hotmtlnovel Chapter 115: Friendly Mock Battle (11)
Chapter 115: Friendly Mock Battle (11)
Chapter 115: Friendly Mock Battle (11)Don't forget to rate and review the novel on NovelUpdates
The dawn of the day after the mock battle ended.
Berge Erkazan, the dean of the Military Studies department, summoned those associated with Ulan's recruitment.
After a considerable amount of time passed, the parties gathered in the dean's office.
But there was a problem.
There was one person less than expected. Realizing who the missing person was, Berge immediately frowned and asked, "Why are only you all here? Where is Dean Deflyn?"
"She reportedly applied for leave two days ago."
"What? Leave?"
"Yes, she said she had personal research to do."
As the saying goes, “Even feces have their use in medicine if there's none left.”
Berge's brow furrowed further.
But it didn't last long, for he knew blaming the absent person would solve nothing.
"Huu, alright. Then let's proceed with the meeting."
Professor Ethan was in charge of the situation briefing.
He explained what he witnessed during the mock battle without omitting a single detail. After a while, Berge asked in a flustered face, "He used Aura in the match?!"
"Yes, I definitely saw it."
It wasn't just Ethan who saw it. Stella saw it too, as did the other professors and all the students in the audience.
"But why did he do that? What was the reason?"
"I couldn't figure that out."
Since he hadn't spoken to Ulan yet.
It was then that Stella tentatively raised her hand.
"This is just my thought, but..." She cautiously voiced her opinion, "The barbarian tribes of the Eastern Forest fight with their full might against a formidable opponent, even if they have the upper hand. Maybe it's something similar?"
Her speculation was based on her experience serving on the Eastern Front. Berge nodded, judging it a plausible conjecture.
But only briefly.
"Huu, but it was still too reckless."
After sighing again, he bit his lip firmly.
"If it's revealed that an individual student reached the realm of a Master, it's bound to attract immense attention..."
Berge spoke as if reprimanding Ulan.
It was understandable, for Ulan's impulsive action had thrown a wrench into the military's plans.
As soon as Berge finished speaking, Ethan and Stella responded simultaneously.
"He probably didn't know."
"Seems like he didn't know."
Because it's Ulan.
That was all the reason they needed.
At this simple answer, Berge sealed his lips too. Thinking about it, it did seem plausible for Ulan to have acted that way.
After a brief silence, he changed the subject, "Anyway, now that we understand the situation, let's stop discussing why he acted that way."
That wasn't important right now.
The urgent matter was finding a solution — how to overcome this predicament and achieve the desired goal.
"Are there any professors of non-imperial origin who have or attempted to contact Ulan?"
"Not yet."
"What about the students?"
"None that we know of."
That was somewhat of a relief amidst the misfortune.
Berge quietly felt relieved, though it was too early to heave a sigh of relief.
"Still, we can't let our guard down."
"Right. Contact is only a matter of time."
"I think it would be best to call Ulan in and have a talk with him before they try to make contact from another country."
"Ugh, a talk..."
Berge let out a low groan, as if some difficulty had arisen. It was then that Stella raised her hand again.
"Excuse me, Dean."
"What is it?"
"Didn't you mention that Lord Seoric al-Ghorfant had devised a contingency plan to recruit Ulan?"
In the past, after the Abyss Worshippers’ incident, one of the Five Swords of the Empire, Seoric al-Ghorfant, had suggested that to recruit Ulan, they should first identify his objective and proceed based on that. He had said he had some ideas and requested to be entrusted with Ulan's recruitment.
Recalling that time, Berge silently nodded.
"Ah yes, I recall that plan," he nodded pensively.
Stella's eyes brightened. "Then if we utilize that contingency..."
But he shook his head. "Unfortunately, that will be difficult."
"Huh? Why is that?"
"Because he is not present here currently." Revealing that Seoric was absent, Berge sighed again, "Lord Ghorfant has departed for the Imperial Palace."
"Wha, the Imperial Palace?!"
"Why would he suddenly go to the Imperial Palace...?"
"Haven't the investigations into the incident that occurred at the Zone 2 of the Fountain of Magic been completed recently?"
The incident in Zone 2 referred to the opening of an abyss rift that allowed monsters to pour out. After that, the Academy formed its own investigation team to investigate the scene of the incident. And the investigation was finally completed recently.
At the same time, two reports were completed.
One was for the military and the other was for the Imperial Palace.
And the person who was entrusted with delivering these reports was none other than Seoric al-Ghorfant.
The reason a high nobleman would take on the role of a messenger was to verbally convey information that was not included in the reports.
"I see. To present the report..."
Berge stroked his chin. "Khrm, this complicates matters. Then we must postpone the recruitment until Lord Ghorfant returns."
"Right. So in the meantime, instead of recruiting him, let's discuss how to prevent professors from other countries from contacting Ulan as much as possible."
Let's buy as much time as possible before Seoric finishes his business and returns to the Academy.
Setting a clear objective, the three engaged in a vigorous exchange of ideas.
* * * * * *
In the early hours before dawn, when the sun had yet to rise, a brilliant light illuminated the dark Imperial Capital. It was the study of the mansion where Prince Shartrand, the Crown Prince of the Ruben Empire, resided.
The light was emitted from a top-grade magical lamp affixed to the study's ceiling. Beneath it stood a middle-aged knight clad in armour.
"That concludes the report on the Eastern fronts."
Sachsen Yul Ordene, one of the Five Swords of the Empire and the strongest knight dubbed the 'Imperial Sword', bowed towards the man seated opposite him.
With platinum hair and crimson eyes, the expressionless man was not only the master of this study but the soon-to-be ruler of the Empire - Crown Prince Shartrand himself.
"Next are the Southern fronts, I presume?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
According to Ghorfant's report, the Abyss Monsters were powerful enough that even a Master would have to be prepared to die facing them.
These were not monsters out of a legend.
They had never even heard of these monsters before.
An oppressive silence enveloped them, until a voice cut through the heavy atmosphere.
"Your Majesty."
It was Sachsen, his face grave.
"May I say something?"
"What is it?"
"It concerns the 7th Imperial Princess."
Perticia Ib Al Ruben, the hidden Imperial Princess and Shartrand's dearly beloved younger half-sister.
"Even if hiding her is the aim, I have reservations about sending her to Arsene Academy given the current circumstances."
Shartrand understood Sachsen's implied concern, yet the moment he finished speaking, Shartrand shook his head without hesitation.
"My decision on this remains unchanged."
"But Your Majesty..."
"True, it carries risk, but that can be resolved by ensuring she avoids the vicinity of the Fountain of Magic. It is far safer there than the war zones to come."
Shartrand stated firmly, his eyes flashing.
"Besides, Perticia is my sole vulnerability. Thus, until I can eliminate all threats, it is wisest to keep her at Arsene Academy."
His resolute expression made it clear his mind could not be changed. Recognizing this, Sachsen nodded in acquiescence to Shartrand's will.
It was then that Shartrand spoke again.
"However, now that we know such an incident occurred at the Fountain, we cannot simply do nothing."
"You mean..."
"We shall form a new investigative team."
Master Ghorfant’s report alone was insufficient - more evidence was needed.
"In particular, we must obtain proof that the Abyss truly exists, and that the Abyss Monsters pose a grave threat to the Empire."
With such evidence in hand, it would provide justification to conscript the nobles' private armies, while also presenting an opportunity to further consolidate imperial authority.
There was, however, one caveat to consider.
'Arsene is a neutral zone.'
Per the international treaty with the Kingdoms' Alliance, no armed forces could be deployed there.
This was likely why the Holy Kingdom had sent Eloden students instead of soldiers.
After hearing this condition, Sachsen responded as if having an appropriate candidate in mind.
"Fortunately, I have a suitable nominee."
"Oh? Who might that be?"
"Count Dermore."
"Dermore, you say..."
"Demuel Ron Dermore, the current Tower Master of the Tower of Earth, who also previously served as a professor at Arsene Academy."
An ideal choice to lead the investigative team. Shartrand's expression brightened slightly.
"And where does the Count's allegiance lie?"
"Neutral."
"Neutral?"
"Yes, though the 3rd Imperial Faction once attempted to recruit him, the Count has maintained a neutral stance thus far."
Satisfied with a neutral party, Shartrand nodded in approval.
"Very well, let us proceed accordingly."
"As you command, Your Majesty."
With a respectful bow, Sachsen continued providing reports on other regions until the sun reached its zenith.
* * * * *
Meanwhile, at that same time in the faculty cafeteria at Arsene Academy.
This place was usually off-limits to students, but today was an exception.
The higher-ups had specially granted permission for its use for an after-party to celebrate the friendly mock battle that had successfully ended yesterday.
However, there was a minor issue.
"Huh? Why are there so few people?" Ibella looked puzzled.
She looked at the list of student reservations placed at the entrance of the faculty dining hall. It was the list of players who had participated in the friendly mock battle.
Ulan also tilted his head as if he didn't quite understand.
"There were definitely supposed to be twenty-four, right?"
With twelve fighters per side, the total should indeed have been twenty-four names.
On the other hand, there were only ten names on the list.
This meant that more than half of the players were not attending the after-party.
"Well, the entire Student Council didn't sign up," Noah muttered glumly, which was expected given their failed hijinks and the awkwardness of facing everyone, not to mention the Council President's hospitalization.
"But the Eloden side is a bit surprising," Dilia chimed in.
At least Arsene was decent. Everyone except the student council had their names on the list.
Eloden, on the other hand, was different.
Out of the twelve players, only two had indicated their intention to attend.
As they were looking at each other with puzzled expressions,
As they exchanged puzzled looks, a familiar voice called out.
"Hello, everyone."
"You all seem to be here already."
A familiar voice rang out in their ears.
The two attendees from Eloden who had just been mentioned.
They were Laurea and Ian.
End of Chapter. . . . . . . .Thanks for Reading. . . . . . . . .
Translator's Notes:-
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