As the final remnants of the golden beast dissipated into light, Instructor Lestrade stepped forward, his usually stoic expression replaced by genuine admiration. He looked directly at Artaigne and declared, "You... You possess an inborn ability of Arcane Reversis. Remarkable. It's a gift thought to be exclusive to Morgana herself."
The crowd of a few academy staff that had been silently observing from the shadows murmured among themselves. Lestrade continued, his voice echoing in the arena. "Arcane Reversis allows its user to restore an ally to their peak state. It can reset cooldowns of soul skills, replenish soul energy, heal injuries, and even stamina. If honed properly, this ability can make you the greatest supporter mankind has ever seen."
Artaigne blushed under the weight of his words. "I... I didn't do much," she stammered. She also wanted to say that Morgana was her mother but she swallowed it down and spoke something else after hesitating a bit.
"I don't have any grand ambitions," she admitted, glancing at Rael. "I just want to become someone my fiancé can depend on."
Rael smiled warmly. "Then you've already succeeded," he said simply, causing Artaigne to blush deeper.
Eon, standing nearby, crossed her arms and frowned. "Depend on her? You've already got me for that! Did you forget that it was my Time Stop soul skill that supported you the most?"
Rael laughed, trying to ease his sister's irritation. "There's no harm in having more people to rely on, Eon. I think it's great. As for you, I don't need to mention it, do I? I know that you always support me."
Eon huffed, muttering under her breath, "She's taking all the credit. I don't like this."
After a brief pause, Lestrade straightened and addressed the three of them. "Given today's trial and the results I've witnessed, I'm making a recommendation to the academy's administration."
The trio exchanged curious glances as Lestrade announced. "Congratulations, you will all be placed directly into the Special Division of the academy."
Rael's eyes widened slightly, though he maintained his composure. "Special Division?" he asked.
Lestrade nodded. "The division for the most promising students—those with platinum or higher grade Arcana spirits, or those who display exceptional potential. This young miss (Artaigne), despite your gold-grade Arcana, your ability, Arcane Reversis, qualifies under Clause 3 of the academy's constitution."
Artaigne tilted her head, puzzled. "Clause 3?"
Lestrade explained, "Clause 3 allows for candidates without a platinum-grade Arcana spirit to enter the Special Division if the presiding instructor of their trial sees potential in them comparable to that of a Special Division student. Your ability is unparalleled and rare, and with proper training, you will excel for sure."
Artaigne hesitated, feeling out of place among her companions. "Are you sure this isn't a mistake? I mean, I'm nowhere near as strong as Rael or Eon…" After all, in her eyes, Rael and Eon did most of the work but the instructor is praising her the most. Praise is something unfamiliar to her as well. So, yeah, she was slightly overwhelmed by everything.
Lestrade's tone softened. "Strength isn't everything. Your ability can change the tide of battles and save countless lives. That's why I'm making an exception for you—because I believe in your potential."
Rael placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're here because you belong, Artaigne. Don't doubt yourself."
Eon, though begrudgingly, nodded. "He's right. We'll figure it out together."
With their placements secured, the three of them left the arena, stepping into the next phase of their journey at the Heavenly Academy.
After the trial concluded, the instructor led Rael, Eon, and Artaigne back to the reception, handing them to the clerk over there.
The clerk was quite elated to see three new students and that too placed in Special Division, which only had 48 students at the moment.
After refunding their amount, she left her assistant in her place and personally escorted them to the dormitory quarters of the Heavenly Academy, explaining the special provision for the special division students, on the way.
Yasmin handed over their placements. "These are your keys. Student Azrael, your room is in the west wing, dormitory D-12. Student Artaigne and student Eon, you're both assigned to the east wing, dormitory C-5, and C-6, respectively. Once you go there, your respective wardens will explain to you the dormitory rules and regulations."
Eon, already holding her key, looked distressed. "Separate? No. We can't stay in different rooms."
Yasmin raised a brow. "Why not?"
Eon clenched her fists and replied firmly. "Ever since we were born, Rael and I shared everything—our room, our meals, our burdens. We can't sleep apart."
The instructor frowned, visibly perplexed. "While I understand your closeness, academy policy prohibits members of opposite genders from sharing living quarters. Moreover, this is when you must learn how to be independent."
Rael stepped forward, calm but resolute. "We're not asking to bend the rules because we want to. We're asking because it's necessary. If you separate us, Eon won't sleep, and neither will I. It's not a matter of choice—it's how we've always been. There was once we stayed apart for three days. Even after staying in the royal palace, I couldn't eat or sleep properly."
Yasmin crossed her arms, clearly torn between protocol and their heartfelt plea. She knew that nobles were some stubborn individuals. They always wanted to get their way but the academy always bent their wills so far. She was sure that these two weren't exceptions either. However, their demand is a bit peculiar for her. It was the first time she had heard such a demand in her eight years of employment.
But then again, these three ended up in a special division. They have the right to atleast make the demands. Whether those demands could be fulfilled or not, it wasn't in her hands though.
After a moment of thought, she sighed. "This is... irregular. Very irregular. I'll take you to someone who can decide—Headmaster Achilles."
Artaigne tilted her head. "Achilles? You mean Saint Achilles, the legendary demigod, the mortal god of war?"
Yasmin nodded. "Yes, the same Achilles you've read about in myths and fairy tales. He is our Headmaster." She looked at her and asked, "You don't know about that?"
Artaigne looked at Rael. The latter shrugged his shoulders. "Sorry, I forgot to tell you."
"No wonder my father only sent Remia with me." Artaigne nodded in understanding.
Rael narrowed his eyes, thinking. "No, it is the work of those family relatives of yours who don't want to give you too much security."
"Please follow me." Yasmin walked forward. They followed her.
The group was then escorted through the academy grounds, finally arriving at a grand marble building adorned with golden statues of warriors. Yasmin led them into the headmaster's office, where a towering figure stood by a window, gazing at the academy grounds below.
Achilles turned, his piercing eyes locking onto the newcomers. Despite his immortal presence, he appeared no older than a man in his early thirties, with bronzed skin, flowing golden hair, and a powerful aura that radiated authority.
Yasmin bowed. "Headmaster Achilles, I've brought you these new students who made it into the special division. There's... an unusual request regarding their dormitory arrangements."
Achilles studied the trio. His gaze lingered on Rael and Eon, who both stood firm despite his overwhelming presence. "Speak," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "What is this request?"