Chapter 902: Chapter 903: Must Go The page program was designed for the sole purpose of allowing the students of Aether Academy to gain real-life experience. It was a program you could enlist in from the second to final year, though for the second year it was optional. However, due to the demon race declaring war, the academy had made it so that its more outstanding students would mandatorily be joining the program. This was an opportunity for them to face harsh obstacles, gain real-life experience, and hone themselves. That said, the current crop of academy students was just too powerful. With most of them having gone through the harsh gauntlet of the World Dungeon, they had reached the fourth class advancement without having any understanding of the previous ranks. This was necessary for that reason. Most of the second-years and third-years would be joining the page program. This was to strengthen their foundation and deepen their understanding of their newfound power. And there was also the fact that the goddess races needed powerful fighters at the vanguard of its war. Who better to send than those in the fourth class, able to level mountains and destroy cities? That said, what was the page program? It was just that: having young people act as pages for more powerful and more experienced individuals. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦 They would observe and learn. This should have been an easy program, since most students were backed by noble families. They would actually just return home and follow their elders in their day-to-day activities. Well, during times of peace, that is. But in times of war, it was not so easy. They would be going to the front lines. Furthermore, it was also a way to build rapport. If you were lucky, you would be put under a renowned and famous person, learning from them. Like a hero, a high noble, or a paladin, or even a grand duke or the king of a powerful nation. The possibilities were endless. Damon didn’t need any of that. His grandfather was a grand duke. He would just join his army and give himself a high-ranking military position by whining to his rich and powerful grandfather. Was nepotism bad? Yes, when it didn’t benefit him. When it benefited him, it was fair and righteous. He didn’t ask anyone to be born poor. "Don’t worry, Headmaster. There’s no need to make a choice for me. I’ll be in a difficult and dangerous war camp with my grandfather, who is at the peak of the seventh class advancement, and I’m his only grandson." He made sure to emphasize how powerful his grandfather was and how he was the only grandson. "Yes, we know that..." the headmaster said nonchalantly, with a calm expression. Damon nodded slowly, looking at the academy senate. "Wars take years... you have to understand... I know the page program covers credit till graduation, but... you have to understand I have a family that loves me. I mean, personally I would be happy to go, but my family... they’d never agree." He raised his head with a distant, sad, and heroic expression, as if it pained him the most that he was not out there risking his life for the goddess races. "Alas, a hero like me, a legendary holy child... I must join my grandfather’s army. I am a brilliant strategist. The old man, he needs me... ahh... too bad, too bad... anyway, sign me up to protect Lumos, the center of my grandfather’s sphere of influence." The old headmaster glanced at Damon. Lumos was the safest place. In fact, even if the demons invaded, it might not see a single battle. It was almost impossible for an invading force to reach it unless the empire had fallen. Damon was practically asking to go home and enjoy his life. "Yes, I knew you were a brave and fearless person... that’s why the war strategists and all the upper echelon, myself included, the heads of different academies, the empire, the temple, and kings of various kingdoms advocated that you be put in this vanguard force." Damon’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. How did a small character like him get mentioned in a high-stakes meeting between the rulers of the world? He was a nobody. How... how... sure, he did some crazy things, but that was his past self. That version of him was young and suicidal. He didn’t have any real-world experience. He took a deep breath. "Before I say anything... was the person who volunteered me the Elf King Kadelas?" The headmaster glanced away awkwardly, stroking his beard. "Well, he was one of the major advocates of this strategy and heavily insisted that a talent like you must be put in this operation if it is to succeed." Damon bit his lip, nodding his head. He chuckled. "Hmm, I see... I only kissed his daughter a few times. I didn’t even sleep with her. I only called his wife hot one time... I only made his daughter fake a pregnancy one time... yet... how can he stoop so low... how can anyone be so petty... okay... okay... next time... I hope to run into his daughter... I’ll send a message..." The headmaster didn’t even want to get involved in whatever this was about, and from how silent the rest of the senate was, it seemed they were making Damon his problem. Damon glanced at him. "Who else advocated for this... the empire... ahh, I see... good, good... he has a daughter too." He had no idea what Damon was planning, and honestly he didn’t want to get involved, but he had one more thing to say. "Your grandfather agreed too." Damon’s eyes widened. "That old sleazeball. Fine, fine. He has a granddaughter too... well, he has two, but one is my sister, so I can’t... you know what I mean..." The headmaster held his temple, raising his hand to stop Damon. He didn’t want to deal with this any more than he already had to. "Anyway... Seras Blade asked for you, and since technically she was the one who vouched for you and your golden ticket came from her, your page program is tied to her, except if she refuses, and she clearly can’t wait for you to join her." Damon wanted to say something, but the headmaster waved his hand, and Damon was teleported out, with a small file in his hand that had a seal with a rune that said Confidential. He hesitated for a moment, then read the first page. He closed his eyes and looked up at the sun with a forsaken expression. "I’m going to die."