Chapter 104

Ian and Laurea entered the classroom.

Ulan looked at the two with a nostalgic expression.

‘Brings back old memories.’

Of course, it would. Not only had he reunited with comrades from a past life, but they were also attending class together.

On the other hand, Noa wore a complicated expression.

This was a situation that didn’t even exist in the original story.

‘The exchange meeting with Eloden Academy and, on top of that, having two out of the seven heroes visit, all of that never happened in the original.’

Of course, he wasn’t particularly flustered.

From the moment the Abyssal Rift had opened, he had already suspected that things wouldn’t flow the same way as in the original.

‘So why are they here?’

Saintess Laurea and Knight Ian. Both were notable figures in the Holy Nation. If they were sent here, there must be a hidden agenda.

‘The most plausible guesses are…’

Two possibilities.

First, the incident involving the Abyss Worshippers.

Second, they received information about the opening of the Abyssal Rift and came to investigate.

Besides that, there hadn’t been anything noteworthy for the Holy Nation to act upon.

‘So I shouldn’t be a bother.’

After all, their goal was likely to gather information about the shared enemy, the Abyss.

As he wrapped up his speculation, Professor Miel’s voice continued.

“For the record, student Laurea should have been assigned to the second-year class, but she was placed in the first-year class at the request of Eloden Academy.”

After his explanation, Miel scanned the back of the classroom.

“So where should the two of you sit…?”

Where would be good?

They should ideally sit next to a student who could show them around the school. While contemplating this and scanning the students’ faces,

“Um, Professor.”

Suddenly, Ian spoke up.

“Can we choose our seats?”

“I don’t mind, but do you have a preferred spot?”

“Yes, I would like to sit next to that person.”

Ian quickly pointed to the window side as soon as Miel finished his question.

Miel’s eyes widened in surprise as he looked where Ian was pointing.

“Noa Darshen? Do you know her?”

“No, not really.”

With a slight shake of his head, Ian added a smile.

“Actually, I fell for her at first sight.”

The moment those unexpected words left his lips, several female students let out short screams.

Some girls blushed and clamored, while a few looked back and forth at Ian and Noa with a look of confusion.

Noa was equally flustered.

‘But still…’

Honestly, she felt a bit pleased.

Ian Marcus was among the top five most handsome male characters in the original story.

It wasn’t common to receive a public confession from someone like him, so her heart fluttered a bit.

Just then, a voice cooled the air.

“That’s a lie.”

“That’s not true.”

It was Ulan and Ivella.

The moment Ian declared he fell for Noa at first sight, both denied his words without hesitation.

Noa, on the other hand, wore a bewildered expression.

“Why not?! It’s possible to fall in love at first sight!”

“Noa seems a bit suspicious, don’t you think?”

“Suspicious?!”

“Yeah. Kinda gloomy too. But, you know, that was your first impression. It’s not like that now.”

Ivella, who had been throwing verbal jabs, seemed to realize her misstep and started mumbling. Yet Noa’s expression remained in shock.

Meanwhile, Ulan added his two cents.

“Ivella is right.”

“Ulan, you’re not helping!”

Noa replied with an upset pout.

But this wasn’t an attempt at teasing her; it was a solid statement based on facts.

Having spent a long time with Ian in their past life, Ulan knew Ian’s unique tastes and preferences better than anyone.

‘In that sense…’

Noa doesn’t fit Ian’s ideal type.

It’s not just her.

In this classroom, and across all the students at Arsen Academy, none could meet Ian’s ideal type, without a doubt.

And that’s why they called it a lie.

“Alright then. You can sit next to Noa, and as for student Laurea…”

“I’ve decided where I want to sit too.”

After finishing her response ahead of time, Laurea moved gracefully.

Almost all the male students in the classroom turned their gaze toward her.

The students she passed sighed in disappointment, while those seated behind wore expressions filled with anticipation.

A bit later, her footsteps finally came to a stop.

Right next to Ulan.

“Hello.”

She nodded slightly and greeted him.

Laurea tucked her teal hair behind her ear and added with an alluring smile,

“We met briefly yesterday, remember? Do you recall me?”

“I remember.”

“Really? Oh, I’m so glad.”

After giggling behind her hand, she continued.

“Although our time was brief, it’s still comforting to be near someone I’ve met before. So, can I sit next to you?”

“……”

Ulan remained silent, just gazing at her with amazement.

It was understandable.

Because the image he was seeing was completely different from when they first met in their past life.

During their battle against the Abyssal Monsters, Ulan and the hero party had rescued the knight, Ian, isolated on the northeastern battlefield, and then joined forces with Saintess Laurea.

And back then, when Laurea first saw Ulan, she had frowned and exclaimed,

“What is this? A porter?”

Such an overtly rejection reaction.

Not only that, but her eyes, voice, and every expression dripped with strong disdain.

Later, after hearing the full story from Ian, she displayed an even more intense reaction.

“What? A hero who passed the trial? Ha! I’d rather quit than be treated the same as that barbarian. I’d be better off just walking away.”

Ulan, displeased by her rude demeanor, didn’t hide his annoyance. But before he could get angry, it was Ivella who took it upon herself to scold Laurea.

She argued vehemently with Laurea at that moment. Reflecting on this, Ulan looked back at her.

‘Compared to back then…’

You would believe she was a different person.

How could she be so amiable? Of course, Ulan knew this wasn’t her true self.

Meanwhile, Laurea, perhaps feeling awkward with Ulan’s silence, ventured to speak again.

“Um, excuse me? Ulan?”

“……?”

“Is it okay if I sit next to you?”

“Sure.”

Having wrapped his memories, Ulan nodded.

Huh? If you’re going to agree like that, why didn’t you say anything earlier? She wore an expression of curiosity, then suddenly appeared to recall something.

“Oh! Were you wondering why I chose to sit here?”

“Not really.”

“Phew, that’s a relief! Then I’ll tell you, even if it’s a bit embarrassing.”

This person still doesn’t listen.

As Ulan thought this, Laurea shuffled closer.

Her breath was so close he could feel it.

Then, leaning in, she whispered softly, so only Ulan could hear,

“…Actually, it’s for a reason similar to Ian.”

With her brief whisper finished, she covered her face, looking like a girl in love.

But Ulan shook his head.

“Don’t lie.”

“Huh?”

Was it the unexpected response? She blinked in confusion. But that moment was short-lived as Laurea hurriedly waved her hands.

“No, I really…!”

“No way.”

The reply had a hint of conviction.

Laurea was genuinely flustered at his firm answer. Did he truly see through her? Just as that thought flickered through her mind.

“I don’t mind if you sit next to me.”

Ulan’s lips twitched.

And in a low tone, he added,

“You don’t have to explain your reasons if you don’t want to. I’m not curious. But if you want to build trust, then from now on, avoid lies.”

“……”

Laurea sealed her lips tightly.

Neither confirming nor denying.

But the way she looked at Ulan changed slightly.

Where before there had been no particular interest, now a strong curiosity lingered.

As if she had discovered a peculiar creature.

“Well, understood.”

A little while later, Laurea shrugged her shoulders, as though agreeing with Ulan’s advice.

“Anyways, let’s have a good time.”

She finished the conversation with a bright smile.

As their dialogue wrapped up, Professor Miel continued elaborating on the schedule for the exchange meeting.

“This exchange meeting is divided mainly into three parts: joint classes, friendly mock battles, and finally, a tour of the Source of Magic.”

He drew a large calendar on the blackboard and methodically laid out the details.

“Firstly, joint classes are, as the name suggests, a chance to attend lectures together. During this time, Eloden students can freely audit the classes they wish.”

He added that there might be practical sessions or simple tests conducted together with Eloden students, subject to the discretion of the responsible professors.

“Secondly, the friendly mock battles.”

This, too, is an event for friendship.

Participants will be selected from both Arsen and Eloden, of twelve students each by grade, to engage in simulated combat at a specially designated location.

It could be likened to the mock battles previously held at Arsen Academy.

“Finally, regarding the tour of the Source of Magic, I don’t think an explanation is necessary.”

The freshmen had already experienced it all.

Once all explanations wrapped up,

Ding! Ding!

The sound of a bell rang out from the plaza outside the classroom.

It signaled the end of the assembly time.

“Let’s wrap up today’s assembly here.”

Just as he finished explaining, Professor Miel turned to leave. Just then, perhaps remembering something he had forgotten, he turned back to the students.

“Noa, and Ulan.”

“Yes?”

“You two are to show the students around the school. Ian and Laurea, if there’s anything you don’t know, feel free to ask them.”

“Yes, understood.”

“We’ll do that.”

Ian and Laurea smiled brightly.

Noa also nodded, and only then did Professor Miel seem satisfied as he left the classroom.

A little while later, suddenly Ian turned to Noa.

“Have you had your meal yet?”

“Oh, no.”

“Perfect. Then how about we have a meal together and chat? I heard there’s a special room here, and I made a reservation.”

Before Noa could respond, she was taken aback and exclaimed,

“Just the two of us?!”

“Haha, we should all go together, of course.”

Ian chuckled, as if he couldn’t believe what she was saying.

Noa scratched her cheek, feeling awkward. At that moment, Laurea added,

“If the seats feel awkward, it’s okay to invite a few more friends.”

As soon as she finished her sentence, several students glanced in their direction.

They probably wanted to join the meal too, but hesitated to approach.

That was due to Ulan’s presence.

‘There’s a bit of distance.’

At that moment, Laurea’s eyes brightened, realizing Ulan was an inconspicuous presence in the class.

‘If I can exploit this…’

Maybe she could gain some favor?

As she coldly weighed the plan’s potential, a sudden unfamiliar voice interrupted her thoughts.

“Can I join as well?”

A clear voice filled with strength.

Ulan turned his head reflexively to see a girl with light blonde hair. She was the one who had been sitting next to Ulan before Laurea interrupted.

“You are…?”

“I’m Ivella Elea’ad.”

It was Ivella.

Having finished her brief introduction, she looked at Laurea with fiery intent in her eyes.

Strong emotions burned within her gaze.

Laurea quickly discerned, through the Reflective Eye, what that feeling was.

‘Jealousy?’

Ivella harbored a strong sense of jealousy toward her.

Meanwhile, Laurea was bewildered.

No matter how she thought about it, she couldn’t recall having done anything to evoke such jealousy. At that moment, Ulan spoke up.

“Ivella is my friend.”

“A friend?”

“Yeah, a precious colleague.”

As soon as Ulan’s response ended, Ivella’s expression softened.

The jealousy of before slowly dissipated. Seeing that, Laurea grasped the nature of their relationship.

‘Oh, maybe they’re close or something?’

If that was the case, then it made sense why Ulan hadn’t wavered at her confession and why Ivella felt jealous.

‘I guess I need to adjust my plan a bit.’

Finishing her thoughts quickly, Laurea beamed.

“Alright, let’s go together, Ivella.”

“Sure! Thanks for inviting me.”

The two girls clasped hands with beaming faces.

But their eyes were far from joyful.

As this strange handshake continued, a visitor suddenly arrived at Class 3.

“Ulan, is assembly over?”

A girl with silvery hair and golden eyes, wearing a wide-brimmed witch’s hat, it was Delia.

She had come close, immediately grasping Ulan’s hand and pulling him along.

“If it’s done, let’s go eat.”

“Um, I…”

Sorry, but I have prior commitments.

That was what Ulan wanted to say. But before he got to speak, someone else jumped in.

“Delia Arpen?!”

It was none other than Laurea, incredulous.

Her eyes widened, and a clear look of surprise flooded her features as she stared at Delia.

Then, delighted, she spoke up.

“Wow, I can’t believe I’m running into you here. It’s been so long!”

As if she knew her well.

In contrast, Delia was quite puzzled.

Hiding behind Ulan, she wore an expression of wariness.

“You know me?”

“Don’t be upset. You don’t remember me?”

“…No.”

“I’m Laurea. Laurea Ro Sharvel. Does that ring a bell?”

Laurea. Laurea.

As Delia turned the name over in her mind several times, her eyes suddenly widened, as if recalling a long-forgotten memory.

“Saintess candidate, Laurea?”

“Phew! Finally, it seems you remember. That’s right. I’m not a candidate anymore, but the next Saintess now.”

A smile graced Laurea’s lips.

Seemingly pleased that Delia had recalled her, while Ian watched, intrigued.

“Do you know her from before?”

“Yes, when I was young, I went with my mentor as an envoy to the Arpen Duchy. We met a few times back then.”

This was something Ulan remembered as well.

In their past life, as soon as Laurea first met Delia, she had mentioned knowing her.

‘But still…’

She hadn’t been this excited back then.

She had only mentioned recognizing the face, and Delia had a similar reaction back then.

So, while furrowing his brow, Delia continued,

“But this is a bit strange.”

“Huh? What’s strange?”

“You weren’t like this back then.”

“……”

The moment Delia finished her sentence, Laurea twitched her shoulders.

But the surprise was short-lived. She quickly replied with a bright smile.

“Well, people change as they grow, right?”

“…Is that so?”

“Of course. Meanwhile, you haven’t changed at all. Your speech patterns are still as stilted as before, and your body…”p>

While directing her gaze downward,

suddenly Laurea closed her mouth.

“Your body?”

“Cough! It’s nothing!”

“What’s not?!”

“Don’t get too down. I read in a book that that part is largely determined by genetic factors.”

“Where did you read that?!”

Delia’s brow furrowed.

Laurea, feigning innocence, shifted the topic, and Delia persisted in pursuing the matter.

Watching this scene unfold,

Noa couldn’t help but feel astonished.

‘I never expected to witness this.’

Ulan, Ivella, Delia.

Plus Ian and Laurea.

Already, five heroes had gathered in one place.

‘Though currently, Ulan is the only one who has passed the trial of the hero…’

Still, it was quite astounding to see future heroes come together so quickly.

Following the trajectory of the original story, they wouldn’t have met until after the Gate of the Abyss opened at the earliest.

Thus, observing the five heroes with curious expressions, suddenly Ulan turned to Laurea.

“When are we heading to the Dining Hall?”

“Oh! I’m so sorry. I got caught up in the excitement of meeting an old friend…”

She nervously chuckled.

“Let’s go now. And of course, Delia should come too.”

As soon as she finished her sentence,

the five heroes who would eventually face the Abyss, with rumbling stomachs, headed toward the Student Dining Hall.

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