(Rodova Military Academy, The Administrative Building)

The principal of Rodova Military Academy, Retired General Alric Dainhart, sat behind his desk, skimming through the latest intake reports with a calm, impassive gaze.

As a former Universal Government General, Dainhart was a man of discipline and experience.

Though in his sixties, he remained as imposing as ever, with broad-shoulders, neatly combed gray hair and deep blue eyes.

His years on the battlefield had earned him scars, but it was his mind, not his body, that made him truly formidable. He was a strategist first, a leader second, and a bureaucrat only because necessity demanded it.

*KNOCK* *KNOCK*

A crisp knock at the door broke his focus.

"Enter," he said without looking up.

The door slid open, and Major Silver Paige stepped in, his posture straight as he saluted.

"Sir."

Dainhart glanced at him before setting the report aside.

"Major," Alric acknowledged, before continuing with his question. "What do you think about this year's batch of recruits?"

Major Paige lowered his salute and took a step forward. "This year's batch seems to be the best in the past five years, with some really strong talents popping up."

"The Su Clan's representative this year is promising. His foundation is rock-solid, and his mana control is leagues above the average first-year. If he continues at this pace, he could be a prime candidate for the representing the first years at the inter-school championships."

Dainhart hummed in acknowledgment, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. "And the rest?"

"There are a few standouts," Paige admitted. "A sword wielder from the Drakos line, a sniper from Erevan's family, and a poison elementalist with a rare dual-affinity. All of them have good potential."

Alric showed no visible joy at this report but nodded curtly to acknowledge the information.

"We have some promising talents in the swordsmanship, archery, and mage-craft divisions as well. However, none seem to show potential for complete genetic awakening.

In a way, it's good news, for we don't have to worry about raising the next 'Dragon Candidate.'

However, it's also a shame, for without a truly top-tier talent, reclaiming the Inter-School Cup from Genova Military Academy will be difficult." Alric said, as he let out a deep sigh.

For the past fifteen years, Rodova Military Academy had been chasing the top spot in the universal school rankings, only to fall just short every single time.

Genova Military Academy had cemented itself as the number one military institution in the galaxy, consistently producing warriors that surpassed their peers. And while Rodova had held its ground, it had been stuck in the frustrating position of second-best.

In the grand scheme, second place was no failure—Rodova was still one of the most revered institutions in the universe.

But prestige wasn't just about ranking.

The academy's funding, political influence, and ability to attract top-tier talents all suffered from its inability to dethrone Genova. Donors funneled resources toward the reigning champion, and the best young warriors naturally gravitated toward the school that held the crown.

For years, Rodova had tried every possible strategy—improving their training regimens, hiring the best instructors, and even expanding their scouting networks. But none of it mattered unless a standout talent emerged, someone who could defy the odds and turn the tide.

And so far, this year's batch, while impressive, didn't seem to have that one talent capable of changing everything.

"Any security threats this year, sir?" Paige asked, shifting the conversation to a more pressing concern.

Dainhart glanced at him before leaning back slightly in his chair.

"Nothing out of the ordinary… but there are a few suspected Evil Cult sympathizers trying to slip through," he admitted, his tone carrying a note of irritation.

Paige's expression darkened.

The Evil Cult—as the Universal Government had branded them—remained one of the greatest threats to law and order in the universe.

It was no secret that they actively sought to infiltrate government institutions, planting brainwashed young talents within their ranks to destabilize both the Universal Government and the great clans from within.

This was precisely why every government-aligned institution—especially military academies—enforced rigorous background checks before admitting students.

For a Military Academy, allowing an Evil Cult sympathizer to slip through was more than a simple failure. It was the worst possible lapse in judgement.

They were a cancer, spreading insidiously, poisoning minds with heresy and rebellion.

"But," Dainhart continued, his voice unwavering, "tomorrow's aptitude testing will sort them out."

A slight smirk tugged at the edge of his lips.

"For no one can evade the background check."

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/// A/N- This bonus chapter is sponsored by patron bukli_ajrullai via supergift, please thank him in the comments for the same ///