The consequences were lower in the Academy, but they were still similar. The Academy was a simulated life, so expulsion from it basically meant death.

'It's cruel but also necessary. This will teach them how demons think and infiltrate, so they'll be careful in real life. The same goes for humans, they'll learn to be careful and who to trust.'

More than Amon, Aegon focused on the students, noticing how some stiffened or showed faint panic. They tried to hide it, but it was obvious to anyone paying close attention.

'They are demons, huh. Though this is a little unfair.'

"Now, this may seem unfair to the demons here, and it is, because you are in the Human Domain," Amon said, smiling as always. "So, we will make a few adjustments. The Artefacts used to identify demons can't be used here, so their replicas will be used instead and they are expensive… for you. So expensive that you might even owe the Academy a huge debt."

His smile made everyone uneasy.

"If you suspect someone, find proof and submit it. That will cost you Merit points, so don't even try to accuse someone falsely. The same goes for demons, you can try your best to keep yourself hidden from others. And if someone believes they've been wrongly judged, whether human or demon, they can always demand judgment from The Judge. He'll use the Supreme Artefacts, and the losing party will bear the cost."

He gave a sidelong glance at everyone's jackets and added,

"And just so the Houses don't use their members as scapegoats, they will also bear that cost, even if they abandon that member. So, choose your allies carefully."

Every student fell silent at his long explanation. Some had already known this, but many hadn't. While some looked worried, others were visibly excited about this so-called game.

Even the demons among them knew this was an opportunity to rise high despite the risks. Their role was crucial in this simulated game of life.

"That's all I wanted to say. A game of Demon Hunting that will last until you leave this Academy for good. Complete your missions, and you'll earn Merit points, the currency of this Academy. Rise above everyone else and show the world your true worth."

'Man, this old man could easily work as a commentator,' Aegon thought, seeing how deeply Amon's speech affected everyone.

Well, it was true. Most of the Empire's higher echelons came from this Academy, so graduating here with top marks meant a secure future.

He could understand their emotions.

"Oh, lastly, let's welcome this year's Black Star, your leader and representative," Amon said, glancing faintly at Aegon before moving toward another young woman.

Clad in the Academy's uniform, she looked absolutely stunning. Her long crimson-red hair was tied in a high ponytail that swayed in the soft breeze. Her mischievous gaze gleamed with confidence, her posture proud and unshakable.

As she stood there alone, her tall height, taller than many boys, along with the hand resting casually on her sword's hilt, made her look imposing. She swept her gaze across everyone as if they were beneath her. Her arrogance was far too clear for anyone to miss.

Right then, her gaze locked onto Aegon, who stood there looking completely bored, and a flicker of surprise passed through her bright yellow eyes. Her lips quivered before curving into a mischievous smile.

"Rosaline Amberhart. Age: sixteen. Rank 1 Knight and 2-Star Mage. The First Year's Black Star," Amon introduced, calling the young woman forward.

Aegon watched her, confused. All because Amon's eyes held a strange glint whenever he looked at Rosaline. Was there something he didn't know?

"There are many benefits to being a Black Star, which you are already familiar with, I presume. But there's one more," Amon said, pinning a black star-shaped badge onto her jacket. "As a Black Star, you hold some authority over the First Years and can form a House whenever you wish. There's no need for any formalities or meeting requirements."

Rosaline bowed her head slightly before asking, "Can I say something?"

"Sure!" Amon replied with a bright smile, stepping aside.

Rosaline turned around, her head held high, her lips forming an arrogant smirk.

"It's a pleasure to be here with all of you. It's my honor to hold this position. All of you are the best of this Empire, the proud children of the Gods. The Apostles. But there's one thing you must always remember."

She pointed at herself and declared,

"I stand above you all. I am the greatest among you, the best. Remember your place when you look up at me. Yes, look up because you can never match my status."

The plaza fell into dead silence at her words, followed by murmurs of anger and disbelief. Rosaline didn't even spare them a glance, her composure still arrogant as if proving she meant every single word she said.

Then, naturally, many eyes turned toward Aegon, the unspoken Black Star. He had been the strongest in the entrance tests, while Rosaline had won the Rankings Tournament to claim the title.

They knew her strength, but there was still doubt whether she could actually defeat Aegon. Both were incredibly talented in their own right.

Aegon, however, only looked at Rosaline with a sympathetic expression, almost as if he pitied her, which confused everyone. They already thought he had an eccentric personality after the entrance exams, but this reaction felt downright strange.

Rosaline followed their gazes and walked straight toward Aegon, who sighed lightly. Standing before him, she smiled and asked, "What do you have to say, Mr. Augustus?"

"I'm just thanking my past self," Aegon replied, staring directly into her eyes. "If I had become a Black Star, then maybe I would've given such a speech too. It's enough for me to die out of embarrassment."

The students stared at him with puzzled looks, wondering if something had gone wrong with his brain due to Soul Cultivation. What kind of response was this?

"You seem quite confident about becoming a Black Star. It's as if you willingly threw it away," Rosaline said, taking a step forward. "Well then, why don't we have a duel to determine the true Black Star?"

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