Chapter 21 – First Battle

In just a single evening, rumors that Asher Griffin had betrayed Jullius Griffin for Kale Derick spread like wildfire throughout the Academy.

Tsk. It sounded like some scandalous high-society love triangle.

For the next three days, Jullius refused to even spare me a glance. I wasn’t entirely sure if this turn of events was a blessing or a curse, but since the die was cast, I could only adapt on the fly.

Overnight, I had been dragged from my role as Jullius’s invisible shadow into the harsh glare of the sun. Everywhere I went, people whispered and pointed. I’m not exactly complaining; it’s just a bit of an adjustment.

However, this “drama” didn’t last long before it was buried by a far more significant event: the Church issued the first official mobilization order for the Hero candidates.

Marbour had always been the first territory to fall under siege whenever the Demon King awakened. It sat right on the edge of the Black Forest – the border between Averula and the Demon King’s domain.

Averula had once attempted to build a Great Wall spanning the entire frontier, but due to the sheer distance, the project proved nearly impossible to complete. Fortunately, the northwest and northeast of Averula were flanked by two massive mountain ranges, which served as natural barriers against the monster hordes.

The first battle is always a important experience for any Hero candidate; thus, tradition dictated that every single one of them must attend. Historically, a full-scale invasion rarely occurred within the first month of the Awakening Day, yet this time, barely half a month had passed. This anomaly left everyone deeply unsettled.

The previously relaxed atmosphere of the Academy suddenly turned somber, as taut as a bowstring. The candidates, who until now had only tasted the glory of their titles, finally began to feel the crushing weight of their responsibilities.

The summons clearly stated that in three days’ time, the candidates were to gather at the Cathedral to use the teleportation gate to Marbour.

If we still have three days, then surely the attack isn’t too critical yet, people told themselves, seeking comfort in the delay.

These days, the candidates were being put through intensive briefings on various types of magical beasts and how to counter them. While this material had always been part of the Academy’s curriculum, it was the first time the candidates realized just how much they had neglected it.

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At first, I found this “once every fifty years” setting rather cruel.

Fifty years is a long time; long enough for people to grow accustomed to peace and forget the sheer brutality of magical beasts. These Heroes were all born in an era of tranquility, yet in such a short span, they were being forced to adapt to slaughter. It was obvious they would struggle to be ready.

But then I reminded myself, was Earth any different? War still breaks out even during the most peaceful hours, when no one is prepared for it. Those sent to the front lines are often just youths who don’t yet understand how the world truly works.

Certain things are inevitable, and most of the time, humanity is just looking for a way to survive a little longer.