Chapter 122

“Just after mentioning the Student Council.”

Iris looked at Ulan with a tight expression. Ulan, staring blankly at her, tilted his head.

“What do you mean?”

“Huh?”

“What even is a Student Council?”

I was momentarily speechless.

I never thought I’d get such a question in return.

However, shaking off my initial surprise, Iris calmly began to explain.

“The Student Council is an organization created to represent the students. And they were also the ones who interfered with you during the match.”

“Interfered?”

“Yes, Cliff Anton, who kept you from leaving the base, is also part of the Student Council.”

Now that she mentioned it, I vaguely recalled he was the Student Council President. Ulan nodded quietly.

“Anyway, I have something urgent to discuss. Do you have a moment?”

Iris spoke again, while Ulan wore a rather ambiguous expression.

It made perfect sense. What more was there to discuss now that the mock battle was over?

But then, someone interrupted.

“Sure! I’ll make time!”

Out of nowhere, a black-haired girl appeared.

It was Noa. Her eyes sparkled like stars as she looked at Iris.

‘This is definitely an opportunity!’

An opportunity to join the new Student Council.

Noa instinctively sensed that the chance she missed during the entrance ceremony had come around again, her eyes gleaming with determination.

Meanwhile, Iris was momentarily taken aback by Noa’s sudden interjection. However, she soon regained her composure and nodded once.

“I wasn’t asking you, but… fine. Noa, you can come along too. I was planning to call you later anyway.”

Looks like Noa had something to say as well.

After hesitating for a moment, Ulan turned away, feeling a flicker of curiosity at the unexpected intrusion of Noa.

And so, the three of them headed toward the balcony.

Meanwhile, two girls, Ivella and Delia, watching from a distance, stood up.

They wanted to follow Ulan.

But at that moment, a voice held them back.

“Sorry, could you wait just a moment?”

It was Kamila Tanesia, a third-year from the Magic Department.

Iris’s childhood friend, she had been protecting the defensive line alongside Delia during the mock battle.

“Kamila?”

“Why are you suddenly…?”

“I have something to discuss with you.”

That was a lie. She had nothing specific to say, but the reason for stopping them was clear.

To help Iris.

‘Hang in there, Iris.’

Watching the door to the balcony close, Kamila smiled softly.

Until Iris achieved her goal, she planned to keep these two dissatisfied juniors here.

The balcony turned out to be surprisingly spacious.

The view was refreshing, and the wind blew in from all directions, making me feel great.

The vast scenery of the academy was more than enough to catch the eye.

The weather was so good that I could even see the entrance leading to the Source of Magic in the distance.

While I was quietly admiring this, Iris spoke up.

“I heard from Ivella.”

“About what?”

“About the Student Council’s misdeeds.”

After a brief sigh, she frowned.

“Not only did they interrupt you during the entrance ceremony, but they also tried to sabotage the friendly competition. I had no idea their misdeeds would go that far.”

“Entrance ceremony? Interruption?”

Ulan questioned back in confusion.

At that moment, Noa whispered softly.

“I mentioned it before. It was the people who burnt the script I wrote and splashed water on Ulan during the entrance ceremony.”

“Were they part of the Student Council?”

Noa nodded silently.

At the same time, Iris turned her gaze toward them.

Leaning against the railing, she stared directly at Ulan before looking down.

“First of all, I want to apologize.”

She bowed her head politely.

Shortly after, Iris continued her apology.

“I’m sorry. You were assigned to the defensive line during the mock battle because I accepted the Student Council’s request.”

I had already heard that part.

The Student Council had requested for Ulan to be stationed at the base during the mock battle.

“It was an effort to gain the Student Council’s cooperation, but I never thought it would turn out this way. Of course, just because I didn’t know doesn’t mean the mistake vanishes…”

With a bitter expression, Iris bowed her head even deeper.

“This incident is entirely my oversight. I’m truly sorry for putting you in such an unpleasant situation.”

While the Student Council certainly acted wrongly, Iris couldn’t easily escape blame for accepting their conditions.

Thus, she steeled herself to accept any criticism that might come her way. But shortly after, she was met with an unexpected reply.

“Alright, I understand.”

“Pardon?”

“I accept your apology.”

Ulan responded calmly.

Iris was left dumbfounded at how easily the apology was accepted.

On the other hand, there was a reason behind this response.

Despite being interrupted by Cliff Anton, it had all resolved well in the end.

Besides, there was no significant damage to my honor, and since I received such a polite apology, there was no lingering bitterness.

All that remained were questions.

“But I find it a bit puzzling.”

“What do you mean?”

“Why does the Student Council want to hinder me like that? Do they have some kind of grudge against me?”

I had no inkling.

Of course, during the mock battle, Cliff Anton had spouted some hateful things about barbarians, but unfortunately, I couldn’t recall the details.

At that time, I was focused on how to get out of the base, pondering my solutions.

Then Iris replied.

“It’s more about hatred than a grudge. Currently, the Arsen Student Council is steeped in elitism.”

Her voice was stiff.

Then soon, Iris shook her head.

“No, I should say it’s rotten to the core. The Arsen Student Council has been mismanaged from the very start.”

The Student Council (學生會).

This simply refers to a collective of students, working diligently for the welfare of all the students.

However, the Arsen Student Council was a bit different.

From ages past, it had primarily consisted of students from noble backgrounds, pursuing only the interests of the aristocracy rather than all students.

As such, rules arose where only those from noble backgrounds could run for the position of Student Council President.

In other words, for commoners, the option to even run for Student Council President was entirely off the table.

“Surprisingly, it didn’t pose many problems in the early days. Commoner students aimed solely for their diplomas, while the Student Council avoided direct involvement with them.”

This meant the scopes of their activities differed.

Thus, they adapted to their assigned environments, living without encroaching on one another’s domains.

“But the situation has changed recently.”

Now, not only did they favor nobles, but they also began outright discrimination. A prime example being last year when they framed a commoner student into dropping out.

This was the very incident I had discussed with Ivella after failing the mock battle. Meanwhile, as Noa listened, she suddenly recalled a memory from the original story.

‘That’s right. Now that I think about it, Ivella’s character also had plenty of entanglements with the Student Council.’

Originally, Ivella was supposed to drop out at the end of the second semester.

This was mainly due to a scheme plotted by Himel Deorg, but the Arsen Student Council was also somewhat involved in the matter.

‘After all, the conspiracy itself was orchestrated with the Student Council’s assistance.’

Yet now, those events weren’t likely to happen.

Thanks to Ulan’s efforts, the mastermind of the conspiracy, Himel, had already dropped out, and Ulan’s relationship with Count Deorg had improved significantly compared to the original narrative.

Just as Noa got lost in thought, Iris continued speaking.

“This is wrong. Regardless of their backgrounds, within Arsen Academy, all students should be treated equally.”

Her voice carried a strong conviction.

Her eyes were fixed on Ulan.

“I plan to run for Student Council President next year. To change this Student Council. So, I ask this…”

After a brief moment of hesitation, Iris cautiously spoke again.

“If I become the Student Council President, would it be okay to invite you both as Student Council executives?”

“Huh? Me too?!”

Noa questioned, surprisingly.

“Of course.”

Iris smiled brightly.

There was a reason for this.

By including Ulan and Noa, the only two barbarians in the Academy, as Student Council executives, she could demonstrate a different approach to the students, contrasting the previous Student Council.

And one more thing. There was another fundamentally important reason.

‘For reform, strength is necessary.’

In that light, having Ulan, the only Master of the Academy, join the Student Council would undoubtedly provide substantial support.

During this time, Noa was desperately trying to keep her mouth from dropping open.

‘Wait, what kind of jackpot is this?’

Never did she imagine an invitation would come to her as well, it truly felt like an unexpected windfall. This was an opportunity she had to seize.

On the contrary, Ulan seemed rather disinterested.

To be honest, he couldn’t care less.

Just as he was about to decline the offer, Noa quickly interrupted.

“Oh, right!”

Her bright blue eyes widened in surprise.

It seemed she recalled something she had forgotten.

“I heard there are perks to being in the Student Council. Can we get those perks too?”

“Of course! As Student Council executives, perks will be provided to all, regardless of grade.”

“Perks?”

Ulan showed a glimmer of interest.

Iris didn’t miss the opportunity.

“Yes! The biggest perk is that all tuition fees are waived. Scholarships will be supported until graduation, and there will also be a maintenance fee.”

This meant all financial issues would be resolved.

For both Ulan and Noa, who lacked proper sponsors, this was an incredibly beneficial advantage.

“Also, you’d gain access to facilities that ordinary students can’t utilize. For instance, the Source of Magic.”

Ordinary students aren’t allowed around the Source of Magic. Even if they were, they must have a clear purpose and accompany a professor to enter.

This was a well-known fact.

In contrast, Student Council executives had a different experience.

They could visit the Source of Magic within Zone 1 and enter freely without a professor.

“Of course, you need to stop by the outpost and file a purpose for your visit.”

As soon as Iris finished speaking, Ulan glanced at the Axe of Devouring, Gula, strapped to his waist. An idea struck him.

‘Ah, right. I remember now.’

Gula had a twin.

Originally, this weapon was known as the twin axes. So he recalled the other axe’s name.

‘The Axe of Annihilation, Ose.’

Like Gula, it was rumored to be hidden somewhere within the Source of Magic. And Ulan had every intention of obtaining it as well.

‘It’s definitely needed now.’

Ulan was accustomed to fighting with an axe in each hand.

However, recently, during a battle with a Frost Dragon, one of the axes made from cursed materials had broken, leaving him with only Gula.

‘But if I can freely travel to the Source of Magic…’

It would definitely make searching for Ose a lot easier.

Ulan’s eyes sparkled like stars.

At that moment, sensing Ulan’s silence, Noa, who had been watching him, turned her attention back to Iris.

“Oh, I heard something else too.”

“What did you hear?”

“I heard that if you’re in the Student Council, you can use the professors’ dining hall for free, is that true?”

“That’s true. Although there is a limit of once a week.”

As soon as Iris finished answering, Ulan opened his mouth.

“Count me in.”

“Huh?”

“I’ll join the Student Council.”

“…! Are you serious?!”

Iris was taken aback.

She had expected either a refusal or a request for time to consider, not such an immediate agreement.

On the other hand, Ulan had more than enough reason behind his decision.

Being able to freely access the Source of Magic alone was a significant advantage, and the fact that he could eat at the professors’ dining hall for free? There was no way he’d turn that down.

“Thank you. I feel reassured already.”

Finally regaining her composure, Iris beamed with joy.

It was the first genuine smile that had ever crossed her usually businesslike demeanor. Then she clenched her fist and continued speaking.

“Then let’s win the election first, and I’ll formally invite you afterward. Until then, please keep this a secret.”

“Understood.”

“Alright, I’ll do that.”

With Ulan and Noa’s responses, the conversation on the balcony wrapped up.

With matters settled, Iris returned to the room, and Noa followed suit.

But not Ulan.

“Huh? Aren’t you coming in?”

“I’ll stick around for a bit before heading in.”

“Got it. Then, I’ll excuse myself.”

Noa tilted her head as she left.

Soon, Ulan was left alone.

“Laurea.”

He parted his lips.

Then he spoke to a corner of the room.

“You can come out now.”

“Mmm, so you knew.”

At that moment, a voice rang out from the empty air.

Moments later, as the white light faded, a girl with teal hair appeared.

It was Laurea.

“I managed to keep it from others, but it seems deceiving the Master was harder than I thought.”

The sacred spell, Light’s Veil, allowed her to shroud her presence by wrapping her body in light. Laurea approached Ulan, muttering.

“By the way, when will we create our spots?”

“Create spots?”

“What, you forgot already? We agreed to create spots to share secrets among us three, including Noa Darshen.”

Right, that came back to him now.

During the face-to-face meeting, they had decided to uncover Noa’s secrets and share theirs in return.

“Do it whenever you’re comfortable.”

“Tsk, I kinda expected you to say that.”

After a huffy expression, Laurea asked again.

“How about this weekend? After our tour of the Source of Magic, on a Sunday perhaps. It just so happens to be a day without classes, so there won’t be any excuses to skive off.”

“Sounds good. I’ll keep my schedule free.”

“Great! I’ll let you know once we nail down the exact date and time.”

With the trio’s meeting time set, Ulan and Laurea returned to their room.

After wrapping up the leftover snacks on the table, the friendly mock battle’s after-party came to an end.

That night.

Near the southeastern area of the Arsen Academy.

There was an abandoned lodge near the border of the Arpen Duchy, famous for its mountainous kingdom.

Once used as a dwelling for rangers guarding the border, it now looked so dilapidated that one would believe it was a ruin.

Thus, it was a place devoid of any human presence.

Yet today, it welcomed a visitor.

A figure wearing a gray robe.

With apricot-colored hair, she was none other than Diplyn Cernio, the High Mage and dean of the Magic Department at Arsen Academy.

“…”

She entered and immediately sat gingerly on a chair that looked about ready to fall apart. Suddenly, a shadow lurked in the corner across from her.

Swish! Slither!

Like a snake slinking across the floor, the shadow took on the form of a girl.

With hair as dark as the night sky and eyes that held an aura of mystery, the girl greeted Diplyn as soon as she recognized her presence.

“It’s been a while since we last met, High Mage.”

“You are…”

“I am Estelle Autra, the disciple of Regens Autra. It’s an honor to meet you again.”

Hearing her introduction, memories came flooding back.

Estelle Autra, the leader of the Abyss Worshippers, Regens Autra’s prized disciple, who had now reached the status of High-ranking Mage.

“But why are you here?”

Wasn’t she supposed to meet with Regens?

Diplyn asked, puzzled.

“My master is indisposed, so I was sent in her stead.”

“Indisposed?”

“Yes, there were circumstances.”

Estelle wore an awkward smile.

She seemed to have something very specific on her mind.

But Diplyn was more concerned about the main topic of their secret meeting.

“What’s the reason you wished to see me today? I heard you had a request?”

“I’ll get right to it.”

Estelle’s demeanor shifted to a serious one.

After a moment, she conveyed her master Regens’ request in full clarity.

“Please open the Abyssal Rift once more at the Source of Magic this coming Friday.”

“What?!”

Diplyn stared at her with disbelief.

It was a request that sounded absurd.

Opening an Abyssal Rift wasn’t something you could just casually ask for, like this.

That wasn’t the only problem.

There were no materials available, and the recent opening of the Abyssal Rift had already drawn considerable attention both inside and outside the academy.

And now, she wanted her to open a rift again?

Diplyn frowned, utterly bewildered. Then Estelle continued speaking.

“My master heard the voice.”

“Huh? What do you mean, a voice?”

“It is a message from the Abyss.”

Her answer was even more perplexing.

The only beings that could transmit voices from the Abyss were those possessing intelligence.

That meant the Lord of the Abyss.

‘So she claims she heard a message from the Lord?’

That sounded too absurd to believe.

Theoretically, for that to happen, the Gate of the Abyss would need to be opened, or at least the Abyssal Rift must be slightly ajar.

So it was impossible at this point.

Just as Diplyn was about to spew a negative response…

“Rakus Clanman Duratus.”

“Huh?”

“That was the true name of the lord who delivered the message to my master. I swear to the Abyss, I assure you it is not a lie.”

Estelle thumped her fist against her chest.

This gesture was typically used by mages to swear the truth of their words. Seeing this, Diplyn narrowed her eyes.

For the Abyss Worshippers to swear an oath to the Abyss only meant the content was likely close to truth.

‘Then it must be true…’

Yet even so, doubt lingered in her heart, and she couldn’t shake off her skepticism.

Then Estelle spoke again.

“We will cover all the materials. Also, since this request comes unexpectedly, we have prepared ample compensation.”

“What’s this?”

“The Codex of Readitus. I’ve heard it’s something the High Mage desires.”

Diplyn’s eyes widened.

This looked like an old book, recording the information of forbidden magic.

It was also one of the items she had been trying to obtain from Regens.

“That’s not all. Recently, I’ve heard you require a lot of Magic Stones for your research, so I’ve brought this as well.”

Estelle handed over a backpack.

Inside were almost twenty Magic Stones, each of the highest quality.

Instantly, greed glinted in Diplyn’s eyes.

“Cough! Hm! Why would you go this far…”

While she acted like she would refuse, she hugged the backpack tightly as if to never let go of it.

“I’m glad to see you’re satisfied.”

Estelle smiled brightly.

Diplyn’s actions virtually confirmed her consent to fulfill Regens’ request.

“Oh, and for this ceremony, I ask that you use this as a sacrificial offering.”

Finally, she presented a rather large pendant. It had a hazy gray background with a mysterious, pitch-black gem embedded in it.

Diplyn looked puzzled and inquired, “What is this?”

“It’s a sacrificial offering prepared by my master.”

“What’s inside of it?”

“I’m terribly sorry, but I don’t know. My master only mentioned that it’s a contingency of the Abyss.”

Hearing that sparked more curiosity.

But she quickly shook it off. After all, it was just an offering for the ritual. It was a waste of time to dwell on it.

“Understood. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Thank you. After the ceremony, my master will contact you separately, so I kindly ask for your assistance.”

Once Estelle finished speaking, she transformed back into a shadow and vanished.

Left alone again, Diplyn turned away while carrying the backpack.

With the secret meeting with the Abyss Worshipper concluded, she had no reason to stay any longer.

The following day after the meeting.

Diplyn returned to the academy.

Two days later, Friday.

In front of the entrance leading to the Source of Magic, a crowd of dozens gathered. They were the representatives from Eloden, who had a tour planned for the day.

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