I created my own system

The party they had in mind from the first years to the fifth years was supposed to start once he contacted all the previous first years. However, all he manages to do is stalk them and locate their address.

"Ah, seriously, now I totally feel like a criminal," he said as he walked even further into the forest.

[Creator after all the people you killed you are feeling that just now]

"Sorry but in my head their deaths are punishment just like how I used to help Grandpa in performing 'A res', but let me make it clear I never enjoy torturing people"

[The verdict that strips a person's identity as a human, 'A res'. That punishment must have dulled your sense of humanity]

"Please don't label it like that. However, I really can't deny that. Since one of the reasons I joined their team was to make sure I won't feel mercy towards other people"

[Other people? I thought it was your training for torturing your brother]

Apollo couldn't help but sigh at his words, "I really can't lie to you"

[Well Creator did share his memories with me]

Apollo sighed again before shifting his thoughts back to the party.

This would be their moment. A celebration to forge new beginnings and start a new one.

Just then, as Apollo thought of ways to approach the seniors, a thought suddenly came to him.

"Why not?"

This could work.

It was time to give back what had been taken from them.

As Apollo finalized his plans, a thought crept into his mind.

'How will I convince them to come?'

More importantly—

'Will they actually believe me?'

'Should I go to the'

The questions lingered as he finally arrived at the end of the densely pack forest. There, under the bright light of the sun, the dormitory of the seniors looks as majestic as ever.

"This place looks completely back but I still like it"

He made his way to the common room. His classmates were already there talking about their plans once they returned to their dormitory.

The senior dorm, once a forgotten place and mystery, now served as their ew place to hang out.

After more talks and stories about the recent attack Apollo and his friends decided to return back to their own dorm

"Sigh....I don't really mind the distance, but why can't we build a teleporter here?"

"Enough the chit-chat chat, just move, Brai," Arabella said as she kicked her friend on the back to get moving. Braiden, on the other hand, fell right into the teleportation portal set by Aaron.

A low thud came after meaning the lad fell into something.

Right after that, they take turns going inside until Aaron turns off the power of the blessing.

As they settled in for the night, Apollo stared at the ceiling.

He had already scheduled what he planned to do.

"Let's first talk with the headmaster I am sure he would agree....!?...wait now that I remember the president of each class before I wonder if they are still here"

He wonders wanting to pay a visit and know their current situation.

"I guess it won't be rude to visit my seniors,s, right?"

A mischievous smile painted his face as he finally closed his eyes to sleep.

A new day arrived, and as soon as class ended, Apollo headed to the headmaster; he wanted to consult with him about the plan he had in mind.

Apollo stood before Headmaster Emilio's grand oak desk, hands resting casually in his pockets. This office seems to change whenever he visits; the last time he was here was when he reported students who were sneaking around the administration office. The atmosphere of the room back then was a bit different from now. A couple of floating objects were lined up, accompanied by ancient tomes and crystal lamps.

"I wonder what is up with these things"

A few minutes went by, and then the headmaster finally arrived; at his side were hundreds of floating logbooks and report scrolls.

"Oh dear it seems I am bothering someone extremely busy"

"Don't bother with polite words student Apollo it doesn't suit you, just go straight to the point"

"Ah...well the truth is I would like to make a suggestion though it might sound like a request"

"That doesn't matter just speak"

Emilio, with his usual calm yet unreadable gaze, folded his hands together as he listened to Apollo's request.

"You wish to reinstate the former lower-class students?" the headmaster repeated, his voice unreadable.

Apollo nodded. "Yes. They were unfairly cast out. It's only right they are allowed back. And with the current lack of students, they are suitable to be called back"

Emilio sighed, leaning back in his chair. Then, a thought of teasing Apollo came to him, so he began to speak. "Apollo, I understand your sentiment, but this academy is still recovering from recent events. Reintroducing them could stir unwanted tension."

Apollo's golden eyes narrowed slightly, not expecting such words from the headmaster, so he fought back. "With all due respect, Headmaster, you've already removed students involved with Nero. What harm is there in bringing back the ones who never broke any rules?"

Emilio remained silent, thinking about whether to continue teasing the boy.

As his eyes remained unchanged the student in front of him

took this as his cue, so Apollo pressed on.

"Think of what they represent. They endured discrimination and isolation and were ultimately forced out. And yet, despite everything, they remain loyal to this academy."

The headmaster exhaled, wanting to commend how he sounded so convincing, but he didn't stop since he was already bored with so much paperwork; he spoke words that may sound challenging. "And what makes you so sure of their loyalty?"

Apollo smirked. "Because they had every reason to turn against us—and yet, they didn't. They were shunned and mocked but even so, they never sold any information about the academy"

The room fell into silence.

That statement was something the headmaster wasn't expecting. The conversation that started to pass the time became interesting.

But still, he wasn't done fooling around yet, so he didn't reply immediately; he deliberately wasted time to make it seem like he wasn't going to agree with him.

Then, after what felt like an eternity, Emilio chuckled.

"You are as persuasive as ever, Apollo." He nodded. "Very well. I see no reason to deny your request. They will be given the opportunity to return."

Apollo grinned, victory secured.

But before he could turn to leave, Emilio continued. "However, their arrival won't be able to address our shrinking student population. So more students are about to come"

A round of students will enroll thus creating new possibilities.

"The imperial academy has been in talks with other academies," the headmaster revealed. "We are arranging an exchange student program."

Apollo raised a brow. "Exchange students?"

Emilio nodded. "It is a necessary measure. Instead of issuing a new round of re-enrollment—which could bring more enemies into our ranks—this program will allow us to introduce new talent while keeping our enemies in check."

Apollo considered it for a moment, then nodded. "That's actually… a good idea."

The old man just gave a small smile. "I thought you'd say that."

Apollo was satisfied. Not only had he secured a reason to approach the former lower class, but the exchange students could also bring an interesting dynamic to the academy.

But just as he turned to leave—

"One more thing, Apollo."

Apollo paused. "…Yes?"

This time the headmaster's expression turned serious. "The rankings will take place again soon."

Apollo blinked. "Oh? Another exam?"

The headmaster shook his head.

"No. This time, it will be decided through combat."

A small silence passed.

Then—Apollo smirked.

"I see. Then I'll prepare accordingly."

He wasn't really concerned about that; they weren't threats after all.

The next day, a wave of curiosity spread through the academy.

The bulletin board in the main hall was flooded with students reading the latest announcements.

Among the biggest topics of discussion:

The return of the lower class students.

The arrival of the exchange students.

The upcoming combat rankings.

However, amidst all the serious discussions, one voice rose above the crowd—

"YES! WINTER BREAK IS COMING!"

McKenzie practically jumped in the air, his excitement contagious.

Some students groaned at the idea of rankings happening right before a break. Others, however, felt the thrill of competition brewing.

Apollo, standing at the edge of the crowd, simply smiled to himself.

This academy was about to change once again.

"Now I should get going as well"

He said so while numerous of him were already on the move.

"The plan should succeed regardless of the situation but more importantly it seems though Nero finally stopped moving"

The boy said as he looked at the screen in front of him.