Chapter 374: Chapter 373- Promise
Class 3-A
Two days before the final examinations.
Adrian stood on the podium, his gaze sweeping over the rows of students before him.
Nervousness. Determination. Confidence. He could see all these emotions flickering in their eyes.
In just two days, the final exams would begin—an event that would determine their futures. For many, it wasn’t just an exam to test skill or strength. It was an opportunity. A single chance to carve a place for themselves in the world.
For some, it was about pride—to prove that even without the support of their families, they could stand tall and be someone.
And for others, it was simply a necessary step toward graduation.
Adrian let out a slow sigh and leaned against the small ledge beneath the board. "I’m not here to solve your doubts or answer questions today," he began. "I’m here to talk."
A few murmurs passed through the classroom. Elana couldn’t help but smile softly, while the girl beside her—usually cheerful and easygoing—sat with a rare, serious expression.
Adrian waited for the room to quiet before continuing. "I know that for some of you, the Aegis Trials feel like a luxury—just another subject to help boost your final grades."
"I don’t think anyone here sees it as a privilege, Professor," one of the students spoke up with a wry smile.
Elana frowned slightly. Interrupting the professor?
But Adrian didn’t seem to mind. As he had said—today was for talking.
"Is that so?" he replied with a faint grin. "Well, back when I was a student, I thought of the Aegis Trials as a stepping stone—something that could keep me from falling flat on my face and getting an ’F’ on my report card."
A few surprised gasps rippled through the class.
"You weren’t good in combat, sir?" a girl asked, wide-eyed.
Adrian shook his head without hesitation. "I was at the rock bottom when it came to physical assessments," he admitted openly. "Too frail, too hesitant, and far too scared to face anyone in the arena."
Elana blinked. That was something new—something she’d never expected to hear from him.
"That’s hard to believe, sir," another student said. "For someone who defeated the best team of Runebound and even fought against those Acolytes... it’s strange to imagine you being weak a few years ago."
The rest of the class nodded. Their professor wasn’t just a skilled Runesmith—he was the man who had stood against high-ranked Acolytes alone and even slain a dragon. His record during the tournaments and the academy’s crises was proof of his strength.
Adrian chuckled softly. "Well, with time, I found a bit of confidence," he said. "And thanks to Headmistress Ariana, I learned a few tricks along the way."
A few students laughed quietly, easing the heavy atmosphere.
But behind Adrian’s calm smile, there was a glint of something else—nostalgia, perhaps, or quiet reflection.
Because he knew better than anyone... strength wasn’t something people were born with. It was something forged—through fear, failure, and the will to stand up again.
After a brief pause, Adrian continued, his voice steady and sincere.
"I look at my past self, and then I look at all of you," he said. "You students don’t lack anything—neither in strength nor in spirit. You’ve trained your bodies, sharpened your minds, and stayed disciplined all year long. Sure, there might’ve been moments of slacking or distraction, but that’s fine. We’re human. We’re not machines."
He stepped forward, his tone turning warmer, firmer.
"What truly matters is your dedication to the end result. This is your moment to show everything you’ve learned—to play all your aces, because nothing ahead will be more important than this. This exam will shape your future, so give it everything you’ve got. Fight until the very end."
The classroom fell silent.
Every student sat a little straighter, their eyes burning with focus.
Those who had been uncertain a few minutes ago now carried the same fire in their gaze as the rest.
Preparation could only take someone so far—but when a teacher showed such faith in his students, that belief lit something inside them.
It pushed them to go beyond their limits.
To give not just their best—but better than their best.
....
Not long after, the class came to an end.
The third-year students were free to return to their dorms or stay back to study with friends.
No other classes were scheduled for the day—understandably so. They needed time to rest their minds and prepare themselves for what lay ahead.
All their doubts had been cleared. Now, what they needed most was quiet focus.
As Adrian walked out of the classroom, Elana stood up. "I’ll join you in the common hall later," she told the raven-haired girl beside her.
Aries only hummed in response, her eyes still glued to the open book in front of her.
Elana frowned slightly. Normally, Aries would tease her for running after the professor again, but today, she was strangely silent.
Placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, Elana asked softly, "Are you okay?"
Aries looked up, her smile faint—more forced than real. "Yeah, I’m fine. Go ahead. I’ll meet you at lunch."
Elana hesitated for a moment longer, then gave a small nod and hurried out of the room.
Fortunately, Adrian’s pace was slow—he was reading a small diary as he walked—so it didn’t take her long to catch up.
"Professor," she called out.
Without looking up, Adrian said, "Do you need something, student?"
"I heard no one has ever scored above seventy percent in the Aegis Trials," she said, her tone curious.
Adrian hummed, glancing at her briefly. "That’s true. It’s one of the three major assessments. Even passing it is a big deal."
"So it *is* true," Elana murmured, then looked up with determination. "If I score above eighty percent, will you grant me a wish?"
Adrian let out a quiet laugh. "Another reward? Aren’t you becoming a little too demanding?"
Elana puffed her cheeks, looking adorably stubborn. "I’m giving my best... Don’t I deserve something in return?"
Adrian sighed, finally closing his diary and turning to her. "Alright then. What do you want?"
Elana’s face brightened immediately, her lips curving into a radiant smile. "Can you come to my house next month, right after the exams? It’s my father’s birthday—we’re holding a grand celebration."
Adrian scratched the back of his head. "You mean, Duke Stronghart’s birthday celebration? You want me to attend that?"
"I’m inviting you," she said with a playful tilt of her head. "What’s there to think about?"
Adrian sighed again. He could already imagine her disappointment if he refused. "First, score what you promised. Then, I might consider it."
Elana grinned from ear to ear. "We’ll make a couple entry at the celebration—yay!"
Before Adrian could even respond, she dashed away, leaving him standing there with a hand over his face.
"...Couple entry?" he muttered under his breath, shaking his head with a helpless smile.