Book 1 Chapter 45

【45】44

The next day, Leo arrived at the great parade ground where the final exam was to be held and easily spotted Chloe.

As usual, Chloe, with her grimoire tucked under her arm, was surrounded by five students.

"Chloe! Your unique magic! Can you explain it to us in detail?"

"Yes! Yes! So we can reference it for our magic!"

"Please, Chloe. You've taken good care of us, haven't you?"

"What are friends for?"

They urged Chloe, their eyes shining.

'Are these the kids who hang out with Chloe?'

"Do you even understand the magic incantations I taught you last time before asking?"

"Of course!"

"You taught us well, didn't you?"

The female students smiled brightly.

But Chloe's reaction was cold.

"If you understand so well, why are your magic department written exam scores like that?"

"What?"

"Do you think I don't know you approached me to use me?"

"W-What!"

"No! We just wanted to study with you…!"

"You just copied my homework. And with those exam scores, you think you can understand the magic incantations I created? You're dreaming."

"What did you say?"

"Are you done talking?"

"Still, you're being too harsh!"

The group, having been provoked, was flustered, but Chloe merely sneered without batting an eye.

"Sorry to interrupt your conversation."

"Gasp? Leo?"

"H-Hold on, did you hear our conversation?"

They nervously glanced at Leo.

It was true that they had copied Chloe's homework.

If Leo were to subtly mention this to Professor Ren, it would be a big problem.

Moreover, since they had been secretly badmouthing Leo behind his back, they felt guilty.

"I want to talk to Chloe for a moment."

"What do you want to talk about?"

"That's right! Talk here! Chloe is our friend!"

They said forcefully.

Seeing their behavior, Chloe let out a cold laugh.

"Friend? What friend."

"What?"

"Instead of using me to create a clique, you should study more. You can't even do one assignment properly. If it were me, I'd be too ashamed to say I'm a Lumern Academy of Magic student."

Leo narrowed his brows and looked at Chloe.

Her tone was completely unlike Chloe's.

"Ha! Fine! You well-behaved top students, have a good chat!"

"I hung out with you because I felt sorry you were alone!"

"Pretending to be the only one working hard! You were annoying from the moment I first saw you."

"Hang out well, you country bumpkins!"

Watching them leave, jeering, Chloe snorted.

"This isn't like you."

"What isn't?"

"You're always kind to the people around you."

"I've decided to change from now on. I won't do any more foolish things like meddling and helping others."

Chloe said coldly and crossed her arms.

"I heard from Celia. You came to see me last night because you had something to talk about? Is it because of my magic?"

"That's right, I had something to ask."

"This is a good opportunity. I also had something I wanted to ask you."

Chloe smiled sweetly.

"If we compare the system of your unique magic incantations to my unique magic, who do you think is superior?"

"My Bible is magic that allows me to use all existing magic. If we're talking about what's amazing, then yours is more amazing."

"You really think so!"

Chloe beamed.

"It seems it was worth all the effort to surpass you. If I can't be the best in magic theory, I'm useless."

"Useless? What are you saying?"

"Yes. With this, the Muller family won't be ignored by the Magic Tower anymore. They won't be looked down upon because of their family…"

"Chloe? Is something wrong?"

Chloe was slightly flustered when she saw Leo's hand on her shoulder.

"It-It's nothing. By the way, what were you curious about regarding my magic?"

Slightly flustered, Chloe removed Leo's hand from her shoulder.

"Your magic… did you really create it?"

"Huh?"

"Was it influenced by something? Or something like that?"

"Why are you asking that? Are you jealous because my magic is better?"

"What?"

"I didn't think you were that kind of person, I'm disappointed. In this practical exam, I surpassed you. Admit it."

'As expected, something is strange.'

It was true that Chloe had a strong competitive spirit and pride in her magic.

However, she was never the type to excessively praise herself or belittle others to the point of causing embarrassment.

Leo, who was flustered, saw the black grimoire Chloe was holding.

'When did it start? Chloe has been carrying only that grimoire?'

Chloe was a top student who read grimoires anytime, anywhere.

When she finished reading a grimoire, she would always carry a new one.

However, she had been carrying that particular grimoire for a very long time.

"Chloe, where did you get that grimoire?"

"I bought it in Lumelia City."

"May I see it?"

"Don't touch my grimoire!"

"Calm down, why are you reacting so sharply?"

"You're the one acting strange!"

Chloe glared at Leo with all her might and gritted her teeth.

"If you're done, I'm leaving!"

Chloe abruptly left.

Thud!

"Oh?"

Then she bumped into Chelsea, who was approaching.

"Be careful."

"You be careful too! Just because you were born into a good family doesn't mean everyone has to pay attention to you!"

"What?"

Seeing Chloe lashing out emotionally, Chelsea was taken aback.

"Did something happen with Chloe Muller? She wasn't like this before?"

In response to Chelsea's question, Leo's expression turned serious.

"It's nothing. By the way, what's up?"

"Professor Hallind wants us to gather."

Hearing this, Leo headed towards where Class 5 was gathering.

As he did, he looked back in the direction Chloe had gone.

'There's something about that grimoire. Could it be a curse?'

As Leo walked with Chelsea towards Class 5, he squinted as he looked towards Class 1.

Upon arriving where Class 5 was gathered, Hallind said,

"Now that everyone is here, I will explain the rules of the exam."

Hallind said with a blank expression.

"As previously announced, the joint exam between the Hero Department and Combat Department will be to conquer the world of heroes. The world to be conquered is the [Chedmaders Incident]."

Tension appeared on the students' faces.

The Chedmaders Incident.

It was a great incident that occurred in Lumern thirty years ago.

It was an incident where first-year students on a mission in the central Chedmaders Forest were attacked by Tartarus.

At the time, Professor Alby, known as the "[Magic Eye Mage]," who was a second-year student, was dispatched as a rescue party and narrowly avoided a total annihilation.

"The objectives are to rescue the injured, defeat the demonic beasts, and assist Professor Alby. The teams will not be formed within the same class but randomly between different classes. This is to assess your ability to adapt, as you won't know who you'll be paired with."

Professor Hallind's face darkened.

"This exam is not just a simple midterm assignment. It also serves to instill a sense of vigilance, so do not forget its meaning."

"Yes."

"And those who are deemed hopeless through this exam will be immediately advised to withdraw. So, be prepared."

Hallind's words cast a somber mood.

Amidst the frozen atmosphere, Hallind spoke,

"Believe in yourselves. You have grown enough."

"……!"

"……!"

Hallind slightly curled the corners of his lips.

At first glance, it looked like a cold smirk.

However, the students of Class 5, who had never seen Hallind smile, were all shocked.

'Is he encouraging us now?'

'Professor Hallind?'

'No, but is he actually encouraging us?'

As they looked at their homeroom teacher with eyes filled with disbelief in many ways, Kal clenched his fist.

"That's right! Everyone! We worked hard! We can't be forced to withdraw like this!"

"Kal Thomas. If anyone else is in danger, it's you. If you bring shame to the class by receiving a recommendation alone, I won't let it slide."

"Ugh!"

Kal clutched his chest and collapsed.

Seeing this, the students of Class 5 burst into laughter.

Meanwhile, Hallind took out a watch from his pocket.

"It's time. Sera, start the team assignments."

"Yes, Professor."

Sera held a box in her arms.

"Everyone, there are marbles in here. Please each draw one."

Tension appeared on the students' faces.

One by one, they reached into the box and drew their team assignments.

Leo checked his marble.

'Team 11.'

"I got Team 1."

Chelsea muttered, looking down at her marble.

"The exam will begin. Team 1, please step forward."

"Chelsea Lewalin in Team 1, this will be interesting."

"Huh? Celia Zerdinger is also in Team 1?"

Team 1 included Celia and Chelsea.

In terms of strength, they were undoubtedly top-tier.

Once the students of Team 1 were ready, the world of heroes opened.

Alby opened the Hero Record.

In the air, a video magic appeared, as during the entrance exam, allowing them to see inside the world of heroes.

As a team with Celia and Chelsea, the strongest students in the first year, Team 1 conquered the world of heroes at an extremely rapid pace.

"They're fighting well now, even though they usually bicker."

"We're from the same empire, so why wouldn't we work well together?"

Leo said with a chuckle.

"Ugh. They'll definitely be in the top rankings. The speed of conquest is also important."

Speed also affected the scores, as the mission was related to rescuing hostages.

Laughter was heard behind Alby, who was sitting in the examiner's seat, checking the Hero Record.

"A 100% mission completion rate from the very first team. As expected of the rising stars of the first year."

The professors in the examiner's seats were startled by the sudden appearance of the principal and stood up.

"Welcome! Principal."

"What brings you here?"

"I wanted to see how much the first-year students have grown."

Kalian sat next to Alby with a smile.

"I apologize, Professor Alby, for bringing up your bad memories every year."

"Not at all. I am grateful as well. I have vowed never to forget this event."

Kalian smiled wryly at the reply.

Meanwhile, the exam continued.

"Kyaaak! Duran! You're so cool!"

"Look at that! He's so fast!"

The first-year female students shrieked at the sight of Duran, who was in Team 3, showcasing his power with lightning aura.

Seeing that, Kal grumbled.

"He's handsome, skilled, and royalty. The world is so unfair."

"But his personality is awful."

"If his personality were good too, he'd be cheating."

Kal nodded at Chelsea's words.

The professors also carefully evaluated the students.

"Nella from Class 5 is certainly special. It would be good to provide support related to healing aura."

Gasps of admiration flowed among the professors as they watched Nella from Team 4 heal the injured using her aura.

Nella's aura specialty shone brightly in a mission like this.

Iliana from Team 8 also received a good evaluation.

As a magic swordsman, she was mediocre in the Knight Department and Magic Department exams, but in this exam, where she could use both abilities simultaneously, she showed her prowess as a top-tier student.

"Team 11, step forward."

When it was their turn, Leo stepped forward.

Leo paused when he confirmed his teammates.

Chloe was also included in Team 11.

When their eyes met, Chloe looked flustered.

"Let's work well together, Chloe."

Leo said with a smile. Chloe hesitated and then said,

"I'm sorry about a little while ago. I think I was unnecessarily sensitive."

Chloe fiddled with the black grimoire.

"It's okay. It can happen."

Leo chuckled.

"If you are ready, I will activate the world of heroes."

Alby said, raising the old book, the Hero Record.

For a moment, Alby's gaze met Leo's and then moved away.

[Hero Record Open.]

The message that appeared before them made the first-year students tense.

[Alby's World. Chapter: Prologue - The Chedmaders Incident]

'Wait. Something is strange.'

Whirr-!

Light erupted, obscuring their vision.

When Leo's vision cleared, he looked around.

What unfolded before him was a dense forest.

Leo, left alone, looked around.

Something was strange.

It was clearly different from the other team members who had gone before.

Originally, ten team members conquer the world of heroes.

However, only two people, Leo and Chloe, had entered the world of heroes.

Looking at each other, the two wore expressions of confusion.

"What happened?"

"I-I don't know either."

***

"What is it?"

"Professor, why aren't you going in?"

The members of Team 11 asked with bewildered faces.

"What's happening?"

"Did only students Chloe and Leo enter the world of heroes?"

"The video transmission within the world of heroes has been cut off."

"Professor Alby, what is going on!"

The professors, realizing something was amiss, urgently asked Alby.

Alby said to Kalian with a grim expression,

"Principal, I believe the exam must be suspended."

"What do you mean?"

Alby showed his Hero Record to Kalian.

The page of the Chedmaders Incident slowly began to turn black.

It was too similar to a phenomenon Kalian knew all too well.

'Could it be… Hero Dungeonization?'

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