Editor : Amethyst00



Lumene and Seiren’s school competition, whose honor and pride were on the line, the Lumeiren Competition.

It wasn’t just a matter of school pride. Since it was also a confrontation representing their respective races, the Lumeiren Competition was an event that drew the attention of countless people every year.

Even other hero academies such as Azonia and Damien were keeping a close eye on the Lumeiren Competition with sharp attention.

Although they weren’t in a rival relationship like Lumene and Seiren, as institutions training hero candidates, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of rivalry.

As an academic event that drew the world’s attention, its scale was enormous.

And whether it was Lumene or Seiren, the Lumeiren Competition always invited many external guests.

From the powerful figures who could sway the world to the heroes of great fame.

One by one, the invited distinguished guests began arriving in Seiren.

Apart from them, huge crowds from all over the world gathered to watch the Lumeiren Competition.

It was, quite literally, a grand festival.

At the very heart of the elves’ domain—

In Seiren, famed for its bitter cold—

countless beings from across the world gathered.

The first day marking the opening of the Lumeiren Competition.

Lumene’s first-year students, assembled in the grand training ground, now faced the densely packed audience stands.

“I, I’m nervous.”

“Hoo… I’d heard about it, but this is no joke.”

Realizing that tens of thousands of spectators were watching them, the first-years had nervous looks on their faces.

At that moment—

[Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Seiren! My name is Ideen Crayfo! I am a student of Seiren, and I’ll be your host for this Lumeiren Competition!]

The voice of Ideen, who had also been the host of the welcome party two days earlier, rang out through a magically amplified microphone.

[And also serving as co-host, from Lumene, is Miss Shierra Sikurn!]

[Hello, everyone!]

Shierra and Ideen introduced themselves from the host’s platform.

[Today’s first event is none other than the first-years’ obstacle race! Wow~ What an adorable and refreshing event, befitting the first-years, isn’t it?]

Shierra said with a bright smile.

The audience burst into laughter here and there.

Though they were praised as the world’s finest talents and called hero candidates, outwardly they were still merely mid-teen boys and girls.

They didn’t yet carry the dignity or composure of upperclassmen, so Shierra’s comment about being adorable and fresh felt oddly fitting.

And the mention of an “obstacle race” added a strange touch of humor.

After all, obstacle races were a familiar sight, more often seen at ordinary school sports festivals than in prestigious hero academies.

[Of course, this isn’t an ordinary obstacle race! Each school has three ‘riders’! The riders must cross the finish line for their points to count! The other students’ roles are to either attack the opposing riders and eliminate them, or protect their own riders! Of course, that alone wouldn’t be fun, right? Non-rider students can eliminate others for points, too! If you accumulate points and safely cross the finish line, you’ll gain additional scores!]

Ideen explained the rules of the obstacle race.

In short, the team with more riders crossing the finish line would win.

Conversely, if their own riders were eliminated early, they could still turn the tables by swiftly eliminating the opponent’s riders, or by taking out non-riders for points.

“Hooh. Sounds fun.”

“They’re trying to make them fight, huh? Definitely not a normal obstacle race.”

Exclamations of admiration rose from the audience.

Meanwhile, in the stands, students from Lumene’s commerce club were selling food.

The Lumene Commerce Club was famous for never missing any place where money could be made.

Naturally, it was also a club looked upon with disapproval by the Seiren students.

The president of the commerce club, June Naia, as usual, was running a “betting game,” casually asking some elf spectators:

“Gentlemen elves, aren’t you going to place a ‘bet’?”

“Do you take us for people who’d indulge in such vulgarity?”

When a student wearing Lumene’s uniform approached and asked about the betting, an elf male frowned and glared at June.

His companions, agreeing with him, looked at June and snorted.

June smiled faintly at them.

“I see. So you gentlemen elves must not be confident Seiren will win. Understood.”

“Wait. How does refusing to join such vulgar entertainment mean we’re not confident Seiren will win?”

The elf man, now serious, asked. June, who was about to leave, shrugged.

“Because you need confidence to bet. All the humans have placed their money on Lumene’s victory. Because they’re sure of it.”

“Wh—!”

The elf man’s face stiffened at June’s calm provocation. Then he pulled out his money pouch.

“I’ll bet on Seiren’s victory.”

“You don’t have to force yourself.”

“It’s no burden! Seiren has always triumphed in the Lumeiren Competition! Naturally, we’ll win this wager too!”

Enraged, the elf man and his group placed all their money on Seiren’s victory.

As they left, one of June’s clubmates asked:

“President, there are quite a few humans betting on Seiren’s victory too, aren’t there?”

Indeed, because this year’s Lumene first-years were exceptionally strong, most humans were betting on Lumene.

But wherever there’s a bet, there are always gamblers chasing long odds.

“Yeah. But if they do, those guys wouldn’t bet at all.”

June replied casually, grinning.

“Fufu. I love the Lumeiren Competition! It’s the perfect chance for a big score!”

“But last year, when the previous president, Tett-sunbae, did this, he got caught by Professor Harrid, remember?”

“……”

June’s face stiffened at the reminder.

Then, with a solemn tone, she said,

“It’s fine. The year before that, they didn’t get caught. High risk, high return! The heart of a beast is the merchant’s virtue!”

‘If that’s your virtue, then you’re not a beast-hearted merchant, you’re just a beast,’ her junior thought with a deep sigh.

Meanwhile, families and acquaintances visiting the arena were chatting directly with the students to cheer them on.

“I’m proud of you.”

“To think you’re participating in the Lumeiren Competition… You bring honor to our house!”

Voices filled with emotion could be heard here and there.

Then someone appeared who drew everyone’s eyes.

A tall man, likely around 180 cm, with broad shoulders and a solid upper body— he exuded the sharp presence of a seasoned warrior.

However, despite his intimidating air, he wore a magician’s robe, not a knight’s armor.

Several attendants followed behind him.

Everyone held their breath as they looked at him.

It was only natural.

One of the twin pillars of the Lordren Empire, the dominant power of the western continent— Head of House Lewellin.

Chade Lewellin.

An archmage whose name was recorded in the Hero Record.

At his appearance, people’s faces turned tense.

“Abad, Chelsea.”

“Father?”

“Dad! You said you couldn’t come!”

The Lewellin siblings looked at their father in surprise.

Celia and Chloe, who had been chatting with them, were also astonished.

‘So this is Chade Lewellin. The hero who divides Lordren’s might in half…’

Leo’s eyes gleamed as he looked at Chade Lewellin.

‘He's powerful.’

Among all the mages Leo had seen in this life, Chade easily ranked among the top three.

‘A battle mage, perhaps?’

Feeling the sharp focus in Chade’s mana flow, Leo murmured inwardly.

It seemed Chelsea’s aspiration to become a battle mage wasn’t without her father’s influence.

Chade smiled as he looked at the three, who had taken a respectful step back.

“Celia. I’ve been hearing much about your exploits lately. Selde is proud, saying you’re showing prowess worthy of following after Rhys. Impressive.”

“Thank you for the praise.”

Celia bowed politely.

Chade smiled and patted her shoulder before turning to Chloe.

“You must be Chloe Mueller.”

“I greet the Ruler of the West Wind.”

Chloe greeted him respectfully.

The “Ruler of the West Wind.”

A title given to him because he ruled the winds of the western continent.

Chade truly possessed overwhelming mana and power, able to manipulate the air across an entire region.

He was, quite literally, an archmage who could shake heaven and earth.

“No need to be so stiff. I’ve heard much about you.”

Chade smiled gently at Chloe.

“I hope you’ll visit House Lewellin sometime. For the mages of our house, it would be an honor to exchange knowledge with a talented mage from the Tower.”

“If you’d invite me, it’d be an honor! I’d gladly visit!”

Chade nodded, then turned finally to Leo.

“You must be Leo Plov.”

“Hello.”

“I’ve heard much about you from Chelsea. It seems my daughter is always in your debt.”

“Thanks to Chelsea, my school life’s been enjoyable.”

At Leo’s words, Chelsea smiled bashfully.

“I see. Is your mother well?”

“She’s too energetic for her own good.”

“Ha ha. Sounds like her nature hasn’t changed.”

Apparently knowing Reina as well, Chade chuckled and shook his head.

“I hope you’ll visit Lewellin sometime too.”

He patted his daughter’s head.

“My daughter seems to want that as well.”

“Yeah, that’s right. Leo-oppa, let’s hang out at my house during the holidays.”

“Ku—?”

Chade’s eyes widened.

It was the first time he’d seen his daughter act affectionately toward a boy her age.

Even the great Chade Lewellin, a hero of the Hero Record had momentarily lost his composure.

“Haha… yes, I’d like that. I’m curious to see what kind of mage you are.”

Forcing a calm smile, Chade looked at Leo.

“Yes. I’ll visit during the winter break.”

“Should I go too?”

“That’d be fine.”

Seeing Leo and Chloe chatting warmly, Chade regained some of his composure.

“I look forward to seeing your performance in the Lumeiren Competition.”

He smiled as he left, and Chelsea beamed.

“Since Dad came to watch, I’ve gotta give it my all! Let’s do our best!”

Seeing her cheerful smile, Abad nodded with a grin.

Leo looked at them and smiled faintly.

“Let’s do this.”

“Don’t worry. We won’t let those Seiren brats lay a finger on you.”

Celia smiled confidently.

Leo was one of the riders for this obstacle race.

bl

[Now! The start is just moments away! First-year students, please take your places at the starting line!]

Shierra’s lively voice echoed through the arena.

At her call, the students lined up.

Lumene’s three riders were the fastest students in the year.

Duran, who wielded lightning aura and was considered the fastest overall.

Eliza, who controlled a swift flying familiar and rivaled Duran in pure speed.

And Leo, slightly slower than the two, but firmly the third fastest in the first year.

A perfect team.

The three wore headbands marking them as riders, and the eyes of Seiren’s first-years locked onto them.

“By the way, only one of Seiren’s grade representatives came out as a rider.”

Celia narrowed her eyes.

Seiren’s grade representatives were ranked first, second, and third in grades.

Only the second-place student, Eiran, was among the riders.

“The first and third probably aren’t suited for a speed match.”

Abad said calmly.

“That’s strange. Eiran-unnie doesn’t have a speed-oriented trait either.”

Chelsea tilted her head.

“There must be a reason.”

Abad smiled faintly.

[Looks like everyone’s ready! Then, ready—!]

Shierra, as host, raised the signal flare near the starting line.

The first-years crouched in anticipation.

[Go!]

Bang—!

As the flare burst—

Fwoooosh—!

“Leo! You teased me! You’re dead!”

Kwagagagagagang—!

With an angry scream, a massive explosion erupted.

“Eeek?!”

“Wh-what the—?! She’s attacking everyone, ally and enemy alike?!”

The sudden explosion left Lumene’s students in shock.

Whoooosh—!

But bursting through the flames, Leo calmly landed and began sprinting at the front.

“Stop right there!”

With crimson eyes flashing, Lunia fired another spell at Leo’s back.

In that instant—

Fwoosh! Kooogoogoong—!

Flames shot out from the side, intercepting Lunia’s fire.

Lunia froze.

“Attacking our rider by surprise? Not a chance.”

With flame aura swirling around her, Celia smiled brightly as she blocked Lunia’s path.

“I’ve always wanted to fight you, Lunia El Lunda.”

“Celia Zerdinger?”

“As a fellow wielder of Phoenix Flame, let’s see—”

“Hey! Leo! Don’t run away! Sorry! I really wanna fight you too, but right now, taking down that guy comes first… we’ll fight later!”

Lunia apologized as she dashed past Celia, glaring murderously as she chased after Leo.

Fwoooosh—!

Left alone, Celia stood frozen with a blank expression.

The wind blew, fluttering her black hair.

“C-Celia?”

Chloe called to her awkwardly.

“It’s Celia Zerdinger and Chloe Mueller!”

“They’re not riders, but they’re dangerous!”

“Form formation!”

Seiren’s first-years surrounded Celia.

Even if they weren’t riders, dangerous individuals had to be eliminated quickly.

“Fufufu…”

Celia lowered her head, laughing darkly.

Glint—!

Her crimson eyes flashed.

“Eek?!”

The Seiren students flinched.

They recognized that gaze.

Those eyes, they’d seen them countless times before.

They were almost identical to the eyes of the one who had tormented them, Lunia.

“R-run away!”

“Scatter!”

Sensing danger instinctively, the Seiren students scattered in all directions.

Kwagagagagang—!

And Celia’s flame aura incinerated everything around her.

Veins popped on her forehead as she grinned viciously, staring at the distant figure of Lunia running ahead.

Sweeping her hair elegantly, Celia took a deep breath.

‘Calm down. As a daughter of House Zerdinger, you mustn’t lose composure before everyone…’

Right now, taking down that one comes first. Taking down that one comes first. Taking down that one comes first.

Celia’s eyes twitched.

Lunia’s words echoed endlessly in her head.

‘Calm down, calm down, Celia Zerdinger. Don’t get emotional. Calm… calm…’

“…Like hell I can calm down! You’re ignoring me? Lunia El Lunda! I’ll destroy you!”

Unable to contain her fury, Celia charged after Lunia with blazing intensity.

Chloe sighed softly as she watched.

“This is going to wreck our whole strategy.”