Chapter 64
Chapter 64
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 64
Chapter Title: Humanity's Archenemy
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After midterms end, what's the one thing you absolutely have to do?
"...So, in the current situation, there are two major forces threatening humanity."
Of course, it's preparing for finals...
Scratch, scratch. The sound of students scribbling notes filled the lecture hall.
Serin, having filled the massive blackboard with crisp white lines, turned to face the front.
"Among them, the most threatening force by far is the demons. Their endless malice toward all races, combined with their unpredictable movements. Even now, countless lives are being sacrificed on the battlefields just to hold them back."
After a moment with her eyes closed in thought, Serin began speaking in a calm voice.
Even as you all sit here comfortably, precious lives are fading away meaninglessly on the battlefields due to the demons—that was the story she told.
It was also the main reason why nations, once constantly at war and wary of each other, had united as one.
As if expressing gratitude for those noble sacrifices, a subtle silence settled over the lecture hall.
"Still, you don't need to worry too much. They all chose this path themselves, and they take pride in their duty."
Of course, it wasn't about mourning their sacrifices, but about moving forward—that was what truly honored them.
I, too, planned to use this precious time as a springboard to grow as strong as possible, as quickly as possible.
"I'm sure some of you in this room aspire to head to the battlefields. So, it would be wise not to waste the time you've been given."
Tap, tap.
Serin dusted the chalk powder from her hands and slowly turned her head to look at the students.
Her gaze lingered briefly on those showing clear signs of hard effort.
Soon, her eyes turned to me, carrying a subtle mix of smug pride and eager anticipation.
'I feel a little bad about this...'
Back at the start of the semester, I'd casually tossed out those words to catch Serin's attention.
Sure, I did plan to join the Imperial Knights, but I hadn't realized she'd be this expectant...
She'd looked so adorably fidgety and anxious when I didn't react, though.
That was only for a moment, as I jotted down notes on what lay ahead while listening to Serin.
She turned back to the now-empty blackboard and moved on to the next topic.
"The next most threatening race to us is the dragons. They're not well-known, but they're every bit as dangerous as the demons."
Tap, tap.
Serin's chalk-filled hand moved tirelessly, filling the board.
Ancient dragons and lesser dragons.
From those ancient beings who had amassed profound wisdom and majesty over eons,
to the foolish lesser breeds derisively called lizards, no different from beasts.
Once she'd finished her rough outline, Serin turned back to us and spoke.
"Wyverns that soar through the skies breathing fire, and drakes with hides that deflect even auras. These two lesser dragons are prime examples of the dragon race."
The dragon race was born with overwhelming innate abilities.
They could upheave the earth with a single spell or summon countless thunderbolts. Truly worthy of being called the greatest race.
But after countless ages, their blood thinned, and they lost their innate majesty.
"But Professor, during the Great War, we were able to seal the Demon King with the help of the dragons, right?"
A question came from the middle of the lecture hall.
The dragons, once known as guardians of balance and champions of peace.
They had fought alongside humanity against the demons during the Great War. Now, the student wondered why they turned against us.
"Yes, that's correct. The dragons stood with humanity against the demons."
Serin pondered for a moment, then lifted her head and continued.
"Their overwhelming power allowed us to exterminate most demons... but the Demon King was different."
Scritch, scritch.
Among the words on the board, she underlined "ancient dragons" emphatically and spoke.
"Stories say he could tear space with a gesture or fell stars with a single incantation."
Most students nodded at Serin's words.
They were facts they'd heard in childhood fairy tales, so they already knew.
"So, sealing the Demon King required immense sacrifices... and in that process, most ancient dragons perished."
Just as beasts have leaders, the dragons had those who guided them.
Ancient dragons who had lived eons and led their kin.
With those central figures gone, chaos among the dragons was inevitable.
"After that, there's no clear record. All dragons retreated to their lairs, only recently emerging."
"Then why exactly..."
"Just as we humans changed through the Great War, they must have too. The silver lining is they don't target only humans—they attack demons as well."
With that, Serin paused and scanned the students.
Whispers filled the air as they voiced various questions and speculations.
Some looked indifferent, others amazed by the new info.
Lea fell into the latter group, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at me.
"No way... they're not trying to maintain peace by wiping out all life... right?"
"..."
In the awkward silence, Lea grinned sheepishly.
"Ehehe... Or maybe they're just fighting among themselves?"
Her innocent cheer drew an involuntary, exasperated chuckle from me.
Lea, clearly pleased, chattered on in her bright voice.
"Of course, a tiny fraction of dragons have sided with humanity... but I've never seen one myself."
A few ancient dragons had survived the Great War,
but even they bore grievous wounds, and most perished.
In truth, dragons were now little more than monsters with empty shells.
"Anyway, the finals will be conducted in a format called 'Dragon Hunt'."
Dragon Hunt.
A test hunting dragons (龍), now humanity's enemies.
They wielded power far beyond what students could handle... but their intelligence was rock-bottom.
For the rest of the semester, we'd learn efficient ways to fight them and form teams to slay one for the exam.
"Since it's impossible alone, focus on syncing with your teammates."
Even so, it was a bit much for first-years...
At least demons wouldn't appear, so that was a relief.
With that, Serin began explaining the origins and traits of demons and dragons.
I spent the remaining time mulling over the upcoming finals.
Scraaaape!
Class ended, and students poured out.
"Haaaam... So sleeeepy..."
It was an intriguing topic, but more boring than expected.
Sorry, Serin, but it felt like watching a documentary.
For us, who'd pulled an all-nighter with fatigue piling up, it was a bit much...
"Ehe... Let's go sleep..."
Slump.
Lea draped herself over me, hooking her arm naturally through mine.
"Ahaha... Yeah. Let's crash."
I was exhausted too, dying to sleep right then.
With nothing pressing today, I planned to head straight to the dorm.
Just as Lea and I dragged our weary bodies toward the dorm,
a urgent voice called from somewhere.
"Um, Lea? Could you wait a moment...?"
Turning at the trembling voice, I saw Serin standing there, fidgeting.
Her eyes darted about, her face a mix of complicated emotions.
This scene—stopping Lea as she tried to leave with me—echoed the semester's start.
"Ahaha... I have plans already, so that might be tricky."
The difference? Lea was the one refusing.
She pulled me closer into her embrace,
smiling gracefully, far more relaxed than her growly expression back then.
"Just a moment, really quick..."
"Hm... I'd love to, but Rowen's so tired."
"R-Really? Well, if he's tired, no helping it..."
Serin backed off, as if it wasn't that important anyway.
But regret lingered; she chewed her lip with a strange expression.
"Ahaha, Professor Serin. I'll come by later, maybe evening..."
"...Shh. Forgot what happened at dawn? You worked so hard you were drenched in sweat... You need rest today."
"...?"
I tried to offer visiting later despite her pout,
but Lea's oddly suggestive tone stopped me cold.
'Well, she's not wrong, but...'
I was scared enough to sweat buckets...
But saying it like that feels off, doesn't it?
Seeing Lea's pure, innocent smile,
something felt weird, but I nodded vaguely.
"Wh-What on earth did you do..."
For some reason, Serin's eyes quivered, her face flushing red.
Yet that oddly satisfied expression left me no choice but to move on.