Chapter 1238. Blue Guild’s Youth Center (7)

The main character wasn't complete without a rival, especially in a coming-of-age story similar to stories depicted in a

shonen manga

.

The usual elements were necessary—beautiful friendships among classmates, heartfelt duels driven by beliefs between rivals, the budding emotions toward the opposite sex, and various incidents that often happened among kids.

Miss Kim Mi-Young seemed unsure about how to move the story forward, but it wasn’t really a difficult task because the groundwork was already there.

Honestly, things were already heating up before I even set foot in the academy.

Tensions between the students from the Republic and the Democratic Country had been quietly building up. It was one of those situations where a single spark could set off an explosion.

Things just hadn’t come to light yet.

‘It’s a society here, too.’

Holding actual authority in a mere playground for children wasn’t something that brought wealth or true influence. However, kids were unaware of that and were strangely fixated on their social standing within the class.

If they were born to a noble family, they were probably even more obsessed with that kind of thing than the average student. That was exactly the case with the students from the Democratic Country.

While the status of the Democratic Country itself certainly played a role, it was the prestige of Lindel’s three major guilds that allowed them to take control.

Regardless of whether they had realized it or not, the students from the Democratic Country had been walking around with their heads held high, while students from other nations were noticeably reserved.

Given the circumstances, no major conflict was likely to erupt. The students from the Republic opted to retreat quietly, focusing on what gains they could secure, while the students from the Democratic Country likely saw no advantage in causing trouble.

Then,

I

appeared. Jin Young had disturbed the still surface of this seemingly tranquil lake.

‘The rivalry was made in a very natural way.’

Even at this moment, I could feel glances from the students from the Democratic Country. Felis Hanest and the rest of those so-called nobles were relentlessly keeping me in check. Naturally, the students from the Republic were also watching them closely.

Slava, who had somehow become a devoted follower of mine in less than three days, quietly said, “Mr. Jin Young.”

“...”

“The Magic Scholar, Miss Hwang Jung-Yeon, and the Archmage, Miss Jung Ha-Yan, will come here to give a lecture,” Slava informed.

‘Of course, I’m aware of that. I’m the one who called them here.’

“I know,” I told him.

Xiaolan, the one whom I vowed to stay away from, glanced at the students from the Democratic Country and said, “The timing’s kind of strange. Maybe they're here to observe you and our faction closely...”

“...”

“...”

‘That’s not it. Why do you think they would keep an eye on the kids from the Republic? Why...’

I only wanted a little help, but I had no idea how things got

this

complicated.

“Maybe it’s to give the students from the Democratic Country some power?” Xiaolan asked.

‘What on earth would they gain by empowering those kids? Why bother?’

“I’m certain you’re on their radar because the Blue Guild has gotten involved. No matter how powerful the Democratic Country is, they clearly can’t ignore the Republic’s small influence,” Xiaolan said.

‘That’s not it.’

“Hypocrites...” I mumbled.

“They go on about peace, justice, and sacrifice, but the Democratic Country’s the biggest hypocrites... so it makes sense,” Victor Galia chimed in. He was the kid playing the role of someone willing to lay down his life for his master.

“Could the Blue Guild’s Magic Scholar or the Archmage cause any harm to you?” Victor asked.

“Maybe. If they think my small influence is a bigger threat than they thought... what would they

not

do? Especially the archmage... there are rumors that she’s actually pretty brutal and violent,” I answered.

“...”

“I hope the situation I’m imagining doesn’t happen, but I wouldn’t be surprised if an 'accident' that isn't really an accident ended up taking place.

The reputation of the academy's Magic Department will take a hit, but if it means wiping out the Republic’s future, it’s a price they’d happily pay,” I explained.

“That’s...”

“There’s no reason to act cautiously,” I said.

“

Hmph.

Filthy Democratic Country scums. Don’t worry, Mr. Jin Young. If something happens, I, Victor Galia, will protect you with my life,” Victor pledged.

“I will do the same. I will protect you no matter what. I swear on my mother’s name,” Slava said.

“...”

“I already warned all the students from the Republic, Mr. Jin Young,” Slava added.

“I’d expect nothing less from you, Slava. Preparing for an unlikely accident already,

huh?

You may be young, but you’re cunning,” I said.

“I’m ashamed,” Slava said.

‘Seriously, what is wrong with you guys?’

“In fact, I’ve already prepared an escape route,” Slava added.

‘We have no reason to escape, so just stop it.’

“I really can’t help but laugh at this. Everyone’s hiding a blade behind their back... this entire thing is really ridiculous,” Xiaolan said.

‘It’s not funny, damn it.’

Xiaolan had an empty expression, as though the whole world had turned its back on her. Slava, whether he was a cunning little fox or a clueless pup, had resolve burning in his eyes.

Meanwhile, Victor Galia was prepared to lay down his life to forge a way forward for me.

‘Aren't they just putting on an act for fun?

I cringed when I realized that every word they had uttered so far was actually filled with sincerity.

'Do they honestly believe that they have any influence?'

The Blue Guild and the Democratic Country didn’t have the luxury to concern themselves with a bunch of kids, but it was understandable that they were thinking that way. After all, even kids had their own world.

They were at the age where they thought the world revolved around them, so there was no point in trying to explain things here. They’d believe whatever they wanted to believe, anyway.

I allowed it and even humored them a little, but now, they were seriously pushing it.

I wasn't the type to easily feel embarrassed, but for some reason, my face heated up.

And the fact that I actually had to play along...

I started feeling this strange sense of shame, which was unlike me.

“

Hmph

. There’s no need to fear or be afraid,” I said.

“M-Mr. Jin Young.”

"Mr. Jin Young.”

“Act like nothing happened. No need to show how anxious you are. If the enemy comes charging at us, we charge right back. Magic Scholar? Archmage?

Hmph

. They’re still just humans. There’s no reason for me to be nervous,” I continued.

“As expected...”

“...”

I was planning on going for this concept, so I decided to go all-out.

“Are you aware?” I asked.

“Pardon?”

“Within my violet eyes lies a sealed, great power,” I revealed.

“That’s...”

“I’m a monster, just like them,” I added.

“Mr. Jin Young... revealing... such a secret to us...”

“Didn’t you say you were willing to lay down your life for me? In that case, I shouldn’t hide anything from you,” I said.

Their eyes sparkled as they looked at me. Even though they had already pledged their loyalty to me, their gazes still became filled with admiration, almost as if I were some kind of idol, upon learning the secret behind my violet eyes.

However, this was no surprise. The power sealed in my eyes was something irresistible to someone their age.

‘This is pretty effective. I should get an eyepatch as well.’

Eventually, they started talking once more.

“Li Xiaolan, the eldest daughter of Xiaolin, pledges her loyalty to you, Mr. Jin Young,” Xiaolan said.

“Victor Galia will serve you until my body breaks down!” Victor shouted.

“...!”

“

Hmph

. Loyalty pledges don’t matter much to me. I already trust you all. I’ll treat you as comrades, and also as friends,” I told them.

“M-Mr. Jin Young...” Slava stuttered.

What was even more ridiculous was that some people were actually feeling uneasy about this farce.

“

Tch...

”

“What should we do?"

“Damn it...”

“Their bond is growing stronger and stronger. Is this really okay, Felis?”

“Don’t worry. Our time will come,” Felis said.

From afar, the expressions of those observing our strong bond were tinged with anxiety.

Aryl and Kim Myung-Won were no exception. They were clearly taking this situation very seriously.

“It’s dangerous...”

‘What’s dangerous?’

“The students from the Republic... I think everything changed when Jin Young arrived.”

The embarrassment was a small price to pay for creating this kind of atmosphere. The once peaceful classroom became tense, and I suspected that the other departments weren’t any different.

Once conflicts between students from different countries escalated, professors would normally step in to mediate, but that wasn’t an option this time.

Even a mediation would probably fail.

If they were a precedent, the students wouldn’t act like this.

The best thing the academy could do was group up the students from other countries, make them sit together in class, and make them go on retreats or trips to light candles and share tearful moments for the sake of emphasizing their friendship born at the Blue Guild’s Youth Center.

However, all this appeared hypocritical for those who had already fully embraced their dark side.

In addition...

“H-Hello.

Umm...

it’s nice to meet you, e-everyone,” Jung Ha-Yan said.

“...”

“I-I’m embarrassed... t-to i-introduce myself like this... First of all, about the upcoming classes...

ah... ah...

”

“Miss Jung Ha-Yan said she’ll be giving a lecture on spells for the battlefield,” Han Sora announced.

“S-Sora is right,” she said.

Unlike other classes that avoided fostering conflict between nations, Ha-Yan’s class was planned to be structured in a way that would actively provoke tension.

“Split up into groups of five,” Han Sora instructed.

“Yes. Like S-S-S-Sora said, get into a group a-and sit with your group. A-Also...” Jung Ha-Yan stuttered.

“Since it’s your first class, you should start with a simple exercise...” Han Sora suggested.

“Y-Yes, y-you’re right,” Jung Ha-Yan said.

“...”

“I-Is everyone in a group?” Jung Ha-Yan asked.

Good thing we called an interpreter. The classroom was noticeably quieter than usual, and it was probably because the one they called the dream and goal of every mage had shown up.

Those who stared at Jung Ha-Yan showed clear admiration in their eyes. Even the students from the Republic, who had emphasized how dangerous the Archmage was, were glancing at her.

They dared not show it openly, but regardless of their affiliation, they couldn’t help but respect her as a mage. Of course, it was only natural for them to feel that way.

Meanwhile, Ha-Yan kept sneaking glances my way, and she even waved her hand.

I made an "X" sign with my hand, and she nodded at me.

‘It’s so obvious.’

I asked her to give some compliments before the class started, but...

“Y-You’re... a g-genius,” Jung Ha-Yan stuttered.

I was a bit surprised, as I didn’t expect her to immediately blurt it out just like that.

“It’s dangerous and dark... It’s like the darkness in the abyss...”

“...”

“Y-You’re a genius... blessed with magic... no, you are cursed,” she added.

The lore was good, and Jung Ha-Yan seemed really satisfied with it.