The First Letter (76)

“……Third-year student of the Department of Swordsmanship, team leader Ian Percus!”

At Headmaster Delmore’s call, the eyes of high-ranking figures from every country fixed intently on Ian. Even among the spectators wrapped in silence, a few gazes stood out in particular.

The ‘Saintess of the Holy Kingdom,’ the ‘Queen of the Ball,’ and even the girl called the ‘Princess,’ who was also the first-year top student of the Department of Magic.

Everyone’s attention focused on Ian. But no cheer erupted, as one might have expected.

It was because the winner’s condition was far worse than anyone could have imagined.

It must have been an unimaginably arduous battle. That much was clear from the magical beast’s corpse, now a grand centerpiece in the middle of the stage. That was why no one in the audience dared to cheer carelessly.

Cheers and exclamations seemed out of place for a man who had left behind such a great achievement after surviving a battle beyond a fight to the death. It seemed more fitting to express awe at his tenacity and fighting spirit.

“Step forward on behalf of your team.”

At those words, the man quietly stood before Headmaster Delmore. The headmaster presented him with an elegant award plaque and a small box.

“As the winning prize, four bottles of the Imperial Family’s secret elixir, ‘Dragon’s True Blood’!”...