CHAPTER - 11
Dav: (Thinking) Now that I think about it...
Martina and Marco are only 9 years old; they were born in 2026.
Martina: October 18, 2026.
Marco: December 28, 2026.
Then how is it possible that they are being allowed to attend the academy, which is only accessible to students 11 years and older?
National Security Guild: Perhaps you're wondering why we allowed your 9-year-old nephews to participate, correct?
Dav: Exactly.
National Security Guild: You should know that since you are our nation's hero, the state has decided to grant your nephews direct admission to middle school. They clearly see potential in them, given that their uncle is the hero.
National Security Guild: We've arrived!
Dav: (Whispering) So that's how it is, huh?
National Security Guild: (Politely) You kids will have to proceed and join the other students to listen to the teachers.
The hero cannot enter with you.
I'm sorry, but those are the rules.
Your presence might discourage other students, making them think this is all about "personal privileges" due to the hero’s influence… even if you are family.
Dav: (Nods with arms crossed) That’s fine.
Get off and be careful.
See you later.
National Security Guild: Mr. Lion, are you ready? Everyone is waiting for you.
(Ironically) Don’t forget your written speech, and please, we kindly ask you not to kill anyone [;-;]
Narrator: He stepped out of the car and walked in with his head held high, trying to suppress both his aura and his embarrassment.
In front of him, on both sides, stood 10,000 students of all ages, ranging from 11 to 18 years old.
All of them stood straight without making a sound, filled with fear and anxiety at the mere sight of the world’s most powerful hero at their academy.
Even though his aura was restrained, everyone could feel it, experiencing an overwhelming sense of fear that made it impossible for them to move.
He climbed onto the stage and sat beside an elderly yet strong-looking man.
The old man’s face bore deep wrinkles and visible scars, with piercing blue eyes that radiated experience and determination.
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His slicked-back hair had reddish highlights, adding a touch of elegance.
He wore a sophisticated suit with a tricolor-striped jacket (green, white, and red), a light-colored shirt, and a dark tie, projecting an authoritative and charismatic image.
His proud and confident posture suggested a high-ranking position, possibly in politics or the military.
Vittorio De Santis: It’s truly an honor to see you in person, Mr. Dav De Lion.
My name is Vittorio De Santis.
I have heard about that tragic incident 10 years ago.
At that time, there wasn’t much our state could do… But thanks to you, we managed to avoid massive destruction and countless deaths.
Dav: Please, just call me Dav. You are much older than me, and I can see great experience in you.
Vittorio De Santis: (Serious) Then allow me to ask the same of you.
I have never been fond of formalities...
But when you're in uniform, what can you do, eh?
Dav: (Thinking) This man is really interesting.
Talking to him is quite pleasant.
Vittorio De Santis: Let’s be quiet now, it’s about to begin!
Professor Rugerus Andreas: Students, listen carefully!
Today, the greatest national hero will participate in the evaluation demonstration for all of you new students who have yet to undergo it.
Show the great hero the respect he deserves!
Students: (Shouting) Greetings to the national hero, Mr. Dav De Lion!
Long live the hero!
Professor Rugerus Andreas: (In a low voice, approaching him) Mr. Lion, I will now give you my place so that you can deliver your speech.
Dav: (Calmly) Thank you, Professor Rugerus.
(Speaking into the microphone)
I SEE THAT THE ITALIAN STATE HAS EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS AND BUILT MIGHTY AND GRAND ACADEMIES.
I EXPECT EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU, NO MATTER HOW YOUNG OR OLD, TO GIVE YOUR BEST IN THIS EVALUATION. MAY YOU ONE DAY STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH THE HERO IN THE FACE OF ANOTHER CALAMITY TO SAVE OUR NATION ONCE MORE.
Students: (Shouting) LONG LIVE THE HERO! LONG LIVE HERO DAV DE LION!
(Talking among themselves)
"One day, I’ll stand shoulder to shoulder with him!"
"What are you saying? That’ll be ME!"
Narrator: Not all students respected the hero, and many doubted that it was truly him who had awakened from his coma.
Some of them started voicing their doubts, and Professor Rugerus Andreas did not tolerate such insolence, suggesting that these students be expelled to avoid angering the hero.
Dav: (Placing a hand on his back) Let me handle this, Professor.
Don’t worry.
(Calling out a student) You! Step forward and repeat what you just said.
Narrator: In less than a second, Dav was in front of him, looking down at him despite his mere 160 cm height, and asked why someone like him dared to look at him that way.
He unleashed such a powerful aura across the entire Academy—similar to the one felt after his awakening—that everyone in front of him was forced to their knees.
He asked once again, "Who is taller, you or the hero?"
The boy fainted, and upon regaining consciousness, he begged not to be expelled.
The hero granted his request and told him to become stronger—not for the hero, but for the nation.
With tears in his eyes, the boy apologized and promised with his head held high that he would dedicate every last bit of his energy to improving himself.
Dav: (Thinking) I think I handled that well.
Professor Rugerus Andreas: Let’s begin the evaluation.
Only 3,000 of you will take it.
Middle School:
1st Year - 586 Students
2nd Year - 497 Students
3rd Year - 468 Students
High School:
1st Year - 695 Students
2nd Year - 754 Students
Vittorio De Santis: (Curious) How many do you think will reach Grade A this year with this evaluation?
Dav: (With a thoughtful expression) I remember that in my time, a Grade A referred to an already powerful hero, not easily achieved.
But as I already know, some have reached even higher grades, like SS+.
So, how easy or difficult is it to reach Grade A now?
Professor Rugerus Andreas: Allow me to answer that question.
It depends on their mana—the aura their body can release without issue.
But if I had to put it simply…
Compared to 10 years ago, ranks have developed more quickly, with new heroes being born from old heroes.
Now, a Grade A is more like what a Grade B was 10 years ago.
There are now many subcategories like A, A+, A++, and AA to further distinguish them.
So, let’s say that a Grade A today is simply a very advanced Grade B from the past.
Vittorio De Santis: (Surprisingly pleased) Professor, you explained that really well!
Dav: Your explanation helped me a lot, Professor.
Professor Rugerus Andreas: I appreciate that; it is an honor for me.
END OF CHAPTER - 11
