Chapter 154

The students displayed expressions of confusion upon hearing the term “instructor.”

“Are we supposed to teach students from other academies?”

Celia crossed her arms and tilted her head inquisitively. Her black hair swayed gently.

“Yeah.”

To that reply, Eliza, who had been filing her nails, added her thoughts.

“Instructor, not bad at all. However, even though there’s a gap between the level of Lumeran and the 3 Great Classes Academy, we’re still students ourselves… Would they really accept being taught by us?”

Eliza’s half-opened eyes conveyed a highly valid point. The other students would undoubtedly have their own pride. Just because they were from Lumeran, it wouldn’t be pleasant for them to be taught by fellow students.

Eliza’s statement caused nods from the other students.

“Don’t worry. The students you will be teaching are prospective candidates for admission to Lumeran.”

Hearing that, the students hesitated. Prospective candidates for Lumeran admission meant these were students preparing for entrance exams next year. The 3 Great Classes Academy also prepared students for Lumeran entrance. In fact, a good number of current Lumeran students had studied there beforehand.

“Of course, if you don’t want to, you can refuse. It will be a busy period during the joint lessons, so you might not have much time for personal study or practice. And there’s no additional credit either.”

Upon Halind’s statement, Chloe smiled faintly.

“Even so, you approached us because it is something we must do, no?”

The representatives of each class may be the face of their year, but the top students in each department wield considerable influence as well. Given this, they participated in many external events.

Halind had summoned them for just this reason. With their popularity rising after the Gigantes incident, it was crucial for the top three students in each department to play a significant role in this event.

“Right. As the top student in the Department of Knights, I can’t miss such an occasion.”

Celia brushed her hair aside and proudly puffed out her chest.

“Clap! Clap! Elegance! Elegance! Of course, it’s Chloe and Celia! My splendid students, true to their reputation as Lumeran students, with an aura of dignity!”

Sedgen entered, clapping, and stood beside Halind with a chuck.

“So, are there any students wishing to decline the instructor position?”

At that question, none of the students shook their heads. This was a position representing the school. Even if there was no tangible benefit, it was an immense honor to participate.

Satisfied, Sedgen nodded.

“Good! I, Sedgen, will be in charge of the prospective students!”

“Instead of Professor Halind?”

Leo raised an eyebrow. This puzzled Sedgen as well.

“Why did you think Halind would handle such an important matter, Leo student?”

Sedgen, who sees Halind as a rival in every aspect, needed to outdo him in every way.

Leo’s question suggested that Sedgen should’ve suspected that Halind might not be in charge.

Sedgen naturally bristled at Leo’s doubts.

“Well, Professor Halind is the most famous at our school, isn’t he?”

Halind is so famous that even a glance from him makes every Lumeran student quiver.

“Wouldn’t having Professor Halind around already suppress them?”

Among these prospective candidates, there are certainly those who think they’re already Lumeran students and act arrogantly. There’s no better person than Halind to prevent trouble.

“True.”

“Seeing Professor Halind, they’ll likely tremble in fear.”

“But isn’t Professor Sedgen the one who can nurture the students?”

“Hooh? Is that implying I can’t nurture the students?”

“Wha? No, it’s not… that kind of…”

As Celia, who made a slip of the tongue, went pale in terror:

“I… I can!”

Sedgen clenched his fists with determination.

“I can be as terrifying a professor as Halind! Fine! I’ll show you all the real Professor Sedgen, the tiger! From now on, the most fearsome professor at Lumeran will be me! Sed…”

“Enough.”

Halind sighed deeply, having once again shut Sedgen’s mouth mid-enthusiasm.

“I need to be with the instructors from the 3 Great Classes Academy. And as Celia Zerdinger said, Sedgen is better suited to handle the new candidates. He’ll take good care of the students.”

At that, the excited Sedgen paused and wore an expression of deep emotion.

“Halind… you. Did you really think so highly of me?”

“Of course. Aren’t you my dear friend and competitor?”

“Indeed! Halind, you truly are the greatest rival in my life! Hahahaha!”

Sedgen placed his hand on his face and laughed heartily. The ten students watched this scene with bewilderment.

‘What made him give such a compliment?’

While everyone was thinking this, Halind spoke to Leo.

“Be cautious about saying such things in front of Sedgen from now on, Leo Flove. Things could get ugly if he starts imitating me too much.”

“What happened?”

Upon Leo’s puzzled look, Halind, with a blank expression, replied.

“You’ll see hell.”

Such a cold and emotionless remark.

Still, the students felt shivers running down their spines at his words.

‘What could it possibly mean if Professor Halind says something like this?’

“I am curious, though.”

‘Don’t be!’

Everyone shot a glare at Leo, who muttered nonchalantly.

“In any case, I take it you all accept your responsibilities as instructors. You will likely be summoned often by Sedgen from now on, so be prepared. That’s all for today.”

The moment Halind concluded, the ten students filed out of the faculty office hallway.

“Instructor for incoming students… Interesting to try out.”

“Feels kinda fun, too.”

“Big brother thinks so? Me too! Me too!”

With sparkling eyes, Chelsea agreed with Abad.

“I’ve been wondering just how skilled the students from the Ecot Academy are, so this is good timing. This is a chance to witness their swordsmanship.”

“Always so enthusiastic, Celia.”

“It’s my motto. Do your best in everything.”

With a smile, Celia replied to Chloe’s comment. Chloe then turned to Duran.

“I figured you would have rejected, stating you had no interest in mentoring juniors.”

Duran smirked.

“I’m curious about the level of incoming students.”

With his typical arrogant tone, Eliza mocked.

“Are you even at the level to evaluate other’s abilities?”

“Are you picking a fight, Eliza Hergin?”

“Yes.”

“Hmph. There’s no need to wait for the upcoming combat assessments next week. Let’s demonstrate skill right now.”

“Perfect timing, as I’ve been itchy since the opening ceremony when we couldn’t finish.”

During the opening ceremony, both had aimed to engage with Leo but ended up fighting against each other. Neither could decide the winner.

With the ensuing glare and silent tension between Eliza and Duran, Chen Sia broke the standoff with a laugh.

“Now, now, let’s stop. If you keep this up, you’ll grow too fond. Or… will you get along better?”

“What nonsense, Chen Sia.”

“That’s right. Would I truly get along with this person?”

Duran and Eliza burst out simultaneously.

Watching their reaction, Chen Sia laughed.

In the middle of this, Leo spoke.

“Magic class is about to start. Let’s go.”

“Yeah! Big Brother Leo!”

“Isn’t there supposed to be a special lecture related to the Magic of the Stars today? I’m looking forward to it, Leo.”

Chelsea and Chloe followed Leo. As Abad was about to join them, he paused and looked back at Warden.

“What’s up, Warden? You’ve been quiet since just now.”

Warden had silently been staring intently at Leo’s back.

“I’m assessing.”

“Assessing?”

“The gap between me and Leo Flove.”

At that, Abad narrowed his eyes.

“Hmm? Is it because of the upcoming Sparring Assessment?”

“Yes. I believe I could beat anyone here.”

Warden smirked.

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere shifted.

“Hey, Warden. That’s quite provocative.”

Juredden from the Department of Summoning, who was ranked 3rd, looked awkward.

Despite being ranked 3rd, there was still a noticeable gap between him and students who participated in the Gigantes raid, even though he knew of it himself. Thus, he didn’t take Juredden’s claim as a provocation.

But others were different. Knowing their strong sense of pride, Juredden could only sweat nervously at such bold words.

“Tch. Anyway, I assume all of you here feel the same way, so it’s fine.”

Warden coldly sneered.

Hearing that, Juredden anxiously grabbed his head.

‘Even so, goading like this is sure to provoke everyone!’

Ignoring that, Warden calmly continued.

“But as for Leo Flove, I can’t guarantee it.”

Juredden’s expression was one of surprise.

He personally thought of Warden as a monster deserving of that title.

‘To be frank, it’s hard to imagine him losing to anyone.’

It wasn’t because they were both from the Department of Summoning.

Objectively speaking, Warden was a monster.

Reports from those originating from the southern regions were consistent.

To mention such a person couldn’t guarantee victory was astonishing.

“Which is why my goal is to defeat him.”

Watching Warden’s cold laughter, Duran crossed his arms.

“That tone sounds like you don’t even consider me.”

In response, Warden made a bored expression.

“Isn’t that the same with you, Duran Moira?”

Warden then looked around at his classmates.

“All of you too. We’re equally insignificant to each other. Because I’ve already seen you.”

Warden looked far off at Leo’s retreating figure.

“The arrogance with which he assumes his position above us.”

Continuing, Warden’s expression remained stoic.

“The way he subtly takes charge, as though his superiority were natural.”

Warden’s face hardened with determination.

“And in the moment I realized I had come to accept that reality.”

Warden then began walking.

“We all live rejecting the idea that someone towers above us, isn’t that right? So our purpose is the same.”

Defeating Leo Flove.

Perhaps the goal of their school life.

Or it might be the goal of his life, decided at this moment.

“Of course, I alone will achieve it.”

“Sorry, but that won’t do, Warden.”

Abad chuckled.

“Because I’m first.”

“Don’t joke around. I am.”

As the three male students competed, Eliza sighed, filing her nails with disdain.

“Men are such babies. Who cares who defeats him first? Just defeat him.”

“Isn’t that cute?”

Chen Sia, with a soft smile, glanced at the bickering boys.

“Doesn’t Celia find this cute too?”

“Tch. Cute? No, it’s disgusting. And you guys!”

Celia, arms crossed, scoffed,

“I will be the one to defeat Leo!”

Proclaiming confidently, Selia bickered with the boys, prompting Eliza to sigh.

“Celia, unexpectedly, has a bit of a fanboy attitude.”

At that, Chen Sia covered her mouth and giggled at Eliza’s comment.

*

The day the notice for the joint lesson exchange event was announced, Lumern was bustling with the preparations for welcoming guests.

It was crucial to create an environment where a large number of visitors could study without any disturbance.

The attendants were rushing about, and the students prepared a welcome party before the classes. This external visit created a vibrant atmosphere throughout the academy.

Meanwhile, some students headed out to the city of Rumelia.

“Come out to Rumelia City on a weekday? Kind of feels amazing.”

On the boat, Chelsea spoke with slight excitement.

“Don’t get too carried away; we’re not here on a trip.”

Celia glanced at her.

“Tch! I got it! Okay!”

“Alright!”

As usual, the two bickered. Watching this, Leo smirked faintly.

The students who had been appointed as instructors headed out to Rumelia City to greet the students from the three prestigious academies.

‘The prospective candidates… I wonder what kind of kids they are, though I am somewhat looking forward to it.’

With shining eyes, just as the boat arrived at the dock, Leo disembarked.

“Still, we have some time before the students gather. We might as well take a walk?”

“Shall we?”

Celia spoke just as Leo nodded.

“Leo Flove.”

A voice called Leo from the dock.

Upon looking forward, seeing who stood there, Leo wore an expression of curiosity.

Celia quickly bowed her head.

“Hello, Vice Principal.”

Standing before them was none other than Riven, the vice-principal of Lumern. His sudden appearance after the opening ceremony left the students momentarily surprised.

“Leo Flove, could I speak with you for a moment?”