted her, his tone firm and unwavering. “Don’t lecture me on what’s dangerous and what’s not. Everything regarding this test has already been discussed. Now, go and do as you’re told.”
Letti felt a chill run down her spine as she absorbed the weight of Kale’s words. She knew there was no room for further arguments. The fate of the test had been sealed. With a nod of understanding, she turned and left the director’s office, her mind buzzing with conflicting thoughts and emotions.
As soon as Letti left the director’s office, her mind buzzed with thoughts. She couldn’t help but mutter under her breath, “These noble pigs are doing their utmost to level the playing field, but this time, a cunning fox has infiltrated their ranks.”