Thanks to the tearful efforts of Minerva Academy’s faculty and the Royal Palace’s dispatched civil servants, it had only been a few days since the fury of the parents was calmed.
Though its reputation might have taken a hit, Minerva’s name was still the best in the Empire… for now.
The students were doing their utmost in their studies to carry on that legacy.
Was it an aftereffect of this? In my prepared office, I scratched my head while reviewing documents.
“Hmm, this is somewhat unexpected…”
Papers piled neatly on the desk. These documents were applications from students wishing to join my class mid-semester.
“I wonder if they can even join midway through?”
Why had so many students suddenly gathered here?
Had word spread about my exploits at the Island of Wisdom?
Or was it because the level of students in my class had risen?
Whatever the reason, it was gratifying that my class was being recognized.
I first contacted Heinz to ask what I should do.
– “Ah, that’s up to the professor’s discretion. Do as you please.”
“Does this happen often?”
– “It’s quite rare. Classes not applied for during registration aren’t usually counted towards grades. Heh heh, it must mean Professor Allen’s class is special, no?”
“I see…”
– “With more students, you’ll probably need an assistant professor or TA. Do you have anyone in mind?”
“There’s no way I’d have someone ready. I never expected more students would come.”
As I sighed in response, Heinz’s laughter echoed.
– “Please give it some thought. Finding a reliable assistant in this academy isn’t easy.”
“Yeah… thanks for the advice.”
– “If you can’t find anyone, let me know. I’ll try to find someone suitable. Or… asking the Royal Palace for help wouldn’t be bad either.”
“The Royal Palace… understood.”
– “If it’s a request from Professor Allen, even the Royal Palace wouldn’t ignore it easily. That’s all for now.”
“You may enter.”
As the crystal orb’s light faded, I let out a deep sigh.
“Haa~ I didn’t expect to worry about something like this.”
To assist me in teaching, the person would definitely need solid skills.
Preferably someone with battlefield experience too.
Someone smart enough to help with paperwork since I’m not used to it yet…
And above all, someone I trust…
“Hmph, this won’t be easy.”
Should I really contact the Royal Palace?
I don’t know how to directly reach them, but I’ve got Sage and Erias, right?
The Golden Way Zodiacs must know a way…
Nodding to myself, I noticed the ring on my finger.
Ah, there’s also the Helios family… Somehow, it feels reassuring.
“One way or another, it’ll work out.”
With that mindset, I decided to accept all the students who applied.
Still, there are way too many…
***
“Long time no see, kid.”
The Capital Defense Force guarding the Empire’s capital.
At the top of this force stood Division Commander Paulo Robert.
He was also one of the Golden Way Zodiacs, representing the Gold Eagle Palace, and he was currently welcoming someone in his office.
“Kid? I’ve grown up by now. Not the snotty-nosed brat I once was.”
This visitor was none other than Leo Helios, the Lion Palace member of the Golden Way Zodiacs.
With a confident expression, Paulo smirked and leaned forward.
“Ho ho, how about we go a round then?”
“Can you handle it?”
“Haha! Living long has its perks, huh? Kid… I was already part of the Golden Way Zodiacs before your dad became Patriarch.”
“You’re saying ‘old geezer’ so nicely.”
“… Huh hah!”
Leo’s provocation changed Paulo’s stance.
Cold air began to flow through the office.
“Don’t regret this, kid.”
With a grin still plastered on his face, Paulo leapt from his seat and charged toward Leo.
His massive fist was loaded with condensed aura aimed straight for Leo’s head.
An intimidating sight that made anyone’s spine shiver, but…
Leo just smiled broadly and drew his sword.
“My goodness, you’re still full of energy!”
Then, Paulo’s fist clashed with Leo’s sword.
KLANG!
The shockwave shook the entire building beyond the office.
Strong winds scattered all the papers inside the office.
The cracks starting from the floor reached the walls.
Alarm bells rang loudly throughout the building, fearing it might collapse.
AHHHHHH!
A situation unbelievable from a mere clash of sword and fist.
When the dust settled, the two members of the Golden Way Zodiacs could be seen locking sword and fist.
“Haha, you still held back, didn’t you? If you went any further, the building would’ve collapsed.”
Seeing Leo’s cheerful smile, Paulo clicked his tongue.
“Can’t destroy such a fine building because of you, now can I?”
“Glad to hear that.”
“Calling you ‘kid’ might get tough from now on.”
“An honor indeed.”
After exchanging words, the two casually dispelled their auras.
Paulo sat back down in his cracked chair and crossed his arms, asking:
“So, what brings you here?”
“Not much, really… I just wanted to introduce my younger brother to you.”
“Eh?”
Just as Paulo questioned, the office door opened, and a young man entered.
Earl Helios, Leo Helios’s younger brother and Allen’s former adjutant.
“Reporting for duty!”
Seeing Earl’s crisp salute, Paulo smiled warmly.
“Ah, Lieutenant Earl, aren’t you? Now I remember, you’re from the Helios family. Nice to see you again after so long.”
“Yes, nice to see you again.”
“So? Why are you introducing your brother now?”
Leo pulled out some documents from his coat in response to Paulo’s question.
“Because my brother’s assignment is changing. Please sign these documents.”
After the war ended, Earl’s unit had transferred to the Capital Defense Force.
Realizing Earl had come to report his transfer, Paulo took the documents and asked:
“Though it’s not my place to say, isn’t the Capital Defense Force the best post? You’re not retiring, so where are you going?”
“Someone you know well is the leader of this unit.”
“Who are you talking about? Not frontline units, right? South side? 7th Legion?”
Commanders at the division level knew plenty of people.
Thinking quietly, Paulo furrowed his brow upon seeing Leo’s meaningful smile.
Considering the number of soldiers both he and Leo knew was small.
Among those, someone connected to the Helios family…
“Wait… Special Task Force?”
“Yes. The unit led by Colonel Allen.”
“Tch, joining such a headache-inducing place. A newly formed unit that struggles to receive proper support. Hard to achieve anything significant too.”
“What’s there to worry about? We have the backing of the Helios family.”
“No, seriously…”
Could it be that Earl intentionally joined to support Allen?
Even though Allen was once his adjutant…
Even Paulo, who cared for Allen, found it hard to understand this decision.
But then Earl spoke:
“It’s not because of me. To begin with, Colonel Allen… received a royal favor.”
“Huh? That cheapskate received a royal favor…?”
Paulo knew well what a royal favor entailed.
Leo added:
“Besides, he also received rewards from the Procyon Treasury.”
“… Tch, what a day full of surprising news. I heard about him entering the palace, but the Procyon Treasury?”
How could such important information not be shared with him?
Suppressing his inner resentment, Paulo nodded.
“Alright, if that’s the case, it’s a reasonable decision. Allen isn’t a bad commander. Still… you know better than me why you want to serve under him again.”
“Yes.”
Earl simply nodded, judging further explanation unnecessary.
Understanding this, Paulo signed the documents.
“Do your best.”
“Thank you for everything.”
Thus, Earl officially joined the Special Task Force.
***
Those hoping to join the Special Task Force weren’t limited to Earl alone…
“Are you really quitting ‘Blackwater’?”
A man frowned as he looked at his subordinate standing before him.
One of the Empire’s special forces, Blackwater specialized in reconnaissance and assassination.
Known for their loyalty, marked by tattoos somewhere on their bodies, members rarely left voluntarily.
They only left when unable to perform missions anymore, usually forcibly discharged.
Now, for the first time ever, someone from Blackwater wanted to leave willingly.
“Yeah. So hurry up and sign it, human.”
The subordinate, completely covered in a hood and robe except for his eyes, nodded.
Unmoved by the emotionless gaze, the man instantly distorted his face and shouted:
“7!!!”
“Stop yelling; my ears are ringing. Just sign it already.”
BANG!
Unable to contain his anger, the man slammed the desk.
On his cap was a single star—Colonel William, the leader of Blackwater.
Despite William’s pressure, the subordinate calmly continued:
“Won’t you sign it?”
A chilling killing intent flashed in the previously indifferent eyes.
Sensing the menace, William bit his lip.
“You’ll regret this. Someone who only knows slaughter can’t possibly survive elsewhere, can you?”
“Maybe. But that’s my problem, so sign it already. And if I have to ask again…”
Upon meeting William’s gaze, a cold chill ran down his spine.
Sharp killing intent targeted his throat.
“G-gr…”
Though skeptical, William knew this subordinate could follow through.
After all, this person was hailed as the strongest ‘weapon’ since Blackwater’s founding.
Fearing for his life, William gritted his teeth and hastily scribbled on the document.
Then, throwing the paper, he shouted:
“Get out immediately!”
“I would’ve left without you telling me. Human.”
Purpose achieved, the subordinate quietly moved.
Approaching the door silently, the subordinate turned slightly and spoke:
“Also, since I’m leaving, let me tell you something…”
“Didn’t you hear me tell you to leave?!”
Staring intently at William’s reddened face, the subordinate quietly mentioned their name—the name given by a dear friend.
“My name isn’t 7. It’s Black Wolf.”
“Ha! A weapon pretending to live as a human? You’re nothing but the strongest killing weapon 7, bred by Blackwater. You’ll never escape the battlefield!”
The former superior’s insults didn’t faze Black Wolf.
“Next time we meet, if you call me 7 again, I’ll take your life.”
“What are you… GAGH!”
William couldn’t continue speaking.
Black Wolf’s killing intent instantly choked his neck.
Caught off guard by the attack, William quickly passed out.
“Grrr…”
After confirming this, Black Wolf left the room.
“To repay a favor. Allen.”
In order to meet Allen, a comrade who fought together risking his life in the snowy mountains in the past…
The greatest operative of Blackwater, Black Wolf, was on the move.
