Stepping onto the Academy’s cobblestones felt like a return after an eternity.
In reality, it had only been two days.
My wounds had been mended by the Academy’s top-tier resident healer, and I felt perfectly fine. However, they insisted I stay under observation, so I spent all of yesterday confined to a bed.
It took a fair amount of effort to convince the doctor and Yuka to finally let me go.
"Health really is a blessing," I muttered to no one in particular.
It wasn't that I’d been particularly sickly before, but the world outside felt special after being stuck in a hospital bed.
Yuka, walking beside me, glanced my way for a fleeting second.
"If you overexert yourself, I will take you straight back to the convalescence room."
"I’m just attending lectures today. There isn’t even a way for me to overexert myself."
"Consider it a warning."
She was as strict as ever.
As we drew closer to the school building, I noticed the number of eyes on me increasing.
Whispers followed in my wake.
"It’s Master Luka...!"
"I heard he stood his ground all by himself."
Hey, knock it off. I just nearly got myself killed (seriously).
I reflexively quickened my pace.
"Being famous is a real pain..."
"I believe it is only natural," Yuka countered. "If anything, I think they aren't showing nearly enough gratitude."
"Is that so?"
When I stepped into the classroom, the air stirred.
It didn't go completely silent, but every gaze in the room shifted toward me. I sat down in my seat, feeling incredibly out of place.
I couldn't settle down.
"Master Luka!"
Allen was the first to rush over. Good grief, this kid was always so adorable. His eyes were practically sparkling.
"Are you really okay? Is your body alright?!"
"Yeah, I’m perfectly fine."
"You were truly incredible! I... I really wanted to tell you..."
He hesitated for a moment, but a smile quickly broke across his face.
"...Master Luka, you were so cool!"
I was relieved to see Allen back to his usual self. Everyone had been acting like they were at a funeral when I was unconscious. Setting that aside, I really wished he wouldn't say things like that so loudly.
"Anyone would have done the same. I just happened to be the one there."
"Normal people wouldn't do that!"
Maybe he had a point. I certainly couldn't afford to become a literal blood fountain every time I got attacked.
"Next time, I’ll be the one who protects you, Master Luka!"
I appreciated the sentiment, but why did it feel like everyone was trying to protect me lately? Had they realized I was actually a weakling? Still, it didn't feel bad. Having a friend say something like that was actually quite nice.
"You don't have to push yourself, you know."
"Are you really the one saying that, Master Luka?"
I had no comeback for that.
While I was catching up with Allen, Caiel walked over. His posture was as straight as a board, and his expression was dead serious.
"Congratulations on your recovery."
"Thanks."
"...Regarding the incident, I wasn't able to do a thing."
Stop right there. That gloomy mood is contagious. You're going to have a bad influence on my dear Allen.
"I suppose that is why..."
I held back the urge to ask "Why what?" and just wished he would go back to his seat.
"Next time, I will catch up."
What was that supposed to mean?
"Catch up?"
"To your level. I will reach you."
I had no idea when, where, or in what world I had supposedly surpassed Caiel.
"Is there anything I’m actually beating you at, Caiel?"
"Everything."
If he was being serious, I really wanted to give him a double-slap to snap him out of it.
Then I noticed Elicia standing behind him. Her posture was perfect, her smile as beautiful as ever.
"Good morning, Master Luka."
I’d been worried about her yesterday, so I was glad to see she looked well. But...
"Is your body truly alright?"
I noticed her fingertips were clenched just a tiny bit too tight.
"I’m fine."
"...I see."
Wait, was she still feeling down after all? I shouldn't be letting my friends worry this much. Maybe I should do a comedy bit? (Wait, no).
As I was pondering that, I saw Elicia’s gaze shift toward Yuka for a split second.
It was only an instant, but she had a look in her eyes I had never seen before. It certainly wasn't a warm expression. Before I could process it, her gaze returned to me.
"Please, just promise me you won't overdo it."
Her smile remained flawless. But deep behind it, there was a quiet, lingering shadow.
I figured Elicia probably felt a sense of guilt toward me. She had mentioned as much yesterday.
After that, everyone returned to their seats and class began. Neither Elicia nor Caiel sat next to me today. It felt a little lonely.
Once classes were over and I stepped into the hallway, a different voice called out to me.
"Luka."
It was a girl’s voice, but I knew it wasn't Elicia.
When I turned around, I saw Serena. It was a rare sight—in fact, we’d never really talked before, had we? Her silver hair swayed, catching the light from the window. Her gaze wavered for a moment as if she were searching for the right words.
Then, she looked me straight in the eye.
"About the other day... thank you."
She bowed her head deeply. It wasn't just a formal, polite gesture; it was genuine.
"No, I didn't really do anything that big."
Was everyone misunderstanding something? I was just trying to help Yuka. Did I really deserve this much gratitude?
Serena looked up, her eyes crinkling in a soft smile.
"Even so," she said, pausing briefly. "...In that moment, you were the one who acted."
She swallowed the rest of her words and simply smiled quietly.
"You really were like a Hero."
That’s an exaggeration! I just got beat up and went to sleep, you know?
"The title of 'Hero' is a bit heavy for me."
"No, I don't think so at all."
She sounded almost happy as she said it.
Honestly, she should be thanking the person who actually defeated that guy... Wait? Come to think of it, who was it that finished off the man in black?
After school, for some reason, I was summoned to the Student Council Room.
After everything that happened yesterday, I had a terrible premonition.
When I opened the door, the only one there was the Vice President, Rizel. I’d just met Serena, so the connection finally clicked. Were Serena and Rizel sisters?
"I appreciate you coming."
Her voice was as elegant as ever. She had an air of maturity that shouldn't belong to a high school senior.
"First, allow me to thank you again on behalf of the Academy. Your actions bought time for the other students."
She was so stiff. Personally, I’m more of a soft-gummy kind of guy.
"...And," her voice softened slightly, "allow me to offer my personal thanks as well."
The atmosphere in the room relaxed.
"Serena is my precious younger sister."
I knew it. My eyes cannot be deceived (imaginary glasses push).
"Thank you for saving her."
There was undeniable respect in her words. I could tell she was a good person who cared deeply for her sister. I just shrugged.
"I wasn't specifically trying to save Serena."
"Even so, the result remains the same." Rizel’s eyes narrowed slightly. "In a situation like that, very few people are capable of moving."
I usually just act on reflex. Thinking back on it later, it’s usually pretty reckless.
"...You really have no self-awareness, do you?"
"Self-awareness of what?"
"No, nothing." She shook her head slightly. "Thank you very much, truly."
She was someone who was very thorough with her gratitude.
"That is all for today’s business."
With that, I was dismissed.
When I stepped back into the hallway, the world outside the window was painted in the colors of the sunset. I heard voices in the distance.
"Hey, isn't that Master Luka?"
"I told you to stop that..."
Does becoming even slightly famous always come with these drawbacks? I really hate this.
From a short distance away, Serena watched the scene.
She let out a small, quiet giggle.
What dwelt in her eyes wasn't exactly love. However, there was a deep, budding admiration for the boy who had charged into the flames that day.