Chapter 45

【45】44

The next day, as Leo arrived at the Grand Training Ground for the final exam, he easily spotted Chloe.

As always, Chloe had her magic book tucked under her arm, and five students were gathered around her.

“Chloe! Can you give us a detailed explanation of the unique magic you created?”

“Yeah, yeah! Let us use it as a reference for our magic!”

“Please, Chloe. Haven’t we always supported each other?”

“What does it mean to be a good friend?”

They pleaded with her, their eyes gleaming with urgency.

‘Are these the ones who hang out with Chloe?’

“Did you understand everything I taught you in the magic formulas from last time?”

“Of course!”

“You taught us well, right?”

The female students smiled brightly.

But Chloe’s reaction was icy.

“If you’ve understood it all so well, how come your written exam scores in the Department of Magic Theory were so poor?”

“What?”

“Did you really think I wouldn’t know that you all approached me to use me?”

“What, what!”

“No! We were just trying to study together with you!”

“We only copied your homework. And yet, with exam scores like yours, you want to claim you understand my magic? You’re dreaming.”

“What do you mean?”

“Are you done talking?”

“Even so, that’s too harsh!”

Though provoked, Chloe didn’t blink. She simply smirked mockingly.

“Sorry for interrupting.”

“Eh? Leo?”

“Uh, did you happen to overhear our conversation?”

They cautiously checked Leo’s expression.

It was true they had copied Chloe’s homework. If Leo were to mention this to Professor Ren, it would be disastrous for them.

Besides, they were also worried as rumors circulated that Leo spoke ill of them behind their backs.

“Chloe, I would like to talk to you for a moment.”

“What are you going to talk about?”

“Right! Do it here. Chloe is our friend!”

They interjected strongly.

But Chloe smirked coldly at their insistence.

“Friends? What’s that?”

“What?”

“When you had enough time to form factions by using me, you could have dedicated that time to studying. Struggling because you can’t complete assignments properly—it makes me embarrassed to call you students of the Lumeran Department of Magic.”

Leo narrowed his eyes and looked at Chloe. Her tone was completely uncharacteristic.

“Haha! Talk all you want, you arrogant overachievers!”

“It’s only because we felt sorry for you being alone! You always pretend to be so hardworking!”

“You’ve been annoying since the first day we met!”

“City kids, you go well together!”

As they jeered and walked away, Chloe let out a scornful laugh.

“That’s not like you.”

“What is?”

“You’re usually kind to people around you.”

“I’ve decided to change. From now on, I’m not going to waste time helping others with no gain.”

Chloe coldly crossed her arms.

“I heard from Celia. Was there something you wanted to talk about last evening about me? Is it related to my magic?”

“That’s right, I had a question.”

“Good timing. I also wanted to ask you something.”

Chloe grinned.

“If we compare the structural framework of your unique magic to mine, who do you think has the upper hand?”

“My Bible allows me to use all existing spells. Speaking strictly, your side might be more impressive.”

“Thanks for seeing it that way!”

Chloe beamed.

“All the hard work I put in to surpass you finally paid off. If I can’t be the best in Magic Theory, I’m useless for anything.”

“Useless? Why would you say that?”

“Exactly. With this, the Mueller family won’t be disrespected at the Tower of Magic anymore. And there won’t be any discrimination because of my family…”

“Clara, is something wrong?”

Chloe glanced at the hand Leo placed on her shoulder, slightly flustered.

“Ah, nothing. But what did you want to ask me about my magic?”

Chloe nervously brushed Leo’s hand off her shoulder.

“Your magic… Did you truly create it yourself?”

“Huh?”

“Was it influenced by something? Or not?”

“Why are you asking that? Are you just jealous because my magic is better?”

“What?”

“I thought you weren’t the type to feel envious. I’m disappointed. By the way, I’ve already outperformed you in this practical exam. So give it up.”

‘Something is off.’

Chloe was competitive and proud of her magic, but she wasn’t the type to overly boast or humiliate others.

A confused Leo noticed the black magic book Chloe was holding.

‘When did she start carrying the same book around?’

Chloe, the top student, was known to always have a magic book in hand.

Every time she finished one, she’d carry a new one. Yet lately, she had been holding onto this one for quite some time.

“Chloe, where did you get that magic book?”

“I bought it in Rumelia City.”

“Can I take a look at it?”

“Don’t touch my magic book!”

“Calm down, why are you reacting so sharply?”

“You’ve been acting strange!”

Chloe glared fiercely at Leo and clenched her teeth.

“If you’re done, I’m leaving!”

Chloe turned abruptly and left.

Thud!

“Hey?”

Just then, she bumped into Chelsea.

“Watch out.”

“You watch out! Just because you were born into a good family doesn’t mean everyone has to cater to you!”

“Wha?”

Witnessing Chloe’s emotionally charged retort, Chelsea looked astonished.

“Did something happen between you and Chloe Mueller? She’s not usually like this.”

With a serious expression, Leo replied to Chelsea’s question.

“It’s nothing. Anyway, what’s going on?”

“Professor Halind has called for assembly.”

With that, Leo headed towards where the fifth group was gathering.

As he walked, he glanced in the direction Chloe had gone.

‘There’s something about that magic book. Could it be cursed or something?’

While walking with Chelsea towards the fifth group, Leo noticed the first group and narrowed his eyes.

Arriving at the location, Halind began speaking.

“Now that everyone has gathered, I will explain the rules for the exam.”

Halind addressed them with an expressionless face.

“As previously announced, this joint test for the Hero Department and Combat Department involves exploring Hero’s World. The world we will challenge today is the [Chedmurder’s Incident].”

Tension crept into the students’ faces.

The Chedmurder Incident.

It was a major event from thirty years ago in Lumeran.

First-year students on a mission in the central Chedmurder Forest were attacked by Tartarus.

The second-year at the time, Professor Alby the “Eye of Magic,” was dispatched as part of the rescue team barely managing to avoid a total wipe-out.

“The objective is to rescue the wounded, exterminate the monsters, and assist Professor Alby. Your groups will not be formed by class but will be randomly mixed with students from other classes. Since you won’t know who you’ll team up with in advance, we’ll also be evaluating adaptability and response skills.”

Halind’s expression grew grim.

“This is not a simple midterm assignment. The purpose includes a reminder to stay vigilant, so do not forget its meaning.”

“Yes.”

“And students who are deemed unviable will be immediately recommended for withdrawal. So prepare accordingly.”

Halind’s words left the atmosphere deflated.

In this frozen air, Halind continued.

“Believe in yourselves. You’ve grown enough to handle this.”

“……!”

“……!”

Halind slightly tilted the corner of his lips upward.

At a glance, it looked like a cold smirk.

But having never seen Halind laugh, the fifth group was utterly shocked.

‘Was that encouragement?’

‘From Professor Halind?’

‘Wait, was it encouragement?’

As the students stared at their stern professor, Karl clenched his fists.

“Come on, team! We’ve worked really hard, we can’t withdraw here!”

“Karl Thomas, ignoring others, you’re in real danger. If you get expelled alone and tarnish the name of our class, I won’t forgive you.”

“Argh!”

Karl dramatically clutched his chest and fell over.

The other students burst into laughter at his antics.

Meanwhile, Halind pulled out a pocket watch.

“The time has come; let the group formations begin, Sara.”

“Yes, professor.”

Sara held up a box.

“Everyone, inside are beads. You may each pick one.”

Tension filled the students’ faces as they stepped forward individually to choose their groups.

Leo checked his bead.

‘Group 11.’

“I’m in Group 1.”

Chelsea glanced at her bead.

“The exam will begin. Please step forward, Group 1.”

“Chelsea LeWalyn is in Group 1, hmm, this will be interesting.”

“Huh? Celia Zerdinger is also in Group 1?”

Included in Group 1 were Celia and Chelsea.

Given their power, they were clearly top-tier.

Once the Group 1 members were ready, Hero’s World opened.

Albi activated the Hero Record.

As during the entrance exam, the magical projection displayed what was happening inside Hero’s World.

With Celia and Chelsea—first-year’s top performers in the group—Group 1 progressed through the world at a high speed.

“Though they squabble normally, they work well together in a pinch.”

“Of course, they’re from the same empire; it would be odd if they didn’t sync.”

Leo smirked.

“Indeed, they’ll definitely be among the top with this speed.”

Especially in missions involving hostage rescue, speed was also a key scoring factor.

Behind Albi, examining the Hero Record, a chuckle was heard.

“Mission completion rate at 100% from the first group, as expected from the leading first-year students.”

Startled by the sudden appearance of the principal, the professors jumped from their seats.

“Headmaster, you’ve come!”

“What are you doing here?”

“I just came to see how far the first-year has grown.”

Kaluan smiled gently and took a seat next to Alby.

“I apologize, Alby professor, for bringing these unpleasant memories back up every year.”

“I don’t mind, sir. It’s something I swore never to forget.”

Kaluan smirked faintly at the response.

Meanwhile, the trials continued.

“AAAAaaack! Duran, you’re awesome!”

“Look at him! He’s so fast!”

The third group’s Duran, glowing with an electric aura, dazzled the first-year girls.

Seeing this, Karl grumbled.

“Being handsome, talented, and a royal at that—it’s not fair.”

“Well, at least he has a bad temper.”

“If his temperament were good too, that’d be cheating.”

Karl nodded in agreement with Chelsea’s comment.

The professors also carefully assessed the students.

“Nella from the fifth group is clearly unique. Her affinity with healing auras would be beneficial support.”

While watching Nella from Group 4 use her aura to heal injured comrades, the professors marveled.

Her healing abilities were notably effective for this kind of task.

Iliana of Group 8 also earned high praise.

With dual abilities, she struggled in both the Knight Department tests and Magic Department tests but excelled when both skills were required, showcasing top-tier potential.

“Group 11, please come forward.”

When it was Leo’s turn, he stepped forward, checking his teammates.

His expression wavered when he confirmed Chloe was also part of Group 11.

At their eye contact, Chloe hesitated.

“I’m sorry about earlier. I was probably too sensitive.”

Clutching her dark magic book, Chloe mumbled.

“It’s alright, these things happen.”

Leo smiled faintly.

“If you’re ready, we will activate the Hero’s World.”

Albi raised the Hero Record, an old book.

As their eyes briefly met, it flickered away.

[Hero Record Open.]

The first-year students tightened with anticipation from the message that appeared before them.

[Alby’s World. Chapter: Prologue – Chedmurder’s Incident]

‘Hmm. Something’s wrong.’

Whoosh!

A bright light enveloped them, obscuring vision.

When his sight cleared, Leo glanced around.

Ahead was a dense forest.

Strangely, only the two of them were left alone.

Leo looked around, confused.

Something was definitely amiss.

This was vastly different from how earlier groups proceeded.

Ordinarily, there were ten team members in the group exploring Hero’s World.

But it seemed only two had entered the Hero Dungeon—himself and Chloe.

They exchanged bewildered glances.

“What’s going on?”

“I—I don’t know either.”

*

“What?”

“Professor, why aren’t we entering?”

Group 11 students looked puzzled.

“What’s going on?”

“Did only Chloe student and Leo student enter the Hero’s World?”

“The video feed from inside the Hero’s World has cut off.”

“Alby Professor, what is the meaning of this!”

Understanding the abnormal situation, the professors hastily questioned Alby.

With a grim expression, Alby spoke to the headmaster.

“Headmaster, it would be wise to halt the exam.”

“What’s the meaning of that?”

Alby showed his Hero Record to Kaluan.

The Chedmurder Incident page was gradually turning black.

This was unmistakably similar to a phenomenon Kaluan knew all too well.

‘Could it… be a Hero Dungeon takeover?’

—