"I will still leave the city as usual. Are you guys coming along?" Cloude walks towards the city gates, leaving Shoyo and Jennie behind. Everything returns to normal, but Shoyo seems distracted when he's with Jennie. Even though Jennie doesn't ask directly, she has an idea of what's going on.
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That night, when everyone returns to the dorm, Rachel, though covered in dirt and clearly tired from the day's activities, has a radiant smile on her face.
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"I found Edan, and we're officially together now. I'll be with him every weekend from now on. Shoyo, I won't visit your house on weekends anymore. Please thanks your aunt for me." Rachel announces, surprising everyone. No one expected her to find Edan for real.
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Although Shoyo can hardly believe it, Rachel's expression tells him it's true. "Is that so? Well, that's good. I'm sure the senior will take good care of you..." he mumbles to himself, disheartened, and heads back to the dorm. Cloude quietly follows him.
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"Didn't Edan walk you back to the dorm or come to meet us?" Only Jennie asks about Edan's whereabouts. Rachel frowns momentarily, then smiles again.
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"No, he said it would be embarrassing to appear in front of you guys as a couple. Despite his handsome appearance, he's actually quite shy..." Rachel explains, using more words than Jennie expected, but she still doesn't understand the reason. However, after this incident, she's confirmed that Shoyo really does have feelings for Rachel, even though Rachel has chosen Edan.
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During class, Rachel appears as usual, but Cloude notices occasional signs of disappointment on her face. Could she be hiding something?
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On the weekend, after William finishes his lecture, he asks the students to stay behind.
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"Listen up, today, I have a major announcement. We've been in school for half a year since it started. In the next three months, each mentor will select eight students from this class to participate in the 'Imperial Ceremony' during the ninth month." Some students start whispering, curious about this "Imperial Ceremony," including Shoyo. He and Rachel ask Cloude about it, but Cloude still keeps his eyes closed, appearing quite familiar with the "Imperial Ceremony."
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"Let me explain further," William continues.
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"The 'Imperial Ceremony' is the final exam conducted in front of the king, with the Headmaster and all the mentors present to evaluate. The eight qualified students automatically graduate at that moment, with no option to abstain or refuse. They will be assessed during the 'Imperial Ceremony,' and the top three performers will receive the Onyx Badge, the Crimson Seal, and the Emerald Crest in order. Since you can't retake the exam once you become a citizen, each person has only one chance to earn a badge, which is a symbol of their status. The Onyx Badge represents the highest honor."
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After hearing this, the students become even more excited. "Does everyone understand? Work hard for the next three months. Dismissed!"
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After class, Shoyo says goodbye to Rachel. "Are you going to sleep at the senior's house today? Be careful."
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"Don't worry, Edan is really good to me. I'll be fine." Hearing her reply, Shoyo's heart aches even more.
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"Mom, Rachel will be staying at the senior's house on weekends from now on. She asked me to say hello and thank you to you. From now on, I'll be sleeping alone." Shoyo's mother sees her son's despondency and pats his shoulder in consolation.
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"By the way, Mom, why didn't you mention the 'Imperial Ceremony' to me? They announced it today. If I had known earlier, I could have prepared sooner."
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Shoyo's mother is busy in the kitchen with some beef. "I didn't want to add pressure to you. Just relax, and you'll be fine."
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"It seems like you were kept in the dark too. That's why you weren't prepared."
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"Haha, you guessed wrong. Although I knew when your sister got the Onyx Badge, I wasn't interested in swordsmanship or becoming a Huntector, so I just qualified casually." Shoyo is quite surprised; he's lived nearly fourteen years and had no idea about this.
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"That was twenty-two years ago, and she doesn't like to make a big deal out of it, so she kept the badge hidden. Don't go bragging about it everywhere; it won't benefit you."
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"Don't worry; I'm going to take a shower first." Shoyo, now determined to aim for the Onyx Badge, heads to the bathroom after hearing this revelation.
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