The eight students chosen for the second round stood before the stage, while the rest remained a little behind, whispering among themselves.

The surprising thing was that three of the selected students were from the lowest-ranked academy—Ardentia. No one had expected that. Many from the higher academies found it hard to accept, and questions began to bubble up.

Naturally, one of those questions came from a girl who had been Warren's escape partner. She stepped forward and raised her voice, "Why is Kevin selected, Miss? Why not me? I escaped the ceremonial hall with Warren too."

Her voice carried frustration and disbelief. She had been sure she would be part of the top eight.

The lady on the stage stayed calm and answered in an even tone, "You were informed of the rules from the start. You needed to escape and eliminate impostors whenever you found them. Kevin took down an impostor, even if it was without him knowing it at first. And this contest is not only about strength. It is also meant to judge a student's reaction to unfamiliar places and uncertain situations. Kevin stood out in both of those."

The girl muttered under her breath, "If only I had known that facing an impostor mattered this much…"

Before the lady could continue, someone else asked, "If William, Kevin, and Gloria all took down impostors, then why are Warren and the others still in the team?"

The lady had clearly prepared for such questions. "As I said before, individual talent was measured too. Warren showed skills that earned him a place here. For more details, you will all have to wait until the end of the contest. Every academy will receive full footage of everything that happened during the test."

The students fell silent. Some were annoyed, others disappointed, but none dared to argue further. They all knew that causing trouble here would only lead to harsher punishments.

Those who still carried complaints in their hearts comforted themselves by thinking that the upcoming team battles would give them a chance to shine, to show everyone that they deserved more.

Once the murmurs died down, the lady continued in a firm tone, "Now, as I mentioned earlier, each of you will be assigned a mentor who will guide you for the second round."

She pulled out another list and began reading. "Student Emma, you have been chosen by Miss Merlin as her disciple. Once we finish here, you will be taken to her office."

Gasps erupted across the crowd. A few students even covered their mouths.

Merlin was the strongest sorceress on the continent, a legendary figure who had more achievements tied to her name than the number of years she had lived. She was a true prodigy—someone who had never taken a student before.

Even if only for a short time, Emma would now be known as Merlin's student. That alone was a grand honor.

Emma stood frozen, unable to hide her shock. She remembered the strange woman she read about, but she never expected this. Still, she would never give up the chance to learn from the best.

Next, the lady called out, "Lextor…"

The blond boy held his breath. For a moment, he dared to hope that his brother might have chosen him.

But then the lady spoke, "Miss Guinevere would like you to learn under her."

Lextor's shoulders slumped. He lowered his head and forced out, "I am honoured." Though deep down, he knew that the person named Guinevere was… not exactly a bad teacher.

"Student Anna," the lady continued, "Miss Galahad is very interested in your skills."

Anna's pink hair bounced slightly as she grinned. "Really?! I'm so excited!" The calmest and wisest mentor choosing her? It felt unreal.

Next name.

"Warren…" The boy straightened his back and lifted his chin, expecting someone like Sir Lancelot to choose him because of his combat talent.

Instead, the lady said, "Sir Mordred is interested in your combat style and invites you to learn under him."

Warren clicked his tongue softly. Of all people… the Seventh Seat… But he still showed a polite smile. "I am honoured."

Then came the silent girl with dark blue hair.

"Student Gloria, Lady Morgana is impressed by your sorcery and your battle tactics."

William's brows shot up. Morgana was the fifth seat—known as an impenetrable tank when defending and a fierce tigress when attacking. Getting her attention was not a small thing.

Gloria stepped forward gracefully and bowed. "I am delighted to hear that."

The lady nodded and moved to the next name.

Everyone leaned in.

Emma held her breath.

Others whispered among themselves.

All wondered who would choose William.

The lady finally announced, "Student Kevin…. Sir Lancelot has offered you guidance."

A wave of shock spread across the hall.

To many of them, Kevin was the weakest link, someone who barely scraped through. Some even thought he didn't deserve to be in the top eight at all.

And yet… he received an offer from the strongest swordsman?

Nobody had seen that coming.

Natalie nudged him gently with a smile. "Say something."

Kevin's eyes widened as the reality hit him. He quickly bowed his head and stammered, "Y-Yes! Thank you! I will do my best!"

His honest enthusiasm made Natalie smile helplessly.

The lady nodded, "We expect nothing less from you."

Once she was done, she pocketed the list, making many wonder and Emma frown.

William tilted his head confusion and not so long after, Emma finally asked, "Excuse me, Miss, you didn't inform William about his mentor."

Many students were waiting to hear who might have offered mentorship to the one who completely dominated the battlefield when facing the supposedly strongest student among the five academies.

Some even considered hearing Arthur's name when it would come to William, even though it has never happened in the past for Arthur to take anyone under his tutelage.

The lady on the stage heaved a sigh as she addressed the situation, "To not let others feel discouraged, this information was supposed to be relayed in private, but I suppose, you must all be eager to hear who has invited him as their student."

Many listened intently, wondering who might be the one whose invitation would discourage them

Was it Arthur after all?

The lady took a deep breath and announced, "The Seven Pillars believe you are already quite good as you are. Further guidance would only hinder your progress ...that's why, you are being assigned to no mentor."

"...!!!"

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