"You watched a trash-tier beast defeat a Level 20 entity?" Catherine Moore from the Imperial Academy scoffed. "Miss White, I understand you're trying to be kind, but there's a difference between generosity and delusion."Ben pushed through the crowd next, leaning heavily on a medic. Tumble waddled beside him, bandaged but alive. "Yona's telling the truth! Rose is incredibly powerful! She—""So you're claiming you also witnessed this miracle?" Victor Klein interrupted mockingly. "How convenient. Two witnesses supporting an impossible lie.""We're not lying!" Ben shouted, his voice cracking.But the crowd wasn't listening. Whispers spread like wildfire:"They must have made a deal with Harry...""Probably trying to help him save face...""How pathetic, lying about something so obvious..."Through it all, Harry stood at the edge of the plaza, holding Rose in his arms. She was conscious but weak, her balance disrupted again from using the God of Night bloodline. Her small form trembled wit

Some people in the crowd began to clap—slowly at first, then growing. Not everyone, but enough. Those who remembered, who'd lost family in the war, who understood the weight of sacrifice.But Catherine Moore's expression only grew colder. "How touching. The Imperial Academy officially extends invitations to our top three candidates." She turned to Yona with a gracious smile. "Miss White, your Mythical-rank Chimera and exceptional performance have earned you first place among legitimate candidates. We would be delighted to welcome you."Yona stood silent, her expression unreadable."Mr. Morrison," Catherine continued, addressing Ben. "Second place. Your earth techniques showed remarkable potential. The Imperial Academy would be proud to have you."Ben shifted uncomfortably, glancing at Harry."And Mr. John Klein," Catherine finished, her smile widening. "With the... disqualification... of the previous third-place candidate, you now hold that position. Your Legendary angel makes you an

"Standing there with your trash beast, pretending you accomplished something. It's pathetic." He turned to Yona with exaggerated sympathy. "Miss White, I have to ask—are you sure about this? Associating with this... this expelled bastard could seriously damage your reputation.""My reputation is my concern, not yours," Yona replied icily."Is it though?" John's smile widened. "Because I'm pretty sure your father—the city lord—might have some opinions about his daughter spending time with the Klein family's discarded garbage. Lord Marcus White is a proud man. A powerful man. What do you think he'll do when he hears his precious daughter is defending a cheater? A nobody? A piece of dirt that couldn't even keep his own family from throwing him out?""My father trusts my judgment," Yona said, though a flicker of uncertainty crossed her face.John caught it immediately. "Does he? Because I've heard Lord White is very particular about the company you keep. Very concerned with status, with p

She met Catherine's gaze without flinching. "And I would rather bet on Harry Klein than accept a guaranteed spot at an academy that judges people before knowing them."Ben stepped forward next. "I'll contribute what I can too. My family isn't wealthy, but I'll add my support to the guarantee.""This is insane," Victor Klein muttered. "They've all gone insane."Elder Margaret's expression was calculating. "John, are you certain about this wager? If by some miracle they actually—""They won't," John interrupted, his confidence returning. "There's no way. Holy Mountain is finished. These three will realize it within months, and by the time the tournament comes, they'll be begging to withdraw from the bet." He grinned viciously at Harry. "I accept your terms, with Miss White's guarantee. One year from now, I'm going to enjoy watching you grovel as you admit you never belonged in the same world as real beast tamers.""We'll see," Harry said quietly.Richard Stone had been silent through th

He pushed the doors open, revealing a chamber that stole the breath from all three students' lungs.The Memorial Hall stretched before them, circular and vast, its domed ceiling painted with fading murals of battles and victories. But it was the walls that commanded attention—black stone from floor to ceiling, every inch covered in carved names.Thousands upon thousands of names.Harry stepped forward slowly, his eyes scanning the inscriptions. Each name was followed by an age and a brief epitaph.Sarah Chen, Age 17, Died Defending the Eastern GateMarcus Williams, Age 15, Gave His Life to Save His TeamProfessor Elizabeth Moore, Age 52, Held the Courtyard Until Reinforcements Arrived"Fifteen?" Ben whispered, his voice breaking. "Some of them were only fifteen?""The demons attacked during our annual Inter-Academy Tournament," Richard explained, his voice distant with memory. "Nearly our entire population was gathered in the central stadium—students, professors, families who'd come t