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“Alicia! Are you okay?” Eris asked, frantically trying to check on Alicia’s condition.

Deep down, Eris was relieved to see her friend had survived the catastrophe.

Moreover, she knew Alicia had played the most crucial role in saving their lives.

If not for Alicia, would they have even survived the Golden Thunder Crow’s attack?

For a moment, Eris saw Alicia’s eyelids twitch slightly.

Even with just that, Eris knew Alicia wasn’t in critical condition.

On the contrary, Alicia showed no signs of sustaining serious injuries.

Just look at the people around Eris and Alicia—their bodies bore deep wounds.

After all, the fact they were struck by the Judgment Lightning was undeniable.

If not for Alicia’s protection, they would have been reduced to dust.

But now, they were grateful to have survived death.

“Eris…? Are the others alright? How are they doing?”

“Don’t worry. None of them are seriously injured. Even Ash didn’t take any severe damage. He’s being treated now.”

“I see… Thank goodness. I thought we were all going to die at that monster’s hands,” Alicia said, unintentionally taking a deep breath.

Without hesitation, Alicia stood up from where she lay.

When her gaze landed on the first-year students, she could tell they weren’t in good shape.

Many were being treated by medical experts.

At first, Alicia thought about helping the wounded from other classes.

But she changed her mind when someone gently tapped her shoulder.

“You were amazing. Thankfully, you were on our side. Otherwise, I don’t think we would’ve stood a chance against the Golden Thunder Crow.”

“Daphne… looks like you’re alright. You’re really lucky,” Alicia praised, knowing that it wasn’t hard for Daphne to escape death.

If she and Eris hadn’t been injured, Daphne wouldn’t have needed to step in.

If she wanted, Daphne could’ve escaped quietly.

But no, Daphne knew she couldn’t abandon the hero’s companions.

Unconsciously, the memory of their first meeting came back to Daphne.

Originally, Daphne had planned to refuse the invitation to join the hero’s group.

But Alicia knew she couldn’t let someone as talented as Daphne slip away.

So she boldly offered her a place by their side.

And now, Alicia’s decision had proven to be right.

“I don’t know what you mean, but luck can’t be seen by any living being. I believe it’s fate.”

Unknowingly, a small smirk formed on Alicia’s lips.

‘This woman…’

Alright, alright. I get it. But don’t burden the others too. I hope you don’t act too flashy.

Glaze!-

Suddenly, Alicia’s gaze shifted—unwillingly—toward me.

I wasn’t far from where they were standing.

‘This guy… I have a bad feeling about him.’

Truthfully, Alicia sensed something odd about my power. It didn’t feel human.

From the beginning, Alicia had suspected I wasn’t a normal person.

In her eyes, she genuinely liked the aura Ash gave off.

But mine? She hated it. It was something she never wanted to feel.

Maybe that’s why she was always cautious around me.

If she let her guard down, she wasn’t sure she could protect her friends.

‘They… I know they’ll survive. They’re Ash’s friends. Of course they’d make it out alive,’ I thought, no longer concerned about the fate of the hero’s companions.

Deep in my heart, I was glad Eris had survived the sixth-rank monster’s attack.

As I recalled, I knew Eris’s strength wasn’t quite enough to defeat Ash.

But compared to others at her level, she was nearly unbeatable.

That’s why I was truly grateful that my fellow disciple survived.

Even if I didn’t like Eris, I didn’t want her to die.

In the end, the fact that we were fellow disciples couldn’t be denied.

If not for Professor Amelia, I didn’t know whether I would’ve ever reconnected with Eris again.

But now, I guess it’s fine if I stay close to her?

Without delay, I glanced slightly at Ash.

Judging by his expression, he was deeply worried about Eric.

Seriously…

I knew Ash would never be able to let go of his past trauma—something he never wanted to remember.

If I hadn’t hurt Eric, would Ash even care about him now?

At worst, Ash might’ve chosen to ignore Eric’s existence altogether.

But that wasn’t an option—Ash couldn’t bring himself to abandon Eric.

The fact that Ash saw Eric as one of his dearest friends was undeniable.

‘Still as pathetic as ever… Ck. You really haven’t changed. You might be strong, but I refuse to lose to an idiot like you,’ I thought, clenching my fist.

I had to admit—I was thrilled when I knocked the hero off his throne.

Now, I no longer needed to dwell on the time I was crushed by Ash.

Hero… You’re looking for a worthy opponent, aren’t you? I’ll gladly accept your challenge!

Time passed, and I wondered if the sky had finally calmed down.

Looking at the current situation, I realized I had officially passed my first year.

Just look at the badge on my uniform—it now had one extra star.

Four stars…

That’s how many I had. Proof that I was an outstanding student.

Since entering the academy, I had focused entirely on academic growth.

And now, my hard work had finally paid off.

Yet deep inside, I felt a pang of sadness knowing Liliana wasn’t here with me.

If she had heard that I’d passed my first year, wouldn’t she have wanted to celebrate?

But sadly, I knew it was impossible for Liliana to be by my side.

Just as I was about to lie down on my bed, I heard a knock.

‘The window…? Who’d come to my room this late at night? So annoying.’ Without a second thought, I walked to the window.

If I had to guess, the one knocking was none other than the princess.

And sure enough, I was right.

Kreek-

“Princess? What is it? Why are you here in my room?” I asked, curious why the princess had secretly come to see me.

She could’ve come to my door like anyone else.

But she knew—if she did, Eve would’ve surely noticed.

That’s why the princess had chosen to meet me in secret, under the cover of night.

“Sorry to bother you. I didn’t want to wake up your little maid. I hope you understand.”

“I understand… Please wait while I prepare you some tea.”

Unfortunately, just as I was about to prepare tea for the princess,

I felt her pull me into a hug, her chest pressing against my back.

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