About three months after I entered the middle school division, the Academy was abuzz with a particular rumor.
The auditorium was unusually noisy. I probably already knew the reason; it had been the talk of the school for a while now. The Principal, standing on the stage, cleared his throat.
"Silence."
The air tightened instantly. Everyone wore a nervous expression.
"The exchange program with the Holy Theocracy of Luminaria has officially been finalized."
The momentary silence was followed by a muffled explosion of voices.
"What?!"
"The destination is really the Theocracy?"
"Isn't that country even older than our Kingdom?"
The Principal continued indifferently.
"Twelve students will be dispatched from this Academy."
The chatter died down instantly. Their ability to switch gears was impressive; personally, I was still trying to wrap my head around it. If twelve people were going, I figured someone I knew was bound to be on the list. It wasn't a large number, but it wasn't small either—a carefully curated selection, though I didn't know the criteria.
"The selection will be based on overall evaluation: magical power, practical skills, written exams, and conduct."
Well, thank you for clarifying that so quickly. That meant I was completely out of the running. I’d entertained the idea of doing some sightseeing as an exchange student, but of course, I wasn't chosen. I glanced at the people next to me to see how they had fared.
Selena wore her usual deadpan expression. Caiel had his arms crossed with his eyes closed. Allen was practically sparkling with excitement, while Elysia remained characteristically expressionless. Considering the criteria, Selena and Elysia seemed like obvious choices, but I wondered how it would actually shake out.
After school, a massive crowd gathered in front of the bulletin board. A list of the selected students had been posted. Familiar names lined the page.
"Oh, look. Selena and Caiel made it."
Selena Valdio. Caiel Grain. I knew it. No surprises there. There were other names I recognized to varying degrees. Ah, Princess Mireille was on there too.
...Perfect.
"I’m naturally not on the list. Not that I'd want to go anyway; it'd be too much of a hassle."
Yuka spoke up from beside me. "Luka-sama, are you just acting tough?"
"Shut up."
Look, even if I was from a ducal house, my actual capabilities were those of a total small fry. Even if I went on an exchange, I’d literally only be able to do sightseeing. I decided to just cheer for the main characters from the sidelines this time.
A few weeks later—about two days after Selena and the others had departed. The day finally came for the students from the Holy Theocracy to arrive.
Leaving the Princess aside, my farewell with Selena and Caiel had been a bit melancholy.
'Luka, please keep this with you at all times. Think of it as me.'
What she had handed me was a ring and a small pouch. When I hesitantly peeked inside the bag, I found a small lock of hair. Honestly, it freaked me out a bit, but according to Yuka and my mother, it was a traditional charm to pray for a man’s safety.
Technically, she was the one going on a journey, right? Was she really that worried about me? In the end, I put the ring on a chain and wore it as a pendant. I hadn't known what to do with it, so Elysia's suggestion was a lifesaver.
As I reminisced about our parting, a line of white carriages arrived at the Academy's main gate. They were adorned with gold crests and the religious mark of the Theocracy known as a Holy Seal. The atmosphere shifted as the doors opened.
Two people stepped out.
The first was a girl with brown hair. She had a quiet aura and looked to be about my age; we might even be in the same grade. The second was a boy with black hair, a perfectly straight posture, and sharp, piercing eyes.
The crowd buzzed, and I caught someone’s whispered comment.
"...A Hero Candidate."
The black-haired boy stepped forward and bowed with refined, practiced movements.
"I am the Seventh-ranked Hero Candidate of the Holy Theocracy of Luminaria." His voice was quiet but resonated clearly. "My name is Leonis Alseid."
...Ranked? Well, that basically confirmed he was a top-tier powerhouse. Give me a break.
The brown-haired girl followed.
"Likewise, I am the Eleventh-ranked Hero Candidate." Her voice was soft, fitting her reserved appearance. "I am Elphyria Seraphina."
There were twelve Hero Candidates in total, and these were two of them. Were only these two coming for the exchange? Actually, the quality of their carriage seemed a bit overkill for just two people. Since there were twelve slots in the program, I’d assumed all twelve candidates were coming.
Instead, we got the 7th and 11th ranks.
For now, I decided it had nothing to do with me. I needed to get home early and play with Fia—I felt a sense of duty to do so.
Or so I thought. Why on earth was I appointed as their guide?
Leonis’s gaze swept across the Academy. For a split second, his eyes locked on Yuka and Elysia, and he paused.
"...How rare. To find people like this here." He let out a small grin. "It looks like I won't be bored after all. In fact, this is perfect."
He reeked of a warrior-race mentality. I decided then and there to stay far away from him. Elphyria was also smiling quietly, but her eyes held a look that was uncannily similar to Leonis's.
A bloodline chosen by God, descendants of the Legendary Hero... They weren't just a pack of berserkers, were they?
I watched them from a safe distance. A guide? If they wanted one, someone else could do it. I was ready to check out.
"Yuka, I'm already depressed."
Yuka replied in a low voice, "I don't believe Luka-sama needs to concern himself with things like the Bloodline of the Hero."
"Right? There’s no reason to get involved if I don't have to."
Classes again tomorrow. I’d have to let Lene heal my soul. Or rather, Fia was a better bet for that. I’d go home, soak up some Fia-energy, and then head to school.
"These are the exchange students who will be joining our Magic Sword Arts Department today. They will be participating in our training sessions starting now."
As the instructor made the announcement, the handsome black-haired guy performed that same elegant bow from earlier.
"I have arrived from Luminaria for the exchange. I look forward to working with you all."
Could someone please turn off those sparkling effects? Also, enough with the immediate plot twists—if I hadn't recharged my Fia-levels before coming, my mental state would have collapsed.
"Likewise, I am Elphyria Seraphina."
And of course, "Miss Likewise" was here too. Yuka, you big liar!
The training session began without further ado.
"Luka-sama! Let's spar again today!"
"...Sure. Go easy on me, okay?"
"Of course!"
Ugh... I couldn't trust that smile for a second. It was actually surprising; knowing Lene, I figured she’d be the first to scream "I'm gonna go wreck the newcomers!" and charge at the exchange students. My prejudices were apparently showing.
"Lene, aren't you going to spar with the new students?"
"They look strong, so I'm interested, but I am devoted solely to you, Luka-sama!"
I see. My schedule of full-body bruising and muscle pain was officially confirmed. It was over!
Wait. Hold on. At that moment, I, with my realistic IQ of 89, struck upon a brilliant solution.
"...You know, Lene, it’s been a while since I've seen your cool side. I'd really love to see it again."
"Wh-wha?! Luka-sama, wait... wait just a second!"
Heh. It was working. Time to be despicable. I’d pawn her off on the Hero Candidates.
"Lene, those two are called Hero Candidates, and they’re supposed to be incredibly strong. If you beat them, you’d be the strongest student here. I’d think you were even more—"
"I'm going."
That was fast. Run, Heroes. Actually, wait, don't run. Fight her.
The opponents seemed game enough, but since they were the elite "Hero Candidates," there was a chance Lene might actually lose.
...In fact, if Lene lost, wouldn't that mean I’d finally get to see her maidenly side?
Go for it, Heroes!
Next time! The innocent bystander Luka dies!
Luka: "You've got to be kidding me!"