Chapter 333: Cultist Resto



The academy’s commercial district was as vibrant as ever, its streets bustling with life and enthusiasm.

Rows of shops, restaurants, bars, hotels, and countless other establishments lined the walkways, creating a self-contained metropolis within the academy’s walls.

It was a place where students could relax, merchants could thrive, and adventurers could find work-it had everything one could need, and yet, no matter how many times you saw it, the sheer scale of it never ceased to be overwhelming.

Designed not just for students but also for merchants, hired mercenaries, adventurers, and even the academy’s staff, the district was a melting pot of different walks of life.

The hum of conversation, the clinking of coins, and the occasional distant sound of magical experiments from alchemical shops filled the air, giving the place its own unique rhythm.

However, ever since the former student council president Dorothy’s rampage, the academy’s security had tightened significantly.

The number of officials patrolling each district had doubled, their presence evident on nearly every street corner.

It was meant to be a safety precaution-a deterrent against crimes and external threats-but ironically, this very system had become the reason why the demonic cultists were able to infiltrate the academy unnoticed.

The principal, no doubt, wanted to preserve the academy’s reputation and maintain control over its massive student body, but with such an influx of people, it should have been an obvious red flag that something was wrong.

The increased security wasn’t fixing the real problem-it was just masking it.

And at the center of this issue was Professor Heinrich of the alchemy department-a mini- boss in the upcoming arc.

While his role was largely tied to the Saintess’ storyline, I was fairly certain I wouldn’t have to deal with him myself. At least, not yet.

“I thought you wanted to make it up to me…”

“I do, though?”

“Then why is she here!?”

Reina’s voice was a harsh whisper, but the sheer intensity of her frustration made it feel more like a scream directly into my ear.

Her narrowed eyes darted to my left, filled with a mix of annoyance and utter bewilderment.

And, well… I couldn’t really blame her.

After all, Seo was holding my hand.

Not just holding it-our fingers were interlocked.

Yeah. That wasn’t new for most students around who already knew my weird relationship with Seo but for Reina it was anything but suspicious.

Considering how I usually acted around Seo, this was probably the first time Reina had ever seen me like this with her-close enough to send the wrong message.

Then again, our relationship was already unusual to begin with. I was sure Reina had long suspected that Seo and I weren’t exactly just “normal” friends.

Because, let’s be real-nothing Seo did in our relationship really lined up with how friends typically acted.

Reina’s wide, piercing gaze was practically screaming accusations at me. It was the kind of look that said, “Are you cheating on Liyana!?”

And, well… in a sense, I kind of was.

I could already imagine Reina mentally preparing a lecture about how Liyana was too good for me, how she trusted me, how Seo wasn’t even supposed to be in the picture like this.

But what was I supposed to do?

Seo wouldn’t let go.

Even earlier, when I tried to say goodbye, she clung to me like a lost child.

The moment I so much as shifted away, her teary-eyed expression would worsen-like I was abandoning her right in front of everyone.

…I know I shouldn’t indulge her too much.

But it’s been a while since we’ve been this close together, and just this once, a little

indulgence here and there shouldn’t be much of a problem… I hope.

Still, I couldn’t ignore the increasingly irritated presence at my side.

Reina was still silently grumbling, her expression a mix of disbelief and barely restrained frustration.

“Seo just wanted to join, that’s all,” I finally said, hoping to diffuse the tension. “Besides, this is a rare opportunity even for you, right?”

I glanced at Seo, who remained completely unfazed by the situation, her grip on my hand never loosening.

From what I could tell, she probably hadn’t spoken to anyone else while I was away.

Seo wasn’t exactly the social type to begin with, and with how emotionally dependent she was on me, it wasn’t hard to imagine that she’d spent most of her time alone.

As for Reina… well, she admired strong swordmasters.

That much was obvious.

She might have been acting annoyed, but I knew for a fact that someone like Seo-who was literally the sword genius among the second years-was exactly the type of person she’d want to talk to, even if she refused to admit it.

“I don’t actually have a problem with Senior Seo joining,” Reina finally muttered. “Actually, I’m glad she’s here. Since I’m still annoyed at that annoying, ugly-looking face of yours-“

I blinked. “Okay, I get the annoying part, but ugly? That’s a bit much, don’t you think? We basically have the same face, you know?”

Reina clicked her tongue in irritation. “Our faces aren’t the same. I’m prettier. You’re… well, you’re you.” She crossed her arms, her blue eyes narrowing as she aggressively ignored my smirk. “Ah-just why are you doing that?! Don’t change the topic!”

She huffed, then shot another sharp glare at my hand. More specifically, at Seo’s fingers still

tightly interlocked with mine.

“That! That is the problem!”

I barely resisted the urge to sigh. “Reina-“

“You do realize Sister Liyana can be a bit… crazy, right?” she cut me off, her tone now carrying

the unmistakable weight of genuine concern.

“I know… and don’t worry, my relationship with Seo isn’t like that.”

‘Well… not yet at least, but she doesn’t really need to know that right now.’

I glanced at Seo, who remained as composed as ever, still holding my hand as if it were the

most natural thing in the world.

“She’s just… well, Seo. She’s a bit of a klutz when it comes to social norms. I’m sure you noticed that firsthand when you first met her, right?”

“That’s…”

Reina faltered, clearly recalling the memory. She couldn’t exactly argue against it.

When they first met, Seo had outright asked her to become her sister-without a hint of

hesitation.

Not only that, but she had treated Reina with an unusual level of familiarity, as if they had known each other for years rather than minutes.

Given how Seo spoke during their brief girl talk back then, Reina must’ve realized how much of a hidden introvert she really was… if you could even call her that.

Seo’s social approach was unconventional, to say the least.

She acted cold and distant toward most people, yet the moment she decided someone was important to her, she clung to them without a second thought.

It wasn’t an act of desperation, but more like an instinct she had no intention of correcting.

“Am I a bother?”

Seo suddenly spoke up, tilting her head slightly toward Reina. Her crimson eyes blinked innocently, but there was a quiet sharpness beneath them, as if gauging the reaction she was

about to receive.

I guess she overheard with how loud Reina got.

“N-No! N-not at all, Senior! I was just surprised, that’s all!” Reina stammered, waving her hands in front of her in a panic. “I d-definitely d-don’t find your relationship with my b- brother suspicious or anything! As a matter of fact, I don’t even care! A-hahaha…”

Despite her frantic attempt to play it off, her narrowed gaze darted toward me, still filled with

suspicion.

Yeah… she definitely wasn’t convinced.

“I see…”

Seo’s voice carried a hint of disappointment, her crimson eyes flickering with something close

to dejection.

Though subtle, it was enough to make Reina flinch, her shoulders tensing as she quickly

turned to me, silently pleading for help.

I simply smiled at her. That was, apparently, the wrong move.

The veins on Reina’s forehead twitched, her blue eyes narrowing in growing irritation. Her expression was practically screaming, Are you seriously just going to stand there and watch!? And before I could react, she jabbed her elbow into my side-not hard enough to actually hurt, but firm enough to make her frustration clear.

“Hmph.” Letting out an exaggerated huff, Reina turned back toward Seo, brushing her hair behind her ear as if regaining her composure.

“A-Anyway, Senior, I actually wanted to ask you something,” she said, shifting the conversation before she could get even more flustered.

“Hm?” Seo tilted her head slightly, her expression unreadable but still attentive.

“U-Uhm… if it’s not too much to ask… a-are you perhaps free this coming weekend?” Seo blinked, her grip on my hand loosening slightly as she mulled over the question.

“Yes… I think,” she answered after a brief pause. “My practicals usually end really fast, so

maybe?”

Reina visibly perked up at the answer, her initial hesitation fading.

“Hn… then, if you manage to be free, would it be possible for me to train with you… perhaps?”

The moment those words left Reina’s lips, Seo vanished from my side.

Reina barely had time to process what happened before Seo reappeared right in front of her,

grasping both of her hands with a firm but gentle grip.

“Really?” Seo’s eyes gleamed with an almost childlike excitement, her usual calmness

momentarily replaced by pure enthusiasm.

“Y-Yes…” Reina stammered, startled by the sudden burst of speed. “In all honesty, I really admire you, Senior Seo. That’s why… a few guiding pointers from someone like you would be

greatly appreciated! A-Ah, but don’t worry! I’ll make sure to compensate you for your “

“Sure.” Seo cut her off without hesitation. “I’ll meet with you this weekend.”

“I-I see… that’s great then…”

Seeing Seo’s slightly more positive expression, Reina turned to me with a smug grin, her blue

eyes glinting with satisfaction.

Her entire face screamed, How’s that? I made her happy.

I raised an eyebrow.

Oh? So now she’s taking pride in making Seo happy? Unable to help myself, I reached out and lightly squeezed her cheeks.

“W-What are you doing?!” Reina yelped, her voice muffled as she tried to bat my hands away.

“You’re just too cute.”

“Wha-?! Shtop it-!!” she struggled, cheeks puffed in protest, but the slight pink dusting

them only made her reaction even more amusing.

Just then, a soft voice chimed in beside me.

“How about me, Riley?”

I turned to see Seo watching us, her crimson eyes gleaming with curiosity.

“Of course you’re cute as well, Seo.”

Seo paused for a second, then blinked slowly. “Then… pinch me as well.”

“…That’s…”

Yeah. Seo still needed some work when it came to understanding normal social behavior.

Before I could even respond, a cheerful voice interrupted us. “Welcome to East Blue Café! Let me guide you to your seats, dear customers!”

The three of us turned our heads toward the entrance of the restaurant.

As I led them inside, Seo and Reina glanced around in mild surprise.

The place was far grander than they had expected.

From the intricate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling to the elegant gold-lined décor,

everything about it radiated luxury.

The tables were adorned with pristine white tablecloths, and the scent of freshly baked bread

and aromatic spices filled the air.

For a restaurant hidden away in this part of the city, it was far too extravagant.

“…Big Bro, isn’t this a bit-“

“It’s fine,” I cut Reina off before she could finish her sentence.

She hesitated, her lips parting slightly as if wanting to argue, but ultimately, she didn’t push

further.

Yes. It was truly fine.

After all…

This was probably the last chance anyone would have to eat here.

Because after tonight, this entire place would be reduced to ashes.

A small smile crept onto my lips as I watched the workers moving with practiced elegance,

catering to every guest with perfect etiquette.

They bowed, smiled, and carried trays of exquisite dishes with the grace of professionals. For mere demonic cultists disguised as restaurant staff… they sure knew how to act.

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