"Tell me everything you did in there! Down to the last detail!"
Aleister's voice carried a trace of irritation. Yuui didn't quite understand why he was angry, but after exchanging a glance with Instructor Claire, he slowly began recounting the lie they had agreed upon—a version of events without Neos.
When their fabricated story ended, Aleister narrowed his eyes, gazing at Yuui and Claire for a long while before finally saying, "Since that's what you're claiming... we'll leave it at that."
Those words caught both Yuui and Claire off guard. There was a lot implied in that one sentence.
It was clear Aleister knew about Neos's existence within the seal, yet he deliberately pretended not to… and even helped cover for them. But... why?
As the two remained silent, Aleister turned his eyes to the wounded researchers lying on the ground nearby, blood trickling from their noses and ears. "Alright, we're leaving. Though Shell and the others aren't dead, they're badly hurt and need immediate treatment."
Hearing that, Claire suddenly remembered her colleagues, who were still unconscious from their injuries. She had been so focused on the seal and on watching Alicia's duel with Neos that she had completely forgotten them.
Seeing her flustered expression, Aleister sighed and waved his staff again. A massive magic circle expanded beneath their feet, enveloping everyone.
In the next instant, they vanished.
When Yuui opened his eyes, he found himself standing at the entrance of the freshman dorms. Then, Aleister's voice echoed in his ears.
"Go get some rest. And don't tell anyone what happened today."
Yuui glanced around at the quiet, empty path under the night sky and exhaled. He then returned control of the body to Alicia.
Alicia: "Yuui-san, why do I feel like the Headmaster already knows about Neos? (°^°)"
Yuui: "Not 'feel like'... he definitely does. I don't know why he's covering for us, but as long as the truth about Neos defeating the Three Sacred Beasts isn't exposed, let's keep it that way.
Alicia: "(w) I see... Alright, then Yuui-san, what should we do next...?"
Yuui: "Next? It's late already! Go get some sleep. Just attend class as usual tomorrow."
Hearing that, Alicia sighed in relief. The day had been exhausting, and she didn't want any more surprises. With Yuui's permission, she happily made her way back to the dorm.
Yet, neither she nor Yuui noticed the figure hidden among the trees nearby—a man who secretly watched them.
"Coming back this late... what were you doing with Claire?"
…
The next day, Alicia returned to her normal school routine: studying spirit affinities and cultural theory, with the occasional practical duel lesson.
By now, there was hardly anyone in her year who could stand up to her in a duel. Only one boy, Chuck Jed, could still put up a decent fight, though he almost always ended up losing.
However, after several duels with him, both Alicia and Yuui realized something remarkable… Chuck's growth rate was extraordinary.
When they first dueled, Alicia could defeat him within three turns unless she held back. Yet, after a period of training, Chuck had become strong enough that Alicia had to use at least half of her strength to win.
It might not sound impressive, but only those who had faced him firsthand could truly feel how powerful Chuck had become.
Meanwhile, Alicia's own growth had been astonishing. When she first entered Saint Fusion Academy, she didn't have a single Level 5 or higher monster in her Deck. Even her so-called rare cards were ones others had discarded.
And despite that, using those unwanted cards, she fought her way into the Academy and defeated one powerful opponent after another.
Now, Alicia was something of a celebrity within Saint Fusion Academy. Among all first-year students, perhaps only three or four could confidently claim they might defeat her.
Still, since none of them had actually faced her, no one truly knew whether Alicia could overcome those same-year prodigies.
As for her status as a Nameless One, it still brought her some trouble from time to time; regardless, Alicia had long since grown used to it.
Time passed peacefully, and before she realized it, a full month had gone by since she enrolled at Saint Fusion Academy.
At the end of the month, her homeroom instructor, Professor White, entered the classroom and made an announcement.
"Everyone, today we'll be holding the Monthly Assessment. In a moment, we'll head to the Summoning Plaza for Spirit Summons. Your grades will be based on both your summoning results and the Duel Test that follows."
"Monthly Assessment?" Alicia tilted her head in confusion and asked, "Professor, does that mean this happens every month?"
"Of course!" Professor White nodded. "The Academy uses your Monthly Assessment results to determine part of your Final Exam grade. These results count for fifty percent of your final score, so this assessment is very important.
"If your regular performance doesn't meet standards, even a perfect score on the Final Exam won't save your grade. You could even end up repeating the year."
"What!?" Alicia stared, dumbfounded. "Then this Monthly Assessment is actually pretty serious!"
"Naturally!" Professor White chuckled, then addressed the class. "Alright, everyone, follow me to the Summoning Plaza! Since all first-year classes take their Summoning Tests simultaneously, we need to hurry. You'll also have a chance to observe the progress of students from other classes."
...
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