Academy’s Pure Love Dark Knight – Chapter 54.2

“That’s likely. The Hero Church’s target is probably the Hero of Light, Kainel.”

“Our faculty has come to the same conclusion. Either him or a member of the Imperial Family. Didn’t you hear that from Old Man Drake as well?”

He must mean Lupus. Well, considering the crown prince is the only child of Emperor Roque, who is notoriously protective of his son, taking him hostage would deal a significant blow to the Ten Greats.

And Lupus himself, the Wolf King, wields techniques foundational to Vacuum Slash as basic maneuvers. He’s a hero akin to a one-man army.

“…Yes, if you mean the Glass Knight. That’s correct.”

“It’s a good thing you managed to save him, Licht.”

Apparently, when Emperor Roque heard his son was in danger, he almost stormed the academy with an axe in hand, and the other Ten Greats had to restrain him.

“Since he dotes on his child like a treasure, you’ll probably receive a personal message from the Imperial Family soon.”

If that man shows up, the Hero Church would surely be eradicated, but the academy would likely be destroyed along with them. It might be better to lure the Demon Lords elsewhere.

“…I’m not going to die, right?”

“You’ll be fine, Licht. Trust me, my colleagues and I are already taking the brunt of his wrath on your behalf.”

The Imperial Palace of Gransia—something I had never visited in the game due to lack of connections. My reputation was too low from always choosing the Nameless Saintess’s route.

“No matter how angry he gets, he won’t harm someone who saved his child.”

“…I hope that’s true.”

Why do I still feel uneasy? A chilling sensation ran down my spine. Perhaps I had imagined being locked in the royal dungeons one too many times.

“If something this dangerous happens again…”

Dennis, noticing my trembling hands, approached me with his characteristic glowing white eyes. He gently patted my shoulder.

“…I’ll make sure to protect the students this time. That includes you, Licht.”

He apologized for letting me face a Demon Lord alone in the forest.

Hearing such words from the protagonist of Knight Heart felt surreal. It solidified my resolve to reunite him with White Magnolia one day.

“Thank you, Professor Dennis.”

In the end, they too were victims of the Demon Lords. What did inconsistencies matter? My grip on my sword tightened.

***

The next morning, during Dennis’s Basics of Combat Magic lecture, there was an important announcement.

“Everyone, our lessons are nearing their end. You know what that means, don’t you?”

He tapped the podium, his tone bright as if to brush off yesterday’s somber mood. Seeing him like this was disheartening. Couldn’t we just get rid of all the Demon Lords?

“That’s right—our annual event here at Grand Hearts Academia.”

The students began to murmur. It was probably about finals. I glanced around; even Kainel and Ariel seemed unsure.

“The Year-End Exams are upon us, students!”

The rumors I had heard before entering the endless forest of beasts were true. I leaned forward, sensing the potential for exciting rewards or items.

‘Nothing useful came from the group project, even when I got first place.’

Dennis conjured a holographic magic circle, explaining the exam to the students. Animated parchments floated around, illustrating his points.

“The rules are simple. It’s a tournament format to determine the strongest in each year.”

A parchment floated onto my desk, detailing the rules, schedule, and prizes of the exam.

“Participants will fight within magical barriers designed by the academy.”

Dennis raised a finger, expanding a spherical magic circle to encase the classroom walls, explaining how the tournament venue would be set up.

“Feel free to go all out. The academy will provide transparent shields made of mana to prevent injuries.”

As he spoke, a protective barrier enveloped each student in the room, including myself. I touched the translucent shield, marveling at its texture.

“The match ends the moment these shields are completely broken. Alternatively, if the time limit runs out, the winner will be whoever has more shield remaining.”

I nodded, appreciating the thoroughness of the system. No ambiguous ties here.

“There are no restrictions on techniques, abilities, or equipment. However, if the faculty deems an action excessively malicious, the participant will be disqualified.”

Could Kainel use his holy sword, then? As Dennis spoke, the blond Hero smirked at me with a look that said, Just watch me.

I hope he keeps my identity as a Hero secret.

There should be safeguards, like in the swordsmanship training ground, to prevent the Heroic Church from catching on. I had even tipped him off yesterday.

“Now, students of Grand Hearts Academia, may Akasha’s blessing be with you. Strive for victory with wisdom!”

With that, Dennis dismissed the class early. Thank you, Knight Heart, for being the best. I carefully examined the handout I’d been given, scanning the list of rewards.

First place gets a Dragon Heart… Isn’t that the item that massively boosted magic stats and levels in the game?

It didn’t appeal to me. Even if I obtained it, my inability to use magic rendered it pointless. My interest waned. After all, I was the only person in this world who couldn’t use magic without relying on others.

Wait, what’s this…

Scanning the list further, my eyes widened in disbelief. Written under the second-place reward was an item that left me stunned.

…Mana Rose.

No wonder I froze. It was something the Nameless Saintess had always longed for. The second-place prize was far more enticing than the first.

“Ariel, is there anything you want from this list?”

“Yeah, Kai. I’d like to get a World Tree Leaf for my staff!”

“Licht, how about you? Anything catch your eye?”

“…Yes.”

The blue rose she adored. In the game, it was a famous flower imbued with mana, giving it a radiant azure glow—Mana Rose.

“I’ll get it no matter what.”

If I gave it to the Saintess, she’d be overjoyed. During my time playing Knight Heart, I thought it was merely a lore item.

No matter how hard I searched, I could never find it. Turns out, this was where it was obtainable.

“Licht, the Dragon Heart?”

“…”

There was no way I’d let the Crown Prince take this from me. Instead of lying, I chose silence.

I’ll keep it for her.

I pictured the soft smile of someone who loved the flower’s meaning.

If I gifted it to her, she’d undoubtedly be delighted. She might even want to care for it herself, watering it daily.

I had to secure second place in this year-end exam. No matter what.