"I belong to the Princess."
Those words were like a freezing bomb exploding across a frozen lake, blasting through the classroom and leaving all the students silent.
The entire classroom instantly fell into dead silence.
Most students at the Royal Magic Academy came from noble families with distinguished backgrounds.
Standing at the top, they had some understanding of the Empire's future situation.
Especially regarding the Emperor's plan to let the Princess inherit the throne. Even if it was only hearsay, the news had already spread everywhere.
Still, many students were dissatisfied with the Emperor's decision.
In their hearts, the First Prince, known as the "Perfect Hero," should be the one to inherit the throne.
The First Prince had guarded the south for more than ten years and established tremendous military achievements.
He protected the Empire's territory and safeguarded the lives of its people.
Moreover, the First Prince had a gentle personality, carried himself like an Emperor, and enjoyed extremely high popularity among the people.
After all, what people liked most were heroes, especially such a perfect hero.
Although Princess Aurelian's fame and influence had indeed grown more and more.
Many people still believed that it was only because her private teacher was Viktor.
Compared with the First Prince, her own contributions and achievements were obviously not outstanding enough.
But no one said it.
And no one dared to say it.
Because, just like Professor Viktor had said, "I belong to the Princess."
Upon hearing those words, the First Prince, who had been prepared to say something, immediately found himself speechless.
He lowered his head and thought for a long time before suddenly smiling in relief.
"I understand, Count Viktor."
After saying that, the First Prince turned toward the students and slowly walked toward the seats.
His golden armor clashed softly, and the sound of metal striking metal echoed intermittently through the classroom.
Amid countless shocked and confused gazes, the First Prince arrived at the audience seats.
But after looking around, he couldn't find a single empty seat.
He let out a bitter laugh and couldn't help sighing inwardly.
As expected of Viktor's class, not a seat was empty.
Helpless, he walked toward the farthest corner of the classroom.
At that moment, one of the students, seeing that the First Prince couldn't find a seat, took the initiative to stand up.
Filled with admiration, he gathered his courage and asked, "Your Highness, would you like to sit here?"
The First Prince turned toward him, revealed a kind smile, and shook his head.
"Thank you, but no need."
"You are a student. You should sit here and study properly."
Even his refusal carried an inexplicable warmth, making the students feel especially close to him.
All the students watched the prince walking to the back, their eyes following the golden armor toward the end of the classroom.
The First Prince leaned against the wall with his arms crossed and a smile on his lips.
His gaze was gentle and thoughtful as he quietly observed the front, unwilling to disturb the peace inside the classroom.
This quiet atmosphere also immersed the students in a mysterious mood.
Gradually, they calmed down and turned their attention back to the blackboard filled with magical knowledge.
The students focused completely on recording the contents of the blackboard.
Their pens moved rapidly across the paper, writing down every fascinating piece of magical knowledge.
Even without Professor Viktor taking the initiative to lecture, the students displayed remarkable self-discipline.
The enormous blackboard at the front of the classroom looked mysterious and captivating.
Under Viktor's use, it became even more magical. The originally dull contents seemed to have been given life.
Whenever the students appeared to have finished copying, the white writing on the board would be gently ignited by crimson flames.
Like dancing spirits, they constantly changed shape.
This cycle repeated endlessly, and under the pressure of time, the students busily continued writing.
Amid the rustling sounds of pens scraping against paper, time quietly passed.
A crisp bell rang, marking the end of Professor Viktor's lecture.
The students almost simultaneously packed up their notes and stationery and orderly prepared to leave.
Perhaps out of respect for the First Prince, they cleaned up much faster than usual.
As they left, every student passed by Professor Viktor and bowed deeply to thank him.
They expressed gratitude for the wonderful lesson he had given them.
Even though he hadn't spoken a single word the entire time.
Only after the last student bowed and left did the First Prince uncross his arms and slowly walk toward Viktor.
"Count Viktor."
"Do you have time now?"
Without raising his head, Viktor gently closed the magic book in his hand and calmly replied, "Very good, Your Highness."
"At least you didn't disturb my students."
As he spoke, he stood up from the wooden chair.
The chair beneath him transformed into scattered vines and gradually drifted into his overcoat.
"Perhaps I can spare you some time for a conversation."
Hearing Viktor's words, the First Prince let out a long sigh of relief.
Just as he was about to speak, he saw Viktor looking around.
"However, do you really intend to talk to me here?"
Viktor's words made the First Prince pause. He then followed Viktor's gaze and looked around.
The classroom door and windows had been completely blocked by curious students.
They leaned forward and crowded together.
It seemed that if the students below made the slightest mistake, those behind them would flood into the classroom and tumble onto the floor.
The windows were no different. Students had their faces pressed against the glass, eyes wide open.
Their ears perked up, focused on observing the conversation between Viktor and the First Prince.
The First Prince smiled awkwardly and said apologetically, "My deepest apologies, Count Viktor."
"I failed to notice that."
Only then did Viktor turn back and glance at the First Prince again.
He then lightly raised his arm and snapped his fingers.
A brilliant blue magic circle instantly formed, with complicated runes and sparkling lights rapidly spreading beneath their feet.
Countless bright points swallowed the blue formation, and heavy patterns gradually climbed up their ankles.
A flash of light passed, and the two turned into countless tiny rays of light and rose into the sky, disappearing from the spot.
The entire classroom was left in silence.
The students stared dumbfounded as Viktor and the First Prince vanished into light.
The crowd, already on the verge of collapsing, lost its balance and fell to the ground.
The students pressed against the windows widened their eyes and opened their mouths in shock, still reliving what they had just witnessed.
"Hey... did you guys see that?"
"That teleportation magic... I don't think I saw the professor cast it in advance."
"So this is what the Chief Professor is capable of?"
"What are you talking about? Did everyone forget the professor's battle at sea?"
Amid the whispers, the students gradually regained their senses.
Originally, they had hoped to overhear some of the conversation.
Now, even the people themselves had disappeared.
'Sigh, time to go.'
Just as the students got up from the floor and prepared to leave, three figures suddenly approached from not far away.
They passed through the crowd and headed toward the classroom Viktor had just been in.
The students immediately became puzzled.
Vice Professor Henny, Chief Erika, and... who was the person behind Vice Professor Henny?
Upon seeing Henny, the students all stepped aside and consciously made way.
Wearing a robe, Sephiroth followed behind. As she walked through the students, she felt countless curious gazes upon her.
All the students curiously examined this mysterious woman and privately guessed at her identity.
At that moment, Erika glanced at the empty classroom and shook her head at Henny.
"He's not here."
Seeing this, Henny turned toward the students on both sides and asked gently, "Students."
"Did any of you see where Professor Viktor went?"
———
Two strands of light descended from the sky like threads.
The moment they touched the ground, blue light gradually formed into two familiar figures.
Viktor and Albany appeared together inside the Arcane Hall.
The First Prince felt dizzy, his vision filled with blue lights.
He barely steadied himself, but his head still felt muddled.
His legs trembled, and the ground beneath his feet felt as soft as cotton.
It couldn't be helped. He really had very little experience with magic like teleportation.
Viktor raised his head and looked at the First Prince, who had just regained his senses.
Clearly, his dazzling golden armor stood out especially inside the Arcane Hall.
No sooner had he arrived than he attracted the attention of many students.
They gathered together and secretly discussed him.
The First Prince's appearance attracted countless gazes. Albany also looked toward the students.
It was noon, which should have been lunchtime.
Yet there were still so many students inside the Arcane Hall, leaving Albany very surprised.
'Do you mages not eat lunch?'
Having lived in the army for many years, he truly couldn't understand students who neglected food and sleep like this.
However, Viktor clearly had no intention of slowing down and waiting.
The moment they landed, he had already begun walking toward the center of the Arcane Hall.
Seeing this, the First Prince hurriedly quickened his pace and followed behind Viktor.
Only after the two had gone farther away did the students feel comfortable enough to start guessing.
"That golden armor... is that the First Prince?"
"I heard the First Prince came straight to the academy after returning today. Looks like it was true."
"But why is the First Prince looking for Professor Viktor?"
Their guesses, however, were destined to go unheard.
At this moment, Viktor had already brought Albany to the center of the Arcane Hall.
At the center was an enormous formation glowing with blue light.
A hazy light rose around the edge of the formation, forming an illusory ring in the air.
The wave patterns engraved on it danced freely under the influence of magic.
Viktor had already stepped into the center of the formation and turned to look at the First Prince.
"What did you want to talk to me about?"
The First Prince froze slightly and looked around.
Seeing the many students nearby, he knew this wasn't the place to talk.
Just as he was about to remind Viktor, he too stepped into the enormous formation.
Almost instantly, a wave-like force surged outward.
Water rose from the center of the formation and gradually submerged the two standing inside.
After the waves rolled outward for several meters, they returned to the center and slowly receded.
The two standing there disappeared as well.
The surrounding space seemed to twist with time and space, while a hazy starry sky intertwined with surging waves of magical power in this illusory world.
The First Prince slowly opened his eyes and looked at the strange scene around him. He couldn't help but mutter in surprise, "Th-this is..."
Recalling Viktor's lecture at the academy, the First Prince had been present as well.
Back then, he had personally experienced what Viktor called a "dungeon."
These special worlds made from independent spaces not only allowed students to practice combat skills, but also guaranteed absolute safety.
Although the experience in the lecture hall had only been a simplified version, he had heard that the dungeons would continue to be improved and stored inside the academy.
And now, the world before him was even more fantastical than before.
After this new creation spread throughout the royal capital, this was the First Prince's first time seeing it in person.
He had once considered how amazing it would be if this technology could be applied to the army, allowing soldiers to train against all kinds of crises.
But thoughts were just thoughts. The First Prince quickly regained his composure.
With a troubled expression, he took a deep breath and solemnly said to Viktor, "Count Viktor... no, Councilor Clavenna."
At the same time, terrifying scenes resurfaced in the First Prince's mind.
Back then, when Viktor first entered the monster rift.
The black dragon that had suddenly entered the rift, and the terrifying magic that had erupted from within.
Even now, Albany remembered it vividly.
Thinking of that, he raised his head and firmly said to Viktor, "I hope you can help me resolve the current war in the south."
With both hands in his pockets and his back facing the First Prince, Viktor turned his head slightly.
He looked calmly at the First Prince and said lightly, "I believe I have already made my position clear before, Your Highness..."
"I won't make things difficult for you, Councilor Clavenna."
The First Prince raised one arm and struck his chest three times.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
The golden armor produced dull echoes that reverberated through the silent illusory space.
"I will voluntarily give up my claim to the throne."
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