Before the practical examination.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, shining on the Central Square within the academy, quiet and warm like an autumn day.
Soon, the tranquility was broken.
The sound of commotion came from the square, louder and more chaotic than usual.
Candidates were making their final efforts and preparations for the last practical examination.
No one wanted to fail at the final hurdle because of a teammate’s mistake or team incompatibility.
At a time like this, a teammate who could boost the team’s morale was especially important.
Like Isabella.
Many candidates wanted to recruit this princess into their team.
As a princess, Isabella offered tremendous advantages to a team.
She could not only boost morale but also prevent unexpected situations from occurring.
What’s more, Isabella herself was an excellent Sage Institute student…
But when they confidently presented their team’s strengths to Her Highness, they received unexpected news.
Her Highness the Princess—already had a team.
“How could this be? Who is it?”
Many Sage Institute candidates discussed, trying to get an answer from Leisha.
“I don’t know either. I heard it’s a candidate named Ailundun.”
The noble young lady Leisha stood with her arms crossed, her ash-brown curls tossed behind her.
Her face also showed confusion at this moment.
She wasn’t very familiar with Ailundun either.
She didn’t know why Her Highness would team up with such a person.
Did he have something special about him?
However, she respected all of Her Highness’s decisions.
If Her Highness thought it was reasonable, then she shouldn’t question it.
“I heard there was a candidate named Ailundun in the last round of examinations.”
Someone remembered something and whispered.
“Ailundun? Could it be that newborn…”
“Why haven’t I heard of him?”
The confusion on Leisha’s face deepened as she sought an answer.
That candidate showed a strange expression, then proceeded to tell Leisha the “legendary story” of Ailundun.
After listening, Leisha fell silent for a full half minute.
For some reason, she had a feeling this person named Ailundun was no good.
She hoped Her Highness hadn’t been tricked by him.
Half an hour later.
As the light and shadows shifted, the sun’s angle gradually slanted.
Many candidates came and went at the Examination Hall, registering their examination teams.
Ailundun and Isabella were no exception.
They came to the Examination Hall to register.
The teacher registering the team roster was Liya, the same one who had received Ailundun when he first enrolled.
Her face wore a very gentle smile.
However.
When Ailundun wrote “Isabella” on the team roster.
Her face showed a surprised expression.
She seemed not to have expected Ailundun to be on the same team as Her Highness the Princess.
“Hello, this is my team…”
Ailundun smiled and handed over a list of four names.
They were.
Airlandon Crand, Isabella Greville, Lovelei Rayaton, Lessa Sevia….
“Alright, the registration is complete.”
Liya operated the equipment and gave Ailundun a friendly smile in return.
Ailundun nodded and turned to walk out.
Next.
All that remained was for the team members to get to know each other.
He moved slightly away from the entrance, coming to a quiet spot to rest and wait silently.
Until two figures simultaneously looked at him from left and right, coming to his side.
One was Princess Isabella, the other a figure with light-colored hair—Lovelei.
When Lovelei saw clearly who Ailundun had found as a teammate.
Her expression changed slightly.
That wasn’t what Ailundun had told her at the time.
He had said he wanted her to meet some teammates he’d casually found.
“This is… casually found teammates?”
Seeing Isabella, Lovelei sighed helplessly.
Whatever… it’s up to him.
“Hello, I’m Isabella, your teammate for this practical examination…”
“I’m a Sage Institute candidate, my class is White Mage, focusing on offensive and practical magic…”
Perhaps sensing the situation was a bit awkward, Isabella proactively stepped forward with a smile and offered a handshake, trying to create a perfect first impression.
“Hello, I’m Lovelei Rayaton…”
Lovelei hesitated slightly before giving her name.
“I can provide some support and also deal some damage…”
Surprisingly, Lovelei’s brief self-introduction left a good impression on Isabella.
“So you are from the Lei-yadon Family? That’s wonderful, I’m very happy to meet someone from the Lei-yadon Family here…”
Isabella said delightedly.
“Mmm…”
Hearing “Lei-yadon Family,” Lovelei’s eyes lifted slightly, devoid of any emotion.
“I also know some people from the Lei-yadon Family…”
Her Highness the Princess didn’t notice Lovelei’s abnormality at all.
She smiled, thinking she had finally found a common topic.
“Speaking of which, how much longer until Miss Leisha arrives?”
Ailundun interjected, interrupting their conversation, asking Isabella.
“Sorry, Leisha will be here soon. She was delayed by something temporary…”
Isabella gave an apologetic smile, apologizing for Leisha.
Normally Leisha was very punctual; this was an exception.
Before she could finish her sentence, a figure quickly approached.
It was Leisha.
Leisha’s arrival suddenly drew the gazes of all three.
“Sorry, there were some temporary matters at the Knight Institute, so I’m a bit late…”
Leisha quickly walked up and gave a slight bow of apology to the three.
“It’s fine, we just arrived too. Let me introduce myself. I’m Airlandon Crand, the Magic Engineer in the team, mainly providing support.”
Ailundun smiled and stepped forward.
“Leisha, Holy Knight…”
Leisha raised her head and nodded in Ailundun’s direction as a friendly gesture.
She then looked Ailundun up and down.
Gentle, humble… not a trace of a noble young master’s airs.
Her first impression of Ailundun was quite good.
It seemed rumors couldn’t be fully trusted.
“This is Miss Lovelei, Leisha.”
Isabella blinked at Leisha, pointing in Lovelei’s direction.
“Hello, Miss Lovelei.”
Leisha inclined her head and turned to look at this young lady.
She had noticed her earlier, after all, this young lady’s demeanor and beauty were on par with Her Highness the Princess.
The two shook hands lightly and each introduced their roles.
When she clearly saw Lovelei’s face, Leisha paused slightly.
No wonder she had felt Ailundun looked familiar earlier.
These two… weren’t they that couple holding hands and running through the academy that day?
But she didn’t think too much of it, assuming Her Highness had valued some talent of theirs.
Not long after.
Approaching the start of the examination.
News came from the academy that the practical examiners for each team were basically assigned.
At the same time, all candidates went to the Examination Hall to receive information about their assigned examiner.
Team Ailundun was no exception.