Chapter 106

Uncharacteristically extreme words from Chancellor Ryuje, who has always acted for the sake of humanity.

However, the chancellors understood her, having heard about what Edu experienced during the emergency meeting the previous day, so they didn’t show much reaction.

Instead, the academy chancellors concurred with Ryuje’s words and carefully chose their own.

After a brief silence, the grandmother with silvery hair, the chancellor of Fangju 8, raised her hand to propose.

“In my old opinion, it would be best to utilize the Ground Retrieval Force’s troops.”

“I also agree with the Elder. If Commander Freya and her subordinates are involved, they can be trusted.”

The chancellor of Fangju 5 agreed with Fangju 8’s statement.

The young, bald man, who resembled a monk, slightly bowed his head with his hands clasped in a praying gesture.

“I agree with both of you. However…”

The young woman, the chancellor of Fangju 11, trailed off.

Her tangled purple hair swayed as she adjusted her glasses with a serious expression.

“Realistically speaking, isn’t the Ground Retrieval Force commanded by Commander Freya alone insufficient to oppose the marshals’ 1st, 2nd, and 5th Armies?”

She paused after raising this question, then added:

“Of course, if the Ground Retrieval Force uses the ships and weapons they acquired this time, and are willing to endure sacrifices, things might change.”

“Uh…”

The chancellors fell silent at her pointed words.

However, her words cut straight to the heart of the matter — the most uncomfortable part.

Ryuje and the chancellors’ goal was solely to expel the corrupt and twisted politicians.

In the process of achieving that goal, if things escalated and became a civil war, it would undoubtedly make humanity’s future much darker, necessitating caution.

“Other marshals…”

Ryuje let out a small sigh, repeating the chancellor of Fangju 11’s words.

The four marshals.

It was true that the military and government were at odds, but like always in human society, factions existed within it.

“Still, the 1st Army is the problem.”

The 1st Army — Alexander.

Each of the armies, embodying the desire to free Earth, had been named after renowned conquerors.

However, the 1st Army, despite receiving high expectations and inheriting the name of the Conqueror King, immediately betrayed the government and defected after the failure of the Fourth Major Counterattack.

Naturally, the government poured its support into the hunting dogs who had joined their side.

As a result, the 1st Army was stationed safely on the ground while possessing an immense army and the latest equipment, surpassing even the 2nd, 5th Armies and the Ground Retrieval Force.

“To top it all off, those vipers…”

Ryuje slightly bit her lips.

Vipers was not an abstract term.

Moss Hallett, the commander of the 1st Army and one of humanity’s four marshals, was of the snake hybrid species.

“Come to think of it, I heard he handed over the army commander’s position to his daughter?”

“Yes. He just doesn’t appear in public, but it seems he’s doing well.”

At Fangju 5’s answer, Ryuje’s face tightened.

A sharp animosity towards the cowardly traitors.

“Looks like even his life span is long.”

“He’s probably being well fed and taken care of by the government.”

Feeling utterly exasperated, the chancellor of Fangju 11 grabbed her forehead and shook her head.

“Then, what about reaching out to the 2nd and 5th Armies?”

“That seems rather difficult. The 5th commander is overly cautious about everything, and the identity of the 2nd commander is utterly enigmatic.”

At Fangju 8’s words, Ryuju paused to think.

“Hmm, the situation isn’t good. Maybe there’s a way—”

At that moment, a burst of light erupted from the holographic screen at the center of the room.

“Hmm?”

Ryuje’s words halted in surprise.

On the screen, a massive explosion occurred, and Edu was visible standing behind the opponent and a giant.

And in the next scene.

Another scene followed.

With a single strike, everything was annihilated.

“…”

The gazes of the chancellors, who had been watching, turned toward Ryuju.

They seemed to have a lot to say but were mysteriously silent, as if choosing their words carefully.

“Why are you all looking at me like that?”

“No. This is just a personal observation unrelated to our current discussion.”

As she adjusted her glasses, the chancellor of Fangju 11 began.

“Chancellor Ryuje, doesn’t it feel a bit… prickly?”

“Prickly? What do you mean?”

“This student, Edu Numversday. Honestly, how is this a first-year student?”

The chancellor of Fangju 11 narrowed her eyes.

“In which country do first-year students summon six-meter-tall steel giants during friendly matches?”

Her glare cut towards Ryuje.

“From my perspective, this young lady’s level is incredible, isn’t it? She’s thriving alone among children who haven’t yet discovered their own potential.”

“I see that as well.”

The chancellors of Fangju 5 and 8 also chimed in.

Though their words were gentle, the meaning behind them could be simply summarized:

Sir, where’s your conscience?

“…But, she’s really a first-year student!”

Ryuje protested, raising her voice as if aggrieved.

“Ah, I see. By the way, Chancellor, it’s about time for you to set aside one more trophy, isn’t it?”

The chancellor of Fangju 11 shook her head disapprovingly.

“For that matter, I would be more than willing to step aside.”

The chancellor of Fangju 5 clasped his hands together in a praying stance.

“Even Chancellor Ryuje, always stern and fair, cannot help but show favoritism for her cherished student.”

The chancellor of Fangju 8 gave a slight laugh.

“No, it’s not like that—”

Ryuje suddenly raised her voice, realizing she was now seen as someone coveting trophies.

However, she couldn’t retort beyond that.

“….”

Because she too knew what would happen if Edu participated in the friendly competition.

Simultaneously, an empty spot on a corner of the trophy cabinet in her mind surfaced.

Coincidentally, the size of the trophy this time perfectly matched that empty space.

“Hmm….”

Though she had verbally denied it, Ryuju had already mulled over how to display the trophy in her mind, concluding it nicely.

A light blush of embarrassment crept onto her pale cheeks.

…

A massive explosion erupted at the center of the arena.

A male student from another academy, hit by a barrage of fire from the six-meter giant, flew off and collided with the dome’s wall.

“Ugh!”

He crumbled to the ground.

On the other hand, Edu hadn’t moved an inch.

Seated atop a large drone, the small girl sat majestically like an ancient queen, claiming another victory.

“Oh! Another knockout! She’s simply too strong! She’s defeating her opponents without lifting a finger!”

The female announcer enthusiastically continued the commentary.

Though she appeared energetic and full of life, she internally harbored growing unease.

‘This isn’t right…’

The highlight of Fangju — the friendly competition.

This grand event, replacing sports competitions, was literally a heated festival where the vigor and passion, effort, and brilliance of the youths clashed.

Certainly, among the participants, there were those with extraordinary talent who shone brighter than others, but the current situation was different.

To put it gently, it was a disparity in skill.

To put it bluntly, it was one-sided humiliation and massacre.

To the degree that the opponents couldn’t even stand a chance.

Or rather, how could such a monster participate in a friendly match, and as a first-year student of all?

A first-year student summoning a six-meter mobile weapon?

‘What should I do?’

Of course, it wasn’t Edu’s fault for being too strong, but if the higher-ups’ plans were disrupted, a summons of doom would undoubtedly fall upon her — that was as clear as firelight.

Regardless, she had hoped the next opponent would be better but —

“Aaaah!?”

Another opponent flew away with a scream.

“Ah! Another knockout! Just like a runaway locomotive, Edu Numversday continues her victorious streak!”

“Kyaaaah!”

Merciless barrages continued to hit even the female students.

“Ah! Another knockout! Edu Numversday, displaying skills that seem almost too advanced for a first-year, claims another victory!!”

“Kreee!!”

Even physically imposing and muscular male students.

“Uaaaah!!”

Even slim and speedy male students.

“Kyaahhh!”

Even clever and intelligent female students were blasted away by the barrage into the knockout zone.

Given the barrage was coming from a colossal robot standing at six meters, it was understandable, but the problem lay in the audience’s reactions, which were gradually becoming slightly awkward.

“Hmm…”

“Something feels off…”

“[…An undefeated streak!! Edu Numversday is making history in the friendly competition!!]”

Trying to lift the flagging atmosphere somehow, but it will soon reach its limits.

Finally, she gathered the courage to approach Edu and muted the microphone so her voice wouldn’t leak.

And with the help of holographs, she approached Edu.

“[Um, Edu?]”

“Yes? What is the matter?”

“That… would you show us other abilities besides that robot?”

“…”

“Why?”

Not out of dissatisfaction or irritation but purely out of curiosity.

For a moment, she was tongue-tied but then carefully selected her words, answering:

“That’s… well…”

“It’s not meant to be negative. You see, the friendly competition is also an important entertainment highlight within Fangju.”

“Yes, I know that.”

Edu nodded readily.

“Then… for that reason, you see. Everyone has now come to understand Edu’s amazing skills, but just like with delicious food, eating the same thing all the time can get boring, right?”

“Aha! Are you saying we need more spectacle?”

“Exactly!”

Edu accurately read her inner thoughts, the female announcer couldn’t help but speak louder.

Upon hearing that reply, Edu nodded.

“In that case, I understand. I’ll try to not embarrass my opponents while doing this.”

“Ah, thank you!”

In the next bout,

Edu indeed followed what the announcer suggested and no longer summoned the Colossus.

“Summon, Hand Gliders. Armaments set to COMP-A1(S)!”

A long line of Hand Gliders stretched out in the air.

More than fifty white gliders faced the opponent.

“Charge!”

Like a flock of crows spotting prey, small glider units descended on the opponent.

“Uwaah! Eeeh!?”

The sound of the opponent’s panicked voice filled the air momentarily.

A series of detonations erupted and large plumes of smoke billowed.

“Ahhh…”

The announcer softly sighed.

As the smoke cleared, the silhouette of the opponent lying flat on the ground appeared.

And Edu strolled closer to her.

“Ahem!” The girl confidently whispered,

“I’ve won through a different approach. Is this acceptable?”

“Haha, yes…”

The female announcer, dropping her head, sighed.

She wanted to say ‘no’ in her heart, but she also knew that meddling with Edu’s actions any further would overstep bounds.

“Ugh… I’ll have to steel myself for this.”

Thus she steeled her resolve.

Raising the microphone again, she declared,

“Edu Numversday wins! With her overwhelming skill, she defeated all competitors in Group A and advances assuredly to the second stage!”