Book 1 Chapter 271

271

Seirun's Class Representative.

The rumor that Lunia El Rundia assaulted a student from the same school spread among all the students of the school in an instant.

"That's strange. She's supposed to be a typical Seirun honor student, isn't she?"

Rwynn, the 3rd ranked second-year from Azonia and a fox beastkin, tilted her head, grooming her fluffy, luscious tail fur.

A typical Seirun honor student.

Among students from other Hero Cadet Schools, it wasn't a term used with much positive connotation.

Elves are fundamentally a race with strong racial pride.

And Seirun students often take it to an excessive degree.

The term 'typical Seirun honor student' was used to refer to top-class Seirun students with such a tendency.

At Rwynn's words, Borman tilted his head.

"What does 'typical Seirun honor student' mean? Does it mean they're fun to fight?"

At his words, Rwynn sighed deeply.

"It was my mistake asking a fool who only has fighting on his mind."

"What did you say! You shady woman!"

Borman, with a fierce expression, tried to lunge at Rwynn.

"Calm down, Borman. Rwynn's rank is higher than yours and mine."

At the words of Tabon, the 4th ranked bear beastkin, Borman scoffed.

"That sneaky woman, winning by messing around with magic! I can't acknowledge her!"

"Oh dear, I wonder where the fool who's never beaten that sneaky woman lives?"

"Hey! Come at me! Today, I'll finally take you down!"

An agitated Borman wildly swung his fists.

"Be quiet."

At Dion's words, Borman, who had his arms crossed, plopped down onto the grass.

Currently, the Azonia students were gathered in the main auditorium's backyard.

"Rwynn. You didn't gather us here because of Lunia El Rundia, did you? Why are you bringing her up?"

At the question from Dion, the 2nd ranked, Rwynn smiled broadly.

"That's right. However, I brought her up because…"

Rwynn wagged her fox tail back and forth and smiled.

"It's because her actions were very different from the information we had. She's one of our biggest rivals. So I thought it was necessary to understand her well."

At Rwynn's words, Dion glanced behind him.

"Ar. Didn't you meet Lunia El Rundia in the Rodlen Empire during the last winter break? What was she like then?"

To that question, Ar, who was sitting cross-legged on a rock, replied.

"I didn't get to talk to her for long, but she was a bit different from the image Rwynn described, wooch-a."

Ar, who had lightly moved down from the rock, asked.

"When I asked Black Rabbit, he said she was like a gangster. I thought he was joking, but looking at her now, it doesn't seem to be wrong."

'Seirun's second-year representative is a gangster?'

It was then that Rwynn made a strange expression.

"Anyway, Rwynn. What's the reason you called the faction leaders?"

When Ar got to the point and asked, Rwynn said.

"I'm requesting cooperation between factions for this Smith exclusive contract."

"You are?"

Borman narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

Tabon also made a wary expression, as if he couldn't easily believe it.

Rwynn, the fox beastkin.

She was quite an unusual student among Azonia's students.

In Azonia, duels and conflicts between factions were an everyday occurrence.

As a result, there was a strong tendency to solve everything with power.

In Azonia, where only physical strength was the truth, Rwynn was infamous as a tactician.

She deceived students from other factions and incited conflicts between them to gain an advantage.

Because of this, students from other factions didn't acknowledge Rwynn.

Even though she possessed the strength of a 3rd ranker, it was the same.

'In the first place, I, a mage in Azonia, am a heretic.'

Rwynn sneered and said.

"Yes. It might be hard to believe, but this time, I'm serious."

"Let's hear her out."

At Dion's words, Rwynn smiled faintly.

"This Smith exclusive contract means more than just signing a contract with an excellent Demian student."

Rwynn snapped her fingers.

Then, puppets made of magical power, shaped like humans, elves, beastkin, and dwarves – the four races – floated in the air.

"Hero candidates of our generation have gathered in one place. This kind of occasion is a major event that won't happen again during our school lives."

That was certainly true.

It was as Rwynn said.

It's not that there's no exchange between Hero Cadet Schools.

However, it's no exaggeration to say that an entire year group from all Hero Cadet Schools rarely gathers in one place until graduation.

"And the reputation of Lumern's and Seirun's second-years surpasses ours, Azonia."

At Rwynn's words, Borman grumbled.

"I find that hard to agree with."

"It doesn't matter if you find it hard to agree. Lumern's second-years gained renown for subjugating Gigantes in their first year. And Lumern and Seirun were at the location where the Monster Queen was subjugated last year."

The subjugation of the Monster Queen, Sylatuna.

That great feat was achieved by the Hero of Beginnings, who miraculously descended upon this land, and the Progenitor of the Nebula.

But simply participating in a legendary battlefield naturally raised public opinion.

"Since we don't have achievements comparable to that, people generally think that Azonia's second-years are inferior to Lumern's and Seirun's second-years."

Seeing Rwynn shrug her shoulders, Borman made an indignant expression.

Tabon also didn't show his emotions, but he revealed an uncomfortable demeanor.

Ar and Dion nodded at Rwynn's words.

Seeing that, Borman flared up.

"Hey! Ar! Dion! Don't you guys feel indignant hearing something like that?!"

"It's true that we don't have as many achievements compared to Lumern and Seirun."

As Ar stretched like a cat and spoke, Dion nodded in agreement.

"Yes, aware of that, the principal also ordered us to defeat Leo Plove."

Dion clenched and unclenched his fist, holding a belligerent smile.

If we defeat Leo, who can be called Lumern's symbol, in a martial arts spar, Azonia's reputation will naturally rise.

"That's right. So, while we're in Demian, let's stop fighting among factions. It means we should focus more on external enemies."

Rwynn smiled faintly.

"Beastkin and dwarves have always had good relations, generation after generation."

Beastkin, who purely worship strength, showed a more serious attitude towards armaments than any other race.

Naturally, they couldn't help but get along well with dwarves, who create excellent armaments.

"In this Smith exclusive contract, which is essentially a competition between schools, if we preemptively secure the excellent Demian students, our public reputation will naturally rise."

Rwynn covered her mouth and chuckled, "Hoho-"

"Coincidentally, Leo Plove, our strongest rival, has fallen out of favor with the Demian students in that way, so it's a much more advantageous situation. There's no point in clashing directly with Leo Plove; we'd only become sacrifices for him to build his reputation."

"Hmph! Don't make me laugh! Are you saying we should avoid a duel with Leo Plove now? As Azonia students, we should confront him head-on!"

"Yes, I can't agree with that, Rwynn."

Borman bristled, and Tabon, who was listening, also shook his head.

"You won't be able to win anyway, will you?"

"You won't know until you measure what's long and what's short!"

"Then just become a sacrifice for Leo Plove to build his reputation, you foolish tiger."

"Who are you calling a fool?!"

Rwynn, ignoring Borman, looked at Ar.

"What do you think of my idea, Ar?"

"It's not a bad idea. However, I'm against avoiding a spar with Black Rabbit."

Ar wagged his tail back and forth.

"There's a lot to learn from Black Rabbit."

"I didn't expect you to agree to the last suggestion."

Rwynn shook her head and said.

"Anyway, I think you'll agree to prohibit fights between factions for now and preemptively secure as many excellent Demian students as possible. So…"

Rwynn grinned.

"Everyone, after lunch, please go wild with all your might. Appealing to strength is your specialty, isn't it?"

At her words, the faction leaders nodded and returned to their respective faction students.

But Ar narrowed his eyes and approached Rwynn.

"What's your scheme?"

"I wonder?"

Rwynn chuckled.

"The basic principle of hunting is to exhaust the prey's strength, isn't it?"

Her fox tail swayed back and forth.

Seeing Rwynn like that, Ar stuck out his tongue.

"I see what your scheme is."

"Oh dear, the foolish boss cat has gotten quick-witted. Well, it is a rather simple plan."

"Don't call me a foolish cat!"

Ar bristled, perking up his tail and ears.

Then he soon gave a cunning smile.

"What's that? That unpleasant smile?"

"I was just imitating your usual smile, you know?"

Ar chuckled and said.

"I understand your plan to take down the exhausted Black Rabbit at the end. But he's more of a monster than you think. No matter what scheme you cook up, he'll easily break through it, won't he?"

"Thanks for the advice. But no matter how fierce a beast is, it's bound to calm down when it gets tired."

As Rwynn smiled faintly and left, Ar stuck out his tongue.

'If she tries to play tricks, she'll get into big trouble.'

***

After lunch.

The students from the three Hero Cadet Schools who arrived at the main auditorium were aghast at the sight before them.

The chairs that had been there just moments ago had completely disappeared.

And a scene like a marketplace unfolded.

Demian's second-year students were each displaying the armaments they had created, waiting for students from the other Hero Cadet Schools.

"Wow, how could the inside of the auditorium change so much in just one hour?"

Kal exclaimed in disbelief.

"They're dwarves."

"Is it possible if they're dwarves?"

"Because they're dwarves."

It was just as Kal was making an incredulous expression after hearing Leo's answer.

"Lunia El Rundia!"

A hysterical voice was heard from the back of the auditorium.

All students' gazes turned to that spot.

There stood Rever, the General Teacher for Seirun's second-years, with a face flushed red.

Everyone's gaze turned to Lunia, who was at the forefront of the Seirun students.

Lunia made a defiant expression and then picked her ear a few times with her pinky finger.

Stomp- Stomp- Stomp-

"I've received a report about your imprudent actions! How could you do such a thing…! For you, who should be an example for Seirun in front of so many people, to show such disgraceful behavior!"

Seeing Rever shouting, his shoulders trembling, the students didn't know what to do.

Currently, there were no faculty members here.

Smith Depheto, Demian's second-year supervisor, had not yet arrived.

As a result, there was no one to stop Rever.

No, students from other schools didn't want to get involved with him, an elven supremacist.

Seirun students dared not challenge the teacher's authority.

Lunia looked at Rever, who had come before her, and said.

"It just happened that way, I guess."

"Do you think 'it just happened that way' makes sense?! Do you even have the awareness of being Seirun's class representative at all?!"

Rever, standing before Lunia, looked down at her with authoritative eyes and said.

"It seems you, Lunia, need strong correction. Return to Seirun immediately!"

At his words, Lunia frowned.

"But this is an important academic schedule right now."

"What you need right now are the manners and dignity befitting a Seirun student."

Rever curled the corners of his mouth.

"If you can't embody that, the privilege of learning the Progenitor's magic will also disappear."

"That's not something Teacher Rever can decide as he pleases!"

Lunia contorted her face.

Lunia is the heir to the Rundia family.

Her status was very high even in elven society.

Although Rever currently holds the high nominal position of General Teacher for Seirun's second-years, Lunia's influence in elven society is overwhelmingly stronger.

If one disregarded her student status, Rever was absolutely not someone he could treat carelessly.

"Hmph, my will is also the principal's will. If you wish to read the [Archmage of Comet], it would be wise to follow my command."

It was then that Lunia's red eyes blazed.

"Excuse me. You're being a nuisance to others, so could you please leave?"

An annoyed voice was heard.

"How dare some fellow…!"

Rever's eyes flashed, and he turned towards where the voice came from.

Leo was standing there.

"Ha, you arrogant and disrespectful brat. How dare you, a mere student, order me, the General Teacher for Seirun's second-years, around like this?"

"I'm requesting this as Lumern's Student Council President."

Leo curled the corners of his mouth.

"A Hero Cadet School's Student Council President also holds the status of the Academy Principal's representative, you know? Surely you're not unaware of that, are you?"

"You rogue…!"

Seeing Leo speak while flaunting his Student Council President status, sparks flew from Rever's eyes.

"And Lunia doesn't need to learn the Progenitor's magic recorded in the [Archmage of Comet]."

"Hmph! It seems you don't understand the magic of the stars and the Progenitor's greatness even one bit. How great the [Archmage of Comet] is…"

"Teacher Rever. Have you ever met Lady Luna?"

"What?"

"I have."

Leo conjured the Polyum he had obtained by conquering Lady Luna's world previously, and waved it in front of Rever's eyes, sporting a wicked smile.

Though it was merely an empty shell with no divine power, its symbolic significance was undeniable.

"Teacher Rever, you don't have anything like this, do you?"

"Hmph!"

Rever's face flushed red and then pale.

Looking at Rever, Leo said.

"And the reason Lunia doesn't need to learn the magic recorded in the [Archmage of Comet] is because she already knows the Progenitor's magic."

Leo smiled meaningfully.

Rever glared at Lunia with wide eyes.

Seirun students also looked at Lunia in surprise.

And Lunia stared at Leo with her mouth agape.

'What is he talking about right now?'

The magic recorded in the Archmage of Comet was none other than 'Apocalypse'.

It is the ultimate magic that only chosen elves can master.

And Lunia had never learned that magic.

"I received it as a conquest reward when I conquered Lady Luna's world before."

At Leo's words, Lunia's eyes widened.

At that time, Leo was the only one who received a conquest reward.

And Leo had officially stated that he only received 'Polyum' as a conquest reward.

That alone was surprising enough.

But…

'Could it be that he received the Progenitor's magic as a conquest reward?'

That possibility exists.

'Could it be that he's going to teach that to me?'