Chapter 3: [3] Proving Through a Duel
[Name: Eiji Nangou]
[Blazer: E]
[Attack Power: C]
[Defense Power: F]
[Magic Capacity: F]
[Magic Control: F]
[Physical Ability: E]
[Luck: F]
...
As the information came into view, Kurono Shinguuji's eyebrows raised slightly, showing a hint of surprise.
No matter how you look at it, this data only indicates a lower-tier E-Rank level.
"As far as I know, among the disciples taught by the God of War, there has never been a knight below C-rank."
She leaned back in her computer chair, lit a cigarette, and exhaled a cloud of smoke comfortably while casting a scrutinizing gaze at Eiji.
"Is it because you're a direct descendant of the God of War?"
The『God of War』, Nangou Torajirou.
At ninety-two years old, he was a Blazer who had been active decades ago, making significant contributions to world peace. He was also the oldest Mage-Knight in Japan, a living legend.
His disciples, regardless of their rank, always attracted considerable attention in the knight community.
Take Touka Toudou, for example. She was a direct disciple of the God of War and a highly skilled B-rank Blazer. Not only was she the student council president of Hagun Academy, making her the undisputed strongest in the academy, but she was also among the top four Student Knights in all of Japan. She was radiant and the center of attention.
There were also many A-Rank and C-Rank Blazers who had, to varying degrees, received training from the War God and considered themselves his disciples. However, there had never been an E-rank disciple among them.
"No, I'm not from the Nangou family."
Eiji stepped forward and clarified to the Director, "I was indeed raised by my Master, but I have no blood relation to the Nangou family."
His expression remained calm and unperturbed. He didn't feel ashamed of being an E-Rank Mage-Knight, nor did he feel like he was tarnishing his master's reputation.
Blazers were indeed ranked.
According to the standards set by the〈League of Mage-Knight Nations〉, a Blazer's overall rank was determined through tests evaluating their Noble Art, total Magic Capacity, Magic Control, and other factors.
Generally, Blazers were divided into six ranks: A, B, C, D, E, and F.
Eiji's Blazer rank was E, the fifth rank.
In this world, most Blazers were E-rank or D-rank. Reaching C-rank could be considered elite, B-rank Blazers were considered genius knights, and A-rank Blazers were genuine national treasures.
Touka Toudou was a genius, which was why she had been noticed by Torajirou Nangou during a middle school training camp five years ago and taken in as his disciple. She would visit his residence every year to receive training.
An E-rank Blazer was truly unremarkable, with nothing particularly outstanding.
Even after graduating and becoming a professional knight, they could, at most, perform administrative work. They couldn't go to the battlefield like high-rank Blazers to deal with vicious terrorists.
Incidentally, F-Rank Blazers were considered too weak to be recognized as true Blazers. Even the League of Mage-Knight Nations didn't acknowledge them as Blazers, generally treating them as ordinary people.
In other words, Eiji was a genuine bottom-tier Blazer.
"I see, I understand."
Kurono Shinguuji exhaled a smoke ring and nodded slightly, indicating that she understood the situation.
"As a Blazer, I respect the God of War, but I can't let his disciple take shortcuts. Our Hagun Academy is different from the other six schools. We have our own admission standards. Are you aware of this?"
Although she had just taken office this year, her expression was firm.
However, she did have the qualifications to back it up. Even though she had retired due to marriage, anyone who had followed the KOK League would know the name "Kurono Shinguujji."
After all, she had once been ranked third in the world and was highly renowned internationally.
"Admission standards?"
Eiji looked puzzled and turned to his senior sister.
He had indeed never heard of this before, neither in his previous life nor in this one.
"Although we are one of the Seven Stars Academies, Hagun Academy is different from the other six schools."
Seeing his confusion, his senior sister took the initiative to explain. "Hagun Academy is a fully residential school. Not only is tuition free, but we also provide free food, clothing, and accommodation. There's even a stipend system. These are things the other schools don't offer. Therefore, Hagun Academy also has certain admission standards."
"The admission standard for Hagun Academy is E-rank and above."
Kurono Shinguuji flicked the ash from her cigarette into the ashtray and returned to her desk, calmly explaining.
"Before the semester starts, there will be an entrance exam. Only Blazers who meet the standard can enter Hagun Academy."
The other six schools didn't have entrance exams. As long as you were a Blazer and could prove it, you could enroll unconditionally.
But since Hagun Academy offered excellent conditions, it also set additional thresholds.
"Master told me that with Junior Brother's abilities, getting into Hagun Academy shouldn't be a problem," the senior sister said earnestly to Kurono Shinguuji.
"That doesn't mean you can skip the entrance exam."
Kurono Shinguuji's attitude was strict. She propped her chin on her left hand and raised her eyebrows slightly.
"Even if you're handsome, I won't go easy on this matter. And since your master has said so, I assume a mere entrance exam won't be a problem for you."
From the perspective of an adult woman, she had to admit that Eiji was the most handsome man she had ever seen. Just looking at him felt refreshing and pleasing to the eye.
With his charm nearly maxed out, Eiji's appearance was exceptional and refined.
But, Kurono Shinguuji had just taken office and had already changed Hagun Academy's previous practices, pushing through the co-ed dormitory system despite opposition. This highlighted her strong personality, and she wouldn't soften her stance because of this.
"How will the test be conducted?"
Eiji asked indifferently.
He had no special interests. Since he could enter through the front door, there was no need to take shortcuts.
"The examiners haven't returned to school yet, so I'll test you myself."
Seeing that his expression remained calm, Kurono Shinguuji nodded slightly.
"Show yourself in the way you prefer, and I'll score you. It's that simple."
This young man, despite having a world-class Blazer as his master and an otherworldly handsome appearance—qualities that could easily allow him to act recklessly—had a surprisingly steady personality, not the slightest bit frivolous. This gave her a very favorable impression.
"Show myself in the way I prefer?"
Hearing this, Eiji lowered his eyes slightly.
This testing method was highly subjective. If the examiner was in a bad mood, they could easily disqualify someone.
However, judging from Kurono Shinguuji's strong-willed demeanor, she probably wouldn't stoop to such behavior. What troubled Eiji wasn't that, but—
His abilities themselves weren't suited for display.
"Any method is fine?"
"Correct."
Kurono Shinguuji gave a firm answer.
"In that case—"
Eiji pondered for a moment, then raised his head, his deep black eyes locking onto the woman in men's attire a few meters away.
"I request a duel with you. I will prove myself through battle. Please grant me permission."