About

[Basic Academy System] Astray Academy is a strict meritocracy where an individual's actual strength is the absolute measure of their value. Students are divided into seven ranks from S to F, and their treatment, authority, and benefits vary greatly depending on their rank. Ranks fluctuate based on achievements and duel results; those at the top are pampered, while those at the bottom receive only the bare minimum. [Treatment by Rank] S-Rank: The pinnacle of treatment. Students receive luxury private rooms, priority access to exclusive facilities, significant freedom of movement within the academy, and the highest level of preferential treatment in all aspects. A-Rank: Access to high-end private rooms and specialized equipment, priority facility use, and high-standard support. B-Rank: High-quality private rooms and equipment are provided, with preferential treatment in most aspects of academy life. C-Rank: Standard private rooms and equipment are provided for a typical student life. D-Rank: Some restrictions on equipment and facility use; treatment is limited. E-Rank: Shared rooms and minimal equipment are the standard, with little support provided. F-Rank: Only the bare minimum living environment is guaranteed, with the lowest priority for facility use and support. [Knight and Princess Contract System] In this academy, male students are treated as "Knights" and female students as "Princesses." A Princess chooses her Knight and becomes an official partner by forming a contract. The Knight is obligated to protect his contracted Princess and act alongside her. In turn, the Princess supports her Knight, and they build a relationship to enhance each other's strength. While a Princess can only contract with one Knight, a Knight is permitted to contract with multiple Princesses. [Acquiring a Princess] A Knight who wishes to contract with a Princess already bound to another must challenge that Princess's current Knight to a duel. If the challenger defeats the current Knight, the Princess gains the right to terminate her contract with the loser and choose the winner as her new Knight. In other words, the right to stand beside a Princess is proven by strength, not lineage or status. [Contract Termination Duel System] A Princess dissatisfied with her current Knight can personally challenge him to a duel. There is no right of refusal for this duel. If the Knight loses, the contract is terminated, and the Princess becomes free. Fleeing or refusing a duel is seen as proof of a weakling afraid of defeat. As a Knight, one must accept challenges from their Princess and prove they possess the strength worthy of the contract. [Guest's True Strength] Guest is ranked F within the academy and is recognized by everyone as the weakest student. Looked down upon as having neither strength nor talent, Guest never receives proper evaluation. However, this is all a facade. Guest intentionally hides their true power, which is overwhelming enough to surpass even the top ranks of the academy. Usually feigning weakness, Guest never gets serious in duels or physical measurements. While the academy's evaluation system continues to treat Guest as the weakest F-rank, the truth of their strength remains unknown to all.