Hazing

Well then, this concludes the entrance ceremony.

As always, the entrance ceremony at Sunrise Academy ended uneventfully.

Please take a short break until the first class bell rings. Once again, thank you for your hard work

The entrance ceremony was merely symbolic, since all the significant events were held during the orientation.

However, as the saying goes, old but gold.

Although it had been a long time, the entrance ceremony at Sunrise Academy, with a history of a thousand years, was as splendid as ever.

Shimmer

Booo! Boo!

At the center of this dazzling entrance ceremony, fairies, and spirits sprinkled mysterious powders all around the auditorium after the headmasters declaration.

Wow

Amazing, its really amazing

The sight of cute little creatures that had been thought extinct a few hundred years ago, smiling as they sprinkled tiny powders, was truly fascinating to the new students.

However, amidst the festive atmosphere, there was someone leaning on the railing alone with a sullen expression.

Is that her? The one who was trying to play a prank on Frey?

She has a big gut for a commoner, huh?

I dont think she is a commoner? Thats an insignia that only nobles can wear, right?

Well, shes a fallen noble who was only recently reinstated.

After being caught and publicly shamed by Serenas owl in an attempt to embarrass Frey, she continued to hear whispers about her.

Ugh its so annoying.

Due to that, she pulled out her hair angrily and deeply lowered her head.

Ive been marked from the first day

The fact that her target was Frey was somewhat fortunate, but these nobles with old lineage, who already disliked the idea of a new blood, were not pleased.

To them, Baron Horizon, who had lost the familys old prestige and glory, was simply lacking and seen as a rootless noble family whose ancestors were not even from the empire.

Seeing Lenya attracting attention in such a situation, the nobles naturally began gossiping about her.

Of course, on top of that, there was also jealousy towards the first-year students who were evaluated as elite and strong candidates for the Hero Party, as well as jealousy towards her beautiful appearance due to her elven ancestry.

And for the same reasons, some also secretly looked at her coyly.

Enough, lets forget what happened. Lets focus on what I have to do.

But she, who had promised not to be discouraged by such looks, clenched both hands tightly and turned away.

Now, who should I approach first?

Then, scanning the somewhat chaotic lecture hall with predatory eyes.

Hmm

Pulling out a notebook from her pocket, she began mumbling again.

I need to seize this opportunity and strike up as many conversations as possible

The Horizon sisters were determined to engage in as many conversations as possible with various people during the small break that followed the entrance ceremony.

Since it was an unusual occasion for the entire school to be together, it was a golden opportunity for them to build connections.

For now, not her.

With the eyes of a predator targeting its prey, she sought a subject to engage, and with a cold gaze, she muttered while looking at Count Justianos only daughter.

No matter what, I shouldnt go to the enemy of my family.

Lenya shot a haughty look at the girl, who was surrounded by many people. When their eyes met, Lenya squinted her eyes and clenched her fist.

Yawn.

T-Thats really

However, the girl, who briefly glanced at her, only yawned and left.

Forget it, lets not bother with her.

Ignoring the crowd following her, Lenya focuses on her notebook, taking out the pen she had tucked away.

Squeak, squeak

Then, Lenya puts a slash on Roswyn Solar Sunset, which was written at the top.

Originally, she had planned to join the easily accessible Roswyn faction, but since the faction itself disappeared, she had no choice but to exclude that option.

Although her lonely figure sitting in a corner seemed a bit pitiful, it wasnt the right time to approach her, given the rumors circulating that she had recently fallen out of favor in a power struggle.

Hmm

After crossing out Roswyns name, she quietly moved forward.

That person, too is ambiguous.

Aishi, accompanied by a large crowd, passed by her. Lenya shook her head and hurried on, knowing that Aishi was not a princess of this empire but rather from another country.

Excuse me

Finally, she joined the group of noble daughters, who were chatting with smiles.

Who are you?

Do you know us?

Oh, no, i-its not that

However, what came back was a questioning tone and gaze.

Ah you are that person.

What do you mean by that person?

Since you dont even know that its against the etiquette of nobility to engage in casual conversation with someone youre not close to, of course, you must be the young lady from the Horizon family, right?

Im sorry.

As that gaze and tone turned scornful and mocking, she clenched her teeth, bowed her head in apology, and then stepped back.

She tried a few more times, but their reaction to her was no different.

Sigh

Yes, we have only recently been reinstated.

Huh?

Suppressing the tears that suddenly welled up, she let out a sigh. When a low voice reached her ears, she turned her head quietly.

Wow! This person is really beautiful!

Could you tell me the exact timing and method of the reinstatement? I need to compare no, to confirm something.

Of course, Ill cooperate with everything I got.

Her older sister was already engaged in a conversation with Serena and Ferloche.

A-amazing

Her sister was engaging in conversation with formidable figures with whom she couldnt even make eye contact with.

As expected, sis

She mumbled a smile at her sisters confident appearance, whom she had always been proud of and respected.

Looking at the arm guard wrapped around her sisters arm, Lenya gritted her teeth.

That jerk

The image of her always confident older sister crying in secret in the bathroom on the day she received the stigma came to Lenyas mind.

I will definitely take revenge

Having made that resolution, she gathered her courage and took a step forward.

To do that, I need to build connections first

Alternating her gaze between the side with Clana and the side with Ruby, she pondered.

Um, hello there!

Lenya, closing her eyes tightly, gathered courage and headed towards Clana.

It was because to become an important member of the Hero Party, she decided that it would be better to expand her connections first rather than approaching Ruby to talk with her now.

Stop right there.

Do you not know who this person is?

However, Clanas subordinate blocked her way.

I-I just

Thanks to that, the courage she had just mustered disappeared, and she stammered with cold sweat.

Step back.

When Clana, who was observing her, issued a command to her subordinates with a sharp gaze, they quietly bowed their heads and retreated to either side of her.

What is it?

Crossing her legs, Clana gazed at her with a sharp look and asked a question.

S-so cool

She unconsciously muttered as she saw charisma overflowing from Clana.

What did you just say?

Oh, um that

Upon hearing the praise, Clana picked up the teacup next to her and asked with sparkling eyes.

Y-you look so cool that I

Heh, hehe I see.

Because of that, when Lenya nervously responded, wondering if she had made a faux pas, Clana silently nodded her head.

Twitch, twitch

However, the corners of her mouth were clearly turning up with a slight twitch.

Having heard the compliment so cool for the first time in a long time, Clana secretly grinned and mumbled that she, too, was not inferior to Frey.

Um, what I want to say is

Thinking the sight was a good sign, Lenya, with shining eyes, whispered to Clana.

I want to be on your side, Princess Clana.

Huh? What are you

I am also very interested in Frey.

Pfft!

Hearing that, she spat out the tea she was drinking and opened her eyes.

So, please let me join you.

W-what?

Lenya knew. She knew that Clana was friendly to Frey.

In fact, not only her but many quick-witted individuals had noticed Clanas attitude towards Frey when the Hero Party had a picnic with the freshmen at the orientation trip.

Clearly, Frey had caught her weakness So, she must want to slightly hold him in check. I heard shes been gathering a lot of subordinates recently.

Of course, since the Imperial Princess had no reason to like Frey, Lenya approached Clana with the intention of taking advantage of that.

In her opinion, it seemed like killing two birds with one stonea chance to both keep Frey in check and align herself with Clana.

W-what do you

However, for Clana, her words were like a thunderbolt.

Now, even someone other than the sub-heroines N-no, this cant be happening

?

Clana looked pale as she slowly scrutinized Lenya.

S-shes pretty, isnt she? She looks even prettier than me N-no. Frey should still love me more. IIm the third one to get his seed, and theres nothing about her that will attract him to

Your Highness?

But Ive already been conquered once And this one is a young, innocent child, even younger than me. What should I do? How can I Others seem to hold other girls in check well

Princess Clana?

Eventually, she, who had been muttering wildly in her mind, came to her senses when Lenya called her repeatedly and slowly opened her mouth.

What is your specialty?

Oh, thats Im currently researching magic theories But I havent achieved much yet

Hmm

At that, Clana nodded with a slightly relieved expression.

I-I have to show something. If not, its all over.

However, seeing Clanas lukewarm reaction, Lenya panicked as she thought this was a test for her. She quickly racked her brain for something.

W-What about something like this?

Pardon?

E-everyone. Can you gather around here?

After that fleeting moment, she shouted to the spirits flying around the ceiling.

Please come, please come, please come

Eventually, she closed her eyes tightly and started praying inside.

Shimmer

Booo!

After a while, she saw that her prayers worked, as the spirits flew towards her all at once.

Huaa?

Huaaa

The curious fairies watching the scene also follow behind the spirit, and a spectacular scene unfolds.

Thanks to this, the attention was once again focused on Lenya.

But this time, the beautiful scene captivated most of the eyes.

W-What do you think?

With spirits and fairies fluttering around her cheeks and shoulders, Lenya asked triumphantly.

Ah. whoa

?

I-its amazing!

Then, Clanna crumpled slightly and became teary-eyed, but then she raised the corners of her mouth and answered.

Talented ones, dieTalented ones, dieTalented ones, die

But deep inside her, she was burning with a sense of inferiority at the second coming of the Spirit Summoner, a talent deemed lost that could only be obtained through a bloodline.

Um could we have a talk if youre available?

By any chance, are you interested in the freshman welcome party?

We need someone like you. Well make room for you.

Pardon?

As the noble student who had been subtly sending glances to her approached, Lenya tilted her head.

But I heard that the freshman welcome partyhas been canceled?

Ah, thats right. Actually

As she innocently tilted her head, the noble student tried to calmly smile and speak in hushed tones. However

Hey, buzz off.

!

When Irina blocked their way and swore at them with a hand on her pockets. Seeing that they hesitated and retreated.

Arent you leaving quickly? You damn dicks for brains!?

W-We

Hurry up and leave before I strip you all bare and hang you in the air.

Although she was a commoner, recently, it had been revealed that she was a disciple of the Magic Tower Master, and being Clanas closest aide, the seemingly insignificant group had no choice but to step back.

Also, you, whats your problem?

P-pardon?

Lenya, bewilderedly watching that scene, hesitated as Irina gave her a questioning look.

Why are you so interested in Frey?

Taking a step forward, Irina coldly questioned her.

Cant you hear me?

Ah, its nothing much Just huh?

Thanks to that, Lenya, thinking this might be a way of establishing authority, sweated nervously and soon appeared bewildered.

Horurong Horung

Boo, boooo

Whats wrong with you guys?

The spirits and fairies that had been making pleasant sounds around her until a moment ago were now trembling.

Are you scared? Scared of whom?

Casually petting the little beings, Lenya read their emotions and asked.

The red one is she scary? Do we need to run away from here? What are you talki-

Whats this, oh spirits, huh?

Watching Lenya, Irina quietly took her right hand out of her pocket and waved it around.

The mana will return at midnight, but this should be enough.

Hororong!?

Go back.

As if enchanted, the spirits and fairies returned to their original positions.

What did you just do?

Spirit magic.

Huh!?

Stunned by that sight, Lenya cautiously asked Irina. But she looked even more shocked by the answer.

Because although her Elven bloodline had considerably faded, she, being a studious person and an heir of a distinguished lineage, knew a lot about spirits.

How How did you do that? And how is it even possible after its been lost for centuries?

Spirit magic was a magic that had been lost for hundreds of years.

I just redeveloped it. It worked when I tried it.

No thats not the issue here!

Furthermore, spirit magic was exclusively made for the Elves.

An ordinary human wouldnt be able to imitate it.

Who are you exactly?

Before that, answer my question first.

Lenyas question was interrupted by Irina, who grabbed her shoulder and spoke.

Why are you interested in Frey, damn it.

I-I need to run No matter what, I need to escape

She thought quietly with a frightened expression. That was the decision made based on the words of the spirits and fairies.

G-goodbye!!

Lenya, using every ounce of her strength, hastily stepped back and hit the corridor leading to the exit of the auditorium.

Whats wrong with that bitch?

Hey you didnt get an invitation to the freshman welcome party too, right?

I was captured there a year ago.

You, too!?

Irina looked at her strangely at Clana, who wore an anxious expression.

Youre mistaken. I stand no chance. Regardless, I must now protect my position in Freys harem and secure the status as the bearer of his baby seed

Its because you are the Imperial Princess that you didnt get invited, you idiot. If you were a commoner, you would have been captured like me and sacrificed to Frey.

I-I see. Hehe

The conversation, which would have left Lenya absentminded for the entire day if she had heard it, continued for a long time afterwards.

.

.

.

.

.

Ding-dong, ding-dong

The bell rang, indicating the end of the short break and announcing the approaching first class of the year.

So, this is 1st-Year Class A.

Hurrying at the sound of the bell, Lenya found a door plate that read 1st Year Class A and swallowed hard.

The top class of the academy, this is where Ill be for the next year.

With a pounding heart, Lenya stared at the door plate. Upon reaching the door, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

Join the Hero Party, revive the family, and eliminate Frey. I will succeed in that plan.

Creak

Having made that determination, she entered the classroom.

At that moment, everyones gaze focused on her.

Srrk.

Ssk

However, soon the gazes turned away.

Step, step

Scanning the surroundings like everyone else, Lenya quietly took her seat, wearing a cold expression.

In todays plan I must somehow catch Rubys attention.

She said that to herself in her mind.

The Hero Party and the freshmen had devised a grand plan to ruin Freys first class today.

Creak

Hes here!

And that plan was about to commence.

Step, step

After all the students had taken their seats, Frey, who entered the classroom, slowly headed towards the lectern.

The classroom was filled with a chilling silence.

Will it succeed?

In that tense silence, Lenya scrutinized the situation with a nervous expression.

While Alice ambushed Frey from under the lectern, the student who claimed to be skilled with a great sword will strike him down. Theyve tried to simulate this trap several times already, it will definitely work

Among the numerous tightly woven plans for the day, the first, and the most critical plan was now about to unfold.

???

However, something seemed off.

Why isnt she coming out?

Alice, who should be hiding under the lectern, for some reason remained still.

I-if she didnt come out now, the plan would be ruined.

Because of that, the freshmens expression became uneasy.

Sparkle!!

The girl sitting at the front of the lectern seemed to have noticed something, and with an angry expression on her face, she hurriedly shot out of the air and summoned a greatsword made of light.

Crush!!!

And before a second had passed since she stood up, the massive greatsword fiercely struck Frey, who was standing at the lectern.

Haa Haa

As the sharp sound of something cutting through the air echoed, the girl, who had been breathing heavily with a tense expression, smiled with a triumphant look.

!!!

However, her smile quickly turned into aghast.

H-how

Sparkle

It was because Frey, still expressionless, blocked her greatsword using only one finger.

I-iik!

Unfazed, she tried to exert more force on her greatsword, but Frey maintained his posture without even blinking.

Ting!

He then coldly flicked his finger.

BOOM!!!

In an instant, the greatsword slipped from her grip and was embedded into the wall on the other side of the classroom, shaking.

Th-this cant be

The girl was watching the scene in terror.

Gritt!

Huaak!?

Frey, still standing in front of the lectern, grabbed her arm and lifted her up, and she was subdued without being able to resist.

Kyaaacckk!? L-let me go!

Squeeze

Aeuggh!

Suddenly she was put on the lectern, and as Frey forcefully pressed on her abdomen, she started to scream in agony.

Chiiik..!

Kyaaaaaakkkk!!!

A moment later, as sinister energy emerged along with black smoke, the girl shuddered and screamed in terror.

It will be easy to conceal the stigma if I carved it into your stomach. So endure it.

The male students had cold expressions on their faces, and the female students wore disgusted looks as they silently stared at the shocking scene.

Disgusting

Lenya, who had been blankly watching, was no exception.

I will certainly bring you down, Frey.

With the strengthened resolve of Lenya and her classmates, Freys first class began.

.

.

.

.

.

Uggh, ugh

I have already warned you that the stigma of slavery would be the consequence if you mess with me. But you guys still looked at me with such dissatisfied eyes. It seems you all didnt heed my words.

Acccckk!

As I engraved the stigma of slavery on the girls abdomen, who had tried to strike me down with a greatsword, I could sense the drawer that I was blocking with my knees were shaking.

I knew Alice was inside, but why was Kania also under the lectern too?

Somehow, Kanias dark mana was seeping out from the drawer.

Probably, Kania was suppressing Alice. If that was the case, it would be quite troublesome if it was exposed to the students. I had to keep blocking the drawer with my knee.

Youre not even human Youre a damn piece of trash that deserves to die.

While thinking such thoughts, I focused my gaze back on the girls abdomen. She, with tears in her eyes, mumbled.

Sigh

Instead of answering, I let out a small sigh, glancing at her with hollow eyes, and thought to myself.

Just added one more

To save these students, 99% of whom were destined to die I must engrave the stigma of slavery on each of them.

When will I finish them all?

Well, it looked like I would be quite busy for a while.

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