"We of the Fallen, as you may already know, are one of the most powerful races in Endearth. So powerful that our geniuses are trained by us," the Fallen lady began, as Ryuk listened attentively.
"But here in Grade B, one of the best ways to survive is to make alliances with as many powerful organizations as possible. One of these organizations is none other than the Ascension Academy."
"As a show of goodwill, every three years, we of the Fallen family, along with the rest of the other families, send our geniuses to the Ascension Academy to learn from them."
"This way, we maintain a good bond with the academy through the students sent there."
"Right now, another batch of our geniuses will be sent to the Ascension Academy exactly a month from now," the lady said.
Ryuk's eyes narrowed as he easily understood the gist of things but let her finish her words.
"Right now, I can do you a favor and let you join these geniuses. But, of the about 50 or so geniuses planning to join, only a total of 10 will be able to fully enter the academy, meaning 40 of them or more will be eliminated and unable to join."
"I can't just command for you to be placed among the number 10 that will be going."
"It would be highly unfair to the geniuses who have shed their blood and sweat to get there."
"But I can do you a favor and let you become number 51. However, I'm afraid how you will avoid becoming one of the 40 that will be thrown away will be left in your hands," the lady concluded, as Ryuk's eyebrows furrowed.
He understood perfectly what she was saying.
The Fallen family was planning on sending some of their geniuses to Ascension Academy, and she wanted Ryuk to join with these students.
But there was a problem: only 10 of the 50 or more students that signed up would be allowed entry. This meant the remaining people would be eliminated.
Ryuk could expect some sort of test to separate the 10 from the 50.
While she could make Ryuk join them, how could he compete against the geniuses of the Fallen family and avoid becoming one of the 41 people who would be thrown away?
Could he, an Origin Plane human form the slums of Endearth, really fight against the geniuses of one of the most powerful races of Grade B, with only a single month of training?
The task seemed almost impossible.
"What happens to the 40 students who fail to get into the Ascension Academy?" Ryuk suddenly asked.
"They'll become ordinary workers, like guards, receptionists, cleaners, and so on. The guards will be given training, just like those that brought you here."
"But compared to the power of those who went to the Ascension Academy, those guards are nothing."
"In other words, they will live somewhat good, but no doubt mediocre existences," she stated.
Ryuk's heart dropped. He had thought there would be some backup plan for those students who failed, but the last thing he expected was to become a guard or some servant for others.
"So, what choice do you make, child? I can call up the Ascension Academy and ask them to take you in, but you will most likely be an Outer Student."
"Or you can decide to join the 50 Fallen geniuses and fight your way until you claim a top ten position and earn true entry into the Ascension Academy as a proper student."
"The choice is yours, and you can think about it for as long as you want," she said to him, staring into the distance and seemingly giving him some space to think.
But Ryuk's reply came just five seconds later.
"I'll join the Fallen family geniuses," Ryuk stated with conviction, as the lady turned her gaze to him.
"You sure you want that? While these geniuses are not the peak of the Fallen family, they are those who have been training since they were little kids."
"You sure you want to go toe-to-toe with them as an Origin Grade human boy? You'll only have a month to train, remember?."
"Are you sure you can do what took them years to achieve in a little less than a month?"
"Or are you satisfied with settling for a guard position upon failing?" the lady stated with raised eyebrows.
Ryuk turned to her before nodding.
"Yes. I will join the Fallen family geniuses," he repeated.
A long staring contest ensued between him and the lady, whose serious expression slowly faded.
A smirk appeared at the corner of her lips.
"Once more, you defy my expectations. Although I can blame that on your simple ignorance, still, your ignorance is no doubt amusing."
"Very well, here..." she said, as a card appeared before her, floating towards Ryuk, who took it in his palm.
"Do you see that building?" she suddenly said, pointing into the distance toward an exceptionally large building that was impossible to miss.
"Go there and simply pass them this card. They'll give you a space to stay and make you join the Fallen family geniuses' training. Then all else will be left to you," she said to Ryuk, who took the card in his grasp before placing it inside his pocket.
The sound of footsteps soon rang out as Ryuk turned behind him to find a Fallen Angel lady, opening the door knob and bowing her head to the lady beside him.
"Elianor here will accompany you out to the main street," she said to Ryuk, who bowed a little, muttering a thank you, before turning behind and walking back into the hall.
The bowing Fallen Angel lady also rose up and followed after Ryuk as the silver door shut close, leaving only the half-Fallen lady on the balcony.
"What an interesting one..." the melodic voice, accompanied by a small giggle, rang through the balcony, spreading into the air and soon fading into the distance.