Doggone Academy

In truth, I only felt a sense of fatigue at Bertangs attitude; there was no real animosity.

In a situation where the safety of the team members was entrusted to him, it was only natural that he wanted to test my abilities.

There was no need to get involved in a power struggle. After all, what use would Bertangs approval have for me?

Honestly, I wouldnt mind if Bertang considered me a trivial being, as long as everything concluded peacefully without any issues. However, given the dangers of this land, the opportunity to prove myself would find me, whether I sought it or not.

Lets start moving.

Luna and I took the lead, and Cecil and the rest followed us, keeping a distance of about five paces.

Although the two groups had merged, the psychological distance had not yet narrowed.

There was a need for a tight strategy, primarily because of the threat of Sions attack. As our destinations were the same, we were bound to converge at some point. Now that our numbers were larger, improvisation was to be avoided.

Luna also sensed that someone powerful would soon find us.

It feels like theyll be here soon. But I dont sense any malice.

If she plundered six groups without malice, thats even more brutal.

It was uncertain whether she would arrive by surprise or if she would openly challenge us for a confrontation. Either way, the best course of action was to avoid the fight and flee. Engaging in a brawl with a fellow student in the Circulatory System would be a serious waste of energy.

Cast a mist and take the others with Cecil instead of me. Get as far away as possible and wait in a safe place.

I designated a new rendezvous point on the map.

Luna looked at me with a somber face and asked,

Will you be okay?

Her expression showed concern as if regretting laying this burden on me alone. Strictly speaking, it was my fault she was involved in this matter. If anything, it was I who owed her an apology.

Its something that must be done. Dont worry.

I can stand against Sion, too.

Luna was, after all, the top student of the Magic Department. She might have powers she had not yet demonstrated. Perhaps she even had a better affinity for combat than me.

There will definitely come a time when your strength is needed, but now isnt that moment. Leave this to me.

Getting entangled with Sion, who relished combat, would do Luna no good.

I was grateful and reassured enough that she was willing to ease my burden.

Cecil discreetly moved up to walk beside me.

What were you two discussing?

Shortly afterward, Trisha hurriedly joined us at the front, linking arms with Cecil.

I want to listen, too!

We were talking about Sion.

Cecil paused as they walked a bit, then spoke as if something suddenly occurred to her.

You know how Sion has been asking around about you, right?

I figured as much.

Cecil puckered her lips in a curious expression.

Hmm I wonder why Candy is so popular with the top students?

?

Looking at it now the top student from the Magic Department on your left, the top from the Magic Research Department on your right. The top combatant is following us from behind. And the second-ranked from the Magic Department is also searching for Candy. I suppose its only a matter of time before the Alchemy Department joins in, right?

Well, but whos the second-ranked from the Magic Department?

Cecil flipped her hair behind her ear and chuckled.

If you dont know, then never mind.

?

More importantly, Candy, I hope youre not just approaching people based on their ranks. Something feels odd about that.

Her words were said in jest, but they carried a sting.

Of course not.

This is dangerous. Her statement was half true. While I had grown closer to Luna without any personal agenda, my acquaintance with Cecil wasnt unfoundedit was on the advice of Silveryn to maintain good relations with the Magic Research Department.

The expression on Trishas face, who was beside Cecil, was full of suspicion as she glared at me, as if demanding, Is that really the truth?

Even if you say so, who knows? You might not be satisfied with just fellow students and might even approach a professor?

?

Cecil made me uncomfortable, then covered her mouth with her hand and snickered by herself. It might have been a joke to her, but to me, it felt like my heart was sinking. A misstep here could lead to a major misunderstanding.

Luna, who had shown little interest in the conversation with Cecil, flinched when the word professor came up and fixated her gaze on my face with a look of panic.

Cecil had stirred up muddy waters that were now affecting Luna as well.

Dont say such strange things.

As if entertained by my reaction, Cecil continued to provoke.

Whoa? Why are you flustered?

Just throw her into the water once.

***

Move it, damn it!

As the porter lagged behind, Polson, who was feeling desperate, yelled out loud.

Its too hard!

The group member who replaced Damian as the porter was struggling with the load.

Not only was he carrying the main supplies, but they were also overloaded with various unnecessary items, making it impossible to hurry up.

Iris shouted out,

Lets just drop the stuff and run!

If we just drop our stuff and run, whats the point of running? You moron!

With his patience running thin, Polson didnt hold back from lashing out at Iris either.

Polson looked back; amidst the shadows of the dark forest, a frosty blade glistened.

A woman wielding a blue magical sword approached leisurely.

Enraged, Polson kicked the porter group member beside him, causing him to tumble to the ground.

Aaagh!

Polson then grabbed whatever food he could from the porters bag and sprinted off. He had no concerns for the group memberor anyone else for that matterincluding group leader Iris. He had begun his escape alone.

Iris yelled at Polson,

What are you doing!

Even the typically calm Iris couldnt hold back her anger towards Polsons reckless conduct.

The debacle was of Polsons own making.

Despite sensing something was off from their first encounter, they hadnt cut ties due to his connections with the imperial prince, which proved to be a mistake.

The one chasing them was none other than Sion Izarel. Sion had been willing to pass by Iriss group without plundering because of their acquaintance. However, Polson insisted they should ambush Sion, and when no one agreed, he recklessly attempted to attack her by himself.

This led to the situation at hand.

Sions figure vanished momentarily.

Then, appearing suddenly in front of Polson, who was dashing across the forest, she swung her sword close to the ground.

The path of her sword left a long trail of residual lighta boundary line that one should not cross.

Damn, damn it.

Polson jumped back startled and immediately retreated.

With a chilly tone, Sion spoke,

I thought I was clear about simply passing by.

Polsons reason for the ambush was simplehe coveted the title First Years Strongest. A title not even Gale or Victor had acquired.

As Polson drew his sword to resist, Sion kicked his hand and the weapon went flying.

Aaagh!

Polson clutched his hand and rolled on the ground.

Do you think you can injure me and get away with it? Eternia will surely

Do you think I care about something like expulsion?

Sion casually looted others and treated them as playthings because she was indifferent to the prospect of expulsion.

Her palpable annoyance with Polson suggested she could inflict harm because she felt like it.

His face went ashen in a flash.

As Sion approached, a terrified Polson spewed lies,

This was all Iriss plan. I was just following the orders of the group leader!

Sion did not even bother to listen. She spoke in a dry tone devoid of emotion,

You want to defeat me? Then bring me the identity of the man wearing a wooden mask somewhere in the Circulatory System. Do that, and Ill give you my first-place prize and the title that says you defeated me.

Sion then kicked Polsons chest, forcing him to the ground, and pressed her mud-covered shoe firmly against his face.

Ugh, urgh

Instead of delivering a lethal cut, she chose a more dignified way to dishonor him.

If you cant do that, then dont even think about stabbing me in the back. Im letting you off with a warning this time, but next time, I will undoubtedly spill your innards.

By the time the other group members, including Iris, had rushed over, Polson was already under Sions shoe.

Iriss eyes flickered upon seeing Polson pinned down.

!

Sion, eyeing Iris, said,

You have a fine companion, Iris. Great judgment.

***

Even while on the move, Damian and Luna did not neglect to survey the surrounding terrain.

Spectacular rock formations and cliffs rippled around them, with trees and plants setting their roots in crevices of the rocks, creating aerial gardens.

The fog curled like snakes over the rocks.

It felt as though the energy of the land was so overflowing that everything in it was convulsing uncontrollably.

It would have been a magnificent sight from afar, but to Damian and his companions, the dynamism was a threatening presence.

The magic fields are in disarray the kids cant adapt.

Even Lunas spirits struggled to blend into the environment, causing difficulties in reconnaissance and exploration.

In this situation, they could only trust their eyes and intuition.

After moving for about three hours, they took a rest on a flat rock. The terrain was so rugged that even a little movement quickly drained their energies.

Damian went on a scout to a highland to check the surrounding terrain.

Luna sat alone at a distance from Cecils group, waiting for Damians return. Thats when she felt an uncomfortable gaze and turned her head.

Bertang was eyeing Luna. When their eyes met, as if gaining confidence from something, he abruptly stood up and approached her slowly.

We havent properly introduced ourselves.

A wolf spirit, which had been lurking near Luna, bared its teeth and growled at Bertang.

Perhaps this is fate too. Who knows? Next time you and I might end up in the same group

-Grrrrr, bark! Bark!

The wolf cut off his words with an aggressive bark.

Whether drowned out by the noise or deliberately ignoring him, Luna didnt even glance at Bertang.

Her gaze was fixed on the canyon beyond, and as her expression turned grim, Bertang prudently stepped back.

Lunas growing seriousness wasnt just because of Bertang. A looming threat was tapping at her senses.

And from that direction, a monstrous roar echoed through the canyon.

-Rooooar!

Birds hidden in the area took flight in alarm, their numbers so vast they resembled a migration of migratory birds.

Though it came from afar, the reverberation shook the ground where they stooda deep, resonant bellow befitting a colossal beast.

Everyone, startled by the roar, looked towards the source.

Trisha clung to Cecil, seemingly scared.

Sis!

Everyone was wide-eyed and rooted to the spot, fully realizing where they were.

Bertang broke the silence,

This has to be it, right? That thing.

The Wingless Dragon. A mere roar from this entity was enough to instill a sense of oppression and fear in those far awaythe apex predator reigning over the danger zone.

Cecil and Marta instinctively understood what he was referring to and nodded.

Regret filled Bertang as he questioned the decision to come here.

This is insane. What are we going to do if that thing attacks? Is there even a way to deal with it?

Cecil, too, felt shaken.

This was a different league from simply capturing a giant Plantara. She wanted to ask Candy for his opinion directly, but he happened to be away at that moment.

Dont worry, sis! Itll be okay!

Strangely, even the mostly scared Trisha was encouraging Cecil.

Luna managed to regain her composure.

Even sensing the overwhelming entity, her eyes held a steadfast belief in her leader.

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