Mistress Of The Evil Forest

Case 147: Heroine.

*****

Astra academy, dawn.

In light of recent events, the atmosphere across the halls seems more somber than ever. Students opt to hole up in their dorms, while the more diligent ones all hang their heads low, a look also seen on academy staff and the overworked professors walking around like zombies.

''Huff... huff...''

Amidst all that, a certain freshman's schedule remains intact.

On the freshly built asphalt road that would take one around the outskirts of the academy city should they choose to traverse, Scarlett Heisenberg's figure can be spotted.

She loves running on this road every morning.

The construction for its renovation was finished just around a year ago—still pristine. For Scarlett, who rather prefers quietness outside of her bold fighting life, it is perhaps the most relaxing time of the day, and the lack of people at this time and this location help with that. With each step, her slightly longer wolf-cut hair flaps, creating a bouncy effect.

A disadvantage of keeping hair of this length is that she can neither tie nor hold it still in cases of action. That is why one often sees her with a white headband in combat.

'Should I grow it so that I can tie... no, the bang would take forever. Should I cut it short like that pretty maid, then?'

''Huff...''

A flashing image of herself in a bob, hime-cut appears, sending a wave of immense disgust down her body.

'Nope. I'm not fit for that at all.'

At least she is self-conscious.

'Though...'

Scarlett's scarlet eyes glance to the side.

''Argh...! This is torture! Torture...!''

''Whew... why did you follow me in the first place?''

''But, but, you said a mage also needs... huff... exercise...!''

''You're not a mage. You're a maniac.''

''How rude!''

Somehow, the sacred silence has been disturbed by the bickering pair of 'Amelia Luminous' and Luxia Neveah. Swallowing a sigh, Scarlett's scarlet eyes dart to the other side.

Here, it is much more civil and professional.

In sync, the heroine, Claire, and the imperial princess, Nydia Alaina Astra, take their steps forward, hardly focusing on the fuss. Then, Scarlett meets the princess's eyes, to which the latter gives her a friendly smile.

''...No, really, why are you guys here all of a sudden?''

After a few rounds, the five naturally(?) settle down on a stone table in the park, feeling the breeze in between the warm rays of morning sunlight.

''Hah... I'm spent...!'' The pink-headed saintess pouts, sprawling out on the table.

''Don't act like you actually did the running. I had to carry you halfway through.'' The blond lady of Luminous shoots back.

''Nyahahahah! It's the effort that counts, isn't it?''

Without saying a word, Chloe passes the bottle of cold water to Luxia, who also accepts without words being spoken. At this point, Claire jumps in,

''You two really are close lately, no?''

''Maybe.'' Chloe shrugs. ''We're in the same class, after all.''

''Does it work that way...?''

''Not necessarily,'' Nydia interjects. ''It's one of the factors. That's all.''

''I suppose...''

A tired sigh intrudes the wind.

Scarlett leans back in her seat, gazing at the clear sky through her bottle of carbonated water. Sinking into the background are the conversations shared by her schoolmates, leaving a place for many thoughts.

''...''

Scarlett has many thoughts.

Even if she has sworn not to blame her inadequacy on talents or luck, she can't help but envy those standing above her—Amelia Luminous, Claire, or even Aurora.

'Now that I think about it... I haven't been dueling the pretty maid recently.'

For some reason, she still hasn't seen a scenario in which she can win against Aurora despite her immense progress this semester and a half. There's something weird about that lazy-looking bird.

What's wrong, really?

She hasn't seen Aurora practice even once, and considering her job, she won't have time for that. It's a mystery.

'This fucking chaotic world...'

Like a vortex sucking up everything. Merciless, indiscriminate, and perpetual.

Sometimes, she wonders if she can just... give up. Give up on everything and leave it to fate—something like that. Alas, her core principles don't allow that to happen.

'Well... I'll just do what I can.'

''More importantly... why are you guys here??''

At Scarlett's puzzled tone, the remaining four halt their conversation. 

Today is a Sunday, meaning there is no class. Yet, they suddenly gather around her and begin to discuss lunch, casually adding her into the group as if nothing's wrong.

''Why, I mean... aren't we friends?'' Claire replies awkwardly, scratching her cheek.

As much as Scarlett wants to refute it, she finds her mouth unwilling to comply. Perhaps deep within her, she has already considered them 'friends.'

It isn't exactly clear, but at some point, the group has been established. Maybe after going through all the crises or after spending time in classes together—maybe.

Does friendship work this way?

Scarlett doesn't feel like pondering that. She just thinks it's fine... for now.

Many tout the idea that this generation of Astra Academy freshmen is the 'Golden' generation, harboring a number of geniuses. Among them, most recognize the uncontested heroine who wields the holy sword—Claire.

However, those observing these geniuses know that she still can't put up a meaningful fight against Amelia Luminous, the top student.

Claire knows best.

Thanks to 'Amelia,' she hasn't even had a chance to dream of being arrogant. No matter how powerful the holy sword is, the gap in levels simply can't be closed.

System levels, true, but technical levels, even more so.

Claire is around thirteen levels behind 'Amelia' on paper, yet she feels leagues behind in actuality. According to Skylar, the lady's battle sense is immensely potent, and once combined with her unprecedented physical and magical prowess, it makes for an absolute killing machine.

Perhaps there's some jealousy.

Perhaps there's envy.

But Claire has to admit it—she is far, far behind. At least, there is a phrase she often uses that brings her comfort—she's still no match for Silaerob.

Silaerob is a grandmaster. She is as strong as a grandmaster, and a grandmaster is also as strong as her.

So,

''Teach you?''

''Please!''

Claire bends her waist a crisp ninety degrees, showing her utmost sincerity toward Bianca Cecil, one of the two grandmasters stationed at the academy.

Finding her is surprisingly easy as one only needs to visit the provision teacher's office. Most of the time, she will be there to finish her duchy's work remotely.

''...''

'This is troubling.'

Bianca has already formed her opinion about Claire. In short, the girl is talented and technically chosen but unfortunately overshadowed by others. Of course, she does want to help Claire, especially when the girl seems this devoted.

However, Bianca is busy.

''Why did you choose me over that?'' The grandmaster asks, pointing at the little girl wrapped in a quilt—her colleague.

''Eh? Why... I mean... because you use ice magic?'' Claire tilts her head.

At this point, Bianca already senses something wrong, but she keeps on inquiring.

''Aren't your affinity light?''

''But ice...''

''You like ice?''

''It's what Silaerob uses?''

''...''

''A-Anyhow, please guide me to become a proper heroine!''

''...''

'Is she brainwashed...?'

It's the first time in a while the grandmaster has felt this much concern over somebody.

*****