Chapter 124

At Eden Academy, there are several student groups known as ‘Crews.’ Unlike clubs meant to give students a break from their packed schedules, these Crews serve as stepping stones for members to climb higher within their respective fields.

Among the renowned crews are the ‘Ellavio Crew,’ an elite group of alchemy students, and the ‘Wingardium Crew,’ where only those with unique insights into magical engineering can join. As befits the prestigious Eden Academy, these crews far surpass those of other schools in quality.

However, one crew stands out so much that no one would ever mistake it for a mere student group.

The legendary ‘Pantera Crew.’

Led by none other than Shine Stella, one of the continent’s Four Great Prodigies and a third-year at the academy, Pantera has long been considered the top crew. But everything changed two years ago when a new student joined…

A prodigy blessed by the heavens, capable of mastering any technique after seeing it just once. With boundless spirit and vigor enough to cover mountains and seas, this young warrior—just twenty-one years old—has already reached the level of an absolute powerhouse.

Heavenly Hero, Shine Stella.

From day one, Stella made waves. During her initial placement duel against Beatrix, the Iron-Blooded Swordsmanship Instructor, she managed what many had only dreamed of: going toe-to-toe with Beatrix herself. Royal guards present reportedly couldn’t close their jaws during the match.

And it didn’t stop there. By second year, Beatrix herself declared there was nothing more she could teach Stella. She dominated imperial martial arts tournaments, defeated all opponents within three moves, and led Pantera to first place in monster hunting expeditions—all while maintaining her status as the undisputed ace of Eden Academy.

Now focused on preparing for life beyond school, Stella remains dedicated to her role as captain of Pantera.

“Hmm… This year’s schedule is tight. How should we arrange joint training?”

In a high chamber filled with neatly arranged weapons and documents, sat a radiant figure with dazzling golden hair that seemed to emit its own sunlight. Stella reviewed papers in hand, balancing her future hero ambitions with her responsibilities as captain. Though her path forward was secure, she understood the importance of Pantera to aspiring students.

Suddenly, a male student burst in breathlessly.

“Captain! Pianke lost it! He grabbed an iron rod, radiating killing intent!”

“What happened? Calm down.”

“Damn it, I should’ve stopped him! Pianke went berserk over his younger sibling getting injured during placement exams!”

Stella observed the flustered youth carefully. His sweat-drenched face and erratic breathing hinted at serious trouble.

“It seems Pianke’s protective nature got the better of him. Was it an accident during student sparring?”

“Not just hurt… They used holy energy to heal him, but he’s babbling nonsense now! Something about never challenging that seal…”

“A mind-affecting spell?”

“No time to explain! We need to stop him before someone gets hurt!”

With a sigh, Stella rose. If true, this was indeed serious. A third-year confronting freshmen wasn’t something to take lightly.

“I’ll handle it. Lead the way.”

“Right! He’s probably near the cafeteria by now!”

Dashing off like a gale, Stella arrived at the cafeteria within minutes. What awaited her, however, defied imagination…

***

Meanwhile, my mealtime with Maria and Aru proceeded normally—or as normal as things get around Aru. While Maria and I aren’t particularly voracious eaters, Aru makes up for it tenfold. Whether wolf king or common mutt, his insatiable appetite remains unchanged.

After fourth period, I ushered Maria and Aru to the cafeteria, seating them accordingly. Left side: Aru. Right side: Maria, since our usual spot fell vacant due to some weakling claiming stomach troubles.

“Tch. Useless.”

Maria savored her bacon, commenting on Eden Academy’s famed cuisine. Meanwhile, Aru buried his face in a plate of meat, eating like a savage beast.

“You should eat more politely, Aru. Who’d want you acting so barbaric?”

Armed with fork and knife, Maria ate with ladylike grace. Aru paused mid-gorge, tilting his head adorably.

“Nah, keep eating. You’re turning into a real dog anyway.”

As if sensing my thoughts, Aru’s eyes gleamed. Perhaps I should officially reclassify him as a dog?

“Sir Aru, you’re eating like someone who hasn’t eaten in days. Did you skip breakfast?”

“Of course not. I devoured even my leftovers.”

Maria’s shocked reaction spoke volumes about her sheltered upbringing.

“You two… share a room?”

“Yeah. Didn’t you know? Aru’s my roommate.”

Her horrified gasp prompted further teasing.

“Come visit sometime, Maria. We can stay up all night…”

“Wha-What?! That violates academy rules!”

“Rules are meant to be bent. Besides, laws have loopholes—exploiting them gives you an edge.”

Though tempted to reminisce about freer times past, I refocused on Maria’s predicament.

“Still unwilling to bunk together? Even though you…”

“Evening comes…”

She caught herself mid-sentence, blushing furiously. Interesting…

As more students approached Maria, hoping to dine with the famous saint, each recoiled upon spotting Aru nearby. Whispers spread rapidly.

“Stay away. That thing eats human flesh.”

“Nonsense. That’s just a rumor.”

Unfazed, I continued enjoying my meal. If anything, these rumors served their purpose well. Protecting Maria became easier with fewer distractions.

Until suddenly…

CRASH!

“Spirit Beast! Face me!”

A thunderous roar shook the cafeteria doors open.