Academy – Dean Sara

After the sparring ended, Vail Academy was naturally thrown into chaos.

The fact that Jade defeated Doran in the duel was also astonishing.

But what contributed more to the academy’s current state was the rumor that the Hero had appeared, sparked by witnessing Jade awakening amidst a white light.

Some dismissed it as baseless gossip, but with so many eyewitnesses to the duel, the rumor gained credibility as truth.

After all, there must be people who know about the Hero’s power…

It would soon be confirmed as verified fact rather than mere rumor.

“Hey, hey, look over there. It’s Jade.”

“They say he was chosen as the Hero. But honestly, I’d be more suited for it.”

“Oh please. You’re unbelievable.”

As if proving my thoughts right, students buzzed excitedly upon spotting us heading toward the academy.

‘Jade became the academy’s most popular person overnight.’

Meanwhile, Jade-the subject of all rumors-walked beside me staring at the ground. His furrowed brow suggested he might vomit any second.

The overwhelming attention would make anyone queasy. Jade had never experienced anything like this before.

When I first became the Hero, I nearly died dealing with the endless stream of visitors.

‘Later, I’d constantly hide or run away whenever I saw people.’

Anyway, times like these call for a senior to instill pride and courage.

I grabbed Jade’s shoulders and back, pulling them straight.

“Jade, shoulders back. I still can’t believe it either… but you’re everyone’s hope-the ‘Hero’.”

“R-Rena…!”

But Jade only blushed harder and ducked his head lower.

‘Ah, does this make him feel more pressured?’

My enthusiastic encouragement had ironically burdened Jade further.

Still, this wasn’t a problem I could solve for him. Though you never chose to become the Hero… what can you do now that you are one?

Since I’ve been freed from those shackles, it’s your turn as my junior to endure the hardship.

“I knew my power was unusual… but the Hero’s power? Can someone like me really be the Hero?”

Jade sighed gloomily under the weight of countless staring eyes.

This was the same dilemma I always faced. All Heroes seem to share the same thoughts.

Though it’s amusing how someone who once desperately wanted this now acts like this. Changing your mind overnight…

Well, being Hero only looks cool superficially-it’s actually one of the worst jobs.

Annie, who’d been quietly observing, suddenly poked Jade.

“Jade, since we’re on the topic… can I ask you something?”

“You have questions?”

“I’ve got tons!”

Unlike me who stayed with Jade until the end yesterday, Annie had returned early to the dormitory. She must have accumulated many curiosities.

Seizing the mention of the Hero, Annie began firing questions.

“What exactly is the Hero’s power? You waved your hand and poof! Magic disappeared…”

“Ah! And you looked so cool! Especially when you told that bastard ‘Shut up, Doran.’ If I were Rena, I’d have totally fallen for you!”

Annie excitedly reenacted Jade’s actions from yesterday’s duel.

“Th-that was…”

Jade’s face instantly flushed crimson.

When you say cool things in the heat of the moment, you don’t realize it.

But looking back later… it inevitably feels cringeworthy.

Having someone reenact it right before your eyes leads to Jade’s current predicament.

Still, Heroes must sometimes offer cringeworthy words of courage. For some, the Hero is their last hope.

Seeing yesterday’s embarrassing display confirms Jade is fully qualified to be Hero.

“Annie, don’t tease him so much. Jade’s face might explode from embarrassment.”

“Huh? Oh! I just thought Jade was so cool yesterday…”

Amidst the relentless teasing, someone loudly called out to us.

“You three students!”

An instructor was running toward us from the academy’s main gate.

News must have reached the professors, likely summoning Jade to meet higher-ups.

“You’re finally here! You’re Jade, right? The academy dean wants to see you. Go to the dean’s office immediately.”

“Can we come too?”

The instructor pondered briefly before nodding at my question.

“Um… should be fine.”

Come to think of it, where was the dean’s office? I’d never had reason to go, so I couldn’t remember.

Maybe on the academy’s top floor…

“Never mind. Just follow me. I’ll guide you.”

What a considerate man.

**

We followed the instructor toward the dean’s office.

Even while walking ahead, he kept glancing back at Jade. Jade seemed aware but silently followed.

He probably had questions for Jade.

Understandable curiosity about someone rumored to be the “Hero”.

During my Hero days, some people hadn’t even seen my shadow. My help was needed in too many places.

Unable to contain himself, the instructor finally spoke.

“This… might be rude, but is it true Heroes can see mana flow?”

“Yes. It’s not constant, but visible when I focus mana into my eyes. Right now, if I gather mana…”

Jade’s right eye momentarily glowed blue as he paused. He pointed at the brightly lit magic lamps on the ceiling.

“I can see the structure of those lamps.”

“Incredible… I’d only heard rumors. Must be annoying getting asked constantly, but thank you for satisfying my curiosity.”

“Not at all. It’s no trouble.”

Jade’s attitude as Hero wasn’t bad. Complaining now would only make future hardships worse.

‘Huh…?’

I suddenly realized I’d been evaluating Jade’s behavior. Unconsciously, I’d been scrutinizing his attitude, actions, and speech.

Though unintended, it felt like mentoring a disciple.

As we walked quietly, the instructor abruptly stopped.

-Halt.

“This is my stop. The dean isn’t arrogant or strict, so don’t worry too much.”

“Thank you. I’ll go in first.”

Jade stepped forward and slowly opened the dean’s office door. Annie and I followed.

-Creeeak.

Upon entering, the first thing we saw was a mountain of documents piled on the central desk.

Amidst them, a blue-haired woman with exhausted eyes frantically processed paperwork.

I’d expected an elderly grandmother as dean, but she was surprisingly young. I’d heard rumors she came from the Magic Tower…

Her aura suggested early 7-star Initial Stage.

Pathetically weak compared to the Tower Lord, but quite capable for a backwater academy dean.

“Hello…”

Annie nervously greeted the dean, fidgeting.

“Hmm?”

The dean finally noticed us standing awkwardly and looked up.

“Ah, you’re here?”

-Clap!

She snapped her fingers, and chairs from one side began moving.

-Screech, thud.

In moments, seats materialized before her desk.

Not bad craftsmanship. Though smoother movement would’ve spared the chairs.

“First, sit down. You know why I called you, right?”

Jade pointed at himself.

“Because of my power?”

“Correct. Precisely.”

We sat as instructed.

“Ah, I should briefly introduce myself. I’m Sara. Former nobility, but severed ties when leaving home-don’t mind that. As you see, I’m Vail Academy’s dean. I dislike pointless talk, so let’s get to it.”

Straightforward personality. My first impression of Dean Sara wasn’t bad.

“Jade, your power is…”

“Wait a moment.”

I interrupted Sara. Jade and Annie looked startled by my rudeness.

But I’d noticed Sara’s eyes flickering toward me earlier.

“You’re Rena? Have something to say?”

“I want to discuss the academy’s situation first. You’re aware of what happened to me-the academy’s problems?”

“…”

Sara massaged her temples with a “here it comes” expression.

‘Trying to slip past it, huh?’

Finally, Sara began speaking.

“Sigh… Honestly, I didn’t know. I haven’t been dean long, and administrative work kept me from properly managing the academy. I sincerely apologize.”

Her expression suggested she hoped this would suffice… but judging by my friends’ faces, they wouldn’t let it slide.

Jade and Annie looked furious, clearly recalling past events.

“We almost forgot thanks to Rena! Are you seriously apologizing with just words? Do you know how much pain and suffering Rena endured?!”

As Annie’s angry words faded, Jade added calmly but with dangerous eyes:

“True. I believe such student behavior couldn’t have occurred without your tacit approval. I suffered greatly too. Your dismissive attitude is unacceptable.”

Jade’s composed voice contrasted with his murderous gaze. His stance would change based on her response.

Such reliable friends. Having them voice everything spared me the effort.

Now, how would she respond?

Expel us? Offer bribes? Threaten silence?

While predicting Sara’s move, she suddenly shot up from her seat. She walked around the desk and stood before us.

What now? I hadn’t anticipated this.

Jade and Annie looked equally bewildered.

-Thud

Sara knelt before us, hands clasped over her chest.

After a deep breath-

“…I’m so, so sorry! I’m begging you! Please forgive me just this once!”

She began desperately pleading for forgiveness in this humiliating posture.

“Huh?”

“What?”

Jade and Annie gaped stupidly.

‘Should I call this impressive…?’

I was utterly flabbergasted too.