Necromancers Genius

"My name is Mallory, your curses professor. Let's start with an introduction to curses," she said in a calm tone.

"Curses are spells that place a curse on the target. Many people confuse curses with magic, but they are different. Magic includes spells like fire, ice, and so on, while curses only involve spells that afflict the target. However, there are also curse spells that can be cast on oneself, like strength-enhancing spells.

She walked over to the blackboard and continued, "Right now, I will write the formula for a simple curse called Exhaust. Try to manifest it."

Once she finished writing the formula, the students began attempting to manifest the spell. Some were quick, while others were slower. As expected, Ken, Hel, and Lillith were the fastest to manifest it. Hector was just a few seconds behind them, while Neebi was the last to succeed.

After a while, Mallory spoke again. "Let's see now... hmmm... Ken and Hel, come up here!"

Both Ken and Hel stood up and walked to the front of the class, standing on opposite sides of the professor.

The assistant instructed, "When I say 'Go,' launch your spells at each other."

...

"Go!"

Hel was slightly faster at manifesting and launching his spell, while Ken was a second behind. However, when Hel's spell hit Ken… he barely felt anything. He did feel a little dizzy, but it was as if Hel's spell had only a fraction of its intended effect. Meanwhile, Ken's spell was perfectly cast and hit Hel without issue.

The entire class was stunned—even Hel himself. In a low voice, he muttered, "Wh-what the hell are you…?"

Ken was equally confused, but then an echoing voice spoke in his mind.

"Commander, it is one of my abilities while I am on your clothes. No curse can harm you unless its dark energy is more refined and powerful than yours."

Ken thought to himself, Ah—so that's why Hel's spell didn't work!

Mallory, observing this, had a creepy smile on her face.

She thought, Ken… Ken… Ken… he must major in curses, no matter what.

The head assistant leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Professor, calm down. You have that creepy look on your face again."

Hearing this, Mallory quickly regained her composure. "Now, now, you two can return to your seats."

Hector clenched his fists, his expression dark with frustration.

Mallory continued, "Now, listen closely. I will explain the battle evaluation system and your safe period. Right now, all of you are in your safe period. After one week, that period will end, and from then on, you will have to battle a randomly selected student every week.

"The winners will move up in ranks, which are: Perfect, High, Mid, Low, and Very Low. At the end of each month, if you remain in the Very Low tier… you will be expelled."

A wave of murmurs and shocked whispers spread through the class.

"No way! They're really going to expel students?!"

"She must be joking!"

Mallory's eyes turned cold as she said, "This is KIPS. Only the best of the best survive here."

With just those words, the classroom fell into complete silence.

She continued, "Of course, every professor will train you for these battles. Also, in your first year, there will be First-Term, Mid-Term, and Annual Exams. These exams will include both written and practical components, conducted by your subject professors. If you fail any professor's practical exam… you will be expelled. The same applies to the written tests."

The atmosphere in the classroom turned heavy and tense. Everyone was worried, but this time, no one dared to speak.

Mallory looked around. "Any questions?"

No one answered.

"Good. If there are no questions, then try to use the spell on the follower pot given to you by the assistants. If you can't do it… then don't bother coming to my class anymore."

Despite the pressure, everyone managed to cast the spell, marking the end of their first lecture.

Since they had time before their next class, they decided to head to the academy cafeteria to eat. However, Hel kept staring at Ken intensely.

Noticing this, Ken said, "Come with me, Hel."

Lillith raised an eyebrow. "Where are you taking him?"

"It's a secret," Ken replied. "You go ahead to the cafeteria. We'll be back soon."

Ken and Hel left the group and walked to a secluded area where no one else was around.

Hel narrowed his eyes. "Are you finally going to tell me? Why?"

Ken gave a small smile. "Yes. And the reason is… because I trust you."

Hel smirked in amusement. "Trust, huh?"

Ken then looked Hel in the eyes and said, "I am the Commander of the Seventh Legions."

Hel's eyes widened in shock. He had never even considered such a possibility. In disbelief, he stammered, "Wh-what?! The… The Commander of the Seventh Legions?!"