The First Battle of the Swordsmanship Association quickly gained traction and spread like wildfire.
Luciel's previous challenge against the magical puppet to earn the position of vice president of the Swordsmanship Association was already astonishing, but this time, it was even more shocking.
After all, Orland Academy was home to many geniuses, and remarkable feats happened daily. A simple change in the vice presidency of the Swordsmanship Association was nothing noteworthy and was soon forgotten.
However, this time was different.
Luciel had defeated Flower, a fifth-year student at the eighth-level apprentice-knight rank, using only swordsmanship. Not only that, but he had already mastered the third stage of swordsmanship, demonstrating the ability to wield his blade with effortless grace. It was an achievement that cemented his position as the well-deserved vice president of the Swordsmanship Association.
The entire Orland Academy was left in awe.
It wasn't just about defeating Flower—it was about the mastery of the third stage of swordsmanship.
Many fifth-years, even sixth-years who had already reached the knight rank, had failed to achieve such mastery. And yet, a mere third-year student had already surpassed them.
How could this not be shocking?
Luciel Lanster's name spread throughout Orland, even reaching the ears of the sixth-year students. Everyone now knew that the third-year class had produced a prodigy—an unprecedented genius.
Some even went so far as to privately crown Luciel as "Orland's No. 1 Swordsman Genius."
Luciel had become a legend.
---
It was another beautiful morning.
Luciel donned a clean samurai uniform, equipped himself with the steel knight's sword he had previously purchased, and stepped out of his dormitory.
With his fair complexion, handsome features, and tall, slender frame, Luciel cut an impressive figure in his well-fitted samurai attire. His noble and masculine presence stood out amidst the crowd.
Many students on the path recognized him and couldn't help but stare.
"That's Luciel! The third-year swordsman genius who's on par with Lawrence!"
"I can't believe there was such a monster hiding in the third-year class. How did we not notice him before?"
"The third stage of swordsmanship! Just thinking about it is terrifying. He's already qualified to defeat most of the senior students."
Among the onlookers, there were gazes filled with admiration, curiosity, and envy. Some eyes even sparkled with unspoken admiration.
"Luciel is really handsome."
Though Orland Academy was primarily a male-dominated school, it was also home to many aspiring female knights.
Luciel's combination of strength and good looks perfectly embodied their fantasy of a noble warrior.
"Little brother Luciel, can I invite you to dinner?"
A tall girl with long, slender legs and a charming face approached him boldly, extending an invitation.
Caught off guard, Luciel was momentarily flustered. However, he quickly composed himself and politely declined.
"Sorry, I might not be available."
"Then let's at least be friends. My name is Janice, fourth-year."
Janice smiled brightly and shook Luciel's hand before walking away. Before leaving, she turned back, winked playfully, and said, "Scholar Luciel, don't forget me."
After that, many more girls approached Luciel, boldly confessing their feelings. Some invited him to dance parties, others asked him to dinner, while a few simply wished to befriend him. Love letters and small gifts poured in endlessly.
Overwhelmed by the sudden attention, Luciel eventually had to flee. He only felt at ease once he hid away in the library.
---
"Luciel!"
A familiar voice called from behind.
Turning around, Luciel saw Bright Helen standing there, looking at him with amusement.
Luciel's eyes lit up. This was exactly why he had come to the library.
"Here, I'm returning the notes you lent me. Thank you."
He handed Helen the notes she had lent him earlier. In truth, he had already stored all the information in his memory chip and could recall it at any time. However, his rigorous training schedule had kept him from returning them sooner.
Helen took the notes and naturally glanced at the pile of love letters and gifts in Luciel's arms. She raised an eyebrow and commented, "It seems you're quite popular at the academy."
Luciel chuckled and shoved the entire pile into Helen's hands.
"Then do me a favor and throw these away."
"Do you think I'm your maid?" Helen grumbled in protest but still accepted the items.
For some reason, the sight of Luciel receiving so much attention from other girls made Helen feel uneasy.
Realizing her emotions were straying into unfamiliar territory, she quickly changed the subject.
"I recently found a notebook on magic pharmacy in the library's archives. Here, I'll lend it to you."
Luciel accepted the new notebook and flipped through its pages, recognizing Helen's elegant handwriting. Smiling, he nodded. "Thank you. Oh, by the way, I left a little gift for you in the notebook. Check it out when you have time."
"A gift?" Helen asked, blinking in surprise.
Before she could inquire further, Luciel waved and bid her farewell.
"Aren't you going to stay a little longer…?"
Helen pouted as she watched him leave, murmuring to herself. "Defeating a fifth-year eighth-level apprentice knight… a swordsmanship prodigy… the vice president of the Swordsmanship Association…"
Luciel was becoming more and more dazzling.
She couldn't help but wonder how Bellis would react when she found out that her so-called 'useless' younger brother had surpassed her.
"Oh, right! He mentioned leaving me a gift."
Suddenly remembering, Helen hurriedly flipped to the last page of the notebook. There, written in bold, confident strokes, was—
---
Meanwhile, in a chaotic laboratory, a burst of hearty laughter filled the air.
"Haha! I knew it! This kid is a genius—a true genius!"
Giles beamed as he looked at the beautifully crafted orange magic reagent in his hands.
"Using bitter tree sap to soften steel cones… This method increases the potion's strength by at least 30%! Why didn't I think of this before?!"
Giles praised the formula a few more times before turning to Helen with a satisfied expression.
"Helen, you've done well. Next time, bring him directly to my lab—I want to meet him."
Helen's eyes widened in shock.
Her teacher, the ever-critical and proud Giles, was personally extending an invitation?
Moreover, he was considering taking Luciel as a disciple?
Helen couldn't believe it.
Luciel's image surfaced in her mind.
Just what kind of magic did this guy possess? Not only had he captivated the students, but even their strict teacher was drawn to him…
And perhaps… so was she.