All five of them, accompanied by their respective representatives, stepped into Maren's office.
Calling it an office felt almost insulting.
It looked more like an art museum preserved through centuries. The walls were lined with framed paintings—some abstract, some depicting ancient awakeners locked in legendary battles. Sculptures made of crystal, metal, and unknown materials stood silently in corners, radiating faint mana. Shards of glowing crystals hovered inside transparent cases, slowly rotating as if alive, illuminating the room with a soft, dignified light.
The moment they entered, everyone instinctively straightened their posture.
Inside, Maren stood before a massive glass window that stretched from floor to ceiling. Beyond it, the stadium could be seen from above, empty now and quiet, as if it were merely a memory of the chaos it had hosted earlier.
She turned around slowly.
Her smile was calm, composed, and effortless.
Her presence alone carried weight, overwhelming yet soothing, like standing near a sleeping volcano. Even without releasing any pressure, the room seemed to acknowledge her authority.
"Welcome," Maren said warmly. "I was waiting for your arrival."
She walked toward them, each step graceful and measured. With a subtle hand motion, she signaled the representatives.
At once, the representatives bowed and stepped outside, closing the doors behind them. The faint click echoed through the vast room.
Silence followed.
"It's an honor to meet you again, Madam."
Draven was the first to bow his head deeply. His movements were respectful, precise. One by one, the others followed—Ashan, Eirena, the assassin girl, and the water mage, all bowing in unison.
Maren observed them quietly for a moment, her sharp eyes missing nothing.
Then she smiled.
"From the beginning," she said, her gaze settling on Draven, "I knew you would defeat Dessa."
Draven stiffened slightly but remained composed.
"Most of the time," Maren continued, "a mage holds an advantage over a psychic. But the reason you won wasn't your element. It was your will… and your experience."
Draven raised his head slightly, surprised.
"You are flattering me, Madam," he replied honestly. "Dessa was also a strong opponent. I won because she wasn't fully prepared for the duel."
Maren's lips curved upward, amused.
"Protecting your ally's dignity, hm?" she said lightly. "That kind of humility is rare."
Draven's ears reddened just a little, but he said nothing.
Maren then shifted her gaze to the assassin girl and the water mage.
"You two," she said, her tone approving. "You both performed admirably. Your battle sense stood out. Your opponents fell not because they were weaker, but because you made faster and more accurate decisions."
The assassin girl straightened, her sharp eyes flashing with pride. The water mage swallowed and nodded, visibly relieved.
"Thank you, Madam," they said together, bowing again.
Maren acknowledged them with a nod before turning her attention to Eirena.
"Eirena," she said, her voice softening slightly. "Our little dragoness."
Eirena blinked, surprised by the nickname.
"Instead of relying on your sword," Maren continued, "you boldly chose hand-to-hand combat against a tanker. The physical power you displayed was impressive. Defeating such an opponent without sustaining serious injuries speaks volumes about your intelligence and balance."
Eirena clenched her fists unconsciously, her chest swelling with pride.
"It was a wonderful fight," Maren concluded.
Eirena bowed, her expression glowing with satisfaction.
Then, finally, Maren turned to Ashan.
Ashan met her gaze calmly and offered a gentle smile.
"And here we have," Maren said, eyes narrowing slightly with interest, "a young one with… unusual skills."
Ashan felt a faint chill run down his spine.
"When it comes to playing with your opponent," Maren continued, "you came first. You broke his sword, shook his mentality, and then used an unexpected move to confuse him to the point where he leapt out of the arena himself."
She paused, then smiled wider.
"It was truly entertaining to watch."
Ashan bowed respectfully.
"Thank you very much, Madam."
Maren tilted her head slightly.
"By the way," she added casually, "you didn't expect your sword to be destroyed. Am I right?"
Ashan nodded without hesitation.
"Yes. You are correct. It was my first time using that skill in actual combat."
For the first time since they entered, Maren's expression shifted.
Her eyes widened, just slightly.
'His first time after awakening?'
Her mind raced. 'According to the database, his lightning skill is fist-based. There was no record of sword usage…'
'Could he alter the application of his skill on the fly?'
'If that's the case…'
Maren studied Ashan more closely now, her gaze sharp and probing.
"I reviewed your awakening records," she said. "Your lightning skill was registered as fist-based. I want to know, how did you apply it to a sword?"
Ashan sighed internally. 'So she did look into it. '
He nodded respectfully.
"Madam, may I demonstrate instead?"
Maren raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Go ahead."
Ashan clapped his hands together, performing a short sequence of hand seals. Then he stretched out his right arm.
[Chidori]
Lightning erupted.
Crackling electricity enveloped his fist, emitting a sharp, high-pitched sound that filled the room. The air vibrated violently, small sparks dancing across the floor.
Everyone froze.
"A lightning fist…?" the assassin girl whispered, eyes wide.
Draven stared intensely. 'How is he doing that without damaging his arm? That output… It's deadly.'
Maren's eyes gleamed.
"To witness this directly," she murmured, stepping closer, "is fascinating. It clearly holds lethal potential."
She looked from Ashan's fist to his face.
"So you channeled this into your sword?"
Ashan nodded.
"Yes. But it's extremely difficult and consumes a massive amount of mana."
Maren nodded in understanding.
"As expected. A skill like this doesn't match your current rank. Naturally, it drains you rapidly."
She met his eyes.
"My advice, use it only as a finishing move."
Ashan dispelled the lightning and bowed.
"Thank you for your advice. I'll remember it."
Maren turned toward her desk and picked up five golden badges. One by one, she handed them out.
"These badges are awarded to winners of the newcomer battles," she explained. "They grant special privileges. With this, you may access the academy's weapon room at any time and choose one weapon, so long as it is below S rank."
Everyone's eyes lit up.
"Thank you very much, Madam," they said together.
Ashan hesitated, then spoke.
"Madam, may we design our own uniforms?"
Maren nodded. "Yes. You may submit your designs to the costume department."
"So… any design?" Ashan asked carefully.
"As long as it does not damage the academy's dignity," Maren replied, smirking. "You already have something in mind, don't you?"
Ashan smiled faintly. "Yes."
"Oho," Maren chuckled. "I look forward to seeing it. I do enjoy stylish and new things."
Eirena stepped forward eagerly.
"Madam, can we select our weapons today?"
"Of course," Maren replied. "No issue."
She glanced at all of them.
"Any other questions?"
They shook their heads.
"Good," Maren said. "Then go. Rest well. Academic life begins tomorrow."
She paused, then added with a knowing smile,
"And don't forget, the welcome party is tonight. If possible, prepare your uniforms beforehand. Otherwise, attend in standard attire."