I Became a Murderer in the Academy.-Chapter 125

Objectively, Serthia was extraordinary. No, it was something that couldn't be expressed merely as outstanding.

Aside from the previous hero, she was the strongest human in history. Her unparalleled talent combined with countless experiences and efforts had yielded results, or at least that was how Albert perceived it.

Because of that, he believed that no one could become like Serthia. He thought no one could possess talent superior to hers.

To be more honest, even now, he might still think that way. The majesty he had seen in his mentor was at a level that couldn't be perceived by merely looking up at her.

But still.

"I believe."

Serthia had said she believed in the talents of this generation.

Then, as someone who should carry on her will, he must not doubt those words.

If she believed, then Albert would believe as well.

Thus, having ascended to the position of headmaster, he immediately supported the formation of the new hero party.

It was his prerogative to ask Reina to guide Sera and contact the Central Church to bring the saintess Clana to the academy.

Albert was preparing to nurture them quickly for deployment in field operations.

And then.

"Ariel."

"Yes."

Thinking that the preparations were now sufficient, Albert summoned Ariel to his office.

"Do you remember what I mentioned last time?"

"If you're referring to the formation of the hero party and the field missions, then yes, I remember."

"Then it seems the time to decide is upon us. You likely already understand what I’m about to say."

"…"

"Select those who will journey with you based on your judgment. We will eradicate the remaining forces of the Demon Lord and finally end this war."

If the star had blossomed, the star's perspective would have manifested as well.

In that case, Ariel would have a much more accurate judgment of people than Albert himself.

In fact, the individuals who would stand beside him seemed already determined.

First, there was Sera.

She appeared ordinary, but her instantaneous attack power was comparable to that of the academy's professors.

And above all, her boldness shown on the battlefield, where death could be imminent, was a remarkable talent, making her suitable for immediate deployment.

She was a girl capable of running forward alone when everyone else was frightened. Albert held that quality in high regard.

She would perform her role effectively even if thrown into actual combat right away.

And then there was Clana.

There was no need to explain.

Born as a saintess, she was already ahead of others from the starting line.

Though she might lack experience at the moment, her divine power would shine when facing demons.

Clana had shown strengths in defense and support abilities, but she also had outstanding offensive capabilities against demons.

Although it was unspoken, Ariel would also know that if looking for comrades within the academy, there were only those two.

However, Ariel replied.

"No. I will not select anyone."

He directly denied Albert's words.

Albert adjusted his glasses, his sharp gaze focused on Ariel.

"The most important thing is your own will. It wouldn’t be right for me to decide recklessly. I will take in as comrades those who choose to stand beside me of their own volition."

"If no one supports you in that case…"

"Then I will stand on the battlefield alone. There should be no hero party that forces anyone."

"Is that so."

Setting out on a journey with a hero might seem romantic to some, but the reality was far from beautiful.

That place was a blood-soaked battlefield. Even if it was the continent's premier educational institution, in the end, they were still students. There would be no sane person who would voluntarily walk into a place where they could die.

Ariel knew that fact all too well.

Knowing it so well, he was reluctant to take others into such a brutal place.

It was a path to hell.

He had been born a hero, so it was his sense of duty and responsibility that drove him, but others were not the same. They had no obligation or responsibility to save the world, having been born as ordinary humans.

"…I will stand on the battlefield alone."

Ariel spoke as if it were a burden he had to bear.

Albert heavily nodded in agreement.

"If that is your will."

After that, a heavy silence lingered. Neither Albert nor Ariel spoke.

"If you have nothing more to say, I will take my leave."

Just as Ariel could no longer bear the silence and was about to leave, Albert briefly stopped him.

"I have something to give you."

A treasure discovered in Serthia's room after her death.

Albert handed Ariel a sword that shimmered with a golden light. It was immediately evident that it was no ordinary item.

It couldn’t possibly be something Serthia, a traditional mage, would use; its original owner was likely the previous hero, Elyon.

"That is…"

"Serthia said that if she were to die, she wanted you to have this sword."

Though it was quite old, it would be usable. After all, it was the sword of a hero marked by the star.

Ariel took the sword with a complex expression. He felt as though he was inheriting a responsibility as the next generation's hero.

Having awakened the power of the star, Ariel was no longer someone who would remain in the academy.

His strength was already above that of the active professors. There was nothing left for them to teach him at the academy.

Thus, he decided to stand on the battlefield at a young age, fulfilling the hero's mission. This news quickly spread, and soon all the students at the academy were aware.

However, even after some time had passed, no one came forward to stand beside him.

That was to be expected.

For most, life was more precious than the glory they could gain as part of the hero party. Moreover, there were not many who possessed the qualifications to stand beside him.

The students of the academy, whether they wanted to or not, were compelled to prove their worth in objective measures.

Under the name of grades, they would inevitably learn their rankings and standing among their peers.

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If someone ahead of them became frightened, that fear would spread accordingly.

It was a harsh reality where one could lose their will before even attempting to challenge.

As Ariel was preparing to head to the battlefield alone, the people at the academy understood what kind of person he was.

They knew that if no one came, he would fulfill his responsibilities alone and that he would shoulder the burden rather than making a fuss about it.

He was in the midst of tending to the sword he received from Albert.

"…"

A day had passed.

"I’m here."

Sera had come to him.

"I-I’m here too."

Shortly afterward, Clana arrived as well.

Sera couldn’t allow Ariel to go alone. Having grown up in an orphanage without family, Ariel was like family to her.

She had been late in hearing the news because she was in a training session, but she had come as soon as she learned of it.

Clana was late because she had been pondering alone, but the truth was, she had to head to the battlefield one day, whether or not she was part of the hero party.

Just as Ariel had taken on the responsibilities of a hero, Clana had a similar burden.

So after much thought, she decided that she would go to that place she would eventually end up at, together with him. Just as the abbess had said.

Thus, the three members were formed.

Though it had been a concern whether it would happen since they were not chosen by Ariel, ultimately, it seemed the new hero party was formed with the three individuals many had anticipated.

And then.

"May I join as well?"

Another person seeking to join the hero party appeared.

With flowing silver hair and red eyes.

"…"

It was Iria.