"Where... is this place?"
Victoria had no idea where they had brought her.
Having never left the elven kingdom, she knew nothing of the outside world.
All she knew was that under Alpha's guidance, they had arrived at a rural-looking area before entering a forest.
The mist perating the woods was saturated with dense magical energy, enough to disrupt her sensory perception, making her feel she could get lost in the forest at any mont.
However, she wasn't the only one experiencing this sensation—the fellow elves accompanying her felt the sa.
Indeed, she wasn't the only one brought here - there were nearly ten elves in total.
These elves were all Demon Possessors like her.
But unlike her, the others were all wearing traditional elven attire, while only she shared the sa clothing style as Alpha and her companions.
Could this be Lord God's special favor?
In her heart, even though Mahiro was human, he had already transcended to beco her one and only deity.
Compared to those distant, intangible gods who couldn't be seen or touched, Mahiro felt much more real.
At least he had truly appeared during her mont of crisis and saved her...
"Stay focused and keep up. This is the Abyssal Forest—any of you could get lost here at any mont."
Alpha's clear, sharp reprimand snapped Victoria out of her wandering thoughts. She fixed her gaze on Alpha's back and quickened her pace slightly.
Alpha continued explaining:
"This mist is the breath exhaled by the magic dragon..."
"...?"
Victoria montarily froze upon hearing this term.
Dragons did exist in this world.
At the very least, they had existed in the past. It was said that in ancient tis, long before the ergence of Demon Diablos and the Three Heroes, it was the supre dragon race that ruled these lands!
But for so unknown reason, these dragons had gradually disappeared, existing only in legends now.
She never expected to find traces of dragons here!
"Not just traces of dragons."
Beta, who was serving as their guard, adjusted her glasses, seemingly reading Victoria's thoughts.
"Several years ago, Mahiro-sama visited this place and engaged in an earth-shattering battle with that magic dragon."
Her azure eyes gradually took on a reminiscent glow.
"Mahiro-sama said 'Since I've encountered a dragon in another world, it would be a sha not to play the dragon slayer.' So Mahiro-sama took action and completely destroyed it."
"That was a terrifyingly powerful being that no one had been able to deal with for centuries, one that had even brought down ancient kingdoms..."
To this day, Beta still vividly rembered that scene.
Mahiro-sama, wielding his longsword, severed the magic dragon's head with a single strike. The scalding dragon blood soaked the earth, reviving the barren land.
Then he dismantled the dragon's hard scales, leaving only the massive skeleton!
Even legendary heroes couldn't have done better, could they?
"After slaying the magic dragon, Mahiro-sama excavated all of that stinky dragon's bones and buried them throughout the forest, creating this mist."
Epsilon took over the conversation, turning to face the elves behind her with hands on her hips as she declared arrogantly:
"So, you newcors better properly comprehend the greatness of Lord Mahiro, understood?!"
"Yes!"
While others might not be aware, Victoria had truly felt the divine power of the Lord.
To think he could even slay the legendary evil dragon...
Truly worthy of being the Lord!
Beneath the veil of her bangs, only a single eye was visible as a fanatical gleam flashed in Victoria's gaze.
However, shrouded in an impenetrable mist, Victoria had no idea how long they had been walking—ti itself seed to have lost all aning here.
Until the mist before her gradually thinned, and the scenery slowly opened up before them.
She saw a chalk-white city bathed in the clear moonlight!
"This is the ancient royal capital of Alexandria, once destroyed by the Mist Dragon. Now it's called Arcadia, and it also serves as the gathering place for our Shadow Garden."
The ancient royal capital of Alexandria—a city that existed only in books, described in texts as a legendary tropolis of wealth and prosperity.
But from what she could see now...
Even after being destroyed once, even with Arcadia rebuilt upon its ruins...
It appeared even more abundant and flourishing than the records in the books.
Not to ntion the towering, majestic, and magnificent architecture, the surrounding lands were covered with vast farmlands where unfamiliar crops grew vigorously, bearing plentiful fruits.
Countless young won were diligently harvesting in the fields.
Everything was a sight Victoria had never witnessed before.
The prosperity and abundance here could hardly be matched even by the elven kingdom!
"All of this was created single-handedly by Lord Mahiro."
Epsilon puffed out her chest—whose true value remained unknown—with pride evident in her tone.
Hearing this, the fanaticism in Victoria's eyes burned even more intensely.
Yes, this is how it should be! This is what a divine lord ought to accomplish! Only sothing a divine lord could achieve!!!
Soon after, under the guidance of the three, their group of newly arrived elves passed through the gates of the royal city.
They arrived at an open square ahead.
"Is Lambda here?"
"Your subordinate is present!"
After Alpha spoke, a woman in military uniform erged from the darkness, kneeling on one knee.
"These are the new recruits. Train them well."
"Your subordinate obeys."
"Since Lord Mahiro has chosen to believe in your potential, do not underestimate yourself. Do your best."
After leaving these words for Victoria, Alpha departed alongside Beta and Epsilon.
Having spent several days escorting these newcors to the Arcadia headquarters, it was ti for them to return to the rchant guild in the royal capital.
After Alpha and the others left, the woman who had been kneeling slowly rose to her feet.
Her sharp gaze swept over the group of elves before her.
"I am your instructor, Lambda! Perhaps so of you knew before, but from the mont you joined the Shadow Garden and set foot on this land, all your past has vanished like smoke. Understood!"
"U-understood!"
The group of elves trembled in fear at the aura emanating from Lambda.
Only Victoria was carefully observing her.
"A half-breed...?"
Under the moonlight, Victoria finally got a clear look at Lambda's true appearance—a gray-haired, golden-eyed elf with chocolate-colored skin. Even through the black combat attire, she could see Lambda's tall figure with firm yet smooth muscle curves.
Her gaze was quite sharp, with full, sensual lips.
...
However, various signs indicated that Lambda's elven bloodline wasn't entirely pure.
The reason was simple.
No matter how an elf's hair color or appearance might change, two things remained constant: fair skin and deep blue eyes.
Though she ant no disrespect, Victoria was quite surprised. Could a half-breed elf really beco this powerful?
While Victoria was observing Lambda, Lambda was also watching Victoria.
"This ti it's a saintess..."
The hero's direct descendant, princess, noble families, and now even a saintess...
Lambda felt slightly emotional in her heart, but only slightly.
As she had said before, after joining Shadow Garden, her past had nothing to do with her anymore. She didn't care what happened to the Elven Kingdom.
Rather, she wished that damned place would be destroyed!
If not for Mahiro-sama extending a helping hand, she would have likely died as an experintal subject at the hands of that damned Cult of Diablos!
"Alright, you've had a long journey. Rest for tonight and figure out how to use this thing!"
Saying this, Lambda threw a small black sphere toward each of the elves.
It was an elastic black sli.
Victoria knew very well that this was the sa thing she had received from Alpha before.
But unlike her case, they weren't given any injections.
"Um... Lambda-sama, I'd like to ask a question."
Just as Lambda was turning to take them to rest, Victoria suddenly called out to her.
"Oh? What's your number?"
"Number 1559!"
"Hmm, Number 559, go ahead and ask."
"I want to ask if, through hard work in training, I might have the chance to see that great person again?"
"Oh?"
Lambda turned back to look at her in surprise, her eyes showing a hint of amusent.
"That's quite a bold thought, Number 559. Only the Seven Shadows and executives can directly serve that great person. Do you, who just joined as a numbered mber, want to beco an executive already? Quite ambitious!"
Victoria didn't respond.
She simply stared intently at Lambda with her single exposed eye. Even though she was trembling from the intimidating aura, she stubbornly refused to look away.
She desperately wanted an answer.
"Good eyes, very determined."
Lambda nodded, then examined Victoria's black combat attire.
"Since that great person personally granted you power, it ans you have that potential... Work hard, Number 559."
"Yes! I will definitely work hard and do my best!"
Victoria was satisfied with this answer.
No matter what...
No matter what, I must see that lord again!
My beloved, divine lord!
Ti passed day by day, and sumr had quietly arrived.
Accompanied by the incessant cicada songs, scorching sunlight bathed the earth.
Mahiro lay on the balcony recliner like an old man, leisurely basking in the sun.
He took another sip of the cold drink by his side.
One couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
"As expected, this is truly the life worth living..."
School classes had ended, and students had welcod their vacation.
But the school remained bustling.
All because the Bushin Festival was about to be held in the royal capital.
This was a grand celebration held once every two years.
However, the content was quite simple.
Since it was called the Bushin Festival, it was essentially a tournant.
But participants weren't limited to just Magic Swordsman Academy students - powerful contenders from across the nation and even foreign lands gathered together.
Previously, the first princess Iris Midgar had won this tournant's championship, earning her the title of the kingdom's strongest Magic Swordsman and fully promoting the Royal Capital Martial Heart style.
This ti, both Claire and Rose had chosen to register for the competition, these two preparing to settle their rivalry on the tournant stage!
So both were training hard for the Bushin Festival...
Or at least, that's how it should have been.
Just then, the lock suddenly made an unlocking sound, followed by the door handle slowly turning, and the door swung open.
Hard-soled shoes echoed with dull, urgent footsteps on the wooden floor.
Finally, a shadow fell over his head, blocking the comfortable sunlight.
Simultaneously, a strand of hair gently brushed against his cheek.
He slowly opened his eyes to find Claire looking down at him, her scarlet eyes eting his.
"Good morning, teacher."
"Claire, shouldn't you be doing extra training at school right now? What are you doing in my dorm room?"
Mahiro sighed helplessly.
"Because I've already finished training."
"I"
"Hmm... any progress then?"
"Not yet, but you said that sword training requires balancing intensity with relaxation, otherwise excessive force or deliberate pursuit would be counterproductive."
"I did say that, so what?"
"So, I want you to accompany for a walk, to visit the Arcadia Trading Company."
As she spoke, Claire—still in her uniform—had already seated herself on his lap, hands pressed against his chest.
Although the posture was suggestive enough to spark imagination.
But Claire's eyes revealed ill intent, carrying a clear "if you dare refuse, I'll strangle you" aura.
"Alright alright, I'll go with you, I'll go with you, okay? Now get off first."
Seeing his agreent, a smile appeared on Claire's face as she promptly left his body.
In so ways, Claire was quite easy to handle.
The weather wasn't too hot anyway, and accompanying a beautiful girl with long black hair for so shopping was actually quite nice.
Just wondering who this girl learned this from—actually straddling soone like that, and while wearing a skirt too!
Even with tights between, aren't you afraid of playing with fire?!
"That's what the book said. It claims doing this will make n happy and agree to all conditions."
"...What kind of books have you been reading?... Wait! Can you read minds?!"
"No, because teacher, you wear your thoughts on your face."
Claire laughed fearlessly.
Mahiro: "..."
For so reason, he felt an impulse to pin Claire down on the bed and make her cry.
...
Claire led him to the busiest street in the royal capital.
At the most crowded part of the street stood a brand new, luxurious building. Its exterior design oddly blended modern and Baroque aesthetics with a peculiar beauty.
Hanging in the most prominent spot was a sign that read [Arcadia].
To be honest, he hadn't expected the trading company to be so close to his dorm—just two streets away.
It's just that he had never co to this area before.
And even though the sun was blazing hot at this hour, the long queue in front of the trading company and the bustling crowd showed no signs of thinning.
This was enough to demonstrate its popularity.
But more than that, he was more concerned about Claire.
"I say, Claire, is it really necessary to hold my hand like this while walking?"
Claire was tightly holding his hand with their fingers interlocked, as if afraid he would get lost.
"Absolutely necessary. Knowing teacher's habits, if I let go, you'd definitely disappear," Claire said with complete seriousness.
Sigh...
What happened to trust between people?
He shook his head, not knowing where to begin with his complaints.
He just let out a faint remark.
"Claire, if you keep holding my hand like this and soone from the academy sees us, it could cause big trouble."
"That would be perfect. It would be best if the academy expelled you, then I could take care of you."
"...…Ha, I'm pretty sure your parents would kill ." Mahiro couldn't help but chuckle.
"They won't. They've already agreed."
Claire shook her head and said: "I went ho a few days ago and told my parents about my feelings. They fully support my decision."
Mahiro: "..."
This topic felt dangerously risky.
After thinking for a mont, he changed the subject: "What about your brother Cid? Since you went ho, why didn't you spend more ti with him?"
"..."
Whenever Cid was ntioned, Claire's eyes would dim slightly.
"I don't know if that child hates or what, but I always feel like he's distant from . He'd rather go out than spend an extra mont with ."
Mahiro: "..."
He fell completely silent.
He could understand.
It wasn't that Cid hated Claire—more like he was completely indifferent, not caring about Claire at all.
Even the cute act he put on daily was just a facade, devoid of any genuine emotion.
Everything he did was rely to further his grand ambition of becoming the Eminence in Shadow.
Then, Claire pulled him past the queue directly to the rarely used VIP channel.
She took out a card from her pocket and showed it to the attendant.
"Welco to the Arcadia Trading Company. Dear miss and sir, please enjoy yourselves to the fullest."
The attendant offered a professional, sweet smile and led them through the main entrance under a barrage of envious and jealous gazes.
Who would have thought Claire even had a mbership card...
Even more surprising was how Gamma had brought the concept to life after he had only briefly explained the idea of mbership cards.
The mbership cards were deliberately tiered, ranging from the supre Obsidian Card down to the lowest Silver Card.
He recalled how Beta had brought him an Obsidian Card back when the business first opened, though it had remained unused in his ring all this ti.
Claire held a Gold Card, which happened to be the second-lowest tier.
Yet within the rchant guild, this already represented a remarkably prestigious status.
That said, the interior decor wasn't as extravagantly ornate as the exterior, focusing more on perfection in details, sowhat reminiscent of Victorian style.
Just one glance was enough to confirm that the building's exterior and interior design were undoubtedly Eta's work.
As for the rchandise, it was all completely familiar to him—from clothing and luxury goods to food items, essentially all modern products.
However, Claire didn't linger before these items, rely glancing briefly before heading straight toward the deeper sections of the rchant guild like a regular custor.
But the destination she brought him to made Mahiro's eyelids twitch violently.
"I say, Claire, isn't it a bit inappropriate to bring to a place like this?"
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