Sitting in front of the laptop, Klein scrolled through the screen with a slight frown.

’Seems like Grayhaven doesn’t hand out scholarships so easily.’

After thinking for a long time, he finally opened his phone and dialed Eveline von Langford’s number.

The call connected after two rings, and he heard a smooth voice.

"Klein Faress," Evelyne uttered, sounding mildly surprised. "I didn’t expect you to call me so soon. To what do I owe this honor?"

Klein sighed inwardly before speaking "Miss Evelyne. I wanted to ask you something about Grayhaven Academy. I’m planning to apply there, but I heard the tuition is extremely high."

"I was wondering how the scholarship process works. Since you study there, I thought you might know the details."

There was a brief pause on the other end before Evelyne spoke again.

"Grayhaven is one of the most prestigious academies in the Human domain, and they are very strict about scholarships. They don’t simply hand them out to anyone, no matter how talented."

"For you, the first and most important step is the Entrance Examination. It’s held every month for late applicants like you."

"The exam has three parts- Mana Capacity and Affinity Assessment, a Practical Combat Evaluation, and a Theory & Knowledge Test. Only those who perform exceptionally well in all three are accepted."

Klein listened carefully, "And after getting accepted? How does one apply for a scholarship?"

Evelyne let out a light laugh "You’re getting ahead of yourself. Grayhaven rarely offers full scholarships to new students."

"Most financial aid and merit scholarships are decided after the first semester, once the academy has had time to observe a student’s performance, attitude, and contribution to the school. Even with a Mythic-rank class, you will need to prove yourself first."

She paused for a moment, then added in a slightly softer tone "If you manage to get accepted and show outstanding results in your first few months, I can personally recommend you for a scholarship."

"The Langford family has considerable influence at Grayhaven. But everything starts with passing the entrance exam."

Klein remained silent for a few seconds before replying "I understand. Thank you for the information, Miss Evelyne. I’ll prepare for the entrance exam."

Her gaze condensed slightly, and she spoke in a confident tone "Or... I can cover your whole fees too. Money is not a problem for me, Klein."

A smile appeared on her face, expecting him to accept the offer, considering the state he is in, but...

"I appreciate the offer, but I have to decline, Miss Evelyne."

Oh? Evelyne blinked in surprise and the smile on her face faded "...I see."

"The next entrance exam is in ten days. I’ll send you the detailed guidelines and past evaluation examples. Good luck, Klein Faress."

Cancelling the call, Evelyne stared at her phone for a long moment.

She leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs as the evening light filtered through the tall windows of her private study.

Most people in his position would have eagerly accepted her sponsorship. Yet Klein had politely declined.

’But I guess, he is hesitant... he must be thinking that he already owes me big time for saving him with my men yesterday.’

As she raised her head, her eyes shifted toward the large training ground visible through the open balcony doors.

Her younger sister, Julia von Langford, was in the middle of a fierce sparring session.

The red-haired girl moved with ferocity, her shorter red hair whipping around as she swung her sword.

She was fighting against several training constructs, magical puppets that glitched and flickered with unstable mana, simulating real combat conditions.

*SLEESH*

Julia’s blade flashed, cutting through one construct, and sparks of mana exploded as the puppet disintegrated.

She spun gracefully, parrying another attack before delivering a powerful thrust that pierced straight through the core of the next one.

Evelyne watched her sister with a mix of pride and slight concern. Julia was talented, no doubt, but she was also reckless, often pushing herself too hard in training.

"Julia. That’s enough for today. You’re going to break another sword at this rate."

Julia finished off the last construct with a slash, then turned toward her sister while breathing heavily.

"One more round, sister! I almost had the timing perfect this time!"

Evelyne shook her head, "You said that three rounds ago. Come inside. We have things to discuss."

Julia obediently dismissed the remaining training constructs.

She wiped the sweat from her brow and walked over, sheathing her sword.

"What’s going on?" she asked curiously as she stepped onto the balcony.

"You’ve been staring at your phone for a while. Is it about that boy from the Awakening Rite? The one with the golden light?"

Evelyne’s smile widened slightly "His name is Klein Faress. And yes... he just called me."

"I offered to cover his fees, but he wants to apply to Grayhaven on his own and try for a scholarship."

Julia was amazed to hear this "He turned you down? Most people would kill for an offer from the Langford family."

"Mhm-hm," Evelyne murmured, her gaze drifting toward the distant city skyline.

"That’s what makes him so intriguing."

She tapped her finger against her chin thoughtfully.

"I want him, Julia. Not just as an asset for the family, but as someone worth investing in personally. He could become something extraordinary."

Julia hummed under her breath, spinning her sheathed sword in her hand "Then what are you going to do? You’re not the type to give up easily."

"I’ll watch him for now. Let him struggle a little. Once he realizes how difficult Grayhaven truly is... he may come to me willingly."

With a shake of her head, Julia spoke "Never mind that. Did you tell your master about me? What did she say?"

Smiling, Evelyne replied "I told her about you. Don’t worry, she will surely accept you as her disciple."