"Wooooo—~"
A silver-white body of incredible size broke through the sea's surface from beneath the [Throne], like a whale humming a ballad. This was a kinsman the White Whale had specifically brought out of the Quantum Sea at the Monarch's request:
[Higher Primordial Species · Star Whale]
"Whoa!"
"So this is a [Starship-class] beast? It's my first time seeing one!"
"It's so beautiful!"
"NO DATA."
This time, no one laughed at Kiana.
Apart from Himeko, who had specifically researched the topic, everyone present was seeing a living [Starship-class] for the first time. This classification typically referred to Honkai Beasts over ten thousand meters in length, capable of traversing the sea between the Tree's branches. Most of them evolved from [Primordial Species · Cruise-class] under special circumstances.
The one that appeared before them now was the supreme commander of the [Starship-class], and also the strongest of the Cruise-class clan aside from the White Whale himself: the Star Whale, Cetus.
"What is that?"
Even though it was following the Emperor's command, the Star Whale had no authority to enter the [Throne]'s domain without further instruction. As Cetus gradually ascended, slowly circling the lower part of the [Throne]—
A winged, arrow-shaped aircraft inlaid with turquoise jade, accompanied by a howling gale, rapidly approached from the far distance!
"The Sky Ship Maanna…"
Although she only uttered the name of the "mount," as Himeko spoke the warning, the students of St. Freya had already guessed who was coming.
Medium-length, dark green hair. An unconventional pure white gown, and an arrogant gaze that seemed to scorn all existence. The title of "Monarch" could only be used by His Majesty the Emperor in this nation, but the title used by this Legion Commander… was said to have been permitted by the Emperor himself!
The Commander of the Plague Legion, the one known by the moniker "Celestial Emperor," Lady Wendy!
---o---
And that was only the beginning!
As the Star Whale emerged from the sea, many "big shots" who were rarely seen all rushed over from every direction. Wendy was indeed the fastest of the Legion Commanders, but those whose strength could rival hers… were not limited to just one here today!
A pitch-black vortex slowly swirled above the Sky Ship.
Crimson lightning flashed within it as a colossal vessel slowly poked its head through. Although it couldn't compare to the Star Whale's size, the "Quantum Flagship · Spear of Gordias," at over three thousand meters long, was proof enough of the second arrival's identity.
A cape shaped like bat wings. Rose-red eyes partially hidden by gray bangs.
The Commander of the Deep Sea Expeditionary Force, the greatest contributor who had secured several world bubbles for the Empire, "pity she couldn't save one to build herself a villa on"— "Raven" Natasha Cioara!
At the same time, opposite the Quantum Flagship's entry point, spires of interweaving gold and brown shot up from the ground.
A gothic lolita with long, platinum-blonde hair and an emotionless face stood silently at the very top of the tallest spire. It should be noted that this rising spire was different from the other two arrivals—its position was within the domain of the [Throne] itself!
The good friend of Iselin, Head of the Nineteenth Chamber, and one of the "Throne Guards" responsible for the defense of the Ninety-Nine Chambers, "Metal" Nina.
The scene was, for a moment, absurdly grand.
[Higher Primordial Species].
The strongest rank in the minds of the Empire's common citizens, the very cornerstone of the Empire's power, were gathering here as if they cost nothing.
"A scene like this…"
"Do they really need our participation?"
Looking at the top-tier combatants appearing around the [Throne], even Mei couldn't help but murmur softly. If the Headmaster considered this operation a final exam, then these "proctors" and "passersby" were far too powerful.
"Precisely."
Theresa, her expression calm, picked up where Mei left off.
"That's why Mother chose this as the exam. The real difficulty lies not with the natives of the continent of 'Teyvat,' but whether we can… snatch the exam questions from the hands of these Imperial higher-ups."
"Hah."
Taking a deep breath, Mei now understood the Headmaster's intent.
They might be considered top-tier within St. Freya Academy, but in the grand scope of the entire Empire, they were nothing more than unfledged chicks. Recognizing their own place in the world was another lesson the Headmaster wanted them to learn.
After all, of all the figures currently in the sky… the strongest among them had perhaps only just touched the threshold of an "Apostle."
---o---
"There's more!?"
The spectacle around the [Throne] was a hundred times more magnificent than the fireworks at a festival.
After a "grand entrance" that lasted for more than ten minutes, the last to arrive was a palace shaped like a blue-silver birdcage.
"Uhh…"
Kiana was not unfamiliar with this newcomer.
To be precise, the few from the Schariac family were all very familiar with what was in the sky—the Commander of the Famine Legion, "Frost" Ana Schariac.
At the same time, since she had come, it was only natural that her husband, Chen Tianwu, and his sister, Chen Tianwen, would not be absent. The two served as the Commander and Vice-Commander of the Starforging Legion, respectively.
Incidentally, the Starforging Legion was primarily responsible for the monitoring and defense of the outer solar system.
As time went on, the spatial fluctuations in the sky grew ever more intense. With even the Commander and Vice-Commander of the Starforging Legion present, many members of other legions—whose work was of a more specialized nature and who were hesitant to leave their posts for fear of the Emperor's displeasure—were now growing eager to join in.
Just then!
VWOM!!
A massive projection rapidly unfurled beneath the [Throne].
"Mic check, mic check."
The somewhat comical scene instantly quelled all the restless ambition.
"Very good."
"This is Hōraiji Kyūshō, Head of the First Chamber, the person in charge of the Ninety-Nine Chambers. (Although Gilfias has more influence, the difference in their strength is worlds apart, so he can only settle for the position of Head of the Second Chamber)."
"Now conveying His Majesty the Emperor's decree:"
"'Anyone with a C grade or below in their performance review for this century, and anyone whose average grade is below an A, will all return to their posts. You are forbidden from participating in this event.'"
"I repeat…"
"Ah, forget repeating it. In short, His Majesty the Emperor's decree has been issued. All of you, get lost and go find your mothers!"
"If you create any more work for me, I'll cut all of your budgets in half!"
Zzip.
The massive projection vanished in an instant.
All that remained were the "big shots" in the sky staring at each other in bewilderment, and the equally wide-eyed group from St. Freya on the ground.
"Phew."
Kiana let out a long sigh of relief.
She had just been thinking of encouraging her sister to go up there too; after all, with Durandal's power, Bianca was no weaker than some of the people above.
But now it seemed—
VWOM!!
Before Kiana's train of thought could finish, the image that had just disappeared reappeared.
"Ahem!"
"Forgot to mention."
"The route has changed slightly. All who meet the requirements are to assemble at Lord Cetus. We depart by the sea route."
"Over and out!"