Chapter 391 Congratulations from the Principal

"Arthur, I think I’ve discovered something terrible."

Arthur turned toward Sun, who was staring at the arena with a troubled expression.

"What happened?"

Sun pointed toward the battlefield. "I don’t think Kong and I could’ve won that match."

Kong nodded solemnly. "Not without a very large breakfast."

Arthur burst into laughter.

Below them, the final upper-year competition had reached its last match.

Two senior students stood on opposite sides of the arena. One commanded a magnificent gryphon with silver feathers, while the other fought alongside an enormous lion covered in dark, bark-like armor.

The gryphon descended from above, its wings sending dozens of gleaming feathers toward the lion.

"That’s beautiful!" Melo exclaimed.

The lion roared.

Thick roots burst through the stone floor, twisting upward to intercept the attack. Several feathers pierced the roots, but the remaining projectiles scattered harmlessly.

Arthur leaned forward. "Whoa! He blocked all of those!"

Vedas studied the battlefield. "Look at the gryphon’s position."

The creature had already climbed higher.

Its Tamer hadn’t waited to see whether the attack succeeded. She had used the distraction to gain a better angle.

The gryphon suddenly folded its wings and descended.

The lion’s Tamer reacted immediately, directing the roots into a rising wall.

But the gryphon changed direction halfway through its dive, sweeping around the barrier and landing behind its opponent.

The referee raised his hand moments later when the lion’s Tamer was forced beyond the boundary.

The arena erupted.

Arthur applauded enthusiastically. "That was incredible!"

Athena adjusted her glasses. "Neither competitor wasted much movement. They anticipated each other’s responses almost immediately."

Mithra smiled. "And the gryphon’s Tamer never needed to shout."

Vedas nodded. "Their coordination was excellent."

Sun folded his arms thoughtfully. "Next year, Kong, we’re learning to do that."

Kong scratched his head. "Grow wings?"

"Coordinate!"

"Oh. That sounds easier."

Melo laughed so hard she nearly fell from Mithra’s shoulder.

...

Friday afternoon arrived with the Academy’s closing ceremony.

The central arena had been transformed once again. The battlefield was gone, replaced by a broad ceremonial platform decorated with banners representing each year.

Students filled the stands, discussing their favorite matches from the week.

Arthur sat with his friends near the front.

Star rested comfortably on his shoulder, while Eden remained in her Mana Realm, continuing her recovery.

Arthur looked around happily. "I can’t believe the competition is already over."

Mithra smiled. "You say that like you didn’t spend the entire week having fun."

"I did! That’s why I wish it lasted longer."

Sun grinned. "I’m already looking forward to next year’s tournament."

Athena glanced toward him. "Then perhaps you should start preparing before the week of the competition."

Sun looked offended. "I prepared!"

Kong nodded. "We ate properly every day."

Athy closed her eyes. "That explains everything."

Before Sun could defend himself, Principal Steven stepped onto the platform.

The conversations gradually quieted.

"Students, congratulations on completing another One Above All competition."

Applause spread through the stands.

Steven smiled as he surveyed the audience.

"Throughout this week, we’ve witnessed remarkable strength, creativity, and determination. But I hope you’ve also noticed something important. The most successful competitors weren’t necessarily those who possessed the greatest power."

Arthur listened attentively.

"They understood their partners, recognized their mistakes, and adjusted when their original plans failed," Steven continued. "Those qualities will matter long after you’ve forgotten the results of a school tournament."

Elaine stepped forward beside him.

"And to those who didn’t win, remember that defeat is only wasted when you refuse to learn from it."

Sun straightened slightly.

Kong glanced toward him. "She’s talking to us."

Sun whispered, "She’s talking to everyone."

"Especially us."

Mithra covered her mouth to hide a laugh.

...

The Academy began recognizing the successful competitors from each year.

The second-year champion, Ilya, received enthusiastic applause alongside her Ironback Tortoise.

The third-year champion, Selene, followed with her Tide Stag.

Finally, the senior champion stepped forward with her silver-feathered gryphon.

Arthur applauded every winner.

Then Steven returned to the center.

"And now, our first-year competitors."

The display illuminated with Arthur’s name.

"Arthur Cronwall, first-year One Above All champion!"

The crowd cheered as Arthur stood.

Steven continued, "We also recognize Mithra for her excellent performance as runner-up, along with Sun, Athena, and the other competitors who demonstrated outstanding growth throughout the earlier stages."

Mithra smiled as her name appeared on the display.

Sun immediately raised his fist. "That’s right! Outstanding growth!"

Athena gave him a sideways look. "You could acknowledge everyone else’s achievements too."

Sun grinned. "Of course. Congratulations, everyone!"

Arthur laughed before heading toward the platform with Vedas and Star.

Steven greeted him warmly.

"Congratulations again, Arthur."

Arthur smiled. "Thank you, Principal!"

"You demonstrated impressive adaptability, particularly during your semifinal and championship matches."

Steven looked toward Vedas.

"And your Goblin King’s judgment deserves recognition as well."

Vedas bowed his head politely. "Thank you, Principal."

Steven glanced toward Star.

"And your smallest partner proved that size doesn’t determine usefulness."

Star bounced proudly.

Several students laughed and applauded.

Arthur gently patted the little slime. "He really did."

Steven turned back toward Arthur.

"Remember, however, that this championship represents an achievement within your year. There are still many experienced Beast Tamers whose abilities you have yet to encounter."

Arthur nodded seriously.

"I know. Watching the upper years made me realize how much more we can learn."

Steven smiled.

"Good. That’s exactly the attitude I hoped to see."

...

After the ceremony, Steven asked Arthur to remain for a moment.

"Regarding your personal training reward, I intend to arrange your sessions after One Above All week. We’ll begin with an assessment of your current strengths and weaknesses."

Arthur’s eyes immediately brightened.

"Can Vedas, Eden, and Star participate?"

"Naturally. Your development as a Beast Tamer cannot be separated from your contracted partners."

Arthur grinned. "That’s perfect!"

Steven glanced toward Vedas.

"Although I’ll expect all of you to follow the training schedule carefully."

Vedas folded his arms. "May I ask whether the schedule includes a reasonable amount of rest?"

Steven smiled pleasantly.

"I’ll decide what is reasonable."

Vedas looked toward Arthur.

"I don’t like the sound of that."

Arthur laughed. "I think it’ll be useful!"

"That’s exactly what worries me."

Steven chuckled. "For now, enjoy your victory. We’ll discuss the details soon."

Arthur nodded enthusiastically.

"Thank you, Principal! I’m looking forward to it."

As Arthur returned to his friends, Elaine approached Steven.

"You’re enjoying this."

Steven smiled. "He’s an enthusiastic student."

"He’s also exceptionally difficult to convince to rest."

Steven glanced toward the retreating Arthur.

"Then that may be our first lesson."

Elaine laughed softly. "Good luck."

...

That evening, Arthur and his friends gathered in a quiet courtyard near the Academy gardens.

The setting sun painted the surrounding buildings orange, while a gentle breeze stirred the trees.

They had brought snacks and drinks from the Academy district.

Kong was already halfway through a plate of pastries.

Sun watched him suspiciously. "Those were supposed to be shared."

Kong swallowed. "They still can be."

"There’s one left!"

Kong looked at the final pastry.

"Then we should share it quickly."

Melo immediately snatched it from the plate.

"Excellent suggestion!"

Kong stared in horror as she floated away.

Arthur burst into laughter.

Athena shook her head before turning toward Vedas.

"Have you decided what you’d like to focus on during Steven’s training?"

Vedas considered the question.

"Coordination when our usual communication is interrupted. We encountered that problem during the semifinal."

Arthur nodded. "And I’d like to improve how quickly I recognize what our opponents are planning."

Athy looked pleased. "Both are sensible goals."

Sun leaned forward. "Kong and I are working on controlling our strength."

Kong raised a fist. "And making our strongest punch even stronger."

Athena sighed. "That wasn’t quite what Sun said."

Mithra smiled. "At least they’re thinking about improvement."

Sun grinned. "Exactly! Next year, I’m reaching the final."

Arthur immediately looked excited. "Then maybe we’ll fight!"

Sun pointed toward him. "That’s the plan!"

Their laughter carried across the courtyard.

For a while, they discussed their favorite matches, argued over the best performances, and made increasingly ridiculous predictions about next year’s competition.

Arthur found himself enjoying the conversation as much as the tournament itself.

...

Later, as the others began gathering their belongings, Arthur noticed Mithra standing near the garden railing.

He walked over.

"Hey. What are you looking at?"

Mithra smiled. "Nothing in particular. It’s just peaceful here."

Arthur stood beside her.

Below them, students crossed the illuminated pathways, laughing and talking about the week’s events.

Mithra glanced toward him.

"You looked really happy when Steven announced your name."

Arthur grinned. "Of course! Winning was amazing."

"I know. But I think you were even happier when everyone started talking about what they’d learned."

Arthur considered that.

"Maybe you’re right."

Mithra tilted her head. "Only maybe?"

He laughed.

"Alright, definitely. Seeing everyone improve makes me happy. And knowing Vedas and Star can make decisions without waiting for me feels pretty great too."

Mithra smiled warmly.

"You’ve changed, Arthur."

He looked toward her. "You think so?"

"I do. You still rush into things, but you’re getting better at letting other people help."

Arthur scratched his cheek. "I’ve had good people teaching me."

Mithra’s cheeks warmed slightly.

"Well, don’t get too comfortable. I still intend to beat you next year."

Arthur grinned. "Then I’ll have to keep improving!"

She laughed and gently nudged his shoulder.

"Just don’t forget to enjoy yourself along the way."

Arthur looked at her for a moment.

Then he smiled.

"I won’t. Especially if you’re there."

Mithra blinked.

For a brief moment, she didn’t know what to say.

Then she turned toward the courtyard, smiling.

"You really say things like that without thinking, don’t you?"

Arthur looked confused. "What did I say?"

Mithra laughed. "Nothing. Come on, everyone’s waiting."

...

As the group prepared to leave, a familiar voice called from the pathway.

"Arthur!"

Principal Steven approached with a folder beneath his arm.

Arthur turned immediately. "Principal! Did something happen?"

"Nothing urgent. I’d like you to visit my office tomorrow morning for a brief follow-up."

Arthur blinked. "About the training?"

"Among other things. I also have a few documents to review with you."

Arthur nodded. "Sure! I’ll be there."

Steven smiled. "Good. Enjoy your evening."

After he departed, Sun leaned toward Arthur.

"Another visit to the principal’s office?"

Arthur laughed. "Hopefully this one doesn’t involve explaining an expedition."

Mithra smiled. "With you, I wouldn’t make any promises."

...

The following morning, Arthur arrived at Steven’s office.

He knocked twice.

"Come in," Steven called.

Arthur entered with Vedas and Star.

The principal sat behind his desk, examining several documents.

"Good morning, Arthur. Please, have a seat."

Arthur smiled. "Good morning, Principal!"

Steven opened a drawer.

"One moment. I need to find the relevant report."

While Steven searched through the papers, Arthur glanced around the familiar office.

His attention wandered across the bookshelves, framed certificates, and carefully arranged objects displayed near the desk.

Then he noticed something he hadn’t paid attention to during his previous visits.

A small, unusual object rested inside a glass display case.

Its surface appeared dark and smooth, but faint markings shimmered beneath the morning sunlight.

Arthur tilted his head.

"Huh?"

Vedas noticed his expression.

"Arthur?"

Arthur didn’t answer immediately.

Something about the object seemed strangely familiar.

He took a closer look.