---
**[Scene - Royal Magic Academy – Morning Assembly]**
The atmosphere within the academy had shifted. Since his duel with Saria, Kuro's name had circulated through both Class A and B.
> "Is that the guy who beat Saria-san?"
> "But did he really win... or did he just get lucky?"
> "Still, he's not being bullied anymore."
Students who once mocked him now avoided eye contact. Some tried to greet him roughly, but Kuro remained silent and unreadable.
Meanwhile, Saria acted normally, but close observers noticed her frequently staring at Kuro during lessons.
---
**[Scene - Ryuto's Perspective]**
Ryuto still sat near Kuro in class, acting friendly—but questions trembled in his mind.
> *Kuro, why hide your strength? That victory wasn't a fluke...*
He scribbled notes, stealing glances.
> *You're not ordinary. But why...*
He clenched his fists under the desk.
> *You remind me so much of Kiyoshi...*
---
**[Scene - Classroom - Magical Reaction Theory Exam Day]**
Professor Hermen-sensei rushed into the room, his long coat flapping.
> "Today is your Magical Reaction Theory and Historical Knowledge midterm. The results will reflect your placement and standing. No cheating is permitted—"
The students trembled.
The exam had three sections:
1. Magical Theory – Reaction chains between elements (e.g., Fire + Wind, Lightning + Water).
2. Historical Records – Write about the First Summoned Hero who changed Velgrith.
3. Continental History – Analyze the division between the four Kingdoms and the Demon Empire.
Everyone worked hard—except Kuro.
Kuro solved each section with a precise 50%. No more. No less.
As he wrote, he used advanced memory manipulation to clearly erase any excess answers.
> *"Suspicion lies in perfection... and in failure,"* Kuro thought coldly.
---
**[Scene - Results Announcement – One Week Later]**
Scores were posted in the hall:
| Name l | Magic Theory | History | Knowledge
| Saria | 94 | 98 | 95
| Ryuto | 91 | 93 | 90
| Rei | 84 | 87 | 85
| Kuro | 50 | 50 | 50
-----------------------------------------------------
Total | Saria - 95.6
Ryuto - 91.3
Rei - 85.3
Kuro - 50.0
-----------------------------------------------------
The crowd murmured in shock.
> "Exactly fifty in every subject...?"
> "That's harder, isn't it? Almost impossible."
> "Did he... calculate his answers?"
> "Is he... a genius pretending to be normal?"
Professor Hermen-sensei was silent while reading the scores. His expression mirrored Kuro's.
---
**[Scene - After Class – Saria Confronts Kuro Again]**
After the results came out, Saria approached Kuro.
> "Exactly fifty in every subject," she said calmly. "Is that how Kuro-kun always operates?"
Kuro gave her a gentle smile.
> "Perfection is often the best disguise, Saria-san."
Saria closed her eyes. Then she smiled.
> "But that doesn't sit well with everyone."
She walked away, her hair swishing, seeming more amused than suspicious.
---
**[Scene - Princess Alisa – Inside the Council Room]**
Alisa sat with her arms crossed, reading the exam results.
> *Kuro... you surprise me again.*
She couldn't shake the feeling that he was watching the world while pretending to be a part of it.
> *"Who are you really...?"*
---
**[Scene - Ryuto - Lying in Bed That Night]**
> *Those scores can't be a coincidence. Kuro is hiding not just his magic… but everything.*
He remembered how his old friend Kiyoshi always thought ten steps ahead, always analyzing, always patient.
> *…No, it's just a feeling. But... could it really be him?*
He stared at the ceiling.
> *"Kuro... I'll find out eventually."*
---
✦ **To be continued...**