Book 1 Chapter 154
The students looked at the word "instructor" with puzzled expressions.
"Are we teaching students from other academies?" Celia asked, crossing her arms and tilting her head. Her black hair swayed.
"Yes."
At that answer, Eliza, who had been trimming her nails, said, "Instructor. It's not bad. But no matter how much of a difference there is between Lumern and the three major class academies, we're still students… will they accept us teaching them?"
Eliza's opinion, with her eyes half-closed, was very valid.
They would have pride too.
No matter how much they were Lumern, they would surely not be pleased to be controlled by fellow students.
As other students nodded in agreement with Eliza, Halind said, "It's okay. The students you'll be teaching are Lumern entrance candidates."
At that, the other students paused.
Lumern entrance candidates.
In other words, they were students who would take the entrance exam next year.
The three major class academies also teach students who are studying to prepare for Lumern admission.
In fact, many Lumern students came from studying for the entrance exam at the three major class academies.
"Of course, if you don't want to, you can refuse. You'll be busy with joint classes, so you might not be able to focus on your personal studies or training. There are no extra credits for this."
At Halind's words, Chloe smiled.
"But you're telling us because it's something we have to do, right?"
While the faces of each grade represent the grade representative, the influence of top students in each department is also considerable.
As such, they participated in many external events.
Halind called them for that reason.
Furthermore, given their skyrocketing recognition due to the Gigantes incident, the role of the top 3 students in each department was important in this event.
"That's right. As the number one in the Knight Department, I can't miss this kind of event." Celia also swept her hair back and puffed out her chest.
Clap clap clap clap!
"Elegance! Elegance! As expected of Chloe and Celia! You are my proud disciples! I feel the dignity of Lumern students!" Sedgen appeared, clapping. He then stood next to Halind with a "Chuk-!"
"So, are there any students who will refuse the instructor position?"
No student shook their head at that question.
This was a position representing the school.
Although there was no direct benefit, just participating in such an event was a great honor.
As no one stepped forward, Sedgen nodded with satisfaction.
"Good! I, Sedgen, have become the professor in charge of the entrance candidates!"
"Not Professor Halind?" Leo asked with a puzzled expression.
At Leo's question, Sedgen's eyes twitched.
"Why would you think Halind would take on such an important role, Leo?" Sedgen, who had a rivalry with Halind, was someone who had to win against Halind in every aspect to be satisfied. In such a situation, Leo, who could be considered Halind's student, questioned why he, instead of Halind, was in a position to identify the entrance candidates in advance. From Sedgen's perspective, Leo's question was enough to provoke him.
'Well, it's commendable that you think the person in charge is excellent, but…'
"Leo, do you think Halind is more suitable for managing the entrance candidates than me?"
"Both professors are excellent, so it's impossible to distinguish who is better."
"Then why did you question why Halind wasn't doing it?"
"Professor Halind is the most famous professor at our school." Lumern students were all terrified just by making eye contact with Halind. He was that famous externally.
"I thought Professor Halind would be able to assert dominance." There would undoubtedly be candidates who, thinking they are already Lumern students, would be arrogant. To prevent such candidates from causing trouble, there was no professor as optimized as Halind.
"Indeed."
"I think everyone would be trembling with fear if they saw Professor Halind."
"But Professor Sedgen is the one who can embrace the students!"
"Ho? Are you saying I can't embrace students?"
"What? That's not what I meant…" Celia's face turned pale as she realized she had misspoke.
"I too…" Sedgen clenched his fist.
"I can be a terrifying professor like Halind! Alright! I'll show you the image of the tiger professor Sedgen! From now on, the most terrifying professor at Lumern will be me! Sed-…"
"Be quiet." Halind, who had silenced his long-time friend who was once again spiraling, sighed deeply. "I have to work with the instructors from the three major class academies. And Celia Gerdinger is right. Sedgen is a better fit than me to be in charge of the new candidates. He will embrace the students well."
At that, Sedgen, who had been spiraling, paused and looked touched.
"Halind… you. You acknowledged me that much?"
"Of course. You are my friend and rival."
"Indeed! Halind! You are truly the greatest rival of my life! Hahahahahahahaha!" Sedgen, in a good mood, placed his hand on his face and burst into laughter. The ten students watched him with strange expressions.
'No. Why is he giving such lip service?' While everyone was thinking that, Halind said to Leo, "Be careful what you say in front of Sedgen from now on, Leo Flov. It won't be good if he foolishly imitates me."
"Did something happen?" Leo asked with a puzzled expression. Halind replied expressionlessly, "You'll see hell." Those were calm, emotionless words. But at those words, all the students felt a shiver.
'No, if Professor Halind says that, what on earth will happen!'
"I am curious, though."
'Don't be curious!' Everyone glared at Leo, who was calmly muttering.
"Anyway, I'll assume you all accept the instructor mission. You'll be called by Sedgen frequently from now on, so be prepared. That's all, dismissed." As Halind finished speaking, the ten students left the faculty office corridor.
"Instructors for entrance candidates. I guess I'm doing things like this now."
"It might be fun."
"Do you think so too, brother? Me too!" Chelsea's eyes sparkled as she agreed with Abad. Celia, sweeping her hair, said, "I was curious about the level of students from Ikot Academy, so this is good. I can get a glimpse of their swordsmanship this way."
"Celia, as always, you're full of enthusiasm for everything."
"It's my family motto. Do your best in everything." Chloe said, and Celia smiled. Chloe then looked at Duran. "Duran, I thought you would refuse, saying you weren't interested in juniors."
At that, Duran chuckled. "I'm curious about the skill level of the entrance candidates." With his usual arrogant expression, Eliza scoffed. "Are you at a level to evaluate others' skills?"
"Are you picking a fight now? Eliza Hergin."
"Yes."
"Hmph. I don't even need to wait for the sparring evaluation next week. I'll show you what skill is."
"We have a lot in common. I was also bothered that we couldn't settle our score on the opening ceremony day." The two, who had clashed on the opening ceremony day and ended up fighting unintentionally, were now glaring at each other, engaging in a war of nerves. Chen Shiya chuckled and intervened. "Come on, come on, stop it. You'll fall for each other at this rate. Well… not? Then you'll get along, so is that good?"
"What are you talking about, Chen Shiya?"
"That's right. Do you think I'll get along with this guy?" Duran and Eliza both bristled. Chen Shiya burst out laughing at their reactions. Meanwhile, Leo said, "Magic class is starting soon. Let's go."
"Yes! Oppa Leo!"
"They said there's a special lecture related to star magic today, right? I'm looking forward to it, Leo." Chelsea and Chloe followed Leo. Abad, who was about to follow them, paused and looked at Warden. "What have you been doing? Warden." Warden had been standing still, staring intently at Leo's back. "I'm measuring."
"Measuring?"
"The difference between me and Leo Flov." At that, Abad narrowed his eyes. "Hmm? Is it because of the sparring evaluation next week?"
"Yes. I'm confident I can win against anyone here." Warden smirked. At those words, the atmosphere around them changed.
"Hey, Warden. That's too provocative." Juraeden, third in the Summoning Department, had an awkward expression. Despite being third in the Summoning Department, there was a gap between him and the other students who participated in the Gigantes raid. Of course, Juraeden knew that, so he wasn't provoked by Warden's words. But other students were different. Knowing that they all had strong pride in their skills, Juraeden couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.
"Hmph. It doesn't matter since everyone here thinks the same way." Warden sneered coldly. At that, Juraeden clutched his head. 'No matter what, if you provoke them like that, everyone will get angry!' Regardless, Juraeden calmly continued, "However, I can't be sure about Leo Flov."
Juraeden looked surprised. To him, Warden was undoubtedly a monster. 'Honestly, I can't imagine him losing to anyone.' It wasn't because they were in the same Summoning Department. Objectively speaking, Warden was a monster. Even hearing the words of those from the southern regions, it was the same. For such a Warden to say he couldn't guarantee victory.
"So, my goal is to defeat him." Seeing Warden smile coldly, Duran crossed his arms. "You're talking as if I'm not even in your consideration."
At that, Warden looked indifferent. "Aren't you the same, Duran Moira?" Warden surveyed his classmates. "You all are too. You don't consider each other. Because you've seen it." Warden looked at Leo's retreating back. "The one who led us, as if it was natural for him to be above us." Warden said with a poker face, arms crossed. "And they realized that themselves." Warden walked away step by step. "We've lived without admitting that someone else is above us, haven't we? If so, our goals must be the same." To defeat Leo Flov. The goal of their upcoming school life. Or perhaps, the goal of their lives.
"Of course, it's me who will defeat him."
"Sorry, but that won't happen, Warden." Abad laughed. "I'm first."
"Don't be ridiculous. I'm first." Seeing the three male students speaking competitively, Eliza trimmed her nails with a look of disdain. "Men are like children. What does it matter who defeats him first? Just defeat him."
"Isn't that part cute?" Chen Shiya chuckled, watching the three bickering male students. "Isn't Celia also cute like that?"
"Hmph. Cute? Disgusting. And you guys!" Celia, with her arms crossed, snorted. "It's me who will defeat Leo!" Seeing Celia confidently declare and bicker with the male students, Eliza sighed. "Celia surprisingly has a tomboyish side." At Eliza's words, Chen Shiya covered her mouth and giggled.
***
The day the joint class exchange was announced, Lumern was bustling with preparations to welcome guests. They had to create an environment where a large number of students could study without inconvenience. Servants scurried about. The students also prepared a welcoming party before the classes. In any case, the overall atmosphere was excited due to the visit of external guests. Meanwhile, some students were heading to Lummaria City.
"It feels strange to come out to Lummaria City on a weekday like this." Chelsea said in a slightly excited voice on the boat.
"Don't get too excited, it's not a trip." Celia glared at her.
"Hmph! I know! Vee!"
"Yo-ge!"
Leo chuckled, watching the two always bickering. The students appointed as instructors were heading to Lummaria City to greet the three major class academies.
'Candidate juniors… I'm a little curious about what kind of kids there will be.' As his eyes sparkled, the boat arrived at the pier. Leo disembarked.
"It's not time to gather yet. We have free time until then, so let's look around, shall we?"
"Shall we?" As Celia spoke, someone called out, "Leo Flov." Leo looked ahead. He then looked at the person standing there and had a puzzled expression. Celia quickly bowed her head. "Hello, Vice Principal." Standing there was none other than Lumern's Vice Principal, Ribben. His appearance after the opening ceremony. While all the other students were also taken aback. "Leo Flov. Shall we talk for a moment?"