Chapter 190

190

Leo carefully wiped the surface of the longsword.

Dragon bone was one of the materials known as the best for crafting artifacts.

An alchemist or a blacksmith would get excited just hearing about the incredible material.

“T-this… is dragon bone…!”

Kal was actually wiping the drool from the corner of his mouth.

“What is it?”

“What’s going on?”

“Leo got a sword made of dragon bone as a gift!”

“What?”

“Is that even possible? Who would gift something so valuable?”

“Maybe it’s from Leo’s family?”

“You know, the noble family of the Border Kingdom?”

“They’re related to the Zerdinger family.”

“Still, even the Zerdingers would find it hard to gift something made of dragon bone.”

Whispering spread among the 1st-year students.

Even the upperclassmen began to look curious and turned their gazes towards the commotion.

“What’s going on?”

Holding an imposing presence, Halind approached.

As soon as he arrived, the 1st-year students who had been chatting amongst themselves fell silent instantly.

Halind’s presence was certainly something to behold.

In the midst of the sudden silence, Chelsea raised her hand.

“Professor Halind! They say that Leo received a sword made of dragon bone as a gift!”

“Dragon bone?”

Halind furrowed his brow.

The professors had expected Leo might receive many gifts during this banquet.

‘But a dragon bone is an excessive gift.’

Weapons crafted from dragon bone were not only powerful but also extremely valuable due to their rarity.

As the name implied, dragon bone was something a dragon only bestowed upon those it recognized.

It was a priceless item infused with a dragon’s full magical essence.

This was certainly not something someone would send just to show off.

“Who sent it?”

At Halind’s question, Leo responded while looking at the letter.

“It only says it’s a congratulatory gift for becoming the student council president, and there’s no sender mentioned.”

“Hmm.”

Halind furrowed his brow further.

“Is there anyone in your acquaintance who could send such a thing?”

At this question, Leo naturally thought of Dragon Lord Melina.

Among the people he knew, she was the only one who could send something like this.

‘But it’s not Melina.’

Leo glanced at the longsword.

If it were Melina, she would have let Leo know in a way he would recognize.

“No,” Leo said.

Hearing Leo, Halind grew contemplative.

‘A lavish gift with an unknown source.’

Although it must have been inspected when entering Lumern Academy, one couldn’t be too careful.

‘After all, we discovered a Tartarus spy here just last year.’

So, caution wouldn’t hurt.

“Leo, just in case, I’ll have this sword in safekeeping for a while,” Halind said.

As the attention on him grew and the risks became apparent, it was better to be cautious.

“Understood,” Leo nodded.

Leo carefully returned the sword to the box and handed it to Halind.

Amid the excitement of gift exchanges, one of the professors seated at the chief table, Sedgen, tapped his wine glass.

cling-cling-cling

The soft sound of glass resonated throughout the grand hall.

Students who had been chatting amongst themselves stopped their conversations and turned their attention to Sedgen.

“Everyone, the principal is about to speak. Please give him your attention.”

At this, the students put down their food and straightened their postures.

After Sedgen resumed his seat, Kalyan stood up.

“All of you have worked hard preparing for examinations. Autumn has returned once again, and we are now down to the final quarter of the school term.”

Kalyan smiled warmly at the students.

“I hope the graduating fifth-year students make the most of these final days, and the underclassmen see them off with appropriate farewells.”

At Kalyan’s words, the fifth-year students exchanged bittersweet smiles.

“And starting next week, we will have guests visiting from outside.”

This statement caused murmurs among the students.

“Guests?”

“We just had joint classes with the three major magic academies not long ago…”

“The Ruse Tournament is just around the corner. Is it really a good time for guests?”

As students expressed their confusion, Kalyan continued, waving them off.

“I know what you’re worried about, but there’s no need. In some ways, it might even be greatly beneficial for the upcoming Ruse Tournament.”

Kalyan smiled and raised his wine glass.

“To conclude, let us toast to success in the upcoming Ruse Tournament, which is a month away.”

The students responded by raising their glasses.

“We must win this time!”

“To victory!”

Clap-clap-clap!

Cheers filled the air as Kalyan’s banquet speech came to an end. The feast officially began, and students enjoyed themselves, easing the exhaustion from their exams.

With the holidays beginning tomorrow, they were also free to take trips outside to Rumelia City.

Amidst the general chatter and laughter, Halind quietly stepped away from the banquet and called the professors of the Department of Magic to a meeting.

“So, this is the sword someone unidentified sent to the student, Leo.”

Ren crossed his arms and scrutinized the otherwise ordinary-looking longsword.

“Yes. I wonder if there might be any curse placed on it,” Halind asked.

At this, Ren cautiously extended his hand and gently wiped the surface of the longsword.

“Definitely dragon bone. The exact amount isn’t clear, though.”

Ren murmured lightly and then turned to his colleague.

“Professor Lu, might you be able to discern more?”

The middle-aged woman known as Professor Lu nodded and took out a monocle from her pocket.

As a professor specialized in alchemy, Professor Lu was hailed as the foremost expert at Lumern when it came to knowledge of rare materials.

“Hmm, let me take a closer look.”

After examining the surface carefully, Professor Lu exclaimed in awe.

“A 100% pure dragon bone. Seeing something like this is truly a rarity.”

Returning the monocle, Professor Lu wore an intrigued expression.

“Surely this is excessive as a mere gift.”

“Tsk. It’s proof that whoever sent this acknowledges Leo’s value.”

Ren, clearly pleased, grinned smugly.

As Ren was ignored by the other magic professors and they prepared to examine the sword closely, someone interrupted.

“Let me inspect it.”

All heads turned to see Alby approaching.

“Ah, Professor Alby! Perhaps you shall be able to efficiently assess this sword,” said one professor.

As a wizard known for his ‘magic eye,’ Alby possessed the ability to peer through any magic, including those from Tartarus and dark magic incantations.

As Lu moved aside, Alby activated his magic eye near the sword.

Keeeng!

Golden light and intricate magical sigils floated around Alby’s eye, resembling fairy magic.

A little later,

Lowering his gaze from the magic eye, Alby addressed Halind.

“There are no traces of Tartarus magic, nor any malevolent spells that could harm the user.”

“Hmm. That’s good.”

“However…”

“However?”

“This sword is not something an ordinary knight would wield.”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“It is a magical sword.”

“Magical sword?”

“Yes. Based on the runes embedded within, it contains enchantments such as spell amplification, increased user magic power, casting assistance, and more.”

“The material is impressive, but the runes are extraordinary as well. Most would even believe this to be a high-tier magic wand.”

At Ren’s approving nod, he chuckled.

“To give Leo a gift like this! Whoever sent it must have truly seen value in Leo!”

“Indeed. It appears this gift must be from Sayrun.”

Snap!

Ren’s expression turned rigid.

“Sayrun?”

Halind looked puzzled.

“Yes. The runes are inscribed in the ‘Magic of the Stars.’ Thus, while beneficial for human mages, these won’t provide significant advantages. It’s essentially custom-made for elves, an elf-exclusive artifact.”

Alby relaxed with a small sigh.

“Still, considering Leo Flove’s skill, he should be able to handle it easily.”

Leo had naturally become proficient in the elves’ unique magic called ‘Magic of the Stars.’

This wasn’t surprising since none other than its founder, Luna, had directly taught Leo.

“There aren’t many elves capable of crafting something like this. Thus, it’s clear that an influential personage from Sayrun has sent this to Leo Flove.”

“Hmm.”

Halind nodded.

“Ho ho ho… ho hoho… heh heh heh.”

Suddenly, Ren burst into laughter.

The surrounding professors flinched at the sight.

Click! After abruptly stopping, Ren regained his composure.

“Let’s… get rid of it.”

“Are you suggesting we discard a student’s gift without proper reason?”

“Albi-senpai, this is the cunning plot of those devious elves. Sending such an ostentatious gift to win Leo’s favor—a dirty conspiracy!”

Ren crossed his arms tightly.

“So, this is a dirty item. It’s meant to distract Leo! It must be disposed of!”

“Hold him.”

Without hesitation, Halind issued the order. Professors quickly restrained Ren, covering his mouth.

“Professor Halind! Please listen… We must discard this sword immediately! Ugh! Ugh!”

Ignoring Ren as he was dragged away by his colleagues, Halind spoke.

“If there are no major issues, returning it to Leo would suffice.”

“Are you certain, Professor?”

“What do you mean?”

“Ren’s words might have been exaggerated, but he’s not wrong. This appears to be Sayrun testing Leo Flove’s resolve.”

And indeed, Alby was correct.

In the Hero’s World, Lumeran Academy evaluated potential through various trials.

Azonia, with its famous desert-crossing marathon, tested physical prowess.

Each Hero Academy had its own unique admission system.

Sayrun Academy’s evaluation was based on a student’s mastery of the ‘Magic of the Stars.’

This magical sword amplified its power depending on the user’s proficiency with star magic.

In essence, it closely resembled the admission trials of Sayrun Academy, where the adeptness of the magic user was assessed.

The intent behind this gift was overly obvious.

At this, Halind chuckled slightly.

“Unexpected. Albi, I had no idea you were taking such an interest in school matters these days.”

“Firstly, I am a professor here at Lumern.”

Since this year, Alby had begun lecturing and participated more in school activities—something he would’ve skipped in the past, even for banquets like this.

Halind, aware of Alby’s shift in attitude, considered it a positive change.

“Regardless of their intentions, there’s not much we can do. Let them try.”

Halind smirked.

“No matter their efforts, Sayrun won’t take away our students. Lumern is the best academy after all.”

*

As the banquet drew to an evening’s end,

The male dormitory of the first year was bustling.

“Freedom at last!”

“Let’s leave Lumern and have fun over the weekend!”

Despite the exhaustion felt right after the exams, by the time evening arrived, their natural youthful vigor was restored.

Not just the first-year male dormitory, but all dormitories were similarly lively as students filled out permission slips for weekend outings.

“Leo! Aren’t you going to Rumelia City?”

“Hmm, I plan to relax here in school.”

“You don’t get bored of school?”

Kal asked, clearly astonished.

“Wait. Come to think of it, don’t the juniors usually drag you out to play? Don’t you have any date invitations?”

“No, I don’t.”

As Leo grinned at Kal’s question, another voice interrupted.

“Hey, Leo! There’s someone here to see you.”

“Visitor?”

A first-year student from another class was there to call Leo.

“Ah, of course, someone as popular as you.”

Kal playfully nudged Leo’s ribs.

“Who is it?”

“It’s Lil, the class representative of the second year.”

At this, Leo stood up, surprised.

Kal, equally curious, tagged along behind Leo.

As they stepped out of the dormitory, they indeed saw Lil waiting there.

“Hi, Leo! Congratulations on becoming the student council president. And this gentleman accompanying you?”

“Kal Thomas, Lil-senpai!”

“Ah, the one who makes the energy recovery potion? Thank you, I’ve been using it often.”

Lil bowed politely.

Her respectful demeanor took Kal aback slightly.

Upperclassmen at Lumern were usually quite domineering towards underclassmen, but Lil, despite being the representative of the second year, maintained impeccable etiquette toward Kal, the first-year student.

“Thank you, Lil-senpai. But what brings you all the way to the first-year boy’s dormitory?”

At Leo’s question, Lil hesitated a moment.

“Uh… well, this might sound odd, but Leo, if you’re free this weekend, could you accompany me for a one-night, two-day trip to Rumelia?”

“Hm. I don’t have anything planned, so that’s fine.”

Upon hearing Leo’s response, Lil brightened and smiled.

“Great! I’ll come to pick you up at 6 a.m. tomorrow.”

“Alright.”

Leo readily nodded.

Lil then left.

Left behind, Kal stood speechless for a moment.

“Wait… a one-night, two-day trip with a second-year female senior?”

“It’s probably more like a counseling session for her troubles.”

“How can counseling take a whole one-night, two-day trip?”

“It’s possible. Anyway, I need to wake up early tomorrow, so I’ll sleep early.”

With that, Leo returned to the dormitory.

“Hey, Kal! What are you doing standing there like an idiot?”

Suddenly, Illiana, who had been walking through the courtyard, spotted Kal and approached.

“Hey, wanna hear some breaking news?”

“What’s the scoop?”

“Leo is going on a one-night, two-day trip with Lil-senpai this weekend!”

“Really?”

Illiana’s eyes widened.

“Wow! Wow! Incredible! One-night, two-day, is that even a date?”

“Apparently not, just counseling.”

“Bah! Any time a man and a woman spend a one-night, two-day period together, it’s a date!”

“Guess that’s true?”

The imaginations of these two hormone-fueled teenagers raced, and they quickly became excited.

Before they knew it, the rumor had spread through the entire first-year dormitory in no time.