"Kuku-hahahaha!"
The principal's hearty laughter bood through her office, filling the room with a mix of amusent and intrigue.
She leaned back in her chair, her purple eyes gleaming as she regarded with barely contained amusent.
"I've got to say, I didn't know you were the type to resort to physical violence to test your juniors." She tilted her head, a smirk tugging at her lips. "That last beatdown wasn't really necessary, right?"
I groaned internally.
She had a point. Technically.
But if I were to explain my reasoning, it wasn't entirely unjustified.
Honestly, I just went with the flow.
Sure, I could've held back.
But in the end, this was sothing they needed.
Especially the hard-headed ones.
Stacia. Uriel.
Both full of pride, arrogance, and an overinflated sense of their own strength. Magnus and Reina?
Well... they were just an added bonus.
Was it a bit harsh on my part? Maybe.
But breaking them out of their delusional mindsets-the idea that they were already at the peak of their strength-was necessary.
At the very least, Stacia got the ssage, even at our first fight she wasn't really acting like the haughty Stacia I once knew in the ga so that was a plus...
Uriel, on the other hand...?
She was stubborn, and I could see that in the fight as well... if Stacia wasn't around in that fight she would've done everything alone selfishly, I'm glad that at so point she managed to cooperate with the others though...
In the ga, you had to beat her down thoroughly for her to finally accept reality.
So really, it was a win-win for both and them.
They got their lesson. And I got the satisfaction of delivering it.
"Well, I did manage to give them the proper re-evaluation you needed, right?" I said, leaning back slightly as the principal's soft chuckles continued in the background.
She wiped away the small tears of laughter forming at the corner of her eyes before giving a knowing smile.
"Hm- that's true," she admitted, her tone light but reflective. "But, it did bring back so unwanted mories, so please keep it at a lower level next ti."
I raised an eyebrow. "There's a next ti?"
"Fufu~ You know how busy the academy can be, right?" she mused, resting her chin on her hand. "Aside from internal affairs, there's also the matter of dealing with our external issues. And unfortunately, we can already see another wave of problems coming in the next few sesters."
She sighed dramatically before flashing a smirk.
"We need all the help we can get. Ah, but don't worry~ Just like this ti, we'll make sure to compensate you accordingly, depending on the level of assistance needed."
"Hm..."
The principal's eyes glead.
"Is that not enough?"
"No, not really... but how about this? Instead of monetary compensation, how about you grant a request?"
"A request, hm-?" she tilted her head playfully, tapping her fingers on the desk. "Well, as long as it's within reason and not too absurd, I'm fine with that form of paynt as well~"
A small smirk tugged at my lips.
"It's settled, then."
The principal nodded with a smile, sealing the deal.
Now that the matter was settled, I let out a small sigh and stretched my shoulders before
standing up from my chair. I should probably check on Reina first.
After all, I did make her cry... even if it wasn't intentional.
Thinking back, I might have been too harsh on my little sister.
She's tough, but she's also sensitive, whether it was through puberty or not she's been a bit of a contradicting little monster lately as well....
She writes letters ho regularly as well, which ans if she snitches to Dad or Gramps about what happened today, I wouldn't hear the end of it, but still, I could handle that.
But if Mother hears about it?
Yeah. That'd be a disaster.
I shuddered at the thought. No way I'm dealing with that.
Besides, it had been a while since we spent proper ti together.
A short "apology" outing should be enough to smooth things over.
Maybe take her out for sothing sweet, let her drag around, and endure whatever ridiculous demands she cos up with.
But this wasn't just about Reina.
Exploring the academy while we're out would be a perfect opportunity to scope out key locations.
Those demonic cultists... I knew exactly where they were likely to mark their territory.
If I can confirm their movents now, I can eliminate them before they beco a real
problem.
A casual outing with my sister... and a chance to take care of a future threat in the process.
Two birds, one stone.
Not a bad way to spend the afternoon.
I was certain the Saintess was already doing her part.
Her divine presence alone kept much of the academy's darkness at bay.
But even she couldn't clear out every last speck of evil lurking within these halls.
The upcoming event, [Act 3, Chapter 2 - Demon Flare], was a necessary turning point for both Lucas and the Saintess.
Their divine powers needed to develop, and this event would play a crucial role in that
process.
Interfering too much might alter their growth, so I wouldn't try to stop the demonic ritual
outright.
But...
Killing a few cultists here and there?
That shouldn't be a problem.
Besides, I was curious. Just how effective was my divine power in its current state? Testing it against these cultists would provide valuable insight—especially since I had yet to fully grasp
its limits.
With that thought in mind, I turned my back to the principal, intending to leave the office.
But then-
"Ah-before you go, may I ask how you managed to dodge their attacks, Riley?"
I paused, glancing back at her.
"What do you an?"
The principal chuckled, her voice laced with amusent.
"Fufu~ Jestering after such a performance isn't very nice, you know~" She tapped a finger
against her cheek, watching with eyes that glead with curiosity. "I'm an archmage myself, and I know just how powerful you are, Riley, but... dodging magic at point-blank range? Receiving zero damage? Moving behind your enemies unnoticed and striking so casually—" She leaned forward slightly. "Even the most exceptional knights would struggle to accomplish such a feat."
Her words hung in the air for a mont before she tilted her head playfully.
"I know you can use magic, but those abilities-those blessings-they co from your
familiar, don't they~?"
So, she noticed it was weird, huh...
Well, I couldn't exactly say I had planned for the battle to go any differently.
As much as I wanted to keep a few trump cards hidden, I hadn't expected them to push
into a corner like that.
Their final trap was particularly unexpected...
Though the fight was ant for a proper re-evaluation, I had also used it as an excuse to test
so of my skills.
In total, I had only relied on three key techniques:
First-[Divine Will].
I needed to adjust its properties to ensure it didn't subjugate my opponents at full force.
If I used it recklessly, I might accidentally force them into submission, and I wasn't looking to create another 'Empress Incident' like the one back at the imperial palace. Controlling the intensity of Divine Will was sothing I had yet to perfect, but the fight had
at least given so practice in fine-tuning its effects.
Second was the-[Hidden Blade Technique].
My hands and aura were gradually adjusting to its power, but controlling my speed was
proving difficult-especially while trying to hold back.
The technique was designed for precision and lethality, so restraining myself mid-fight
without completely disrupting its flow was harder than expected.
If I hadn't been careful, I might've ended things far too quickly.
And lastly-my divinity.
I had only used it briefly against Uriel, but even in that short span, I could already tell-the
properties the goddess had blessed with were unique.
Unlike other forms of divine power, mine didn't just purify or smite-it nurtured and
enhanced those around it.
I was sure Uriel hadn't noticed my true intentions during our fight, but... when I struck her, I
had coated my fists with a thin layer of my divinity.
She should be fine-if anything, the divine energy would bolster her recovery rather than
leave any lasting damage.
Still, the principal continued to watch with a patient yet knowing gaze, clearly waiting for my response. How was I supposed to answer her question properly?
I obviously couldn't tell her the truth-that those last few seconds of the fight had forced to rely on [Ti Stop] and [Return] to reposition and not take any damage at that mont.
But both of those skills carried traces of celestial magic, and soone of her caliber had likely
sensed the essence behind them.
If she was asking about it now, it ant she had already noticed sothing off and was simply waiting for to confirm it.
The rarity of celestial magic wasn't lost on either.
Few possessed an affinity for it, and considering that a mage of her standing was curious about it, there was a high chance she was reevaluating my placent in the academy.
In her eyes I wasn't just a swordsman or a mage-I was a spellblade with an affinity for celestial magic, sothing even rarer.
Much like Senior Celine and even Stacia, I was an outlier in this academy.
Which ant... if I wasn't careful with my answer, I might find myself dragged into
sothing unnecessary.
Still, rather than give her a direct answer, I simply tilted my head and said:
"Does it really matter, Principal?"
She chuckled lightly at my response, clearly amused by my attempt to dodge the question.
"Not necessarily- but for the sake of properly guiding our students, we need to place them where their potential can flourish." Her eyes glead with sothing unreadable as she continued. "And I can see it in you, Riley. Dean Gale has been eager to recruit a few students into his special class... perhaps even take on a few disciples to inherit his swordsmanship." So, she was basically telling that I'd receive special treatnt, much like the other unique
students in the academy.
It wasn't necessarily a bad offer. In fact, considering my goals, getting close to Dean Gale and obtaining so of his S-rank sword techniques had already crossed my mind.
But realistically speaking, the Hidden Blade Technique was more than enough for my current
build.
Taking on more than I needed would only slow down.
"That won't be necessary, Principal," I said casually, eting her gaze. "I'd rather not draw unnecessary attention right now, you see."
She tilted her head slightly, as if trying to gauge my reasoning, probably finding my answer
unsatisfying.
"Hm- if you say so... Though I can't help but remain curious about the spell you used, I'm
sure you have your reasons for keeping it to yourself. I won't press you too much... but just a
word of advice—please do keep what I said in mind~"
Her tone was lighthearted, but there was a knowing glint in her eyes, as if she expected to
reconsider eventually.
"I understand, Principal," I replied, offering a small nod.
With that, I gave her a slight bow before turning toward the door. Just as I stepped out, I
caught one final glimpse of her, still smiling as she gave a casual wave.
....
"It's been a while..."
My breath hitched for a brief mont as I took in the familiar sight of Killian Hall.
It hadn't been that long since I was last here-a few weeks at most. But even so, seeing it again felt strangely surreal.
The place I had gotten used to calling my second ho stood before , just as grand and
imposing as ever. Its towering architecture lood over the academy grounds, a structure that symbolized prestige and excellence.
Despite everything that had happened, it still looked exactly the sa. Students were coming from all directions-mostly first-years from each departnt, likely
finishing up their own set of practical exams.
Since seniors were expected to take their tests outside academy grounds, it made sense that I
wasn't seeing many familiar faces, not even my classmates.
From the Mage Departnt to the General Studies Departnt, every student moving through the halls carried the sa exhausted expression.
Though only the top ten students from each year were allowed entry into Killian Hall, I hadn't
expected such a large crowd gathered here at once.
The sheer number of students inside made the usually prestigious and quiet hall feel almost
suffocating.
And yet...
Why do so of the first-years keep looking at like I'm so piece of trash?
Their stares weren't exactly subtle. Whispers, side-glances, and the occasional scoff.
It wasn't uncommon for nobles to spread nonsense, so this was probably just another
ridiculous rumor about .
I sighed, already feeling the headache forming, and was just about to step inside and find
Reina in her dorm when-
"Riley?"
A familiar voice called out to .
I lifted my gaze toward the entrance, just above the stairs.
There she was.
One of the academy's very own "goddesses."
Unlike most students, her uniform had a unique, customized design that incorporated her
eastern heritage from the Eastern Empire.
The fabric was embroidered with delicate yet intricate details, crafted specifically to allow greater ease of movent-perfectly suited for soone of her status and skill. Her long black hair swayed slightly in the breeze, the movent so fluid that it felt almost
ethereal. But what caught my attention the most were her crimson eyes-wide with surprise.
It was the first ti I had seen her look so expressive.
Seo was usually calm, reserved, and nearly unreadable, but right now...
I was about to approach her, but then-
POOF!!!
"Ghk-!"
Before I could even react, she crashed into at a speed I almost couldn't follow.
"S-Seo...?"
Her arms wrapped around tightly too tightly.
She buried her face into my shoulder, holding on as though I might disappear if she let go.
I instinctively tried to push her away slightly, only to pause when I noticed sothing.
Tears.
They pooled at the edges of her eyes, glistening under the soft academy lights.
"I really missed you, Riley... Hic."
Her voice was muffled against my shoulder, but the raw emotion in it was unmistakable.
I stood there for a mont, caught off guard.
Seo... was crying?
Not knowing how to properly react, I sighed internally before wrapping my arms around her
in return, gently pulling her closer.
Her body trembled slightly at my touch, and as if that single motion broke whatever fragile
restraint she had left, her tears spilled even more.
I could feel her fingers tightening around the fabric of my uniform, holding onto like she
was afraid I'd disappear if she loosened her grip even a little.
With a quiet breath, I lifted a hand and gently rested it against the back of her head, my
fingers weaving into her soft, jet-black hair.
I guess I've been gone for too long, huh?
Seo had always been reserved-quiet, distant, and unreadable to most. But despite her calm
exterior, I should have known how much this must have weighed on her.
I was her only friend.
Or at least, the only one she truly let herself rely on.
How lonely must she have felt this whole ti?
"I'm back now... don't worry."
My voice ca out softer than I expected, the words carrying a quiet reassurance.
She nodded, but instead of letting go, she dropped her head even lower, pressing her forehead
against my chest.
I could feel the warmth of her breath through my uniform, each shallow inhale mixed with
quiet, muffled sniffles.
...She really had been holding it in all this ti, huh?
Around us, several students had stopped to stare.
So whispered.
So shot sharp glances-whether out of curiosity, jealousy, or irritation, I wasn't sure.
Normally, I might have considered the consequences of being seen like this, out in the open,
with Seo clinging to so openly. But right now?
I couldn't care less.
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