"Merlin Clay?" The professors froze at the name.

They hurriedly scanned the leaderboard, moving from the bottom up to second place.

When they realized Merlin Clay's name was nowhere to be found, they held their breath for a moment.

"Don't tell me… first place…"

Their eyes widened, and they exchanged fearful glances.

"Then let's welcome our champion!" Ronald's enthusiastic shout echoed through the back of the academy.

The first-place spot, which had been empty until now, suddenly displayed a name most of the students had never heard of—Merlin Clay.

"Merlin Clay?" Everyone exclaimed almost simultaneously.

"He's the champion? Who is he? And… what the hell are those points? 35,000!?"

"Crazy! That's insane! 35,000 points—twice what Crystal has! And he earned them all on his own! Did he… really kill most of the students to get them?"

The question silenced the others. Come to think of it, it wasn't entirely impossible.

Still, looking at the leaderboard, that theory didn't quite add up.

If he had had to kill so many students to earn that many points, the number of students with zero points should have been over thirty.

In reality, there were only fifteen. So the theory didn't hold much weight.

Even so, however he got those points, Merlin Clay was undeniably extraordinary—and would be remembered long after they graduated.

"Merlin Clay…" Crystal frowned. "35,000 points… that's incredible. No wonder I'm only in second place—my opponent is completely unreasonable."

She scanned the students around her until her gaze finally landed on a tall, handsome boy who stood out.

Before coming to this academy, she already had an idea of who her future rivals might be.

Merlin Clay's name was one of them. Yet who would have thought that this seemingly harmless boy could defeat her so decisively?

It made her realize there was still room for improvement, and she would have to work hard to catch up—no matter what it took.

Luvis wore the same expression as Crystal. He looked at Merlin with both appreciation and a spark of rivalry.

To Luvis, weaker opponents were just losers. But those stronger than him earned respect and became true rivals.

Merlin was clearly a figure worthy of both.

Feeling the intense stares from the two, Merlin remained calm and relaxed.

For him, this test was just child's play. The real battle would only begin with the academy seniors, especially the bearers of the nine rings—the strongest of their generation.

"All right, everyone," Ronald said casually, his gaze sweeping over them one by one. "Normally, after the ranking announcement, there would be an award ceremony. But I know you must be exhausted after two full days of testing. Therefore, the Academy Head has decided to deliver the awards directly to your dormitories. And…"

He glanced at those ranked above one hundred, then continued, "Don't be too sad. Even if there are no prizes for you, you did well. At least you can stay at this academy and continue your studies. Once again, congratulations."

The students felt flattered by his kind words.

Their disappointment at not receiving any prizes vanished instantly. But there was one person who couldn't accept it—Lucius.

He was furious when he realized he wasn't in the top ten. And when Merlin's name appeared in first place with an extraordinary score, his anger spiked, leaving him gasping for breath.

"Merlin Clay…" he growled, staring intently at Merlin from a distance.

Noticing his gaze, Merlin turned, flashed a contemptuous smile, and gave him the middle finger.

"Damn it!" Lucius yelled loudly.

The students around him panicked and quickly moved away.

Ronald immediately dispersed the crowd. The students returned to their dormitories, while some chose to relax in the city or elsewhere.

After two long and exhausting days, they wanted to enjoy themselves.

"Merlin!" Luna's cheerful voice came from his right side.

Before Merlin could react, she had already hugged his arm tightly, pressing him against her big, soft chest.

Merlin smiled and stroked her head affectionately.

"Congratulations on reaching third place, Luna. You did amazing," he praised sincerely.

"Blee!" Luna stuck out her tongue proudly. "That's nothing special. I just don't want to fall too far behind you. If that happens, I wouldn't even be worthy of being your fiancée, right?"

Upon hearing that, Merlin just chuckled and nodded slowly.

"You're right. But don't push yourself too hard, understand? If you get hurt, it won't be funny," he warned seriously.

He liked Luna's stubbornness and her refusal to give up.

As he had said before, being a genius alone wasn't enough to make someone truly strong.

Everything had to be balanced with hard work and relentless effort.

But the human body has its limits. If pushed too far, it would break down. Merlin didn't want her to end up like that.

"Don't worry," Luna assured him. "I know my limits."

"Good!" Merlin smiled contentedly. "So… have you decided what you want?"

Luna's face flushed. She glanced left and right shyly while tightening her embrace.

"That…" Her voice sounded hoarse from nervousness.

Merlin noticed her awkwardness. Suddenly, he seemed to understand what she meant and flicked her forehead lightly with his finger.

"Don't think about anything inappropriate."

"Ouch!" Luna groaned, rubbing her reddened forehead. "Why did you flick me?"

Merlin rolled his eyes. "It's your own fault for thinking something inappropriate. Am I wrong?"

Luna pouted but couldn't argue. What Merlin said was completely true.

She had indeed been thinking about the naughty things adults did.

But who made Merlin so handsome and charming?

She wouldn't let those flirtatious girls near him, let alone take him away from her.

Noticing Luna's worry, Merlin sighed and pinched her cheek.

"Don't think I'm easily seduced by any girl. Relax, okay? Don't worry."

None of the girls in this world—except the heroines—could catch his attention. In terms of beauty and talent, they were truly the best.

Hearing that, Luna felt immense relief. Her fears finally subsided, and she managed to hold back the request that had almost slipped from her lips.

"Just think it over. When you've decided, then tell me, okay?"

Luna swallowed her words and nodded slowly.

"In that case, let's go." Merlin took her hand, ready to lead her away—when suddenly, a voice called out from behind them.

"Wait a minute, Merlin Clay!"

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