The Acolyte of Spirits and Curses

"Sit," Alden Voss said, gesturing toward one of the chairs in front of the large desk.

Klein walked forward and sat down without ceremony.

The Headmaster remained standing for a few seconds more before finally taking his own seat across from him.

He folded his hands on the desk and looked at Klein in silence for a short while.

Klein smiled dryly in his heart ’Why did this oldman call me here?’

Looking at Klein, Alden spoke "I watched the duel that day. The one against Shui Yinran... and the way you carried yourself afterward."

He leaned back slightly in his chair.

"In all my years at this academy, I have seen many talented students. Some with high ranks. Some with powerful classes. But very few have displayed the kind of presence and control you showed that day."

"Spear Intent at your age. The ability to dominate an A-rank student so completely and even fight against an SS-rank."

"The composure you maintained even when the entire arena was watching. That is not something ordinary talent produces."

The Headmaster’s tone remained composed "I consider you one of the great rising stars of this academy, Klein Faress. Perhaps the most notable among this year’s first-years... and potentially beyond that."

Alden Voss’s gaze sharpened slightly.

"Talent of your level does not go unnoticed... by the academy, by the noble houses, or by forces outside these walls."

"I did not call you here to scold you. No need to worry."

Klein frowned slightly "Headmaster, it seems like there’s something on your mind. You can be casual with me and come straight to the point."

For a brief second, the office was silent.

Then Headmaster Alden Voss let out a genuine laugh.

The stern, authoritative air he usually carried softened slightly as he leaned back in his chair, shaking his head with mild amusement.

"Direct, aren’t you?" he said, still chuckling under his breath.

He exhaled and allowed the last of the laughter to fade, though a faint smile remained on his face.

"Very well. I’ll be direct."

He paused for a moment, as if organizing his thoughts, before speaking again.

"Over the past several years, the dungeons, gates, and towers across the continent have been growing significantly stronger. Not just in the Human Domain... reports from other regions show the same pattern."

"The monsters inside are more aggressive. The environmental hazards are more extreme. Even the lower floors that used to be manageable for average parties are claiming more lives than before."

Klein listened in silence.

"The military has been monitoring this closely," the Headmaster continued.

"At first they believed it was temporary fluctuation. Now... they are no longer so certain."

"Some among the higher ranks believe we may be approaching a larger shift... one that the Human Domain cannot face alone if it continues at this rate."

"Because of that, discussions have begun regarding temporary alliances with other races. The elves... and even the demons."

Klein’s eyes narrowed slightly at that.

"Demons?"

Alden Voss gave a short nod "Yes. It is still only discussion at this stage, but the fact that such talks are happening at all shows how seriously the upper levels of the military are taking the situation."

"Old hostilities are being set aside for the sake of mutual survival."

He tapped a finger lightly against the desk.

"As an initial step toward that cooperation, the three sides have agreed to organize a grand tournament between their academies."

"A formal exchange of strength under controlled conditions. Human, elven, and demon academies will each send representatives to compete."

The Headmaster’s gaze settled firmly on Klein.

"Grayhaven will naturally be one of the academies representing the Human Domain. And given what you displayed during your duel... your name is already being discussed among those responsible for selecting participants."

Klein remained silent for a few seconds after the Headmaster finished speaking, absorbing the information.

’...A way to bring Ria into the Human Domain... hmm...’

Noticing his silence, the Headmaster continued "Officially, it will be framed as a cultural and martial exchange between the three races’ academies."

"Unofficially, it is a controlled environment to observe how well the younger generation can compete and potentially cooperate under pressure."

"The event is still in the planning stages, but the framework has already been agreed upon. Each side will send a limited number of representatives."

"The matches will include both individual and team formats."

"I want Grayhaven to send its strongest and most promising students,"

"You are currently at the top of that list among the first-years... and after your duel, several voices beyond this academy have already taken notice of you."

"That said, I will not force you. Participation will be voluntary. But if you do choose to take part, you should understand what it means."

"You will not only be representing Grayhaven... you will be representing the Human Domain’s younger generation in front of elves and demons."

Klein’s fingers rested lightly on the arm of the chair and after a moment, he asked "When will the selections be finalized?"

Alden Voss answered without hesitation.

"Within the next two months. Preliminary discussions are already underway. Formal announcements will come later, but the internal shortlist is being prepared now."

With a slow nod, he replied "I don’t mind participating in the tournament."

"Peace between races is a good thing. If this tournament can help reduce unnecessary conflict and create even a temporary foundation for cooperation, then it’s worth taking part in."

The headmaster smiled upon hearingthis "Very well. I will add your name to the internal shortlist as a primary candidate for Grayhaven’s representatives."

"Of course, the final selection will depend on several factors like overall performance in the coming months, evaluation by the military observers, and the balance of the team we eventually send."

Klein gave a small nod of understanding.

"That’s fine."

The Headmaster continued, "There will be preparatory sessions once the list is more firmly decided. Combat evaluations, information briefings on elven and demon combat styles, and coordination training if team matches are confirmed."

"You will be informed when the time comes."

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