Chapter 0: Prologue

Olympia Academy.

The world’s leading educational institution, attracting talented individuals from all corners of the globe.

Divided into two departments, the Knight Department and the Magic Department, Olympia was renowned for the fierce rivalry between them.

As such, students within each department formed close bonds of friendship and camaraderie.

Simultaneously, it was considered natural to exploit any weaknesses they discovered in the opposing department.

Therefore.

“Hey. Substitute. What are you doing?”

It was common for the Knight Department’s troublemakers to harass the weaker students of the Magic Department.

“…”

Golden hair and blue eyes.

However, they appeared dull and unkempt, as if neglected.

Herak, the Magic Department’s outsider.

Lost in his own world, he remained unresponsive, prompting a wide smile from Jackson, the Knight Department’s bully.

“He, isn’t paying attention, is he?”

But for some reason, there was still no response.

‘Is he really out of it?’

He seemed utterly indifferent.

Wondering what he was up to, Jackson led his group towards Herak.

As they got closer, a faint voice could be heard.

“Diamond Sutra… makes the body strong, huh.”
“What’s he saying?”

Unintelligible words.

Jackson immediately lashed out at the nonsensical muttering.

Thwack!

A clean blow to the back of Herak’s head.

Now, the scene should have continued with Herak clutching the back of his head, tears welling up –

“What the…”

It hurt.

His hand hurt. It was numb, as if he’d struck rock, no, iron.

He clutched his reddening hand. Jackson’s mind was filled with confusion.

“Huh?”

Herak glanced towards him.

The one who had been completely ignoring Jackson’s group until now.

He noticed Jackson, the one who had struck the back of his head.

“Aha.”

He smiled brightly, as if he’d realized something.

“I guess I can just think of this as a tutorial? Some small fry just showed up.”
“Is this crazy?”

He seemed out of his mind.

Jackson glared. He didn’t understand what was happening. He didn’t know if Herak had somehow reinforced the back of his head with a steel plate.

He couldn’t forgive Herak, who had always been the plaything of Jackson’s group, for daring to behave this way.

Jackson’s hand clenched into a fist.

Even though he was from the Knight Department, he hadn’t brought his sword. Using a real sword in a place like this would have unbearable consequences.

“You’re today-“

Just as h threw out his fist, intending to deliver a beating that wouldn’t be too noticeable.

“Pfft!”

Crack!

A lightning-fast counter punch shot out from Herak, connecting with his jaw, sending Jackson flying through the air.