Reincarnated with SSS-Rank Trait and Unique Ability-Chapter 14: A Quick Tour

The Headmaster stared at Ares, jaw clenched, eyes scanning the boy for answers.

Then, with a slow inhale and exhale, he composed himself before speaking.

"In my twenty years as Headmaster, I've never seen anyone receive a recommendation letter from a member of the royal family—especially not a prince."

He lingered for a moment, then shook his head, still visibly in disbelief.

"May I ask, how did you come to know the prince?"

"We sparred once, that's all," Ares replied.

"Sparred once?" The Headmaster raised an eyebrow, then let out a booming laugh.

"Well then, there's no need for any further evaluations. Prince Damon has made quite a name for himself these past few years. He's one of the youngest to reach Expert Rank we've ever seen."

"Expert Rank?" Ares repeated, the words lingering in the air.

It was rare for news to reach his remote village, especially anything related to the royal family.

That might explain why he hadn't heard of the prince's advancement. Still, the shock hit him like a wave. The last time he'd seen Damon, the prince was at Intermediate Rank, although even then Ares had sensed that he was far beyond it.

It was never a matter of if Damon would reach Expert Rank—only when.

Ares clenched his fists beneath the dark wooden table. The last two years had been merciless. Endless training, pushing himself to the absolute limit—and yet the leap to Expert Rank remained out of reach.

"Wait here a moment," the Headmaster said, pulling Ares from his thoughts. "I'll get someone to show you around."

He stood and walked toward the doors, but had barely stepped through the threshold before turning back.

"Alys will be here shortly. She'll show you around," Vyron said, easing back into his large leather chair with a sigh.

For a moment, his gaze drifted. Then he looked at Ares once more, eyes sharp.

"Your timing isn't ideal. Admissions closed weeks ago, and classes started over a month back... but I suppose we can bend the rules a little—for a friend of the prince."

"Friend?" Ares echoed, the word caught in his throat.

He barely knew the prince. They had exchanged more strikes than words. If anything, their bond had been forged through battle, not friendship.

Still, he gave a polite nod.

"Thank you."

Just as the words left his lips, a soft knock echoed on the large wooden doors behind him.

"Come in," the Headmaster called without hesitation.

The door swung open, revealing a young girl with chestnut hair. She was a few inches taller than Ares, likely a couple of years older. Thick-framed glasses rested on her nose, her Academy uniform was crisp and decorated with more emblems than most students wore.

She approached the desk at a measured pace.

"Headmaster," she said, bowing her head respectfully.

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"Ares, this is Alys. She's part of the Student Committee. She'll show you around the Academy. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask her."

Ares glanced at her, then shifted his gaze back to the Headmaster and nodded.

"Very well then, you may go," Vyron said.

Ares stood, turned, and made his way toward the door—only to pause as the Headmaster's voice called out once more.

"I'll be expecting great things from you, Ares."

Soon after, Ares and Alys were making their way through the Academy.

He noticed her stealing glances at him more than once. After catching her stare for what felt like the hundredth time, he finally broke the silence.

"What is it?" he asked.

"H–huh?" she stammered, flustered.

"You keep staring."

"Oh, I... I've just never seen the Headmaster handle an admission personally," she said, looking away. Then, after a few more steps, she added with a half-smile, "Are you from a royal family or something?"

"No. I just got a recommendation letter from the prince, that's all."

"What?!" she exclaimed, loud enough to earn curious looks from passing students.

She offered a quick, apologetic nod to them, then turned her full attention back to Ares.

"The prince gave you a recommendation?"

Ares sighed.

Everyone he'd told had either reacted with jealousy or stunned disbelief. But for him, the letter felt more like a mystery than a gift. He couldn't shake the feeling that something else was at play—unless, of course, he was just being paranoid. At this point, he wasn't sure anymore.

The tour continued for over two hours. They visited lecture halls, training grounds, the cafeteria, and now, after what felt like miles of walking and a barrage of avoided questions, Ares was relieved to finally be heading toward the dormitories.

"This is your room," Alys said, stopping in front of a solid wooden door.

"Your uniform's inside, along with your schedule. You joined a little late, but don't worry—the real curriculum starts in about a week or two. So far, it's only been introductions, so you haven't missed much."

"Thank you."

"Alright then. I'll leave you to it. If you need anything, you can find me in the Student Committee room."

Ares nodded, and Alys turned on her heel and walked away.

He turned his attention to the door and, without delay, he went inside.

The room was spacious. A brown rug covered most of the wooden floorboards. A large desk stood beneath the window, and a small chandelier hung from the ceiling, its candles flickering gently. A double-sized bed awaited him, neatly made with crisp sheets and folded blankets.

The air carried a comforting blend of wood and lavender.

Ares lingered for a moment, taking it all in.

Then, with a deep sigh, he collapsed onto the bed.

The exhaustion from his journey washed over him, and within moments, he drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.