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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Vine
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Professor Praha’s words echoed in my head.
The idea of gaining height from a dragon’s essence had somehow twisted in my mind into a promise.
She had mentioned that waiting would lead to better results, but that first idea was the most appealing.
“Atlas… snap out of it.”
“Wow… you look terrible…”
I said I was fine, but the idea was still stuck in my mind.
I reviewed everything I knew about dragons, searching for one that I could actually hunt.
Most of them were untouchable. If I killed someone like Saint MacIntosh, the Church would collapse.
And that meant the demons would run rampant.
Then there were dragons in other kingdoms or those who hid in towers, playing as mages, each with their own roles.
‘Should I give up?’
The risk outweighed the benefits.
I was gambling on something uncertain. If it was guaranteed, I could plan better.
‘All I can do… is wait for Professor Praha.’
“So, today’s class will be…”
Andy was preparing the lesson.
I realized something. It had been two weeks, but why did it still feel like the first class?
I was tired from all of the recent incidents.
“…Atlas, is that really what they do in the Royal Knights?”
“Sort of.”
Andy was explaining the training regimen, which was a very simple, basic exercises until the next physical test.
It seemed boring, but that was what the Royal Knights actually did, in their training.
Without a strong base, nothing can be built.
It was natural for Amy to be confused. She wouldn’t believe the Royal Knights do something that boring.
“Wow… that’s what it’s really like….”
It was dull and exhausting. Andy must be feeling confident, to teach something so dull.
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“What do you guys want to drink?”
“Are you buying again? It’s my turn to treat you.”
“No, I’ll pay. You guys have treated me too much.”
“Just accept our offers.”
We were walking to the café. I knew they didn’t need the money. I wanted to treat them.
“You guys are too stubborn”
I would have to force them to accept it.
“Are you Atlas?”
Someone stood in front of me.
“Who are you?”
A muscular giant stood there, his face grim.
He wore a short cape and a sword. I knew who he was.
The Swordsmanship Club. This was the third time that they bothered me.
“We’re from the Swordsmanship Club. Our captain wants to see you.”
What did their captain want? I’d defeated a couple of their members. Why ask now?
What was their captain again? I had never bothered to remember them.
“You don’t have the authority to order me around!”
“It’s okay.”
River was going to step forward, but I stopped her.
I didn’t need her to handle them.
“Does your captain not have legs? He can come here himself.”
“You little… How dare you disrespect the captain…!”
His face flushed. He reached for his sword.
I had been ready to wait for that but it was the third time.
“You guys should fix your attitude.”
He was much taller than me. I had to make it even, so I kicked his shin with all my strength. His leg bent at an angle, like it was a twig. The sound was gruesome.
I grabbed his neck, keeping him from falling. He glared at me.
“You idiot, did you not learn from what happened to your colleagues?”
I felt annoyed. Then, I heard a loud voice.
“Hey! Hey, you idiots!” A woman appeared, pushing through the crowds.
“I asked you to bring him with respect! Why are you fighting?”
Her dark brown hair flowed in the air, her blue eyes sparkled.
Her eyes had a mischievous look, and her mouth was large, capable of making big expressions.
‘Where have I seen her?’
She wore the short cape of the Swordsmanship Club. She punched the injured member, then approached me.
“Sorry, sorry, my members are nice, but they’re all idiots.”
The Swordsmanship Club members were shocked by her friendliness.
“B-but Captain! This guy defeated some of our seniors…!”
“They lost because it was a 1 on many fight. Do you want me to take revenge for you?!”
“Eeeek?!”
The captain yelled at the injured student. The two other members dragged him away.
The captain turned to me, her hands on her hips. “I had to come myself. I am Hera Nemea, head of the Swordsmanship Club.”
Hera Nemea?
I had never met her before, but the name… was familiar. It was my mother’s maiden name.
‘Oh crap.’
I felt cold. Someone with the Nemea name, in the Academy?
“You haven’t seen me before, right? My younger brother.” She opened her arms, a bright smile on her face.
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Hera Nemea was the eldest daughter of the Nemea family, the daughter of my mother’s younger sister, Patro Nemea. So she was my cousin.
“Brother…?”
River looked at her with suspicion.
“…Atlas, what will you do?”
Amy whispered.
Even I had never expected this. I hadn’t known there was a student with the Nemea surname.
And a senior who was graduating next year.
Hera approached, a warm smile on her face, grabbed my hand.
“My long-lost younger brother, have you had a difficult life? Don’t worry, your sister is here for you now!”
She was being dramatic, but I didn’t know how to react. She was friendly, at least.
“That was supposed to sound touching… Was it bad?”
My lack of reaction made her pout before she became herself again. “There are too many people watching. Let’s go somewhere else.”
My classmates were staring.
This was way too complicated.
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