The announcement of the Student Council positions had caused an overwhelming response throughout the academy. More than a thousand applications had been submitted, and unsurprisingly, seventy percent of them were nobles. Despite their overwhelming presence, Ryo knew that true leadership required more than just noble blood—it required capability, intelligence, and the will to act.
Sitting in the grand hall with his fiancées—Seyra, Selena, Ai, Lilith, Lya, and Hilda—Ryo carefully examined the applications, separating the students into categories. Each department had specific requirements, but the general tests remained the same. Some roles, particularly those in administration and finance, did not require combat ability, while others, such as security and disciplinary positions, demanded both physical strength and strategic thinking.
As the selection process officially commenced, Ryo stepped into the grand selection hall, where hundreds of students had gathered. His gaze swept across the crowd—nobles dressed in their finest attire, exuding confidence, while commoners stood with determination burning in their eyes. He took a deep breath before addressing them.
"It does not matter whether you are a noble or a commoner. If you are capable, then I will select you. But do not think for a second that your lineage alone will grant you a position. This council is built on merit, not birthright."
A murmur ran through the nobles, some exchanging skeptical glances. However, Ryo paid them no mind and gestured for the examiners to begin. The first round consisted of a written test, designed to assess the applicants' intelligence, problem-solving abilities, and general knowledge.
Many students performed well, but there were clear distinctions between those who had studied and those who relied on their background. Some nobles appeared arrogant, submitting their answers lazily, assuming they would pass without issue. They were sorely mistaken. The results were swift, and the bottom twenty percent of students, regardless of their status, were immediately eliminated.
The next round was more engaging—a series of scenario-based questions meant to test their critical thinking. Ryo stood at the front, reading aloud different situations that required their attention and judgment.
"A commotion breaks out in the academy due to a dispute between nobles and commoners. What would you do?" he asked.
A noble, clad in expensive silk, smirked and raised his hand. "If it does not concern me or my interests, I would ignore it."
A heavy silence filled the room.
Ryo's eyes darkened, and he flicked his fingers. "You're eliminated."
The noble's eyes widened in shock. "W-What?! But I answered truthfully!"
"And that truth is exactly why you have no place in this council. A leader does not ignore problems simply because they do not affect them directly. Leave."
The noble stormed out, muttering curses under his breath. Many other nobles began shifting uncomfortably, realizing that their usual privileged mindset would not guarantee them a position here.
The questioning continued, revealing who among them possessed the right mindset for leadership. Some commoners struggled with confidence, hesitating before giving their answers, while a handful of nobles surprised Ryo with their insightful responses. In the end, another thirty percent of applicants were dismissed.
The next test was for the financial department, where students had to solve economic problems, propose budget plans, and demonstrate their ability to manage resources. Lilith and Ai oversaw this round, watching carefully for signs of greed or incompetence.
One noble attempted to bribe his way through, discreetly slipping a pouch of gold onto the table.
Lilith smirked, crossing her arms. "Congratulations, you've just earned a permanent disqualification."
The noble paled. "W-Wait! It was just a joke!"
Ai simply wrote his name on the elimination list. "Leave. We have no use for corrupt fools."
The final test was the mock battles, reserved for those applying for security and disciplinary roles. The applicants were divided into dueling pairs, tasked with proving their combat abilities. Seyra, Selena, and Lyra watched closely, analyzing their technique, strategy, and ability to adapt.
A particularly arrogant noble stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "I refuse to fight a commoner. It's beneath me."
Ryo sighed, rubbing his temples. "Then you forfeit."
"What?! I am the heir of the Viscount of Alderen! I deserve—"
Before he could finish, Seyra snapped her fingers, releasing a pulse of draconic aura that sent the noble stumbling back.
"You deserve nothing if you are too weak to stand your ground," she said coldly.
Embarrassed and fuming, the noble stormed out, but the lesson was clear—there would be no favoritism here.
The battles proceeded smoothly. Some fights were exhilarating, showcasing impressive talent. A few commoners outmatched nobles, proving that strength was not dictated by birth but by effort.
One duel, however, sparked tension. A noble, frustrated at being on the losing side, used an underhanded attack, striking his opponent after the match was already decided.
"Pathetic," Selena said, stepping forward. "Attacking an opponent after the battle has ended? Your cowardice is astounding."
The noble scowled. "I refuse to lose to a commoner!"
Before he could lash out again, Ryo's aura flared, freezing the entire room in place. His crimson eyes locked onto the noble, who suddenly found it difficult to breathe.
"If you cannot accept defeat, then you have no place in my council. Get out."
The noble, pale and trembling, scrambled to his feet and fled the hall.
By the end of the day, the final selection had been made. The new Student Council was formed, consisting of both nobles and commoners who had proven themselves through skill, intelligence, and strength.
Ryo looked at his fiancées, nodding in satisfaction. "We've found the best candidates. Now, let's see if they can handle the responsibility."
As the newly appointed council members stood before him, he smirked.
"Your real test begins now."