Reborn as the General's Useless Daughter-Chapter 282: Journey to the Leon Empire

Once they left the principal’s office, the corridor filled with murmured discussion.

"In my opinion, Thunderclap Academy and Lunar Academy are definitely joining hands against us," Reesa said, her brows knit. "This exchange is just their way of pressing us down."

Raphael nodded. "The two of them are already tied together. Of course, they want to crush Imperial while they have the chance."

Alaric Von Seraph’s expression was heavy. "They wouldn’t propose this so suddenly if they weren’t confident. This trip will not be easy."

Zora listened quietly, then smiled faintly.

"Soldiers block, water covers. Since we’re already on the board, worrying won’t change anything," she said, her phoenix eyes bright with calm resolve. "When the time comes, we’ll just fight it out. If they play fair, then win or lose is up to skill."

A glint of cold light flickered in her gaze as she added in the end. "If they dare to play dirty... then they shouldn’t blame me for returning the favor."

Her words were light, but they carried an unmistakable edge. Somehow, that confidence soothed everyone’s nerves. They exchanged glances and let out small laughs, the tension easing a little.

Back in her room, Zora began preparing in earnest. She took out herbs, potions, talismans, and tools she had gathered over time. Things that looked ordinary on a calm day could become lifelines when chaos erupted.

After all, she had learned long ago that the difference between victory and disaster often lay in what you had prepared beforehand.

Over the next two days, she practically lived in the cultivation tower.

Her recent retreat had brought her close to a breakthrough. The second level of the Scarlet Realm was right within reach, like a door waiting to be pushed open. If she could step through it before leaving for Tempest City, her odds would improve dramatically.

She was not the only one.

Alaric Von Seraph, Reesa, and the others were also buried in cultivation, squeezing every last drop of strength out of these final days. The air in the tower hummed with quiet determination, as if even the stones were holding their breath for what was to come.

Three days later, Zora and the rest of the special enrollment students gathered at the entrance of Imperial Academy, travel packs already slung over their shoulders.

Around them, ordinary-class students kept sneaking glances in their direction. Some were openly envious, others quietly wistful.

"That’s them, the special enrollment class. They’re going to Thunderclap Academy for the inter-academy exchange."

"I heard it was suddenly moved up. If they do well, they’ll be famous across the region."

"Two more years and it would have been our turn... what a pity."

Voices overlapped, tinged with admiration and regret. Still, beneath it all was a shared hope. No matter the class, they were all students of the Imperial Academy. If these people shone, the entire academy would bask in that glory.

"Since everyone is ready, let’s depart."

Gerrad, as the team leader, gave the order. Sebastian and Miel, the two mentors of the special enrollment class, stood at his side.

Zora and the others nodded. Tempest City was far away. Time was precious.

"You go ahead. We’ll follow from behind," Sebastian said calmly.

This was nothing new. On long journeys, the mentors would often let the students travel on their own, both as training and as a way to build cooperation and trust among them.

With that, the group set off, leaving the towering gates of Imperial Academy behind.

"It’ll take at least half a month just to reach Leon Empire’s border," Baldwin said as they walked, already filling the air with chatter. "That Empire is really far."

Raphael raised a finger, his tone thoughtful. "The Leon Empire is much larger than Elysia. It’s a true major power with vast territory. Half a month gets us to the border. Another full month to reach its imperial capital."

Reesa’s eyes widened. "That means nearly two months just on the road!"

Liu Yuyue smiled faintly. "That’s why exchanges are only held every five years. Thunderclap Academy sits in the center, but both Imperial and Lunar Academy are far from it."

Alaric Von Seraph nodded. "If the distance were shorter, these exchanges would be much more frequent."

Reesa frowned slightly. "Then... is the exchange always held at Thunderclap Academy?"

Raphael shook his head lightly. "Not exactly."

"Then how does it work?" Reesa asked.

"There’s a rule for the inter-academy exchange," Raphael explained. "Whichever academy wins overall gets the right to host the next exchange."

Reesa’s brows knit together. "So the last exchange was won by Thunderclap Academy?"

Raphael and Alaric Von Seraph exchanged a glance, a trace of helplessness passing between them.

"Not just the last one," Alaric Von Seraph said quietly. "The one before that, too."

Silence rippled through the group.

"That’s why Imperial Academy has been suppressed for ten years," Alaric Von Seraph continued, his voice heavy. "Back then, our academy was stronger than both Thunderclap Academy and Lunar Academy. But two consecutive losses turned everything around."

His gaze sharpened, cold and resolute. "This exchange carries real weight. If we lose again, Thunderclap Academy will take three consecutive victories. Any prestige we just regained from the ancient ruins will vanish."

He clenched his fist. "No matter what, we must give everything this time."

Everyone nodded. As students of Imperial Academy, they all felt that same quiet but fierce sense of belonging.

Baldwin scratched his head. "But... there’s also Lunar Academy. Couldn’t they be the ones to win?"

Raphael let out a breath. "We can safely assume that Lunar Academy and Thunderclap Academy are already allied. In this exchange, they’re essentially on one side. We are the only ones standing opposite them."

"And there’s more," Alaric Von Seraph added. "Years ago, our principal clashed with Thunderclap Academy’s Principal over their decision to accept support from the Leon Empire. If we lose again, it’s like admitting that Thunderclap Academy’s path was right all along."

That made things click.

So this wasn’t just a competition between students. It was also a clash of beliefs between two principals.

Reesa scowled. "That Thunderclap Academy’s Principal already sounds annoying, and I haven’t even met him."

In her heart, Wilheim was the kind of principal worth following. How could she let him be forced to bow his head?

Zora’s eyes glimmered with layered light. Now she understood. This exchange could only be won. There was no other acceptable outcome.

Black chimed in, tail flicking. "Master, from the look of it, Thunderclap Academy and Lunar Academy will definitely try every dirty trick to make you lose."

Zora nodded slowly. "They will."

A faint, dangerous smile curved her lips as she murmured. "Which is why this will be interesting. The stronger the opponent, the sweeter the victory."

Zora and the other seven pushed themselves hard all the way toward the Leon Empire. As Spirit Warriors, their stamina and speed far surpassed ordinary travelers, so even a journey that would take common folk months was shortened to barely half a month for them.

At last, they reached the border city of the Leon Empire.

Ironspire City.

The moment they stepped through the gates, a different world unfolded. Instead of bleak frontier desolation, the city buzzed with life. Merchants shouted, carts rattled over stone streets, and the scent of food and spices drifted through the air. Trade here was brisk, and the crowd flowed like a living river.

The weariness in everyone’s bones seemed to fade the instant they entered.

"We’ve been camping in forests for days," Marcus said with a grin. "I say we eat first, then find an inn to sleep properly. How about it?"