Chapter 228
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 228
Whoosh—
The Magic Tower’s floating ship glided gracefully over the vast expanse of the ocean.
We third-years found ourselves once again aboard the ‘Sky Whale,’ the very same vessel we had taken before. A cool sea breeze swept past my cheeks, fluttering my hair and tugging at my collar, but the sensation was refreshing.
"Exhilarating," I murmured.
Leaning against the railing, I took a moment to leisurely soak in the view of the indigo sea.
Was I in such a good mood despite the continent-wide crisis because of the simple excitement of a trip? Or was it because I’d finally found a clue to avoiding my certain death? I didn't know what the future held, but for now, at least, the world seemed beautiful.
"What are you smiling about?"
As I leaned against the railing outside the cabins, enjoying the salt air, Ciel approached and started her usual needling.
But today, I was in a generous mood.
Accepting the drink she offered, I replied smoothly, "Thanks for the drink. You look especially beautiful today, by the way."
"..."
Ciel averted her eyes at the sudden compliment before turning back to ask, "Is something wrong with you?"
"Yes. I just had a taste of something called hope."
Gulp.
After delivering that cheesy line, I took a sip of the beverage. Checking the label on the bottle, I asked her, "How are the other students reacting?"
Quite a few students had been vocal about their unhappiness regarding the school trip, so I wondered what the atmosphere was like now that we were underway.
"Not too bad. Perhaps it's the allure of the floating ship?"
"Oh? So the mood is better than expected."
It seemed that even the students who had opposed the trip had lost much of their resistance once we were actually in the air. To say nothing of the students who had been excited from the start. Well, now that we were on board, there was no point in complaining anymore. It was a healthy mindset—if you're on a trip, you might as well enjoy it.
Of course, some students were still uneasy, recalling the fish-man attack during the summer training camp, but such an incident was unlikely to happen in the Sea of Trees, a realm protected by a Spirit King.
"A few days in a luxurious place like this, and your worries are bound to fade away."
I finished my drink and held out my hand to Ciel.
"This brings back memories of last year's party on the ship. If we have time, would you dance with me again?"
"...If you wish."
Seeing her accept so readily, it was clear she wasn't opposed to the idea.
Just then, as I was talking with Ciel...
Clip-clop. Clip-clop.
A sound unlike human footsteps echoed from down the corridor. Soon, Professor Isley, in his stag form, came into view. Spotting us, he smiled and offered a greeting.
"Oh, fancy seeing you here, Roen. And you must be Ciel?"
Ciel stepped aside and gave Isley a silent, respectful nod.
The destination for our school trip, the Sea of Trees, was Professor Isley's hometown. He was accompanying us on this journey to pay it a visit.
I greeted Professor Isley and asked how he felt. "How does it feel to be going home, Professor?"
"What can I say? I'm thrilled at the thought of seeing my old friends after so long, hehe."
Isley beamed, looking genuinely excited. It was the same bright smile he always wore. However, ever since I had read his memories, I could sense the faint sadness hidden behind that cheer. His late wife's grave was also in the Sea of Trees, and it seemed he planned to visit it during this trip.
"Anyway, I must dress up nicely before meeting my old friends. Would you mind giving me a preview?"
Poof!
As he spoke, a cloud of smoke erupted from Isley's body. When the smoke cleared, a human figure stood in his place.
He was a handsome young man with sharp features and ultramarine hair tied back stylishly. It was hard to believe the stag from a moment ago had transformed into such a man, but the familiar round glasses he always wore proved it was indeed Isley.
He spread his hands and asked for our opinion. "How do I look? Pretty sharp, eh?"
Ciel, seeing Isley in human form for the first time, stared with wide eyes.
Isley is an Ancient, a species capable of Primal Regression. Unlike ordinary beastkin, he could transform into a human form like this, as well as the form of a pure deer.
I applauded Professor Isley, who was now dressed in a luxurious tailcoat. "You should have dressed like this all along."
Isley was already incredibly popular with the students, but in this handsome form, the female students would likely be even more enamored.
Isley seemed awkward, tugging at the collar of his stiff tailcoat. "I hear that often, but to be honest, my human form is a bit uncomfortable. I have to dress up like this, you see. It's much more comfortable to wear nothing at all."
"..."
True, as a deer, he never had to wear clothes, so being buttoned up in a suit must feel restrictive.
"Seeing your reactions makes transforming into a human for the first time in a while worthwhile, hehe."
After a good laugh, Isley adjusted his glasses and asked me cautiously, "By the way, Roen, you do remember what Sir Watson told you, don't you?"
"...Of course."
I nodded slowly, my mind drifting back to our conversation a few days ago.
*
Watson had said he had something urgent to discuss with me alone and had sent Freya and Ciel out of the room.
Click.
Once we were alone, Watson let out a deep sigh and set down his teacup.
"As you may have guessed, Roen, there are several objectives behind the upcoming invasion of the Union. And one of those objectives is you."
"The invasion of the Union... is to secure me?"
Watson nodded at my question. "At least, that is what we surmise."
The Twelve Honored Ones were targeting the Union because of me. Did that mean countless students would be harmed because of my existence? My heart grew heavy.
I asked cautiously, "In that case... if I just surrender to them, won't that solve the problem?"
If the invasion was happening because of me, then wouldn't the students be safe if I just left the Union? There would be no need to send the students away under the pretext of a school trip.
Watson added, "It's not necessarily that simple. They plan to use this invasion as a signal to mark the beginning of the Human-Demon War. We also suspect they intend to divert the continent's attention from the massacre in the Gilbert Kingdom and King Kaim."
"..."
So, according to Watson, the decision to invade the Union was a mix of several intentions, not just my existence. Should I be relieved that this wasn't all my fault? Or was the situation even worse, since my sacrifice alone wouldn't end it?
As I wrestled with my complicated feelings, Watson continued.
"However, it is a clear fact that you are one of their primary objectives. If you participate in the school trip, their target might change."
Watson was right. The Twelve Honored Ones weren't fools; they would surely anticipate the Union evacuating its students. If that happened, the invasion would lose some of its meaning. And with me—one of their main objectives—gone, they might alter their plans. They could attack the floating ship carrying the third-years, or even invade the Sea of Trees. The possibility couldn't be ruled out.
I asked cautiously, "Then would it be better for me to remain in the Union?"
After all, if I joined the school trip, I could be endangering not only the third-years traveling with me but also the inhabitants of the Sea of Trees.
Watson took a sip of his tea before continuing. "...Maybe, maybe not. If you accompany the students and the ship reaches the Sea of Trees safely, the outcome might be better than if you stayed here."
The Sea of Trees was the domain of a Spirit King. As the Chairman had intended, it was a place where the students could be kept safe, and it would be easier to fend off an attack there. As long as we weren't intercepted during the journey, it was a solid option.
"On the other hand, if you remain in the Union, they will proceed with their large-scale assault as planned. The employees and residents of the underworld who remain in the Meteor Archipelago will be engulfed in the flames of war."
While nearly a hundred thousand students had been sent away under the guise of various external events, the Union wasn't inhabited by students alone. Countless employees and their families who kept the massive academy city running, the people of Traum Street, and the residents of the underworld would all be left behind.
Whether I left for the Sea of Trees or stayed in the Union, someone was bound to get hurt.
I fell into deep thought. There are... too many variables.
There was no guarantee they would follow me, and they might even split their forces to attack both locations. Without knowing the scale of the Twelve Honored Ones' forces or their true intentions, I couldn't guarantee anyone's safety.
Seeing me deep in thought, Watson spoke in a comforting tone. "The choice is yours. No one can fault you for your decision. The outcome may even be completely unrelated to your choice. So please, don't put too much pressure on yourself."
"..."
After his words, I thought long and hard, and in the end, I boarded the floating ship bound for the Sea of Trees.
*
Three days later.
Contrary to my worries, the floating ship arrived safely at the Port of Glyphe, a port city in the Sea of Trees. Glyphe was the domain of Elahim, the Spirit King of Water. From here on, it was safe to assume we were out of immediate danger.
The ship docked at the port, and led by the faculty, the students disembarked one by one, setting foot on the harbor. A welcoming crowd from the Elf Kingdom had already gathered near the port, and among them was a familiar face.
"Sister!"
Before anyone could say a word, Kiriel ran and threw her arms around Ariel.
"Hehe, it's good to see you."
Ariel hugged Kiriel back, seemingly welcoming her warmly.
Yank.
But behind her back, she secretly pinched Kiriel's ear and whispered something to her. She was likely admonishing her to maintain her dignity in such a public place.
"Aah, that hurts! I get it, okay!"
Ariel let go of Kiriel, who began rubbing her now-bright-red ear, and had her stand by her side. Next, Professor Isley, in his human form, stepped forward and greeted Ariel warmly.
"It has been a long time, O noble High Elf and witness of the covenant. May blessings always light your path."
"It is good to see you again, Sir Isley, scion of the primal bloodline."
From their conversation, it seemed the two already knew each other. Ariel then greeted me as well. She smiled and extended her hand.
"We meet again."
"Yes. I hope you've been well."
This was the first time I'd seen Ariel since we had a meal together at the maid cafe. Ariel was dressed in a magnificent uniform embroidered with gold thread. When we last met, she had felt very much like Kiriel's older sister, but now, she carried the air of a high-ranking royal representing her kingdom. It was strange how the same person could give off such a different impression depending on the time and place.
After greeting a few representatives, Ariel raised her gaze and warmly welcomed me, the other faculty members, and the students disembarking from the ship.
"To the students of the Union, who have newly set foot upon this land, I, Ariel Silverwalker, representative of the sixteen elf tribes and guardian of the Sea of Trees, welcome you. May the Spirit King's blessing be with you all."
As Ariel's clear voice echoed across the port, the school trip officially began.