That day after classes ended, Rest made his way to the conference room next to the Student Council office.
Since the Academy served a vast number of noble children, the Student Council held considerable authority and operated on a grand scale. Consequently, they were granted private meeting rooms and lounges restricted to authorized members.
Inside the room, long tables were arranged in rows with chairs tucked neatly beneath them. Being first-years, Rest and the Rosemary sisters opted for seats toward the back.
Before long, the Student Council officers and the members of the Executive Committee had all assembled. It was a sizeable group—twenty officers and forty members of the committee. Although it was quite a large gathering, it felt appropriate given that it included representatives from all five departments across all three grades.
"I see everyone has gathered. Good," said the Student Council President, Andrew, as he finally arrived. His aides, Yusgos Betras and Rilanda Marker, flanked him on either side.
"The reason I’ve brought you all together today is for one reason and one reason only. The biggest event of the first semester is fast approaching... the Monster Hunting Festival is about to begin."
Standing before the gathered Student Council members, Andrew addressed the room.
True to its name, the festival was an event centered on hunting monsters. It took place annually between late spring and early summer, coinciding with the end of the monsters' breeding season.
Students from the Magic, Knight, and Priest Departments were all expected to participate, with the Priest Department primarily serving as medical staff. Even those from the Civil Official and Art Departments were welcome to join if they wished.
Taking place in the plains and mountains surrounding the Royal Capital, students would hunt in groups, competing against one another based on the number and size of the monsters they took down.
In this world, monsters were the natural enemies of mankind. Since the nobility bore the responsibility of protecting the people, hunting these creatures was considered a core duty—a duty that the Academy reinforced through such events.
"While participation is voluntary, we usually see about two hundred students take part. As you likely know, injuries are common at the festival. Two years ago, there were even five deaths. As the Student Council, we must do everything in our power to ensure the event runs smoothly. The officers will handle operations and management, while the Executive Committee will act as rescue staff in the event of an emergency."
During the Monster Hunting Festival, the Student Council worked behind the scenes alongside the faculty. Today's gathering was meant to be the final briefing for those roles.
"We will now distribute the materials, so I want you to take up your positions and tasks accordingly. The third-years will be in overall command, so please follow their instructions. The rescue staff's work, in particular, is a job that concerns the lives of the participants. I want you to approach this with determination."
Andrew glanced toward one of the seated students. Taking the cue, the student stood up to address the room.
"I'm Isis Calvert, a third-year from the Magic Department. I’ll be commanding the rescue staff. I intend to do my absolute best to ensure that we don't lose a single soul this year, so I ask for your full cooperation."
The student who spoke with such a dignified air was a tall young woman. With her short hair and the male Academy uniform she wore—likely by her own preference—Isis Calvert was a striking figure.
A powerhouse within the Academy, she served as the leader of the Executive Committee. Despite still being a student, she had already secured a tentative appointment as a Court Mage. Her gallant features and commanding presence made her the type to be admired more by other girls than by boys; in fact, she was popular enough to have her own fan club on campus.
Rest had introduced himself to her when he first joined the committee, and while they weren't close, they had exchanged words on several occasions.
"I know this is the first festival for our first-year members, but I must urge you not to push yourselves too hard. Statistically, one member of the rescue staff dies every three years. I want you to treat this not as an exercise, but as a live battlefield. If any of you wish to withdraw now, you are free to do so. However, that will mean resigning from the Executive Committee."
A brief tension rippled through the conference room, yet no one seemed truly intimidated. Everyone on the Executive Committee had prior experience facing monsters. None of them were the type to turn tail and run at this stage.
"Very well. Then let's move on to the specific assignments. Please turn to page five of your documents."
The meeting continued as they went over placements and emergency protocols, finally wrapping up as the sun began to set.
A week later, just as planned, the Monster Hunting Festival began.