CHAPTER 255: HAVE YOU EATEN?

Thousands of people were anxiously held back outside the academy grounds.

Yet inside, the lecture hall was far from its usual tranquility.

Star-like illusions floated through the air, each containing unique scenes. Every luminous nebula represented a student. When these colorful celestial images gradually dimmed and darkened, it signaled those students had voluntarily withdrawn from the assessment and would be teleported outside.

Professors and lecturers huddled together, intently observing the students' performances. Their scoring sheets were filled with names.

Principal Rachel stroked his beard while watching the numerous scenes, smiling contentedly when students performed excellently.

Parents waited nervously, watching their children's varied performances in the dungeon space.

Rachel suddenly sensed a presence and glanced over:

"It seems we have distinguished guests."

He turned to face Duke Levi who had somehow already entered.

"Welcome back, Duke."

"And," Rachel's gaze shifted to Vladimir.

"The battle-hardened old general."

Vladimir met Rachel's eyes, crossed his arms and laughed heartily:

"Principal Rachel's insight remains as sharp as ever."

While they chatted, others noticed Vladimir. They sensed an overwhelming force from this robust elderly man - a terrifying power where magical energy and physical presence were perfectly intertwined.

Levi stepped forward with a smile:

"I apologize for arriving unannounced, Principal. Please forgive the intrusion."

Rachel stroked his beard and replied slowly:

"I'm just an old bag of bones - nothing to forgive."

"As for you," His gaze swept over Levi with curiosity as he chuckled:

"It seems you've gained something quite interesting."

Levi shrugged and turned to watch Erica.

Having just entered, she wandered the lecture hall with childlike wonder, examining the nebula-like scenes floating in the air.

The unique starry displays clearly fascinated her.

Levi's expression softened watching her, then he turned back to ask:

"Where is Count Viktor? Hasn't he arrived this morning?"

"Hoho, I can hardly command his presence," The principal twirled his beard, eyes crinkling.

"If you need him, why not wait a while?"

"You might see someone unexpected."

Hearing this, Levi nodded.

Rachel then turned to Vladimir:

"As for you, General, feel free to explore."

"Perhaps you'd like to experience Viktor's training ground," He pointed his cane at a mirror in the corner.

The tall mirror had its eyes tightly sealed, gradually emanating an eerie aura.

"Though it's perfectly safe."

Vladimir raised an eyebrow:

"Interesting."

He rolled up his sleeves and approached the mirror, reaching out to touch its surface.

Instantly, he felt an overwhelming suction force. Before he could react, he was pulled inside.

...

In this dreamlike starry space, Levi wandered aimlessly.

The colorful scenes floated and rotated like icebergs in an ocean. Some gradually dimmed, like the fading light of sunset.

He noticed a large crowd gathered around a space filled with twinkling stars.

They watched a massive scene intently.

Levi approached unconsciously.

When he saw the student within, he started slightly, his gaze sharpening.

It was Princess Aurelianne.

The crowd murmured excitedly:

"That must be the Princess's thirtieth attempt."

"Such incredible perseverance... and she's progressing fastest."

"Well, she is Count Viktor's student..."

"Clearly, she'll be this year's top freshman."

Hearing their praise, Levi studied the bubble-like scene carefully.

Aurelianne stood on a small island, sword held horizontally, reflecting the shapes of several monsters.

The creatures had mole-like heads on thin bodies, raising sharp claws as they surrounded her, poised to strike.

Now Levi could see clearly.

Aurelianne protected a woman behind her while warily watching the largest mole-man among them.

According to public information, the freshman assessment had ten tasks total.

Completing all would earn a perfect score.

Aurelianne had finished nine tasks in this town.

Now she challenged the final commission.

This was a rescue mission.

She had to protect the woman from injury or death.

Under these conditions, she faced countless mole creatures and their powerful boss.

Aurelianne kept attempting this final task, pursuing perfection.

Levi watched wide-eyed as she repeatedly engaged the mole-men. She accidentally exposed an opening and was caught off guard, getting cut in half at the waist.

Suddenly, the scene flashed. Aurelianne found herself in a blue storm crackling with lightning.

When her feet touched ground, the storm dissipated. Her body was completely restored.

The scene reset to the small island, with Aurelianne warily preparing to face the mole-men again.

Watching this, Levi's heart trembled.

Resurrection? Or time reversal?

But the spectators seemed completely unfazed.

That final monster was incredibly powerful.

Aurelianne had already attempted it thirty times.

Now Levi understood.

He realized just how impressive Viktor's "dungeon" truly was.

For students, this was perfect combat training.

They could freely fight powerful enemies without risking real injury.

Each battle taught valuable lessons and built courage for the next attempt.

Before Levi could process this further, a familiar voice rang out:

"Levi?"

He turned.

Seeing who it was, his mind went blank.

It was as if he saw someone who absolutely shouldn't be there.

Queen Claudia herself.

What had happened in the two months he was gone?

How had the old Queen returned?

Claudia's eyes sparkled playfully as she smiled: "You seem surprised?"

Levi answered frankly: "Indeed, I didn't expect to see you here, Queen Claudia."

"May I ask why you're here?"

"Haven't visited Aubrey since returning, have you?"

Instead of answering, Claudia turned to watch Aurelianne's continued attempts.

Her eyes held gentle warmth, like rippling spring water.

Levi paused, then studied her expression, searching for answers.

Claudia smiled:

"As a father, surely you understand the need to watch over children?"

Levi showed surprise as he replied calmly:

"But she's not your child."

"Is that a problem?"

Claudia met his gaze.

Levi said nothing more.

Her presence here must have Emperor Aubrey's approval.

"I hope you maintain what you claimed today."

Claudia crossed her arms as she addressed him.

"That's none of your concern."

They talked longer, but rather than a warm reunion, they parted coldly.

As Levi turned to leave, respectful voices rose from the crowd:

"Professor Viktor."

"Good morning, Professor Viktor."

"You're early today, Professor."

"Have you eaten, Professor?"

Viktor had appeared unnoticed.

He stood with hands in his pockets, coat shimmering brilliantly under the nebulae.

Even the raven on his shoulder seemed extra glossy.

Ignoring others, he walked straight to Erica.

Her face lit up seeing him approach.

"Professor..."

She raised her hand in greeting as Viktor quickly reached her.

Erica froze, her body stiffening slightly, unsure how to respond.

"Pro...Professor."

"My father is still nearby..."

"I know."

Just then, Levi turned back to see Viktor before his daughter.

Though he had matters to discuss with Viktor, seeing him approach Erica made him frown.

He started forward to separate them.

But his eyes widened at what happened next.

Viktor extended one arm, his broad shoulders enveloping Erica.

Pulling her into his embrace.

"Eh...?"

Face pressed to Professor Viktor's chest, Erica's cheeks flushed crimson.

Her gaze grew dreamy, mind emptying.

Only one thought remained.

The Professor's embrace...

So warm.

"Don't move."

Through her daze, she heard.

Viktor's voice soft by her ear.

"Right now, I need you."

Thank you all for waiting! I took a month-long break to take care of some other matters, but now I’m back. I’ll be gradually catching up on updates for this series. I truly appreciate all your comments and support—it means a lot to me.