Chapter 147
The surroundings are noisy.
⎯It’s an ambush! Everyone move quickly!
⎯Don’t lose to the second years!
The proactive first-year students move busily as prepared.
The old tree, blazing brightly, was extinguished as if signaling the end of the day and a new beginning.
All the lights in the Academia also went out.
With the lanterns in the alleys extinguished, darkness filled the area.
An event conducted in darkness, intentionally causing a blackout to create a realistic atmosphere.
It’s practically a showdown for pride between the first and second years, which heightens everyone’s excitement.
Currently, the central square swallowed by darkness is illuminated by a few glowing orbs.
Those among the first-years who know how to use the magic activated it to ensure visibility and check on everyone’s safety.
Turning the lights on does inform the opponents about the situation to some extent, but it was unavoidable since no injury to outsiders should occur amidst the crowd.
“…It has started.”
After a brief silence between Alicia and Vargan.
Vargan spoke as he heard what sounded like a cheering scream.
The outsiders participating here treat it as a kind of entertainment.
As soon as the blackout happened, scattered voices cried out in fear, but their sincerity was lacking.
It felt like enjoying a haunted house at an amusement park—a unique experience for play.
It’s only natural.
After all, the ones rushing in are not true enemies; they are students of Academia, making this more entertainment than anything else.
…At least for now.
“Alicia, catch this.”
Vargan pulled out White from his pocket, stretching it out, then took out Naias from it and handed it over.
He knew her emotions were heightened, but he couldn’t ignore what needed to be done.
Alicia shared the same sentiment and wiped the tears in her eyes. Fortunately, her swollen eyelids were less noticeable in the darkness.
Vargan gently closed his eyes and checked a few of the many eyes he had planted throughout Academia.
Since he had previously spread a hundred Familiars around Academia, he could see the spots he deemed essential.
Having checked the points himself during the festival period made it easier for him to work quickly.
After assessing the current situation, he gave Alicia her instructions.
“You should head to the auditorium. Diphelia should be there, so protect everyone inside with her.”
The second years’ goal is to take more than half of the outsiders hostage before sunrise.
Currently, besides the central square, several spots in the floating city of Academia are gathering outsiders.
This was intentionally prepared by the Academia.
The first-year heroes are aware of that location.
The second-year villains, however, do not know its location.
The central square, where the Sacred Tree Festival was held, is known to be crowded, and the second-years are naturally aware of this, but the rules state that they cannot be informed of other locations.
It’s a sort of penalty based on the difference in year.
“I understand, Young Master.”
Alicia responded, intentionally widening her eyes to hold onto her weakened spirit.
Her voice still had a hint of moisture, but she pretended it didn’t.
Vargan counsels Alicia.
“Remember. Your goal is to make Diphelia stand out from the other candidates. You’re to help convey that the Saint is suitable for the Student Council President.”
“I am aware. I will make sure of it.”
To utilize the festival, which is an extension of the election,
Vargan had already sent Diphelia to the auditorium, the second most crowded place after the central square.
While it wouldn’t have been bad to place her in the central square, considering her magical tendencies, a more enclosed space was advantageous.
Moreover, the central square had to be left as a stage for someone other than Diphelia.
A considerable number of first-years, along with some from Arbol Frutal, Emily, and Liam, had been assigned to guard this place and prevent it from being seized.
They had to maintain their position until the central square was officially in use to allow for a smooth scenario development.
With all instructions received, Alicia was about to rush out.
Vargan also turned to move without adding any more words.
Without asking about Alicia’s crying and the meaning of her unspoken apology,
They had to follow the prepared procedures.
*
The strongest among the second-years,
Ocel Julio Clemens.
In an alley of the Academia, many individuals gathered around her and dashed out.
Everyone was wearing a white mask, a mark to clearly signify their role as villains.
Even while moving quickly, Clemens said with a steady breath.
The target of her words was a spear-wielding classmate casually running with long strides. Though their movements appeared relaxed, their speed was comparable to others.
“Pertigle. I’m looking forward to your performance this time.”
“Why do you always have to bother me? Telling me not to sleep at this late hour is torture…”
Clemens noted that no matter how he spoke, they had decided to work together as part of the second-year force.
After a big yawn, Pertigle explained why.
“If the festival goes on longer, it’ll be too noisy and disturb my sleep.”
“That’s a good answer.”
Clemens smiled at his response.
Though hidden behind the mask, it was clear she was satisfied with Pertigle’s answer.
The festival has a set end time.
Their active hours last until the sun rises in the morning, marking the end of the festival.
However, Pertigle responded as if they could quickly finish the festival.
In other words, he meant to incapacitate all the first-years or take all outsiders hostage before the time came.
Knowing this, Clemens said,
“I believe you will show as much as you are confident.”
“Confidence? I just meant I’d give it a try. I do dislike unnecessary bother, but I dislike prolonged trouble even more.”
“The source of desire doesn’t matter. I just want to see your true ability.”
“How would you know if you won’t be with me? Oh, I see, you’re planning to attach this guy to me…”
“Ah, so that’s why they’re sticking together…”
Pertigle glanced at the girl running beside him.
She wasn’t just some servant of Clemens but a student named ‘Greta’ who was taking care of her with utmost devotion, almost like a servant-master relationship.
Quiet and grumpy by nature, she moved like Clemens’ hands and feet.
Her role this time was to follow Pertigle around, making sure he didn’t get up to any mischief and analyzing his skills.
Greta stared at Pertigle with sharp eyes as if ready to stab him at any moment through her mask.
“I thought you believed in me, but that’s just a load of nonsense… Then again, it’s not like you easily trust anyone…”
Pertigle drawled, and Clemens chuckled lightly, reducing her speed.
This time, she approached a blonde woman who had been chasing from a corner.
Though masked, it wasn’t hard to tell that she was Francesca.
Clemens spoke to her.
“As I mentioned before, Francesca, when the time comes, you should start extensive spirit summoning.”
Francesca, capable of commanding over a hundred Skeleton Soldiers, was the key player in this endeavor.
Since outsiders aren’t allowed to use force, the skeleton soldiers, even if they were weaker than regular students, had no choice but to follow commands.
“The total mana is crucial, so save as much as you can until then. For storage…”
Just as Clemens was about to mention a previously selected spot,
Francesca, who he thought would only nod slowly without replying, spoke up.
“That place… I want to choose it myself.”
“Really?”
Clemens caught a glimpse of her red eyes briefly visible beneath the mask, locking eyes with Francesca’s gaze that glimmered like the full moon.
For just a moment.
Both averted their eyes from each other.
“If you just follow what we discussed before, it wouldn’t hurt to prepare in a place of your choosing.”
Since the study of magic is affected by the caster’s mood and condition, Clemens agreed.
Especially since the capricious nature of dark magic demanded it even more.
“Francesca, your assigned mission is the most critical.”
Amidst a strange tension of unknown origins, Clemens managed a slight smile.
One of the expressions she often displayed when facing others, signaling that she meant no harm.
She continued to speak.
“I trust you.”
“……”
Just before a previously straight alleyway split into two.
At the branching crossroads, the group rearranged as designated.
Clemens raised her hand high into the air.
Out came wyverns different from the ones chosen during the first selection.
“…It’s my first time showing them all.”
No, wyverns.
Not just one but dozens of them appeared.
Among them emerged upper-tier familiars, wyverns, each poking their heads out.
The wyverns that hadn’t gotten to show off during the first selection were now eagerly excited, thinking they could finally have some fun.
Francesca regarded them with solemn eyes for a moment,
Then ran toward the path she had chosen alone.
*
“It feels like it’s been ages since I’ve had a conversation like this with Professor Lucien. Hohoho.”
In this spot overlooking the wide scenery of Academia.
The chancellor’s office was capable of accommodating hundreds.
This excessively spacious area was located at the top of the tower built in Academia, the upper part of which bloomed like a flower, overly large.
Without even utilizing that space,
Chancellor Gulemashia and Lucien were engaged in conversation.
Lucien held a coffee cup to his mouth and tilted it slightly.
He tilted slightly toward it.
As the hot drink passed over his tongue and down his throat, he slowly opened his eyes and replied.
“…It must be more than five years ago.”
“Professor Lucien is always working hard for the Academia. The fact that students receive quality education is thanks to him managing and developing the golems in his spare time.”
As Chancellor Gulemashia mentioned, the golems at the Academia were used for students’ education.
Moreover, they also handled various menial tasks, making golems essential to the Academia.
However, Lucien denied the Chancellor’s praise.
“I’m just the lead researcher on golem studies. …Honestly, without my team, I wouldn’t have achieved much.”
“Hohoho. Professor Lucien, you never change!”
This year marked the twentieth year since Lucien began working at the Academia.
Right after graduating, he became a researcher, spending more than half his life at the Academia.
Even during Lucien’s student days, Gulemashia was the Chancellor of the Academia.
Their bond started back then.
Lucien savored Gulemashia’s words with his coffee, letting the flavor linger in his mouth.
Nothing had changed, and time seemed to remain constant…
“…Maybe that’s true. I’ve been sporting these dark circles just like back then.”
“To hear Professor Lucien say that, today must be a special day for you.”
“…….”
Lucien fell silent, thinking deeply.
Indeed, Gulemashia was right.
A special day.
Today was different from the usual, a special day.
“I think it might be that I’m feeling good because a project I’ve prepared for quite a while is finally wrapping up today…”
“That sounds like something worth celebrating! I can’t wait to see what astonishing magic paper and presentation you’ll show us, Professor Lucien.”
Gulemashia delightedly stroked his beard, almost as if it were his own matter.
Having directly taught him in the past, Gulemashia viewed Lucien not just as a capable professor but as a former student as well.
Lucien took another sip of his coffee.
Recently, he had developed a habit of drinking coffee; the drink’s aroma had to linger thickly for him to engage in proper conversation.
Finally, he spoke up.
“The reason I’ve come this far is all thanks to your teachings, Chancellor.”
That wasn’t a lie.
“Because of you, I decided to stay at the Academia…”
That wasn’t a lie either.
“…I’d like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude. I’ve never said it before, being the ungrateful student I am.”
“…….”
Chancellor Gulemashia looked at him through the wrinkles of his face.
The Lucien he had seen over twenty years ago hadn’t changed. Sure, he had wrinkles and a slightly hunched back, but to the aging Gulemashia, he still looked much like his youthful self.
“Hohoho….”
Gulemashia smiled warmly.
Just like the first time he saw his student.
Dedicating himself to academia, engaging with others.
Living in this world.
……
Turning his head, Gulemashia gazed at the full moon in the night sky.
The moonlight illuminated the Chancellor’s significantly gaunt face compared to the past.
His thin lips moved.
“Professor Lucien… today is indeed a very special day.”
In response, Lucien calmly replied.
“Yes… today is truly a special day.”
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