Chapter 156

At Eden Academy, the top crew, Panther.

Shine Stella, the leader and captain of the group, sat in the interview room with a serious expression. Tapping her fingers anxiously on the desk…

Tap tap tap, a shadow of worry crossed Stella’s sunshine-like face. Her fine brows furrowed.

It was because of crew recruitment.

“Hmph… What a shame…”

Though she had gone through an unpleasant incident recently, she was still the captain of a crew. She had to focus on the task at hand.

What does a crew captain have to do? Make the crew stronger, obviously. And how is that done? While improving the skills of current members is one way, the fundamental solution is recruiting new members with great potential.

This was why Stella was deep in thought.

To put it plainly, the most talked-about newbie this time around was Aru, the “first-ever canine-academy student.” Stella had tried to recruit Aru, but she flat-out refused.

It wasn’t just a simple refusal. The problem was that Aru had joined another crew. With her on board, their strength would undoubtedly increase.

So, Stella resolved: she would absolutely recruit the Saintess, the Hero, and the Princess—undoubtedly the strongest forces outside of Aru. If they grew under her wing, it would be a huge help.

“Panther will make them regret not choosing us.”

That’s why she invited them for interviews and was waiting… until…

“Sorry, senior…?”

“Hm?”

“Unfortunately, I’ve already chosen a crew… But I really appreciate you asking me!”

And so came the polite rejection.

“No, no… We’re Panther! Could it be you don’t know who we are? Last year’s Continental Crew Championship winners, and officially recognized as the best crew by the Empire Newspaper…”

“Even so, it’s not about that. I already decided where I want to go.”

No matter how humbly Stella clung to her skirt hems, the answer remained the same. Stella was utterly baffled.

“To whom exactly? Which crew did you join that made you turn down Panther?”

“Um… It’s called Magic.”

“Magic? What’s their goal? Skill improvement? Practical scores? Fame? Achievements? Whatever their aim, Panther can offer more support…”

In a manner unbecoming of a Heavenly Hero, Stella threw away her pride and showed desperation.

“Haha, truthfully, I don’t even know much. Evans asked if I wanted to form a crew together, so we did.”

“…”

The Saintess’ response only confused Stella further.

“Evans…?”

“Ah, you know Evans? Oh right, I heard you two met once before? With Aru.”

“Could it be… That guy who randomly suggested forming a crew out of nowhere… Haa…”

“Since you know Evans, let me tell you, isn’t he amazing? He’s always taking care of me since I first arrived at the academy! He really helps others! I want to be just like Evans…”

Clearly fond, the Saintess went on and on about a certain student named Evans.

As she listened, Stella’s mind slowly filled with one question:

“Evans…?”

After Maria left, Stella fell into deep contemplation, deeper than before.

“Haa… No matter the reason, failing to recruit the Saintess means I absolutely must get the Hero onboard…”

Creak- Clank.

A blonde girl entered the room with one desk. The other blonde girl sitting there seemed to complement her perfectly.

“…Hm?”

But something about her gait felt off.

She wobbled slightly, almost like a wild animal trying to hide its wound. The Hero carefully sat down.

“Is this… the Hero? Is it really her?”

Though something felt suspicious, Stella was too desperate to pay attention. After some casual chatter, she got to the point.

“As captain of Panther, I formally invite you to join our crew.”

Beads of cold sweat trickled down the Hero’s neck. Stella, with her sharp eyes, didn’t miss a drop.

“Sweat…? Could our invitation really feel this burdensome? Even though Panther is renowned, surely not to someone as strong as the Hero…”

Stella quickly realized the reason.

“I’m sorry…”

“…Wh-why?”

“I’ve already committed to another crew. Please… find someone else better suited…”

With that, the Hero tried to leave. Stella stopped her.

“Just wait a moment. Hero-san.”

“What is it?”

“Which… crew is it? At least tell me the name…”

“…It’s called Magic. A newly forming crew led by a student named Evans.”

“…”

They say meeting once is coincidence, twice destiny, three times fate.

Even though they’d directly met only twice, the top 1, 2, and 3 priority recruits all rejected her proposal for the same reason.

This was no small matter.

Though barely known, Magic and Evans were quietly becoming rivals in the mind of the continent’s top crew captain.

***

Dinner at Eden Academy is delicious. This is undeniable truth.

But I found it curious. Tasty food usually comes from an overflowing budget. Does this academy have such funds?

Especially since tuition here isn’t expensive due to its commitment to equality. Yet somehow, they consistently serve top-tier meals. Frey explained it to me.

“Instead of high tuition, students use the knowledge and skills gained here to take on various requests.”

“Ho… I see.”

“…You really didn’t know any of this?”

“It’s not something I needed to know. My goal isn’t being number one in the academy.”

“Then what…?”

“That’s a secret. Maybe I’ll tell you when we’re closer.”

“Cl-cl…oser…? Ugh…”

Had something happened to her before coming here? Frey curled up, her belly shrinking like a bear in winter hibernation.

“Didn’t you say Shine Stella summoned you? What did she say?”

Chime, raising my glass of golden juice. Though milk is my favorite, orange juice isn’t bad either.

“…Nothing much. Just…”

“Just?”

“I-I received a recruitment offer… Of course I refused!”

“Hmm? Good job. Honestly, I thought you’d definitely join Panther.”

“…”

Seems Frey has more attachment to our crew than I expected. Maybe I should lighten her punishment tomorrow?

Thinking about it, if Frey had just spoken up, there’d be no need for torture. I’m not the type to kill someone just for knowing my true identity. Without proof, who’d believe anyone shouting ‘That kid’s a demon!’?

If I were to cut heads off for mere knowledge, Beatrix or Yohan or even Aru would’ve been long gone by now.

Rather, figuring out how they learned and possibly recruiting them would be better.

Still, Frey remains silent despite her sunken belly. I know how painful Stella’s hits are firsthand.

“I also got an offer. But of course, I stayed by Evans’ side.”

“I trust you. Still, thanks.”

“Hehe…”

Meanwhile, unaware of my and Frey’s situation, Maria smiled brightly as I patted her head.

Clatter, slurp.

Throughout dinner, I discussed our new crew with the current members. Though our crew, Hakko, currently consists of only four people, one day it’ll shock the academy.

After eating, Frey headed to the training grounds. Even I wouldn’t be cruel enough to send someone to train immediately after a meal, so I let her go.

Aru followed Frey, intrigued. By tomorrow, Frey’s body will likely have several long claw marks.

Maria was called by a teacher. Apparently, since she’s not just an ordinary student, there are procedures to follow.

Alone, I tried sneaking after Maria. If not for some random student calling me, I would’ve happily tailed her.

“Hey! First-year! Are you Evans?”

“My name is Neville. Why do you seek Evans? I’m busy.”

“But your nametag clearly says ‘Evans Grant’?”

“Tch, caught me. What do you want?”

Probably a second or third-year upperclassman approached me. I scowled.

“Third-year Veronica summons you. Come immediately.”

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