Chapter 15: 15. Strong Foe [1]

15 Strong Foe [1]

A few days later, Adelio assumed the role of supervisor for the group embarking on a demon hunt near the outskirts of a demon stronghold. Seven designated locations had been assigned for students to engage in their hunts.

As the first demon expedition unfolded, it revealed not only the demons' presence but also unveiled some hidden information Adelio had acquired through extensive research. Surprisingly, he had managed to access exclusive knowledge about the demons not available to the general public.

Demons had been discreetly establishing their settlements within the human realm, utilizing various environments such as caves, dungeons, tree roots, and open plains. Their primary requirement was a dense mana source to facilitate their growth and cultivation.

Presently, Adelio kept a vigilant eye on a specific group of students.

"Jin, I believe we should return. We haven't encountered any Barons, and it seems unlikely we will find any on the outskirts. This unsettling sensation is making me uncomfortable," expressed a tall and muscular boy with golden-brown hair and hazel eyes. He clutched a staff in his hand and knelt down to examine something.

"Hmm, I agree, Jin. This place is fruitless. We haven't even encountered a single monster here, as if someone has already eradicated them from the vicinity," chimed in a woman resembling a knight. Her ample bosom was snugly encased in her chest plate, and her well-toned thighs and buttocks were testament to her rigorous training. As she conversed with the others, she brushed her long pink hair behind her ear, her golden eyes glimmering with the thought of hunting down this mysterious individual who had stolen their prey.

"There are signs of a skirmish and blood spilled here and there. Who could it be? Doesn't this person realize we are here?" scoffed another girl with short brown hair. Clad in white and golden robes, she bore a resemblance to the tall boy from before, and her disdainful tone reflected her annoyance.

"I hope it isn't that wretched Kevin," she continued her rant, her frustration apparent.

"Tsk," clicked Jin, a blonde boy with light green eyes and a handsome countenance, while gripping his daggers and dressed in noble attire.

Suddenly, everyone in the group turned their attention towards the brown-haired beauty, prompting her to place her hands over her mouth in a apologetic gesture.

The group comprised a total of eight individuals: five girls and three boys. Jin and Thomas were the only boys present, while Anna, the girl with pink hair, and Lisa, the brown-haired girl, were among the group.

These four individuals stood out as the top prodigies of the royal academy, while the other four girls were mere placeholders and tasked with menial duties. They were daughters from noble families who were scheming to court Jin and Thomas by any means necessary.

Jin, a noble with remarkable talent and a diligent work ethic, did not share Lisa's disdain for commoners. He had always strived to impress his family and achieved success, which made him complacent. It wasn't until Kevin defeated him that he snapped out of his stupor. Even Amaya lost interest in Jin once he was bested by a commoner. This turn of events compelled Jin to work harder and regain his standing, or so the story was meant to unfold. However, he began placing blame on external factors—the situation, the people, and most importantly, Kevin. Despite being second only to Kevin in all aspects, Jin couldn't accept his position as "Second" rather than "First." He felt inferior to Kevin.

This inflated his ego, driving him to prove to the world how superior he was compared to Kevin. And now, he saw this moment as his opportunity. Jin aimed to collect as many demon cores as possible to showcase his greatness to the entire academy.

"You shouldn't have said that!" Thomas reprimanded his sister using their twin telepathy.

"Sorry!" Lisa replied, wearing an apologetic expression. However, if one observed closely, a mischievous smirk played upon her seductive and luscious pink lips. She desired to instigate a conflict between Kevin and Jin, relishing the spectacle from the front row.

Adelio watched the scene unfold with an amused expression. He hadn't anticipated Jin's deep hatred for Kevin, his favorite student. Yet, it wasn't his place to intervene. Adelio would observe, offer warnings if necessary, and, if needed, deliver punishment should they deviate from the assigned area.

"I should just raid that stronghold," Adelio contemplated, but quickly shook his head. He had once battled a demon viscount and knew firsthand the immense strength possessed by those demons. "I should have brought the headmistress and Sir High Priest with me," he sighed. Initially, upon learning about the demon stronghold, he had wanted to share the information with his most trusted allies.

"So, what's our plan, Jin?" Anna inquired.

"I refuse to lag behind some worthless commoner!" Lisa retorted.

Thomas remained neutral.

"...," Jin pondered for a moment.

"Fine... we'll forge ahead. We possess enough strength to triumph and slaughter those wretched bastards," Jin declared. He was an assassin, Thomas a magic swordsman, Anna functioned as the tank, and Lisa assumed the role of a priestess. The remaining four girls were not to be underestimated either; two were attackers, and the other two served as defenders.

All of them had reached the peak of the second circle, and if they managed to hunt down high-ranking monsters or demons, there was a chance they could break through to the third circle.

"I will show that Kevin!" Jin thought to himself and gave orders for everyone to prepare. His determination sparked excitement among the group.

"This is going to be interesting," one of them remarked.

"What a pain," another groaned.

"This is bad..." Lisa, Anna, and Thomas each had their own concerns.

Thomas and Anna, being particularly observant, had reservations about Jin's recklessness. They disliked how he was jeopardizing their lives to satisfy his petty ego. However, they were bound by duty. Thomas, in particular, had been assigned by his family to protect this young master.

"Lisa, if anything goes wrong, contact Sir Adelio as quickly as possible," Thomas instructed. As a priestess, Lisa was the most efficient at reaching out to Adelio for assistance.

"Don't worry~. I will do that~," Lisa replied, seemingly unconcerned. Thomas frowned at her casual response, but there was little he could do.

Undeterred, they pressed on with their journey, unaware that Adelio was closely monitoring their actions. He refrained from intervening, as he wanted these young individuals to learn the consequences of breaking the rules. In the future, they would have to face the repercussions of their choices on their own.

Meanwhile, deep within the jungle, a hoarse voice spoke, alerting the others of a group of approaching humans.

"A simultaneous attack on three strongholds, huh?" another voice pondered.

"We should have been more cautious. What do we do now?" a seductive and mature feminine voice questioned.

"Where are the most humans?" the first voice asked, seeking information.

The informant gulped nervously, overwhelmed by the barrage of questions he had to answer.

"Her Majesty Matriarch, we have a large number of lowly servants. If we all attack these measly humans at once, we can overwhelm them," a demon who appeared to be a strategist proposed.

"Hmm," the demoness pondered momentarily. Decision-making was not typically her forte, but she had to step up to prove her worth to her clan. As the matriarch of the sub-branch of the Lust clan, she had emerged victorious in a fierce battle for the position following the death of the previous matriarch and patriarch. This same demoness had cursed Logan before succumbing to her own curse, and she had fought others to claim her current position. She had even slain the previous patriarch after the battle.

"Fine... do as you see fit, but ensure they do not come near the dungeon," the demoness instructed. The dungeon in question was located close to Selva village.

…

"Finally, we've arrived!" I exclaimed, releasing a sigh of relief.

***

[Author's Note: As promised, I will now provide you with some small details that you might have missed in the previous chapter. Moving forward, I will make sure to address these points as they occur in the story.

Michael no longer refers to Kevin as 'Host'. This change signifies a shift in their relationship and how they interact with each other.

Kevin's behavior is undergoing a transformation as his comprehension of the system continues to increase. This growth is reflected in his actions and choices throughout the story.

Michael now addresses himself as 'Michael' since he is the embodiment of justice and holds the title of the King of Justice. This change highlights his role and significance in the narrative.]