Chapter 277: Subdue
Subdue
Frey? Is Lord Frey alive?
Roswyns voice trembled as she answered the call.
What in the world are you talking about?
Well, its hard to explain Nevertheless, hes alive!
Glares cheerful voice could be heard from the communication device.
Is it good? No, should I say its a good thing? Things are chaotic now that hes back!
Huh? Oh?
Roswyn looked completely at a loss, tilting her head.
Click.
She abruptly ended the call.
It must be another dream
Roswyn mumbled with a sunken expression.
It would be nice if it were real It would have been really nice
Lost in thought, she suddenly pinched her cheek hard.
Ouch?
Contrary to her expectations, she felt intense pain in her cheek.
Its not a dream?
She mumbled and swiftly grabbed the magical communication device to make a call.
Hey there! I-Is that trueeee!?
Y-Yes, thats right. But why did you hang up
H-how? How could? He wasnt really dead? But why
There must have been news Check it out!
Glare rambled nonstop but still kindly responded. Roswyn hastily left the room while muttering.
Please be real, please be real, please be real
The few remaining servants looked at her strangely, but Roswyn didnt care.
Please I beg you
For her, the only important thing now was that she could meet Frey, whom she had only seen in dreams for the past few days.
Sssk
With a desperate expression, she arrived at the front of the guilds newspaper column and cautiously reached for the newspaper box.
I-its real Its really true.
After poring over the newspaper, she hurriedly ran outside the guild.
C-carriage! Double the money. Someone, please stop there!
Her eyes sparkled with hope for the first time in a while.
Please stop right there!!
Moments later, a carriage rushed toward the orientation venue.
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Huff, huff
Roswyn descended from the carriage, her eyes tired and red, breathing heavily.
E-excuse me who
Oh, Student Roswyn!
The guards, already tense from the situation, tried to block her path when they noticed her disheveled appearance. However, a man stepped in, smiling as he approached her.
I wondered why you didnt come. We were worried that someone as talented as you might not come to our academy
The man was none other than the dean of the academy, Lionel.
F-Frey!!
Pardon?
Where is Frey!?
Roswyn asked him with a desperate expression. Lionel replied while scratching his head.
He should be in the waiting room now, probably
Waiting room! Waiting room!!
Oh my.
Roswyns eyes lit up, and she ran toward the waiting room.
Over there Over there, Frey is!
A little further, and she would have the much-desired reunion.
Frey had appeared in her dreams over the past few days, smiling at her, and embraced the flowers she brought.
Despite all the pain and suffering she had inflicted on him, Frey continued to keep someone like her a person with limited time alive, going as far as making preparations for her continued survival even after his own death.
Hated by all, Frey was the only Hero capable of protecting this world.
E-even now if I beg for forgiveness now
She rushed toward him, desperate to ask for forgiveness like she had in her dreams.
Ageuk.
Soon, she collided with something and fell.
Ahhhh
Thanks to that, she stared blankly at the cold warning window before her as she wiped her tears and rubbed her forehead.
Helper System
[Warning! You cannot approach the Hero!]
Why?
Roswyn was momentarily bewildered. She tilted her head, fixed her gaze on the absurd message, and muttered in disbelief.
Helper System
[Second Restriction: You cannot approach the Hero!]
The warning message left her speechless.
Helper System
[Since your system control has been transferred to ?#%, approaching the Hero may cause a system error.]
Ah
Helper System
[To ensure the salvation of the world and your well-being, contact with the Hero is restricted. Please understand.]
.
She understood the reason for the barrier, but Roswyn was still lost in thought as she read the explanations before her.
So I was a hindrance
Her head drooped dejectedly.
Worthless scum.
?
However, she snapped her head up again when a cold voice echoed in the waiting room.
Ah, no
She hesitantly leaned against the transparent barrier, peeking through the waiting room window. Soon, an expression of despair appeared on her face.
Why are you acting like this, my dear sister?
Youre disgusting, really.
In the waiting room, Freys younger sister glared at him contemptuously.
Professor? When will you answer our questions?
What can we learn from someone who cant answer such a simple question?
Looking at his intruding younger sister with gentle eyes, Frey turned his gaze quietly at the sharp voice coming from the front.
How many times have you evaded answering with vague rhetoric?
Did you really think that would work on us?
Although they werent the Heroines in the Dark Tale Fantasy series, the sisters for the Horizon family had received much love solely for their performance. At this moment, they were harshly interrogating him.
How did you survive the appointment ceremony? There are overwhelming testimonies and evidence that indicate you had a cooperative relationship with the Demon Kings Army, which held significant responsibilities. Do we have to learn to defeat the Demon King from someone like you?
Furthermore, how did you get the prophecy? You were either on the run or hiding, so how did you get hold of the relic the exploration team discovered? Theres no way they contacted you first.
Recently, you also had a scandal with Magic Towers second disciple. Perhaps there is an issue with the verification itself
Many people, with disdainful expressions, were questioning or staring at Frey.
Rubys assistant, the class vice president, was the first to raise her hand. She was the only daughter of Count Justiano, the ruler of the back alleys, and a collateral blood relative of the Moonlight family.
In the Dark Tale Fantasy, where people die in the blink of an eye, they were merely substitute members of the Hero Party and were used as shields during boss battles. Yet, he couldnt even interact with them.
Of course, they could only enter the boss battles if they could survive.
They mostly died in the Academy Battle before entering boss battles in the standard route or previous episodes.
Sigh.
Despite being extras, they had a fandom due to their beauty and distinctive personalities. Seeing them attacking him like a swarm of bees, Frey chuckled bitterly.
You seem a bit too heated dont you think?
The only students not attacking Frey were Aishi, muttering restlessly, and Glare, who had a cold expression.
Screech, screech
No, guys dont do that
Observing the situation, Roswyn scratched the wall from outside and muttered.
We shouldnt cause him more pain please
Blood oozed from her nails.
Answer me. What in the world are you doing
Dear sister, I wanted to talk to the students.
I am not your sister.
However, regardless of Roswyns wish, Aria pushed Frey even further.
Since that day Im no longer your sister, Frey.
..
Get your hand off me. What are you even planning?
Frey grinned and reached his hand out toward Aria. Aria forcefully pushed away Freys hand with determination, going as far as using stellar mana.
Stop it please
Blocked by the transparent barrier, Roswyn could only knock on the wall. Eventually, she fell to her knees, pounding the wall desperately, and muttered.
Frey is the Hero who is supposed to save you all..
However, her words didnt reach the world outside.
No, it seemed like she never spoke those words. She was seemingly just moving her lips like a mute.
Ugh
Realizing she couldnt reveal Freys identity, she banged her head against the transparent wall and whispered.
Please just let me in just let me go inside the waiting room
The transparent wall began to shake slightly.
As long as I dont make physical contact as long as we just dont get too close. I still have to attend the academy and
With a faint glimmer of hope, Roswyn desperately poured out those words.
Eikk.
The transparent wall blocking the waiting room moved a bit toward Frey, causing Roswyn to tumble to the floor.
Gash, gasp
Without dwelling on the pain, she hastily opened the door and entered the waiting room, ready to shout out in protest.
Stop it!!!
However, just then, someone shouted before Roswyn could, and the waiting room fell into sudden silence.
Hm hm!
It was Glare who had maintained a cold expression until then.
Helper System
[Achievement: First Direct Assistance]
Reward: Intelligence 0.1, Stamina 0.2, Helper Points 10pt
.
Simultaneously, Roswyn, gazing at the window that had appeared before her, wore a dazed expression.
Enough.
..!!!
With starlight gleaming in his eyes, Frey spoke in a low voice. And the entire waiting room, which had momentarily fallen silent due to Glares actions, remained frozen.
Thats right, now you finally listen well.
I-I cant breathe
What is this? This energy
It wasnt just about the atmosphere.
All studentsexcept Ruby and Glarefelt overwhelmed by Freys energy, displaying painful expressions. Even Vener, standing in a corner, felt the same way.
Stupid, incompetent, pathetic scoundrel, Frey.
In the room filled with heaving breaths and cold sweat, Frey quietly strolled around with hands on his back and began to speak.
Thats my image known to the public.
He headed toward the Horizon sisters, who had just attacked him.
Initially, I was going to stick to that image until the end
Frey gently stroked one of the sisters chin, who had cast aside the arrogant and haughty expression from earlier and was now trembling. As her gaze wavered, he continued with a chilling smile.
Although its only for a special condition, now that Ive become a teacher, I should show my true skills to you students, right?
Frey looked into the sisters eyes, which were filled with tears and had a resentful look, before turning to all the students and continuing to speak.
Well, you might think this situation is naturally black magic.
Some students flinched.
However, if youre a talented student No, if youre not an idiot, youd know whats going on right now.
Following this statement, more students flinched.
Im just releasing as much mana as I can.
That statement was a lie.
Frey intentionally controlled the release of his mana, fearing that it might damage the students mana circuits.
Hm.
Realizing that some students had seen through his lie by observing their changing expressions, Frey smiled faintly.
Now that I think about it, youre all just a bunch of fools.
Afterward, Frey spoke in a low voice.
To idiots overwhelmed just because Im releasing mana, do you think you have the qualifications to join the Hero Party?
Puhat!
Gasp gasp
D-darn it
As Frey stopped releasing mana, the sound of exhaling echoed from everywhere.
Regardless of status, position, or gender, everyone had a moment of just breathing to survive.
.
After several tens of seconds passed, all the students gazes focused on Frey.
Although they were just extras, they were talents chosen from throughout the Empire. They had quickly recovered, but their attitude had changed since earlier.
Of course, they no longer explicitly confronted him, but they still looked at him with hostility and cold eyes, especially the Horizon sisters, who still had tears.
This is what I wanted to say at the entrance ceremony But it couldnt be helped.
Looking at them, Frey spoke with a cold expression.
For the next year, all of you should do your best to defeat me.
The students looked dumbfounded at his words. Frey quietly lifted the corners of his mouth.
Regardless of your means and methods, if you manage to defeat me within a year, Ill tell you how to defeat the Demon King.
As he finished speaking, the surrounding atmosphere began to change.
How about it, isnt it interesting?
Observing the mixture of emotions like resentment, anger, contempt, and even murderous intent around him, Frey turned his gaze toward Ruby.
It seems like you want to maximize your point acquisition, huh?
Even in that situation, Ruby casually shot mental transmission at him.
Do you plan to settle things within the next year, Frey?
Looking at her, Frey spoke in a low voice.
Of course, the same goes for you, Hero.
Hmm?
If you defeat me, Ill share the method to defeat the Demon King with you, Hero.
Ruby frowned quietly at those words.
Why would you do that?
Smiling brightly at her, Frey responded with another question.
Do you not have the confidence to defeat me?
..
Or is there a reason you cant attack me?
Frey said, revealing his smiling eyes. Ruby also responded with a smile.
Lets discuss that later. Is it okay, Professor?
The threatening atmosphere from the strange tension between Frey and Ruby spread throughout the room.
How cool.
Glare mumbled absentmindedly as she watched the scene before her.
Is he the true Hero?
!
Roswyn, who had been lying pitifully on the floor, felt cold sweat trickle down her back.
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Meanwhile
La la la~ lala~
Saintess where are you in such a hurry to go?
Ferloche, cheerfully singing while looking out the carriage window, responded energetically to the nun looking at her with concern.
Im going to teach Frey how to use his reward!
Pardon?
Despite the carriages rapid motion distorting her voice, the nun heard the name Frey and asked incredulously.
Im going to meet Frey to court him? Propagation? Anyway, Im going to fulfill its request!
Pardon? What in the world are you talking about!?
Ill chat with Lady Serena and then feed Lord Frey a well-cooked meal!
Ferloches bomb-like statement made the nuns eyes widen. She asked another question, and in response, Ferloche murmured.
In preparation for the upcoming Fourth Ordeal. Its about time for me to participate as well
She gently caressed her lower abdomen and gazed at the slowly setting sun, her eyes turning cold.
Chapter 278: Intimidation
༺ Intimidation ༻
"W-we've sent all reporters and civilians outside."
"Now… you can come out."
A somber stillness prevailed in the silent waiting room, and two knights entered and said.
– Ssrrk…
The student glaring at me rose from their seats and calmly left the waiting room.
'Indeed, the elites are a bit different.'
I was seeing them for the first time, and I noticed something. Unlike my classmates among the nobles, who moved disorderly, they moved in an orderly fashion, like an army.
They made Frey think that the abilities of that year's freshmen seemed remarkably outstanding.
Even if the Youngest Paladin—the God's Vessel—and Aishi—the Demon Princess—were… Honestly, they weren't as skilled as heroines, but they were undoubtedly the empire's top talents.
"Frey."
As I watched the students with a satisfied expression, I heard a familiar voice beside me.
"What, my dear little sister?"
"Shut up. I'm not your little sister anymore."
My ever-cute and charming little sister stayed behind in the waiting room and talked to me for some reason.
"What did you do to the advisory committee?"
"I didn't do anything. I just revealed a talent I didn't know I had."
"Nonsense. A 'unanimous decision' isn't easy to get, you know?
She skillfully found the gap in my sly retort. Indeed, my sister was truly remarkable.
"Even if others could be bribed, how did you buy someone like Vener…"
"I just did it, that's all."
I interrupted her sharp questioning and then calmly turned around to speak.
"Come here."
"…Yes."
Vener approached me with a shameful expression.
"Hand."
– Thud…!
I said that indifferently, and she blushed hard as she placed her hand on mine.
"Good girl."
I patted her head with a bright smile, and Vener, who had lowered her head, quietly accepted my touch.
"….. Disgusting jerk."
Aria, who had been watching me, became even colder.
She probably recalled the rumors circulating in the empire.
"Prepare yourself for next year's judgment. I'll make sure you pay for your crimes."
She turned away as if she couldn't stand me anymore and headed toward the exit of the waiting room.
"Hm…"
As I silently watched her, a sound came from the side.
– Relief, concern, joy, love, affection, relief… Only positive emotions gathered?
Turning my gaze, I saw Ruby propping her chin on her hand and looking at me.
– Do you cherish your sister a lot? But I can't believe this. There is 'obsession' at the end, so your mental state isn't stable either, huh?
It seemed she was scanning me with the 'Mind Reading' skill.
Now that it's come to this, should I also try to probe her emotions?
No, there's probably no need.
Looking at that smiling face, I could guess her emotions.
– By the way, do you know your sister was also on the advisory committee?
"Shut up."
I whispered as I looked down at her with a cold expression. Ruby then added calmly.
– If I touch your sister… What kind of reaction will you show?
"You can't attack my sister, can you?"
– Fufu… Just now, 'wrath' appeared in your emotions.
I didn't think responding to her was worth it, so I ignored her and turned away. Ruby also got up while wearing a sickening smile.
"Well then, Professor, I'll leave it to you for a…"
– Flick!
"…..!"
Ruby was about to go out after saying that, but when she suddenly heard the sound of snapping fingers from somewhere, she flinched and put her hand on her head.
"… "
Then, a brief silence ensued.
– Drrrkk…
"Phew."
With her hand on her head, she scratched her head and went outside. My expressionless facade fell, and I sighed.
'Whatever happens… I must protect my sister.'
My sister, Aria, is the only family I have left.
So, even if the world falls apart, I must protect her.
As an unfilial son who couldn't protect his parents, it was my duty to save my sister at any cost.
"Excuse me."
As such thoughts ran through my mind, I balled my fists and tried to control my emotions. Someone suddenly grabbed my sleeve and shook me.
"Hehe."
"….?"
It turned out to be someone I had given a ring—the cute little girl.
"Hello, Professor?"
As I slightly loosened up my guard and cautiously looked at her, she spoke while wearing smiling eyes.
"You were really cool earlier!"
"..."
She was the third disciple of the Magic Tower Master and also her current disciple. For some reason, this girl always frowned whenever she saw Ruby.
She was an irregular, someone going against the norm.
Surprisingly, such a prominent figure wasn't recorded in the prophecy. I had read the prophecy several times, but the name 'Glare' was nowhere to be found.
'In that case… as expected…'
"...?"
As I stared at her, she looked up at me with wide-open eyes and soon tilted her head.
'Is this kiddo the "one coincidence?"'
Only one thing could explain such a huge variable like her: DLC.
So, was this kiddo the key to a happy ending?
'She seems too young for that… Nevertheless, she has already enrolled in the academy.'
The gazes concentrated on me from the front brought me out of my thoughts.
"...…."
When I turned my head, I saw some students who had remained in their seats, staring at me.
"Hmm."
Most of these students had noticed that I hadn't used up all my strength earlier.
– Ssrk…
Watching them silently, my eyes lit up, and I stepped forward.
'Shall I use this opportunity to explore a bit?'
It's time to verify how useful these guys are.
.
.
.
.
.
"Professor~! Where are you going?"
"…Stay away from me."
"Ack."
As I moved toward the students, I gently pushed aside the kiddo trailing behind me and spoke in a low voice.
"Why did you stay behind?"
"I'm trying to see what Professor is doing."
Staring at me with wide eyes, Glare stuck close to me.
"Sigh…"
I'm not accustomed to unwarranted kindness from strangers.
I thought I could endure it to some extent since Serena had always shown me such kindness, but I was mistaken.
Ever since that kiddo grabbed my sleeve, I had been feeling this strange tingling all over my body.
"So… all of you won't leave and will stay here, right?"
Turning my gaze away from her forcibly, I quietly asked the Horizon family twins, who had stayed at their desks until now.
"I doubt you can teach me anything."
The younger sister gave an unexpectedly bold answer.
"I am not a fool. After experiencing your strength firsthand, I admit that you are strong."
As I frowned a bit, she added with a rather displeased look.
"But do you have the academic knowledge to be called 'Professor?'"
"Academic knowledge?"
"Yeah, are you proficient in academic and magic theories? Swordsmanship theories? Proficient enough to teach me?"
She sneered at me as she asked.
"All the professors at the academy are well-versed in those things. You just suppressed us with some power you acquired from who knows where, didn't you?"
"Ask me anything; I'll answer."
"…What?"
She immediately broke into mocking laughter; soon, she adopted a cold expression again.
"The position of a professor is not a joke, Mr. Frey."
"Hurry."
"…Sigh."
Finally, she sighed and asked in a low voice.
"Explain the difference between the mana circuits of humans and that of the demon race."
"Quite a simple one."
"Huh, simple, you say. As expected, it was just a bluff. The difference between the mana circuits of the two races was presented a few weeks ag—"
I just smirked; suddenly, she stopped speaking and stared blankly at my hands.
"Wait, is that… no way it could be…"
"On this hand, I've materialized the mana circuits of humans, and on the other, I have the demon race's mana circuits. Why don't you compare them directly?"
Mana circuits should be inside human bodies, but I had manifested them on my hands with Stellar Mana. Staring intently at the mana circuit, she soon spoke with a pale expression.
"Th-this is impossible. How can you artificially materialize mana circuits? I-if you release mana there, then…
– Crackle…
"….!"
She looked astounded as I activated the miniaturized mana circuits and let mana flow inside them.
"Wait, this is a groundbreaking… I-if we publish a paper on this, it will shake the academic community… Wait, does that mean you can manipulate its size and shape…?"
Her gaze shifted, and she began to reach out to the mana circuits.
'Is this fascinating…?'
I felt sympathy for her passion for academic and theoretical research, but my private tutor was none other than Serena.
Moreover, with the memories of the previous cycles, my knowledge and theories were likely much more advanced than anyone else's in the current world.
To Serena, manifesting mana circuits of different races was like a cakewalk. How in the world did she succeed at that age?
It took me a year just to follow along.
– Syuukk…!
A sharp blade struck my heart as I realized Serena's greatness again.
– Crush!!
However, it was well within my expectations. I calmly blocked the knife with my left arm, letting the dagger penetrate it deeply.
"What are you trying to do?"
The attacker was the eldest daughter of the Horizon family.
"Don't you tell us to defeat you, Professor?"
Unlike her sister, she was quite well-built with a proportionate physique. She also had short green hair and green eyes.
"So, I just tried that."
She glared at me and quietly twisted the dagger.
"Uh, sister…?"
"........"
As the sound of something breaking rang from my left arm, her sister, who was beside her, turned pale. The others had mixed expressions.
"Is that so? Very well done."
"…Ugh?"
As I praised her nonchalantly, she looked bewildered. Her expression turned contemptuous as a black aura began to seep from my arm and quickly wrapped around her arm.
– Kwakwang!!
"Kugh!!"
Coldly looking down at her, I grabbed her head and forcefully slammed it onto the desk.
"Sister!!"
Her sister jumped from the desk, and the remaining students widened their eyes.
"However… remember this from now on."
Her arm was still enveloped in my dark aura, and I spoke in a low voice.
"Feel free to attack me anytime. But you have to stake your life on it."
"....."
"The intention to kill someone is no different from putting your own life at risk. Surely, no novice will try to take someone else's life without risking their own, right?"
Silence filled the waiting room.
– Nods, nods…
'…Ah, so cute.'
I almost failed to manage my expression as Glare nodded seriously from my side, her eyes sparkling. After regaining my composure, I continued.
"So, any student attempting and failing to kill me in the future… I'll stigmatize them, signifying their end by my hands."
– Srrrr…
As soon as I finished, a black stigma was engraved on the arm of the Horizon family's eldest daughter.
"This is… sorcery…! It's cheating!"
"…Ah."
Her sister shouted in shock, and the eldest daughter glared at the stigma on her arm with disgust.
"So, is there anything wrong with that?"
"This is the forbidden stigma of slavery!! Of course, a teacher shouldn't use…"
"The adversaries you'll be facing would be part of the Demon King's Army like me, the Demon King, demonic monsters, or warlocks. What's stopping them from using sorcery?"
"...…"
"And did I just hear you wrong?"
"Hegeuk!""
Making my voice sound even colder, I looked at her with a sharp gaze, catching her chin. She seemed frightened and slightly backed away. Then, I spoke in a low tone.
"Cheating?"
"....."
"Do you think this is a prank?"
The atmosphere among the students became tense.
"Listen, the word 'cheating' doesn't exist in an all-out battle."
"Ugh… Ugh…"
Still holding her chin, I continued to advise the kids. I lowered my gaze and whispered.
"By the way, your chin is quite soft."
"Ugh…"
"In the basement of my mansion, there were a few half-elf slaves like you."
"...!"
"Well, is it just because elven blood flows in you? I don't care either way."
Killing intent returned in the sisters' eyes.
'Indeed, they are just naive kids who have only developed their brains.'
I knew some half-elves were unaware of the secret dealings between the elven and human realms, but I didn't expect them to be so oblivious.
It had been several centuries since elves immigrated to the Western continent and established families in the Empire. Communication could have been disrupted during that time.
"Anyway, keep that in your mind."
After provoking the two sisters' morale, I calmly addressed the students behind them.
"If you want to attack me, be prepared to stake your life. At the very least, be willing to become my slave."
The students' expressions changed.
The Count's beloved daughter, the girl wearing glasses who would become Ruby's aide, resembled her father, the ruler of the back alleys. She exuded a dark aura as she rested her hands on her chin.
She was a blood relative of the Moonlight family from the collateral line, as Serena had mentioned she would pick as the future scarecrow lord. Talismans hung on her desk, and her eyes were covered by her hair, giving off an eerie vibe.
Everyone silently began to engage their minds for the remaining students in their seats, and the scene vividly caught my eye.
"Well, then let's end…"
"Pr-Professor! Please wait! There's something I need to say…"
Feeling awkward about staying in the front, I stepped away from the room with Glare sticking close by my side.
– Creak…
The moment I opened the entrance and stepped outside, I couldn't help but freeze.
"I came here first to talk, you know, Saintess?"
"I got here first! Please yield! I don't want a head-on collision!!"
"You know it's a head-on collision. You can't trick my eyes."
Outside the waiting room, Serena and Ferloche were laughing while conversing.
"I-I was the first to come and wait… why is it… again, why only me…"
Behind them, Clana was muttering something inaudible while slumping down.
"Don't be like this. How about you talk after me?"
"I came here first!"
"Oh, my. Saintess, it seems like you know something is wrong here."
"…Really?"
First, I needed to stop these two quickly.