The Sword Princess's Gentle Smile
Right after a fierce war of nerves had erupted, Astraea Advaldt came to her senses and guided the guests alongside Gilbert Lennen. They headed toward the Sanctuary Stadium at Celestial Academy, the venue for the exchange gathering.
While Terastial Academy's Starry Stadium was the largest and most central training ground, Sanctuary Stadium filled that role at Celestial Academy. The enormous arena was packed with people from various academies. Seong Hyun-jin blinked in surprise at the sight.
"Wow, there are so many people."
"Yeah," Serena agreed, sharing his sentiment. It wasn't just moderately crowded—it was absolutely swarming.
True to its name as an academy exchange gathering, the event brought together student representatives from eight academies, including Celestial and Terastial. Students eager to catch a glimpse of famous figures from other schools, plus a massive influx of guests from outside, had filled the place to the brim. Not only were the spectator seats packed, but there were also staff running the event and representatives from all eight academies. Students in distinct uniforms stood in groups of nine each.
"Everyone from the other academies is already here. You're the last to arrive, Terastial Academy."
"Guess we were a bit late, huh."
"Oh, no, that's a misunderstanding. Everyone else just arrived early—Terastial Academy isn't late."
Astraea added with a pointed smile, "Though you are the very last to show up."
Everyone present felt the barb in that final remark. She seemed friendly enough, but her words carried a sting—which explained why relations between Celestial and Terastial Academies weren't great.
Though that's probably not the only reason... Seong Hyun-jin wasn't sure about Astraea's past with Yeonhui, but she was openly hostile toward her now. Maybe it stemmed from Yeonhui transferring from Celestial to Terastial. As he pondered this, Seong Hyun-jin spotted a familiar face.
"Oh, there's Dean Shania over there."
Shania of the Divine Star. Fitting for one of the Palstar Heroes leading Celestial Academy, she was already surrounded by a crowd of dignitaries. Seong Hyun-jin didn't recognize them all, but each was a heavyweight in the Holy Kingdom—from high priests just below the Pope, to heads of powerful families, to the branch manager overseeing Giovanni Merchant Guild's largest outpost in the Holy Kingdom. Any move they made could shake the nation.
Seong Hyun-jin turned to Yeonhui. "The dean's super busy here too."
"Dean Shania is an important figure even in the Holy Kingdom," Yeonhui replied, gazing at the overwhelmed dean handling her guests. "She's praised by so many people for it."
"She's definitely strong. I felt it last time."
"Yes."
Astraea, who had been listening in, chimed in. "Have you met the dean, Representative Seong Hyun-jin?"
She seemed puzzled by how casually he spoke of encountering Shania. Seong Hyun-jin saw no reason to hide it and answered honestly.
"Yeah, once... But how do you know my name? I don't think I mentioned it."
"Isn't it obvious the hosts would know who's attending the exchange gathering?"
Seong Hyun-jin nodded as realization dawned. "Right, makes sense."
Astraea pressed him. "What did you mean when you said you felt her strength? Could you explain?"
"Oh, just what I said." Seong Hyun-jin shrugged. "I got a chance to spar with Dean Shania briefly, so I felt it then."
"Pardon?"
Astraea's eyes widened in shock as she stared at him. "You... sparred with Dean Shania?"
"Yeah, pretty much."
Her eyes grew even rounder at his nonchalant reply. Seong Hyun-jin inwardly mused that they might soon turn perfectly circular when Gilbert snapped her back to reality.
"President, the others are waiting."
"Ah..."
Astraea cleared her throat. "My apologies. I was just so shocked to hear you'd crossed swords with the dean..."
"No worries."
"Terastial Academy, please take your places over there. The last representative will arrive shortly."
"Got it."
"Then we'll be off. See you when the exchange gathering starts."
Astraea and Gilbert headed to where the Celestial Academy representatives were gathered. Seong Hyun-jin felt a spark of interest recalling her words.
The last representative. That would be the exchange student already at Celestial Academy—and the one said to be Terastial's strongest.
'Elena Apocalipse...'
Elena Apocalipse, top of Terastial Academy's third-year swordsmanship department. Seong Hyun-jin wondered if she lived up to her title as the academy's strongest, anticipation building as he said, "Can't wait to meet her."
"Because she's a girl?"
Serena's sulky tone made Seong Hyun-jin hasten to clarify. "...No, because she's supposed to be ridiculously strong."
"Hmph."
Serena pouted for some reason. Baffled, Seong Hyun-jin scratched his head—then Ciela piled on from the side.
"Oppa really needs to learn more about how girls think~."
"Huh?"
As Seong Hyun-jin started to protest, a warm, gentle voice interrupted.
"Are you the group from Terastial Academy?"
They turned to see a female student. Her abundant, wavy pale pink hair evoked images of fluffiness, and her softly glowing light blue eyes were strikingly beautiful, like finely crafted jewels. Yet at her waist hung a menacing weapon—a snake-belly sword, its segmented blade linked by chains for fluid movement, capable of inflicting gruesome wounds.
The first-years, including Seong Hyun-jin, didn't recognize her, but the upperclassmen did and greeted her first.
"Senior Elena."
"Senior Elena, long time no see."
Marian and Arsen bowed, followed by Ciela's quick nod. She beamed back with a kind wave.
"Yes, underclassmen. It's been a while."
Elena Apocalipse. This adorable girl was Terastial Academy's strongest.
# Fitting for someone from the Apocalipse family, called the nobility of the world, she exuded loveliness and elegance.
'She seems like she's from another world.' Even Seong Hyun-jin, a guy, sensed her overflowing nobility. Every gesture was affectionate and charming—Serena felt it too.
Third-year Revion teased familiarly. "You look great. Been eating well?"
"Long time no see, Revion. How've you been?"
"Good. And you seem to be thriving."
Revion smirked. "Heard you already wrecked one of their training grounds?"
"Ahaha, that was an accident."
Elena glanced awkwardly at Revion and the underclassmen. "I didn't know their training grounds were so flimsy compared to ours."
"You think the dean's personally made ones are the same as regular ones?"
"Didn't think of that."
Seong Hyun-jin watched her chat amiably, looking dazed. He whispered to Ciela, "This is really Senior Elena Apocalipse?"
"Yep."
Ciela nodded knowingly. "Not what you pictured, huh?"
"...Yeah."
Seong Hyun-jin admitted it honestly. She'd smashed a Celestial training ground, but she didn't look the type. Especially not one who'd wield a sword masterfully. High-level swordsmen naturally exuded a heavy aura even at rest—his master Karin was a prime example, her presence chillingly sharp. But Elena... nothing. Just cute and lovable.
'How does someone on the swordsman's path pull that off?'
As he tilted his head in confusion, Elena turned to him, recognition dawning as she approached.
"...Ah, there you are. The interesting new underclassman."
"You know me?"
"Of course."
She nodded as if it were obvious. "Word gets around even if I'm not at the academy."
"Oh..."
"For instance..."
In that moment, Seong Hyun-jin saw it. Elena's gentle smile twisted faintly, chillingly cold.
It wasn't hostility toward him. The emotion flickering in her eyes as she regarded him was one he knew all too well.
"...The fun rumor that a first-year turned one of the Empire's Five Knights, Agnar Balderte, into a one-armed man."
It was fighting spirit, aimed squarely at him.