Editor : Amethyst00



Leo carefully brushed the surface of the longsword.

Dragon bone was known as one of the finest materials for crafting weapons.

It was a material so extraordinary that just hearing of it would excite any alchemist or blacksmith.

“T-this is dragon bone…!”

Sure enough, Carl hurriedly wiped away the drool that had trickled from the corner of his mouth.

“What is it?”

“What’s going on?”

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

“What?”

“No way! Who would give away something that precious?”

“Wasn’t it sent by his family?”

“He’s from a border kingdom noble house, isn’t he?”

“His mother’s side is the Zerdinger family.”

“Even so, not even the Zerdingers could easily send a sword made from dragon bone.”

Murmurs spread among the 1st-year students.

As their chatter grew louder, the upperclassmen turned to look with puzzled expressions.

“What’s going on?”

Professor Harrid approached.

The moment he appeared, the noisy 1st-years fell silent in an instant.

Such was the overwhelming “Harrid effect.”

In that silence, Chelsea raised her hand high.

“Professor Harrid! Leo-oppa received a sword made of dragon bone as a gift!”

“Dragon bone?”

Harrid frowned.

The professors had expected Leo to receive many gifts during this banquet—

‘But the dragon bone is far too excessive.’

Weapons made from dragon bone were not only powerful but also priceless due to their rarity.

It was, quite literally, something only a dragon would bestow upon someone it recognized.

An object imbued with a dragon’s mana, something whose value could not even be named.

It was not something one sent merely to curry a favor.

“Who sent it?”

At Harrid’s question, Leo looked at the letter.

“The letter only said it was a congratulatory gift for becoming student council president. There’s no sender listed.”

“I see.”

Harrid narrowed his eyes.

“Is there anyone you know who could possibly send something like this?”

At that, Leo naturally thought of the Dragon Queen, Melina.

Among those Leo knew, she was the only one capable of sending such a gift.

‘But it’s not Melina.’

Leo glanced at the longsword again.

If it were Melina, she would have left some sign to make it clear she had sent it.

“No, no one comes to mind.”

Hearing Leo’s words, Harrid sank into thought.

‘An extravagant gift from an unknown source…’

Even though the longsword had surely been inspected when it entered Lumene, one could never be too careful.

‘After all, it was only last year that a Tartaros spy infiltrated Lumene without anyone knowing.’

It was better to be cautious.

“Leo, just in case, I’ll keep the sword in safekeeping for now.”

As one’s reputation grew, so too did the chance that someone would secretly wish to harm them.

Leo nodded at Harrid’s words.

“Yes.”

He placed the sword back into its box and handed it to Harrid.

Amid the festive mood of the gift deliveries—

Among the professors seated at the head table, Sedgen lightly tapped his wine glass.

Clink—clink—clink—

The clear sound of glass rang throughout the grand hall.

Students, who had been chatting cheerfully among themselves, stopped their conversations and turned toward Sedgen.

“Everyone. The Principal will now give his speech. Please pay attention.”

At those words, the students set down their utensils and straightened their posture.

Once Sedgen sat down, Kalian rose from his seat.

“You all worked hard taking the exams. Once again, autumn has come, and this term is now three-quarters finished.”

Kalian smiled gently as he looked at the students.

“To the graduating fifth-years. I hope you’ll make the most of your remaining time here. And to the younger students, I hope you’ll send off your seniors with warmth.”

The fifth-year students smiled faintly, a touch of melancholy in their expressions.

“And starting next week, we’ll be having ‘guests’ from outside.”

At that, murmurs rippled through the students.

“Guests?”

“We just had joint classes with the Three Great Academy Clans not long ago…”

“Is it okay to have guests when the Lumeiren Competition is so close?”

Seeing their confusion, Kalian continued.

“I know what you’re all worried about. But there’s no need. In a way, it might even be a great help for the Lumeiren Competition.”

With a smile, Kalian raised his wine glass.

“Lastly, let’s toast—to our victory in the Lumeiren Competition, one month from now.”

The students raised their glasses.

“This year, we’ll definitely win!”

“Cheers!”

Clap clap clap—!

Applause filled the grand hall as Kalian’s banquet speech ended.

The banquet began in earnest, and the students enjoyed themselves, easing the fatigue of exams.

Since the next day was a holiday, they were even allowed to go out into Lumeria City for overnight leave.

While everyone was having fun and chatting—

Harrid quietly slipped away from the banquet and gathered the professors of the Magic Department.

“So this is the longsword that was sent to Student Leo by an unidentified person.”

Len crossed his arms and examined the ordinary-looking longsword.

“Yes. I’d like to hear your opinions, in case it’s cursed or anything similar.”

At Harrid’s request, Len reached out and carefully brushed the sword’s surface.

“It’s definitely dragon bone. I can’t tell the exact purity, though.”

Murmuring quietly, Len turned to the professor beside him.

“Professor Ruu, could you tell?”

The middle-aged woman professor called Ruu nodded and pulled a monocle from her pocket.

As a professor of alchemy, she was renowned in Lumene for her knowledge of rare materials.

“Let’s see here…”

After a close inspection, Professor Ruu gasped softly.

“Purity 100% dragon bone. It’s been a very long time since I’ve seen something like this.”

She removed the monocle with a puzzled expression.

“This is far too valuable to be sent merely as a gift.”

“Heh. That just means whoever sent it recognized Leo’s true worth.”

Professor Len smirked proudly.

Ignoring Len, the professors of the Magic Department prepared to inspect the sword in more detail when—

“I’ll take a look.”

All eyes turned toward the source of the voice.

There stood Albi Zeron, approaching slowly.

“Oh, if it’s Professor Albi, then this investigation will be easy.”

Known as the Sorcerer of Mystic Eyes, Albi possessed eyes that could see through all forms of magic—

Including Tartaros curses and black magic.

As Professor Ruu stepped aside, Albi stood before the sword and activated his Mystic Eyes.

Whirrr—!

Golden light and runes of fairy magic bloomed in his eyes.

After a short moment—

He deactivated the spell and spoke to Harrid.

“There are no traces of Tartaros. Nor is there any magic meant to harm the user.”

“I see.”

“But.”

“But?”

“The longsword itself is not something an ordinary knight could use.”

“What do you mean?”

“This longsword is a magic sword.”

“A magic sword?”

“Yes. Judging by the engraving patterns inside, it’s imbued with spells like [Power Boost], [Mana Amplification], and [Casting Assistance].”

“The runes alone are incredible. They’re at a level you’d expect from a high-grade mage’s staff.”

Len exclaimed in awe, then let out a proud laugh.

“To think someone would gift such an extraordinary weapon to Student Leo! Whoever they are, they have the eye to see his true potential!”

“Indeed. It seems this most likely was sent from Seiren.”

Crack—!

Len’s expression stiffened.

“Seiren?”

Harrid looked puzzled.

“Yes. The runes are engraved using ‘Star Sorcery.’ That means these spells wouldn’t help a human mage much. In other words, it’s a weapon made specifically for users of Star Sorcery. An elf-exclusive weapon.”

Albi exhaled softly.

“Still, someone like Leo Plov can handle it perfectly well.”

Leo, after all, could naturally use Star Sorcery, the magic of the elves.

That was only natural, since the one who had taught Leo Star Sorcery was none other than its creator, Luna herself.

There was no one in the world who understood it as deeply as Leo did.

“The only ones capable of crafting something like this among the elves would be Seiren. So it’s safe to conclude that a high-ranking figure from Seiren sent this gift to Leo Plov.”

“I see.”

Harrid nodded.

“Hu hu hu… hu hu hu hu. Huhuhuhuhuhu. Hahahahahahaha.”

At that moment, Len burst into laughter.

The other professors flinched at the sound.

Abruptly stopping his laughter, Len spoke in his usual tone.

“Let’s throw it away.”

“Do you think it makes sense to just dispose of a student’s gift?”

“Albi-sunbae, this is a filthy trick by those sly, pointy-eared schemers! A disgusting ploy to win over Leo’s favor with such a cheap offering!”

Len crossed his arms firmly.

“So this is a filthy object! Something meant to corrupt Leo’s heart! We must throw it away!”

“Take him out.”

At Harrid’s curt order, nearby professors grabbed Len and dragged him away.

“Professor Harrid! Listen to me! We must throw that sword away right now—! Mmph! Mmph!”

Ignoring the muffled protests of the gagged Len, Harrid said,

“If there’s no real issue, we’ll return it to Leo.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“What do you mean?”

“Len was talking nonsense, but he’s not entirely wrong. It feels like Seiren is testing Leo Plov.”

It was just as Albi said.

Lumene was known for evaluating potential in Hero's World

Azonia tested endurance with its desert-crossing marathon.

Each Hero Academy had its own unique entrance trial.

And Seiren’s entrance exam tested one’s mastery of Star Sorcery.

This magic sword’s power increased in proportion to the user’s skill with Star Sorcery.

That made it strikingly similar to Seiren’s entrance test.

Seiren’s intent was rather blatant.

Harrid chuckled softly.

“That’s unexpected, Albi. I didn’t think you cared much about school matters.”

“Well, I am a professor of Lumene, after all.”

Since this year, Albi had begun lecturing regularly and participating more in academy affairs.

Harrid, aware of the personal changes Albi had undergone, took it as a positive sign.

“Regardless of their motives, there’s nothing we can really do. And let them try as they wish.”

Harrid smiled faintly.

“No matter what Seiren does, Lumene will never lose a student to them.”

He said confidently,

“Because Lumene is the best school there is.”

bl

That evening, after the banquet—

The 1st-year boys’ dormitory was buzzing with excitement.

“Freedom!”

“Let’s leave Lumene and go wild all weekend!”

Though they’d been exhausted after exams, the banquet and evening rest had completely revived their youthful energy.

Not just the 1st-year boys’ dorm, every dormitory was in chaos.

Everyone was busy applying for overnight leave.

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

“Hmm. I think I’ll just relax at school.”

“You never get tired of this place, huh?”

Carl asked with disbelief.

“Wait.. aren’t people going to ask you to hang out anyway? No date offers?”

“None.”

Leo smiled faintly at Carl’s teasing.

“Hey, Leo. You’ve got a visitor.”

“A visitor?”

Another 1st-year boy came to fetch him.

“Oh~ as expected, the popular guy.”

Carl poked Leo teasingly in the ribs.

“Who is it?”

“2nd-year grade representative, Lyl-sunbae.”

At that, Leo stood up with a curious look.

Carl, equally intrigued, followed behind him.

Outside the dorm, indeed, Lyl was waiting.

“Hello, Leo. Congratulations on becoming student council president. And this friend is?”

“I’m Carl Thomas, Lyl-sunbae!”

“Ah, the one who makes the recovery potions? I use them often. Thank you.”

Lyl bowed politely.

Her perfectly courteous behavior startled Carl.

Upperclassmen at Lumene were often strict or condescending toward juniors—

But Lyl, despite being the 2nd-year grade representative, was showing impeccable manners to a 1st-year.

“Thank you, Lyl-sunbae. But what brings you all the way to the 1st-year boys’ dorm?”

At Leo’s question, Lyl hesitated.

“I… I know this might be presumptuous, but, Leo. If you don’t have plans this weekend, would you come with me to Lumeria City for a 2-day and 1-night trip?”

“Well, I don’t have any plans, so I don’t mind.”

Hearing Leo’s calm answer, Lyl smiled brightly.

“Thank you. Then I’ll come pick you up at 6 a.m. tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

Leo nodded easily.

Lyl turned and left.

Carl stared blankly after her, his mouth gaping.

“A-a 2-day, 1-night trip with a 2nd-year girl senior?”

“It’s not a date. Probably a counseling request.”

“What kind of counseling lasts two days?!”

“It happens. Anyway, I’ve got to wake up early tomorrow, so I’m sleeping now.”

Leo headed back into the dorm.

“Huh? Carl! Why are you just standing there?”

Just then, Eliana spotted Carl while walking through the courtyard.

“Hey, want to hear something crazy?”

“What is it?”

“Leo’s going on a 2-day, 1-night trip with Lyl-sunbae this weekend.”

“What?”

Eliana’s eyes went wide.

“No way! No way! That’s insane! A 2-day, 1-night date?!”

“He said it’s not a date.”

“Please! A boy and girl spending a night together? That’s totally a date!”

“Right?”

Their teenage imaginations ran wild, and both of them grew excited.

Thanks to that, the rumor spread throughout the entire 1st-year dormitory in no time.