Reborn as the General's Useless Daughter-Chapter 295: At the Academy Gate (Part-1)

Tiffany didn’t actually know that Tempest City would mean the Imperial City. After all, Imperial Cities usually don’t have specific names. In whatever Empires or kingdoms, they were always called the Imperial City.

Not to mention, her imagination, a place devoted to cultivation, should be tranquil and secluded, far removed from politics and the city where the Empire is being ruled.

However, this... was the exact opposite.

Such prosperity, such bustle. Compared to this, even the liveliest city they had seen before felt insignificant.

A college meant for cultivation, standing in the heart of a city like this. Just how confident did Thunderclap Academy have to be?

"Thunderclap Academy wasn’t always here," Alaric Von Seraph explained as they walked. His voice was steady, carrying the weight of things long known. "It was originally located in Thunder City, near the border of the Leon Empire State. Only later, after Thunderclap Academy chose to side with the Lion Dynasty, did it relocate to the Imperial City."

Everyone listened quietly.

"Now," Alaric Von Seraph continued, "the Princess of the Lion Dynasty studies at Thunderclap Academy. From that moment on, it effectively became a royal academy."

Understanding dawned on their faces. No wonder Thunderclap Academy held such an unshakable position. With the royal family standing behind it, how could it not rise?

"That explains a lot," Marcus said thoughtfully. "Thunderclap Academy has won the Inter-academy exchange twice in a row. With the Leon Empire’s, their cultivation resources must be overflowing."

Alaric Von Seraph shook his head lightly, a trace of dissatisfaction in his eyes. "And that is exactly the problem. The original purpose of establishing the academies was lost. Once Thunderclap Academy became tied to the royal family, it stopped being neutral. Students now face countless restrictions."

He paused, then added bluntly, "I’ve heard that within Thunderclap Academy, royal bloodlines and officials’ children are held above all else. Their entry requirements are extremely low. Meanwhile, Spirit Warriors from humble backgrounds face harsh scrutiny at every step."

A faint sigh escaped Raphael. "Which is why so many Spirit Warriors would rather come to our Imperial Academy. Even if our conditions are slightly inferior, at least no one looks down on you from a pedestal."

That was a reality no one could deny.

Zora remained calm, her expression unreadable. "Different principals have different paths," she said slowly. "But forcing others to follow the same road... that’s where it goes too far."

Her words earned nods of agreement. That kind of coercion was exactly what they despised.

Just then, Sebastian and Miel appeared ahead, already waiting for them.

"The Vice Principal went to visit an old friend in Leon Empire," Sebastian said with a smile. "We’ll take you to the Academy first."

Everyone’s mood lifted slightly. Curiosity stirred in their hearts. Thunderclap Academy, the most famous academy on the continent, was finally within reach.

Under the guidance of Sebastian and Miel, they moved deeper into the Imperial City. Along the way, countless gazes fell upon them.

A group of young Spirit Warriors, each carrying a sharp, vibrant aura, was hard to ignore.

"I heard the inter-academy exchange is about to begin. These youngsters must be from the other two academies."

"Most likely. I’ve seen plenty of Thunderclap Academy students, but not these faces."

"Whichever academy they’re from, their students are really something."

"Still, Thunderclap Academy has always been the strongest. Two consecutive victories already. If they win again this time, that’ll be three in a row."

Laughter and discussion rippled through the streets. Confidence in Thunderclap Academy ran deep among the people of the Leon Empire.

"It seems Thunderclap Academy enjoys quite the reputation here," Zora remarked quietly.

Sebastian nodded. "They’ve produced many outstanding Spirit Warriors over the years. With the Lion Dynasty’s favor, their standing in the Leon Empire is naturally unmatched."

His tone shifted slightly, becoming more serious. "That’s why you should be cautious once you’re inside. Thunderclap Academy is dazzling on the surface, but it’s also full of sharp edges. Keep your composure, and don’t act rashly."

As Sebastian’s words settled, everyone exchanged glances. The unease they felt earlier grew clearer, heavier. It seemed their guess had been right after all.

Sebastian was usually easygoing and tolerant, rarely speaking with such caution. For him to give this warning now meant one thing: once inside Thunderclap Academy, ridicule and provocation were inevitable.

The royal family had always acted without restraint. Coupled with the fact that the academy had lost two consecutive Joint Trials, i.e., the Inter-academy exchanges, few people believed Imperial Academy stood any chance this time. To many eyes, they were already losers walking into a spectacle prepared for them.

Under the guidance of Sebastian and Miel, Zora and the others finally arrived at Thunderclap Academy.

The towering white gates stood thick and imposing, carved with intricate patterns. Above them, four massive gilded characters gleamed under the sunlight, dazzling and impossible to ignore. Just one glance was enough to tell how deep Thunderclap Academy’s coffers ran.

"After receiving Leon Empire’s support, Thunderclap Academy really is something else," Marcus said with a light laugh. "Even the gate alone looks like it was built by stacking gold on top of gold."

From the entrance alone, it was clear that everything within the academy was supported by overwhelming wealth.

Compared to this, Imperial Academy’s simplicity felt almost plain.

Everyone carried different thoughts as they stepped forward, preparing to enter through the side gate.

Before they could pass, however, a guard stepped forward and blocked their way.

"Who are you?" the guard demanded coldly. "Those who aren’t students of Thunderclap Academy are not allowed to enter."

"We are from Imperial Academy," Miel replied calmly. "We’re here for the Inter-academy exchange."

As he spoke, Miel moved to step inside—but the guard did not move aside.

"And how am I supposed to know you’re from Imperial Academy?" the guard said with a sneer, his gaze full of mockery. "These days, even cats and dogs want to enter Thunderclap Academy. Don’t you know your own worth?"

The insult was blatant.

Expressions darkened across the group. The guard’s words made it painfully clear—he didn’t think they were qualified to set foot inside.

Miel frowned slightly. "Then how do you intend to verify our identities?"

"Produce proof," the guard said lazily. "Without identification, don’t even think about entering. Thunderclap Academy isn’t some place anyone can stroll into."

The contempt in his voice was unmistakable.

Sebastian’s brows knit together. "What proof are you talking about?"

No one had mentioned any form of identification beforehand. Even the last time they visited Thunderclap Academy, there had been no such requirement. Had the rules changed in just three years?

"Proof that you belong to Imperial Academy," the guard replied, lips curling in amusement, clearly uninterested in explaining further.

Seeing this, Miel took a slow breath, suppressing his anger. "Then inform your principal. He knows us and can confirm our identities."

The guard laughed outright, looking at Miel as if he’d heard a joke. "You? Meet the principal? What qualifications do you have?"

"The principal is extremely busy. If anyone could see him just by asking, would he ever get any work done?"

He waved his hand dismissively. "No proof? Then leave. Don’t stand here blocking the gate and tarnishing Thunderclap Academy’s image."

The arrogance in his posture finally struck a nerve.

"A mere gate guard dares act this high and mighty?" Raphael snapped, fury flashing in his eyes. "This is unbearable!"

Even Miel’s expression hardened, anger flaring beneath his calm exterior. For a moment, it looked as though he might act on the spot.

Just as Miel was about to lose his patience, a familiar, grating voice rang out from behind them.

"Oh? Someone actually got stopped outside Thunderclap Academy?"