Chapter 211 – My Little Classroom (3)

I’m actually going through an existential crisis.

Supporting Leon van Reinhardt’s growth—the Hero candidate—it sounds nice to say “support,” but it’s really just babysitting.

At first, I dreamed that the Hero would save the world while I enjoyed a peaceful life in the shadows. But at this point, things have changed.

They’ve changed too much.

Back then, I had nothing in this grand narrative. All I had was a whole body with arms and legs, a Blessing that nullified pain, and another that tore my body apart whenever I activated it. That was it.

But now I’ve inherited the title of Sword Master—the strongest human. In other words, I’m implicitly already considered the strongest.

Yeah. I fought two Corps Commanders and took down two S-class demons. From the outside, I must look like an unstoppable monster. Even if it was outside Demon Territory and they were weakened, it’s still an absurd achievement.

‘That’s why no one complains about a seventeen-year-old getting a Seven Stars title.’

But what if they knew I’m only the strongest for one minute? Would they still idolize me?

Highly doubtful.

People trust steady power more than fleeting bursts. A sprinter might seem impressive, but they’re useless in a marathon. In a drawn-out war, endurance is everything.

‘Not the best analogy, but let’s say Leon—the Hero candidate—is the endurance horse.’

Anyway. No matter how much I try, I doubt I’ll ever surpass my time limit. The Pain Immunity Blessing barely improves, and I confirmed that after watching my master fight Lycan.

The old man was powerful even without the Blessing of the Sword God. And even he had to sacrifice his left arm to use it. It’s a power that breaks limits momentarily—but it can’t be sustained. That’s the fatal weakness of that Blessing.

That’s why Leon’s role is so important. I was born a supporting character, but Leon carries the fate of the protagonist. He has a Blessing that embodies the very purpose of this world the Blessing of the Miracle.

But that alone isn’t enough. He needs support, context, and secondary elements. Like my Transfer Blessing, which I got from the buffalo dungeon.

‘That was all originally meant for Leon. I took a lot from him without even realizing it.’

…Come to think of it, I really did take a lot. The exhaustion I felt about having to support him now turned into guilt.

‘Since I’m doing it, I might as well do it right.’

Still, I don’t intend to help blindly. A hothouse flower won’t survive a storm.

I need to create an environment where Leon can grow on his own. That’s the main goal of my special class.

Though that’s not the only objective. I also want it to be a space to enjoy student life.

“Well, that’s it for today. You all know the assignment’s due tomorrow, right? Hand it in to the assistant. And…”

Lost in thought, I didn’t notice how much time had passed. I packed my materials into my bag and stood up. Ryozo, who sat next to me, looked up with wide eyes.

“Huh? Do you have a date or something? What’s the rush?”

“I need to stop by the forge. I had a weapon made.”

I left out the fact that I’d be visiting Choi Seol-ah’s house afterward. Saying I was visiting an adult instructor’s home just didn’t sound right.

Plus, explaining our relationship would take too many words. Someday I’ll explain it—but not now.

“Hmm.”

Ryozo narrowed her eyes. She looked at me suspiciously, then nodded like she understood—though she didn’t seem convinced. She rested her chin on the desk and pouted slightly.

“Well, you’d better get moving. They’ll probably mob you again. Go on, shoo.”

“Thanks. Oh, and hey—could you gather the club tomorrow? There’s something I want to talk about. I’ll explain it then.”

“Sure. If the Heavenly Sword commands it, so it shall be~!”

Ryozo shrugged jokingly. She waved me off and added.

“Hey, are you going to do the homework the teacher assigned? It’s a big part of the final grade. Though come to think of it, maybe you don’t need it. I mean, we study to become heroes, and you’re already a Seven Stars.”

Classic Ryozo. She caught the same irony I felt a few hours ago.

It’s understandable why people don’t get why a Seven Stars member should do homework.

Even the teacher probably wouldn’t say anything if I didn’t turn it in. He might not even expect it from me.

‘Imagine having to grade it. The pressure.’

But I chose to stay at Joaquin Academy. And that includes fulfilling my duties as a student. So I answered.

“Whether I’m one of the Seven Stars or not, I’m still a student. So yeah—I’ll do it.”

Ryozo’s slightly grumpy face softened.

“…You really are consistent. That’s why I li—”

“—You what?”

Ryozo flinched and swallowed the rest of her words. She waved her hands frantically.

“S-something like that! Go, before the place fills up again!”

And like that, I was kicked out of the classroom. I could already hear the avalanche of footsteps in the hallway. I slipped out quickly and pulled out my phone.

“Hey, Vixbig.”

[…]

“Can you help me find some info for the assignment? I’ll write it up myself.”

[And what was that speech to Ryozo about? That students have to do their own homework, blah blah.]

“This counts as doing it. You know I barely have time to breathe. I’m just asking you to prep the materials.”

[And what about AI labor rights? I want rest too! I demand labor laws be respected!]

“If you want to rest, just say so.”

Shing.

[W-wait! A Seven Stars member shouldn’t solve everything with violence! Set an example, be the role model of a true hero! This isn’t proper behavior!]

“I know.”

I tucked the phone into my pocket. It tangled with the sashimi knife. Vixbig shrieked from inside.

“Still, at least I plan to turn it in. Isn’t that better than nothing?”

[…]

It sighed from my pocket. Then replied.

[You’ll have it by 8:00 PM. It’ll be delivered as soon as my shift ends…]

***

At that hour, in the principal’s office.

The tip of Media’s pen danced briskly. With her other hand, she reached for the towering pile of documents stacked on the desk.

Sign, slide away. Sign, slide away… The hardened calluses between her index and middle fingers were proof of her administrative prowess.

Creak.

The office door opened gently. Without looking up from her papers, Media spoke.

“Old man, could you knock before coming in?”

“You seemed focused, so I didn’t want to interrupt. If I did, I’ll come back later.”

The Sword Master reached for the doorknob again. Media sighed and set her pen down, tucking her hair behind her ear.

“Forget it. When do I ever have free time? Sit down. I’m almost done, and I’ve got something to tell you.”

The Sword Master nodded and sat on a sofa. Media stretched with a yawn and dropped onto the couch across from him, crossing her legs.

“So, how’s the portal to Gehenna? I heard from the Hero Association’s director that there was a rupture. But since you went in person, what did you see?”

“Something definitely happened. I saw a crack that wasn’t there forty years ago. It wasn’t big, but it clearly left a trace.”

“Was that wound in the portal from ‘our side’ or the ‘other side’?”

“Our side” referred to the human world. “The other side,” the Demon Realm of Gehenna.

The Sword Master’s expression hardened as he replied.

“It wasn’t from here. I’d bet they did something from Gehenna’s side.”

Media pressed her eyelids with her fingers.

“Haah… what a damn nightmare. Not even when the Sixth Corps Commander wreaked havoc did the portal flinch, and now it does?”

“I can’t say for certain, but if the portal started glitching right after Basmon crossed without issue, there’s only one conclusion.”

The Sword Master moved his lips and explained.

“The Fourth Corps Commander, Fermush, or the Second, Kuarne. One of them is trying to cross personally. That’s how I see it.”

“You do realize what that means, right?”

“I know.”

War.

Media’s mind clouded. The dizziness she’d felt earlier from paperwork returned, heavier this time. She cursed—a rare thing for her.

“What fucked-up timing. Just when Geom-Ma becomes one of the Seven Stars, this happens.”

“I had a hunch something would follow the announcement of the elimination of the Fifth and Third Corps Commanders…”

“The problem is how fast it happened. Like they’d planned it from the start.”

“I’ll keep monitoring the site myself. If anything happens, I’ll report it immediately.”

“Don’t report to me—report to that gorilla, Changseong! Technically, this is the Hero Association’s responsibility. Yes, it’s a matter of humanity’s survival, but I’ve got my own job to do.”

Media snapped. The Sword Master awkwardly averted his eyes to avoid her sharp glare.

“Media, you know things between Mura and me… aren’t easy.”

Media shouted like she was pinning him to the wall.

“Isn’t it about time you patched things up with that gorilla? You’re in your seventies already! How much longer are you two going to grumble like kids? And you’re the one always avoiding him!”

“……”

“Grow up, will you? Do I have to give relationship counseling to two old men with white hair?”

“I got it.”

Only after getting a response did Media relax her gaze. The Sword Master took the opportunity to bring up another topic.

“Oh, by the way, how’s the ‘special class’ thing going? Did Geom-Ma accept?”

“Yes. He liked the idea more than I expected.”

“That’s a relief.”

“I heard he plans to build the group around that Leon kid… Yeah. Says that having the Hero candidate close by will motivate him.”

“Hooh… So even as one of the Seven Stars, Geom-Ma still has a competitive spirit. That’s good. Growth should never stop.”

The Sword Master smiled in satisfaction and spoke again.

“Leon van Reinhardt. It was the previous principal, Meain Poison, who found and brought him in, right?”

“Yes. He arrived shortly after the semester started. That day he handed me a letter without saying a word. Turned out it was from my sister. It only said one thing, ‘I’ve found the Hero candidate.’ I almost laughed.”

Media chuckled in disbelief. The Sword Master nodded silently.

“Very typical of Meain.”

“Totally. Always so impulsive. I wonder where she is now. I haven’t seen her in over a decade.”

“If it’s her, she’ll be fine. Isn’t she known as the strongest of all the past principals? If she shows up again, it’ll mean something big’s coming.”

“Exactly. Let’s hope she stays quiet. Not even when the Sixth Corps Commander appeared did she show her face. I remember we even argued about it, ugh.”

“……”

The Sword Master shivered, recalling a past scene.

When the Poison sisters fought, it was said several islands vanished from the map.

***

“…Eo-ja Hadeumi Saekoya?”

Horn’s eyes narrowed, round and alert. Her speech was distorted—she had a chunk of premium hanwoo beef in her mouth. Choi Seol-ah, wearing an apron, immediately scolded her.

“Hey, long-ears! Didn’t I tell you to speak after you swallow? You’re gonna act like this in front of the Lord?”

Horn glanced sideways at Choi Seol-ah. She chewed energetically and swallowed the meat with a soft gulp.

“Excuse me, Lady Boradori. This isn’t hanwoo grade 2++, is it? Could it be 1+? The meat’s a bit tough today.”

“You’ve got a picky mouth for a long-ears! That piece alone cost over fifty thousand won!”

“Seems like you’re forgetting something. You and I have a ‘contractual’ relationship. Don’t you think I’m entitled to demand proper 2++ grade beef?”

“Y-you little…!”

Enraged, Choi Seol-ah ran over to me with tears in her eyes.

“My Lord! Please do something about this long-ears! She’s a hanwoo vacuum! Just this month, she’s eaten enough beef to fill several trucks. She’s a true cattle exterminator!”

“……”

I ignored her plea. After all, it was a contract between them. No point in interfering.

I calmly turned Seol-ah’s pleading face away and looked at Horn. I spoke directly.

“There’s going to be a special class opening at the academy due to an unexpected opportunity. I’m free to choose the members, and I thought you might join.”

Horn was speechless. Her lips trembled.

“B-but… I’m not even a student at the academy.”

“I can talk to the principal and get you admitted as a special student, like I was. I’m sure she’ll approve. I can even write the recommendation.”

“That’s great, but… I’m a demon, not a human…”

“I doubt anyone at the academy will notice. Only other demons can sense their own, right?”

“Ah, yes, yes. We usually sense it through magical resonance.”

“Perfect, then. Oh, wait—I haven’t asked you this yet. Horn, do you want to join the special class?”

She hesitated for a moment, then nodded shyly.

“…Yes. Honestly, being cooped up here is boring. And I’m curious about how human education works.”

Her eyes sparkled with excitement. She looked directly at me.

“I-if I get the chance, I’d love to attend!”

I smiled calmly.

“Then it’s settled. All that’s left is your appearance.”

My gaze went straight to her ears, and Horn responded immediately.

“If it’s that, I can use polymorph magic to hide them! I can’t fully transform my body while in the human world, but I can change my ears.”

“Can you show me right now?”

“Yes!”

Horn activated her magic immediately. A silver mist enveloped her ears, and their pointy shape gradually receded.

In a matter of seconds, Horn looked like a perfect human girl. Pretty enough to turn heads. She shrugged proudly.

“How’s that? Perfect, right?”

I gave her a thumbs-up.

“Approved.”