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As the first break of the Academic Year ended and after returning from vacation and resuming classes, Aresia became even more popular.
The reason behind this was her outstanding performance in the monthly exams. Aresia, with full marks in several subjects, firmly secured the top spot in the entire class.
When the moment of receiving the exam results arrived, even Aresia herself had some doubts if there was a mistake.
It wasn’t that Aresia lacked confidence in her abilities; rather, the teachers at the Royal Academy had a habit of applying pressure when grading. They especially enjoyed challenging the new students. Aresia, based on her (memories), knew that achieving a perfect score in practical exams, particularly in magic casting and potion making, was extremely rare, even among higher-grade students.
The written exam part was understandable; the questions were straightforward, and if you knew the answers, deductions were minimal. Achieving a perfect score in written exams wasn’t uncommon among higher-grade students, considering they had only been studying for about a month. The content covered was limited, and they often had teachers present to deliver lectures, making it relatively easy to score well.
As a result, the new students were easily excited about achieving high scores in their exams, and this wasn’t something the teachers appreciated. To prevent students from becoming too proud, they would intentionally lower scores in practical exams. It was difficult for new students to score perfectly in practical exams, let alone reach an excellent level. Some were even criticized heavily.
However, Aresia not only scored full marks but did so in two practical courses, leaving everyone astonished.
The teachers who graded Aresia’s papers didn’t intentionally lower the scores; they simply couldn’t find any reason to deduct points. Aresia’s performance was exceptional, and the teacher who once instructed her in potion making, acknowledging her expertise in the new magical formula, refused to allow any deductions, stating, “If someone can achieve such results in brewing an energy potion without prior knowledge of this formula, who has the face to deduct points?” Despite the assistant teacher being red-faced, he couldn’t offer any rebuttal and gave Aresia a perfect score.
Aresia’s perfect exam results not only secured her position as the top student in the first grade but also led students from the warrior department to extend invitations, hoping she would join their teams for the upcoming end-of-term trials.
Some warrior students still hoped for Aresia to team up with them and Aresia couldn’t do anything but to reject them politely, and says that she already has a team.
One rejected warrior department student seemed puzzled and asked, “Is the person you teamed up with from the warrior department named Jorgus?”
Aresia, not hiding the information, nodded, “Yes, it’s him.”
After being rejected, the warrior students spread some gossip, and rumors that had previously stagnated started circulating again. The rumors grew more intense, with some even treating them as facts.
Not long after, this information reached Aresia’s ears while she was in a meeting with her classroom professor, Alvin.
The magic department teacher’s office was separate, and when Alvin and others entered, he straightforwardly said, “Do you know the chief tradition in every department?”
Aresia nodded, “Yes.” She did gain a bit of insight into this due to recent events, and it also became her target, to be the chief of their batch.
“I won’t give you a detailed explanation. I called you here to inform you that you are now the chief of the first year grade. According to the rules, you are entitled to certain chief privileges.”
The chief’s privileges were diverse, including having a separate dormitory, partial fee exemptions, and, notably, priority access to certain resources within the academy. Most importantly, the grade chief leader had the privilege to use the academy’s magic laboratories—an exclusive benefit for the magic department. The warrior department had alternative choices, such as access to facilities for magic weapons provided by the academy.
Aresia already had a single room, and she had no plans to change it. Fee exemptions weren’t a significant concern for her, and she only want the privilege of using the magic laboratory.
When Alvin mentioned the privilege of using the magic laboratory, she had some reservations. While it was rare for a new chief to request the use of the laboratory, it wasn’t a significant concern for them.
Referring to Aresia’s potion results, Alvin said, “Normally, second-grade students start entering the experimental building for classes. Now that you are the chief, you have the right. I’ll give you a pass. Whenever you want to use the laboratory, just inform the teacher in charge of the experimental building.”
Aresia pursed her lips and asked, “If I used the laboratory for an extended period, is there a fee? Or can I rent it.”
“Renting for an extended period? You can ask the Headmaster. If he agrees, there shouldn’t be any objections,” Alvin suggested.
The magic department’s laboratory was quite spacious, with a considerable portion often remaining idle. It was allowed for magic department teachers, especially higher-level ones, to apply for the use of these laboratories. Lower-level teachers rarely applied, as their need for the lab was limited. The magic department’s students mainly utilized the instruments for their graduation projects just before completing their studies.
Having a personal laboratory as a first-year student, like Aresia, was indeed quite rare.
But, if Victor, a magic department professor, a formidable potion maker, if it was him who assigned her a project requiring laboratory work, it was considered normal, and she can have access of the laboratory anytime she want.
As for Alvin who doesn’t have the authority, he advised Aresia to consult the Headmaster.
“Alright, I understand,” Aresia replied.
Aresia headed from Alvin’s office toward the Headmaster’s office.
Headmaster Albert was in his office, and there seemed to be no other visitors. Aresia knocked on the door, and a voice from inside said, “Come in.”
“Headmaster Albert.”
Aresia entered the room, and Headmaster Albert looked a bit surprised, “Aresia? Do you need something?”
Aresia nodded, not beating around the bush, “I have a small request. Did I disturb you?”
“Not at all. I have some time. Please, sit down,” Headmaster Albert gestured to the chair beside.
“I’ve seen your results. They are very impressive. Congratulation” Headmaster Albert praised.
Headmaster Albert appreciated the young girl with a faint smile. Initially, when he agreed to Duke Rogest request to look after Aresia, he didn’t think much of her potential. He just thought of it as helping out an acquaintance’s younger generation. But Aresia’s actions had proven him wrong.
“Thank you for your praise.”
Feeling a bit awkward, Aresia continued, “I would like to rent a separate laboratory for an extended period. Professor Alvin said I need your approval.”
Headmaster Albert was somewhat expecting this and didn’t delve into questioning why a first-year student needed an individual laboratory. Instead, he asked, “How long do you plan to rent it?”
“In my case, I plan to rent it until I graduate.”
Upon hearing this, Headmaster Albert chuckled, “Maintaining your position as the first-year chief. It won’t be easy to rent this laboratory for less than three years, at least until you reach the third year.”
The first-year chiefs’ performance is mainly evaluated based on academic achievements, while the second-year chiefs rely on practical experience and trials. By the third year, even the non-chief students have the qualification to rent an individual laboratory. Aresia must maintain her academic performance and continue to excel to keep renting a separate laboratory.
Upon hearing his response, Aresia smiled confidently, “I will make sure to stay in this position and excel!”
Headmaster Albert, holding the application for the laboratory rental, didn’t have any reservations. Although the rental fee was considerable, it was insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
After receiving the approval, Aresia immediately went to the laboratory building to select a laboratory. It was almost time for the next class, so she decided to return to the classroom first.
Karina noticed Aresia’s joyful return and couldn’t help but ask when everyone settled down before the next class, “What happened with Professor Alvin? Why are you so happy?”
Aresia didn’t hide anything and whispered, “It’s the privilege of being the first-year chief. I’m happy because I’ve obtained the right to use a laboratory.”
Karina knew that Aresia had been looking for a laboratory. There had been occasions where the scent of potions lingered in the dormitory due to Aresia’s potion-making experiments. Although she didn’t know how Aresia managed to tolerate the smell, the dormitory had to be thoroughly cleaned, making living there uncomfortable. Now that Aresia had her laboratory, she was genuinely delighted.
“That’s great! When you have time, I’ll accompany you.”
“Let’s wait until after classes.”