Invincible
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#79
🕑 Added 2024-08-26 15:23:34 +0000 UTCThe Banquet
"Hmm, is it already time for the freshmen to go to the dungeon? Time sure flies."
Arkandric's low muttering made Rockefeller smile slightly. Hersel Ben Tenest was sure to get the worst score in the upcoming dungeon test.
"By the way, Rockefeller. What's with that sculpture over there?"
The principal pointed out the window. Turning his head, Rockefeller frowned.
There were unfamiliar ice sculptures erected next to the statue of the founder in front of the fortress. One of them looked like Hersel, daring to put his hand on the founder's shoulder, while another seemed to depict Emeric, crushed underfoot.
"How dare they place such things in plain sight where professors can see them? And from the principal's office, no less! This makes me doubt your capabilities as an educator."
"I’ll remove them immediately."
This was a major incident. However, it was already too late. Arkandric frowned and unleashed a tirade of complaints.
"In my younger days..."
Arkandric's grumbling stabbed at Rockefeller's ears incessantly.
"This is an issue of educational authority. With this kind of behavior, will students respect their professors? It seems you've forgotten the basics of being an educator..."
It felt like his mind was going blank. It would probably end around sunset since he had just started.
'This is all because of Hersel Ben Tenest. That damned kid...'
It felt like he was going to have a nervous breakdown again.
"Are you listening properly?"
"Yes, sir."
Rockefeller wanted to kill Hersel. He probably would feel this way for the rest of his life.
***
The lobby of Schlaphe Hall was noisy as usual.
"Wow, you really went through a lot. How did none of you die?"
"Right? Normally, at least five people don't come back."
The seniors were holding a celebration for the freshmen who had returned alive from the dungeon practice.
It was an unusual event, but it seemed the recent slave revolution and newfound unity had fostered a sense of camaraderie. However, there was no food, and the drinks were all water.
"It’s all thanks to Ricks. When the Sentinels appeared, I thought we were goners, but we managed to take them down by working together."
A female student spoke, and a nearby male student approached sheepishly.
"Well, it was pretty impressive."
Judging by the glares from the Lethe group, he seemed to be one of their members. Most of them had taken the third test, but a few hadn't even made it that far.
"Don't talk to them, come here."
When they gave him a look, the man left the girl reluctantly. She also looked disappointed.
It seemed they had grown close during the dungeon practice.
"Instead of studying, they’re destined to stay in Schlaphe Hall. Tsk tsk."
Clicking my tongue at their pitiful behavior, Limberton began spouting nonsense.
"...Melphin is out of reach."
"What?"
"I don't mess with women who are already taken. That’s my rule."
Limberton's expression was as if he had just been dumped by a lover.
"Anyone would think you were dating her."
"Ugh."
"Poor guy, he’s just jealous."
Limberton’s shoulders shook. Considering his earnest efforts last time, I decided to offer some friendly advice.
'He came to the academy just to get a girlfriend, so it’s kind of sad.'
"Limberton."
"What?"
"Maybe you're trying too hard. Try thinking of women as prey. Stay still and one or two might approach you."
Limberton pondered deeply and murmured.
"That sounds good. Maybe I need to change my approach. If a guy who always hits on girls suddenly shuts up, it might make them curious."
Simpleton.
At least it would be quieter now.
While Aslay, who had been listening, yawned, the main players of the dungeon practice showed up.
Ricks and his group appeared, their hair still wet from a recent shower.
The seniors seemed to like them and approached them eagerly.
"I know it’s a bit late, but I’m sorry about before."
Ah, he was the guy who hid on the stairs during the defense. Ricks had asked for his help, but he had coldly refused.
Ricks remembered him and responded.
"It’s all in the past. Ironically, thanks to that, I made a good friend."
Ricks looked at me in an unsettling way.
Come to think of it, he was one of the reasons I almost ended up in a terrible situation with Bidon. Instinctively, I felt I should keep my distance.
"You guys are really strong. Challenging senior Makdal like that, it seems it really had an effect."
"We still have a long way to go."
The spotlight was on them.
Curiously, Gravel Klabe wasn’t getting much attention...
Anyway, since I was here for the celebration, I decided it was time to leave.
At that moment, someone tapped a glass with a spoon.
It was Athera.
"Attention. Makdal has something to say to you all, so let’s give him some space."
Makdal awkwardly scratched his head and stood in the center.
"Well, I’m not sure how to say this... but I’m sorry."
He looked at the ceiling, then bowed his head.
"Being isolated made me realize how hated I was. It made me think a lot, and I’ve reflected on my actions. I'm not asking for forgiveness, but I felt it was right to apologize."
He tried to sound calm, but his voice wavered a bit.
Maybe because of his recent positive image, Ricks helped him stand up.
"It’s all in the past. I’m sure everyone has already forgiven you."
"Speaking formally makes me uncomfortable."
"I apologize for my previous rudeness, Makdal. And thank you. I learned a lot from your guidance."
This unexpected scene made me shake my head.
I guess I can really leave now.
"Oh, and since we didn’t properly celebrate our victory due to the dungeon practice, how about we do that now, Athera?"
"Good idea. Alright, let’s gather all the contributors."
As I tried to ignore it and leave, people started blocking my path.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"You can’t leave, man."
In the end, I was pushed to the center of the lobby by their insistence.
Next to me were Limberton, Aslay, and Makdal.
Athera looked at Ricks.
"You guys should come too."
"No, it’s fine. We’ve already received enough attention."
Ricks’s group exchanged glances and smiled, nodding.
"If you say so."
Athera pointed at Limberton.
"This short guy played a big role, didn’t he? He hit targets from a distance with arrows, and every time the enemies fell, I was amazed."
People started murmuring in agreement.
"True."
"I thought he was just an idiot, but he’s got some skills."
"Combining arrows with magic, who knew it would work like that?"
Even the women were interested.
Limberton seemed to be holding back a grin, taking my earlier advice to heart.
"Aslay needs no introduction. Who would have thought he could single-handedly block their reinforcements in front of that thick iron door?"
People cheered loudly.
Aslay raised his fist and shouted in a booming voice.
"Aleho!"
People echoed.
"Aleho!"
"Aleho!"
Some listeners looked puzzled.
"What does that mean? Ale? Aleho?"
"Haven't you heard? It's the language of Aslay’s hometown. It means 'blessings.'"
"Oh, that’s nice."
Apparently, Aslay’s popularity had grown significantly.
Indeed, his exotic appeal had drawn the attention of many, regardless of gender.
"Then next is Makdal?"
"No need, Athera. It feels awkward to speak right after an apology."
"Really? Then lastly..."
Athera pointed at me.
I prayed it would end quickly, but this damned woman started spewing unnecessary words.
"Hersel has done a lot for Schlaphe Hall. You all know he joined us even after passing the third test."
Athera added more unnecessary explanations.
"Honestly, he could have gone to Adelle Hall right away, so why did he come here?"
Encouraging responses, many people chimed in.
"To check out the bottom, of course!"
"Yeah. He cleaned up the troublemakers and even declared war on the Buerger Hall guys, didn’t he?"
"Hey, Hersel! You’re staying with us, right?"
Pleased with the response, Athera smirked.
I whispered in her ear.
"Senior. If you think I’m someone who gets swayed by mere atmosphere, you’re mistaken."
"What?"
While Athera was dumbfounded, I shouted to the Schlaphe Hall residents with 'Noble Flame of Blood' blazing in my eyes.
"Let me make it clear. I’m going to Adelle Hall, you worms."
These people were nothing but passing acquaintances. Cutting ties with these maggots was the way to secure my future.
Still, out of some affection, I might use them for menial tasks if I went to Adelle Hall.
"Why the long faces? Follow if you want."
Of course, they couldn't follow.
Smirking, I presented an unreachable goal.
But their reaction was strange.
"Indeed, Hersel, you..."
"Are you planning to conquer Adelle Hall too?"
"He's serious."
Things were going wrong.
I hurriedly tried to finish my sentence.
"Of course, you can’t..."
"Hersel is sincere!"
Ricks cut me off loudly.
"The prevalent culture of discrimination in this academy. We understand differences in rewards based on dormitories, but actions of disdain and contempt should never be taken lightly. That’s why we need to clearly convey our message to those at the top of Adelle Hall. Right, Hersel?"
This crazy bastard.
"Even if you maggots were to die and come back to life—"
"Of course, as Hersel said, it wouldn’t be enough even if we died and came back. The harsh reality is that only those with power are heard. To convey our message, we must strive to strengthen ourselves with all our might."
Ricks's fabricated speech received applause from the crowd.
I felt my mind go numb at the disaster unfolding before me.
'What is happening?'
- Intentional or not, Hersel, you’ve achieved a lot. In their eyes, you’re a hero. In this atmosphere, even if you curse them, they’ll cheer.
'But still, does this make any sense?'
- When people form a crowd, their intelligence diminishes. Nothing is scarier than mob mentality led by a foolish leader.
At Donatan's words, I shook my head.
'No, these guys have no intelligence left to diminish.'
Resolutely, I decided to escape this madhouse as soon as possible.
***
On a terrace, a man leaned against the railing, listening to a woman's voice.
"Recently, the slaves of Schlaphe Hall have been shouting about overthrowing Adelle Hall."
"Really?"
"The dungeon practice will start soon, and I’m worried. This year's freshmen are said to be capable, and there’s Hersel, a wildcard. We might get stained with a blemish."
Adelle Hall always took the top spots in the tests.
It had always been so, a tradition tied to their pride.
Getting lower scores than the Buerger Hall or Schlaphe Hall would be a lifelong disgrace.
"We need to raise awareness."
The man, who had been merely listening, stood up from the railing and spoke to the woman.
"Gather all the freshmen in the lobby."
Bernthal, the representative of Adelle Hall, one of the top ten, began to move.
