The Legendary Hero is an Academy Honors Student - Chapter 250
Chapter 250
“Since we’re here, I wanted to do some sightseeing.”
Leo muttered as he walked through the exotic street scenery, “It’s not good to miss too many classes at the beginning of the semester.”
“How about visiting Xian again over summer vacation? I’ll show you around to all the tourist attractions.”
“If nothing comes up, I wouldn’t mind visiting.”
Leo snickered at Chen Xia’s words.
Fritz adjusted his glasses as he walked behind the two.
“This exotic scenery is definitely worth appreciating. If I have the chance, I should come again…”
“Don’t come back again. No, no…”
At Fritz’s muttering, Jane waved her hand dismissively.
“Jane.”
“Y-yes!”
“You should be friendly with your classmates.”
“This guy is not my friend…!”
“Hm?”
“…I’ll be friendly…”
Jane, who had been argumentative only a moment prior, shrank back in front of Chen Xia’s gentle smile.
Fritz smiled mischievously at Jane.
Sparks flew from Jane’s eyes as she glared at Fritz.
‘I’ll make him pay when we get back!’
She clenched her fists and trembled.
Meanwhile, everyone’s attention was fixed on Leo and his group.
Since all four of them were wearing Lumene uniforms, it couldn’t be helped that they stood out.
“By the way, what class was I assigned to?”
“Oh, so you don’t know.”
Since she had skipped school, Chen Xia didn’t know much about the current situation of the second-year students.
“The second-year students don’t have classes like that anymore.”
“Huh?”
“The second-year students are divided into three dormitories, instead. The dormitories are going to compete against each other.”
Chen Xia’s eyes lit up at Leo’s words.
“That sounds interesting.”
“Me, you, and Chloe are dormitory leaders.”
“So, Leo, you and I are in the same dormitory, right?”
Chen Xia, who had been laughing happily, stopped.
When she heard that she and Chloe were dormitory leaders, along with Leo, she had a sense of foreboding.
“Who are the other dormitory leaders?”
“Celia, Chelsea, and Walden are together, and Abad, Eliza, and Duran are together.”
“…Are those dormitories okay?”
At first thought, she couldn’t help but hope for peace.
Leo snickered at Chen Xia’s genuine concern.
“It seems like they’ve come to good arrangements.”
“I see.”
Chen Xia nodded.
In the meantime, Lumene’s warp gate was being activated.
The gate activated as the four of them stepped through.
Lumene’s principal’s office.
Leena was working at her desk.
“That’s unexpected.”
Sedgen was surprised by Leena’s activities.
“What?”
“I recommended you as the Lumene principal, but I never thought you would be this diligent in your duties.”
“You little! What the hell do you think of me!”
Leena’s eyes flashed, and she grabbed a bottle of liquor from the desk and threw it at Sedgen.
Thunk-!
Sedgen easily caught the bottle and set it on the guest table.
“But I’m worried.”
“About Chen Xia?”
“Yes. Chen Xia is not only a top-tier student among the second-years. She is an elegant student with leadership skills that can take care of her classmates.”
Sedgen sighed.
“If it’s losing a natural leader that you’re worried about, there are others, you know.” “You’re right, but they’re still immature.”
“Hmm. Well, the reason we arranged the dormitory leaders the way we have was to foster their leadership skills through competition among themselves.”
“Indeed.” Sedgen had had the biggest influence on selecting the dormitory leaders.
“Placing Chloe, Leo, and Chen Xia separately would’ve been ideal. But it could’ve hindered the growth of the other students.”
Though it hadn’t been revealed to the students, the current second-years had been evaluated in terms of leadership in their first years.
Leo took first place, and Chloe and Chen Xia tied for second place.
Among the 10 classes, the one that was evaluated as the most difficult to be the class president of was Class 1.
Class 1 happened to be filled with the best students.
In addition, there were Celia and Duran, who were from famous hero lineages and had strong skills and charisma.
Students who would’ve become class president if they had been elsewhere.
Class 1 could have easily collapsed due to squabbles between Celia and Duran if they were not careful.
However, Chloe played the role of a perfect mediator between them.
And naturally, she was recognized as the leader of Class 1.
Chen Xia was no lesser.
Though Class 1 was considered the most difficult class to lead, Class 10 was also quite a difficult class.
Class 10 had many rough and hot-tempered students.
Students who wouldn’t hesitate to throw punches when they got angry.
It was a class with many so-called problem children.
Chen Xia was the one who pacified the students of Class 10, originally more reminiscent of a zoo than a class, in just one week.
The Class ended up in third place overall.
And of course, aside from Class 1 and Class 5, it was the class with the highest rate of promotion to the second year.
All of that was possible because of Chen Xia.
“The leadership of an older sister… Is that what it was called?”
“That’s right.”
Although she looked young on the outside, Chen Xia was the oldest among the first-years.
In accordance, her personality was mature and precocious.
That’s why, surprisingly, even the students with bad tempers couldn’t do anything in front of Chen Xia.
In fact, there were even students in Class 10 who called Chen Xia “big sister.”
“In her knight studies classes or summoning classes, she even mediated between Celia and Duran, Walden and Eliza.”
Sedgen snickered.
“I see. Even though they were first-years, someone with that level of natural leadership would naturally lead the others”
Celia, Chelsea, Walden, Abad, Eliza, and Duran.
These six students were also pointed out by Lumene leadership.
Sedgen wanted to make sure that these six could also actively demonstrate leadership.
“They obviously saw each other as enemies from the start, but when they are put together, they could have a positive effect on eachother.”
“I see. But why have you yet to mention Leo Plov?”
Leena tilted her head.
At that, Sedgen’s face changed.
“Leo Plov… Leo is different.”
He had proudly elevated Class 5 from the bottom to second place in the first year.
Not a single student had dropped out.
Most people attributed the class’ success to Harrid’s strict educational policy.
But he knew that Leo’s influence had been even greater.
“I know he’s different, but how exactly is he different?”
“Well, Leo motivates the students around him.”
“Motivates?”
Sedgen narrowed his eyes.
“He’s always ahead of others. But only by one step at a time. Just when you think you’ve caught up, he takes another step.”
He sighed deeply.
“It’s no wonder that chasing someone who’s always ahead can feel like a never-ending struggle.”
“Of course.”
“But Leo’s exceptional skills provoke envy in other students.”
“Envy?”
“Yes. His presence stimulates and encourages them, making them believe they can also succeed.”
“Why is that?”
“It’s because he constantly challenges what seems impossible.”
“Wow.”
Leena was impressed.
“Leo always pushes his limits and surpasses them as if it were only natural.”
“Indeed.”
Leena nodded.
You couldn’t help but admire someone like that.
It was a rare blessing to witness such a person in your own generation.
“But why do you dislike Leo?”
“Do you know how frustrating he is to teach? ‘Elegant’ is just a part of it—he’s even more annoying in how he—!”
Just as Sedgen was venting his frustration.
Knock-knock-
“Come in.”
The door to the principal’s office opened, and a professor entered.
“What’s going on?”
“Leo, the second-year, and Fritz and Jane, the first-year students who came to assist him, have returned.”
“Already?”
Leena’s eyes widened at the news of their swift return after completing the mission in a single day.
“So? What about Chen Xia?”
“Chen Xia has also returned.”
“For him to have persuaded that truly stubborn person.”
Leena burst into laughter.
Sedgen crossed his arms and, after hearing the news, made a blank expression and muttered, “Elegant, as expected.”
“Chen Xia! Welcome back! I was so worried!”
Chloe held Chen Xia’s hand tightly as they returned to the dorm with a bright expression.
It wasn’t just Chloe.
All the students gathered in the dormitory lounge to welcome Chen Xia back.
“I was surprised to hear you went on a mission all of a sudden.”
“Hoho?”
Eliana exclaimed in admiration.
“What kind of mission was it? I heard some freshmen went with you?”
“It involves Chen Xia’s family situation, so it’s a secret.”
“Tch! Stop being so secretive and tell me!”
Leo remained silent on the sofa despite Eliana’s whining.
Eliana, with a sullen expression as she glared at Leo, approached Chen Xia.
“Chen Xia! Why did you come back so late after the vacation?”
Everyone turned to Eliana.
Since they were aware it involved family circumstances, they didn’t pry unless absolutely necessary.
Yet, their curiosity was piqued, and they listened intently to Chen Xia’s response.
Chen Xia smiled at Eliana’s question.
“My family told me to drop out.”
“What the heck?”
“What do you mean?”
Everyone was shocked by the unexpected revelation.
“They had a condition for me from the start. If I didn’t become the top student in the year, I would have to drop out.”
Everyone glanced between Leo and Chen Xia, puzzled.
They knew Chen Xia’s skills well.
If there was one student she couldn’t surpass, it was Leo.
“No way! Lumene is so hard to get into, and they were telling you to drop out if you didn’t become the top student? What kind of family demands that from their eldest daughter?”
A large male student, a Spirit Knight from Class 10, fumed.
“It’s the Royal family of Xian.”
“Even if it’s the Royal family of Xian, that’s absurd… wait?”
“T-the Royal family of Xian?”
Everyone stared in astonishment.
Chen Xia nodded with a broad smile.
Chloe asked in surprise, “Chen Xia, you’re from the Royal family of Xian?”
“Yes. I’m the first in line to become the next emperor.”
Everyone’s jaws dropped at the revelation.
They thought she was joking.
They turned to Leo for confirmation.
Leo nodded indifferently, meeting the gazes of his dorm roommates.
“Wow… So you were a Shadow.”
“If you’re a Lumene student, you’re a hero candidate.”
“Shh. Don’t use terms like Shadow or hero.”
The students were bewildered.
For thousands of years, the Royal family of Xian had been Shadows.
It made sense that the next emperor of Xian might be encouraged to drop out.
Since it was a sensitive issue for Chen Xia, everyone observed her expression closely.
At that moment, Chloe stepped forward.
“But everything at home has been handled, right?”
“Yes.”
“That’s good to hear.”
Chloe smiled brightly.
Seeing Chloe’s smile, Chen Xia’s expression softened.
“Thank you for your concern, Miss Chloe.” Chen Xia continued. “As you all guessed, I was a Shadow. However, I came to Lumene because I wanted to become a hero. So, even if it’s challenging, I hope you’ll continue to accept me as Chen Xia, the Lumene student you know.”
The students, looking at each other, responded, “Yes. Chen Xia is Chen Xia.”
“What if she’s a Shadow? I’ve received so much help from Chen Xia.”
“More importantly, without Chen Xia, we’d struggle in the competition with the other dorms!”
“We don’t care about your status!”
“Thank you.”
Chen Xia beamed with gratitude.
‘So she’s decided to tackle it head-on.’
Leo chuckled to himself, watching her.
It seemed she had already cast aside her worries about her Shadow status.
At that moment, Leo and Chen Xia’s eyes met.
‘Alright, that’s fine.’
When Leo nodded, Chen Xia’s smile grew even brighter.
“Oh, by the way, Miss Chloe, is there a private alchemy workshop in our dorm?”
“Yes, of course.”
“There’s nothing you can think of that we don’t have in the dorm! It’s in the basement! I’ll show you around!”
Eliana gave her a thumbs up, then tilted her head.
“But Chen Xia, do you know how to use sorcery?”
“No.”
“Then why the alchemy workshop?”
“I’m going to make poison, so I wanted to make sure I could use verified, safe equipment to do so.”
“It’s true that the alchemy workshop is safe for making poison… What are you making?”
Eliana looked at Chen Xia with interest.
Chen Xia smiled at her.
“I didn’t use it when I was hiding my identity, but now that it’s revealed, I’m going to use poison to enhance my Aura skills.”
Everyone swallowed nervously.
“In addition, poison often is used to execute various Shadow techniques.”
The students slowly backed away from Chen Xia.
‘Let’s never talk to Chen Xia again.’
That was the collective thought.
Leo covered his face with his hand.
‘Maybe that’s a little too candid.’
“Hey, Jane. You’re back from your mission?”
“You went with the student council president!”
“Fritz! Tell me! What kind of mission was it?”
In the main lecture room of the first-year classroom building.
Fritz and Jane were the center of attention.
The fact that they had gone on a mission with Leo, the student council president, despite being new students, was enough to captivate the entire first-year class.
“It’s not a big deal.”
Jane smiled at her classmates.
“It’s nothing special, so just focus on your studies.”
Fritz also responded with his usual expressionless demeanor.
“Tch. You can’t just say it was nothing special…”
A few students muttered with jealousy.
The start of the year was the time when first-years were most competitive with each other.
At that moment, Jane and Fritz, sitting far away, exchanged a knowing glance.
The two of them simultaneously snorted.
“Wow… I envy them,” Luke murmured from afar, while Juen crossed her arms.
“I’m not jealous, not at all!”
The auditorium was buzzing with the excitement surrounding Fritz and Jane.
Thump—Thump—
Someone appeared on the stage.
Until then, the first-years had been chattering away.
“If you don’t quiet down in the next ten seconds, I’ll expel you all.”
The first-years flinched at the stern voice.
They realized that it was Professor Harrid on stage, and their faces went pale.
“Hey! Be quiet!”
“Professor Harrid is here!”
“Shut up!”
The freshmen, who had not yet grasped the gravity of the situation, were silenced by their peers.
“Last year, the second-years were perceptive enough to be quiet when I showed up.”
Harrid’s words made the first-years flinch.
He clicked his tongue, observing their drooping shoulders.
“How pathetic. Are you feeling down because you’ve been compared to them?”
“B-but Professor Harrid, the second-year seniors are known as the Golden Generation.”
“You seem to hold the second-years in excessive esteem.”
But it was understandable.
They had been unilaterally overwhelmed during the entrance exam.
“They talk about them as the Golden Generation, but to me, they’re still babies, just like you.”
‘But there are some monsters too.’
Harrid recalled Leo, who had been in charge last year.
“Speaking of which. I’ll give you a chance to befriend the second-years you admire as the Golden Generation.”
The first-years looked puzzled at Harrid’s announcement.
“I will announce the first semester’s final exam assignment.”
Everyone was shocked by the sudden announcement of the final exam topic from the start of the semester.
“Of course, this isn’t your exam assignment, but the second-year’s.”
“Huh?”
Why announce the second-year’s exam assignment here?
“Starting tomorrow, the second-years will be your mentors.”
“Mentor?”
“What does that mean?”
“Will the second-year seniors teach us?”
“Until the end of the first semester, you won’t be recommended for expulsion due to low test scores.”
Everyone’s eyes widened.
“Instead.” Harrid smiled coldly. “After the first-semester final exam, those who fall below the cutoff score in the comprehensive evaluation will be eliminated. In addition…”
At the same time.
In the second-year classroom.
“If the first-year students you’re in charge of are recommended for expulsion, you will also be expelled.”
“W-whaaaaaaaaat?”
The entire second-year class panicked at Sedgen’s sudden, shocking announcement.