Academy – Adventurers (1)

The Victory Festival was being grandly held in Vail, the great city of the Rika Kingdom.

It seemed almost everyone in the city had come out, as the central plaza was packed shoulder to shoulder.

Streets adorned with dazzling decorations were lined with stalls, while mesmerizing magic performances heightened the festive atmosphere.

“Shall we head over there now?”

“Huh? Mom, look at that!”

A child touring the festival with their mother excitedly pointed ahead.

At the end of their finger stood a statue depicting four figures.

Just ten years prior, there had been a great war against the demons that decided humanity’s fate.

The demonic hordes that poured forth from the demon realm alongside the Demon King had nearly driven humanity and other races to extinction.

During that dark era, there were those who brought hope to the world.

The hero chosen by the goddess and his companions.

The statue’s figures were none other than those victorious protagonists.

“Hurry up and follow me!”

Just then, a red-haired girl grabbed a blonde woman’s arm from one side and dashed toward the statue.

**

“Wait! I told you I’m not really interested….”

“Rena, you promised to play with us today, didn’t you? Let’s forget about tedious studying and training for a while.”

“Huff… huff… Annie’s right.”

A young man who had chased after them while catching his breath spoke.

“After this festival ends, final exams will be right around the corner. Then we won’t have any leisure time like this.”

Hearing this, I finally sighed and relented.

“Ha… Fine, just for today.”

At my words, their eyes lit up as they began dragging me toward the statue again.

It’s not easy keeping up with them.

“Jade, look! Isn’t that Hero Leo-nim whom you respect most?”

“I heard they were making a statue for the 10th anniversary, but it’s already completed. Haah, I wish I could be like him. …Though that’s probably impossible.”

Jade’s words made me entertain an amusing thought.

How would he react knowing his idol was standing right beside him?

Especially in the form of a beautiful blonde woman.

Though he’d obviously never believe it, I felt a mischievous urge to reveal the truth.

“…They were truly remarkable people.”

Following their gazes at the statue, I carefully examined each face.

Familiar faces. Memories I thought I’d forgotten came flooding back.

During the height of the demon war, I was just a mere mercenary when I awakened to the Hero’s power.

Truthfully, I still don’t fully understand the goddess’s intentions. Starting with why she chose me.

Ultimately chosen as the Hero, I was forced to embark on a journey to defeat the Demon King.

In the Empire, I met a mage. He became both my greatest teacher and friend. Learning magic from him, I transformed into a true Hero.

The beautiful Saint from the Holy Kingdom ignited passion in my heart. I once even dreamed of a future with her.

Lastly, there was that prickly elf. Though we fought often, by journey’s end he was a comrade I could entrust my life to.

…Though I can’t see them anymore.

After the war ended, I nearly lost my mind from the sense of loss.

The thought that everything was my fault wouldn’t leave my head, and I spent every day drowning in alcohol.

Of course, I’ve overcome that now. Though in a somewhat absurd way….

Then, Jade spoke to us with a serious expression.

“Annie, Rena. Let’s try harder. To become like those heroes.”

I smiled faintly and brought my finger to Jade’s forehead.

-Thwack!

“Ouch?!”

“Get a grip, you’re dead last. You should worry about not getting expelled from the Academy first.”

Jade rubbed his forehead with a wronged expression.

“Did you have to hit me though….”

Annie’s laughter rang out beside us at the sight.

“Hehe, I’ll cheer for you Jade. It’s good to dream big.”

“By the way, the combination of Rena – the Academy’s top student – and Jade – the bottom feeder – is always so amusing.”

It truly is an odd pairing. Even I never imagined I’d end up hanging out with Jade.

He barely met the Academy’s 3-star admission requirements and has no academic talent either. Though he does work hard.

But this guy is the most crucial figure in the plan I’ve prepared.

“Rena, let’s really start enjoying the festival.”

At the urging voice, I snapped back to reality to find them both already done looking at the statue and watching me.

Seems I was lost in thought too much.

“Alright. You two better guide me well today.”

“Then let’s go!”

**

“Rena, let’s try those skewers!”

“Can I go check out that sword over there?….”

I followed the excited pair around, enjoying the bustling festival. True to their age, they displayed incredible energy.

As it grew dark, a loud sound came from nearby.

-Boom!

Magical fireworks formed various shapes in the night sky.

Most festivalgoers paused their activities to gaze blankly at the spectacle.

“Beautiful…. This festival’s been really fulfilling. Are you satisfied Rena?”

“Yeah, not bad.”

It had been ages since I enjoyed a festival with friends like this. The nostalgic feeling of simpler times wasn’t unpleasant.

Then Annie suddenly asked as if remembering something.

“By the way Rena, if you top the finals again, will you transfer to Rain Academy?”

“The exams aren’t even over yet…?”

“Oh come on, you’ll obviously rank first again.”

Rain Academy.

‘So Annie’s been concerned about this.’

The Rika Kingdom’s Academies each bear their city’s name.

Naturally, there’s hierarchy among Academies – ‘Rain Academy’ in the capital and all others.

Rain Academy only admits nobles.

In contrast, Academies in other cities accept students regardless of social status.

They admit anyone with talent, which is why even an orphan commoner like me can attend.

But students here do get opportunities to transfer to the capital.

Each year’s top student earns qualification to attend Rain Academy.

Conversely, Rain Academy students who cause trouble or perform poorly get sent to provincial Academies.

Of course I have no intention of leaving. Once my plan concludes, I’ll naturally depart the Academy anyway.

“If given the chance, I’ll go. It’s my goal after all.”

But I boldly lied.

A commoner passing up a Rain Academy opportunity would seem suspicious. While this alone might not raise doubts, plans require constant caution.

“Does that mean we’ll have to separate? That’s too….”

Jade mumbled beside us. Annie then whispered to him.

“Jade, you’ll have to work hard. Follow her to Rain Academy next year at least. Otherwise you’ll never…”

Hearing Annie’s whisper, Jade pushed her away with a flushed face.

“Annie! What are you saying?!”

She just winked and smiled at him.

Clearly Annie had recently developed a taste for teasing Jade.

I smiled at the scene and said.

“I’ll miss you too. If I leave, I’ll send letters and visit often.”

“Hehe, promise?”

Annie hugged me and stroked my golden hair.

She always seemed to love the feel of my hair whenever we met.

Not to be outdone, I stroked Annie’s red hair too.

After a moment, I gently pushed Annie away.

It was time for farewells.

“Thanks to you both, I had fun today. Thank you.”

“So Rena, are you going on another request today?”

“Have to. Need to keep earning money.”

“I told you I could support you a little….”

“Annie, you know I hate that sort of thing.”

Since I don’t actually need the money, I have no choice but to refuse such offers.

“Um….”

I noticed Jade hesitantly approaching from the side.

“Rena, could I… maybe go with you?….”

“I appreciate the thought… But don’t you have night remedial classes today?”

“Ah, right! But then….”

Having forgotten, Jade hung his head.

His poor grades are one thing, but I worry he might get expelled. That would be troublesome….

“Focus on your studies first. See you all next week.”

Leaving the reluctant Jade and Annie behind, I headed toward the Adventurer’s Guild at the city outskirts.

**

Though the Demon King died and demons lost the war, remnants and monsters still linger worldwide.

Thus Adventurer Guilds remain highly active.

Arriving at Vail’s Adventurer Guild, I opened the door and entered.

-Jingle jingle.

All eyes in the boisterous guild turned toward me.

“She’s here again. Amazing for a student.”

“So beautiful….”

“Tch. Kid, she’s out of your league.”

Ignoring familiar comments about me, I approached the reception desk.

A burly man stood behind the counter.

“Rena’s here. Another request today?”

“You’ve been well, Uncle Boris? Recommend me a good one.”

Boris was a retired Gold Plate Adventurer with a family. Now working as guild receptionist.

When I first came here alone, he told me to go home immediately. He passionately lectured about request dangers.

Apparently I reminded him of his daughter, making it impossible to ignore me.

Now that he acknowledges my skills, he’s less strict.

I watched Boris rummage through request boards.

True to Gold Plate status, he had an impressively rugged physique.

Massive frame, chest muscles threatening to burst, broad shoulders, solid biceps – a warrior’s beautiful body.

“….”

Seeing Boris’s body always triggers dark fantasies.

Initially he’d refuse my advances due to his family.

But daily visits with my alluring body would gradually shake his resolve.

Finally unable to resist my provocations, he’d pounce on me.

Then vent all his pent-up anger by fucking me like crazy.

Me weeping beneath him, begging forgiveness. Imagining that scene.

Ah, just imagining it―

“How about this request? Eliminating slimes in the back alley sewers.”

Boris’s voice halted my lewd thoughts.

‘Haven’t satisfied my urges lately it seems’

Being pinned by him now wouldn’t be bad. But I can’t ruin the image I’ve carefully built.

“Not those easy requests. You know better.”

“I worry about you, kid.”

Dismissing his concerned tone, I noticed a peculiar request on the back board.

A standard goblin nest subjugation mission, unusually marked with a ‘Caution’ sticker.

Pointing at the board, I asked Boris.

“What’s that request? It has a ‘Caution’ note.”

“Oh that? Three days ago, an adventurer party took that request but hasn’t returned.”

He paused, seeming to deliberate before continuing.

“They might have circumstances, but likely encountered trouble. Potential danger, hence the caution. Planning to issue a search request soon.”

“Then I’ll take that search request.”

“What? No way.”

Boris waved his hands emphatically.

“Must be cautious here. Usually means mutants caused trouble. Could be any mutant type.”

“You know my skills. You worry too much. Even mutant goblins are no problem.”

“True you’re Silver Plate level with solid experience. But going solo on such missions isn’t wise. Take someone with you?”

I’d considered recruiting party members, but additional acquaintances could complicate my plans.

“I prefer working alone. Besides, search requests pay well, right? You know I’m always short on money.”

“I know that but….”

“Hurry. Need to decide before it gets late.”

Having enjoyed the festival, darkness would soon fall. To complete a request today, I needed to depart quickly.

Boris always initially refuses such requests but relents if I persist.

He sighed with a look of defeat.

“Haah, fine, you get the search request. Leaving immediately?”

“Can’t waste time on search requests. I’ll head there now, camp if it gets too dark.”

“Then… be extremely careful.”

**

With Boris seeing me off, I exited the Adventurer’s Guild and immediately left the city toward the reported goblin nest location.

-Rustle, rustle.

As I walked the path, cautious footsteps trodding grass sounded behind me.

I lightly spread mana to survey my surroundings.

Checking the sound’s direction, I sensed two people following at a consistent distance.

‘…Are these guys targeting an Academy student?’

On a hunch, I enhanced my hearing. Their voices became audible.

“Is this really okay? She’s an Academy student after all….”

“Didn’t you hear earlier? She took a dangerous search request. Any ‘accident’ will be blamed on the nest. Can’t miss this chance to fuck that bitch.”

Unbelievably, they really were targeting an Academy student.

If a student disappears, the Academy and guard corps would immediately investigate – not easy to evade.

Wanted notices would spread to every city, ensuring capture unless they’re exceptionally skilled.

‘Still, not completely stupid thinking.’

Disappearing during a high-risk search mission might indeed get attributed to monsters.

An unexpected stroke of luck. I’d been bored lately from lack of stimulation….

Good. Shall I enjoy myself for the first time in ages?