Chapter 9

"Once, I received guidance from the teacher. It's not just me; all those who are now called the Four Heroes were the teacher's disciples."

The Four Heroes—honestly, the name didn’t really resonate with Edel.

He vaguely accepted that they were probably famous people.

"The world praises us Four Heroes, but to be honest, we can't even compare to the teacher. After all, even when we worked together, we couldn't match the teacher."

With a nostalgic look in her eyes, Maribel continued.

"So, what should I do from now on? Grandpa only told me to deliver the letter."

"...The letter says that I, who have no family, will be entrusted to you."

"Dumped on you...?"

"Yes, that's right. But it's a request from our teacher, so of course I intend to accept it."

"Really? That's a relief."

Maribel clapped her hands as if she had just thought of a good idea.

"That's it. Why don't you attend this school?"

"...School?"

"Yes. This Hero School was established with the aim of training heroes. Its roots lie in the guidance we received from the teacher. I want to nurture future heroes just like the teacher did. This school's founding philosophy is based on that. Since you were raised by the teacher, you would be the perfect fit for this school."

"I see?"

"It seems you lack the common knowledge of the human world, which you can learn at school. It's the ideal place for that."

Indeed, Edel didn't know much about the human world.

After all, he had only recently learned of its existence, and his grandfather hadn't told him anything.

"To barge into the principal's office like that..."

"Huh? It didn't work?"

"...Of course not. Normally, you'd be punished for illegal entry."

"Is that so? In the Demon World, I used to enter people's homes with Grandpa without any issues."

"What kind of education did the teacher give you...?"

In the Demon World, it was normal to take others' territories and possessions.

There was no order, only a world of the strong preying on the weak.

"Besides, the security shouldn't have been so lax that you could just walk in..."

"Really?"

Edel thought that the security of the average demon's home was much more solid.

"Anyway, it's decided. We need to hurry and prepare for your enrollment. ...Shartia, the conversation is over. Please come in."

"Yes, Miss Maribel."

Shartia, the beautiful woman with glasses, returned to the room at Maribel's call.

She still seemed wary of Edel, ready to respond at any moment.

"I plan to enroll this boy in the school immediately. Normally, a transfer exam would be required, but I will waive it."

"...What?"

Shartia was taken aback by Maribel's words.

"W-What are you saying? Enrolling a complete stranger... and waiving the exam..."

"I will vouch for his background and, of course, his abilities."

"Are you serious...?"

Shartia glared at Edel, as if trying to figure out who he was.

"If it's Miss Maribel's wish, no one will oppose it..."

"Then it's settled. And, can I leave this to you for now? Since he knows nothing, please show him around the campus and teach him various things. I'll handle his enrollment procedures in the meantime."

"...Understood."

Edel left the room with Shartia.

She then said in a particularly sharp tone,

"Follow me. ...If you can, that is."

"?"

"Miss Maribel said so, but we can't enroll someone who lacks the necessary skills. It would also tarnish Miss Maribel's reputation for giving you special treatment. So, I will test your abilities. This will be your entrance exam."

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