### Chapter: 225
Kraush Balheim
When Cromosh first heard about him, he thought,
“What kind of person is this brother that made Charlotte so fond of him?”
According to the whispers, he was someone writing a new legend.
Every single achievement he’d made so far would earn lifelong praise from someone.
A person walking the hero’s path.
People often said that Kraush was a star that would shine upon the world.
However, the Lion’s Order couldn’t help but think,
“Still, he doesn’t compare to Charlotte, does he?”
Additionally, Cromosh and the Three Crazy Cats, having trained under Charlotte, inevitably had those thoughts.
But now, the moment he saw that star before him, Cromosh realized it.
“No, far from being lacking.”
The star that was Kraush shone brightly enough to be on par with Charlotte.
Of course, it didn’t shine as overwhelmingly as Charlotte’s star.
Charlotte’s star emitted a blinding light.
Charlotte’s star was crafted solely from talent.
In the face of such overwhelming talent, everything else felt meaningless.
Her star had always echoed this truth.
But Kraush’s star emanated a different kind of light.
The starlight pouring from Kraush was mesmerizing.
Because his star wasn’t born of talent like Charlotte’s.
Cromosh didn’t feel an overwhelming gap in talent like he did with Charlotte.
The output radiating from Kraush was momentarily surpassing Charlotte’s, yet talent wasn’t what stood out about him.
He felt a sort of rough iron from him.
But it was a steel iron that seemed would never break no matter how hard it was struck.
“What has he done?”
Cromosh pondered as he gazed at Kraush.
Clearly, Kraush was born into the Balheim lineage, known for its peak talent.
Like Charlotte, everyone from Balheim showcased the heights of ability.
Yet from Kraush, who was born into such a lineage, he kept sensing something other than sheer talent.
This left him with an unexplainable feeling.
And for some strange reason, he couldn’t take his eyes off Kraush.
As if he were saying,
“I’ll show you the summit reached after a fierce climb. So, you all better follow.”
At that moment—
“Kwaah!”
Chelberi went rolling on the ground.
She, always showing her excellent archery skills with her quick legs, got slammed down by Kraush.
With some burns on her body, she trembled and then collapsed.
Her body could no longer withstand the shock and chose to faint.
As Kraush removed the arm pinning her down, he slowly lifted his head.
A red light glimmered ominously in his eyes.
Cromosh’s gaze darted around.
Kraush was just too strong.
He was definitely overwhelming among the first-year students as well.
“Should I retreat?”
While he thought this, desperately trying to come up with a plan, he caught sight of the Class 1 members behind him.
They were all tightly gripping their weapons, eagerly waiting for Cromosh’s command.
He had often heard jokes about being the honorary vice-captain.
While it was mostly just teasing from his peers, it meant that the proud students of Rahern Academy acknowledged him somewhat as their vice-captain.
Thus, at this moment, all the first-year students present were awaiting his order.
Cromosh’s arms tightened with determination.
He was a member of Charlotte’s Lion’s Order.
If it were Charlotte, she absolutely wouldn’t think of running away here.
Because she was the one who believed that fighting stronger opponents offered the best learning experience.
With her absence now, he had to carry on that intent in her stead.
“All Class 1 members!”
Cromosh’s voice boomed and echoed through the forest.
With his aura-infused shout, the expressions of the Class 1 members changed.
“Let’s show our bravery as the Lion’s Order!”
Cromosh’s arms became covered in rock.
At the same time, an explosive aura gushed from him.
And Cromosh’s eyes sparkled.
“Fight to the death against the enemy.”
No longer considering this a mere training session.
He thought only of defeating Kraush Balheim.
With that singular focus, their morale soared together.
Watching this, Kraush smiled briefly.
Because this was exactly the situation he hoped for.
“You seniors are in for a surprise.”
Come on, let me show you what the eternal spirit we’re targeting looks like.
＊ ＊ ＊
While Class 1 and Kraush were in the midst of battle,
a group was busily running through the forest.
They were none other than the second-year members of the Lion’s Order.
“Are you okay, Haring?”
“Ugh, ugh…”
Karanidis asked as she carried Haring on her back, who was moaning in pain.
Haring, attacked mercilessly by Charlotte, felt like her consciousness might fade at any moment.
But Haring bit down hard and persevered.
If she fell now, all the training until now would be meaningless.
“If it were Kraush, I wouldn’t have fallen.”
So, she gathered her strength and asked Karanidis,
“Where’s… Charlotte?”
“I still don’t see her.”
Karanidis assessed Haring’s mental fortitude and replied.
As she said, after fleeing using Aslan’s short-distance teleportation, Charlotte hadn’t shown herself.
The real issue was that it was even more terrifying.
Even though it was daytime inside the mountain, shadows still loomed.
It felt like Charlotte could pop up from those shadows at any moment.
“What was that earlier?”
During their run, Aslan recalled the fight with Charlotte earlier.
Despite being in front of Haring, Charlotte effortlessly shattered Aslan’s magic and sent the second-years flying.
It was a technique even Aslan, a magic user, couldn’t comprehend.
“…It’s a counter technique called Rebound.”
Just then, Karanidis, the only one among them who knew Charlotte’s technique, explained.
“I can’t judge the distance, but if you’re within the area Charlotte expands, she can strike you from any position. The air currents of swords created by her whirl within that area.”
“…Isn’t that a bit overpowered?”
“Really? You’re surprised?”
She was already an existence that was overpowering simply by being herself; saying much more would just be unnecessary.
Aslan placed his chin in thought.
Although Kraush was a different class altogether compared to the second-years,
Seeing Charlotte made him realize what a monster forged solely from talent looked like.
She had reached such a level only through raw swordsmanship without a single skill.
“Are we really gonna make it?”
Karanidis, who knew Charlotte’s only specialty, looked at Aslan with a grave expression.
Aslan asked about their odds, and Karanidis’s complexion soured.
“…If we had a chance, we wouldn’t be running.”
Her words rang true.
“Isn’t it strange?”
It was then that a fake Aria broke his silence, who had been silently running alongside the group.
As everyone turned to him, the fake Aria stared expressionlessly towards the forest.
“If Charlotte were chasing us, she would’ve caught up by now. The fact that she hasn’t, means something’s off.”
Upon hearing those words, everyone started to ponder their implications.
“…Aren’t we not the ones being chased by Sister Charlotte?”
The second-year Aslan pointed out the blind spot.
As he said, it was the second-years’ original role to prevent Charlotte from coming down the mountain.
Which meant—
“Wait a minute.”
Karanidis’ eyes shook.
Charlotte might not be pursuing them; she may have gone down the mountain on her own.
After all, there wouldn’t be a reason for her to chase them.
“Ah, no way.”
Just when everyone thought they’d been had, Haring finally spoke up.
Having rapidly healed her body by distributing poison, she looked toward the others and said,
“She’s Kraush’s sister. She wouldn’t act that way.”
“Kraush and Charlotte are very different, you know?”
“Yet they’re both from Balheim.”
All the Balheim bloodlines possessed great talent.
And a common trait among them was their incredibly aggressive nature.
“You’re quite perceptive.”
That was the right answer.
By the time that voice was heard, Charlotte had unexpectedly appeared in the forest.
The moment everyone laid eyes on her, they froze in place.
She had appeared the moment they sensed nothing of her presence.
And when Charlotte’s lips curled into a smile,
The sword’s currents surged violently, tearing everything around her, trees and space alike.
It was the effect of Charlotte’s technique, Rebound.
Swoosh!
The previously forested area was instantly transformed into a barren field.
Surrounded by Charlotte, the space bore the marks of the blade.
Charlotte slowly lifted her head.
Before her stood a man with a strong feminine face and blond hair.
He was gripping a sword in one hand, staring at Charlotte.
Even though a few strands of hair were blown in the wind, he appeared relatively unscathed.
He had endured Charlotte’s sword currents head-on.
“Hmm.”
Charlotte made her signature snort, surprised there was anyone among the second-years who could withstand her sword currents directly.
Her gaze shifted towards Karanidis.
Having followed Charlotte closely, she had sensed Charlotte’s offensive.
Thanks to the water barrier she’d quickly deployed, she had been fortunate to avoid serious injury.
But a deep cut remained on her leg.
From the flow of blood, it was a considerable injury.
However, behind Karanidis, several second-years had clustered together.
Thanks to Karanidis, they all made it through unscathed.
“If she had protected herself from the beginning, she could’ve avoided such a serious injury.”
Charlotte felt somewhat regretful but didn’t scold her.
After all, it was something her brother used to do often.
“It must be the influence of Kraush.”
Her brother seemed to have a strange penchant for protecting others.
Since it was something he enjoyed,
How could she, as an older sister, dislike it?
“And.”
Charlotte noticed that Haring and Aslan were nowhere to be found.
Interestingly, it appeared Haring disappeared alongside Invisibility amidst the chaos of sword currents.
“Aria! Please join me!”
At that moment, Karanidis shouted.
In her hand, a shield made of water had manifested.
Simultaneously, she wrapped the water around her leg wound for first aid.
“…….”
The fake Aria shot a glance at Karanidis for a brief moment.
He wasn’t planning to step in, but Karanidis looked at him hopeful with shimmering eyes.
The moment their gazes met, the fake Aria let out a brief sigh and turned towards Charlotte.
Though he hadn’t planned to confront her,
Maybe just this once, he could give it a shot.
The fake Aria swung his sword to the side.
Instantly, a glow enveloped the blade and lit it up.
Charlotte watched it with intrigue.
After all, it was a swordsmanship she had never seen in her life.
“Kraush was really concerned about this kid.”
Maybe she ought to see how strong he really was.
With a smile, Charlotte raised her sword once more.
“It’s Rebound!”
The moment Karanidis shouted upon seeing this,
She instantly realized that the sword currents were churning around Charlotte.
The moment she registered this, a second-year glanced back and shouted.
“Ka, Karanidis!”
Simultaneously, a sound began to echo from behind them.
When Karanidis turned, she saw the sword currents rushing toward them.
“Ah.”
She realized they were targeting from behind.
Unexpectedly, panic crossed Karanidis’ face as the sword currents descended upon them.
Swoosh!
Swept away by the sword currents, Karanidis and the second-years were thrown forward.
“Screak!”
“Kwagh!”
“Uwaah!”
The fake Aria fared no better.
He tried to block the sword currents as best as he could, yet the force was too strong, and he couldn’t escape being pushed back.
It created the worst scenario.
The place they were thrown to was none other than where Charlotte stood.
As usual, Charlotte grinned as she drew her sword by her waist.
As the aura swirled around her sword and swallowing the light around,
Swoosh!
With a swift cut from her sword, all the second-years flew through the air.
Boom! Thud, crash, roll—
The children scattered like ragdolls, slamming against the ground.
Most of the second-years were out of the fight in one stroke.
Charlotte turned her gaze to the fake Aria.
Unlike the others, who had fallen, he stood firm on both legs.
Though his sword trembled with the gathered light from the impact, he had held his ground.
‘That guy’s different.’
Charlotte felt a strange sensation from the fake Aria as curiosity sparked in her gaze.
“It’s… Rebound.”
The only one firm enough to stand, Karanidis, gasped as she forcibly lifted herself.
She truly had incredible mental fortitude.
“Is it Karanidis I hear?”
Charlotte called out her name while she lowered her sword to the side.
Despite having fought so intensely, she showed no signs of fatigue.
“You seemed to have been particularly interested in my brother.”
Karanidis flinched at Charlotte’s words.
“If you meet my standards, I might mention you to my brother.”
“…Now I’m the strongest!”
In an instant, Karanidis’s energy shifted, skyrocketing to a whole new level of enthusiasm.
“…You are such a little rascal.”
Seeing both Charlotte and Karanidis, the fake Aria clicked his tongue quietly.
Charlotte had intentionally lifted Karanidis’s spirit, making battle even more enjoyable.
Just like when she wore her robe near the Sanctuary of Stars.
“And you too.”
Charlotte turned her gaze to the fake Aria.
“You want something from me, don’t you? Beat me, and I’ll grant your wish.”
The fake Aria’s eyes subtly widened.
Charlotte had sensed what he was up to.
The fake Aria let out a faint chuckle as the light emanating from his sword grew even brighter.
“If that’s the case.”
It might be worth pulling out all the stops.
In a heartbeat, Charlotte twirled her sword with a twinkle in her eyes.
“Come at me.”
Time to show her brother’s friends what kind of scary sister she really is.
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