Novels online

I got into school for nothing - Chapter 343

I got into school for nothing (343)

Lesson 67. Ten Great Families Meeting - 5

The man who greeted Ban Yuwon warmly was of no ordinary status, as could be seen from his level, which rivaled that of a full professor at Union Academy; he was none other than the Fides Family Head, one of the Ten Great Families.

Fides, a Latin word meaning "trust" or "faith," is also the name of the Roman goddess of trust and promises.

In other words, this man approached as if he had "Trust" plastered on his forehead.

Nothing could be more suspicious than this.

“Haha, I merely assumed it to be the case since the Prominence Family Head didn't vehemently deny it. Given the recent conflicts between Fairytale and Prominence, wouldn't it make a rather picturesque scene for two women, representing their respective dimensions, to marry one man for the sake of harmony?”

“With her, we're simply as close and unreserved as siblings, so... it seems her mischievous side must have taken over.”

Though he wanted to rush over and sew shut Ban Yumi Prominence's mouth immediately, now was not the time to worry about his sister's "adorable" public manipulation.

Outwardly, of course, he maintained a calm and composed demeanor.

For it was the pinnacle of the Giwon Sword that his opponent could be cut down and die, even while he stood perfectly still, without it seeming strange at all.

Compressing every action that could be performed with a sword, and in an instant, calculating all causality from cause to effect for every situation—was that not precisely what his Giwon Sword allowed him to actualize?

“Doesn’t this feel a bit like a mind sword? Quite cool, isn’t it?”

—Death's Pupil gets angry, saying not to attach the name of a supreme realm to a psychic sword technique relying entirely on an innate Authority.

Ah, how cute.

This feeling, as if exchanging messages and being playfully affectionate during a long-distance relationship.

When Ban Yuwon suddenly let out a chuckle, the Fides Family Head, who had been conversing with him, flinched and recoiled.

“W-What was that suddenly...?”

“Ah, my apologies. Something amusing just came to mind, a lapse in manners.”

It was unintentional on his part, but thanks to it, he clearly read him.

Fear, wariness.

The man, the Fides Family Head who governed the S-4 dimension, was suspiciously wary of Ban Yuwon, whose outwardly revealed status was merely that of Union Academy's student council president and the fairy princess's fiancé, showing an excessive level of distrust and caution.

He knew.

The secret history involving Ban Yuwon, the Tower, and the Ten Great Families—even if not entirely, he knew enough to establish the relationship between Ban Yuwon and them.

“They consider me an enemy.”

He had vaguely suspected as much, but when it was actually proven true, a bitter taste filled his mouth.

This was because he hadn't entirely lacked expectations for the Ten Great Families, who were once the Tower Lord’s vassals.

But what was this situation? Contrary to the Tower Lord's expectations, the Chancellor wouldn't remain benevolent towards him, who sought to destroy the Tower, until the very end. And the Ten Great Families, unaware that he was different from the Tower Lord, would try to kill him no matter what.

Furthermore, even those groups inheriting the will of the True Dragons, who held a grudge against the Tower Lord, wouldn't hesitate to attack him.

“I don’t know how things got so tangled.”

—Death's Pupil soothes him, saying that deep blood always pools around a throne.

Right, well, at least he'd re-established his connection with Dokgo Yeon, so that was something.

He maintained an outward smile as he sent the Fides Family Head on his way.

Judging by his hurried departure right after exchanging greetings, he seemed to have been completely intimidated by him.

“Still, he’s far too afraid.”

“Everyone knows Sir Yuwon is strong, but... perhaps they realized he was hiding his true power.”

“I don't like it when you say that; it makes me sound like a hidden powerhouse...”

For a while after the Fides Family Head retreated so feebly, everyone merely watched him from a distance.

It had been a long time since he'd become an untouchable powerhouse, at least within Union Academy, so it felt strange to suddenly sense so many eyes observing and wary of him.

At that very moment, Ban Yumi, the Melodia Family Head, and the Ortima Family Head’s proxy simultaneously moved towards him.

For Ban Yumi, it was natural to look after him; the Melodia Family Head, regardless of his feelings towards Ban Yuwon, had no choice but to come to look after Aire, who was with him; and the Ortima Family Head’s proxy wore an expression that suggested he had some stern words for the family heir who had brought him to this event.

The first to arrive was the most hurried, Ban Yumi.

“You've arrived, Yuwon.”

“......Yes, Prominence Family Head.”

At his sister’s soft, authoritative expression and sweet tone, which he was seeing for the first time in his life, Ban Yuwon wanted to turn around right then, throw up everything inside him, and then give his sister a good smack on the head, but he firmly suppressed the urge.

His sister wasn't doing this because she wanted to; be mindful of all the people present here...!

“It must have been a sudden request, but thank you for coming.”

In truth, not just her manner of speech, but her outward appearance alone made her seem quite different from Ban Yuwon now, even a little alien.

Perhaps it was because the Prominence blood had fully awakened within her, and especially since, by ascending to the position of Family Head, she had connected with all Prominences through her Authority.

Her red hair and red eyes, yes, but also her face, radiating a beauty that was far more intense and mature.

Clad in a lavish, flame-shaped evening dress emblazoned with the emblem proving her status as Prominence Family Head, she was unrecognizable as the same woman who, just a few years ago, would intentionally sneak into Ban Yuwon's room every day off, lounging on his bed in an oversized shirt.

“I heard Clarent wanted me, so I had to come.”

“The duel will commence soon. You'll have to showcase the power of the newly risen Prominence.”

“Is there a list?”

“Don't speak so stiffly between us. I'll hand it over.”

Wait, but was this woman perhaps trying to advance their relationship in this public setting...?

Ban Yuwon subtly ignored her words and glanced at those clearly from Clarent, who were observing them from a distance.

Their origins were evident just by the swords each carried at their waists, but they were sending such a sharp killing intent directly his way, even more so than their swords....

It was as if they had no intention of even concealing their hostility.

“Thank you all for coming to this event for Prominence. A banquet is also planned, so I hope everyone enjoys themselves.”

Ban Yumi must have sensed those gazes as well, yet, her innate courage seemingly unshaken, she calmly ignored them and greeted Ban Yuwon’s companions.

She exchanged sharp, combat-ready glances with those she knew well, sent a wary, cat-like gaze towards Luisha, whom she was seeing for the first time, and finally, her eyes stopped at Yumina, who was dressed stunningly, beautiful enough to take one’s breath away.

“You...”

“Today, I've come representing a fallen family. There's someone I wish to lend even my meager strength to.”

“A fallen family...”

She must have heard about it beforehand.

Even if not, she couldn’t possibly fail to notice the intense gazes directed equally at Yumina, no less concentrated than those on Ban Yuwon.

It was surely a good thing for her younger brother, but would it be good for herself as well? Just as Ban Yumi’s gaze met Yumina’s determined eyes across the air.

“Lady Aire.”

“Family Head.”

In the interim, the Melodia Family Head approached them.

Mindful of others' eyes, he gave a slight nod to Aire, exchanged a glance with Ban Yumi, and then fixed his gaze on Ban Yuwon.

“You've become a monster in a short period. It's a miracle possible because you're human. Have you achieved what you desired?”

“Not yet. Thank you for coming.”

“It's not because of you. I came because it seemed there would be a good spectacle to witness. And... Lady Aire must always be safe, after all.”

The Family Head said, and then cast his gaze beyond the hotel window.

Though nothing was visible in the inky black sky... Wait?

As he pondered the meaning, the Melodia Family Head gave Yumina a meaningful look, just as Ban Yumi had done.

“It seems you've fully chosen your path.”

“Yes, though perhaps it was decided the moment I met this child.”

“If that is destiny... then I only hope our paths do not diverge.”

“No, wait a minute, don't you two have such profound conversations, what exactly did you mean by 'Aire must always be safe'?”

“Luisha...!”

Just as he felt something amiss in the Family Head's words and was about to retort, the Ortima Family Head's proxy, who had approached with leisurely, unhurried steps, called out to Ban Yuwon's junior in a low voice that sounded as if it boiled up from the depths of hell.

This one clearly showed signs of completely disregarding both Prominence and Melodia from the start.

“You'll have a lot to explain...!”

The Melodia Family Head departed as if someone he thoroughly disliked had arrived, while Ban Yumi, seeing the man so thoroughly disregard her, merely chuckled, perhaps finding it refreshing.

“Even if you don't like me, the remaining candidates aren't worth much if you try to pick a new heir again, Uncle.”

Luisha said, grinning mischievously.

“This is a choice I made for the future of the family, as Ortima's heir, after considering it. Won't you please support me now?”

“The future of the family?”

The Family Head's proxy, who retorted thus, glanced at Ban Yuwon.

Ban Yuwon quickly analyzed him—and was somewhat surprised.

Life: 3,500.

This was because, despite being merely a Family Head's proxy, he was significantly stronger than the Fides Family Head.

Moreover, the moment he saw Ban Yuwon, he boldly attempted to analyze him. When Ban Yuwon repelled it, he immediately tried to defend himself from being read.

Of course, Ban Yuwon easily broke through it, but even so, the way he wielded his power was similar enough to make one understand what it meant to say that the Ortima family inherited the Tower Lord's bloodline.

“Still, even so.”

He clearly realized what they lacked from their brief exchange just now.

They lacked the concept of 'Integration' that the Tower Lord possessed.

Of interpreting language.

They did not inherit the Authority to interpret through language.

That was why a meticulous and profound exploration of their Authority had become impossible for them.

“Kugh...?!”

From the perspective of representing the Ortima family, which audaciously claimed supremacy in the universe and ruled the S-2 dimension, the fact that he had been pushed back by a junior who was still so young must have been quite a shock.

Nevertheless, as expected of a Family Head's proxy, he displayed considerable experience.

If it had been the old Lusein Ortima, he would have thrown a tantrum and immediately lashed out with something. Instead, he quickly composed his chaotic emotions and took a step back.

“Luisha, I respect the judgment you've made as heir. At least I am thoroughly convinced. You have keen insight.”

“Thank you for saying so, Uncle.”

“You've read the dynamics of this situation, haven't you? There's danger involved.”

“Ortima does not back down.”

“Good, then I shall join you. But you must certainly seize it.”

“Of course.”

Even though he was surely hearing everything translated into comprehensible language through his Authority of Language, he couldn't quite grasp what was being said.

The Family Head's proxy changed his demeanor and gave a slight bow to Ban Yuwon.

“I entrust our family's heir to you, Ban Yuwon of Union. ......And Lusein, it's good to see your eyes have changed.”

“Ah...?!”

It seemed Lusein was just as flustered at the moment.

Lusein, flustered by the turn of events, which differed slightly from what he had expected, turned to look at Luisha with wavering eyes, but she merely smiled.

Finally, he too cast a glance at Yumina, but unlike the Melodia Family Head, he showed little interest in a person from an already fallen dimension, merely letting out a low grunt before departing.

“What was that? Did Ortima just pick a fight with Prominence? Arranging a meeting between Ban Yuwon and another woman right in front of me? How dare they...?”

Watching the Ortima Family Head's proxy depart nonchalantly, unlike his arrival, Ban Yumi's eyebrows twitched.

Ban Yuwon retorted, dumbfounded.

“You're just getting angry for no reason, Sis.”

“Shh, someone might hear us. Call me by a different title.”

“I really dislike this Family Head.”

Ulrike mumbled tearfully.

Ban Yuwon agreed.

However, despite all the fuss, it was true that the possibility of direct hostility with Ortima at this very moment had completely vanished.

Though they were always arrogant and defiant, the Ortima family, strong enough to deserve that attitude, if they were to join as allies, even partially, it could be considered much safer.

“For now, three families are definitely on our side.”

“Why is your thinking so combative, Yuwon? Couldn't this just be a successful meeting that ends peacefully?”

“They clearly have abs-o-lutely no intention of that.”

Ban Yuwon scoffed at Asha's words and scanned the list Ban Yumi handed him.

Since knowing only the names of opponents he'd never met would be meaningless anyway, he focused on their positions within their families and their publicly known abilities...

“......A Family Head is coming? Is this real?”

“That's why I'm going too.”

Ban Yumi replied with a cheerful smile.

He could understand his sister participating in the duel as a way to properly announce the newly established Prominence... And of course, he could also understand a Family Head coming from the other side to match their rank.

“But why am I fighting that so-called Family Head then?”

“Because you're stronger than me.”

“It seems she’s grown tired of pretending to be demure,” Ban Yuwon mused, and he cast a barrier around them.

In that process, he naturally learned something: the information of those who were using some form of Authority with information-gathering abilities towards them.

While blocking the interference, he traced the origin of the already connected lines.

“Hecate... and Selene?”

At Ban Yuwon's murmur, Clio and Yumina, who had been quietly following them, flinched in turn.

“This was starting to feel like a much more complicated gathering than I had initially thought,” Ban Yuwon mused, and he furrowed his brow.

—Death's Pupil smells a thick scent of death. It warns that many will die here today.

“No, don't suddenly talk like a Constellation only at times like this; it's scary.”

—Death's Pupil chuckles, watching him flinch in terror.

Thirty minutes later, with all the preparations made, the duel between the Prominence family and the Clarent family finally began.