episode_0160

During Yuda’s absence, the children spent their time individually. Perhaps the sight of the boy in the wheelchair had left a profound impact. They continued their rigorous training and daily routines. The purpose of their training was entirely focused on individual skill. A desire to become even slightly useful. The girls’ efforts were particularly poignant.

“Efry! You worked hard today too.” “Let’s slowly ramp up the firepower starting tomorrow!” Regia focused on connecting with her summoned beast. It was a process of fully mastering the dragon-derived power that had been difficult to control until now. Her presence, growing stronger by the day, proved she was the protagonist.

Pilot was close to the original. “Haa… It’s still difficult.” “That person would have been much sharper, you know.” “I don’t think I can ever reach that level.”

Emilia devoted herself to her unique magic. Her goal was to refine the properties of ice. Just like when she borrowed power from Yuda before, she was attempting to fuse winter and shadow. Of course, ‘property alteration’ was not easy, as it was a process of elevating a mage’s rank. However, the villainess simply diligently added effort and time. Her characteristic tenacity shone through.

“This place is truly endlessly vast.” “It might be dangerous… but it’s my only disciple’s request.” “When he returns, I’ll have to ask him to hold me all day.” Selena explored the labyrinth beneath the academy. It was to fulfill her disciple’s request. Its scale was so vast it couldn’t even be estimated. In the last raid, it had also been used as an infiltration route by cultists. As such, the faculty considered it essential to understand the labyrinth. However, as it was an ancient structure, it was difficult to penetrate. Though several professors were working together, no significant results had emerged. Some even voiced concerns about safety.

“We must prioritize the students’ safety.” “With uncertain dangers still lingering.” “Shouldn’t we temporarily close the academy? At least until we’ve fully conquered the labyrinth.” “At this very moment, sinister forces might be targeting the academy.”

The labyrinth’s structure, not even half understood. This was an extremely rational point. However, practical issues stood in the way of a hasty decision to close. Perhaps it was the adults’ circumstances.

“Closure is too extreme a solution.” “We must consider the losses that would incur.” The profits and losses that were automatically calculated. Of course, such minor issues were secondary. The real problem was…

“Our decision isn’t limited to profits and losses.” “The Great War that continued until just six years ago… After our victory over the brutal cult, the academy, along with the Grand Cathedral, became a symbol of peace.” “What if one of such renowned symbols were to falter?” “It would only serve to acknowledge the cult’s influence.” “This is an issue that could bring instability to the entire continent!”

The faculty members were split into two sides, arguing their points. A problem difficult to choose either side. Indeed, conflict tends to intensify the more ambiguous right and wrong become. The chaotic atmosphere showed no signs of settling.

“Such logic is merely a leap!” “Shouldn’t we prioritize the absolute safety of our students?” “If we simply cover it up and the situation escalates, then it will truly become irreversible!” “As educators, we must fulfill our duties!” “We can’t just keep spouting idealism!” “While we certainly hold the title of educators, we are also guardians of the Empire.” “The cult’s influence is incomparable to six years ago.” “Even now, the academy’s defenses have been heightened. They lack the power to breach them!” “If we back down in such a situation, it will only expand the cult’s influence.” “Have you all forgotten that the source of their wicked power is ‘fear’?” “If we’re not careful, it could trigger a wave!”

The chaotic, scattered voices. However, the matter of closure ultimately fell through. This was because the dean had not given direct approval. The old man remained silent once again. Selena, despite being caught in the faculty’s disputes, consistently sent letters and materials to her disciple. So that he could grasp the overall situation even while he was away from the academy. Thus, everyone did their best in their respective positions.

“Haa, haa…” Meanwhile. Irene was staying at Astro’s headquarters, not the academy. She had sought out the Sword Saint to receive guidance. The fox-like girl raised her sword tip with ragged breaths. Whoosh-! Before she could even finish exhaling, a silver trajectory fell from above her head. The girl angled her blade to defend. Two blades collided. A powerful clang of steel erupted. Clang-! “Kuh…!” A simple strike. Even so, the fox-like girl’s stance collapsed. Immediately after, her precarious center of gravity shattered. The girl tried to regain her balance belatedly, but her opponent did not miss the momentary opening. A glittering thin line touched her cheek as if it had always been there. The cool temperature of the steel cooled her sweat. “……I lost.” Clink-. Irene finally let go of her sword. It was a simple sign of surrender. In response to that signal, her opponent also withdrew the blade he had aimed. Only then did the girl slump to the floor. She then gasped for breath.

“Ha… That was damn hard.” “Hahaha! Still, you lasted quite a while this time, didn’t you!” A hearty laugh burst forth. The one holding a sword before the fox-like girl was a middle-aged man with flowing red hair. Despite having exchanged blows for a full six hours, he showed no signs of fatigue. Irene furrowed her brow as if in exasperation.

“It’s infuriating how perfectly fine you look.” “Blame your own weakness then.” The Red Sword Saint, Kyle Strovane. A figure said to have shone brightest among all the stars throughout history. The man laughed leisurely.

“At this rate, when do you plan to catch up?” “You’re so strong, there’s no way to even win or lose.” “Compared to my prime, I’ve declined immeasurably, you know?” “That’s certainly a motivating thing to say.” “Does getting stomped by a retired chef make you feel self-pity?” “You don’t have to point it out specifically, you know…?”

The girl grumbled softly. The two, having finished their sparring, slowly began to clean up the area. Shattered sword blades lay scattered on the floor. It was the trace of intense, continuous training. Irene sighed faintly and asked a question.

“How was the sparring today?” “Excellent! Your growth rate is becoming steeper by the day, you know. At this rate, you’d be comparable to myself at sixteen.” “Aren’t you praising me too much? You said I was only around thirteen just a few months ago.” “Didn’t I tell you! It’s an absolutely unbelievable growth rate! You might be the most outstanding raw talent I’ve ever seen in my life.” “……And yet I can’t even beat a retired chef.” “Well, there’s nothing for it then! Isn’t it just because I’m strong?” “You’re truly nothing short of a monster.” “Hahaha!”

His characteristic booming laugh made her ears ring. The fox-like girl frowned. “Just how strong are you, exactly?” “Hmm… If we’re talking about my prime, I’d probably be in the top three, at least.” “In the Empire?” “No.” “In the continent?” “Definitely not.” “Then where are you in the top three?” “You should look at the world more broadly, shouldn’t you?” Hum-! A faint tremor ran through Kyle’s sword blade. In response, a shimmering radiance appeared. Following that, a dazzling starlight spread, illuminating the dark space with a blue glow. Between the night sky, constellations, formed by twinkling dots connected by lines, sparkled. It was nothing less than a constellation. Only then did the man answer.

“In history.” “……” A short yet heavy resonance. It was a declaration that might have been dismissed as arrogant, but the sight before her lent it credibility. For it was a beauty she had never encountered in any other sword. Irene couldn’t help but sigh.

“Haa… I wonder if I can really catch up to you.” “Not yet, not by a long shot! Although my skill has declined a lot, I’m not so weak as to be bested by a fledgling, you know.” “Yeah, yeah, you’re great.” “But.” Tap-. The man lightly tapped the fox-like girl’s shoulder. A smile hung on his lips.

“You’ll definitely catch up.” “……” “Perhaps you might even surpass my prime.” “That’s an utterly unbelievable thing to say.” “If you can’t believe in yourself, try believing in the Commander-nim’s judgment.” “Him…?” “Because he was certain you would surpass me.” “Well… if it’s that kind of talk, it might be motivating.”

Yuda. As soon as the topic of him came up, the atmosphere instantly softened. The girl subtly lowered her sharp gaze. A slight blush even fluttered on her cheeks. Kyle smiled, looking intrigued.

“Hmm! Commander-nim must be happy.” “Why suddenly?” “Aren’t there loyal girls all around him! Even our Vice-Commander-nim, for instance!” “More nonsense…” The girl responded as if annoyed, yet she didn’t actually deny it.

Irene, having finished tidying up, dusted herself off and stood up. She was planning to leave soon. Because today was the day Yuda was returning. The date for his return to the academy had arrived.

“I should get going now.” “I’ve already asked Lena. If you return by portal, you’ll arrive on time.” “Please tell everyone thanks. And please look after my siblings.” “Don’t worry. This chef will protect the young foxes.” “That’s reassuring.”

Their trivial farewells. Just as the girl was about to step out of the training room. Kyle spoke his final words to her back. Unlike the cheerful atmosphere that had prevailed until then, his voice was somewhat subdued and serious. The Star, who had just displayed his power, spoke.

“There’s one final warning I must give you.” “…..?” “You are on the verge of transcendence. If slow, within three years; if fast, within one year, you will reach the stars.” “That doesn’t sound like a warning at all. It’s more like a compliment, isn’t it?” “The crux is here.”

The Star met the fox-like girl’s eyes. His characteristic red eyes glowed, yet they were deeply tinged with a lonely sorrow. As if worrying about some future.

“Do you know when the way of the sword becomes most precarious?” “It’s when one is on the verge of the Star realm. It’s a well-known story, isn’t it?” “Yes… It’s when the mana wall collapses and new concepts are established. Countless Swordsmen have met a miserable end, crashing against that wall. They failed to reach the realm of transcendence and were instead devoured by starlight.” “……What are you trying to say?” The girl showed signs of tension. The man’s expression was so serious it felt alien.

“Never go against the flow.” “……” “The natural order is an absolute law. If you try to defy the stars with the power of a mere mortal, you will surely pay a price worse than death.” “What exactly is that?” “I haven’t experienced it myself, so I don’t know the exact details.” “It seems more than one or two people have been devoured in that process.” “Countless.”

Do not defy the stars. This was an admonition left not just as a master to a disciple, but as one comrade to another. For Kyle did not wish for anything that would sadden his Master. Irene, though with a discomforted expression, promised. That she would not act recklessly regarding the stars.

“In that case, I’m relieved.” “Right… If that’s all, I’ll be going now.” “Hmm! Please give my regards to Commander-nim!” Afterward. The girl set off towards the academy.

***

Irene was in a good mood. The boy she hadn’t seen for almost half a month. It was finally the day she would reunite with him. Even as she arrived at the academy and headed towards their shared dormitory, the fox-like girl continued to smile. Even she, who was harsh to others, was merely fresh and innocent in front of someone. The girl walked down the hallway, even holding a faint smile. Even amidst that, her heart pounded loudly. Pound pound-.

‘I want to see him quickly.’ What should we talk about when we meet? First, I’ll have to act spoiled. Since she had been virtually neglected until now, she planned to ask him to indulge her stubbornness. He would surely listen, smiling as if troubled. Because he was such a soft-hearted person.

‘First.’ I should lie on the bed. Lying in his embrace, she would melt into his broad warmth. She would inhale his intoxicating scent, realizing his presence. She would intertwine their fingers as if never letting him go. Once she had fully realized the fact of being together, she would then slowly offer him everything, from her ears to her tail. She planned to whisper for him to stroke every single part, without missing any. So that she would become disheveled by his rough touch, and her neat breaths would turn sorrowful. Their bodies would press together as closely as possible.

‘If you want to…’ She wanted him to be at least slightly aware of her. She hoped he would make a flustered expression when she wrapped her arms around his ample chest and placed her fluffy tail on his thigh. Like that, she wanted to seep into the broken gap and become everything to the boy.

Of course, it was nothing more than childish fantasy. Because the person she knew would simply laugh it off nonchalantly. However, even moments spent savoring such daydreams had become precious daily routines for the fox-like girl.

The path to meet the boy shone brightly. Like colorful flowers swaying gently. ‘This is nice.’ The cool, flowing spring. A feeling as if she were blending into that season. However.

“……” It didn’t take long for that feeling to shatter. For some reason, the fox-like girl’s gaze, upon reuniting with the boy, was chilling. Her eyes were already dead black.

“Who is that? That.” Irene asked. The mark remaining on the boy’s nape. A single reddish bloom. It openly revealed lust, like a passage encountered in a book. It clearly appeared to be a trace resulting from a physical relationship. And.

“Oh my.” Uninvited guests clung to both of his arms. Two individuals, one with red hair and one with platinum blonde hair. The princesses were each intimately clinging to the boy. They lightly met her gaze, then offered a greeting with a smile. Especially the younger sister’s gaze was sinister. As if mocking the belated fox-like girl.

“This person is scheduled to become the Imperial Consort soon. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t address him so casually.” “Yes. He’s decided to marry us. His Majesty commanded it.” The Imperial Princess sisters. It seemed these vulgar bitches had gone insane, both of them.