Reborn as the General's Useless Daughter-Chapter 281: An invitation to the Joint Trial

Soon, they arrived at the principal’s office.

Wilheim and Vice Principal Gerrad were already there. When they saw the students enter, both of them smiled.

"Greetings, Principal. Greetings, Vice Principal," everyone said in unison.

Wilheim nodded, a faint smile on his face. "I called all of you here today because there is something important I need to tell you."

All eyes immediately focused on him.

"Have you all heard of Thunderclap Academy?" Wilheim asked slowly.

The room fell briefly quiet. Of course, they had heard of it, but no one quite understood why he was suddenly bringing it up.

Zora’s gaze sharpened slightly. She knew Thunderclap Academy well.

Among all the cultivation academies on the Holy Mystic Continent, Thunderclap Academy stood near the very top, famous for its vast resources, deep foundations, and terrifying number of experts.

It was a place countless Spirit Warriors dreamed of entering.

So why was the principal mentioning it now...?

Seeing the subtle changes on everyone’s faces, Wilheim knew he had struck a familiar chord. With a small nod, he continued.

"Since you all know of Thunderclap Academy, I won’t waste time explaining it.

"In our region, there are three major academies. Among them, Thunderclap Academy has the loudest reputation and the strongest overall power. Our Imperial Academy has always been evenly matched with the Lunar Academy, but in recent years, the Lunar Academy has begun leaning toward Thunderclap Academy."

A faint heaviness crept into his voice.

"Because of that, Lunar Academy and Thunderclap Academy have grown closer and closer. Meanwhile, our academy has been... left somewhat behind."

When the three academies had first been founded, they had stood shoulder to shoulder, the imperial academy slightly above even the other two. That is why no one dared to object to its overbearing name. But now, to see the Legendary Imperial Academy slowly fall to the rear was something Wilheim could not help but feel bitter about.

Alaric Von Seraph’s eyes glimmered with understanding. "I heard Thunderclap Academy rose so fast because they accepted backing from the Leon Empire. With their imperial family’s support, their equipment, resources, and cultivation facilities all improved greatly. It’s not strange that their reputation soared."

Not only Thunderclap Academy, but even Lunar Academy had begun accepting dynastic support in recent years. Only the Imperial Academy had kept its distance despite its name.

That was precisely why Imperial Academy was now at a disadvantage.

Wilheim let out a slow sigh. "When the three academies were founded, the goal was simple. To nurture talent for the Holy Mystic Continent while remaining neutral. That was the belief of our first principal."

He paused, his gaze drifting somewhere far away.

"I have always tried to run Imperial Academy according to that ideal. When Thunderclap Academy began courting the Leon Empire, I opposed it. But times have changed. People chase quick gains now and have forgotten what we originally stood for."

There was a trace of loneliness in his eyes, the weariness of someone who had held onto an old conviction while the world moved on.

The room grew quiet.

Everyone could feel that what Wilheim was about to say next would not be trivial.

Zora’s dark eyes shone faintly. She already understood his character. He was not a man who chased profit or power. He had stubbornly protected the academy’s independence all these years, even when it put Imperial at a disadvantage.

Thunderclap Academy had chosen a different path. By tying itself to the Leon Empire, it had gained vast resources, but at the cost of neutrality. Many of its talented students would now serve the dynasty, whether openly or in secret.

Right or wrong was hard to define.

But Wilheim’s persistence was worthy of respect.

"These things," he said, waving his hand lightly, "are not the main point today.

"The real reason I called you here is this. The three academies have always held a joint trial. It was supposed to happen every five years."

His eyes sharpened.

"But this time... it has been brought forward."

The moment Wilheim’s words fell, the expressions of everyone in the room shifted.

A trial between the three great academies.

That meant only one thing. They, the special enrollment class, were about to be thrown onto the grandest stage of all.

"During the ancient ruins expedition," Wilheim continued slowly, "you outshone even the children of the great families. Since then, our Imperial Academy has been riding a wave of fame. Spirit Warriors from all over the continent have come to admire us, and many have even applied to join."

A faint, ironic smile touched his lips.

"With that much noise, it was only a matter of time before some people couldn’t sit still. So they proposed that the inter-academy exchange be held ahead of schedule."

Everyone understood what he meant without him saying it aloud.

Thunderclap Academy and Lunar Academy did not like seeing Imperial steal the spotlight.

"And this time," Wilheim said, his gaze sweeping across the group, "the exchange will be hosted by Thunderclap Academy. I intend to send you to represent the Imperial Academy. What do you think?"

His eyes lingered on Zora, Alaric Von Seraph, Reesa, and the others.

Among the entire academy, the special enrollment class was undoubtedly the strongest force. If Imperial wanted to stand tall in this exchange, it had to rely on them.

Alaric Von Seraph and the others exchanged glances, then smiled.

There was no reason to refuse.

Thunderclap Academy was famous for producing powerful experts. Being able to spar with Spirit Warriors from there would be an enormous opportunity for growth. Even just observing their techniques could bring insight.

More importantly, anyone who shone in the inter-academy exchange would instantly become famous.

Many rising stars had been forged in that arena. Once a Spirit Warrior ranked well, their status soared, and powerful factions would rush to extend olive branches. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Originally, the exchange was still two years away. None of them had expected it to arrive so suddenly, like a gift dropped from the heavens.

Zora’s eyes glimmered.

She had been immersed in cultivation for so long that she was starting to feel bored. Without rivals, progress always felt slower. This exchange was exactly what she wanted.

"We’re willing," everyone answered in unison.

Wilheim finally smiled, the heaviness on his face easing a little. "Good. I hope you can bring honor to Imperial this time."

A ripple of excitement spread through the room. An inter-academy exchange was no small stage. It was where geniuses proved themselves.

Vice Principal Gerrad, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "This exchange won’t only have martial contests. There will also be alchemy trials. Those of you who practice alchemy should prepare over the next month."

Sylvandria nodded quietly. Since returning from the ruins, she had already decided to focus all her energy on alchemy. This trial was exactly what she needed.

But Gerrad’s expression soon turned serious.

"Don’t get carried away. In the ancient ruins, we gained far more than the other two academies. Thunderclap Academy and Lunar Academy proposed this exchange so suddenly for a reason."

His gaze was sharp.

"They are very likely coming after us. Be mentally prepared. This will not be a friendly competition."

Gerrad’s warning settled over everyone like a cool shadow.

Faces that had been bright with excitement now grew a shade more solemn. No one here was foolish enough to miss the meaning behind his words. If Thunderclap Academy and Lunar Academy had suddenly pushed for this exchange, it was very likely because they were ready to make a move.

"We understand," everyone replied in unison.

Seeing that they had taken it seriously, Gerrad finally relaxed a little. His greatest fear was not defeat, but broken confidence. For a Spirit Warrior, doubting one’s own path was more terrifying than any loss on the battlefield.

"Go back and prepare," he said. "In three days, you will depart for the Leon Empire’s Tempest City."

"Yes!"