Don't confiscate my identity as a human race

The glass curtain wall shone with radiant light, and the murals in the courtyard were exceptionally bright and gentle, making the entire examination area feel like it is immersed in a shimmering tranquil space.

Returning from the vast Elvin Plains of the Shadow World to the centre of this sweetly scented indoor building felt like a world away for Lanci, leading to a sense of relaxation of his body and spirit.

Just as he contentedly let his gaze drift from the owners of the stretchers outside the examination area to Lady Hyperion Alansar, the only classmate he knew,

"Hyp…"

Lanci, who was just about to greet Hyperion, suddenly stopped in surprise.

Because Lanci only noticed now that the atmosphere in the courtyard didn't seem harmonious.

Initially,

In Lanci's imagination, everyone should be calmly discussing the situation of the examination, passing the idle time in the morning, and in the end, sincerely wishing the next group of prospective students good luck.

But it was clearly not the case now.

In the center of the examination field, it appeared that there was some tension brewing between Lady Hyperion Alansar and another young girl with light golden hair and an equally remarkable demeanor, who was a participant from the second group.

If it hadn't been for Lanci's arrival drawing everyone's attention, it wouldn't have been impossible for Hyperion and that noble little miss to disregard the discipline of the examination field and start a fight.

They apparently knew each other, this girl, who was presumably a noble, had a distinct hostile attitude towards Hyperion.

The other two participants from the second group didn't directly confront Hyperion.

However, when they looked at Hyperion, they had the fearful eyes of someone looking upon the plague.

After today's intensive examinations, Lanci roughly figured out that his teammate, Lady Hyperion Alansar, was probably a major celebrity in the Capital City Ekrite.

She was a living, walking hate magnet.

Although her actual personality seemed quite nice, why was she at odds with everyone?

Lanci scratched his head in bewilderment, he didn't know why the aura of the capital's noble circle was so heavy.

"Hey, everyone, friendship first…"

Lanci immediately tried to mediate as soon as he started speaking.

Harmony should be paramount. He hoped that all his classmates would get along well in a pleasant atmosphere.

Even Examiner Felat, who was initially furious, managed to reconcile with Lanci.

So, in the world of love, nothing is impossible.

"..."

After Lanci appeared, Hyperion didn't want to continue engaging in pointless competition.

She shook her head and gave the noble young lady with light golden hair a cold look.

"Princess Vivian, I am at your service if you wish to be taught a lesson in the arena after enrolment," she said, disregarding rules of respect.

With this, Hyperion ignored the prestigious young beauty from across the way and strolled away.

Hyperion was heading towards the examination waiting area, which is also where Lanci was seating, waiting for Teacher Teresa to return and give them information about post-exam issues.

It was not until Lady Hyperion arrived not far from Lanci that Lanci whispered to her in surprise:

"My goodness, you are so gutsy, dare to treat a princess so casually."

The golden-haired young girl Vivian, who was addressed as "Your Highness", must be a princess of the Hutton Kingdom!

It seemed that Princess Vivian was also quite talented, able to take the exam after their group.

It looked like Hyperion also came from a considerable lineage, she dared to openly challenge the royal family. From the point of view of courage, she was definitely not a minor noble.

It was indeed a royal capital where you could randomly run into a major figure anywhere.

Things were indeed thrilling here.

"..."

Lady Hyperion didn't know how to react to Lanci's commentary.

You are so casual with me, a duchess's daughter, yet you know to show respect to the larvae of the nobles?

However, Hyperion didn't dislike Lanci's attitude.

The more people showed her respect when she was in power, the more they would happily slander her when she fell.

Lanci, on the other hand, treats people irrespective of their status and social standing, which is a rarity in Hyperion's eyes.

During their brief interaction,

Teacher Teresa has not returned yet.

The one referred to as "Your Highness," Vivian, stands not far away, gazing at Hyperion and Lanci with a hint of unspeakable annoyance in her eyes.

"Lanci Welfort, right?"

After a long time, Princess Vivian finally opened her mouth to ask, with a strong sense of condescension,

"I don't know how you defeated Firat Swensson, but I'm certain it was because of you."

Quite evidently, Hyperion alone would most certainly not have been able to make it past Firat.

Vivian knows Hyperion quite well, as she has known her since childhood.

She had supposed that Hyperion would leave the Artificial Shadow World today, full of resentment. Instead, she hadn't expected Examiner Felat to be the one who was carried away.

It must have been that the "elegant young nobleman with dark hair and green eyes" who had famously expedited the [The Hidden Flame of Winter], had done something that can darken one's vision.

"It's not a personal victory. It's the result of team collaboration."

Lanci simply gives a modest response, bowing slightly to the princess.

Hyperion, standing aside, did not deny it either.

Although she knows that Lanci's statement is understating, it's not her place to divulge anything further.

"...I see."

Given Lanci's demeanor, Vivian found it harder to put further pressure on him.

It could be luck and performance that Lanci passed the second round of testing, but the fact he completed this difficult third round means he certainly possesses strength.

If such a person remains steady and reserved, he should not be underestimated as a future Shadow World Challenger. There is no need to oppress or offend the talent of one's own kingdom.

"I suggest you stay away from Lady Hyperion Alansar. Don't let her allure confuse you just because she's pretty."

Vivian only glanced at Hyperion and responded in a reciprocal manner.

Although she was talking to Hyperion, the statement was obviously intended for Lanci's ears.

Lanci tilted his head in confusion, feeling as if Vivian had misunderstood something.

Previously, Examiner Firat seemed to have made the same misconception.

Do they find it unbelievable that he would assist Hyperion?

He simply wanted to pass the exam.

However, it does not matter to him.

Lanci always felt that Vivian's feelings towards Hyperion were not purely malicious like Firat's, but somewhat more complex and unspeakable.

"Your Highness Vivian, it seems to me that you find Miss Hyperion to be very stunning."

Lanci bowed to Vivian once again and smiled as he spoke.

Hyperion looked a bit uncomfortable, glancing at Lanci, while Vivian's expressions also scrambled.

"No!"

Vivian denied, somewhat agitated.

"There's no possibility of reconciliation between me and her, don't waste your time mediating."

Hyperion, eager to end this topic, said decisively at the side.

Upon hearing this, Lanci turned to Hyperion and responded with "Oh," as if he understood something.

"Your Highness Vivian, it appears Miss Hyperion never considered reconciliation with you."

Looking towards Vivian with a gentle smile, Lanci echoed Hyperion's words, acting as a translator of sorts.

"No!!"

Hyperion sternly denied and showed rare emotional fluctuations.

Upon hearing this, the flustered Vivian looked as if the wind had gone out of her sails, pursing her lips, shifting her gaze away.

Moving forward,

Lanci held onto his smile; it seemed as if he was waiting for them to continue speaking, ready to convey their thoughts.

However, both Hyperion and Vivian fell silent.