Treatise Of A Failed Knight

Chapter 347: Festival Of Returning Fire

Thursday, 31st January 2031...

Seth and I have just left the examination hall, concluding our scholarship eligibility test.

’It was exactly what was shown in his dream...’ While staring at Seth, I marvel in silence. ’This is the first examination I’ve passed with so much ease. I also know the precise score I will be awarded, all thanks to this person next to me.’

As a Leviathan, I am privy to many amazing abilities, but none of them can do this.

Even Ciel, a Seeker, couldn’t help me achieve this outcome.

’She is only a Rank 1 Leviathan. Unless she uses Higher Divination, she has no way of telling the future or past of others. The best method would be the use of Clairvoyance to search the hall for the questions ahead of time, but that would leave us with no time to prepare. I could even achieve the same, since I also possess Clairvoyance.’

As I have these thoughts, my mind traces back to my thoughts involving the eligibility test.

I was always planning to cheat.

Even if I didn’t use Clairvoyance, I could resort to Frontflow to copy answers and also help Seth out in the exams. Since no trace elements would be left behind, there would be no evident complications, and we would never be caught.

But this was a lot easier.

’If Seth eventually learns to control this ability, just how powerful will he become?’

He could learn a great degree of information ahead of time.

Does that mean he doesn’t ever need to study?

He can easily find the answers in his dream and pass!

If we were taking the same course, the same could have applied to me.

Unfortunately...

’Sigh! Our departments and choice of courses are completely different!’ I silently exclaim for a moment before realizing just how unscholarly I have become in my thoughts.

Having an easy way out is honestly too alluring.

It has corrupted my principles.

But I don’t care!

’If it’s Lady Anastasia sending him those visions, maybe she will be kind enough to help me out with my studies as well. Ah, but her impression of me won’t be good if she knows I am taking advantage of her kindness...’

I shut my eyes tightly, breathing deeply before making a decision.

’I will try my best to study and pass each exam, but if the situation becomes precarious, it’s good to know I can rely on someone watching over me.’

Besides, it’s not like I’m a dullard!

Yes... I can pass the examination on my own if I study hard enough.

Or if I cheat with my own abilities!

’I’ll soon become a Rank 2 Leviathan. Cheating should become even easier for me once that happens. Also, if Ciel should ever choose to advance, she can help me peer into my future and assist me with my studies.’

This is a new application of Leviathan Conceptions that I never imagined in the past.

’Hehehe...’

We learn every day!

.....

A few weeks later...

"And that’s what I’m saying! Do you know that you can actually get as little as a thirty percent discount on Temporal Tunnel travel if you are a citizen?"

After visiting our residence to congratulate us on our success in the scholarship evaluation, Regulus begins to proselytize to us about the allure of his glorious kingdom. "Do you know that Dustinville citizens and permanent residents get all kinds of subsidies? You’re also very talented and skilled. I’m sure it would be easy to become a Knight here, as long as you become a citizen. Imagine the opportunities!"

I roll my eyes at all of these statements, realizing just how deep the propaganda has spread.

Even Regulus, a wealthy and intelligent man, is preaching to me.

He just won’t stop.

’I will admit that becoming a Dustinville citizen is quite tempting, but I have too much power in the Randalorion Kingdom. As a Leviathan, it is already my territory. If I were to become a citizen here, I’d be the subject of the king, who is likely a Rank 3 or 4 Leviathan.’

Something like that is clearly not something I will be too thrilled about, especially since I’m pretty much a member of the Ouroboros Sect.

’Speaking of... I still haven’t received any information.’

Could it be that I didn’t qualify for the membership after all? In that case, I won’t actually have to undergo any initiation?

But I still have the Floating Horse Construct with me.

’No, does that really matter? Zarius also had it, and he wasn’t part of the Sect. Maybe Lucien Zevalis told him the same thing about being a member before disappearing. But Zarius didn’t mention anything like that in his journal...’ Sighing, I helplessly shrug and set the matter aside.

The situation is not something I can figure out by thinking about it.

Instead, I should be planning for the future.

’Specifically, how and when to contact the Dark Guild Branch in Dustinville...’

Gabriel already gave me all the necessary information, so all I have to do is make contact.

Unfortunately, I’ve been too busy to do anything about it.

It’s only now, after over a month of staying in Bawwal, that I can say we have settled in.

Not only is the manor fully furnished, but all the necessary staff have been hired, and all the purchases of essentials have finally been accounted for. Also, now that Seth and I have gotten our results, we can finally start getting ready to resume next month.

It’s currently mid-February, leading into the early spring season.

We will start lectures during the early period of March.

"Sigh..." After seeing that his many attempts at convincing me to switch to his kingdom aren’t effective, Regulus finally gives up and brings up another topic. "There’s something you need to know before resumption..."

"Oh? What is it?" My eyes light up for the first time in a while.

Seth also shifts in his seat.

Everyone else, apart from Klein, isn’t in the current lounge and is occupied with their respective affairs. As for the latter, he is here because the matter of the university concerns him.

He is a prospective professor there, after all.

"As you know, the university has two semesters—the spring and autumn semesters."

I nod knowingly.

This is one of the main differences between a university and an academy, the latter actually having three terms.

"Well, before resuming in spring, the university hosts an important festival."

"The Festival of Returning Fire?"

"Oh? You know about it?" Regulus slightly raises a brow in surprise before quickly laughing and stopping himself. "What am I talking about? You’re a Nowe’arn, so you should. It’s just... the Randalorion University doesn’t have such a culture, which is why I internally assumed that it’s not very important in your culture."

"Well... you’re not wrong..."

I only vaguely know about the Festival of Returning Fire.

It’s an ancient Nowe’arn festival that is used to mark the start of spring. In this festival, torches are lit across cities to symbolize the ambition and conquest of the Nowe’arn race.

Farmers use this fire to light their season’s first plow.

Nobles celebrate with fireworks.

It isn’t as popular as the local Randalorion tradition, but it is present. As a Knight, I have also observed this event. However, considering how little significance such an event has in modern day, it’s something hardly worthy of note.

Since it is also heavily tied to religion and Randalorion isn’t a very religious kingdom, this contributes to our apathy.

’Come to think of it, Dustinville is very religious, so this checks out...’

"The university celebrates it?" I ask with piqued interest.

"Yes. On the first day of the spring semester, the entire city of Bawwal lights torches, and students carry theirs from their dormitories to the Grand Threshold in a procession. It marks the start of the academic year and carries the cultural weight of ambition and renewed purpose. For exchange students from outside Nowe’arn culture, this is actually their first major encounter with one of Dustinville’s unique traditions."

"I see..." Pausing for a moment to visualize the scene, I realize something. "Wouldn’t that make non-Nowe’arn students uncomfortable? I mean, the Festival of Returning Fire originated from a period of conquest, when the Nowe’arn race proudly plundered, slaughtered, and colonized those of other races. Before the Treaty of the Nine Races in the Grand Era of Unification, such savage culture was still a thing among prominent nations... and that was only ten thousand years ago."

Regulus laughs lightly and nods.

"In fact, Dustinville actively participated in such conquests. This kingdom has a long history, after all. We’ve been celebrating this festival for tens of thousands of years, but the meaning has changed over time. Now, the fires do not represent conquest or war... but the fire of hope. A flame of peace and prosperity for all. This is why all can participate in this festival... even non-Nowe’arns across Dustinville."

"I see..."

It’s not a bad idea, but such a thing is still problematic.

"I understand your concerns, but this is necessary..." Regulus sighs while smiling. "Peace among races must start from somewhere. By including other races in such an important festival, Dustinville has essentially extended an olive branch. Also, the university actually celebrates important festivals of other races. This is to improve inclusivity and ensure everyone participates in all kinds of cultures. For example, there’s the Ocean Deity’s Wake..."

Now that Regulus has further explained, I can agree with the intent and approach of Dustinville’s administration.

Having the university be at the forefront of that is not only bold, but it is actually wise.

After all, although racism is bound to exist here, an academic setting of such a scale will surely have many open-minded people.

I am impressed.

"I just decided to give you a heads-up, is all..." He shrugs casually. "Although it’ll be a rather rowdy day, and you will likely be a little stressed out after lodging in your residence, I’d urge you to participate."

"How is the festival like?"

For a moment, Regulus pauses.

Then, he flashes me a reminiscent smile. "It’s not something you want to miss."