The Return of the Iron-blood Sword Hound

Chapter 296: End of Semester (1)

“…Gah.”

Professor Banshee, the homeroom teacher.

As he got up from bed and faced the morning sun, his expression immediately furrowed. Throughout the process of discarding his overly cute sleep hat, eye mask, and pajamas, his face remained unfazed.

“Weird ass dream.”

He had a strange dream last night. An unpleasant nightmare that left not only his clothes but also his bed drenched in cold sweat. It was a dream where a giant snake with multiple eyes and a unicorn were locked in a fierce battle. The snake wrapped its colossal body around the unicorn, attempting to swallow it in one bite.

Despite the unicorn resisting, everything became futile. The snake, with its left eye shining remarkably golden, wrapped around the unicorn and promptly swallowed it whole.

“Of all days, to have such a nightmare on the day I have to report to the Principal. Is it because of stress?”

Professor Banshee muttered while preparing for work with a disgruntled tone. Leaving the faculty lounge and heading towards the lecture hall, he ignored the greetings of his students without a second thought, even dismissing the hellos from his fellow professors. He headed straight to the Principal’s office, documents prepared from the previous night in hand.

Knock, knock, knock.

As soon as the knocking ceased, the door opened by itself.

Inside, Principal Winston, always wearing a mild expression, was sitting.

“Oh? Professor Banshee. You’ve come early.”

“Yes, I arrived about a minute and thirty seconds early. If you’re busy, should I wait outside until our appointment time?”

“No, no, no. Just come in.”

Winston welcomed Professor Banshee with smile, and Banshee placed the reports in front of him.

“This is the summary of the progress on the on-campus redecoration project.”

As soon as Principal Winston returned to his position, he redesigned the academy’s landscape.

A project to increase the number of trees and plants on campus to more than double the current amount. Winston, originally known for his mild temperament, particularly enjoyed planting trees. The Principal’s office was filled with various types of plants, so no one found it particularly strange.

“In addition, we’ve reinforced the new magic stones.”

Not long ago, during the midterm exams, a student named Vikir discovered a gap in the magic barrier and entered the stadium. As it could lead to a serious incident if misused, Winston enhanced the academy’s security with newly developed magic stones. However, Professor Banshee remained quite skeptical about this.

“The new magic stones have the advantage of better mana efficiency and higher magic barrier hardness compared to the old ones, but there hasn’t been a clear verification of their durability yet.”

“Hahaha. So, you’ve alternately arranged the old and new magic stones, haven’t you? Intruders won’t know where the old magic barriers are and where the new ones are, causing confusion. Well, not that there would be any intruders in the first place.”

Winston chuckled and looked at Professor Banshee with approving eyes.

“You always seem to care a lot about the students’ safety. Admirable.”

“…I’m just a worrywart who is overly concerned with keeping things in order.”

“Oh, come on. Professor Banshee, even though you say that, I know you don’t truly feel that way. That’s why I’ve worked hard to align with that sentiment.”

After finishing his words, Winston handed something to Banshee. It was a bracelet adorned with a black seed that looked like a jewel. Designed to be adjustable on the wrist with thin, gray roots growing beneath the seed.

“It’s a key that can get through the new magical barriers. In bracelet form. According to reports, many people are now using this. It seems secure.”

“An artifact with contained magic. Is mass production possible?”

“I make them by hand whenever I have time. I’ve already made ones for the students, so all that’s left is distribution. If conditions allow, I’ll gradually make ones for the professors too.”

As Winston spoke with a warm smile, Banshee made a groaning sound and sighed. Then, Winston extended a new document toward him.

“That should be enough for security matters. The next agenda.”

“Hmm? What is this document? It doesn’t seem to be something I was briefed on beforehand.”

“This isn’t an official report. However, there’s something I personally want to inform you about…”

“Oh? What is it?”

Winston, appearing intrigued, leaned forward towards the document.

Banshee hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“The atmosphere within Venetior region has been unusual recently.”

“Unusual, you say? In what way…?”

“Take a look at the statistics.”

Banshee pointed to various graphs, charts, and diagrams on the document.

“Recently, there’s a subtle increase in criminals within Venetior.”

“Well, when there’s a big event in Venetior, a lot of people tend to gather.”

“No, it’s not that. Look at the crime rate increase relative to the influx of population. The crime rate is rising higher than normal.”

Banshee narrowed his eyes and, in a cold tone, analyzed the current situation.

“Recently, criminals from all over the Empire have been flocking to Venetior. There’s also been an increase in reports of sightings of wanted individuals.”

“That’s a serious issue. What is the Imperial guard doing about it?”

“Strangely, the arrest rate for violent criminals has dropped significantly lately. It seems like the criminals are acting preemptively, as if they know about arrest plans in advance. Additionally, some wanted individuals seem to be getting assistance in evading capture, making their whereabouts mysterious.”

“I see. But what does this report have to do with the academy?” Banshee asked, but still gave his insight…

“As you know, the final exams and the parents’ observation day are approaching simultaneously, right? Considering the current situation, perhaps delaying the dates might be a good idea…”

Winston chuckled.

“What kind of place is this Colosseo Academy? Isn’t it where the geniuses who will become the Empire’s great heroes are educated? How skilled are the professors who teach them? Also, each student’s parents are accomplished individuals themselves. They are the central figures of the Empire’s military.”

“…”

“This is where these remarkable individuals will gather. What concern could there be about petty criminals causing a ruckus outside?”

“…”

“However, Professor Banshee, I understand and respect your caution. That’s why I, too, am focusing on strengthening security by replacing the magic stones.”

Professor Banshee could only nod. After all, no matter how much the criminals outside tried, they wouldn’t be able to harm the students at this academy. They were neither an ‘organization’ nor had the ability or reason to cause harm to the academy.

“Right. And now, the final report.”

Professor Banshee opened his mouth towards Winston.

“It’s related to the dismissal case of Professor Sadi.”

At this point, Winston’s expression changed for the first time. He seemed genuinely perplexed and saddened.

“…Has Professor Sadi caused trouble again?”

“Yes. There have been accusations of negligence in performing the duties of the Imperial Guard’s interrogator role. Reports indicate that she caused disturbances due to conflicts with colleagues during search and espionage activities, resulting in the loss or omission of important equipment and information. Moreover, she was entirely absent without permission during an arrest operation, only to later be found asleep in the barracks, intoxicated.”

“Ugh… that woman. If only she didn’t drink, Professor Sadi would be quite competent.”

“That’s ancient history now. Certainly, Professor Sadi in the past had remarkable achievements as an advisor to the Imperial Guard’s tracking unit. In fact, almost all the criminals at that time were apprehended by Professor Sadi. It was nearly as significant as the accomplishments of Lord Sade’s heyday. However, now she’s just a loser drowning in alcohol, lamenting her fate and denying reality.”

Professor Banshee’s words cut sharply as if releasing pent-up frustrations. Winston closed his eyes and remained silent for a while.

Silence.

How long did the heavy stillness linger? Winston opened his eyes and spoke with a resigned sigh.

“Disciplinary measures… will be taken.”

“It shouldn’t be something light like a suspension or a reprimand…”

“I understand. For this case, I will personally take the responsibility and impose severe disciplinary action, even if it risks my position as the Principal.”

Only then did Professor Banshee close his mouth and step back. He didn’t expect the punishment to be limited to a mere slap on the wrist.

Finally, after completing the report, Professor Banshee exited the Principal’s office.

Step by step, in the dim corridor, a black shadow began to shimmer alongside Professor Banshee. Coming to a halt, Professor Banshee spoke with a hushed voice.

“Did you see something?”

The shadow behind responded, bowing respectfully.

“Yes. There were indeed many suspicious things behind him.”

Professor Banshee had secretly gathered information, investigating behind the scenes of the Principal’s actions.

‘I need to find out why Winston is so protective of Professor Sadi.’

He had intentions to eliminate her, a constant thorn in his side.

Then, unexpectedly, Professor Banshee’s confidant revealed something astonishing.

“Principal Winston’s fondness for Professor Sadi stems not from courtesies to nobility, her tracking abilities, or adding to the Principal’s faction’s already small personal… It is not for trivial reasons.”

“Then, what?”

At this, the confidant responded in a very small voice, “It seems to be related to the ’47 Person Incident.'”

* * *

“Alright, today’s lesson is about major events that occurred after the unification of the empire~” The professor announced, tapping the blackboard.

The first-year students were once again eagerly listening to the lecture with enthusiasm. The professor continued, “After the unification of the empire, there were many significant events such as the ‘Subjugation of the Barbarians of red and black mountains,’ the ‘Merger of the Five Swordsmen Clans,’ the ‘Nouvelebag Prison Mass Escape,’ and many more. However, regardless of others, the biggest event was undoubtedly the ’47 Person Incident.’ Does anyone know someone who can explain this event?”

Several hands went up among the students. The professor chose the first student whose hand was raised, saying, “Alright. Let’s hear from our top student, Sinclaire. Can you give us an answer?”

A girl with white hair and a calm voice stood up. Sinclaire calmly began sharing her knowledge, “The ’47 Person Incident’ happened about 35 years ago, not long after the empire was unified into one. Although it was led by 47 people, each of them was the head of a prominent family, so it’s also known as the ’47 Noble Families Incident.'”

“Excellent. Can you tell us more details?”

“The incident involved a coup led by 47 individuals, resulting in mass killings and even an intrusion into the imperial palace. In the end, 46 out of the 47 were executed on the spot, and the sole survivor is currently imprisoned in the ‘Nouvelebag’ prison located in a remote part of the continent. The exact purpose behind their coup is still unknown; publicly, it’s known as an impure plot to seize power…”

Sinclaire smoothly provided the information, and the surrounding students couldn’t help but admire her.

“Sinclaire is still as sharp as ever, but something is changed…”

“Huh? What do you mean? She’s still smart af tho.”

“Not that. Her attitude. Her vibe is completely different.”

“Ah, yeah. She’s quite cold lately.”

“But that’s oddly charming in a way. I guess, she’s maturing into an adult.”

“I thought the same. It’s like she matured overnight. From a girl to a woman, you know?”

The always lively and cheerful girl.

Sinclaire’s atmosphere, which used to resemble a lively puppy, had changed a lot in the past few days.

For some reason, pinpointing exactly what changed, she had gained considerable maturity overnight.

Just as the girl, through some unknown personal milestone, became a lady, Sinclaire seemed to calmly accept and embrace the internal changes that had occurred within her.

Finally, as Sinclaire finished her response and took her seat, the professor applauded.

“Excellent answer, Sinclaire. I hope to see such a good performance in the final round of the exam this afternoon as well.”

The professor looked around the entire classroom as he spoke.

“I believe you all know. Many parents will be joining you for the final round of the end-sem finals that will take place later.”

It’s not something the students wouldn’t know. There has been quite a commotion with landscaping and security work by the principal, personally planting trees and rearranging magical stones, among other things.

As a result, most students were indifferent.

After all, the finals were between Tudor and Bianca of the cold department, and Granola and Sinclaire of the hot department.

They were the main actors, and the students were just spectators.

Some students were excited about seeing their families after a long time, but many were worried about receiving criticism for their poor grades.

Perhaps for this reason, the professor announced another piece of news to capture the students’ attention.

“And another news for y’all? We have a new student joining us!”

A transfer student. It’s always a fresh topic of interest.

A student raised their hand and asked, “Professor! Is a transfer student coming?”

“Good question! Unfortunately, it’s not a transfer student!”

The professor shook his finger and continued, “It’s more accurate to call her a transfer-in student. She’s not transferring from another school but entering our school entirely during the semester. Anyway, having a new friend is always a good thing!”

“Wow, who is this friend? Is it a girl? How old is she? By the way, which department will she join?”

Curious expressions filled the faces of the students as they asked questions.

With a smile, the professor responded, “She’s a girl. Nineteen years old, one year younger than the average age of typical freshmen. She belongs to the Hot Department. She’s from the famous ‘Morg Clan’ so I think you all will learn a lot from her. The student’s name is…”