Chapter 635

[Khuheoeoeong!]

[He’s approaching! Fall back! Fall back!]

[Waaaah! Keep away from this side! Head over that way!]

[Hey! That’s not fair!]

[Uwaaaaah!]

The front-row vanguards who had advanced to obstruct Leo’s path were meeting a truly pitiful end.

Watching the devastating wreckage manifest right before them, the observing instructors involuntarily shielded their eyes.

The expressions on the faces of the Knightry Department faculty members, who were in charge of the fourth and fifth-year pupils, looked particularly shattered.

Bellowing without pause, Leo, having stripped the upperclassmen of their fighting spirit, swept through them like a fierce gale.

The fourth and fifth-year students found themselves completely intimidated by Leo’s terrifying presence, tossed around without any power to resist.

Yet even through this chaos, proving why they had made it to their fourth and fifth years at Lumerne, they were managed to delay Leo’s advance.

Their coordination, which was typically deemed the primary flaw of the fourth and fifth-year students, had not yet shown signs of cracking.

‘For the moment.’

Halind fixed his gaze on Leo through the monitor.

The way Leo conducted himself in battle now was completely distinct from how he used to fight.

‘He always maintains his composure regardless of the circumstance, pinpointing and striking the enemy’s weak spots.’

That same Leo was currently hammering into his adversaries with an almost primal ferocity.

‘He is laying his tactics bare for all to see.’

The method to counter a foe who simply charges forward to obliterate everything is actually quite straightforward.

Slightly dodge the oncoming rush and strike a decisive blow against the unprotected flank.

The fourth and fifth-year students would surely target that vulnerability to build their plan.

However, what would happen if that plan cracked?

‘From that point onward, everything hinges on the strength of their coordination.’

Should they fail to counteract an enemy whose intentions are so blindingly obvious, two outcomes remain.

‘They will either regain their footing to try once more, or they will begin to falter.’

If a distinct commander stands among them, they can regroup and adjust.

But what if no such leader exists?

‘The very second conflicting voices rise, fractures will appear.’

That precise outcome was what Leo was aiming to provoke.

‘Every one of the fourth and fifth-year students still possesses some composure.’

Setting aside the initial moment they were caught off guard, even while being utterly dominated by Leo, not a single pupil had been rendered entirely helpless or functionally “killed” yet.

Though they were crying out and pleading for him to stay away, if the situation were truly dire, they wouldn’t even have the breath to make such noises.

‘It won’t be long now. The moment they collide with an immovable barrier.’

Following that train of thought, Halind shifted his focus.

On a separate monitor, the first-year students could be seen actively hunting for Kal.

—

“Wow~ I’ve really climbed up in the world, haven’t I?”

Positioned amidst the myriad of deserted islets scattered across Lake Lumeria, Kal gazed up at the clear blue sky and let out a sudden laugh.

“Hundreds of Lumerne first-year students are launching a massive hunt just to capture little old me. Hmph. Then again, it makes sense given who I am. I truly live up to the title of a hero.”

Kal, who had been spinning the key between his fingers like a pen, abruptly dropped to his knees and pressed his palms against the dirt.

“Hero, my foot! This is nothing but a massive bullying session!”

Even if they were just first-years, these adversaries were Lumerne first-years, meaning every single one of them was a prodigy!

And it wasn’t just a handful, but a staggering 500 individuals!

Back during the entrance examinations for the current second-year students, who were essentially his immediate underclassmen.

Kal had faced juniors who were hunting him down before, but it had never been hundreds at the same time like this.

‘Besides, technically speaking, those kids back then weren’t actual enrolled students, they were just applicants!’

The gap between a student who has successfully entered Lumerne and one who hasn’t is astronomical.

‘The instructors claimed they wanted to make the pupils realize their own flaws, but realistically, the primary weakness of the first-years is glaringly obvious.’

Sinking into despair, Kal let out a heavy sigh.

‘An overabundance of confidence in their own talents. Combined with an unquestioning faith in their personal metrics.’

No matter how gifted and exceptional they might be, they were ultimately just green youths lacking real-world experience.

Because of this, every single first-year student suffered from a narrow worldview.

‘Though Leo was a complete anomaly. Well, he’s a freak of nature who is basically a walking cheat code, so he doesn’t count.’

Thud— Kal settled into a cross-legged position, propping his chin on his palm as he began evaluating the current state of affairs.

‘Professor Halind selected me out of everyone for a singular reason. It’s likely because, to the eyes of the first-year students, I probably look like an easy target to defeat.’

Despite having acquired the reputation of a hero, Kal’s actual raw fighting capacity wasn’t incredibly high.

There were undoubtedly several among the first-year students who, upon facing him, would believe they stood a genuine chance at victory.

Kal scanned his surroundings.

‘The geographic features give me an edge. Because this isn’t an open plain, there are plenty of measures I can set up. Even so…’

Kal let out a joyless chuckle.

‘I might manage to handle up to a hundred people, but five hundred… Isn’t that a bit excessive no matter how you look at it?’

After muttering grievances to himself for a short while, Kal flung the key in his grasp with maximum force.

The key soared deep into the distance, suddenly emitting a brilliant flash of light before snapping right back into Kal’s open palm.

“Hmm. So it’s impossible to discard or conceal the key somewhere else.”

Kal nodded in understanding, then pushed himself up with an “Ootcha—”.

“Well, to be precise, the objective isn’t to slaughter five hundred people, it’s ultimately just a match of tag, isn’t it? I merely need to avoid getting caught for as long as possible, right? Furthermore, this deserted island happens to be Island No. 1.”

The various landmasses within Lake Lumeria, with the exception of Phantom Beast Island, were designated by numerical codes among the student body.

Island No. 1 signified the absolute largest landmass available.

“Which means there is plenty of time to set things up.”

Kal spun the key around his finger, a sly grin creeping onto his face.

“Very well then, shall I give our underclassmen a taste of what Lumerne truly represents? Uahahahaha!”

Emitting a sinister laugh, Kal disappeared into the thicket.

—

“To begin with, let’s locate Senior Shia.”

Standing upon the scenic shoreline.

Luke, who had been admiring the expanse of Lake Lumeria, turned back toward the second-year students to speak.

Hearing his words, Aina, whose eyes had been locked onto the overgrown woods, offered a nod of agreement.

At present, the entire second-year cohort was gathered on the sandy shore of the deserted island.

Even though it was situated within a lake, this particular island boasted a genuine beach.

“Wow~ The upperclassmen weren’t exaggerating. Island No. 6 looks like an incredible spot for a dip.”

Juen expressed his admiration while surveying the area.

Observing Juen’s attitude, Harviden narrowed his eyes slightly.

“You sound remarkably relaxed. The opponent we are tasked with confronting is Senior Chen Shia.”

“I’m well aware. I know that. I was just making an observation!”

Juen half-closed his eyes in response.

Sasha, who was positioned beside Juen, kept her gaze fixed on the dense woods and remarked.

“Regardless, it looks entirely pitch-black in there.”

Despite the sun riding high in the sky, the interior of the deserted island’s forest was as dark as late night.

This phenomenon occurred because the heavily packed canopy entirely blocked out the sunlight.

“This complicates matters.”

As El Jane spoke in a solemn tone, Aina wore a look of confusion.

“Does this present a specific difficulty?”

The individual who responded to that inquiry was Fritz, a shadow wielder belonging to the Magic Department.

“It presents a problem. A massive one, in fact.”

“What do you mean?”

“The issue stems from the fact that our target is Senior Chen Shia.”

“Ah.”

Understanding the weight of Fritz’s statement, Aina’s eyes widened in realization.

Luke, who still hadn’t grasped the implication, looked utterly perplexed.

“Aina, what is Fritz getting at?”

“A shadow’s true domain is the darkness.”

“Ah…”

Following Aina’s explanation, Luke’s expression turned equally grave.

Seeing their reactions, the remaining second-year students looked bewildered.

“Senior Shia is the princess of Shan, but… is it truly that perilous?”

“If it were Senior Celia or Senior Duran it might be different, but facing Senior Shia should be comparatively manageable.”

Even though they belonged to the Knightry Department, Celia and Duran were capable of deploying area-of-effect strikes wider than most members of the Magic Department.

In comparison to those two individuals, Chen Shia felt considerably less intimidating.

It wasn’t a matter of Chen Shia being inferior in strength to Celia and Duran, but rather a distinction in their aura attributes.

At any rate, the water aura manipulated by Chen Shia was an element heavily skewed toward defensive applications.

Hearing her peers’ remarks, El Jane let out a sharp scoff.

“You only speak that way because you’ve never witnessed the true horror of shadows operating within total darkness.”

It was highly improbable that they, having only just transitioned into their second year, would have ever encountered a shadow combatant in action.

“I understand now. What the faculty meant regarding the deficiencies we need to address.”

Harviden narrowed his gaze.

At his comment, Juen nodded his head in agreement.

“Engaging in combat against Hero Hunters.”

Under ordinary circumstances, Lumerne second-year students would never find themselves in a position where they had to clash with Hero Hunters.

And yet, to throw them into such an ordeal on the very first day of the academic term…

“For some reason, it feels like our second year is bound to be a grueling one as well.”

Tap—! Sasha snapped her folding fan shut, letting out a gentle sigh.

Responding to the mood, Aina spoke up.

“Standing around here won’t change anything. For now, let’s advance and track down Senior Shia.”

Hearing her directive, the second-year students gave their assent.

“Assume positions. Maintain readiness to counter any surprise attacks at a moment’s notice!”

“El! Fritz! Organize a scouting unit!”

The second-year students swiftly shifted into motion to prepare themselves.

Meanwhile, Luke looked toward the pitch-black woods and shuddered.

“For some reason, I’m getting a sudden chill down my spine.”

—

“As one would expect, our third-year students are incredibly capable. To locate us in such a short span of time.”

Elena beamed cheerfully, clapping her hands together.

Perched cross-legged atop her floating staff, Elena observed the third-year students who had encircled them with an entirely relaxed demeanor.

“This catches me off guard.”

At that moment, Celia stepped to the forefront to speak.

“I didn’t anticipate that you would be waiting for us so openly. I assumed you would rely on hit-and-run tactics… Could this perhaps be an ambush?”

Gazing down at Celia, who was warily scanning her surroundings, Elena stopped her clapping and blinked her eyes wide.

Then, resting her elbows against her knees and cradling her jaw in her hands, Elena pouted in a displeased fashion.

“I was wondering what flaws our seemingly flawless third-year juniors might possess… It turns out they have this side to them. Well, the prize does radiate a bit too brightly, after all.”

Elena grumbled under her breath, casting an annoyed glance over the assembled third-years.

“Bright enough to obscure their vision.”

Faced with those cryptic remarks, the third-year pupils exchanged bewildered looks.

“Very well, this is what our underclassmen came for, correct?”

Elena pulled a key out from her pocket.

“Why don’t you step forward and try to claim it?”

Flash—!

“Oh?”

A violent bolt of lightning roared down.

“Aren’t you acting a bit too rashly?”

In the blink of an eye, Duran materialized directly in front of Elena, extending his arm straight toward the key.

Duran let out a snort, fully intending to snatch the object resting in Elena’s grasp.

Hwaak—!

‘Already?!’

Confronted by an immense mass of iron that completely obstructed his field of vision, Duran’s expression hardened slightly.

Kwagagagagang—! Woojikkeun! Kwadeuk! Woojijik! Kwang!

The war hammer, swung with cataclysmic force, slammed directly into Duran’s front.

Propelled backward through the air, Duran only ground to a halt after shattering several tree trunks in his path.

Pajijik— Pajijijik—

Duran, who had cushioned the impact by coating his frame in aura armor, picked himself up.

However, his legs immediately buckled beneath him, causing him to stagger.

Kung—!

The attention of everyone present shifted toward the figure who had just planted the massive war hammer into the earth.

“Without receiving my clearance, none of you are permitted to lay a finger on Senior Elena or the key.”

Hearing the flat, unfeeling tone of Lil, who was normally renowned for her sweet and gentle temperament, the third-year students involuntarily swallowed hard.

An absolute, crushing presence radiated from her.

It was precisely as Lil was completely dominating the third-years using nothing but her raw aura.

“Our Lil is incredibly dependable, isn’t she?”

Deopseok—!

“Neuheoheoeop?!”

Elena, who had pounced onto Lil from behind to embrace her, placed both of her hands squarely over Lil’s chest.

“Um… Senior Elena. This is a critical and rare occasion where I am establishing a senior’s authority before our juniors… Hiiik?!”

“My, my? Personally, I find a panicked Lil far more endearing than a stern, authoritative Lil acting like an upperclassman, you know?”

Enduring Elena’s wandering hands, Lil’s face contorted into a tearful expression.

The male third-year students began clearing their throats awkwardly, swiftly averting their eyes from the scene.

Elena, who was giggling away with her chin resting comfortably on Lil’s shoulder, noted their reactions and blinked her eyes before peering downward and humming.

“It turns out the perfect, secure location to store the key safely was right here all along?”

“A secure location?”

As Lil tilted her head in confusion, Elena faced the third-year cohort and flashed a mischievous grin.

“Did you all know? Lil is the sort of person who appears slender while fully clothed, right? In reality, she is absolutely magnificent.”

Wearing an expression reminiscent of a wicked witch, Elena suddenly slid the hand grasping the key directly into the collar of Lil’s school uniform top.

“Eughok?! S-Senior?!”

The moment Elena pulled her hand back out, a startled Lil gasped, clamping her hands over her chest as she leaped backward.

Staring at the flustered girl, Elena beamed radiantly.

“With this arrangement, the male students won’t dare to make a move for the key.”

“Huh? Will a tactic like that actually be effective?”

Lil tilted her head in confusion.

The male students simply opened and closed their mouths silently, completely speechless.

“Naturally it will work.”

Giggling to herself, Elena vaulted back onto her staff.

“Alright then, Lil. May I leave the front line in your hands?”

“I cannot guarantee success, but I will give it everything I have.”

“So dependable.”

Maneuvering her staff, Elena shot straight up into the open sky.

Gooooooh—!

From Lil’s form, waves of spiritual energy began to violently ripple outward.

“To all the third-year students.”

Tak—!

Gripping the handle of her war hammer with both hands, Lil spoke in a deep, menacing whisper.

“I am about to teach you the absolute terror of an upperclassman.”