Chapter 593

593.

“As soon as Professor Halind requested a special exception, coincidentally, 2nd Year Department of Magic student Kal Thomas registered his name in the Hero Record.”

The chairman of Lumeran.

Altech Zeruon reviewed the documents submitted by Halind with an expressionless face.

Known as the Infinity Speller, he was one of the most formidable heroes among the wizard heroes still active.

Though he held the position of chairman of Lumeran, he usually operated in the boundary region with Tartarus.

The area he was responsible for had seen a decrease in demon activity.

A hero who wielded formidable deterrent power merely by name.

Put another way, if he were to be absent for an extended period, the area could potentially face concentrated attacks from Tartarus.

In fact, the territory under his control was one of the prime strongholds in the fierce battleground against Tartarus.

For this reason, he often delegated the role of acting chairman to his daughter and would frequently be away.

In addition to Elena, Alby, a wizard from the Demon Lands, served as a professor at Lumeran, and with Zeruon’s capable talents leading the board, it was quite rare for him to appear at Lumeran.

The reason Altech had come to Lumeran this time was simple.

It was due to the emergence of the Catastrophe Flame that had appeared in Lumeran.

No matter how important the front lines were, with the Flame of Erebus, the world’s catastrophe, now visible in the rear, he could not solely focus on defense.

Even if he managed to repel it without significant damage, it was necessary for him, as the chairman, to return to Lumeran for proper follow-up.

In the meantime, he heard the story about Kal.

“Professor Halind’s report is certainly interesting.”

A student who, considering talent, was expected to only last through the first semester of the first year, managed to endure until the second semester of the second year.

This alone was quite an exceptional accomplishment.

“Good at improvisation.”

Lumeran’s academic schedule was structured in a way that only talented students could be selected.

In the world, there are things that cannot be overcome solely through effort, so if one lacked the talent required by Lumeran, it would naturally lead to elimination from the competition.

“Even if he managed to survive the first semester of the second year with the mentorship system…”

Kal’s mentee, Juen, had been fortunate to be the top student of the first-year Department of Magic.

“Luck could be considered a skill, but in this case, it’s a bit different. The growth of the student Juen has been remarkable.”

The student who exhibited the most astonishing growth this year among the first-year students is currently the first-year representative, Luke.

However, Luke had started from scratch.

Certainly, the fact that he rose from the bottom of the grades to the top is extraordinary.

“But with overwhelming talent, time to cultivate that talent, and support to accelerate growth, it’s not impossible.”

In fact, starting from zero might have provided a quicker foundation for growth.

With a good mentor, one can learn only what is necessary for growth without picking up anything useless.

However, it is difficult for those who already possess outstanding skills to achieve rapid growth.

“Until enrollment, he was evaluated as being below Aina and Beid.”

However, by the end of the first semester, he displayed skills comparable to Aina.

It was hard to know how it would have turned out if there hadn’t been a relationship between knights and wizards.

He showed growth that stood out even more than Harveyden from the Department of Knights, who was evaluated as having skills on par with Aina, and Shasha from the Department of Summoning.

Considering that one cannot say the growth rates of Harveyden and Shasha were lacking.

“It could rather be said that the insight of Juen, who chose his mentor wisely, was remarkable.”

Kal fulfilled his role responsibly.

He continued through midterms up to now.

When it came to becoming a hero, Altech wanted to highly regard Kal.

“A supporter.”

A type of student that wasn’t present in Lumeran before.

He barely passed the written exam.

However, he would surely fail the practical exam.

In that case, he would fail the promotion exam.

It was quite regrettable.

He wanted to see how he could grow within Lumeran.

However, things were different when it came to special exceptions.

Even if the student was interesting.

Even if it was at the request of Halind, who had been working at Lumeran for a long time, it was unacceptable to leave a student who did not meet the grades in Lumeran.

That himself would be discrimination against other students.

“However, if he has made a name for himself in the Hero Record, the story changes.”

In Lumeran’s history, very few students have attained the title of hero while still being students.

“Moreover, the only one who became a hero in the second year is Leo Flove.”

And Leo is a monster beyond standard.

“No, Kal Thomas is not an ordinary hero either.”

He is not a monster like Leo.

However, he has drawn a different trajectory compared to the countless heroes whose names have appeared in the Hero Record and have become heroes.

“If he has risen to the rank of hero, it wouldn’t be strange to grant him a special exception. What do you think, board members?”

“It is out of the question.”

“That’s right. No matter how much he has become a hero, a special exception cannot be allowed.”

Some members of the board cast dissenting votes.

Altech, watching that scene, glanced at his brother.

“Alby, what do you think?”

“Certainly, Kal Thomas is an unusual student. Personally, I hold his potential in high regard.”

Though Alby doesn’t have a class as a professor in Lumeran’s Department of Magic, he certainly doesn’t neglect observing students.

In special classes related to magical combat, Alby has watched all the students in the magic department at Lumeran.

As a wizard from the Demon Lands, he has certainly taken note of the students’ talents.

“However, I believe that according to the principle, a special exception cannot be made.”

“Hmm.”

“However.”

“However?”

Alby raised a report and spoke.

“Lumeran is a Hero Academy. The ultimate goal of this school is to make students into heroes, and for thousands of years it has continually reformed the educational curriculum to achieve that.”

“Indeed.”

“In that context, a new type of hero has emerged. A hero that breaks the existing mold. The meaning of this is simple. It means new possibilities have opened up.”

Alby looked at the board.

“In a sense, Kal Thomas may already have met graduation requirements as a student. It would indeed be a funny story if a student who has already become a hero in a school aimed at producing heroes has to learn something.”

“Cough.”

“Hmm.”

Some board members showed signs of discomfort.

They were fundamentalists.

Those who set the framework for heroes.

Thus, they couldn’t accept a hero like Kal Thomas.

“The world is changing. If we do not adapt and move quickly, we will be left behind.”

“What do you mean?”

“Lumeran needs to know what qualities Kal Thomas has been recognized for to rise to the rank of hero. The very fact that the gods acknowledged him indicates that an era is coming which requires heroes like Kal Thomas. If at such a time we expel Kal Thomas based on outdated standards, it will only harm Lumeran.”

Alby stated flatly.

“Once Kal Thomas is expelled, other Hero Academies might come for him.”

“Is there a school that will receive this child who is human?”

As one board member narrowed his eyes, Alby smiled slightly.

“There is no rule that a hero academy can only accept students of the same race as its founder. Let’s not forget there have been movements to transfer Leo Flove to other schools.”

No board member responded to that.

“Whether it was intentional or not, he is a hero that we have nurtured. There is no need to do anything that would benefit others.”

Altech nodded at Alby’s words.

“Then I will proceed to vote on Kal Thomas’s special promotion.”

*

“Hey!”

Arga spread her chest wide.

“A person who carries the will of a hero.”

At Leo’s muttering, Arga beamed with pride.

“Isn’t this title just perfect for me?”

As she spun around proudly, Lunia crossed her arms.

“That’s quite an over-the-top title.”

“Your title is equally overblown!”

“What? I even received a staff from Lady Luna!”

“I received a sword from Arhon!”

Watching the elf and beastman face off and bristle, Driana remarked, “Stop bickering and be proud of the achievements you’ve each accomplished.”

As Driana forcibly separated them, she said, “Both are impressive, indeed.”

“Hmph.”

“Hehe.”

Lunia let out a slight snicker, though she didn’t seem displeased by the compliment.

Arga scratched her head and smiled widely.

“In that sense, let me remove it. I shall pass your beauty down to future generations.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, you pervert!”

Both Lunia and Arga made faces at him.

“Anyway! Black Rabbit! We’re finally on equal footing!”

Arga pointed at Leo with her finger.

Nodding at her, Leo replied, “Yeah, yeah. Well done.”

“Don’t treat me like a child!”

Arga puffed her tail and werewolf-like while Lunia let out a small sigh and muttered, “Equal footing, right?”

Of course, gaining the title of hero was a tremendous achievement.

But compared to the Great Hero Leo, it was like the existence of a firefly beneath the moon.

“But someday, I will reach that height,” Lunia thought, clenching her fist while looking at Leo.

“By the way, why are you spacing out like that?”

Seeing Kal, who sat there with a dazed expression, Lunia looked at him with a mix of pity and disbelief.

“I’m a hero… Hahaha. A hero I only dreamed of in my sleep… Acting Student Council President next year… Yaho. I’m so excited… Hahaha.”

Watching Kal mumble as if he was a broken doll, Driana promptly patted his back, “If you’ve become a hero, you need to hold your head high! Why so glum?”

“Cough! Huh?!”

Kal toppled to the floor under Driana’s small, powerful hands.

He dusted himself off and stood up.

“Right. It’s something to be happy about.”

With a clap, Kal slapped both cheeks and adopted a serious expression.

“I need to shape up from here on out.”

“Oh, now you look quite serious.”

Driana grinned.

Seeing Driana smile, Kal responded, “I’m not doing any n*de modeling.”

“Cheh.”

Just then, when Leo clicked his tongue at Driana, a voice called, “Kal! Yo! Our hero master!”

Iliana rushed over.

Following her were Chelsea, Nella, and Teid.

“Where have you been all this time?”

Kal looked puzzled.

His friends had disappeared as soon as they heard the news about him.

Seeing them, Iliana gave a thumbs-up.

“We were preparing a party!”

“A party?”

“Yes!”

Iliana beamed.

“We decided to throw a party celebrating your promotion to the 3rd year. Everyone is amazed, calling it a miracle.”

Chelsea added.

Looking at them, Kal’s expression turned touched.

“I really did have a good school life. It’s heartwarming to have such good friends.”

With a teary-eyed expression, Kal tilted his head.

“By the way, why isn’t anyone congratulating me on becoming a hero?”

Upon hearing this, Chelsea and Iliana exchanged glances.

“Honestly, your promotion itself is more of a miracle situation, you know?”

“Right, right.”

Seeing the two of them get along unusually well, Kal grimaced.

“I’ve lived in vain.”

“What are you saying?”

“Exactly!”

“No! It’s not just anything, you’ve become a hero! That’s worthy of more congratulations! Ah, is that it?”

Kal grinned mischievously.

“Are you jealous of me becoming a hero? Is that what it is?”

At that, Iliana flinched, and Chelsea frowned.

Seeing their reactions, Kal grinned triumphantly.

“Ah—now even my friends are getting jealous. The burden of being a hero is heavy.”

“Ugh, so annoying!”

Iliana frowned, then moved behind Kal and grabbed him.

“Chelsea, hit his solar plexus.”

“Okay, hold tight.”

“Lemme go!”

Kal screamed in fright as Chelsea clenched her fist.

“Here I am, about to be in the 3rd year, and it’s like nobody has changed since the 1st year.”

Teid sighed and muttered, while Nella covered her mouth, laughing.

“That’s our Class 5 charm, right? Isn’t that right, Leo?”

Amidst the lively atmosphere, Leo chuckled and nodded.

“Oh, speaking of which…”

Looking as if he had just remembered something, Leo asked, “Kal, what’s your title?”

Finally escaping Iliana’s grip, Kal replied, “Oh, that?”

Kal scratched his head and laughed awkwardly.

“The one who prepares for the beginning.”