Reborn as the General's Useless Daughter-Chapter 310: The Tri-Academy Exchange Arc (Part-2)

Miel’s face showed a trace of helplessness as he explained, "That’s because in the last two Academy exchanges, Thunderclap Academy took first place, Lunar Academy took second, and our academy..." He paused briefly. "We were last."

Understanding dawned on Zora and the others all at once. Last place. Counting down from first. Just thinking about it made the result sound unpleasant enough to sting.

Seeing their expressions, Sebastian added in a low voice, "The reason our academy ended up like this is not because our students were inferior. It’s because Thunderclap Academy and Lunar Academy joined forces against us."

His eyes darkened. "In the previous exchanges, Thunderclap Academy’s students deliberately injured ours during the first day’s trials. By the time the finals came on the second day, our people were already wounded and unable to perform at full strength."

A flash of anger passed through both Sebastian’s and Miel’s eyes. Losing because of strength was one thing. Losing because of such underhanded tactics was something they could never accept.

"I’ll be damned, Thunderclap Academy and Lunar Academy are really something else!" Baldwin cursed outright. "They can even think up tricks like that. Shameless doesn’t even begin to cover it."

Sebastian sighed. "In trials, injuries are unavoidable. They insist it was accidental, and we have no proof otherwise. Even if we know the truth, there’s nothing we can do."

His tone grew heavier. "That’s why, during this exchange, you must be extremely careful. If you can’t win, then don’t force it. Don’t risk your lives."

He looked at them one by one. "Results matter, but in our eyes, your safety matters more."

Those words struck everyone’s hearts deeply. Compared to instructors who only cared about rankings and glory, Sebastian and Miel had always placed their students first.

"The strongest Spirit Warrior in Lunar Academy is Ignar Dragovic," Miel continued. "He has also stepped into the Innate Realm. If you encounter him, you must be especially cautious."

As the two mentors finished laying out the strengths of both rival Academys, the atmosphere in the room grew heavy.

Thunderclap Academy had two Innate Realm Spirit Warriors. Lunar Academy had one. And the two Academies were united.

On their side, only Zora had reached the Innate Realm.

Alaric Von Seraph was already at the peak of the Heaven Realm, just one step away. Unfortunately, breaking into the Innate Realm required opportunity as much as effort. Without that moment of insight, no amount of impatience would help.

Though Alaric Von Seraph’s expression remained calm, a trace of urgency stirred in his heart. If he could break through now, even temporarily, their chances would rise significantly.

Later that night, Zora returned to her room. Black and White hopped down from her shoulders and landed on the table opposite her.

"Master," Black said with a frown, "the situation really isn’t good right now. We have no idea how strong Zion Blackstar has become."

White nodded gravely. "He broke into the Innate Realm two years ago. With the royal family’s resources and background, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s already at least at the fourth stage of the Crimson Realm."

Shihtzu was gently lifted into Zora’s arms, its fluffy little face full of anticipation. "Master, can I fight too?"

White’s eyes lit up immediately. "Yes! Shihtzu is your contracted beast. It should be able to join the battles!"

On the Holy Mystic Continent, contracted beasts were considered part of a Spirit Warrior’s overall strength. In theory, they could be brought into battle alongside their masters.

Zora’s eyes flickered with contemplation. "I don’t know the specific rules yet. We’ll only find out once the student exchange officially begins tomorrow."

If Shihtzu could take the field, that would naturally be ideal. If not, there was nothing to be done. After all, the academy exchange emphasized fairness above all else, and it was entirely possible that demon beasts would be restricted from participating.

The next morning, Zora and the others gathered early outside the dormitory. Vice Principal Gerrad stood at the front with Sebastian and Miel, their expressions solemn yet steady.

"This student exchange competition will last several days," Gerrad announced calmly. "Today is the promotion round, tomorrow the finals. The third day will be the alchemy competition. The remaining days are for rest. Your matches are concentrated in these first two days."

Since the incident at the ruins, Sylvandria had already decided to focus entirely on alchemy in the future, so she would not be participating in today’s matches. The same applied to a few students from Thunderclap Academy and Lunar Academy who were also alchemists. As a result, each academy had seven participants today, making twenty-one in total.

However, Zion Blackstar had already been granted direct advancement to the finals, so only twenty students would actually compete in today’s promotion round.

"This exchange concerns not only individual results, but the overall standing of our academy," Gerrad continued. "I hope all of you will give it everything you have and achieve the best results possible."

His voice was steady and grave, yet his gaze toward Zora and the others was filled with unmistakable care.

Zion Blackstar and his peers were the pride of Thunderclap Academy. Likewise, the students standing before him now were the academy’s greatest hopes.

"Vice Principal, rest assured," Baldwin spoke up immediately, his tone firm. "We’ll do our utmost."

This exchange was not just about the academy’s honor. It was also about their own dignity as Spirit Warriors.

Zora, Alaric Von Seraph, and the others nodded in agreement. At this point, they had already reached the edge of the cliff. There was no retreat left, only the path forward.

Seeing their resolve, relief, and satisfaction appeared on the faces of Gerrad and the two mentors.

"Do your best," Gerrad said gently. "We believe in your strength. But remember—life is the most important thing. Even though the rules forbid killing, injuries are still unavoidable. Be cautious." 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"We understand," everyone replied in unison.

"Since you’re ready," Gerrad said with a faint, affectionate smile, "let’s go."

He turned and led Zora and the others toward Thunderclap Academy’s competition grounds.

Today, the entire academy was alive with excitement. From early morning onward, students flooded toward the martial arena, eager to witness Thunderclap Academy reclaim its former glory. Even members of the royal family, rarely seen in ordinary times, would be present. It was a true spectacle.

When Zora and her group arrived at the arena, they were met with a sea of people. Students packed the area so densely that it was difficult to see the center of the grounds at all.

Fortunately, a designated passage had been reserved on the left side for participating students. Otherwise, simply pushing through the crowd would have taken ages.

"The number of students at Thunderclap Academy is really something," Tiffany couldn’t help but sigh.

"It’s not just Thunderclap Academy students," Marcus replied, shaking his head. "Ordinary citizens are allowed in to watch as well. That’s why it’s so crowded."

Hearing Marcus’s words, everyone paused for a moment, momentarily taken aback.

"It really does look like Thunderclap Academy is determined to claim victory," someone muttered. "They want as many people as possible to witness the moment they succeed..."

Zora raised an eyebrow slightly. Under normal circumstances, academy exchanges were internal affairs, held within the academy itself and rarely open to outsiders. Thunderclap Academy’s decision to open the venue to the public was clearly meant to amplify the spectacle.

"I heard that it goes even further than this," Sylvandria added softly. "They say the final will be held on the royal martial stage, and the Emperor of the Lion Dynasty will personally attend. The scale will be enormous."

Her words caused expressions to shift again. This was no longer just an academy exchange. Thunderclap Academy was turning it into a grand performance, one meant to stun the entire capital.

"Zion Blackstar is the Crown Prince of the Empire," Alaric Von Seraph said calmly. "With him involved, the event was bound to be extravagant. We need to be even more cautious."

As Zora and the others made their way through the crowd, they soon spotted the teams from Thunderclap Academy and Lunar Academy. The smiles on those faces were unmistakably smug, and when they noticed Zora’s group, the mockery in their expressions only deepened.

"The students of the Fallen Star Academy really do put on airs," Drusilla said coldly, her voice sharp with provocation. "They’ve finally decided to show up."

A young woman from Thunderclap Academy laughed lightly at that. "They probably know today will be embarrassing for them. Of course, they wouldn’t want to arrive too early."

She wore a pink-purple dress, her skin fair and her features striking. Between her brows lay a natural arrogance and noble bearing. She was none other than Princess Cecily Blackstar.

"That’s too much!" Reesa bristled immediately.

With her temper, she almost surged forward the moment she heard Cecily Blackstar and Drusilla’s remarks. Zora, however, reached out and pulled her back.

"They have the numbers," Zora said quietly. "Even if we start something now, it won’t benefit us. Let the stage speak for itself."

Reesa’s face was tight with suppressed anger, but she knew Zora was right. Trading insults now would only give the other side what they wanted.

"Just let me get matched with Drusilla," Reesa muttered through clenched teeth. "I swear I’ll tear that mouth of hers apart."

Zora nodded faintly, her gaze drifting toward Drusilla with a trace of coldness. That woman relied on noise and provocation far more than real ability. If Reesa truly met her on the stage, it would indeed be a fitting lesson.

Alaric Von Seraph and the others ignored the jeers around them entirely. In such an environment, maintaining composure was itself a display of character.

Compared to them, Drusilla’s theatrics were nothing more than the antics of a clown.

Seeing that the team from the academy had arrived, a satisfied smile finally appeared on Cindral’s face.