The Night of Welcome
The mirror used for communication flickered unsteadily. A short reply came back from the other side.
"—Impossible."
From beyond the trembling communication mirror, a curt answer returned.
"I have cleared my schedule for the next six weeks due to matters of utmost importance. Therefore, I must keep the child's whereabouts confidential, no matter who asks. I hope you understand."
Feltics narrowed his eyes at the unexpectedly uncooperative attitude.
"Is this matter of utmost importance as critical as the safety of the entire continent?"
"—It is."
'The Sword Saint is someone who truly desires peace for the continent. He wouldn't speak such empty words lightly.'
After hearing the Fifth Pillar, Cheongtong's firm stance, Feltics decided to take a step back.
"Since the Fifth Pillar has spoken so clearly, I will ask just one final question. Is Jaksan... is that child doing well?"
At Feltics' worried tone regarding Jaksan, Cheongtong burst into hearty laughter.
"—Hahaha, aren't you doting on him a bit too much? Jaksan is, after all, one of the Seven Pillars, occupying one of the seats himself."
"Is it because they are of the same clan? In your eyes, Jaksan still appears as a fragile child. In any case, that child is also one of the Seven Pillars who stand at the pinnacle of the continent. There is no need for you to worry."
After Haru enrolled at the National Academy, Ran—who had been staying within the Imperial Capital the entire time—visited the academy.
In the academy's headmaster's office.
"What do you think will happen during this year's Night of Welcome, Pillar?"
The headmaster asked politely to Ran, who had come to see him. Ran responded with a gentle smile.
"The Night of Welcome. I've never experienced academy life myself, but I've certainly heard about it."
At the National Academy, once the first semester ends for the preliminary and military science years, a great number of changes occur.
Those judged by the academy to lack qualifications, or those unable to adapt to academy life, are forced to leave. Only the true elites remain.
And the initiation rite held immediately after the second semester begins for those true elites is none other than the Night of Welcome.
Though called a "welcome," it was little more than upperclassmen beating the lowerclassmen throughout the night under the pretext of establishing discipline and hierarchy.
That was how it had always been.
However, with the Arirang clan present, this generation probably wouldn't follow the same path, Ran thought lightly.
"I remember it having quite the notorious reputation. But with those individuals here, wouldn't it take on a different form?"
They say an arm bends inward. Ran was siding with Haru's group.
"If it were simply about dealing with the preliminary students as usual, that would be the case. Until now, only the preliminary students participated in the Night of Welcome and suppressed the military science students. But this time, it's different."
The headmaster stroked his snow-white beard, took a breath, and continued in a calm tone.
"This year's class is an exceptionally special one. The Arirang clan, the disciple of the Grand Duke, and even the child of the Mechanical Duke. Perhaps judging that the preliminary students alone would be insufficient to handle them, the top students from the advanced class have also expressed their intention to participate."
Only then did Ran realize the source of the unease he'd felt in the headmaster's words.
'That sounds rather dangerous. Even just comparing numbers, it's more than double. Moreover, while the preliminary students might be manageable, the top ranks of the advanced class would be overwhelming opponents for them right now. Outnumbered and outmatched in strength. This will be a difficult fight.'
"Indeed, I can now understand why the headmaster has been so concerned about this year's Night of Welcome."
Ran, who had maintained a serious expression throughout, gradually relaxed his eyes as he sensed a familiar presence approaching from not far away. He stood up.
"I should take my leave for today. A welcome face I've been waiting for has returned. And thank you for the valuable information."
While receiving the headmaster's farewell, Ran thought to himself. He needed to make a proposal to those individuals.
"It's good to see you all returned safely."
It had been quite a long time since they last reunited. Perhaps because of that, Ran greeted the party with even greater warmth.
Haru calmly recounted how he had searched around the Divine Manifestation Mountain Range only to come up empty-handed, fought Yokai to rescue missing people, and encountered individuals from the Eastern Kingdom.
"Hmm, I see."
Ran's reaction was cooler than expected.
That was understandable. What Haru had reported wasn't significantly different from what Jubern had already reported ahead of him.
Ran carefully examined the three bronze stars Haru had brought back, glancing at him.
"You weren't injured anywhere, were you?"
"No, I'm perfectly fine."
According to what Jubern had told him, Haru had been fairly injured while protecting people. But since Haru didn't mention it, Ran decided not to bring it up either.
After hearing about everything that had happened in Dongye, Ran casually asked Haru's party.
"Everyone, do you happen to know about the Night of Welcome?"
Blanser... being the airhead he was, simply kept stuffing his face with the snacks in front of him. But Haru, Maru, and Teraden seemed to have some idea.
After confirming their reactions, Ran brought up the proposal he had been considering earlier.
"It seems you faced more difficulties in Dongye than anticipated. The upcoming Night of Welcome will likely be even harsher. How about taking some time to build up your strength?"
It was a suggestion to spend the remaining vacation period training in preparation for the Night of Welcome. He added that, to heighten their awareness, they would have to face both the preliminary and advanced students at the same time.
Haru and the rest of the party slowly nodded, apparently having no objections.
"During our time in Dongye, I realized how much I still lack. There were several moments where things nearly became truly dangerous. I think it's best to follow your advice, Lord Ran."
Blanser, who had been reading the room, quietly set down his plate and spoke.
"Um... in that case, I'll go visit my master during this time."
At the word "master," Jubern's pupils shook violently. It seemed the nightmare of being thoroughly beaten in the past had resurfaced.
Watching Jubern break out in cold sweat, a certain scene flashed through Teraden's mind.
'Wait, this guy...?'
Clang! Crack! Thud! Bam.
'Ughhh!'
The sight of Jubern being subdued like a child. Though he had only heard the sounds, the intense memory of that moment was still vividly etched in his brain.
'Crow's Duck, the one who completely overwhelmed Jubern who had overwhelmed us... If it's that old man...'
"Hey, then take me with you too. Let me mooch off you a bit."
Teraden decided to follow Blanser to Crow's Duck.
Since he was going to receive instruction anyway, he figured the strongest person he knew would be best. After thinking it over carefully, Crow's Duck seemed the perfect choice.
At Teraden's words about tagging along, a dark shadow fell over Blanser's face.
"With me...? I don't think that's a good idea..."
Teraden had no idea. The terror he would soon feel. The humiliation he would soon suffer...
Blanser, who knew all too well, made a sour face and clicked his tongue.
"Since Teraden and Blanser seem to have decided on their destination, Lord Haru can accompany me. There's one place that would be just right for you, Lord Haru."
"Huh? Wait a moment. What about Maru?"
When her name wasn't called, Maru pointed at herself with wide, round eyes.
"How about Lady Maru spending time with Wolhyang?"
Maru, who had occasionally spent time with Wolhyang before, nodded her head vigorously up and down.
"Yes! Maru likes that!"
With their tasks decided and not much time left, they decided to move quickly.
"We'll meet again in about a month and a half. Though it isn't a long time, I hope everyone achieves good results."
Though there were only two of them, the Grand Dukes of the continent did not bother to build up their own forces.
Most of it was simply because it was too much of a hassle, but unlike the Ten Dukes who established their own duchies and raised personal forces, the Grand Dukes showed no interest whatsoever in building power.
Nevertheless, forces naturally formed around the Grand Dukes' residences.
Over generations, more and more people gathered, growing into major cities comparable to any royal capital.
Since the surrounding areas were recognized as the Grand Duke's territory, no one dared to touch them. They had become perfect safe zones.
Unless their skulls were completely empty, who in their right mind would harbor impure intentions and invade a Grand Duke's territory?
Meanwhile, upon receiving word from Blanser that he would return soon, Crow's Duck couldn't contain his excitement and began dancing merrily.
"—Communication secure?"
"Eh? Blanser! What is it?"
Blanser roughly summarized what had happened at the academy and in Dongye, mentioning that he would be coming home.
"—Night of Welcome...? I don't know what that is, but sure, sounds good!"
Crow's Duck readily agreed with both hands raised.
Upon hearing of Blanser's return, the residents of the territory also busily moved about for his sake.
Blanser was the one who would eventually succeed Crow's Duck and inherit the position of Grand Duke. It couldn't hurt to make a good impression in advance.
Of course, their care for Blanser wasn't solely for that reason. The citizens genuinely cherished and loved Blanser just as much as Crow's Duck did.
On the day Blanser was scheduled to arrive, Crow's Duck went out to the city entrance to greet him. With a benevolent smile, he spread both arms wide to welcome Blanser and Teraden.
"Welcome to this Grand Duke's home. I am the enlightened Grand Duke who watches over my excellent citizens, Jindo Crow's Duck."
'What's with this old man? Did he eat something weird?'
Teraden frowned in disgust.
"Oh my, Lord Blanser! It's been so long! Would you like to try one of these chicken skewers you used to enjoy so much?"
"Young Master Blanser! Have you grown even taller since we last saw you? It must be because you're in your growth period. Please take some of this meat bread too."
"Thank you as always! Haha!"
The entire city was in a festive mood.
The streets were packed with people buying and selling all kinds of goods, and not a single face showed any sign of worry or concern.
It wasn't just because of the festive atmosphere caused by Blanser's return.
It was thanks to the immense sense of absolute security that the colossal pillar known as Crow's Duck provided them.
Moreover, unlike the cities of the Empire or kingdoms, Crow's Duck did not collect taxes. The prosperity of the citizens was beyond words.
"Everything I use in my daily life already comes from them. Why would I take money from them again? It's not like I'll take it with me when I die. No need."
To rule without governing. That was Crow's Duck's way. In truth, he simply hated anything bothersome and thus paid it no mind.
Still, good is good. Since it benefited both sides, the result was ultimately positive, wasn't it?
"But why did you come with Blanser? What did you do with the Seventh Pillar?"
Annoyance was thick in Crow's Duck's expression. He had been looking forward to spending some quality time alone with his disciple, but Teraden had completely ruined the mood.
"Among everyone I've met, you're the strongest, old man."
"Look at this brazen brat. Don't you have the Seventh Pillar by your side? Is the Seventh Pillar not enough for you?"
"Hmm, I've never actually seen Lord Ran fight, so I'm not sure. Also, isn't the Seventh Pillar the lowest rank among the Seven Pillars?"
"This kid doesn't know anything at all. That's a very mistaken belief. There is no hierarchy among the Seven Pillars. Except for the First Pillar, that is. And why do you think the strong ones currently existing on this continent always want to be compared to the Seven Pillars?"
Gulp.
Teraden, who could never resist stories about the strong, swallowed hard.
"It's because they have never been able to surpass the Seven Pillars. So be grateful. Be grateful that the Seventh Pillar is watching over you all."
"Then are you stronger than the Seven Pillars, old man? Or weaker?"
At Teraden's intrigued question, Crow's Duck stroked his chin.
"Even we Grand Dukes cannot easily determine victory or defeat against them. Still... now that I think about it, I could probably beat one or two of them without too much trouble."
"Then you can't beat the rest?"
"You don't need to know that."
"..."
'Is he bluffing?'
Teraden's face crumpled once again.