In the faculty lounge of the Department of Start, professors who were tasked with instructing this year’s incoming freshmen convened. This gathering served as an opportunity for the professors to establish connections before the commencement of the semester.
“It appears that this year’s freshmen are, on the whole, exceptional,” one professor remarked.
“Oh, speaking of that, didn’t the Knight Department secure three top students?” inquired Professor Ain.
In response, Professor Ren offered a subtle smile. “I must admit, I’m somewhat envious. In the field of Magic Studies, we have only managed to secure two top students.”
“Are you taunting the Summoning Department now, Ren?” Professor Yura’s expression furrowed.
“Haha, why would I?” Professor Ren replied.
“We’ll only determine which department will excel once the semester begins. Simply being a top incoming student doesn’t guarantee one will remain the best. And…” Professor Ain paused briefly during his discourse, casually swirling his wine glass. “Is there not a grade representative among the top students in this cohort?”
The professors concurred with his observation. Professor Ain took a sip of his wine.
“Well, it appears the grade representative aspires to join the Knight Department.”
‘This group will undoubtedly be a boon to the Knight Department.’
Professor Ain gazed at the other two professors with a mischievous expression. “You claimed uncertainty, yet you seem rather confident, my esteemed colleagues.”
‘It’s merely wishful thinking, Professor Ain. Student Leo will be joining our Magic department.’
With an outward chuckle, Professor Ren offered a meaningful smile. “Indeed, it does appear to be a stroke of bad luck.”
‘You jest, Leo Plov will come to the Summoning Department. It will be intriguing to witness your reaction upon reviewing his application.’
With a subtle snicker, Professor Yura internalized her mockery.
Subsequently, the teaching assistants presented the departmental applications.
“Professors, we have brought the departmental applications. We will organize them over the weekend.”
“Excellent work. Please, help yourselves to some refreshments.”
The professors graciously offered food and beverages to the assistants.
Meanwhile, Professors Ain, Yura, and Ren made their way to the Class 5 applications, raising questions among their colleagues.
“Why are they heading to the Class 5 applications?”
“Could there be a student they’re particularly interested in?”
“Why are they behaving so strangely?”
The trio of professors exchanged puzzled glances as they stumbled upon a picture of Leo at the top of the Class 5 application documents. What they saw left them in disbelief.
<Department Application>
Name: Leo Plov.
Class: 5th.
Applied Majors: Knight Studies, Magic Studies, Summoning.
All three professors had the same thought simultaneously.
‘What in the world is going on here?’
***
“You’re insane! Absolutely insane!”
Slap, slap, slap.
“Why are you hitting me?”
In the dormitory park, Selia grabbed Leo and smacked his back.
“Do you realize you’re the talk of the girls’ dormitory now? All class major! You said something utterly absurd, didn’t you?”
“Why doesn’t it make sense? I purchased all those major books and attended all those provisional lectures.”
“So you didn’t buy them as references, but as actual major books?”
“Of course.”
“Ah, you’re intentionally driving me crazy!”
Selia pulled at her hair and danced around.
“Do you think ‘all classes’ is even remotely sensible? If you play around with your major application like this, which professor will look upon you with favor?”
In Lumeren, professors held significant influence.
Fall out of favor with even one professor from your chosen major, and your academic life would be in shambles.
Being singled out by a major professor often led to expulsion.
Furthermore, major professors took immense pride in their fields.
It was no longer enough to merely look good; and what if you made a jest while selecting a sacred major.
It was no surprise if you became the target of all the major professors.
Having successfully gained admission to Lumeren and even becoming a grade representative, Selia was seething with frustration due to the immense trouble caused in just a week.
However, the person responsible acted as if there was no issue, making it impossible not to be infuriated.
“You! Go to the faculty office immediately, apologize to the professors, and rectify this!”
“I don’t want to. I intend to pursue all the majors.”
“Why are you behaving like this? Does ‘all classes’ even make any sense?”
In response to Selia’s agitation, Leo extended the palm of his left hand.
It appeared as if an aura was emanating from his palm, but then magical energy surged from above it.
Seeing this, Selia’s eyes widened in astonishment.
But there was more to come.
Finally, spirit energy enveloped Leo’s hand.
“You, you, you?”
“Even my parents don’t know about this yet.”
Leo, relaxing his grip, nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders.
Selia wore a disbelieving expression, her mouth moving without words.
“The professors have all confirmed my abilities. They’ll realize it’s not a joke.”
“What exactly are you?”
“Who am I?”
Leo smirked.
“I’m your cousin.”
***
“This is unprecedented. Since Lumeren’s establishment, or even in other hero academies, he’s the first.”
All majors.
Throughout the world’s long history, heroes had arisen.
However, in this world, where a record of heroes called the Hero Record existed, that hero was currently treated as a fictional character.
‘The fifth great hero, Kyle.’
But now, an all-major hero, once thought to exist only in fiction, had emerged.
Professors Ain, Yura, and Ren had already consulted with Galian.
The gist of the consultation was that Leo needed to choose a definite major.
The three professors passionately extolled Leo’s extraordinary talents.
“What should we do, Principal?”
“In this case, it’s best to allow the student to follow his desires.”
In response to Secretary Elena’s query, Galian offered a faint smile.
“Isn’t it the school’s responsibility to provide the education the student desires?”
***
Weekends at Lumeren were typically relaxed.
Given the rigorous weekday schedule, weekends promised much-needed rest.
During their free time, students could explore Lumeria or request an overnight stay.
“Does it make any sense to come to the training ground on such a sunny weekend?”
As Karl grumbled, Chelsea chimed in.
“I have a swordsmanship session scheduled with Leo today.”
Chelsea donned comfortable activewear.
A Battle Mage.
This referred to a wizard capable of combat on the front lines.
Distinct from a Dual-Class, known as a Magic Swordsman, a Battle Mage solely harnessed magical energy.
They enhanced their physical abilities with auxiliary magic and specialized in close combat magic, involving high-speed and multiple summonings.
While regular wizards provided long-range firepower from the rear, a Battle Mage’s role was to infiltrate enemy lines during emergencies and disrupt their formations.
A skilled Battle Mage often entered the fray, introducing numerous variables.
Chelsea had been greatly impressed by Leo, who had thwarted Talatunia during the entrance exam without employing any aura.
Furthermore, she eagerly anticipated Leo’s instruction.
“I didn’t know Leo was also a wizard.”
Thinking that guidance from a Magic Swordsman would be more beneficial than that from a pure knight, Chelsea decided to follow suit.
Selia, who had come to assist in Chelsea’s training, appeared displeased.
“If you came without a serious commitment, I suggest you reconsider.”
“I’m genuinely committed, trust me.”
“Oh? Well, Leo’s training won’t be a walk in the park.”
The prospect of Chelsea, with whom she had quarreled since childhood, facing hardships was amusing to Selia.
“By the way, Selia, what’s your relationship with Leo? Why are you two so close?”
Karl inquired with curiosity.
Chelsea, still unaware of their connection, also perked up her ears.
“Don’t go spreading rumors. Leo and I are cousins.”
“What?”
“Eh? Leo is from the Zerdingher family?”
“To be precise, he’s not exactly a Zerdingher. It’s a family matter, so please don’t pry.”
Selia responded with a smile.
Chelsea and Karl, aware that noble families often had intricate internal matters, chose not to delve further into the subject.
Leo turned to Karl and asked, “Karl, would you like to join us?”
“I’m interested, but unfortunately, I have to head to Lumeria shortly.”
“For some leisure?”
“No! I’m going to purchase ingredients for potions! The fatigue recovery potions are selling better than expected! Hahaha!”
Chelsea tilted her head at that remark.
“Coming from an alchemist family, you’re quite the businessman.”
“Alchemy requires a considerable investment!”
Karl made a circular gesture with his fingers and grinned.
“How about it? I can craft you a splendid magic sword or magic staff.”
“Can you create something superior to what we already possess at home?”
“My apologies, I didn’t realize.”
Discussing swords and staffs in front of a renowned hero family seemed ill-advised.
Chelsea chuckled softly to herself. “Leo, where should we begin?”
“Are you comfortable with physical activity?”
“Absolutely. I have excellent stamina! And I’m quite flexible!”
Chelsea extended her leg gracefully, akin to a ballerina.
It was a move that demanded flexibility and balance. Furthermore, she hopped around, demonstrating her agility to Leo.
She had a solid foundation. As a Battle Mage, once she honed her skills, it was evident that an average knight student wouldn’t stand a chance against Chelsea in close combat.
‘She must have a compelling reason to aspire to become a Battle Mage.’
“I know someone who’s a Battle Mage.”
“Really?”
Chelsea’s eyes lit up.
‘Well, not precisely a Battle Mage, that concept didn’t exist back then.’
Luna, who swiftly moved in melee combat and cast multiple spells, could be considered a precursor to the Battle Mage.
‘In fact, she could be seen as the progenitor of all modern wizards.’
Leo folded his arms.
“Chelsea, in your opinion, what’s the most crucial attribute for a Battle Mage?”
“Hmm? Let me think… High-speed spellcasting ability, the capability to cast multiple spells simultaneously, and proficiency in martial arts?”
While observing Chelsea differentiate Battle Mages from regular wizards, Leo interjected.
“No. The most vital aspect for a Battle Mage is…”
“What’s the most vital?”
“Endurance.”
Selia, who had been seated on a bench, rose quietly.
“Karl, let’s go.”
“Go where?”
“You mentioned you were heading to Lumeria.”
“There’s still time. Besides, didn’t you decide not to go?”
“I believe I have some pressing matters to attend to…”
“Selia, you’ll be training with me on weekends as well.”
“I refuse!”
“I’ve already corresponded with Uncle Zis about it, and he insists that you should.”
“Why would you do something so pointless!”
Selia lunged at Leo, grabbed his collar, and shook him vigorously.
“Listen carefully, Chelsea.”
“Yes.”
“A Battle Mage must be in constant motion. To achieve that, you need an unwavering stamina that never wears out. Buff magic has its limitations, so it won’t suffice.”
‘That’s precisely what the Battle Mages in our family preach.’
Battle Mages from the Lewalin family also underwent regular stamina training.
“In essence, Selia, it’s your destiny to train with me.”
“I despise that destiny!”
Despite Selia’s outburst, Leo paid her no mind.
“The moment you agreed to train with me, I made up my mind to do whatever it takes to mold you into a hero.”
“Yes! Leo! Let’s aspire to become heroes together!”
Chelsea interpreted Leo’s words as mutual encouragement and clenched her fist in response.
“So, you’ll be training with me from now on?”
“Yes!”
Later, Chelsea would reflect that she should have fled at that very moment.
Cliche Novel 