“So, in the game, that guy was…….”
“No, we need to think realistically. Sure, it was like that in the game, but….”
After revealing she came from the real world, Sera grew unusually close to Izuna. In a way, it was only natural.
Sera, who learned about this world through the game, and Izuna, who had lived in reality and absorbed all sorts of information—these two created a synergy beyond imagination.
“Well, there’s no reason to despair or give up just because this world originated as a game.”
Even if this world was originally a game—or perhaps even if it were a game someone was currently playing—the people inside couldn’t confirm that fact.
Everyone born and raised in this world would believe the life they see and experience is the true reality. Anyone claiming otherwise would be labeled insane.
“Hero, Hero.”
“Hm? Oh, Saintess.”
“You don’t need to use honorifics. Though you’re a year younger than me… that’s not really the case, right?”
The Saintess tilted her head and asked. Her actual age was over double what she appeared to be, but…
“It doesn’t matter. Here, I’m fifteen.”
“Hmm… Are you embarrassed about your age?”
“It’s not that… Well, let’s just say that’s the case.”
“Heehee~ Then, Hero, how about calling me ‘Noona’?”
Kail’s eyes widened as if wondering what nonsense the Saintess was spouting. But she simply smiled sweetly, gazing at him without another word.
Though he had claimed to be fifteen, calling someone sixteen “Noona” still felt awkward. Even if the Saintess did have that big-sister vibe going on.
As Kail tightly shut his mouth, the Saintess chuckled lightly, signaling it was all a joke.
“I’m sorry, I just feel like teasing you whenever I see you…”
“…Please don’t joke around like that.”
“Yes, sorry~”
With the Saintess smiling brightly behind him, Kail sighed deeply. Honestly, she could be surprisingly flighty at times.
Maybe it was because she had to act the part of a Saintess in front of others, so showing her playful side to him meant she trusted him. Still…
‘That startled me.’
How could he call a barely sixteen-year-old Saintess “Noona”?
He’d rather call Sera “Noona.”
…No, scratch that. That’s worse.
* * *
Despite the unprecedented event of the Saintess transferring into the Academy, the excitement among the students didn’t last long.
Sure, it was a big deal for someone of her stature to transfer into the Academy, but right now, it didn’t mean much to the students… Besides, the Academy wasn’t some easy place where they could slack off thinking about a transfer student during class.
“Mana Eater. This monster resembles a large eyeball floating around… It’s the natural enemy of all Sorcerers.”
“Black Mages are a kind of Cleric serving demons. Priests would throw a fit hearing this, but magically speaking—”
“The great undertaking started by the 2nd Emperor, ShineLight Diaros, was only completed by the 3rd generation… This part will be on the test.”
Even classes in the Knight Department, which required little brainwork, were like this. They studied the traits and weaknesses of monsters found in nature, potential adversaries of the Empire, and historical events.
And these weren’t even core subjects for Knights—they were just general education. For mandatory courses, physical prowess was basic, and one had to squeeze every ounce of strategy to achieve maximum results with minimal damage.
They trained their bodies, mastered Swordsmanship, practiced hand-to-hand combat, horseback riding, spear fighting on horseback, archery, and countless other martial arts, both mentally and physically.
Simply swinging a sword well or being slightly smart wouldn’t earn good grades.
Of course, if you could swing a sword like a god, that’s a different story.
“Kail Meyer, first place.”
“Again…”
“Isn’t he not an Expert? Even those at the Expert Level couldn’t hold out for long against him.”
“So, could it be…?”
Ignoring the murmurs of fellow Knight Department students, Kail nodded naturally, as if it was obvious.
It would be embarrassing for an Aura Master to lose academically to mere cadets. It would be like a math professor failing to top a middle school math exam.
But when you casually take first place every time, new problems arise.
‘I think some kids are starting to catch on.’
He hadn’t boldly drawn his Aura Blade in front of everyone after the principal’s announcement, but he also hadn’t hidden his abilities.
What was another name for an Aura Master?
The Sword Star.
Even if he concealed his Aura Blade, his extraordinary Swordsmanship skills didn’t disappear. Watching his blade work, the cadets began to suspect Kail’s true identity.
‘Well, there’s nothing I can do about it.’
Now, there was nothing to be done. What if they found out he was an Aura Master? So what if they knew? What could the Academy even do?
‘They can’t do anything anyway…!’
Over the past few months, dealing with Academy affairs and various territories, he realized something. The principal had warned him that if his status as a Master was revealed, meddling nobles would force him to leave the Academy—but that wasn’t true.
Few dared to boss around a Master. Unless you were the Emperor, no single Noble could push him around.
Moreover, wasn’t he the son-in-law of the Northern Duke? Even by title alone, he matched anyone else.
“Kail. Long time no see.”
Lost in thought as he headed toward the cafeteria, a handsome blonde with a refreshing aura approached. Recognizing him, Kail smiled warmly.
“Rion, long time no see. I thought you were dead.”
“Hahaha, if a Prince died, the entire Empire would mourn.”
It was Bellion Diaros, the third Prince of the Diaros Empire, his first friend from a childhood birthday party.
Bellion naturally walked beside Kail, drawing stares from those around them.
Being a Prince meant everything about you became gossip fodder—your friendships, actions, every move scrutinized.
Feeling those gazes, Kail clicked his tongue.
“You must find it annoying too.”
“I’ve gotten used to it.”
Though he said he was used to it, no one could truly get used to strangers knowing and watching you, always living with the anxiety of potential attacks coming out of nowhere.
Feeling a bit of sympathy for Bellion, Kail carefully spoke.
“If you get tired of it, let me know. I’ll take you somewhere without prying eyes.”
“Oh, really? Such a place exists?”
“My estate.”
“Haha, it’s a bit far to go right now.”
Though it wasn’t far if Kail carried him while running, Bellion shook his head dismissively.
Truthfully, Bellion hadn’t come to escape the attention—he had something to discuss privately with Kail.
“Kail, how much do you know about my older brothers?”
“Older brothers? You mean… the First and Second Princes?”
“Yes, exactly. To be precise—about our Empire’s line of succession.”
In the Diaros Empire, aside from the Emperor and Empress, there were five Imperial family members: three Princes and two Princesses.
Among them, Bellion was the fourth in line—third Prince, with two older brothers and one older sister above him.
Naturally, he was far removed from the line of succession.
“You know roughly, right?”
“…Do you know where I stand?”
“You’re the Third Prince, far from the line of succession.”
“You’re right. I’m the Third Prince. Becoming Emperor is a distant dream.”
Looking at Bellion as if asking why he brought this up, Bellion sighed deeply before speaking.
“Kail, if I asked for your support, what would you do?”
“What kind of sudden question is that?”
“I mean, if I aimed for the throne, what would you do?”
At that, Kail stopped in his tracks, staring at Bellion. Was this guy serious? Aiming for the throne? That meant overthrowing the First Prince, Second Prince, and First Princess to claim the crown.
It also meant making enemies of his three siblings. A Third Prince with no backing, no connections!
“Why don’t you just give up? Living comfortably as royalty would be easier.”
“Kail, could you give up on your dreams?”
“Well… becoming Emperor isn’t necessarily good either. Why aim for it?”
He couldn’t understand. The other royals wouldn’t kill their own family once crowned. If they were that kind of person, they wouldn’t become Emperor in the first place.
Even if such a person existed, it would be more realistic for Bellion to support one of his siblings instead.
No one would welcome him becoming Emperor.
“…Are you serious?”
“I’ve always been serious.”
“Alright, fine.”
But—Kail decided to support his dream. Rather than backing faceless royals, he chose to back his friend.
Smacking Bellion lightly on the back, Kail smirked.
“I’ll help you, friend.”
With that, Bellion eagerly made his request.
