Chapter 96
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Upon hearing that the extreme midterm exams were going to take place in the Forest of Martial Arts, they hastily prepared a plan.
This plan would be the starting point for tremendous changes, not only in the academy but also in his life and for those entangled in the plan.
“I don’t think the hero will take it so lightly.”
The demon looked at the traitor, who seemed clearly excited.
In response, the betrayer confidently displayed a self-assured smile.
“Of course, he is aware that taking an exam in a dangerous place requires preparation and has taken precautions. However,”
His voice trembled with anticipation,
“you can’t imagine being attacked in this way. Besides, they don’t know about your existence so openly, nor do they know the identity of the new conduit. This is a foolproof plan.”
The reality was as he stated.
Despite the reinforcement of security measures and systems in the Forest of Martial Arts after its adoption as an extreme test venue, nothing proved effective.
“They were too complacent about the peaceful life in the academy.”
It seemed unthinkable that an incident would occur within the academy.
From his perspective, it was an exceedingly favorable situation.
“Hehe.”
A man anticipating a change in treatment and substantial rewards after the success of the operation.
The clear desire now revealed without concealment elicited mockery from the demon.
“Yes, believe and entrust everything to me in the future!”
“Well, let’s see just how much damage you can inflict.”
The previously cheerful expression of the man slightly hardened.
“As I mentioned before, with our current preparations, it seems impossible to directly strike the hero. Please forgive us.”
A subsequent ominous smile followed.
“But at least we can send most of the children taught by the hero to the afterlife. We’ve prepared enough for that.”
The accomplice savored the idea.
Truth be told, it was a bit disappointing.
If there had been a little more preparation time, a more lethal plan could have been devised.
However…
‘Can’t afford to miss this rare opportunity.’
The Forest of Martial Arts.
Given its nature, it was the optimal location to execute the plan.
Even with inadequate preparation, the desired results could be obtained.
“Good. Very good.”
The confident man’s demeanor satisfied the demon as they nodded approvingly.
His assigned task was to restrain the hero and eliminate the growing young humans.
If the betrayer’s plan succeeded, both objectives would be excellently achieved.
After that, they could gradually prey on quality feed, engrossed in fear and confusion.
The groundwork for that was steadily being laid.
‘■■■… Finally showing some usefulness.’
Soon, after the ‘Nubes Salon Incident,’ the lost power and authority could be regained.
The era of prolonged humiliation was coming to an end.
They could confidently return to their homeland, the demonic realm.
The demon suppressed their simmering emotions, taking a deep breath.
“Alright. The rewards are certain, so give it your best.”
“Th-thank you! I will definitely make the plan a success!”
The betrayer bowed repeatedly.
Aligning himself with the demon, he was becoming increasingly convinced.
He had glimpsed their unfathomable power through the alliance with the demon.
Even if the ongoing human-demon war seemed evenly matched for now, ultimately, humans couldn’t defeat the existence of demons.
It was predetermined.
Humanity would decline, and a new order would emerge.
In the twilight, a new era with established order would unfold.
He would transcend his innate limitations in this new world and reign as the king, surpassing those who once looked down on him.
The betrayer eagerly awaited the day that would change his life.
* * *
In the dim forest, an untimely groaning sound echoed.
“Ah, it’s over!”
A frail silhouette of an old man twisted his body in various directions, then just lay down on the ground, seemingly unfazed by the dirt covering his body.
A black-haired girl, who had been assisting nearby, approached and gently tapped his back.
“Thanks, Nyhill.”
“Are you okay?”
“Ugh, my muscles feel even more tired since they’re all worn out. After this is over, I should start exercising again.”
“I have some good training methods I learned during my training. Would you like me to share them?”
“…No, it’s fine.”
Watching the two, who seemed to be as close as a grandfather and granddaughter, the hero spoke.
“Well done. Without you and Yussi, we couldn’t have set up such a tight security net so quickly.”
“No, Leader! Ugh.”
Noubelmag tried to stand up but hesitated and sat back down.
“Why are you cramming that one who is probably sleeping in her bedroom?”
“Well, she contributed financially.”
“Ugh, the troubles of the laborer.”
After the recent meeting in the safehouse, various measures were implemented for the safety of the children.
Control of access to the Forest of Martial Arts, strengthened inspections and patrols, and monitoring of staff.
Standard security policies, mainly for show to reassure the betrayer.
‘The real actions were carried out separately.’
The hero’s carefully prepared strategies were gradually coming together.
Even the act of setting up security equipment in the forest during the night was part of this effort.
With his Astera Vision, he could work discreetly, avoiding the gaze of others, and everything proceeded smoothly.
However, there was one thing that bothered him.
‘…It’s strangely calm.’
The hero with Astera Vision could detect in real-time anyone approaching the Forest of Martial Arts.
Yet, despite wandering in the forest for the past few days, not only was there no evidence of any plot, but there was not even a single instance of a suspicious individual entering or leaving.
It was undeniably peculiar.
‘Surely, they won’t just let this opportunity pass.’
The probability was low, but it couldn’t be entirely ruled out.
While the chances of it not happening were higher, he had to prepare diligently.
The hero silently stared at the darkened forest.
‘Tomorrow. Everything will be decided.’
It felt like playing chess with an unseen opponent for days.
Not knowing when or how the pieces would move, every moment required heightened vigilance.
If the danger were only to himself, he might have lived nonchalantly as usual.
However, as the safety of the children was at stake, even amid thorough preparation, a part of his heart remained uneasy.
“…Hm.”
Unconsciously, the hero let out a brief sigh.
The two who had been watching him immediately responded.
“Don’t worry, Leader.”
Noubelmag, who had risen without notice, placed his hand reassuringly on the hero’s shoulder.
He tapped his feet, mimicking a crow.
“With everyone gathering their strength like this, nothing bad can happen.”
Nyhill, standing nearby, added in a calm voice.
“I’ll do my best to protect as well… Lord Noubelmag. It doesn’t look good for your ankles.”
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With a grunt, Noubelmag sat back down.
The beads of sweat on the old man’s forehead were being touched by the first light of dawn, gradually permeating the air.
Summer was approaching, making the sunrise swift.
The hero, gazing at the gradually tinting sky, closed his eyes firmly.
Thorough preparation originally brought peace of mind.
The extreme training and feedback over the past few months had molded the new students into vibrant and capable individuals.
Non-stop drills, various practical exercises, dungeon conquests, a day dedicated to exhibitions, anatomy, simulations, and finally, the much-anticipated Hell Week.
These kids had spent an entire year’s worth of densely packed time, facing various challenges, and now their hearts were resilient to most threats.
“Hmm, it’s quite vast.”
“Let’s see, is it a mixed forest?”
“I wonder what kind of magical creatures will come out.”
Upon arriving on the battlefield, observation was essential.
Under the teachings ingrained in them by the hero, the kids instinctively scanned their surroundings.
Their minds were already busy running through various combat simulations.
And then, one child exclaimed, catching everyone’s attention toward a specific part of the forest.
“Woah, is that it?”
A massive sphere floated in the center of the clearing.
“Hmm…”
“Something…”
“Feels a bit off, doesn’t it?”
Due to the considerable distance, nothing discernible could be felt.
Nevertheless, the kids fell into a peculiar illusion, as if the air itself was uneasy.
A strangely ominous feeling.
Cuculli shivered, her arm hair standing on end.
“That’s an artificial core, I think.”
Overwhelmed for a moment, the kids quickly regained their composure.
Partially obscured by the presence of Gerald standing beside Ban, they engaged in a conversation.
“It seems like it’s not activated yet.”
“Oh? Ah, right, I can’t sense any mana right now. By the way, how many levels of magic adjustment were possible for that thing?”
“Well, it can go up to level 5, but we might end up somewhere around levels 1 or 2 at the highest.”
Using up to level 5 in a practical exercise was a rarity, heard only once in the entire history of Rosenstark.
“Hmm, nothing special.”
“Don’t get too complacent, we might end up like the orientation again…”
“Enough.”
Just as such a conversation was unfolding, a moment occurred.
[Welcome, students. Are you all gathered?]
A silhouette suddenly appeared at the entrance of the forest.
Gray hair cut in a medium length.
A bright and neat face resembling a puppy.
It was Pia Joyce, the extreme assistant.
She stood with a voice amplifier in hand.
[From now on, individual actions are prohibited. Please line up and follow me!]
Slightly trembling hands.
Unlike usual, there was a tense atmosphere.
Upon witnessing this, the expressions of the kids quickly turned serious.
Swoosh-
Thirty-one students followed Pia, who had gone ahead.
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