Chapter 282 The Unveiling Light

Chapter 282 The Unveiling Light

Compared to the archery demonstration, the demonstration of the use of other weapons was less conspicuous. The way to test the use of other weapons is through a small duel with a senior examiner. Senior examiners who are experts in certain fields will test the students. Rather than show their skill in public display, the assessment method involved individualized trials. Accomplished senior examiners, each a specialist in their respective weapon category, meticulously examined the students' proficiency.

During the students' demonstration, all the seniors abruptly halted as a sign of respect for the figures entering the room. This unexpected pause prompts the new students to also stop and turn their attention to the approaching figures.

"Welcome, Chairman Davis."

The incoming figure was none other than Davis Clayton, the executive chairman of the Faculty of Advanced Fighter. A demi-human lion with a mane of splendid golden fur, Davis's imposing figure stands out, almost twice the size of everyone else present. His presence exudes authority, making him look like both a teacher and an adult among the students even though he is the same student as everyone else.

"How did the meeting go? Is there an issue with our faculty?" inquired the vice chair. The meeting in question was the disciplinary commission meeting convened right after the opening ceremony, signalling the Davis chairman's dual role as a member of the SDC.

"No issues, really. It's just that Miss Loukia was upset because our four students disrupted her speech earlier," Davis explained.

The vice-chair breathed a sigh of relief. "Miss Loukia can be quite idealistic. I was worried our faculty might be disqualified from the festival just because of a disagreement involving four individuals."

"Talking about the Festival, how are the students this year?" inquired the vice-chair.

"Just normal," he quickly replied. "Some are talented, and some are not."

"Can you give me some examples?"

"So far, I can only identify three talented individuals

Starting from Other-worlder Akiyama Basilia Northam, according to the rumors in the secunda class, she already mastered archery, with skills possibly equal to or surpassing that of a third-year senior. I'm confident she doesn't need much more studying to outshine the others.

Next is the dark elf, Rasheeda el-Malakooti. Initially, I thought she was an archer, but she's not. She's mastered nearly all the weapons given to her, and her true expertise seems to lie in spear handling.

The last one..."

"What's wrong with the last one?"

"Allen Boldenville. Honestly, I'm not entirely sure about him. He possesses a robust physique, probably on par with the vice-chairman of the SDC."

"Comparable to that bear?"

"Indeed, but for some reason, he consistently attempts new things during the tests. In this particular assessment, he even observed and studied the movements of other students, so I can't make a definitive judgment."

"So, he's more focused on learning and studying than the actual test?"

The vice-chairman nodded in agreement.

...

...

...

The day's class concluded with the faculty skill test. Afterward, students received a piece of paper containing the subjects for selection.

"Allen, have you decided on any classes yet?" inquired Geirhild.

"No, I'll wait for Felicia. I want to be in the same class as her as much as possible," Allen responded.n-(OveLbIn

"Oh, right. You have the same name as her. And you?" Geirhild turned to Sharik.

"I'll take the same class as Allen!" declared Sharik.

"You really bonded with him, didn't you? I might need to reconsider my class choices now. Asking you guys seems pointless. I've got plans for drinks with friends in the entertainment district, so see you later," Geirhild mentioned before leaving.

'Perhaps if I had left the academy and enlisted solely as Felicia's knight, things might have turned out differently. But is that the right course of action? Do I even have the right to make that decision? Rachel is already reluctant to entrust Felicia to me.'

Seeing Felicia in such a despondent state drained Allen of his resolve. The Felicia he knew was meant to be a resilient woman, always striving to attain what she desired. Witnessing her so disheartened left Allen hate himself more.

It was not the Felicia he wanted to see.

"Felicia," Allen called in a soft voice.

"I grew up in a dungeon, and I've killed a lot of people."

At that moment, Allen decided to lay bare everything about himself, carefully glossing over the part where he took Waldo's life. Felicia kept her head down, listening to Allen's story.

"I've traversed this land steeped in hatred, fueled by a desire for revenge. I've come to view all humans as fields of hatred, selfish creatures who snatch away others' happiness for their own gain. My disdain deepens with every encounter."

"My eyes always see the chinks in people's good behavior, so I could maintain my hatred.

like Isabelle who I once thought made me a slave just for her toys."

Allen stood up, moved his face out of Felicia's line of sight, and continued.

"Then there's you, the human whose the bad I can't find, and it used to piss me off."

Felicia raised her head, looking at Allen.

"I was upset because I couldn't believe a human like you truly existed—a person willing to sacrifice for others and consistently strive to save as many as possible. I devised numerous scenarios in my mind, searching for cracks in your goodness, but I found none. Stubborn, unwavering, tirelessly helping others. There were moments when I found your spirit and efforts annoying and seemingly futile, but..."

Allen turned around and looked at Felicia. Without realizing it, Allen smiled and said.

"That trait of yours is what made you the first human I liked."

Felicia's eyes widened in surprise at Allen's confession. At that moment, Felicia had a flashback.

"Useless noble,"

"Lady, you don't have to try so hard,"

"Her god's blessing is so ordinary, even though she's the only daughter of the Boldenville family."

"She fell at the dance? Is she not studying well?"

"She's always alone inside her room, so lazy."

"I'm disappointed in you; get out of my sight."

Those were all the remarks she faced. And again, everyone in his class seemed to echo similar sentiments.

But now, Allen in front of her, declared, "You are the most amazing human being I have ever met," with a gentle smile, a rarity for her to witness.

Tears that had been held inside her head welled up. She attempted to wipe them away with both hands.

"Ha-hah? What the heck..." she said in a trembling voice. "You're talking too much."

Her tears continued to flow.

"I-it's not that I'm crying because you praised me. For me, your word is just a tiny firefly light."

And that firefly light

could provide warmth to those lost in the dark of night.