Valaria Lost was a commoner from a forgotten town within the Knight Nation of Camelot. Her town, bordering the Eastern nation Alps, had been destroyed during the tragic events of Hyakki Yagyō, where it had been among the many casualties suffered that day. In the ten years since that incident, she was the only recorded survivor. As an act of revenge—and for other reasons—she decided to take the path of a hero.

She wasn't particularly blessed, but she was better than average—or so her teacher said. Using his words as a baseline, along with everything else he taught her, she ventured forth to the academic city in hopes of joining a prestigious academy to further her development as a Hero.

Things happened, and she had to excuse herself during the first week of school. But now she was here: Legacy Academy, home to some of the world's most renowned Heroes and her place of study. For the next four years, she would spend the rest of her life here.

"Peaceful."

Frankly, as she stepped onto the academy grounds, that was the first thought that filled her mind. Just teenagers and youthful adults her age roamed about the academy's enormous grounds. The sight was reminiscent of her days in middle school before the tragedy struck and stripped her of everything she cared about.

"Do not let the past define you."

Her master used to say those words, and while she used them to cleanse herself of bad memories, she knew deep down she didn't truly accept them. After all, every action she took—and would continue to take—until she eliminated the mastermind behind the incident that took her parents' lives was defined by the past. Her revenge was born from the past; the resolve that led her to this academy was an effect of that past. Hence, she was undoubtedly a being defined by it.

"Class A!"

Muttering to herself, she straightened the wrinkles in her shirt and coat, then lightly patted her skirt before marching toward the first-year student building. It was still early in the morning, so only a few students were present as she made her way through the glass door and into the large hallway.

A bit surprised by how wide the interior was, she found herself looking around with a strange mixture of excitement in her eyes. Her middle school back then had been relatively small since it was situated in the countryside. But here? Calling it enormous would be an understatement. From the dome-like glass ceiling housing numerous chandeliers to the extravagant decorations lining the hallway ahead, the academy appeared like a grand ballroom—something she had mostly seen in movies.

"Master wasn't lying when he said the academy was like a palace."

Overwhelmed, she took a step forward—only to bump into someone passing beside her.

"Oh..."

Out of reflex, her grey eyes gleamed unnaturally as her previously lax arms shot forward to grasp the individual before they tripped. Saving them just in the nick of time, she sighed in relief and let go. The person—whose features one might describe as angelic—stammered lightly before regaining her balance and locking her ocean-blue eyes onto Valarie.

"Thank you."

Her voice, devoid of emotion, was unsettling, causing Valaria to wince slightly.

"You're welcome."

Replying with a smile, Valaria took in the full view of the girl. She had waist-length blonde hair cascading down her neck and shoulders like a waterfall. She was slender yet toned, and her overall presence—like a blade—gave off a sharpness that frightened Valaria a little.

"I'll be leaving then."

Having no intention of extending their conversation, the girl turned to leave—but—

"Excuse me!" Valaria called, causing her to halt and glance back without much thought. She remained silent, simply observing Valaria and waiting for her to continue.

"Do you know where I can find Class A?"

"Which one?"

"First-year Knight course."

The girl showed a reaction for the first time.

"Name?"

"Huh?"

"I asked for your name."

"...Uh, Valaria." She stuttered, responding as politely as she could.

"I see."

Was it just her, or had she glimpsed a burning determination in the girl's eyes? But it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

"If you're looking for Class A, you may follow me. I'm in the same class."

"Really? Thank you so much!" Valaria exclaimed, shocked by her luck. Her sense of direction wasn't the best, so having a fellow classmate escort her was undoubtedly a pleasant experience.

Without further delay, she quickly walked beside the blonde girl as they began their trek to class.

Making their way past the corridor, they came across a few students stepping into their classrooms—some excited, a few exhausted, and others neutral. They also passed teachers—two in particular catching Valaria's eye.

One was a petite woman with messy green hair and dark circles under her dark blue eyes. The female teacher, who seemed to have witnessed the various atrocities of the world, followed her teaching partner with a blank expression.

As for her partner, he was a handsome, charming young man who seemed only a year or two older than Valaria. He had disheveled blonde hair that reached his neck and unforgettable sapphire eyes lingering with mystery. That kind of gaze seemed to entrap her, and she quickly tore her eyes away, turning to her colleague—who blushed shyly as she walked past the man without his notice.

"Ah..."

As Valaria tried to speak, a sharp glare from the girl silenced her. The two passed by the teachers, who were too engrossed in their conversation to notice them.

Once they were a fair distance away, her colleague turned to her once more and smiled cruelly.

"That male teacher is a beast. Avoid him at all costs."

"..."

Confused, Valaria glanced back once more, taking in the sight of the seemingly innocent teacher walking away. Compared to his harmless appearance and her colleague's forced smile, she wasn't sure whom to trust—but she didn't have to wonder for long.

The blonde girl placed her rough palm on Valaria's shoulder, sending a wave of pressure that nearly made her collapse. Sweating buckets, Valaria tried her best to remain standing to avoid attracting attention as she shifted her gaze to her colleague—whose expression was now masked by shadow.

"He's a beast, and nearing him will bring really bad consequences."

"..."

"Understood!"

Leaning forward, the girl whispered into her ear.

"Yes, ma'am."

For the sake of her life and a peaceful school experience, Valarie nodded obediently, making a mental note never to come into contact with the blonde teacher.

"Very good."

Releasing the pressure and allowing Valaria to breathe, the girl gently patted her shoulder, the shadow now replaced by a satisfied smile.

"Thank you, ma'am."

Despite being the one who'd been threatened, Valaria found herself thanking her colleague, who retracted her hand from her shoulder.

"Of course. But call me Trish." Her smile remained.

Whoever this Trish was, Valaria didn't want to get on her bad side. She was crazy—and one thing her master had taught her about crazy people was that she should never antagonize them.

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