A warm morning.
Pastel patrolled around the academy’s shopping district.
She checked each store to see if there were any suspicious large-scale distributions like a secret warehouse for awakening potions.
“Is there anything troubling you?”
Pastel visited a store, and the tax evading merchant, who suddenly felt awkward, handed her a small box with a sheepish grin.
“This is a small token of our sincerity.”
With a click, the box revealed a heap of gold coins.
Wow wow.
Is this the heart of a thug collecting protection fees?
How much tax evasion have these people committed to be so generous?
She had the urge to peek into the ledgers but held back.
Curiosity kills!
The student council doesn’t engage in the wicked act of reclaiming shopping rights granted to the merchants by the academy.
They have that power, but…
She closed the box and tucked it under her arm.
“This store seems fine!”
Uh-huh!
Pastel nodded with a smile.
The merchant also nodded and smiled back.
A peaceful day!
The merchant opened his mouth carefully.
“I heard the magic tower is visiting? Although I won’t get to see it, I’ll be rooting for your academic discussion, Your Excellency.”
Academic discussion?
Aaaah.
Not a peaceful day!
The cold trial that befell the kind Pastel, who had only been out collecting bribes!
Aaaah.
I just liked the title of top student.
Pastel hurriedly left the shop and rushed into a chicken skewer joint, ordering chicken skewers in a flurry.
“One chicken skewer please!”
Aaaah, the academic discussion.
She received the skewer and sprinkled it with gem powder.
Bitten into the chicken, pulling it sideways, nom nom.
The crispy exterior crunched, followed by the moist, tender meat filling her mouth with juiciness. The aroma of charcoal lingered.
Wow.
It was so delicious that she almost forgot the agony she just experienced. Did something happen?
A peaceful day!
The owner smiled kindly.
Instead of gold coins or gold bars, he offered free chicken skewers to the student council member, winning the top spot in the bribery ranking!
“Is it delicious?”
“Yes!”
“What discussion are you having? Enjoy your meal and do well. I’ll be rooting for you!”
Gasp.
Not a peaceful day…!
Pastel felt like she was going to choke.
Nobody knows.
I don’t have a clue what’s going on.
After receiving this week’s topic ahead of time.
―Discuss the graduality of revelation that can be understood through the Old Testament and the New Testament from the perspectives of continuity and distinction.
A bizarre topic like that sent Pastel into panic! Nobody knows she’s completely clueless!
Aaaah.
Total crisis!
The high-ranking mage stood on the airship’s railing and looked down at the dock. The academy officials who came to greet them were visible.
Among them was a girl in pink tone, looking oddly shivery.
Craft.
The mage’s eyes narrowed.
The current top student isn’t Melissa, huh?
Melissa Camelot had been receiving systematic education as the heir of the Marquis family since birth. After being recognized for her talent as the next Grand Mage, she received support for education from the Empire.
On the contrary, Pastel Love Craft was famously known in the social circles as a half-wit since birth. It was said she barely learned to read and write.
Melissa and Pastel were not fair comparison candidates from the start.
Just recently, after the extraction ritual and massacre at Craft Mansion, Pastel, the Marquis, awoke in a half-wit state.
After waking up from the half-wit state, she immediately enrolled in the academy.
In her lifetime, she had barely a few weeks of proper study.
It’s clear who would have the upper hand between Pastel and Melissa without needing to think too hard.
The Marquis had to give it his all to avoid embarrassment.
Surely they wouldn’t let a Marquis fail an entrance exam; they’d pass her somehow, but she’d be a lifelong laughingstock.
But the entrance exam, which came soon after, yielded results nobody could have anticipated.
Pastel had secured the top written exam seat, overwhelmingly surpassing Melissa Camelot.
Though rumors stated she scored zero in practical combat, it was reasonable considering she had just awakened from a half-wit state and didn’t have the proper muscle tone to fight.
The high-ranking mage stared at the pink girl. She was still shivering, but he wasn’t deceived by Craft’s inherently kind appearance.
To surpass the next Grand Mage trained in elite education of the Empire with just a few weeks of study…
What a nonsensical intellect.
Why are pink monsters always like this? Is it due to the brutal tradition of determining heirs through family conflicts?
The information control within the academy is so severe that it’s hard to know exactly how Pastel’s journey unfolded afterward. But the fact that a newcomer is acting as Vice Student Council President is telling enough.
The Empire’s top sabotage family, although fallen, retained their intellect. Frighteningly so.
Craft must never cross paths with shadows.
The high-ranking mage stepped back from the railing.
But there are openings.
He gazed at the rookie mage, who would soon debate with Pastel.
“Scholarship is an ivory tower built by countless geniuses. No one can overwhelm it with mere arrogant intellect and talent.”
If he’s that much of a monster, he might be able to conquer the ivory tower. But Pastel doesn’t have time for that yet.
Lack of time spent on understanding leads to gaps in reasoning and biases in logic. Unrefined study is mere obstinacy.
“Debate is neither competition nor combat. However, this exchange is an issue of pride for both the academy and the magic tower. If you see an opening, subtly push.”
“Make them humiliated in front of the crowd.”
The academy and the magic tower were at odds as they competed over the Empire’s budget.
The rookie mage wore a confident expression.
“Not even Melissa could pose a challenge. The top exam score was by chance, right? I’m not scared at all. I will push her hard.”
The high-ranking mage frowned.
“Just don’t be rude to the Marquis. Is there a fight?”
“Ah. Yes…”
The rookie mage shrank back.
Aaaah.
Trembling.
Pastel sat in the audience section of the auditorium, hands shaking.
I just want time to slow down.
If only time could stop in this state.
Grant me the power to pause time.
The world can’t have forsaken me like this.
Surely in the dorm basement, there are powers for time-stopping left by the Demon King.
Did I miss my opportunity just because I waited in vain for the summer vacation renovations?
Did I just toss away the fate of the top student?
Gasp, so realistic.
Of course, a kid who doesn’t want to go to the library wouldn’t be the top student!
Gulp.
Finally, karma has come.
Pastel realized the truth of all existence.
In the meantime, on the stage, the combat top student Melissa stood opposite the rival mage. After exchanging graceful greetings, they pointed their wands at each other.
As the duel began, magic projectiles flew in sync with their movements. The mages deftly dodged the projectiles and swung their wands. Light and flame projectiles collided and exploded.
It was a calm and composed exchange of magic.
Wow wow.
Do mages really duel so politely?
How noble!
I can wield a sword too!
Swish swish.
The number of opposing projectiles slowly increased. At some point, the magic tower’s mage could no longer increase the number of projectiles.
As the evasive actions grew, a light projectile struck the wand. The magic tower’s wand flew out, landing to the ground. Silence fell.
Victorious, Melissa gently lifted her skirt and bowed.
“It was a delightful match.”
“Likewise.”
The opponent also bowed in return.
Applause erupted from the auditorium of students.
Wow.
Mages are so graceful.
What the hell was that foolish duel where we sweat over swinging swords?
Dustin! Leonard!
What did you expect from me?
You guys were so foolish!
As the top student, I find that elegant magic suits me much more than the sweaty martial arts.
Gasp, thinking that?
Come to think of it?
I’m not even a proper top student for not going to the library! I wouldn’t fit into magic.
Aaaah.
Karma catches up with me.
Panicking, Pastel was pushed onto the stage by the staff. She sat down in a chair.
She could see the academy students and magic tower officials filling the auditorium.
Aaaah.
The moment of truth for Pastel’s intellect!
The presenter stepped forward.
“Today, we will lightly discuss the graduality of revelation that the gods bestow, focusing on continuity and distinction. It’s an event for mutual exchange, so please all enjoy it casually.”
A hand pointed at Pastel.
“This is Pastel Love Craft, representing the newcomers. She will discuss focusing on continuity.”
Thunderous applause erupted in the auditorium.
Aaaah.
The requiem of karma!
Everyone is welcoming the social death of the top student.
After the greetings and order guidance ended.
“Hmm. Although it’s labeled as an academic discussion, it seems to be more of an informal exchange event.”
“Please, Pastel student, go ahead and start.”
“Just flavor it and follow along.”
Aaaah.
“A graduality of revelation can be considered by first understanding the concept of salvation history. Salvation history refers to the divine acts of salvation from Genesis to the present…”
With a frenzy, her mouth flapped.
Aaaah.
“Inevitably, within this framework, we can gain consistent insights regarding the covenantal relationship between gods and shrines. The difference created by the blank period between the Old Testament and the New Testament reflects merely an optical illusion created by the limits of human intellect…. ”
Something something.
Aaaah.
I have no idea!
I can’t keep up with the topic at all!
Is this the requiem of karma!
“Well, the Old and New Testament are continuous and form a consistent theme. That is all.”
The moment Pastel’s intellect was exposed!
Pastel’s mouth twitched.
I have no clue.
But the Demon Lord is here.
Hehe.
Life is easy.
The time for cross-examination and audience questions began, and applause rang out.
Pastel skipped down from the stage.
“I’m the top student Pastel~.”
The pink girl bounced.
“I’m just a kid with a smart head~.”
Twirl and bounce back.
“My combat score is zero, but it’s okay~.”
Because I’m smart.
Wow.
The mage who debated hurriedly chased after her, his eyes gleaming with admiration.
“How did you achieve such academic success in such a short time? Is there a secret?”
Huh?
Secret?
Pastel frowned seriously.
Then, the secret that came to mind was spoken.
“Talent.”
Hehe.
The mage gasped in admiration.
“Can I do it too?”
Hmm.
Pastel seriously pondered and then nodded.
“Difficulty.”
She tapped herself gently.
“I, super ultra genius.”
Great and fantastic indeed.
The mage looked at her with the gaze of seeing a genius.
Isn’t that an overly objective gaze?
Hehe.
Pastel, grinning, returned to the lounge.
“I’m the top student Pastel~.”
Bouncing.
“I’m just a kid with a smart head~.”
While singing, Pastel suddenly shocked herself.
Gasp.
Is it really okay to blabber about my weakness everywhere?
Aaaah.
The death game targeting the weakness of the smart kid begins.
Eeeeh.
The sound of heels echoed.
“Craft.”
Turning her head, she saw a blonde girl with blue eyes. A neat magician’s robe wrapped around the girl’s body.
“Melissa!”
Pastel’s eyes widened.
“You spoke to me first! It’s been so long! I’m so happy! We really are best friends!”
Melissa scoffed.
“Only you in this world would call someone a friend after one conversation.”
Pastel’s jaw dropped.
“Wow wow! So chic! I want to do that too! Hmm! You’re the only one in this world.”
Gasp.
So incredibly chic.
Melissa looked bewildered.
“More importantly, Craft. Your knowledge is indeed impressive. Others may have been fooled by your innocent appearance, but I already saw through it. You are hiding a deep inner self.”
“Really?”
How did she know I was smart?
Hehe.
Pastel felt bashful.
Melissa’s gaze turned cold.
“I haven’t heard you taking any outside commissions. If so, you’re planning to fill your semester report with research results?”
Huh?
Semester report?
A gentle voice rang out.
“Although I lost the written exam, I won’t lose the semester report. I’ll be the research top student, so just know that.”
Pastel’s eyes widened.
“What’s a semester report?”
“Are you making fun of me? Craft, you’re using the self-study system. You have to submit a semester report before the first semester ends. I’ll be the research top student, so just keep that in mind. Excuse me.”
Melissa turned away.
The sound of her heels faded.
Eh.
Semester report?
Self-study system.
One of the systems implemented by the academy to overcome the biases of being a military officer training center.
Students who want to can skip classes if they submit a report each semester.
The report can be filled through outside commissions or personal research. However, low-quality reports will be rejected, leading to mandatory and remedial classes.
The children of good families usually finish homeschooling at a high level before enrolling, so most high-ranking students utilized the self-study system.
Thus, when ranking student scores, it’s mostly based on the semester report scores, resulting in little disparity.
Eh.
Pastel, who had just been goofing around, was left in a daze.
Then she suddenly jumped in shock and screamed.
“Demon Lord! Demon Lord! Demon Lord! I didn’t do anything!”
Aaaah.
It felt like remembering the homework just before vacation ends!
The Demon Lord spoke calmly.
“It’s alright. I was going to hint at it anyway. If you get suitable outside commissions and complete them quickly, you can fill up the report quickly.”
Pastel paused.
Oh.
As expected, the Demon Lord.
Beaming.
“But then, it seems the report will only be filled with combat commissions? Combat top student?”
“Exactly. It suits your aptitude.”
Huh.
Is Pastel evolving from top student to research top student, instead of combat top student?
Pastel frowned and imagined.
In her imagination, a title of top student was floating above Pastel’s head like a game.
She flicked her finger and slapped on the title of combat top student.
Combat top student Pastel.
A blank expression of Pastel exaggerated.
Muuuh.
Muuuuh.
Gasp, looks so silly!
Especially with the pink on her!
Top student Pastel?
Evolution complete~.
Silly silly Pastel!
Muuuh.
Aaaah.
Pastel held her head.
Absolutely not, absolutely.
“I need to guard my title!”
Pastel is a smart kid!
If she loses the title of intellect, others might misunderstand!
“Hmm. Even if you fill the semester report with research from now on, it will be tough to remain at the top. The research results of the next Grand Mage would be difficult to match even in a short time.”
“No worries! Life is super easy for Pastel! I’ll figure it out!”
“Oh?”
Pastel raised her arms high.
“I’ll go to the Demon Realm to get ideas for the research report!”
The Demon Realm, the Demon Realm.
The Demon Lord’s stunned voice rang out.
“Why the Demon Realm?”
“For academic research! Academic research! The student council will embark on an investigation in the Demon Realm for the smooth academic research of the students!”
Also, for personal research ideas!
“You just want to engage in smuggling…”
Pastel hurriedly interrupted.
“Departure~!”
Towards the title of research top student!
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