Chapter 413 [Event] [Semester-Exam At Vanadias] [1] Arriving At Vanadias

Chapter 413 [Event] [Semester-Exam At Vanadias] [1] Arriving At Vanadias

The most important exam of the second-year students was set to take place in Vanadias, the capital city of the Teraquins Kingdom. This wasn't just any ordinary exam— it was a significant event steeped in tradition, where certain exams were held in other countries. The goal was to immerse students in the diverse cultures of these lands and to foster unity, breaking down the barriers of racial discrimination that still lingered in some corners.

For this particular exam, Vanadias had been chosen as the location. Given the considerable distance from Trinity Eden Academy to Vanadias, the journey would have taken several days by conventional means. However, thanks to the preparation of special teleportation mana circles, fortified with the highest levels of security, the students were able to traverse the distance in less than five hours, arriving just on the outskirts of the grand city.

"Welcome to Vanadias. I am Toran," a middle-aged elf greeted us as we arrived. His long, flowing blond hair caught the sunlight as he displayed a warm smile. "Her Majesty the Queen has asked me to extend the warmest of welcomes to the prestigious Elite Students of Sancta Vedelia."

Toran was clad in the typical garments of his kind—a green light armor that appeared to be crafted from the very leaves of the forest, yet his attire also carried the formality befitting a representative of the elven court.

The reaction from the female students was immediate and predictable.

"Kyaa!"

"So handsome!"

"As expected of an elf, they're all so attractive!"

"Unlike our classmates, who seem so bland compared to these real elves!"

The girls—whether human, werewolf, or vampire—couldn't contain their excitement, their faces flushed as they gazed at Toran with admiration. The ones making dismissive comments about their male classmates were primarily from John's former class, as the girls from my class had their eyes fixed solely on me.

Wait, I suppose I shouldn't count John among them anymore, considering he had recently transferred to Amelia's class. Unbelievable, right? But he did it. He managed to convince Melfina that staying in Alvara's class would only lead to more issues, which, to be fair, wasn't far from the truth.

Anyway...

Since my awakening, I had become increasingly aware of the attention I was receiving. Their gazes followed me everywhere, and whenever I turned around...

"Kyaa!"

"I-I can't!"

"I'm going to faint!"

"Lord Amael!" That was the typical reaction. I couldn't deny that it felt good to be regarded more favorably than even the elves.

As I allowed myself a small, smug smirk, my eyes caught Celes staring at me with a sulky expression.

What now?

I quickly averted my gaze, trying to ignore the silent accusation in her eyes.

Everyone had arrived, except for Alvara, the Princess of the host country presiding over the Exam. She was likely with her family, who had been summoned for this grand occasion.

"You... hmm, no... you're fine," one of the Elves muttered as he initially tried to single out Celes, his eyes leering with barely concealed intent. But when recognition flashed in his eyes, he quickly released her, his demeanor shifting to an awkward compliance.

Others, less fortunate, were asked to step aside for a more thorough inspection.

"You three, over here," the same Elf commanded as he turned his attention to my group. I wasn't surprised; I'd expected this. The Elf's gaze settled on me and two others—a human girl and a vampire one.

He didn't recognize me, of course. My appearance had changed drastically since my days as a public figure in Sancta Vedelia. My former visage, plastered across the news, was my past one.

"Certainly," I replied with a kind smile, though the two girls beside me seemed visibly uncomfortable, their unease amplified by the Elf's unsettling stare.

"We're in times of war; cooperation is essential," he muttered as he began to inspect me, though his actions lacked the professionalism one would expect from a soldier.

The so-called inspection was nothing more than a cursory pat-down, a pretense to justify his wandering hands. The Elf wasn't looking for masks or signs of altered identity—his interest was clearly elsewhere. He barely took ten seconds with me before his attention shifted to the girls behind me, his eyes lighting up with a predatory gleam. One of them, if I remembered correctly, was a classmate.

"You may go," he dismissed me with a wave, but I didn't move. I lingered, watching as he turned his full attention to the two girls, his smile widening.

"Raise your hands," he instructed them, his voice dripping with false courtesy.

I grimaced. This wasn't an inspection—it was an excuse for him to indulge in his perversions. Even among the supposedly noble Elves, it seemed perverted scum were still abundant.

"Uh, yes..." the girls stammered, reluctantly raising their hands. They were clearly uncomfortable.

The Elf took his time, starting with their shoulders, then trailing his hands slowly down their arms...

"U-Um..." one of the girls murmured, her voice trembling as his hands lingered far too long. The situation was becoming unbearable, his perverse intentions blatantly obvious.

As his hands reached towards the chest of the vampire girl, I'd had enough. With a swift movement, I kicked the back of his knees, sending him sprawling.

"Ugh! W-What?!"

"Have you had enough fun, you disgusting Elf?" I asked, my voice dripping with contempt as I snorted in disgust.

The human girl and the vampire immediately took refuge behind me. The Elf had crossed the line the moment he leered at Celes, and now he had the audacity to prey on these two. I was very annoyed.

"You!" He spat, trying to regain his footing.

"Shut up," I snapped, cutting him off as I stomped on his chest, pinning him to the ground. With a swift motion, I slipped his sword from the scabbard hanging at his waist. The blade felt cold in my hand, but I raised it high above his most vulnerable parts, my amber eyes glowing with cold intent.

His face drained of color. "W-Wait!"

I paid no heed to his pleas, thrusting the sword downward without hesitation, but before I could strike, my arm was seized, halting my movement.

I looked up and met Toran's gaze.