Seong Hyun-jin harbored a certain fantasy about the Academy.

As a place where the finest talents gathered to compete, he imagined every exam would be grueling, with fierce rivalry.

To some extent, he wasn’t wrong. Terrestrial Academy’s exams were known for their high difficulty and competitiveness, to the point that achieving a perfect score was considered nearly impossible.

‘No way.’

That’s why he had high expectations.

He envisioned a bloody battle among applicants vying for the limited spots at the Academy.

‘Why aren’t we fighting?’

But his imagination had gone too far.

No matter how competitive the Academy was, they wouldn’t pit clueless applicants against each other in a deathmatch.

Such a setup wouldn’t allow for proper evaluation. The Academy didn’t yet know the applicants’ skills, so how could they pair opponents or fairly judge unbalanced fights?

Thus, there was no such thing as a battle royale among applicants for the entrance exam. They would simply take the tests set by the Academy.

Learning this, Seong Hyun-jin openly displayed his disappointment, grumbling to the poor receptionist.

‘The Academy has a limited number of spots, right? So shouldn’t we compete for them?’

‘That’s correct.’

‘Then shouldn’t we have a fierce battle to claim those spots? Everyone here wants one, but there are more people than places. We should fight for what we want!’

‘I understand your opinion, but complaining to me won’t change the exam format. I’m just a lowly staff member.’

‘Oh…’

Seong Hyun-jin sighed in frustration. The receptionist continued.

‘The exam will start soon, so please take your seat and wait. Standing here won’t change anything.’

‘That’s a bit cold.’

‘Will you please take your seat?’

‘Raising your tone doesn’t make it kinder.’

‘You’re quite demanding. If you understand, please return to your seat.’

Realizing his complaints were futile, Seong Hyun-jin sighed heavily and trudged back to his spot.

‘No way… just a regular exam? That’s not how it’s supposed to be.’

He had a purpose.

There was a reason he gave up the peaceful days with his master and obediently descended the mountain.

The Academy was a gathering place for the best talents.

Standing out here would naturally spread his name across the world.

Then, he could proudly declare that he was the disciple of the Sword Saint, Hakodate Karin.

From the start, his sole purpose for coming to the Academy was to make a name for himself and elevate his master’s fame.

The reason was simple.

He believed it was the least he could do to repay the person he loved and was most grateful to, who had given him so much.

That’s why he wanted to shine from the entrance exam onward.

A strong first impression would linger in people’s minds, paving the way for greater fame.

The easiest way to showcase his skills and leave a lasting impression was through sparring. That’s why he had hoped for a match between applicants.

‘…Should I have gone to Celestial Academy instead?’

‘That’s in the complete opposite direction, Student Seong Hyun-jin.’

He turned at the voice behind him.

‘And even Celestial Academy doesn’t hold reckless exams where applicants fight each other.’

The voice was familiar, but the person was a stranger.

A woman with beautiful silver hair, a slender frame, and a delicate, refined appearance exuded a depth that belied her looks.

It reminded him of the profound presence his master carried.

Tilting his head, Seong Hyun-jin asked.

‘You’re not a student, are you?’

‘Oh, do I look like one?’

She smiled, clearly pleased, as if a 30-something had been asked for ID at a bar.

Though he’d meant she didn’t seem like a student, he decided not to spoil her mood and stayed quiet.

‘I’m not a student. I’m the head of this Academy.’

‘The dean?’

He’d suspected she wasn’t a student, but he hadn’t expected the dean. He’d assumed deans were old, but she was surprisingly young.

‘A long-lived species?’

In a world with long-lived races, appearances could be deceiving, but meeting a youthful dean was far more pleasant than facing a wrinkled old woman.

Introducing herself as the dean, she greeted him simply.

‘That’s right. I’m Eleonora, the dean of Terrestrial Academy.’

The dean was the Academy’s true authority. Thanks to his past-life memories, Seong Hyun-jin knew to bow deeply to important figures.

‘Hello, Dean. I’m Seong Hyun-jin, planning to enroll this year.’

Despite his polite greeting, Eleonora’s reaction was oddly subdued.

Wondering if he’d made a mistake, he tilted his head.

‘Did I do something wrong?’

‘No, it’s just… your reaction is kind of strange.’

‘Strange how?’

‘You don’t seem fazed by who I am.’

Seong Hyun-jin looked at her, puzzled.

‘How should I react to meeting the dean?’

‘You don’t know who I am?’

‘I just learned you’re the dean of Terrestrial Academy.’

‘No, not that. You really don’t know who I am?’

He narrowed his eyes, studying her.

Startled, Eleonora flinched, feeling as if he were dissecting her with his gaze.

His intense stare made her feel exposed, as if he were analyzing her as a woman.

‘…Student Seong Hyun-jin?’

Was he evaluating her as a woman? She called out to him, flustered. But he replied casually, unchanged.

‘Sorry, I tried to recall, but I don’t think we’ve met. Have we?’

Realizing he was just trying to jog his memory, Eleonora felt embarrassed for misinterpreting his gaze.

Clearing her throat, she said.

‘Ahem, no. It’s our first meeting.’

‘Then why did you say it like it was strange I didn’t recognize you?’

‘Because I’m one of the Eight Star Heroes, like your master.’

‘…Oh?’

Surprised, he looked at her again. He hadn’t expected her to be on par with his master. Doubting it, he asked.

‘Really?’

‘Why would I lie? You could ask your master, and she’d confirm it.’

‘That’s true.’

Eleonora was slightly taken aback by his delayed surprise.

Even if Karin raised him in seclusion, not recognizing her name was surprising.

‘He’s quite out of touch with the world…’

Deciding he needed some guidance, Eleonora thought she could offer a bit of favor, especially since Karin was lending her name to the Academy.

‘So, you’re as strong as my master?’

‘…Your master is a true monster. Honestly, in a one-on-one fight, I’d lose in a single stroke.’

Eleonora spoke self-deprecatingly, but Seong Hyun-jin focused on his master, nodding in awe.

‘As expected, Master is incredible.’

‘You really admire your master, don’t you?’

‘She’s my benefactor.’

He answered simply and asked.

‘But you’re strong too, right? I heard the Eight Star Heroes are the best of the best.’

‘Objectively, yes.’

‘Then…’

He suddenly grabbed her hand. Startled, Eleonora looked at him.

‘Could you be my opponent for the entrance exam?’

‘…What?’

‘I was hoping for sparring between applicants, but since it’s not that kind of exam, facing you would make me famous.’

Eleonora was dumbfounded.

Even as the Sword Saint’s disciple, he was just a young adult.

Honestly, she could defeat him half-asleep.

The Eight Star Heroes were on another level. Each was a supreme authority in their field, with power rivaling entire nations.

To boldly challenge her, and for an entrance exam no less, was absurd.

Yet, it was intriguing. He was the Sword Saint’s disciple, after all.

He’d surely show qualities beyond ordinary newcomers.

His audacity in challenging an Eight Star Hero was anything but ordinary.

Amused, Eleonora’s lips curled slightly.

‘…That could be fun.’

‘You’ll do it?’

Even at the prospect of a real match, he showed no tension, only excitement. It might be ignorance, but his confidence seemed more than that.

‘Worthy of being Karin-sama’s disciple.’

Though intrigued, Eleonora didn’t forget her role as dean. She waved her hand.

‘Sadly, no.’

‘Why not?’

‘The exam must be fair. I can’t give you special treatment.’

Disappointed, Seong Hyun-jin’s shoulders slumped.

‘Really…’

‘Don’t be too upset. The Academy has plenty of exams beyond the entrance test to keep you entertained.’

‘I thought you were going to change the exam format.’

Amused by his disappointment, Eleonora chuckled.

‘I’m close with Karin-sama, so I came to greet her disciple.’

‘You’re close with Master? But you’ve never visited.’

If they were that close, she should’ve visited at least once in the 20 years he lived with Karin.

When he pointed this out, Eleonora replied awkwardly.

‘That’s because Karin-sama threatened to kill me if I did…’

‘…’

Though surprised, he nodded, thinking it sounded like his master.

‘Master can be a bit eccentric.’

‘Even her disciple thinks so?’

Eleonora laughed lightly, then comforted him.

‘It’s not the sparring you wanted, but we’ve prepared discerning exams. If fame is your goal, why not aim for the top spot in the entrance exam?’

‘I know that’s an option, but I want to get famous quickly.’

Fame.

It’s a desire many have, but Seong Hyun-jin spoke as if it were a necessity, as if driven by a crucial reason.

Curious, Eleonora tilted her head and asked.

‘Is there a reason you need to be famous?’

‘There is.’

Waiting for his answer, she watched as he spoke with a serious expression.

‘To spread my master’s fame across the world.’

‘…What?’

‘My master should be the most famous person in the world, but she’s not as well-known as she deserves. So, as her disciple, I’ll become famous to elevate her name.’

Eleonora was half-convinced, half-skeptical. Among swordsmen, no one didn’t know Hakodate Karin’s name.

But compared to her strength and status, her fame was indeed lesser. She’d likely rank among the least famous of the Eight Star Heroes.

That was her own doing, though.

She’d secluded herself for over 20 years, avoiding fame.

‘…Hyun-jin, your master might not like that.’

He was essentially trying to revive the fame she’d deliberately shunned.

Pointing this out, Eleonora watched as he shook his head.

‘No, she won’t mind. Why would she dislike her disciple working hard to make a name? I’m not planning to boast about her greatness to get famous.’

Eleonora was speechless.

His logic wasn’t entirely wrong.

Given how Karin had devoted 20 years to raising him, her affection for her disciple was evident.

She’d even agreed to lend her name to the Academy and show up occasionally, despite her reclusive life.

So, even if he did something she disliked, Karin might praise him instead of scolding.

‘So it’s fine!’

Though his confidence seemed excessive, Eleonora nodded, convinced.

‘If you think so, I suppose it’s true. You’d know your master best.’

‘Exactly. No one knows her better than me.’

His words carried a strange nuance, making Eleonora pause.

It felt like he wasn’t just talking about knowing her thoughts but something more.

Curious but deciding it wasn’t her place to pry, she changed the subject.

‘The entrance exam will start soon.’

Clapping lightly, she added.

‘I’ll be rooting for you to take the top spot.’

‘Is it okay for the dean to cheer for one student?’

‘It’s just my personal support. I’m not giving you special treatment.’

‘Fair enough.’

‘Good luck. I’m expecting great things.’

With a light farewell, Eleonora left. Watching her go, Seong Hyun-jin glanced around.

‘She’s the dean, but…’

During their long conversation, he hadn’t noticed anyone paying attention to her. Her appearance drew brief glances, but that was it.

‘How does no one recognize the dean?’

And if she was an Eight Star Hero, as she claimed, someone—especially the staff—should have reacted.

‘It didn’t seem like she was lying.’

Puzzled, he mulled over their encounter as the lobby filled with exam candidates.

Though surrounded by strangers, he spotted one familiar face—her dragon horns stood out clearly.

‘The girl who was slow with her application yesterday.’

As he recognized Serena, a staff member appeared in the center of the lobby, addressing the candidates.

‘The 35th Terrestrial Academy entrance exam will now begin. Please proceed to the area indicated on your exam pass.’