Chapter 429 (1) – The Academys Weapon Replicator

The Academy’s Weapon Replicator

A thought crossed Frondier’s mind after hearing Carla utter the ‘devil’.

‘Perhaps the devils have infiltrated Agoris far deeper than I initially thought.’

While Antero had willingly become a devil, it was more common for devils to approach humans. They were usually the ones who tempted and offered contracts.

However, Bune, the devil who had contracted with Antero, had said that a gate wasn’t necessary for a human and a devil to meet in the human world. A powerful medium like the Dragon Heart wasn’t required.

This meant that it was much easier for devils to approach humans.

‘The fact that Lady Achaea suspects Carla of being a devil means that this country sees devils as a significant threat and takes their presence seriously.’

This was the opposite of the Falind continent, where encountering a devil was rare. Here, devils were a clear and present danger, and Carla was suspected based solely on circumstantial evidence.

It meant that humans had ample experience dealing with devils.

‘When I first arrived here, the devils had already established a proper nation. And a considerably large one at that. At the time, I assumed it was possible because they were devils, but it definitely wasn’t on a scale that could be self-sufficient.’

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. In this world, one had to abide by this world’s rules.

Frondier didn’t know how the demon realm came to be, but the devil’s nation he had seen wasn’t that different from a human one.

This meant that the devils possessed the capital and resources to build such structures and systems.

It couldn’t have been achieved by themselves.

‘…Does this country truly consider devils as enemies?’

Or was there some ancient deal struck with the devils, a secret kept hidden from the citizens?

‘That bastard, Baal.’

The devils were searching for a way to return to the demon realm.

Naturally, they would have been desperately trying to access information about this country. To think they pretended not to know.

“Frondier, what’s wrong?”

Carla looked at Frondier with concern.

Frondier halted his thoughts and lowered his head.

“It’s nothing. I was just lost in thought. Anyway, we need to be careful for the time being, especially with Lady Achaea, or rather, Eriboea, around.”

“Should I pretend to be a devil?”

“No. There’s no need. She’ll think that anyway. Just act like you usually do.”

Since Frondier had made it seem like a confession, her belief wouldn’t waver for a while.

But now, Carla didn’t need to approach the nobles to gain knowledge about devils.

Not even about monsters. She would revert to her quiet self from the past.

That way, the nobles wouldn’t dare touch Carla. Especially with the new threat, Frondier, present.

“For now, let’s forget about that and enjoy the Machia. It’s a chance to witness the students’ skills.”

Pielott’s match was about to begin. Frondier was also looking forward to it.

“…Hearing you say that makes it hard to relax and enjoy it.”

“There’s no need to be anxious.”

Frondier replied calmly.

“You’re safe with me.”

***

Just a few days ago, Aias wouldn’t have dreamed that he’d be stuck watching from the sidelines, unable to participate in such an event.

The emergence of an unexpected rival, Pielott.

He had been caught off guard, sure, but to be knocked unconscious with a single counterattack and wake up in the infirmary? It was so absurd that the embarrassment only hit him later.

‘No, was I truly being careless?’

Pielott had made that strange sound before their fight.

He didn’t understand what it meant, but based on the momentum and attitude, Aias knew he was dealing with someone formidable.

That’s right. He had been aware of the danger.

Moreover, he had been utterly defeated by the new instructor, Frondier. It was the first time he had felt such a hopeless gap in skill.

‘…Wait, am I actually weak?’

He had never doubted it before, but his confidence was beginning to crack.

‘And why is Mom telling me not to stand out?’

The image of his mother losing her temper in the faculty office was both novel and incredibly embarrassing.

He hadn’t expected her to storm into the faculty office and cause such a scene just because he had fainted. It was the first time he had ever seen her like that.

Furthermore, she had vehemently opposed him participating in the Machia, arguing that there might be lingering damage from Pielott’s blow to his head.

That’s why he had agreed to the class’s plan to nominate Pielott as their representative.

‘Hmph. One day, I’ll defeat him myself.’

Still, Aias hadn’t lost his competitive spirit.

Careless or not, he had been knocked unconscious with a single blow. He hadn’t witnessed Pielott’s full strength yet, nor had he shown his own.

With more intense training and research, it was absurd to think that a talent like him would forever remain defeated by Pielott.

That’s what Aias believed.

Right up until the moment Pielott was about to begin his fight as the class representative.

Clang!

Thud!

The dull sound of impact, followed by something crashing to the ground.

“Ugh…!”

And a pained groan.

It was Pielott. He lay sprawled on the ground, his sword clattering beside him.