Chapter 196
The atmosphere among the Seiren students gathered in front of the Seiren Warp Gate, now that the blizzard had cleared, was overwhelming.
The Seiren Student Council President, Rienia, looked on with a satisfied expression and said, “Let’s head to the Grand Parade Ground. The teachers are waiting for the guests.”
At those words, Rhys nodded. “Everyone, move out!”
The Lumene students, their faces tense, began to line up and follow Rhys.
Step! Swoosh—!
Then, the Seiren students parted like well-drilled soldiers, making way.
“Whoa—this is intimidating~”
At the display of discipline, Carr shook his head and muttered with a nervous laugh.
“Hmph! Hmph! Who do they think is going to get intimidated by this?”
Eliana muttered in protest.
But as she passed by the Seiren students, whose eyes were wide and fixed, she wore an uneasy expression.
The Seiren students examined each Lumene student intently, as if memorizing the face of their competition.
The one who received the most attention, of course, was Leo.
Every time Leo walked by, the Seiren students’ intense gazes landed on him.
During the first semester school trip, Leo’s analysis of Luna’s [Magic to Make Flowers Bloom] was already well known in Seiren.
Though it had yet to be announced to the world, in Seiren, it was common knowledge.
When word first spread about the [Magic to Make Flowers Bloom], most elves had reacted as if it was just one of countless spells created by the Founder of the Nebula.
That was because, from Seiren’s perspective, it was a matter of pride.
The fact that a human—who wasn’t even an elf—had restored and analyzed a Founder’s spell lost to Seiren’s history over thousands of years was a blow to their pride.
However, during a semester field mission, Luna herself had referenced the [Magic to Make Flowers Bloom].
Thanks to reports from Lunia and Haddin, the importance of the spell rose even higher.
Naturally, talk about Leo once again became a hot topic within Seiren.
Not long after, rumors spread that Leo had been elected Student Council President of Lumene.
From Seiren’s standpoint, Leo was now one of the highest-priority threats in this Lumeiren.
Even with all the Seiren students staring holes into him, Leo walked forward unbothered.
“Hey, Leo. The Seiren students are glaring at you pretty fiercely. You alright?”
“What?”
“Doesn’t it bother you?”
“Not at all.”
“Sometimes I envy how unshakable you are.”
Impressed by Leo’s composure, Carr spoke up.
Just then, as Leo smiled faintly at Carr, he spotted a familiar girl among the Seiren students.
Eiran, having noticed Leo, waved with a bright smile.
Seeing that, Leo smiled back and waved, and Eiran shyly smiled in return.
Other students from different classes quickly crowded around Leo at that reaction.
“Hey! Leo, who was that just now?”
“Do you know her?”
“She’s really cute! Everyone else was staring daggers at us, but she smiled at you!”
Unlike the other Seiren students, Eiran gave a friendly smile to the Lumene students.
Given her personality, she couldn’t intimidate students from another school even if asked.
At the others’ reactions, Carr let out a laugh. “Want to know about Eiran?”
“Oh! Carr, you know her too!”
“Did you get close during the school trip?”
Other students swarmed around Carr, eager to know more.
“Curious?”
“Curious!”
“It’s good to relax, but the upperclassmen are still glaring.”
Leo pointed out as the boys became rowdy, and with a “Ack!” the boys quickly scattered.
Thus, the Lumene students arrived at Seiren’s Grand Parade Ground.
The Seiren students who had cleared the way now took their places.
The Lumene students, too, lined up by grade, led by their representatives.
Then, an elf with an air of experience appeared on the podium at the center of the Grand Parade Ground.
He gazed at the Lumene students with serious eyes and spoke.
—Welcome, young sprouts who will lead the future of humanity. My name is Benit. I serve, though unworthy, as the principal of Seiren.
As Benit introduced himself, the Lumene students voiced their admiration.
Benit.
Known as the [First Star of the Founder], he was a magician hero said to have mastered every spell created by the Founder of the Nebula.
He was also the man who had conquered Luna’s world and inherited her power.
It was well-known that he served as Seiren’s principal, but seeing such a legendary hero in person left the Lumene students in awe.
—I hope you all achieve satisfactory results in this Lumeiren. The official start is in two days. Until then, I hope you all remain in top condition. That is all.
It was a dry welcome.
But it was the best he could offer to the students of a rival academy.
Clap, clap, clap—
The Lumene students applauded.
Benit stepped down from the podium and returned to the school.
“Alright, then. I’ll now guide you to your accommodations,” Rienia said, standing before the Lumene students with a gentle smile.
“As the principal said, the official start of the Lumeiren is in two days. So rest well in your prepared quarters. You’re free to use the school facilities as you like. And tonight, there will be a welcome party. Anyone who wants to attend, please do so.”
With that, Rienia and the Seiren Student Council officers led the Lumene students to their lodgings.
The accommodations provided by Seiren were shared quarters for all grades and both genders.
Of course, sleeping and bathing spaces were separate.
The shared area was the lounge.
It seemed to be a place where they could strategize for the next day’s matches.
After unpacking in their assigned rooms, the students gathered in the lounge.
“Our academy is pretty fancy, but Seiren’s is on another level,” Eliana said in admiration as she looked around the lounge.
“It’s the richest among all the hero academies,” Nella replied with a smile.
“So, a welcome party. Feels like there’s going to be a battle of nerves, doesn’t it?”
“Right? Didn’t you see how the Seiren kids were staring earlier? Ugh, honestly.”
At Tide’s mutter, Carr shook his head.
“They’re probably trying to get a psychological edge through the welcome party. But that doesn’t mean we can just skip it.”
Chelsea, arms crossed, declared firmly.
“We should go and turn the tables! I already feel like we’re losing from the very first encounter~”
“That’s right! Leo! Show them what you’re made of!”
Chelsea and Eliana spoke to Leo, who was sitting back and relaxed.
“Turn the tables?”
Leo let out a small laugh as Chelsea and Eliana nodded.
“Alright, shall we?”
“Oh! That’s our class rep!”
“Go, Leo!”
The two girls cheered him on enthusiastically.
Watching this, Tide looked uneasy. “Will this be alright? He might go too far.”
“Maybe, but this is exactly when we need Leo’s boldness,” Nella replied with her characteristic lazy smile.
“I’m a little worried,” Carr said, eyeing Leo with concern as he sat there calmly.
—
In response to Seiren’s attempt to take the upper hand from the start, all the Lumene students attended the welcome party.
Not just students—Lumene’s professors and teachers were also present.
Leo was leisurely enjoying the party from one side of the hall.
Most of his friends had rushed to the buffet, eager to try elven traditional cuisine.
Leo was standing off to the side, observing the Seiren students, when—
“Leo, there you are!”
A familiar voice called out.
Turning, he saw Herdeum, the homeroom teacher of Seiren’s top first-year class from the school trip, approaching.
“It’s been a while, Professor Herdeum.”
Leo greeted him.
Even after the school trip ended, Herdeum had shown a steady interest in Leo.
Things like suggesting Leo transfer to Seiren, or arrange a student exchange—all these had happened at Herdeum’s initiative.
It was only natural—Herdeum was fascinated by Leo’s talent in analyzing the Founder’s magic.
‘If only Leo were an elf.’
Though he looked regretful, Herdeum didn’t show it outwardly.
Leo was still only a first-year.
There would be plenty of opportunities for exchange with Seiren in the future.
And who’s to say Leo wouldn’t want to study at Seiren one day?
‘Just in case, I should maintain a good relationship with Leo.’
While Herdeum thought this,
“Professor Herdeum. Would you introduce that boy to me?”
A man with fiery red hair and eyes approached with a smile.
Despite his striking appearance, his eyes were calm.
Leo noticed he looked similar to Lunia and nodded.
‘Allan Lunda. Lunia’s father and my mother’s friend.’
He was also the [Oathbound] of Fiora’s mother, Phirina.
“Ah, Professor Allan,” Herdeum greeted him warmly.
In truth, most Seiren teachers didn’t think highly of Leo.
Only those who had met him directly, like Herdeum, or had heard about him from their daughters and fellow Oathbound, like Allan, saw him positively.
“This is Leo Plov. Leo, this is Professor Allan Lunda.”
“I’m Leo Plov.”
“I’m Allan Lunda.”
Allan smiled gently and offered his hand. Leo shook it.
Allan looked on with satisfaction and said to Herdeum, “Professor Herdeum, may I have a moment with Leo?”
“Of course. Leo, enjoy the party.”
Herdeum smiled and left.
He figured both Oathbounds would have much to discuss.
Once Herdeum was gone, Allan said, “It seems my daughter owes you a lot.”
“No, I’ve received plenty of help from her too.”
Leo answered with a gentle smile.
Seeing Leo’s response, Allan chuckled. “I don’t know if your mother ever told you, but I owe her a debt.”
“I heard about it from Phirina.”
“Really?”
Allan smiled.
Then he patted Leo’s shoulder.
“I won’t say I’ll repay my debt through you. That debt will last a lifetime. But if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll help however I can.”
“Thank you.”
In elven society, the word of the Lunda family head—its most prestigious house—was no small matter.
In human terms, Allan was on par with the head of the Zerdinger family.
And that offer of help was not just words.
‘He must know what that means, but he just accepts it so calmly.’
Allan looked at Leo in admiration.
He was well aware that his daughter saw Leo as a lifelong rival.
‘Having a goal to chase for a lifetime isn’t a bad thing.’
Allan smiled to himself.
“Dad… no, Professor Allan.”
Lunia, having seen Leo and Allan talking, hurried over.
Allan smiled as he left Leo with, “Have a good chat,” and stepped away.
Lunia glanced at Allan before asking, “What did you talk about with Dad?”
“Nothing much. Did you need something?”
“The dance time is about to start. I had fun dancing with you before, so I came to ask you.”
Lunia smiled.
Flash—!
At that moment, the lights in the hall went out.
The students panicked.
“Ladies and gentlemen! Are you enjoying the welcome party?”
A male Seiren student with a microphone stepped onto the stage at one side of the hall.
He grinned playfully.
“I’m Eden, your host for tonight’s party.”
The spotlight focused on him.
All eyes turned to Eden.
“Before the real party begins, I think we need to hear everyone’s determination for the Lumeiren!”
Eden looked over the students with a sly smile.
At his side, spirits appeared on the stage, carrying a giant trophy.
It was the Lumeiren Champion’s Trophy.
“This trophy has belonged to Seiren for years! And of course, it’ll stay with Seiren!”
Some Lumene students booed at Eden’s meaningful smile.
“Oh! If you don’t like it, win it with your skills.”
Eden flashed a provoking smile and spoke to Rienia.
“Right, President?”
“Of course! Of course!”
Rienia nodded confidently.
“Now then, before the Lumeiren begins, I’d like to hear from the Student Council Presidents of Seiren and Lumene. First, Seiren’s President?”
Eden handed the mic to Rienia.
“A word of determination, please, President.”
“As always, we’ll do our best. And by winning, we’ll continue Seiren’s tradition of victory in the Lumeiren.”
Eden nodded at Rienia’s confident smile.
“Now, the Lumene President.”
“I’ll give the floor to my successor,” said Rhys.
Eden’s eyes widened in surprise, then he smiled as he turned to Leo.
“Wow, your successor. Is it really okay for a first-year to speak for Lumene?”
At his playful teasing, laughter broke out among the Seiren students.
Eden approached Leo.
“So, future Lumene Student Council President, may we hear your determination before your first Lumeiren?”
Eden handed Leo the microphone.
Feeling every eye in the hall on him, Leo calmly spoke into the mic.
“Thank you for looking after the trophy all this time, Seiren students.”
Eden’s eyes widened.
The Seiren students frowned.
“Take a good look at it while you still can.”
“May I ask why?”
Eden asked, and Leo answered as if it was obvious.
“Because you won’t get to see that trophy for the next five years.” (T/N: Dang Leo!!! This is the attitude every MC should have!)