King Of Limbo

The briefing had not lasted for long and only covered introductory explanations, such as how classes worked, a few of the top rules, accommodations and a few other topics before Grand Mages Belle and Yohan began announcing invitation holders, their designated rank and awards for doing well.

Only the top one hundred held invitations, so far seventy bronze holders had been announced and twenty silver holders leaving only the awaited top ten.

Some were happy with their rewards and position whilst others argued they deserved to be higher. No commoner was seen complaining as the awards for bronze holders alone was astronomical in their eyes being a few hundred gold, an amount that could last them years back at their homes.

Some familiar figures to Aron who had received their awards so far included Oxin and Scarlett who both got bronze and were elevated to rank two and also in the top thirty-five. Then Sharla, Sebastian, Mirai, and Brutas who got silver and a promotion to rank three as well as being in the top fifteen.

Of the four, Brutas being outside the top ten had come as a shock to many considering just who he was. It wasn't surprising for Mirai and Sharla because elves were known to be very powerful mages by nature, the fact that Mirai was blind and still made it in the top twenty only made people be wary of her and Sharla more.

"Quite the talented individuals we have this year, now we've finally reached the top ten; the truly outstanding individuals of Galos Academy this year. To announce them, I leave the honors to the arch mage herself," Belle announced before taking a seat much to the displeasure of the men present.

The arch mage slowly stood up before showing a small smile. "I must say, this year's Journey has brought to light many outstanding individuals who may not have been discovered if the Academy hadn't opened its doors to all. Some of you are still in denial at being bested by commoners but remember, this list was compiled by voting amongst the Galos committee of Professors and Inquisitors with Lord Treiss as an observer, so I guarantee absolute fairness in the results. If anything, aristocrats shouldn't complain considering there is no commoner on the committee."

The arch mage revealed while wearing her usual gentle smile, causing the many present to simply lower their heads while others held them up high.

"Now then enough dilly dallying, let us start announcing the top ten, I'm as curious as you all to see these results." the arch mage explained before picking one of ten envelopes and slowly opening it.

"Number ten, Lucas of Lachester. You are to be promoted to lower rank three. Oh, and what's this? Two Professors are interested in taking you under their wing. Congratulations, your rewards are five times that of those in the top fifteen," the arch mage announced and gestured Lucas to come over, which he did hurriedly with teary eyes before shaking the Arch-mages hand. "Thank you! Thank you so much!"

To Lucas this was a big step, just by finishing the journey he had earned enough to give his family a comfortable life, why would he not cry. After shaking the arch mage's hand, he proceeded to shake the hands of the other figures present.

"You earned it." Lord Treiss maintained his serious expression as he said this and gave a nod. "Thank you," Lucas replied before moving on

"Congratulations." Yohan expressed nonchalantly while Lucas smiled and nodded.

"Handsome and promising, I look forward to seeing your growth." Belle said in an alluring tone and gave Lucas's hand a gentle caress causing him to blush furiously. "I-I will." he said in a stutter while avoiding eye contact.

"Young Lucas, another bonus I'm giving to the top ten is they can make a request of me, provided it's within certain limits. Well, do you have any request? Feel free to ask and I'll tell you whether it's doable or not or if it's something private you can—" Before the arch mage could finish speaking, Lucas bowed his head and gave his answer. "I beg you to let my family move to Galos City!" He said aloud without hesitation causing the arch-mage to smile.

"I'll allow it. I'll have someone come to you for further details, you may remain in your seat," she said, causing Lucas's tears to run even more as he returned to sit next to Mirai and Sharla.

"Moving on. At number nine we have Emilia Hoffenheim. Your rewards and rank are the same as young Lucas and you've also caught the eye of two professors. Any requests?" the arch mage asked as Emilia came smiling towards her while waving her hand to the many watching eyes. "I'd like to have my weapon enchanted by you." Emilia also bowed and stated without hesitation causing many to look at her with envy.

"My, such a clever request. I approve," the arch mage replied, causing Emilia to smile and shake the hands of the others before returning to her seat.

"Next, in number eight we have Esmeralda Hoffenheim. Your rewards and rank are the same as number nine and ten, you also have one offer from an inquisitor. Any requests?" The arch mage repeated but Esmeralda had quickly requested the same bonus as her sister before quickly shaking the other hands and returning to her seat.

"Wow, that's two families for you… number eight and she's treating it like it's nothing," one of the contestants muttered as they noticed the look of displeasure on Esmeralda's face despite her achievement.

"Number 7, Henry Löwenstein Rosenberg. Promotion to rank three middle class with offers from seven professors and one from an inquisitor. Rewards are twice the amount as number eight. Any requests?" Henry walked up to the stage and gave a polite bow before answering. "Not at the moment, thank you."

The arch mage nodded at his response before he proceeded shaking the hands of the others but pausing when he reached Lord Treiss. "Grandfather..." he muttered but the old man maintained his expression. "Good work." He replied but the tone in which he said so showed his inner displeasure causing Henry to lower his head before returning to his seat.

"Number six, Anastasia Löwenstein Rosenberg. Twenty offers from professors and five more from inquisitors, impressive. Your rank and rewards are the same as your brother's. Any requests?" the arch mage asked, causing her to show a slightly complex look.

Back at the seats, Aron could be seen wearing a frown at this. 'It's unlikely someone in Pesia could fathom the contract I placed on her but the possibility still exits..." he thought while furrowing his brows.

Anastasia's hesitation only lasted a moment before nodding her head. "I'd like you to tell me the condition of my body, whether there are any irregularities in mana, spirit, body, mind and soul." Anastasia requested, causing many to look at her in confusion. The arch mage, however, didn't hesitate to do this by placing her hand on Anastasia's forehand for a moment.

"Hmm, odd. You're in almost perfect condition which itself is rare. Your mana capacity is excellent, your spirit is the same, body wise no problems, your mind seems exhausted but some rest should fix that and then for your soul, well that's something beyond my level to tell."she responded causing Anastasia to smile and nod her head as if pleased by the answer to not draw suspicion to herself. She took a gamble by asking this question and she was now worried as to what Aron would do.

So much so that while shaking the hands of the other figures, she almost didn't stop by her grandfather. "Are you upset with me, my princess? Is it Henry?" Lord Treiss's demeanor completely changed from a strict bitter old man to a doting grandfather. "No, grandfather, just thinking about how to climb in rank."!she replied with a smile causing the old man to smile in return. "Such a sweet young girl, always looking to better herself. Carry on, do find time to visit me." He gave her a loving pat on her head before she returned to her seat sighing.

At this point, many had become anxious because most of the people belonging to big families had been mentioned. This made many wonder just who are the top five.

"Now we reach the top five, individuals in a class of their own even among the excellent. Starting at number five, Jin. Five offers from professors and ten from inquisitors. Your rank is upper three and your rewards are five times that of number six, any requests? Jin?" the arch mage announced with a smile before calling out again a bit confused.

Said Jin had dozed off around number ninety-five and was still doing so now. It didn't take long for many glances to be cast at him in doubt and disgust. Jagu sighed before smacking him across the head.

"Noblewomen are stubborn because their limp dicked noblemen don't plow them right!" Jin exclaimed, still not fully awake before receiving another smack from Jagu that brought him back to his senses, but everyone had already gone silent with many commoners doing their absolute best to not laugh.

"Huh? Is that thin pale half naked woman done talking?" Jin rubbed his head in confusion and turned to Jagu and asked. At this time Belle wore a look of displeasure while Yohan wore a smirk.

Jagu didn't respond but instead pointed at the arch-mage. "Oh, it's my turn, huh?" he asked before standing quickly and walking over to the arch-mage who didn't know how to proceed, she chose to repeat her statement causing him to nod and perform a less than appropriate bow.

"That's simple enough, I want free alcohol anywhere in the city as long for as long as I'm a student. Wait, no, I'm rich now, just give me something you think is worth it." Jin shrugged and replied, causing the arch mage to sigh. "A weapon enchantment it is." she replied to which Jin nodded before walking away without shaking anyone's hand.

His behavior alone got many aristocrats beyond upset. What was worse was his rank made it impossible for them to do a thing to him.

Aron however continued to think of this as Jin putting on a front to make people underestimate him. Anyone with common sense could at least understand someone capable of doing as well as he did wasn't just a simple drunk vulgar man.