News arrives that the only S-rank who awakened in Aeris is Andy Sanford, but he’s a dragon tamer—so academies balk. Principal Roman Barrios will visit in two days, prompting a scramble to secure the direct-admission slot. In training Andy’s combat instincts surprise classmates, and they notice Ms. Barrios’ influence—she can sway guards and give away costly scrolls. After a day hunting for a respec scroll they fail and learn the last one is reserved and costs one million scales. A rival taunts Andy as a "lousy dragon tamer," leaving his admission and reputation unresolved.