I Was Reincarnated as a Villainous Noble Who Gets Killed Midway Through the Story but It Looks Like I’ll Be Executed as a Traitor if I Try to Do Good Deeds - Chapter 73
73: Heading to Astra Academy
Some time has passed since Chrono’s planned event, and we’re about to take the entrance exam for Astra Academy. The gates are wide open, and anyone can take the exam if they have the leeway to reach the venue. However, just passing the exam isn’t enough to get in. It’s a very narrow path. After all, Astra Academy is the highest institution in the kingdom of Leprechaun, where I live. It might be even more challenging than a national university in my previous life. But I’ll pass for sure. Even Phyllis thinks it’s ridiculous if I were to fail.
I’ve brought people who passed the qualifying standard from the school I operated. Felicia is also with us, and so is Lana.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that all my friends who are the same age as me will pass. The students from the school I operated, like Julia and Schtel, will also pass.
“Rex-sama, it would be great if we could all pass Astra Academy together!”
“I’ve also become stronger, so I think I can pass easily now.”
“For me, it’s an easy exam. You, Rex-san, seem to have absolute confidence. You’re full of self-assurance.”
“I’ll do my best to help you, Rex-sama.”
“I’ll also do my best, Rex-sama. I’ll make up for my previous failure this time.”
Besides the usual members, there was also the kid who had a meal with us during the Chrono incident. They’ve been working hard and have become incredibly strong, almost like a different person. And, whereas they used to be polite, they’ve become more casual and easy to talk to.
Anyway, I want everyone here to acknowledge my abilities. If that happens, I’ll gain more trustworthy allies, even at Astral Academy.
“After all, we have to give it our all in the exam. If we don’t pass, nothing will start.”
With that, we head towards the venue. There are many people, but we’re guided to a less crowded area. As nobles, we receive special treatment in situations like this. It seems that the passing standard won’t be bent.
Incidentally, we also brought some students from our school. We got an introduction letter through Phyllis, so it’s all thanks to her. Having usable power is never a loss.
We’re guided to a room exclusively for nobles and begin preparing for the exam. I confirm that the princess sisters are present, and when our eyes meet, they wave at me. It’s reassuring to have acquaintances with me.
I want us to pass the exam and attend the same school together. It’s unlikely that the princess sisters will fail due to their abilities.
“Mea-sama, please infuse your magic into this crystal.”
“Understood! I’ll do it!”
“Amazing, Your Highness. Your magic value exceeds 500!”
I’m certain that in ‘Destiny Blood’, the passing standard was 100. Even so, I heard that the criteria have become stricter this year. It’s like the common trope in stories where the protagonist’s generation is the golden age.
There are many crystals prepared, and we line up, each of us taking turns. I’ll probably be last. Oh well, it’s not a big deal. I can observe how others do.
“Some of them have exceeded 300, 400! It’s amazing!”
“It seems to be going smoothly. Just as planned, the number of passers will increase.”
My acquaintances have all exceeded the passing standard, which is a relief. Others are also taking the exam, but some of them seem unhappy with their results.
“This is ridiculous! I only got 40! Measure it again!”
“This is the result. This crystal was also supervised by Phyllis-sama. You simply lack the ability.”
“Then, I’ll show you my true power!…… Ha!”
“Astral Academy’s teachers will teach magic to those who pass, right? Do you think you can do it with that level of power?”
It seems like they’re unhappy with their results and want to blame the teacher. Or maybe they’re trying to prove their abilities. Either way, it’s foolish. It’s unimaginable how someone with strong, uncontrolled power will be treated.
“Well, it’s my turn now. I just need to infuse my magic into this crystal, right?”
“Magic value: 600, 700, and still increasing…! Measurement impossible!? This is unprecedented!”
“Even Phyllis-sama was able to measure it correctly…”
I feel like the people around me are looking at me like I’m a monster. Especially the teachers and examinees I don’t know.
However, my acquaintances are showing me respect and admiration. It’s not a big deal, though. Most of the examinees will probably never see me again after today.
“Rex-sama, you’re really amazing. I thought you were strong from the beginning.”
“Of course. I’m Rex-sama, after all. I’m not someone who can be measured by ordinary standards.”
“I thought I had become stronger, but I still have a long way to go.”
“This is what it means to be strong. It’s ironic, isn’t it?”
“I’m the strongest in the world, and that’s a given. I compare others to that standard.”
“Rex-sama, you’re incredible. We can’t beat you.”
At least my acquaintances are acknowledging me. Felicia’s words are probably an expression of affection. If she’s being sarcastic, that would be a problem.
Well, having the power to protect everyone is not a bad feeling. The fact that there are people who acknowledge me is, after all, a blessing.
“I’m being overshadowed by you, Rex-kun… Well, it’s natural for you to be strong, I suppose.”
“Sister, if you’re told that you’re losing the dignity of the royal family, what will you do? That would be troublesome…”
The princess sisters don’t seem to be bothered, so I think we can get along at the academy. And considering the events that will unfold in the original story, it’s better to be strong.
“That’s the dark attribute… I won’t lose to you.”
“Her Majesty’s favorite… To aim for the position of a knight, I have to surpass you.”
“It’s frustrating that there’s such a huge difference even among dark magic users.”
“That’s Rex Daria Black. I can’t win against him…”
When I saw people with reactions different from his, I noticed that many of them had familiar faces. Even the original characters are here, and since they were top-notch in the original story, it’s no surprise they passed.
For now, I just need to recognize their faces. But I want to build good relationships with them as much as possible. Having more allies will be beneficial in overcoming the challenges ahead.
New encounters await, and difficulties will arise. But I’ll seize the future with everyone. Today’s exam is the first step towards that.
Having passed, I need to become even stronger. Complacency and arrogance are forbidden. In the original story, there were many powerful enemies, after all.
Still, I’m looking forward to the upcoming school life. Spending time with the princess sisters and meeting original characters will be exciting. I’ll do my best in various ways.