The Academy's Barbarian

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Ian and Laurea entered the classroom, meeting the gaze of the students. Meanwhile, Ulan wore a nostalgic expression, reminiscing about the past.

‘Just like old times,’ he thought.

It was only natural; reuniting with former companions from a past life and attending classes together were remarkable enough.

On the other hand, Noah's face bore a subtle expression. This situation was entirely absent from the original work.

'The fact that they're having an exchange with Eloden Academy, and that two of the Seven Warriors are visiting, never happened in the original story.’ she contemplated.

Of course, she wasn't too surprised.

She had already guessed that things wouldn't go exactly the same as the original story, since the time of the opening of the Abyss had changed.

‘Then why are they here?’

Saintess Laurea and Paladin Ian — these two were named characters who were real big shots in the Holy Kingdom. There must be a hidden purpose for sending two such people.

‘The most likely guesses at the moment are…’

…there were two.

The first was the attack by Abyss Worshippers.

The second was that they were tipped off that the Abyssal Rift had opened and came to investigate.

Other than that, nothing else had happened that would cause the kingdom to move.

‘Then it won't be a hindrance.’

In any case, their goal was to gather information about the common enemy, the Abyss.

As she was concluding her speculations, Professor Miel spoke again.

"By the way, according to the rules, Student Laurea should be assigned to the second year class, but she has been assigned to the first year class at the request of Eloden Academy."

After finishing his additional explanation, his gaze swept over the back of the classroom, "Then, where will the two of you sit... ?"

Where would be a good place?

Preferably next to a student with whom she could befriend and show her around, he thought as he scanned the faces of the students.

"Excuse me, Professor," Ian suddenly spoke up. "Would it be possible for us to choose our own seats?"

"It doesn't matter, but do you have a specific seat in mind?"

"Yes, I'd like to sit next to her."

As soon as Professor Miel finished his question, Ian pointed toward the window as if he'd been waiting for it; a straight, outstretched finger pointed.

Professor Miel, whose gaze followed his outstretched finger, turned back with a surprised expression, "Noah Darshen? Do you know her?"

"No, not really." He shook his head lightly and smiled brightly, "Actually, I fell in love with her at first sight."

As soon as he said the last thing anyone expected, a few girls let out short squeals. Some of the girls were flushed and giggling, while others alternated between looking at Ian and Noah in disbelief.

Noah was the one who was flustered.

‘But still…’

…to be honest, she was secretly happy.

Ian Marcus was considered quite a handsome man, ranking among the top five of all the male characters in the original story. Publicly receiving a confession from someone like him was uncommon, and it made her feel a bit excited.

But then.

A voice like cold water poured over her.

"Lies."

"All lies."

It was Ulan and Ibella.

The moment Ian claimed to have fallen for Noah at first sight, the two denied his statement without hesitation.

On the other hand, Noah wore a bewildered expression.

"No, why? You can fall for someone at first sight, you know!"

"Well, Noah. It's a little suspicious, isn't it?"

"Su, suspicious?!"

"Yeah. You're also gloomy. Oh, of course I mean your first impression. Not now."

Ibella, who had spat out the words, belatedly realized her slip of the tongue and tried to muddle her words. But Noah already had a shocked expression on her face.

Then Ulan chimed in, "Ibella is right."

"Ugh, even Ulan is saying that?" Noah asked, frowning.

But this wasn't a statement made up to tease Noah, it was a denial based on hard facts.

Ulan, who had spent a long time with Ian in her past life, knew his unique tastes and preferences better than anyone else.

'In that sense.......'

Noah doesn't fit Ian's ideal type.

Not only her.

Of all the students at Arsene Academy, including the ones in this classroom right now, it could be argued that there was no Ian's ideal type.

That's why he said it was a lie.

"I see. Then you'll sit next to Noah, and Laurea will sit next to ........"

"I've also decided where I'm going to sit."

After finishing her answer a step ahead, Laurea took a small step forward.

Immediately, the gazes of almost all the male students in the classroom were fixed on her.

The students who were passed by her sighed in disappointment, while those sitting in the back seats had expressions of anticipation.

Some time later.

Her steps finally stopped.

Right next to Ulan.

"Hello."

She greeted him, bowing her head slightly.

Laurea swept her turquoise hair back. Then, with a charming smile, she spoke, "We met briefly yesterday, right? Do you remember me?"

"I remember."

"Really? Hehe, that's a relief."

After chuckling with her mouth covered, she continued speaking, "Of course, it was a short time we spent together, but I feel more comfortable being with someone I've at least met a little bit. So... "

After a moment's hesitation, Laurea tapped Ulan's desk lightly. Then, with another playful smile, she continued.

"Do you mind if I sit next to you?"

"......."

However, Ulan did not answer. He just stared at her blankly, as if he found it strange.

And for good reason.

After all, the way she looked now was completely different from when they first met in his past life.

Back when they were fighting the monsters of the Abyss.

The warrior party, including Ulan, had rescued the paladin Ian, who had been stranded on the battlefield in the northeastern part of the continent, and joined up with the saintess Laurea.

And at that time, Laurea, who saw Ulan for the first time, frowned and said —

「What is this? A porter?」

A very blatant rejection; that wasn’t all.

Laurea's gaze, tone, and every facial expression exuded intense feelings of disgust.

After hearing the whole story from Ian, she reacted even more violently.

「What? A warrior who passed the trial? Hah, then I'll quit. I'd rather be beaten up than treated like a barbarian like that.」

Ulan didn't hide his displeasure at her rudeness. But there was another warrior who was angry with Laurea long before him.

It was the swordswoman Ibella.

Instead of Ulan, she vented her anger, leading to a heated argument with Laurea. Recalling that time, Ulan looked back at her.

‘Compared to then…’

It was like a different person.

Such a lively attitude. Of course, he knew this wasn't Laurea's true nature.

Meanwhile, around that time.

Was she embarrassed by the lack of response? Laurea spoke again with an awkward face, "Um, excuse me? Ulan?"

"......?"

"Do you mind if I sit next to you?"

"Sure," Ulan nodded, having finished recalling.

What is this? If you were going to agree right away, why didn't you say anything? She was about to make a strange expression when she suddenly remembered something.

"Oh, were you wondering for a moment why I'm sitting here?"

"No, not really."

"Well, I can't help it. Then, I'll tell you, even though I'm a little embarrassed."

So much for not listening to people. When Ulan was thinking along those lines, suddenly Laurea came close, so close that her breath could be felt.

Then, after brushing her lips against his ear, she whispered softly, audible only to Ulan, "...Actually, for reasons quite similar to Ian."

With a brief whisper, she hid her face as if embarrassed, just like a girl deeply in love.

Ulan, on the other hand, shook his head, "Don't lie to me."

"What?"

Was it because she hadn't expected that answer? She asked, dumbfounded. But that didn't last long, and Laurea hurriedly reached out her hand.

"No, I really—"

"It's impossible."

What came back were words filled with conviction.

The adamant answer left her genuinely confused. Had she really gotten through to him? The thought suddenly crossed her mind.

"You can sit next to me." Ulan's lips moved; then he said in a low tone, "You don't have to tell me the reason. I'm not curious. But if you want to build trust, you should stop lying from now on."

"......."

Laurea closed her mouth tightly; neither affirming nor denying.

However, the look in her eyes as she looked at Ulan changed slightly; if there had been no emotion in her eyes before, there was now a strong sense of interest — as if she had found a strange creature.

"Well, I see."

After a while.

Laurea shrugged her shoulders. As if she was accepting Ulan's advice.

"Anyway, I'll leave it to you."

And with that, the conversation ended.

As the two of them finished their conversation, Professor Miel continued to explain the details of the exchange event.

"There are three main parts to the exchange program. There will be a joint class, a friendly mock battle, and finally, a tour of the Fountain of Magic."

He drew a large calendar on the board and continued to explain, step by step.

"First, joint classes are literally lectures together. During this time, students from Eloden are free to attend any lecture they wish."

At the professor's discretion, he added, they can also work with students from Eloden on practical exercises or simple tests.

"The second is the friendly mock."

This was, as the name suggests, a friendly event.

Twelve students from each grade level will be selected from both Arsene and Eloden, and they fight in mock battles at a specially organized venue.

It's similar to the mock battles that Arsene Academy has held in the past.

"As for the tour of the Fountain of Magic, I don't think I need to explain it."

The freshmen had already been through it.

And just when he was done explaining everything.

Ding! Ding!

The sound of the bell signaling the end of the class echoed in the square outside the classroom.

"Let's wrap up the information session here today."

As if timing it perfectly after concluding the explanation, Professor Miel turned around. However, he suddenly recalled something and looked back at the students.

"Noah, and Ulan."

"Yes?"

“I will have you two show the new students around the school. If Ian and Laurea have any questions, they can ask you two as well.”

“Yes, I understand.”

"I'll do that."

Ian and Laurea smiled.

Noah nodded as well, and Professor Miel finally left the classroom satisfied.

After a while.

Ian suddenly turned to Noah, "Have you eaten, by any chance?"

"Uh, no."

"That’s good. Then, why don’t we have lunch together while we talk? I heard there’s a special room here, so I made a reservation.”

As soon as he finished his proposal, Noah asked, looking surprised, "I mean, just the two of us?!"

“Haha, of course we should all go together.”

Ian burst out laughing.

As if he didn't know what he was talking about.

Noah scratched her cheek with a shrug. Laurea, who had been silent, chimed in, “If you find it awkward to be alone, it’s okay to invite a few more friends.”

As soon as she finished speaking, some students looked in their direction; they probably wanted to join the meal, but didn't approach hastily, probably because of Ulan.

‘There's some distance for some reason.’

The moment she realized this, Laurea's eyes lit up. She realized that Ulan was an isolated presence in the class.

‘If I target this part…’

We could win his favor.

Just as she was calmly considering the possibility of her plan.

Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice rang in her ear, "Is it okay if I do?"

A clear and gentle voice filled with strength.

She reflexively turned her head, and there was a girl with light blonde hair. A figure who had been at Ulan's side before Laurea interrupted.

"You’re......?"

"I'm Ibella Elearde."

It was Ibella.

After a brief introduction, she looked at Laurea with eyes that burned like flames; eyes filled with intense emotion.

Through her Eyes of Penetration, Laurea immediately realized what that emotion was.

‘Jealousy?’

Ibella was intensely jealous of her.

Laurea, on the other hand, was puzzled.

No matter how much she thought about it, she didn’t remember doing anything that would warrant jealousy.

Then, Ulan suddenly spoke up, "Ibella is a friend of mine."

"A friend?"

"Yes, a precious companion.”

As soon as Ulan finished speaking, Ibella’s expression softened.

The jealousy that had been burning like a fiery flame gradually faded away. At that moment, Laurea understood their relationship.

'Ah, is that what happened?’

If so, it would explain why Ulan hadn't fallen for her confession, and why Ibella had harbored feelings of jealousy.

‘Then I’ll have to modify my plan a little bit.’

After quickly finishing her thoughts, Laurea smiled brightly, "Fine, come with me, Ibella."

"Sure. Thanks for the invite."

The two girls held hands with smiling faces; however, their eyes didn’t smile at all.

And just like that, a strange handshake ensued when an unexpected visitor came to Class-3.

"Ulan, are you done?"

A wide-brimmed hat symbolizing a witch.

It was Dilia, a girl with silver hair and golden eyes. She approached them and immediately grabbed Ulan’s hand.

"If you’re done, let’s go, eat, lunch.”

"No, I'm......."

I’m sorry, but I have an appointment.

Ulan started to say, but someone else spoke first.

"Dilia Arpen?!"

An unexpected person. It was Laurea.

Her eyes widened, and she stared at Dilia in surprise; then she spoke in a pleased tone, "Wow, I never thought I'd see you here. How long has it been?"

As if she knew her well.

Dilia, on the other hand, did not; ducking behind Ulan, she wore a wary expression, “You know me?”

"I feel bad. You don't remember me?"

"......Don't know."

"I'm Laurea, Laurea Lo Charpel. How about now? Do you remember me?”

Laurea. Laurea.

Dilia's eyes widened as she repeated the name over and over again. It was as if a long-forgotten memory had been triggered.

"Saintess, Candidate, Laurea?"

"Phew, it looks like you finally remembered me. That’s right. I’m not a candidate anymore, but the next Saintess.”

A smile tugged at the corners of Laurea's mouth; as if she was pleased that Dilia had remembered, even if belatedly. Meanwhile, Ian, who had been watching, asked curiously, "Is this someone you know, Senior?"

"Yes. When I was young, I went to the Arpen Kingdom as a diplomatic mission with my mentor. We met a few times then.”

This was something Ulan remembered as well.

In her past life, Laurea had mentioned her acquaintance with Dilia shortly after she first saw her.

'Just.......'

She wasn’t this happy at that time.

She had said that they were just acquaintances, and Dilia had reacted similarly.

So, Ulan was wearing a slightly puzzled expression when—

“But, something’s, strange.”

"Hmm? What is it?”

"You, originally, didn’t have, this kind of personality, right?”

"......."

As soon as Dilia finished speaking, Laurea’s shoulders trembled.

But her agitation was short-lived. She soon replied with a cheerful smile, "Aye, of course I’m different from when I was young. People’s personalities change as they grow up.”

“......Is that so?”

"Yes. You, on the other hand, are the same old you. You still have the same stutter, and your body…”

Her gaze drifted downward when suddenly, Laurea closed her mouth.

"And my body?"

"Ahem! It’s nothing.”

"What do you mean, it’s nothing?”

"Don’t be too discouraged. I read in a book that genetics plays a big role in that area.”

"Where did you, read that?”

Dilia furrowed her brows.

At that, Laurea changed the subject with a nonchalant attitude, and Dilia tried to pursue it to the end.

As they watched.

Noah let out a short exclamation in his heart.

‘I never thought I’d see this kind of sight.’

Ulan, Ibella, and Dilia.

And Ian and Laurea.

Five warriors were already gathered in one place.

‘Of course, as of now, the only one who has passed the Hero’s Trials was Ulan….’

Even so, it was quite a strange thing that the future warriors had gathered so quickly.

According to the original storyline, they wouldn’t meet until after the Gate of the Abyss opened, no matter how fast it was.

So, while she was watching the five warriors with a strange look on her face, Ulan suddenly spoke to Laurea, "So, when are we going to the cafeteria?"

"Oh, I’m sorry. I got so excited seeing an old friend after a long time…”

After letting out an awkward laugh, Laurea immediately stood up.

"Let’s go now. Oh, and Dilia too, of course.”

Right after she finished speaking…

…the five warriors who would soon face the Abyss headed to the student cafeteria, holding their growling stomachs.

End of Chapter. . . . . . . .Thanks for Reading. . . . . . . . .

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