ShadowBound: The Need For Power

Chapter 189 Selection Of Course

After being dismissed from the Beacon Hall, students scattered across the academy, each processing the announcement in their own way. Some hurried straight to their dorms, seeking solitude and a quiet space to carefully consider their course selections. Others gathered in the cafeteria, using food as a distraction while debating their options with friends. A few simply stood in stunned silence, still reeling from the realization that they wouldn't be expelled after all.And their shock was justified. Many had already begun mentally preparing themselves for the worst—rehearsing explanations for their families, dreading the disgrace of returning home as failures. Expulsion from the Dark Knight Academy after only four months would have meant one thing: they weren't good enough. But for some, failure wasn't just personal—it carried grave consequences for their families.

For noble families, where prestige and power were paramount, having a child expelled from one of the continent's most prestigious academies wasn't just a disappointment—it was a humiliation. Their social standing, built on generations of reputation and influence, could be severely damaged. In aristocratic circles, weak heirs reflected weak bloodlines, and such disgrace often led to a decline in political alliances, marriage prospects, and business connections. Parents with high expectations would not tolerate such shame, and the pressure to succeed—whether for personal ambition or familial duty—was immense.

Yet, with today's revelation, the students had been granted an unexpected reprieve. The looming stigma of failure had been lifted, replaced with a new opportunity—a chance to prove themselves not necessarily as warriors or mages but in other equally valuable disciplines.

The academy's new system allowed them to carve paths beyond their families' rigid expectations. While some would still strive for battlefield glory, others could now explore strategic warfare, arcane re

Charlotte scoffed. "Ugh, that jerk of a lackey really messed you up, huh?" She leaned in dramatically, wrapping Ariana in a tight embrace. "Oh, my dear Ari, don't you worry about that good-for-nothing piece of garbage!"

"S–stop it, Charlotte! I can't breathe!" Ariana protested, her voice muffled against Charlotte's shoulder.

Max chuckled. "Well, at least thanks to you acing the Theory Exam, you didn't fall out of the top ten."

Ariana sighed, straightening her glasses once Charlotte finally let her go. "Yeah, I guess that saved me."

Dylan smirked. "And hey, at least you didn't let that idiot rank higher than you. He's tenth, after all."

Ariana blinked before a small smile crept onto her face. "Yeah, thanks, Dylan."

Dylan gave her a dramatic bow from his seat. "Always at your service, RiRi."

Ariana rolled her eyes with a soft laugh, while Charlotte gagged. "RiRi? Ugh, you really are the worst, Dylan."

Dylan ignored her, leaning back in his chair and kicking his feet up onto the table, crossing them lazily. "Anyway! Back to the real discussion. What courses are you guys picking? Because I already know what I'm choosing."

"Really? Care to share?" Sheila asked, arms crossed.

"But of course, my lady," Dylan said with an exaggerated bow.

Sheila's expression remained deadpan. "Don't. Just tell us your choices and don't derail the conversation."

Dylan dramatically pouted. "You're no fun."

"Never have been. Now talk."

"Fine, fine. Since we have to pick two primary courses and one secondary, my first choice is Forgemastery and Enchantment—makes sense, right?" Dylan grinned. "I mean, my dad's a forgemaster, and I've got steel magic. It's a perfect fit."

Sheila smirked. "Not surprising. You used to drool over your dad's craftsmanship every time he made weapons for the Crescent Kingdom—my family."

Dylan gasped, placing a hand over his heart. "Oh? Look at our little princess showing concern for me! I must be truly irresistible."

"Tch. Shut up and just continue, idiot," Sheila snorted.

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"As you command, my princess." Dylan winked before continuing. "For my second primary course, I'm going with Knight Combat Training. Even though I specialize as an archer, the battlefield exam made me realize just how useless I am in close combat. And that needs to change. So! Combat Training and I are about to become best buddies."

Charlotte smirked. "Wow. Who knew you were capable of deep thinking?"

"Me, obviously," Dylan shot back smugly.

Liam, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. "Interesting. And what's your secondary course?"

Dylan's grin widened. "Oh? Even Liam is curious now? Alright, let's make it fun. Any guesses?"

The group exchanged glances before Sheila sighed. "Don't tell me you're actually going through with that plan."

"Heh. You already know I am," Dylan said, sitting back smugly. "Opportunities like this come once in a never, so… I'm picking Alchemy."

The entire table went silent.

"You?" Asher raised a brow. "Are you sure you can handle the brainpower required for that?"

Dylan leaned forward, his smirk turning sharp. "I know I can. After all, I did pass both you and Max in the Theory Exam."

Max coughed into his fist. Asher's eye twitched. Charlotte cackled.

"You got him there," Charlotte said, nudging Asher.

"I should've just stayed quiet."