The scene was somewhat quiet. Everyone watched as the girl folded her wings and descended, suddenly feeling a sense of unreal fantasy, as if such a scene shouldn't exist in reality.
After a while, Spencer's stiff expression finally changed, as if he had been forced to accept some kind of reality.
"Yes... you won." There seemed to be lingering resentment in his voice.
After saying that, he left without looking back, not stopping even when someone called after him.
This was probably the most painful and humiliating scene he had experienced in recent years; it felt as if every second he stayed there was like being tortured on a scalding hot stone slab.
After Spencer left, the students looked at the girl standing on the stage, one foot slightly raised to adjust her shoe, and still found it hard to believe.
Hedra's strength in the battle was so overwhelming that even these geniuses from various school districts took a while to accept this fact.
It's important to understand that many creatures gain core abilities at the third tier, achieving a qualitative leap – a hurdle that is extremely difficult to overcome.
Generally speaking, only the top performers among second-tier apprentices can barely defeat weaker third-tier opponents. Those who can fight to a draw with third-tier opponents at this stage are already elites and geniuses among their peers in the entire Mage Alliance.
Facing the most perfect Heroic Spirit in the third tier, whose skills surpassed their tier but whose power was downgraded, even a fourth-tier Transcendent might be defeated. Yet, in her hands, it seemed as if the difference in rank did not exist, and she defeated him in such a simple and unpretentious way.
In a duel where she clashed with her enemy's most proficient swordsmanship, their forces collided repeatedly, and even in the dangerous close combat situation, she defeated her opponent without being at a disadvantage.
Winning with such composure made it impossible to discern her limits, and this vast difference in strength ultimately led Spencer to break down and despair.
He had to accept the reality that there really were unimaginable geniuses in the world, and that he was just born into a better family and was slightly smarter than the average person. This almost destroyed the belief that had always supported his inner pride.
" Spencer will probably be depressed for quite some time now."
"Wow, Chief Hedra is just too perfect. Even someone as outstanding as me is a little intimidated by comparison with her."
"It seems that for the next few years, we won't need to discuss who's number one; we can just compete for second place."
"She's so beautiful, from her movements and posture to her appearance and demeanor. I wonder who will ever come close to her near-perfection."
"If there really were a guy like that, I'd probably be insanely jealous."
"Let's go, it's time to disperse. Let's focus on our recent studies and not think about those 'genius' stories anymore."
The students gradually dispersed, Sylutia also walked out of the battlefield. Perin then jogged over to catch up.
"Chief Hedra, are you alright?" Despite the victory, the girl still asked with some concern.
"It's nothing." Sylutia gently brushed aside the stray hairs that had been blown around her ear.
"Has anything major happened at the Academy lately?" She'd been busy with her advancement these past few days and hadn't paid much attention to anything else.
"There shouldn't be any major events, but there have been some other activities and news," Perin explained.
" The Alliance is currently at war with the barbarians to the west, and our Academy regularly sends some members to provide support. The senior students occasionally discuss this."
" The Sculpting School recently donated several enormous Golem, which are intended to be placed at this year's Silver Bell Festival venue. They are said to be the result of several years of collaborative research between our two schools."
"The winds on the Ice Sea are getting stronger, and the northern part of the Mage Alliance has suffered from heavy hail and snowfall, causing the market price of warm clothing to rise significantly."
Perin talked about recent events at the Academy and news in the newspapers. Although there were many things, they were not very relevant to the freshmen.
That makes sense. In the eyes of the higher-ups in the Mage Alliance, these second-tier freshmen are probably just like children. They won't take on any responsibilities and all they need to do now is study hard.
"I understand." After hearing this, Sylutia nodded.
The two continued to the restaurant. Sylutia looked at the menu on the table, then ordered a Tier 2 " Lemon Silver Cod " for Perin, while she ordered a " Pan-fried Venison Steak " for herself.
" Hedra, Lord Hedra."
"Let's eat together." The two then sat down with their food.
Perin is a student in the same year as Sylutia, and one of the few students from the " Mirne District " who joined her group. She usually serves as her deputy, helping to handle matters related to the chief, or notifying other students.
Generally speaking, students at the Thetis Academy don't like doing these chores because they take up time that could be used for studying and relaxing. So, as compensation Sylutia occasionally treats her to meals or helps explain difficult points in the course.
However, Perin doesn't come from an ordinary family that lacks money. From her occasional spending habits and clothing, Sylutia can tell that Perin's family is probably not bad off; she's just more low-key.
The two ate their meal, exchanging a few words now and then, as the sunset gradually appeared outside the window, and evening slowly approached.
"Next weekend, after the exams, will you have time, Chief?" Perin asked cautiously and nervously.
"There should be something. Is there something wrong?" Sylutia looked at the girl with the single ponytail opposite her.
"I would like to invite you to my home, which is not far from the Academy."
"Oh, okay... then just remind me when the time comes." Sylutia thought for a moment, and since she didn't seem to have any reason to refuse, she agreed.
After dinner, Sylutia said goodbye to Perin and went to the Mission Hall again. Although it was already evening, it was still open and seemed to be open 24 hours a day.
"Sorry, I have classes during the day today. I forgot to tell you yesterday." Upon arriving, Sylutia first told the receptionist apologetically, then asked if she could continue her work that evening.
"No problem, Miss Hedra." The receptionist went to the back and notified another Mage familiar with Alchemy and mechanics to accompany her.
Having learned from yesterday's experience, Sylutia completed the task very quickly this time, taking only a little over two hours to complete the six gem bearings. Among them, three were of excellent quality and three were of rare quality, much to the astonishment of the Mage watching the process.
"Although I looked through yesterday's records, I still find it somewhat unbelievable."
"Have you considered joining a workshop? I know someone here who can introduce you to a job there where you can earn a higher income."
"No need for that. I'm still in school and can only come here occasionally to take on some tasks." The girl shook her head and politely declined.
She only needs resources to advance her skills during this period and doesn't intend to make money from this in the long run.
Furthermore, if she really had to make a living through a certain profession, she would prefer gardening, as it would be much more relaxing for her mind and body.
In the following days, Sylutia came every night to make gem bearings and complete the task. The quality of her work improved, and she was eventually able to reliably engrave "rare" quality parts.
"Congratulations, Miss Hedra. Here is your payment." The counter clerk collected the last batch of gemstone parts, placed them in a box for registration and sealing, and then took out the payment for the girl.
"The original reward was 370 gold coins, but since your crafting quality is excellent, the employer has added 150 gold coins based on the quality, for a total of 520 gold coins, as well as this 'Tier 3, Excellent' Ruby."
After saying that, the saleswoman took out another small box. Inside was a transparent Ruby the size of a fingernail, which emitted a beautiful halo.
"Thank you." Sylutia put away the gems, deposited the gold coins into her student account, and continued browsing the bulletin board.
Through this experience, she gained a lot of insight into these tasks. Although some tasks seemed to offer high rewards, they were time-consuming and laborious to complete, making them less efficient and cost-effective than some lower-paying tasks.
"It's not necessarily true that the higher the reward, the better," she thought. "Unless it's related to my advancement, which would save me some energy and allow me to practice in advance."
As she looked around, her gaze lingered on a corner.
" Evil-Breaking Silver Blade..." she read out the requirements and reward.
The extra reward was actually Mithril. Sylutia blinked, quickly calculating in her mind.
If that's the case, then the reward for completing this task will probably be close to 3,000 gold coins. Of course, the other party's requirements are also exceptionally high, and even she isn't entirely confident.
However, a little challenge seems like a good idea. She wants to see if she can do it, and if not, she can find out where she needs to improve and learn.
"Could you entrust me with the task of forging this ' Evil-Breaking Silver Blade '?"
The girl, still wearing her freshman uniform and exuding a youthful air, came to the counter again and pointed to the notice in the corner of the bulletin board.