Blood 24 Enrollment

Today's second entry

Children of the Demon Clan begin attending the academy at age five.

I am exactly five years old, so I meet this requirement.

Attendance at the academy lasts from age five to fifteen.

Upon graduation, individuals choose their next path—attending university, as understood on Earth, or becoming self-sufficient.

In this world, university attendance is rare. Most pursue some form of employment.

The academy I will attend has a high proportion of nobles. Nearly all graduates immediately assume duties as nobles.

Noble titles are ranked in five levels, from highest to lowest: Duke, Marquis, Count, Viscount, Baron.

Royalty does not exist.

This is because the Demon King, the apex of the Demon Clan, is chosen regardless of title. As succession is not hereditary, a king may exist—but no royal family does.

Sons and relatives of past Demon Lords do exist, but they never claim noble lineage. Most settle into noble ranks equivalent to dukes.

Given this structure, those holding ducal titles are disproportionately descended from former Demon Lords.

A faint connection to past Demon Lords can still be found among marquesses and counts. Investigating the histories of such houses might yield interesting findings.

Conversely, barons are predominantly elevated from commoners, and ties to past Demon Lords vanish almost entirely.

Power is not the sole determinant, but being of demon lineage allows one to attain a baronial title with relative ease.

Loss is equally simple.

Titles gained through power are stripped just as easily upon its loss.

Even if the current generation excels, failure in the next generation results in swift decline.

This is the standard for demon nobility.

Thus, even ducal houses may fall without power.

Power is not solely combat ability.

Wealth, authority, political influence, military strength—these are also power.

Ducal houses do not shift in rank like baronial ones because they accumulate these forces across generations.

Yet, lose all of them, and decline is inevitable.

Such was the knowledge of demonic nobility I learned from Ariel, and with it, I enrolled in the academy.

I was treated as a mid-year transfer and subjected to a transfer examination.

This test measures my current academic level and combat ability. Poor results do not result in rejection.

Thus, I took it with ease.

Written exams varied in difficulty by subject.

Mathematics, at least, should be solvable for someone who studied up to high school on Earth.

Linguistics was not a concern—Ariel had taught me reading, writing, and practical application thoroughly during our journey.

Human tongue and Demon tongue were both mastered.

History questions, however, were beyond my knowledge. I could not answer them.

Practical tests were straightforward.

First, I was asked to list the types of magic I could use. I answered honestly.

The magic I can wield includes water, ice, shadow, darkness, wind, and lightning.

Water and ice magic extend to high-tier spells.

Darkness, being effectively an advanced form of shadow, means I can cast three high-tier spells.

This is the result of four years of continuous study under my master’s guidance during our travels.

The instructor overseeing the exam regarded me with skepticism. I demonstrated my abilities on the spot.

I controlled the display carefully to avoid collateral damage.

My skill was acknowledged.

Next, I underwent practical close-combat training. Yet, despite not having performed any actual technique, I was granted approval the moment I activated both Magical Combat Arts and Qi Combat Arts.

I did nothing, though.

How can one pass an evaluation based on actual skill without assessing that skill at all?

Regardless, I was admitted without issue.

As a noble academy, the number of students per year was limited.

Approximately one hundred, divided into three classes.

For the first few years, class placement appeared entirely random, with no regard to ability.

Since I joined mid-year, I was assigned to the smallest class.

"Everyone, this is Sophia Kelen, your new classmate. Please get along."

The teacher's introduction was delivered.

A multitude of small children's gazes.

Considering it, we were the same age—everyone was a child.

I had only ever been surrounded by older individuals before.

My master is the same age, but appears older.

After the teacher left, I was bombarded with questions from the children.

Everyone spoke at once. I couldn’t distinguish what each one was saying.

Even with enhanced senses, I couldn’t process so many simultaneous inputs.

“Enough. Behave like nobles, at least.”

The child with golden hair and blue eyes—classic prince archetype—rescued me from the chaos.

“I am Wald K. Atmois, heir to the ducal house. Consult me if you need anything.”

Huh.

A well-mannered child, despite the age.

Self-awareness is lacking.

After all, I’m still a former high school student at heart.

I then conducted a Q&A session with the children arranged by Wald.

My assigned role was a traveling sage’s disciple.

The master had been embedded in human territory for decades and has now returned home.

I accompanied my master back to the homeland at the same time.

The matter is classified as high priority. Disclosure of identity is prohibited.

In truth, he is the Demon Lord. No error there.

The children repeatedly pressed for his true identity. Impossible to answer.

Next, they focused on the matter of commoners.

Upon stating I was a commoner, a dismissive atmosphere arose.

Yet some children reacted with heightened caution.

Apparently, commoners are nearly nonexistent within this academy.

And those commoners who gain admission typically possess extraordinary talent.

I do not possess such talent.

Yet Ariel-san enrolled me here.

Contemplating the future, my stomach aches. Still, I began my academy life surrounded by little ones.