All-Master Player Of The Academy [EN]: Chapter 272

◈ Chapter 272

136. Come At Me – 2

Leila’s mouth opened slightly, a look of surprise on her face.

Then, she quickly considered the possibilities.

“Certainly… there’s a possibility. Ian, you practically control the Academy.”

“Well, something like that.”

“Really?”

“It’s more likely than a direct attack. Besides, Rubellin doesn’t have many options left.”

Helid muttered, and Ian replied with conviction.

He sighed softly, looking at Ian with concern, but Ian seemed unfazed, as always.

“Of course, I won’t give them an opening.”

“But don’t be careless. According to Helid’s investigation and my own judgment, if a monster wave occurs this time, its scale will be…”

It would likely be so powerful that the previous waves would seem insignificant in comparison.

*Can Ian handle it alone?*

“Shouldn’t we request support from elsewhere?”

Fortunately, since Ian had become a fixture at the Academy, its influence had grown considerably.

The Magic Tower, the Scarlet Kingdom, the Sun Order, and the Moon Order were all allies.

In addition, many mercenaries and knights from various orders considered the Academy strategically important.

And?

The Forest of Warriors also recognized the Academy and were willing to lend their aid.

“And in the South, Ian, they practically worship you, right?”

“More accurately, the orcs in the South do.”

“Anyway. Also, High Lord Hiral visits the Academy frequently.”

And?

If they requested support from the Empire, they would undoubtedly send troops to the Academy.

With that level of support, defending the Academy wouldn’t be difficult.

Thinking this, Leila started to suggest calling for aid, but Ian simply shook his head.

“Huh?”

“No need.”

*What kind of confidence is that?*

Leila felt a surge of alarm and pulled out some documents.

“Wait a minute, Ian. No matter how strong you are, it will be difficult to deal with monsters attacking from so many directions. And…”

“The monsters will attack during the vacation?”

“…Yes.”

The Fredon Academy was currently in the midst of the Hero Festival.

In other words, once the Hero Festival ended, the Academy would go on vacation, and many students would return home.

And?

The instructors who should be at the Academy would also leave for training or workshops.

Thus, the manpower available to protect the Academy would be significantly reduced.

“Of course, Titan is here, but it’s still dangerous. That’s why I’m saying this. Even our Baradis County…”

“I’m telling you again, no need.”

Ian flatly refused any assistance.

Helid sighed heavily at his dismissive response.

“Why?”

“It’s burdensome.”

“…I never thought I’d hear those words from you. And *burdensome*? Don’t feel that way.”

If Ian hadn’t been there, Leila would have died.

That lovely girl, whom he would give anything for, would have perished.

He prevented that and saved her life.

Then, he should allow them to repay that kindness by risking everything.

“We’ve already given what we should give and taken what we should take. What more are you trying to do?”

But Ian’s perspective seemed different.

He refused again, and Leila bit her lip slightly.

“I’ll take care of my own business.”

“Haa. Okay.”

As soon as the meal was over, Ian stood up from his seat.

“I’ll be busy for a while, so don’t come looking for me. I have a lot to prepare.”

“Hmm… okay.”

As he quickly left, Leila held Helid’s hand tightly.

“What do you think?”

“Ian is strong.”

Yes.

He *is* strong.

He’s not just any master level. He might be stronger than the Sword Saint, the Forest Keeper, and the Emperor, who are all considered the strongest in the land.

“But it will be difficult alone.”

Leila agreed with Helid’s assessment.

*Can one person handle ten?*

Moreover, since they could guess who was behind this, they couldn’t help but worry even more.

“Judging from Ian’s reaction… he probably won’t tell anyone else about this.”

“That’s likely.”

As Leila agreed, Helid clasped her hand.

“What do you think is the best course of action?”

Leila pondered for a moment, then spoke.

“Ian might not like it, but I still think it’s the right thing to do.”

Helid immediately agreed with her and stood up.

“I’ll inform those who have received help from him. I’m not participating in the Hero Festival anyway.”

“Okay. Thank you. No, let’s go together. It might be better if I explain things.”

It would be better for her, who was more articulate than Helid, to take the lead.

As Leila suggested, Helid smiled.

* * *

The students who had ventured into the Miyal Mountains had returned.

Fortunately, there were no fatalities among the students.

Of course, some sustained injuries, but that was to be expected, wasn’t it?

Aran Seth, who was observing the students’ return, glanced at Ian.

He was simply watching them silently with his arms crossed.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Can’t I look?”

“There’s nothing wrong with that. Ah, and Ian, about the vacation…”

“I have things to do, so I have to stay at the Academy.”

Of course, the dormitory would be closed, but the research and development area was different.

As he said this casually, Aran Seth was taken aback.

“I haven’t even brought it up yet.”

“You were going to ask me to accompany you when you meet the Sword Saint, weren’t you?”

“You’re like a mind reader.”

*How could he discern people’s thoughts so easily?*

As Aran Seth said awkwardly, Ian shook his head.

“The Sword Saint is also busy these days.”

“Is that so?”

“Should I tell you about it?”

“Uh. Um.”

The Sword Saint had a disciple whom she was personally training.

In that case, it didn’t seem like it would be a problem to include Aran Seth.

“I’ll just talk to her myself.”

Since Ian and the Sword Saint seemed quite close, she would likely agree if he vouched for him.

But this was his own ambition.

He didn’t want to ask Ian for help.

“Then do that.”

“But why are you staying at the Academy? Rail Load [a type of transportation system]? But the Rail Load project is almost finished, isn’t it?”

The Academy was manufacturing tracks for the Rail Load.

Aran Seth was also deeply involved in the operations of Fredon Academy, so he was aware of the progress.

Dwarves and wizards in the research and development area were working overtime every day to meet their quotas.

He knew that the Rail Load components created in that way were being transported to Fredician County, so he asked, and Ian smiled.

“It seems like a guest will be arriving. I have to stay at the Academy to prepare for that.”

“Is that so? That’s a shame. But I think you’re working too hard.”

“It’s okay.”

While Aran Seth was expressing his regret, all the students had finished returning.

After checking the monsters they had caught and finalizing the score measurements, Ian turned to leave.

As he watched him walk away, Valentine approached Aran Seth.

“Instructor Aran Seth. What were you discussing with student Ian earlier?”

“It’s nothing. It was about his plans for the vacation.”

“Ah… Student Ian had no place to go. So he said he would continue to stay at the Academy?”

“Probably.”

“That’s good. Then I should stay at the Academy too.”

“Didn’t you say you were participating in the Tolben Ruins exploration this vacation?”

He remembered Valentine excitedly talking about it in the faculty room.

He had been selected as a participant in the highly competitive ruins exploration team.

It was during the vacation, so it seemed like he would be occupied with that.

He remembered them discussing it.

“Hehe. Something more important has come up.”

“The Demon King’s ruins? The students were saying that there are Demon King’s ruins near the Academy.”

“Yes. Isn’t the reason student Ian is staying here because he’s planning to explore them?”

“Well, it doesn’t seem like it. Ask Ian directly for details.”

“I understand.”

Valentine walked towards the dormitory with a spring in his step.

Aran Seth, watching him, scratched the back of his head.

“Should I go see the Sword Saint too…”

When he returned to the dormitory, he found students sprawled out everywhere.

When Ian entered, they raised their hands in greeting.

“Hey! Ian! Come here! Some good black tea arrived!”

Widia grinned and held up the teapot.

Widia, who had just brewed warm tea and poured it into a cup, pulled Myane, who had been perched on Ian’s shoulder, as Ian sat down.

“Myaa~.”

“What are you going to do this vacation?”

“I’m thinking of staying at the Academy.”

“Huh? Haven’t you fulfilled the Rail Load quota?”

Widia looked at Wildy, who was sitting next to her.

She also seemed surprised by Ian’s decision.

“Do we need to make more? There doesn’t seem to be a problem with the schedule.”

“It’s not just because of Rail Load. But why?”

“Ah. We decided to gather at our territory this vacation.”

Widia smiled confidently.

“The other kids decided to gather too. Last time it was the Salt Marquisate, right? Summer is the sea. Winter is the mountain. It’s the best.”

“Hmm.”

“The winter in our territory is very beautiful. Snow piling up…”

Widia boasted about her territory with a sly smile.

Wildy, who had visited her territory several times, agreed.

“Certainly, Widia’s house is really good in winter. Especially Widia’s winter specialty, snow-covered Boden tea…”

“Anyway. Let’s go together. Park Bare said he’s going, and Wilval and Martin are going too.”

In addition, Oerinar and other students also decided to join later.

“Are all the kids going?”

Haroon, who was sitting on the other side playing chess with Blanche, smirked.

“I’m not participating. The successor decision battle starts this vacation.”

Rowena, who had become the student council president, had issued a challenge after her influence grew.

Because of that, those related to the Salt Marquisate had to be present in the marquisate during the winter.

“It’ll be a headache if you miss that.”

“Really? That’s good.”

“Huh? What’s good?”

“It’s nothing. What about the other guys?”

Everyone would either go to Widia’s or stay at home.

As everyone said they wouldn’t be staying at the Academy, Ian nodded.

“Let’s go together.”

Widia said, grabbing his arm.

Now quite close, she assumed Ian wouldn’t refuse.

And Ian shattered that expectation immediately.

“I’m not going.”

“Tsk. Why? Are you busy?”

“I’m busy.”

“How can a person live working like that every day? Hey. How about resting when it’s time to rest?”

Oerinar, who was next to him, chimed in, but it didn’t sway Ian.

After finishing his tea, he went up to his room, and Widia sighed.

“Sigh. I wanted to feed him good things and let him rest because he seems to be suffering alone too much.”

“It’s a shame, but there’s nothing we can do. Let’s prepare various things for Ian when we come back.”

While Wildy was comforting the dejected Widia, the door to the dormitory opened.

“Hmm? It’s Helid and… Leila?”

Blanche waved as two familiar faces entered.

As they came in and sat down, Haroon asked curiously.

“Why did you come?”

Leila said seriously to those who were curious.

“I want to ask for help.”

“Help? What kind of help?”

“Everyone. I want you to help Ian.”

Everyone froze at her words.

And Haroon, who recovered first, asked coldly.

“Tell me in detail.”