My Living Shadow System Devours To Make Me Stronger Chapter 902 - 903: Must Go

The page program existed solely to let students from Aether Academy acquire hands-on experience in the real world. Students could sign up for it starting from their second year all the way through the last, although participation remained optional during the second year.

Yet, with the demon race's declaration of war, the academy required its top-performing students to participate in the program without exception.

This setup offered them a chance to confront tough challenges, build practical skills, and sharpen their abilities.

Still, the latest batch of academy students possessed overwhelming strength. Having endured the brutal trials of the World Dungeon, the majority had advanced to the fourth class without grasping the earlier stages properly.

For that very purpose, the program became essential. A large number of second- and third-year students were set to enroll in it.

It aimed to solidify their basics and enhance their comprehension of the power they'd recently obtained.

Besides, the goddess races required formidable warriors leading the charge in their conflict.

Who could be more fitting than fourth-class individuals capable of toppling mountains and razing cities?

With that in mind, what exactly did the page program involve?

It simply meant assigning young participants to serve as pages to seasoned and superior figures.

They would watch closely and absorb knowledge. In theory, this should have been straightforward, given that most students hailed from noble lineages. They could simply head back home and shadow their family elders in daily routines. At least, that held true in peaceful eras.

During wartime, however, things grew far more complicated.

Participants would deploy to the front lines.

Moreover, it served as a means to forge connections. Fortune might pair you with a celebrated figure, allowing direct learning from them.

Such as a legendary hero, a prominent noble, a devoted paladin, or perhaps a grand duke or even a mighty kingdom's ruler. The options stretched endlessly.

Damon had zero interest in such arrangements. His own grandfather held the title of grand duke. He planned to simply attach himself to the family forces and secure a lofty military role through some pleading with his influential elder.

Did nepotism count as wrong? Absolutely, unless it worked in his favor. Then, it struck him as perfectly just and honorable.

No one forced anyone to enter the world destitute.

"Don’t worry, Headmaster. There’s no need to decide for me. I’ll end up in a tough and perilous war camp alongside my grandfather, who’s reached the peak of the seventh class advancement, and I’m his sole grandson." He stressed both his grandfather’s immense power and his status as the only grandson.

"Yes, we’re aware..." the headmaster replied indifferently, his face showing utter composure.

Damon gave a slow nod, his gaze sweeping over the academy senate.

"Wars drag on for years... you must realize... I get that the page program grants credits right up to graduation, but... you have to see that I come from a family who adores me. Personally, I’d love to participate, but my relatives... they’d never permit it."

He lifted his chin, adopting a far-off, melancholic, and valiant look, as though nothing grieved him more than staying safe instead of battling for the goddess races.

"Alas, a hero such as myself, a fabled holy child... I’m bound to serve in my grandfather’s army. I excel as a tactician. The elder truly requires my insight... ahh... such a shame, such a shame... regardless, enroll me to defend Lumos, the heart of my grandfather’s domain."

The elderly headmaster eyed Damon briefly. Lumos stood as the most secure location. Indeed, even amid a demon assault, it likely wouldn’t witness any fighting.

Reaching it would prove nearly unattainable for enemies without the empire’s total collapse. Damon was essentially requesting a return home to relax in comfort.

"Yes, I always knew you were courageous and dauntless... that’s precisely why the war tacticians, along with the entire leadership, including me, the principals of other academies, the empire, the temple, and monarchs from numerous kingdoms, pushed for your placement in this frontline unit."

Damon’s eyes tightened in doubt. How could someone insignificant like him appear in discussions among the world’s supreme leaders? He amounted to nothing notable. How... how... true, he’d pulled off some wild feats before, but that reflected his reckless youth. Back then, he lacked any true practical knowledge.

He drew in a steadying breath.

"Before I respond... was it the Elf King Kadelas who nominated me?"

The headmaster shifted his gaze uncomfortably, fiddling with his beard.

"Well, he stood as one of the key proponents of this plan and strongly urged that a prodigy like you join if the mission hopes to thrive."

Damon pressed his lips together, giving a nod.

He let out a light laugh.

"Hmm, I get it... I merely kissed his daughter a handful of times. I never even bedded her.

I just complimented his wife’s attractiveness once... I only tricked his daughter into pretending pregnancy once... yet... how could he sink to such depths... how can someone harbor such grudge... fine... fine... next chance... I hope to encounter his daughter... I’ll pass along a note..."

The headmaster wanted no part in this bizarre matter, and the senate’s utter silence suggested they were dumping the issue squarely on him.

Damon shot him a look.

"Who else pushed for this... the empire... ahh, I understand... excellent, excellent... he has a daughter as well."

He remained clueless about Damon’s schemes, and truthfully preferred to steer clear, but one final point lingered.

"Your grandfather consented as well."

Damon’s eyes bulged in shock.

"That crafty old fox. Alright, alright. He has a granddaughter too... actually two, though one’s my sister, so that’s off-limits... you get the idea..."

The headmaster rubbed his temple, lifting a hand to silence Damon. He’d endured enough of this nonsense already.

"In any case... Seras Blade requested you specifically, and since she originally endorsed you and issued your golden ticket, your page program links directly to her—unless she objects, which she obviously doesn’t, as she’s eager for you to accompany her."

Damon opened his mouth to protest, but the headmaster gestured dismissively, teleporting him away, leaving him with a slim folder bearing a sealed rune marked Confidential.

He paused briefly, then flipped open the initial page.

He shut his eyes and tilted his face toward the sun, wearing a look of utter despair.

"I’m going to die."