Ch. 145 - Academy Battle (4)

Chapter 145: Academy Battle (4)

When it comes to the academy genre from Earth, the most anticipated episode has always been the 'festival event.'

Unfortunately, Stella lacked a proper festival episode.

Stories circulated about the absence of on-campus cafes derived from Japan.

It meant that there were no absurd maid costume parties, which caused chaos.

As someone who entered the academy genre through literature, comics, and games, it was fortunate for Baek Yu-Seol to hear this story.

He was so busy trying to enter the high-level PVP zone, level up, and farm equipment, but this damn festival was annoying him to death.

Of course, it was not like there was no festival at all.

The Academy Battle could be considered a substitute for the festival event.

While the main narrative focused on PVP, for uninterested players, there was a grand festival in the background.

They could go on dates with their in-game partners or gain experience through various sub-events.

Being a fervent PVP enthusiast, he naturally participated in the main event.

He couldn’t exactly remember when he got so deeply into PVP, but fighting against someone's character who was actually alive was more thrilling and realistic than battling AI-controlled demons.

"It's truly incredible..."

The Academy Battle was held on a scale incomparable to Earth's university festivals.

It was a significant event in Stella, which occurred only once every 12 years according to the setting.

Perhaps that was why it felt even more impactful.

The airships and drones hovering in the sky and protecting the ground reminded them of Stella’s status once again.

Variety of fireworks and a giant flying object shining in golden hues illuminated the atmosphere.

It was truly spectacular.

It symbolized Stella's wealth.

The wyverns soared through the sky clearly demonstrated Stella's technological prowess.

Taming such formidable wyverns was an achievement. And even a whopping twenty of them was miraculous!

It was something that couldn’t be done with ordinary magic.

The tamers must have prepared for this day, and the aerial show performed by them dazzled their eyes.

And... the much-anticipated entrance ceremony.

On this special day, the transparent Grand Bridge, 'Great Path,' descended. It was delicately and beautifully crafted as if made of glass.

Representatives from each academy walked through, proudly displaying their status.

Kaikaren Private Magic Academy was known for admitting only wealthy individuals. The students and faculty both showed off of their wealth by wearing coats crafted with 'Blue Jade Stone.’

The noteworthy students from that academy were... the twin siblings 'Faharen' and ‘Farhen.’

Each specialized in controlling water, but in Magic Survival, they secretly teamed up with each other and were caught by the protagonist.

The elves from Astral Flower Magic Academy entered, flaunting their enchanting beauty.

Maybe, since their naturally dazzling appearance needed no special gestures, the applause for them was the loudest.

If there was a student to watch, it was undoubtedly Jeliel.

She was a scheming woman, and no one could predict her next move.

Jeliel stood at the forefront, confidently waving her hands with a bright smile.

Among the elves, she garnered significant attention, thanks to her striking beauty as a blessed High Elf.

'Is that High Elf Orenha?'

Although Baek Yu-Seol rarely encountered him in the game, it wasn’t difficult to recognise him since his name was displayed clearly on the thick-rimmed specs.

A character who harassed Florin in the original game. It was fortunate that there was a plot where the player uncovered his identity and saved her, but anyway, Baek Yu-Seol remembered him as sly snake-like character.

And…

A mysterious black carriage with a unique form followed behind Orenha.

It puzzled Baek Yu-Seol a bit since such an item wasn't present in the original game.

Even searching with his glasses only revealed it as [Lv.9 Anti-Magic Force Automated Carriage], with no indication of who or what might be inside.

Having magical perception capabilities in his specs would have helped, but at the moment, inspecting the interior was impossible.

So, the true identity of that carriage remained unknown.

'Level 9, huh.'

Putting up an anti-magic barrier at the Class 9 level – he wondered how dangerous a person (or object) must be inside to warrant such protection.

The black automated carriage vanished so quickly that it felt as if it was in a hurry, and soon after, processions from other academies entered.

The dwarves from Diamond Magic Academy rode a special carriage, showcasing their technological prowess, and made a spectacular entrance.

Numerous elite individuals from various academies, including those from the Beast Man Magic Academy entered one after another, creating an impressive scene.

Given that each academy flaunted its uniqueness during the entrance, it was a scene that received considerable praise from players even during the gaming era, likely indicating significant effort put into the CG.

He didn’t remember much since he skipped it...

But so what?

He got a chance to see it in reality, and they were not mere game characters anymore.

‘There are quite a lot of famous people indeed…’

Aether World Online was referred to as the 'Holy Land of Fandom,' and many people had fallen in love with the characters of this universe.

There was a wide variety of characters, each with its diverse and intricate past.

Even some supporting characters unexpectedly gained explosive popularity exceeding that of main characters.

And they were all Baek Yu-Seol’s rivals.

He would be relieved if there was Flame or Ma Yu-Seong, but with Stella's participants being this weak, it was impossible for Stella to secure the first place.

‘Well, what can I do?’

‘I'll just have to work hard…’

———-

The sequence of the Academy Battle started with '1vs1' duels, followed by the magical world's top sport, 'League of Spirits.'

The highly anticipated 'Magic Survival,' in which Baek Yu-Seol would participate, was scheduled as the very last event.

Since each participant had to choose one of the three, they could take a break when other matches were in progress.

Among the 1vs1 contestants, Hae Won-Ryang and Jeremy were particularly noteworthy.

Although there were some sub-male leads from other academies, Baek Yu-Seol didn't see the need to pay much attention to them.

Waaaah!!

As Hae Won-Ryang strategically combined three attributes of magic to dominate a senior from another academy, thunderous cheers erupted.

The defeated senior was a genius among geniuses, capable of handling even Class 5 magic, and one of the 'sub-male leads' likely to be conquered later by Flame, but he was easily defeated.

Hae Won-Ryang effortlessly brought him down, showcasing his talent for exploiting the difference in classes with experience and strategy.

Jeremy was a kind of all-around character, excelling in strategy, tactical command, destructive power, and defense.

With no weaknesses, he was a hexagonal character. It earned him considerable popularity as a morale-boosting character among players.

Later, until the play route for the character Ma Yu-Seong opened, Jeremy reigned supreme in the position of the ultimate morale-boosting character.

And...!

Every time the golden ray of light appeared, golden spears would rain down from the sky, or golden walls would materialize. The ground would tremble as golden claws surged to grab the ankles, and throw the opponents away.

He effortlessly wielded 'Golden Magic' at the highest level, even in the Earth attribute.

Even within the Skalven Royal Family, there was probably no one who used Golden Magic so freely, let alone add an artistic touch.

Although Baek Yu-Seol roughly knew it, honestly, Jeremy was a more formidable opponent than Ma Yu-Seong.

The 'Golden Wall' which automatically rose to defend the caster upon detecting an attack, and the 'Golden Spear' which automatically sensed and stabbed an enemy were literally a living hell for opponents.

It was truly a relief that he didn’t participate in 1vs1.

Next was the League of Spirits.

Baek Yu-Seol had high expectations for this sport, so he prepared popcorn, chicken, and cola in advance.

It would've been perfect with beer, but being a minor came with its own drawbacks.

With a lot of anticipation, he was about to open the popcorn container, but someone came up and chose to sit next to him.

He didn't pay much attention, but the person next to him emitted a subtle floral scent from their hair.

[Special ability 'Memories to the Flower Cluster' activated.]

[You smelled the scent of 'Western Flowers.']

[I long for the west wind.]

‘… What's this?’

Later, some of the traits acquired after contracting with Leafanel came to mind.

If you smell a flower, you will acquire traits corresponding to its language.

This was really useless…

But setting that aside, he couldn't help but wonder about the identity of the person carrying the scent of flowers around.

"Hello?"

Surprisingly, Jeliel, the daughter of the President of the Starcloud, was sitting in the adjacent seat.

"Uh, yes."

It wasn't entirely a coincidence as there were quite a few empty seats around.

Although he knew she had ulterior motives, to be honest, Jeliel’s plan was too difficult for his foolish brain to comprehend.

"Stella's students are truly amazing. I didn't expect two first-year newcomers to share the top spot."

In 1vs1 duels, instead of a tournament where the winner advances and the loser falls, it was a point-based system where you played against many opponents, and earned points for victories.

Sharing the top spot was a very rare occurrence.

"That's true."

With an uninspiring voice, Jeliel continued the conversation while chewing popcorn noisily.

"So now I think I have a little insight into why you 'infiltrated' Stella."

"... Yes?"

"Oh, this word might have been a bit uncomfortable. Let me correct myself. I think I understand why you enrolled in Stella, hehe."

Jeliel chuckled playfully, but her emotionless sociopathic demeanor was well-known, making her appear only superficially amusing.

What on earth did she mean by saying that, anyway?

Jeliel wouldn’t make mistakes with her words.

If explained in a dating simulation game, when she engaged in conversation, she chose the most correct option from countless ones.

‘Infiltration... Does she have a firm misconception about me?’

There shouldn't be any reason for that.

He’d made some noteworthy achievements, but he had never shown anything to suggest infiltration.

In reality, he just enrolled normally, and so, he remained silent.

Thanks to the Blessing of Pink Spring Moon, his poker face was flawless.

In moments like these, remaining silent was the best strategy.

"Oh, right. You participated in the 'Magic Survival' with me, didn't you? Hehe, I'm really looking forward to it. I can’t believe I can experience the skills of the rumored Flash Mage Baek Yu-Seol firsthand."

"Yes."

"But... are you okay with it?"

"What do you mean?"

"Here, the Elf King will be personally attending. Are you okay with that?"

"... The Elf King?"

For a moment, he was surprised and spoke without realizing it.

Since Florin wasn't supposed to appear here in this episode.

'What else has gone seriously wrong?'

He couldn’t even grasp a hint.

"Hehe, I knew you'd be surprised."

However, seeing the surprised expression on Baek Yu-Seol’s face, she thought of something else and approached with a subtle smile.

They were so close that even their breaths mingled together.

She placed one of her hands to his chest and whispered.

"Your true identity... Did you think you could hide it forever?"

"What?"

‘Could she have discovered my true identity?’

‘The fact that I am a Transmigrator?’

‘No way.’

With the Blessing of Pink Spring Moon, he couldn't maintain his poker face any longer.

Attempting to hide his shocked expression, he tried to create a distance, but she followed and seized the 'pendant' hanging around his neck.

"If your identity is exposed to the world, can you confidently continue attending Stella?"

That was not possible.

The existence of a transmigrator must never be revealed.

"Will you... be able to survive normally even then?"

Considering the numerous forces seeking his knowledge, it sent shivers down his spine.

"But it's okay. I can keep your secret. In return, you will be... my servant. Serve only me for the rest of your life."

"Well, that's...!"

Before he could deny it, Jeliel brought her face close with a sly smile.

"Why? Are you going to refuse? Will the world really leave you alone?"

After saying that, she forcefully pulled the pendant hanging around his neck.

"No, right? The 'Divine Slayer' and 'Dark Mage' Baek Yu-Seol!"

" … Ugh!"

When Jeliel boldly revealed his true identity, Baek Yu-Seol involuntarily took a deep breath…

‘Wait, what did she just say?’

The moment he thought he heard something strange, a dazzling light burst forth from the pendant.

Flash!

Right after that...

"Huh?"

"... Uh?"

Jeliel and Baek Yu-Seol made dumbfounded sounds.

"Wha, huh, huh...?"

With wide eyes, Jeliel repeatedly opened and closed her mouth as she placed the pendant into her palm.

There... was a dazzlingly radiant and white 'Soul Orb.'

"I…. something, there was a misunderstanding..."

Jeliel broke out in cold sweat, and gently tried to retract her hand, but Baek Yu-Seol quickly caught it.

"Hey, what did you just say? Dark Mage? Divine Slayer? Do you really want to piss me off?"

Despite Baek Yu-Seol’s harsh words and actions, Jeliel avoided his gaze without a word.

It was quite a sight to witness her psychopathic poker face falling apart.

"How do you plan to handle this nonsense with me? Shouldn't I demand compensation for mental damages, including emotional distress and defamation?"

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