"The eldest daughter of the Earl of Dolkness, Eumiella Dolkness… Le-level 99."

In the Royal Academy's Great Hall, the headmaster whom measured the student level, her student level; and everyone else in the room lost their words and stared at her, including me. The headmaster broke the silence, "It must have been a malfunction. Please bring out the spare magic tool".
Once that spare tool was prepared, she puts her hands again. "…It's…It's still level 99…!" as one teacher spoke.

The teachers began taking turns measuring their own level to make sure that magic tool is actually working correctly. The hall became noisy as this event prolongs. With a precise report of their own known levels, the teachers was then convinced the tool isn't broken and had been working as expected.

One of the teachers approaches her to ask her "Lady Eumiella, are you aware of your own level?"
Barely a moment later, she answered "Yes, I think there are no mistake on my level".
That teacher thus asks "The magic tool itself had shown to be normal. Did you or another interfering with this magic tool?"
Ms Dolkness answered "No, I'm sure with my reported level", thus the teacher responded "You might had known this, but you can't level up without defeating a monster".

The audience became noisy as none were truly convinced, prompting the headmaster to defuse this situation.
"Everyone, please calm down. The truth of Lady Eumiella shall be clear once the class begins. Lady Eumiella, after finishing your greetings, please return to your seat"

At least my earlier entry didn't cause as much excitement as hers did. I guess coming in at mere Level 16 was something special, just not special enough; though that makes my entry level to be the second highest level student in the Academy.

A buffet party was held after the welcoming ceremony. As I reconnecting with acquaintances and made some more, it was serene until a commotion involving Ms Dolkness.

A young man with fiery hair equaled to his temper, and disposition of a swordsman, began verbally assault Lady Dolkness.
"Hey, you, the black-haired girl! What kind of trick did you do? Aren't you ashamed of yourself?!"

That person is William Ares, a close associate of the 2nd prince whom also a student here.
The son of a distinguished knight whom is also the Royal's chief military advisor; justice flows in his vein as too the brashness and lax anger control; the stereotypical muscle-brain character.
That attracts all the attention within the hall. If nothing else, having the prince's own (unofficial) knight scolding at you deserve everyone's attention.

A moment passed as Lady Dolkness caught up to speed and inquired calmly "Um… are you talking about my reported level measurement?", something obvious to many as the prime subject discussion.
Offended by the perceived arrogant tone of the counter inquiry, he ejaculated his disgust "What else, duh? I know you want to stand out, but don't you have any pride as a noble?!"
Instinctively, he swing his hand to Lady Dolkness to address her insolence, but stopped by someone besides him.

"Calm down, Will. I understand your feelings, but this is not a place to make a ruckus" said a regal blonde young man with an authoritative voice. The young man is none other than the second Prince; His Highness Prince Edwin Varschine.

How unfortunate that Miss Dolkness had caught the ire of a royal Prince, only in due to her unbelievably high level. I hope she could handle this encounter delicately.

She gave a quick bow in tune to the prince's appearance.
"Nice to meet you, Your Highness. My name is Eumiella Dolkness" she humbly greets her country's royalty.
"Count Dolkness' house… a Central-wannabe, huh?" announced the Prince in a low mumble, before he speak once more to Miss Dolkness.

"Lady Eumiella, Will has been working hard on his swordplay ever since he was a child, and he reached level 10 before he entered the academy. What have you done is trampling on his hard work" he spoke with mixed emotions of anger, disgust, disbelief, and cringe.

"Huh…" was her stunned response.
She quickly add "Excuse me, I didn't lie about my level. As the headmaster said, you will know when the class begins."
"Huh, are you still going to be stubbornly insists that you aren't in the wrong?" said Prince Edwin in utter displeasure.

Self-provoked, William starts ejaculated his displeasure. "Do you think you're stronger than me? You should be thankful I didn't bring my glove with me right now!"

Goodness gracious. Is this muscle-head being serious here? Is he attempting to duel Miss Dolkness here and now, in front of the whole school?
The audience murmurs rumbling seeing this crazy development.

"Level 99 isn't realistic, is it even possible? I don't think so. Miss Dolkness" loudly exclaimed Oswald Grimsad, a contemptuous young man guy, one blue-haired wizard with glasses.

Another close associate of the second Prince had appeared.
Ah.
It seems the famous Trio had assembled. The three of them are close childhood friends with great relationships, enough to call each other with pet names of Ed, Will, and Oz.
If anything, their appearance very similarly like the heroic trio often appear in fairy tales. The traditional Golden Prince, the wild Red Swordsman, and the cool Blue Wizard.

"Hey, are you going to say something?" That hot-head William spat out against the silence he received from Ms Eumiella.
"I don't think you will believe in my words." she said as factually as her mono-tonal voice could.
"You! How can you say that?!" angrily announced 'Will', trembling withholding his fury within.
"Did you even use your brain to think?" announced Prince Edwin regally as His Royal blood sizzle at the apparent disrespect.
"Did you had the habit of lying?" ejaculated 'Oz', utterly disappointed with the apparently obvious denial by Ms Eumiella.

Things are really heating up here. Political juggernauts are pressing you, girl. I don't know a good maneuver for this if I were you, Miss Eumiella!

"There was a commoner who used light magic. If you aren't troubled, why don't you speak to her, Your Highness?" said
"Yeah, that will be better than listening to your bullshit. Later when the class begins, I'll be ready when they prove your lies."
Prince Edwin leaves with his two companions after saying his piece.

They headed towards the rare Light Mage enrolled this year. She was a rare commoner student, simply due to high requirements for enrolling at the academy; her Light Magic probably expedite her enrollment here I guess.

Ms Dolkness left back heading to the dorms not long afterwards.

The Light Mage, she was a fairly attractive individual as seen by the group around her, and the arrival of His Highness and his entourage encourages murmurs of her. She looks awkward gaining the attention of royalty.
She seems to take it in stride moments later, and they quickly become quite friendly, too friendly indeed; that's looks really suspicious to me.

The first day of class began with regular academic class in the morning, before practical classes in the afternoon. Seats are free during the academic class. The classroom is a semi-circular auditorium. I sat at the third row since it's kinda in the middle of the classroom.

Suddenly, Ms. Eumiella Dolkness comes into the classroom, and silence reigns.

The entire class, including me, watches her as she chooses a seat; and…
It's just a seat gap on my right-hand side.

Actually, I don't mind her choice.
Our row and column is sparingly occupied. Most would prefer the edge seats due to ease of access and company.

As I sat there, a sudden realization sets for me.
I don't know if anyone else felt it, but Ms Eumiella's presence thrums with power, controlled power. Massively strong yet so subtle.
It perturbed me grand that I could feel her huge presence, but never being overwhelmed instead, despite the large level gap.
Maybe that's why everyone reacts more towards her black eyes and hair rather than her innate magical capacity.
Unless you focus and seek out the disparity, her magical presence is barely present; it's almost as she truly lied about her entry level.
These fools, and their ignorant assumptions.

My meager magical knowledge dictates that this situation ought to be impossible.
One simply cannot hide overwhelming level gaps like this.
Unless… No. That's silly.
She created the Transcended State environment?
Like that happened to Ic-go in that arc of the Bl-ch manga?
Anyhow, she is truly a Kaiju in human form. I liked her already.

Since I've anticipated her and her temperance, I began to greet her respectably.
"Good Morning Ms Dolkness. My name is Alder Dietrich. Please to make your acquaintance" I spoke to her, introducing myself to her.
"Verily Mr Dietrich. My name is Eumiella Dolkness. A Good Morning to you too" she responded moments later with a respected yet monotone voice.

Our greetings were clearly voiced that none within the room doesn't heard us.
This naturally starts the murmurs amongst them. I expected this development, since she was an existence that most will evade encounter yet I instead greeted her as an equal.
The murmurs continues until a group of happy chatter enters, which then the silent room silences them.
The new arrivals were an unexpected group.

Alicia Enlyght was a rare commoner student in this esteemed academy.
Her rare existence is due to most commoner couldn't afford the cost of learning here, and the ingrained discrimination of some high nobility against those they perceived of lower rank.
She was a rare existence also due to her rare Light Magic. Her presence was novel the very least.

Yesterday was eventful from morning till night.
Her magic was made known to all; most expected much of her Light Magic despite her low level.
She saw His Highness and his friends celebrated of their high levels, before 'She' come along.
'She' records an absurd level 99.
Alicia was afraid of 'Her', 'She' is definitely Not Human to Alicia's understanding.
No human would exists as humanoid black haze like 'Her'. 'She' must be a Demon hiding amongst the unsuspecting population.
Alicia was afraid.

Later that evening, she joins the other students in banquet.
She made some new acquaintances. It was a fun social event, many were curious of her and her magic.
Despite her low level, her magic was unique and entrancing as she demonstrating her magic.

A commotion abruptly occurs as the Demon angers the Prince and his friends with 'Her' dismissal of their accusation regarding its false level.
She was worried should that Demon hurt His Highness.
Thankfully, the confrontation ends quickly before the Prince headed instead towards her.

It was unnerving to be the center of attention of a royal prince. But His Highness was a warm person to her.
It took some moments for her to readjust herself but she greeted His Highness with utmost respect.
He doesn't mind much. Somehow, they managed to hit it off as friends.

His Highness Edwin Varschine was a brave noble soul, whom stand up to Demon with stalwart defiance.
She felt admiration for His Highness, whom was warm to her and his subjects present.
She felt gracious gratitude to be his friend.

Lord Ares was a strong shield to His Highness with the bright future to be a Great Knight.
His defiance to It proves his resolve to use his level 10 status for the defense of everyone present here, even against tremendous challenges.
She felt gratitude for him being here for them.

Lord Grimzard was a talented mage with great determination for helping the weak beginner like her.
She felt kinship with him despite the difference between them and her.
She too feel gratitude to befriend him.

This morning saw her serendipitously meeting them before class began.
It felt unusual for them to include her within their group so soon, but it is their prerogative to accept her. She couldn't decline their kind invitation.
They start with some small talk before becoming a cheery chatter as they headed to the classroom.

Their arrival to the class was met with a sudden silence, a silence which infected their chatter, grinding it to a halt.
She saw the Demon looking directly at her.
Fear began rising from her core as she felt its eyes survey her, naturally fear began to show upon her face.
On impulse, His Highness step in front of her as her shield against it.

Upon the silence as they arrived, their chatter stops.
Alicia halts her movement as Prince Edwin shield her from a perceived danger; Most probably that is Ms Dolkness beside me.
That's a predictable reaction. The standoff lasted mere seconds as they situated themselves in the first row.

Once sat, with a low voice, I intoned my opinion "Wow. That's quite the speed-run record. The heroine joined the Prince's party within 24 hours of knowing one another. A 'Platinum Achievement' unlocked".
Similarly Eumiella remarked in a monotone voice "She joined the Hero Prince Party too early in this game play. It seems your Level 99 is in Charisma. It should be impossible to capture them all this early".

Both of us flinched at our opinions heard only by us both.
Naturally our eyes met each other, confirming our suspicion of the other.
She's a Player. No doubt about it.
We have the day ahead to confront this development.

Well.
The teacher's here and class began in the earnest. Today was an introduction to the semester ahead. We learn the supposed curricula needed to graduate, and the paths getting there.

The first practical class of the day is the swordsmanship class.

Everyone get a wooden sword to practice.
It was based on the standard one-handed sword used in the army and many militia. The weight was probably lighter than usual steel, although heavier downwards towards the thicker blade.

The teacher wished to judge the skill levels of each students by having mock battles.
Disaster strikes when a certain muscle-brain challenges Ms Dolkness to prove her crime of lying and level fudging. This gonna be a Git Gud moment.
Eumiella did not disappoint us. She took a moment to process the challenge before readily accept it. Idiot tried to prove a point by dissuading her to just admit her crime else she get hurt fighting him.
Idiot. Her swing alone probably damaged the academy if she got careless.

Eumiella confessed one thing: this is her first time using such sword. It shows. Many giggled at her. She had no proper stance, which grates deeply Muscle Knight.
Pissed off, he attacks directly. He's very fast, but she's way faster. She deftly dodged the slash and tripped him with her blade struck right in front of his feet. Epic wipe-out ensures.
Eumiella serendipitously used "'Agitate' on Ares. It is super effective.

Ares refuses to accept that Eumiella won the bout. He put his full strength in his second slash towards her; she instead countered with a similar strike albeit done halfheartedly.

He literally soared. Backwards. At great speed.
He flew backwards around 30 feet into a bush behind the line of students. Most of the spectators had their jaws dropped.
I don't, simply since I expected something like this happens.

"Hey Ms Dolkness, we need to pick him up" as I wave my hand to gain her attention.
Eumiella simply dashed towards an unconscious Ares. She single-handedly carried him back like a potato sack. The teacher just asked her to relinquish Ares to him for the infirmary trip, and specifically ask for self-study, and no more mock battles.

Eumiella, having nothing else to do, simply started swinging her sword repeatedly without proper instruction.
I can't let this farce go on, and come to instruct her some of the proper stances and exercises.

She's a great learner, but I had to insist that she focus on having proper form before putting neither speed nor strength in her slashes.
We form a working pair till the end of class, since the teacher hasn't returned since.

Next class is the Magic Practical class.

Naturally, this first class requires we have our skills gauged to a standard. The test today is to shoot any element we could towards a target.
Better accuracy and/or strength gave higher marks. Today's target is an enchanted armor set located 30 feet away from a test line.

Everyone tried their best as the names called alphabetically.
Alicia the Light Mage shoot a mote of light and hit the target with a whimper. Most are entranced with the rare magic.
Some managed better than others, some knew and controlled more magic. I managed a direct hit with a wind arrow and an earth spike.

Naturally, the talented Mr Grimzard, absent from the swordsmanship class, proves his superior magic with direct-hit piercing-strength attacks of the 4 main elements. He is smug by the praises and adoration. He proved his bigotry of Ms Dolkness by implying she couldn't do better since she lied about her level. Well, hubris often comes before one's fall.

Eumiella simply asked if she can destroy the target. She wished not to be blamed for its destruction.
Mr Grimzard smugly respond that her proposition is preposterous as even he could not do so, thus none could.
Our teacher just validates such fact while informing only someone as strong as the Court Magician could do so.
I guess ignorant people need to see the proof in order to believe. Can't help them there.

Ms Dolkness attack was a small dark mote she intoned as Dark Flame.
Most giggled as well as Grimzard did. The teacher didn't, as does I. The teacher at least knew her spell was much more than it seems.
Her worries was confirmed when the armor was slowly melted… No, it was more of slowly vaporized as like how smoke from embers dissipate in a windy breeze.

As cliché as it sounds, Mr Grimzard ran away unable to accept the truth while vowing revenge upon this humiliation.

"Ms Dolkness. You overdid it again. But that was some amazing magic." was my response to break the silence settling our class.
Hey. I like her style and power. I'd do anything to keep her here.

Unfortunately, the Smug Prince came with the headmaster to serve some (mistaken) justice upon her. I get glared at it as well since I'm the only one besides her, chilling with her, thus makes me an accomplice of sort.
A Git Gud moment is imminent.

[To be continue]

Author's note: It took me years to get back writing. I'm surprised I'm doing this once again. I'll be compiling the 2nd chapter soon enough. Stay tuned.

Edit: I've done some edits, pun unintended.