Chapter 108: First Time

Clémentine looked at the time on her holographic watch as she stood in the academy’s auditorium.

“So how was your practice?” asked Leslie, who was standing next to her.

The question was directed at Joslyn, Eva, Wendy, and Cristian, who were standing near her.

“I was under a psionic hero who can create different barriers,” Joslyn answered with a shy smile, and seeing that Clémentine was curious, she explained. “He’s very capable. It can even create barriers that heal the wounds of what’s inside.”

Such capabilities sounded impressive, and it was likely that this individual was an S rank.

“I think I know him,” Wendy muttered and, with a smile, added. “I was in an adventurer’s guild in Asia. You wouldn’t know the name, as it’s quite small.”

There were too many guilds in the world and it was hard to identify all of them.

Just like knowing all the names and skills of heroes or S-Rank people.

Although their number was extremely low compared to A-Rank individuals, it was a much higher number compared to those of SS ranks or SSS ranks.

“I went to a military guild in South America,” Eva said, who was nearby.

“It shows. He has a strict atmosphere like a soldier.” Leslie specified without hiding her smile.

That young lady was dressing formal and carried a certain solemnity in both her outfit and posture.

“Yes, despite being a military guild, they were quite strict, as if they were soldiers. Maybe because they were closely related to the South American government,” Eva replied somewhat calmly.

“I understand you. Even though I went to a government organization under the Spanish government. Actually, my instructor was as strict as a general,” Cristian muttered with a sigh.

Andrés gave a laugh and commented. “For a bad choice, you seem to have enjoyed it.”

Cristian’s expression quivered for a moment at those words.

Just like Eva, Cristian had a military atmosphere around them.

That simple atmosphere that lingered after retreating from that place made clear the training they had undergone.

Basically, the training had been strict enough to stick with them, even though it was only for a month.

“And what did you guys do?” Cristian asked and looking at the group, he commented. “You guys look a little different.”

The group exchanged glances, and none of them denied the difference.

From Nicole, who had dropped the shyness that characterized her, Leslie, who looked looser, and Andrés, who seemed to have more confidence.

Each of them appeared different from what they had been a month ago, and that difference showed even in Clementine.

“I heard you guys went to Alice and Aurora’s group... Was it easy?” Joslyn asked curiously.

It was impossible to deny that they weren’t envious.

The belief that they would have an easier and more enjoyable practice because of their teammates being the boss was present.

Besides, Aurora and Alice’s mercenary group was unknown enough that no one could imagine what they were capable of.

While every student had their doubts as to why the mercenary group was on the list, no one denied envy at the ease.

Clémentine thought about everything that had happened.

They were a small, unknown group?

It was a complete hoax, even the magical beasts or militiamen knew or had heard of the ‘Protector of Zerzura’.

An easy practice for having bosses who were her companions?

Alice almost traumatized them with the beating to death she gave them and not to mention the danger they went through in the Ark mission or the Assault mission.

It was even impossible to say that it was a peaceful trip!

Traveling during all those days on the Ark mission where resting and sleeping was overwhelming, it certainly could not be described as uneventful.

“It was difficult,” Clémentine replied in a complex tone.

Complex enough to show the complexity of the month in a simple answer.

The weight behind those words, and the personal exhaustion, was evident and stood out more in someone like Clémentine, who was considered one of the best students this year.

Clémentine wasn’t exaggerating, though.

The practice was exhausting, and it was not only about the training and the missions they undertook, but the cruelty and hardships they encountered along the way.

From the refugees, they suffered under General Kavuri’s forces, to the ritual that the man was carrying out.

“Yes... It was difficult.” Clémentine murmured back, letting out a long sigh.

The expression of those who would listen to her quivered and Cristian gave a glance to Leslie, Andrés, and Nicole, but all three gave half-smiles without going too deep.

Revealing a heavy atmosphere that did not match the students of their age.

“Will Aurora and Alice be coming?” interjected Leslie, wanting to change the atmosphere or keep the others from asking too many questions.

It wasn’t as if her group regretted doing all those missions, however, for each of the students there was an answer when asked about it.

It was difficult.

The difficulty of seeing refugees with nothing trying to survive another day, the shock of death so close, and the cruelty some people were capable of.

They lived more than they had imagined, burdened with responsibilities that even they didn’t know they could, and ended up doing things they never thought they would do during this month.

And even with so much hardship and adversity, each of them would choose to do the missions again and admit that it was worth it.

After all, with the good and bad experiences, Aurora’s invitation for them to join her group was the best thing that could have happened to them.

“I don’t know. I thought you guys knew,” Cristian replied accepting the change of subject and seeing the other party shake their head, joked. “Not asking the ‘boss’ too many questions. I understand. I learned that too.”

At that joke, those present gave a smile.

“I think the act is about to start,” Clémentine muttered as she realized that several students were entering the auditorium.

This was the first day back from the academy, and it always started with an act.

“There are more students than I expected,” Eva murmured, as she looked at the number of students that were entering and currently waiting.

The small group was secluded and in a corner, allowing them to watch the students coming in and making their way to the different year groups.

It was quite a large number and among them, there were familiar faces and many unfamiliar ones, those being the ones who stood out most obviously.

Perhaps they didn’t know all the students, but when several unfamiliar students were in one place, it was impossible to deny that there were unfamiliar faces.

“It’s because the second and third-year students are returning from their several months’ internships,” Clémentine replied, and receiving the attention of her classmates, she explained. “They are involved in serious business or are members of some organization. So it’s common to see some students that in the first half of the year we hadn’t seen.”

Her brother had come to the academy before her and knew a bit about the situation.

It was normal for second or third-year students to already be members of some organization or to be inside some guild as trainee heroes.

It was also common to see them with some hero groups or as part of a church.

That was the reason why there were more students than expected and among those were unknown faces.

“It’s going to start already. Are they coming?” asked Nicole doubtfully, looking around.

Students were already approaching and entering the auditorium so that the director’s speech could begin, but there was still no sign of Aurora or Alice.

Although she had warned them that they were coming, it was possible that they might change their minds.

Clémentine knew that Aurora and Alice had come to the ‘academy’ for vacation and, incidentally, to take some students to teach them, and that was all.

Remembering the capabilities of the mercenary group and its members, it was hard to imagine that someone like them would return to the academy when they didn’t need it.

“I told you to finish quickly!” Aurora exclaimed, entering the room looking negatively at her gluttonous friend.

“It was your fault! Why do you make such delicious meals?” Alice asked with a slight pout, and opening her bag of chips, she added. “Besides, you made too much food this time... I had to finish it all.”

Was she making excuses?

Clémentine felt as if that excuse was the most absurd she had ever heard, and the most surprising thing was that it fit perfectly in someone like Alice.

“Sorry, I’m late,” Aurora said after greeting those present and looking as the cat was beginning, she murmured. “Next time I make the meal earlier.”

Strange expressions appeared on those who heard her.

Instead of reducing the portion of the meal, she selected the second measure that continued to spoil her friend.

It was certainly strange and entertaining when one thought that eating too much caused her delay.

******

Director Vincent, as he stepped onto the aft platform, observed the students who had returned from their internships.

While the first-year students had a one-month internship, the second or third-year students had interned for longer or even worked formally.

The academy was known for its accessibility in helping students develop, and the second and third-year students were quite free to multi-task.

Those who stood out were the first-year students who, regardless of their main profession, attended internships in places of their own choosing.

And just like the first part of the year, this second part was also going to be different in multiple ways.

“I am glad you are back and I hope these internships have helped you improve and learn a little more,” Director Vincent said, beginning his speech.

Whether it was the support students, such as the crafters or healers or the battle students, each of them could take part in a practice.

Under the command of a guild, organization, or trusted group, each of them was elsewhere, getting to know the world in their own ways.

Perhaps not all the students got what they wanted from the group they were in, but it was undeniable that each of them extended their perspective a little further.

In some cases, learning to put up with some annoying bosses’ attitudes, living with peers they might have disliked, or even having to endure the regret of having made a terrible choice.

These internships were not only about improving the students’ skills, they were about them getting to know the world in a better way and the best experience was working under someone and having new peers.

It was undeniable that some students developed, learning about their skills and improving their abilities, although for Director Vincent that they learned a little about life, was a gain.

“I hope we continue to learn during this half-year. This half-year will differ from all the other years,” announced Director Vincent and looking at the students, he revealed. “This year we will not only have our annual tournament at the academy, but those winners will take part in a tournament held in South America, in which dozens of academies from all over the world will be present.”

Surprise and shock spread through the students.

Such a sudden and abrupt change that had never been made before drew surprise from students of all years.

Hero Academy had never held this kind of tournament and, even greater, had never participated in such a high-level tournament.

It was fine to encourage competition or to train to fight against humans, but being exhibited in a tournament for other people to enjoy as if it were merchandise was not something that Director Vincent liked.

That was why, for the past few years, the school tournament was held in private.

The heroes didn’t need to fight each other to prove who was better; they needed to fight monsters and thugs who sought to ruin this world.

To Vincent, the Academy didn’t need that kind of competitiveness, which other academies employed to encourage students to improve.

At least in his eyes, heroes were here to help others and if they saved even one person, the academy would win.

Maybe some would call him idealistic, but this was his academy and that hero he wanted as the director.

Only this time, it was different because of the circumstances ahead.

“Those who wish to take part and win the academic tournament will have the opportunity to travel to South America to participate in the Academies international tournament,” Director Vincent revealed and looking at the excitement of the students, he hid his bitter smile inside and announced. “The events in the international tournament are only known to the organizing authorities. Those who wish to participate have to be prepared for anything.”

In this international tournament, not only his own academy was taking part, but other academies that had avoided this kind of tournament since its inception and it was both surprising and exciting for the students.

Observing the students, his eyes remained fixed on some perceptive individuals found it strange that he accepted this event.

Was that duo aware of future circumstances? The daughters of his acquaintance, they were not simple.

Director Vincent turned his attention away from this topic and quieted the students who were muttering among themselves.

“We will leave further information for you in the academy’s app. The teachers and the academy will support students who wish to participate in both tournaments,” Director Vincent added.

Although he didn’t like it, certainly the tournament during these times was going to be quite useful.

So he would fully support his students so that they could show their skills and they could win something from this tournament.

That was the first change that would happen this second half of the year and the other was...

“Come,” ordered Director Vincent to two hooded figures standing near the stage.

If they were excited about the supposed tournament before, this time the students expressed their curiosity at the two figures hiding their faces.

“For the first time in the history of mankind, we have exchanged students... From another world.” Announced Director Vincent, surprising the students and smiling for the figures to remove their hoods, he added. “Let me introduce the Princess of the Falion Empire, Cithrel Elamaris Falion, and her companion Venali Virsalor.”

The students opened their mouths in surprise as they looked at the long ears of the pair of elves, whose beauty undoubtedly stole the breath.

Director Vincent gave a smile, knowing that no doubt this second half of the year would differ greatly from others.