Hulim didn’t join the other students’ discussions. While these peers were indeed highly skilled, they were basically only using Second-Rank Magic—none had unleashed Third-Rank Magic yet.

  This was understandable, though. At their age, most of them were still at Rank D.

  Magic wasn’t something where reaching one rank made the next easily accessible. More often than not, you had to study and cultivate within a rank for a long time just to touch the edge of the next. Even if you did reach that edge, truly mastering the next rank’s magic was no easy feat.

  Although these peers were all geniuses with Rank B or even Rank A talent, crossing the threshold of Third-Rank Magic at just eleven or twelve was still quite challenging.

  Even Hulim—with Omni-Attribute Rank S talent and guidance from Fairy Queen Semiris—had spent a lot of effort to break through to Third-Rank Magic. Now, even though she’d been hovering on the brink of Rank B for a long time, the time it would take to truly master Fourth-Rank Magic and advance to Rank B remained unknown.

  This was precisely why one of Manacos Magic Academy’s graduation requirements was that students must reach Rank C.

  It might seem like a redundant requirement, but it actually existed because the academy understood how difficult it was for students to reach Rank C.

  Additionally, many young teachers at Manacos only had Rank C strength. While full professors were required to be Rank B, the threshold for Rank B was extremely high. Talent only gave you potential—but turning that potential into reality was far from easy. For some, it might not happen until they were middle-aged or even older......

  That said, even though they only used Second-Rank Magic, this level of Second-Rank was vastly different from the Second-Rank mastered by many graduates of preparatory schools. Every student here had already reached an extremely high level of Second-Rank.

  Being newly entered into Second-Rank versus being on the verge of mastering it were two completely different concepts.

  "Wow, look at that person—""Wait, no way. Could that be......""What? What? Who is it? Why are you all so shocked?"

  A commotion suddenly erupted at the back of the crowd.

  Everyone curiously turned around to see what was happening.

  Then they spotted a young girl with extremely gorgeous clothing and appearance walking toward them.

  The girl had shining golden hair, flowing naturally down to her waist. Her eyes were as crimson as red wine, exuding a charming glow. She seemed to be accustomed to being the center of attention, showing no sign of discomfort at the crowd’s reaction.

  Furthermore, several knights equipped with extremely sophisticated gear followed behind her.

  The knights remained fully alert, guarding their surroundings to protect the girl’s safety.

  "That’s right! I’ve seen her once! That’s Her Highness Alicia Serions, the Ninth Princess of the Empire!""Really? It’s Her Highness the Ninth Princess? This is my first time seeing her in person!""No way...... Could it be that the Ninth Princess is here to enroll too?""Probably. It’s not like she’d come just for a visit......""Really?! Does that mean I might become classmates with Her Highness the Ninth Princess?""You’re dreaming. The Ninth Princess will definitely get into the Special Class. Do you think you stand a chance?""You never know unless you try......"

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  While most people were still discussing the arrival of the Ninth Princess, many noble boys and girls had already stepped forward to greet her.

  "Greetings, Your Highness Alicia. I am the third son of the Margrave of the Borderlands......""We pay our respects, Your Highness Alicia. My father is an Imperial Army General......""......Your Highness Alicia, I am from a country in the East......"

  To these noble-born young men and women—whether they were from the Parasa Empire or not—Alicia displayed impeccable royal upbringing, smiling and responding to each of them.

  "No need for such formalities, everyone. Right now, I am just a student here to attend Manacos, just like you. Please interact with me as fellow students~."

  "Yes, Your Highness Alicia. It is our great honor~!""Your Highness Alicia, your kindness is truly touching......"

  The noble boys and girls quickly offered their compliments.

  Alicia smiled helplessly, then turned to the several knights beside her and said: "You may return first. I can handle things from here. Your presence here would inconvenience the academy."

  The royal guards looked embarrassed. One of them spoke up:

  "......With all due respect, Your Highness, your safety—"

  "No need to worry. This academy is one of the safest places in all of Langard. I will not be in any danger. Or are you doubting Manacos’s capabilities~?"

  "That——"

  Alicia’s words successfully caught the attention of the Manacos staff present. Now they were all staring intently at the knights, and depending on their response, they might have some serious words to exchange......

  Feeling the intense gazes around them, the knights broke out in a cold sweat.

  "We have absolutely no intention of questioning Manacos. This...... Very well, Your Highness. We will wait outside. Please do not wander around out of curiosity."

  The knights conceded and left. Without the intimidation of the knights, the aura of majesty that had accompanied Alicia’s arrival diminished significantly—successfully bringing her closer to the other students.

  She conversed affably with the other students here for the assessment, not caring whether they were nobles or not. Even when sensing some hostile glances, she maintained a smile throughout. This attitude earned her immense popularity among the students......

  As a member of the Parasa Empire’s royal family with a legitimate claim to the throne, Alicia’s enrollment at Manacos was undoubtedly explosive news. Even before many had seen her in person, she had naturally become the biggest topic among this year’s new students.

  The Ninth Princess of the Empire......

  Manacos really did attract all kinds of people—even someone as noble as an imperial princess.

  Hulim thought to herself.

  "Number 77, please enter the assessment venue!"

  Although Alicia Serions’s arrival had caused a stir, it did not interrupt the assessment.

  Hulim checked her number plate—Number 77. That was her.

  ......

  Walking into the assessment venue, Hulim first politely bowed to the many professors on the jury platform.

  The professors flipped through Hulim’s information.

  "Hmm, let’s see. Number 77, Hulim Hayera...r?""Uh...... Is that Ms. Hulim Heyerar?"

  Even though she was confused by the professors’ repeated confirmation of her name, Hulim nodded.

  "......Very well, then. Ms. Hulim Heyerar, you may begin your assessment."

  After receiving the professors’ signal, Hulim held her wooden wand in her right hand and walked to the first assessment station.

  The assessment consisted of two parts: one was a test of magic power, requiring students to attack a target with magic; the other was a test of magic response ability, requiring students to continuously dodge or block incoming attacks.