Academy’s Pure Love Dark Knight - Chapter 33

WeTried Translations

Translator: Botanica

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

◈ Academy’s Pure Love Dark Knight

Chapter 33

──────

Episode 33. Crown? Prince Route?

And so, time flowed relentlessly, and it was next week.

“I hope everyone is present.”

A blue-haired man, reeking of alcohol.

Dennis staggered into the classroom. Just as his bright eyes were about to dim,

He pulled a liquor bottle from his pocket, opened one, and poured it into his mouth.

“No matter how oblivious you may be, you all must know what’s about to happen to our Grand Hearts Academy.”

Is it about The Heroic Cult?

As his white eyes lit up again, Dennis finally seemed to relax and took a breath. He’s like that because of the Head.

Even if he drinks at the Academy, one should understand him. He’s always using his body as a medium to cast defensive magic.

“..Right, the grade exams are coming up soon!”

With a hot breath, he pulled out a three-dimensional magic circle.

Grade exams usually sound like events where you can get hidden pieces or elixirs.

“To be honest, the gap among this year’s freshmen is too wide.”

It’s not a surprising statement. There’s the Glass Knight, Kainel, and me, after all.

Certainly, with Ariel included, they’re party members you can’t call weak. Originally, they were members who could even defeat a Demon King.

There’s no way to block the authority yet, so they shouldn’t even attempt it.

“What did he say…?”

“..Is that true, Professor?”

“Well, the two knights do look too strong.”

“Last time, the barrier broke too…”

At this, the entire classroom began to descend into chaos. He sighed deeply as he chanted a spell.

“So, I’ve decided to create an opportunity for you all to grow stronger. It should lead to somewhat equal results.”

But why is he acting so serious about just that…?

Ah, is he trying to indirectly tell them about The Heroic Cult’s invasion to train the students? I felt a slight doubt, but soon accepted it and nodded.

The moment he confessed that The Heroic Cult’s base was in the Academy basement, the Emperor would first storm in and yell at the professors about what they were doing.

“..Licht, why?”

I stared blankly at Mardol. Why? Because you’re attending here. If even a hair on your head is touched, the Imperial Guards will be summoned and point their swords at my neck.

Just imagining it, I felt a chill around my neck. It felt like I had experienced something similar before.

“It’s nothing.”

I must be confusing it with the game. I shook my head as if it were nothing. That was also why I couldn't hastily remove his helmet to check if he was a double.

“Well, for the detailed explanation, listen to the professor who’s coming in soon. Drake!”

Master? Why is a familiar name here?

“Students-! Nice to meet you! Like Dennis here beside me, I am one of the Ten Greats! The Swordsmanship Theory lecture offered after this….”

Cold sweat ran down my back. Did he find out I was trying to learn magic? There’s no way he’d suddenly show up, even breaking class time.

“..Enough small talk, old man Drake. Get to the point.”

“Kids these days… Tsk… No patience.”

The Grand Sword master, with short blonde hair and a face covered in scars, opened his mouth. His slightly displeased expression quickly softened.

“Students of Grand Hearts Academy, do you not wish to become stronger!”

He flashed a seemingly good-natured, sly smile. That’s a fake! Don’t fall for it! You’ll be dragged into the mountains and forced to fight wild boars and bears!

“If Drake, the Dragon Slayer, says so, then yes!”

“Yes! Probably…?”

“Are you perhaps going to teach us Drake-style swordsmanship?!”

The other freshmen, unaware of Master’s true nature, cheered, believing only that one of the Ten Greats would make them stronger. Looks like a tough road ahead. Damn it.

“Hahahahaha!! I like your spirit!!”

They probably don’t realize that such power comes with equal effort and hardship.

“Today’s and tomorrow’s classes have been agreed upon by all professors, so for about the next two days, they will be replaced by a single practical class!”

So for two days, no Spirit Arts or Divine Power Studies either? What on earth are they doing…?

“Monster hunting! More precisely, it’s a ‘group project’!!”

Ah. That’s it.

The alpha and omega of university life. The heinous assignment known as a team project.

It was a word that made me dizzy the moment I heard it, so I put my hand on the forehead of my helmet. Ultimately, it’s a scarred procedure that leaves behind the great lesson of ‘trust no one.’

Even professors say group projects are tough, don’t they? It’s something I’ve seen countless times in reality. In the end, it’s a team-luck-sucks game.

It’s vibrant and great if only diligent people gather, but there are also those who cut off contact the day before.

“Starting today, you will enter a forest teeming with monsters! It’s the <Endless Forest of Monsters>!”

I’ve never heard of this. It’s a place that doesn’t appear in the original or any sequels. Is it a monster offensive, like in the North?

“Catch any monster you like! Devise countermeasures! Gather your reason and intellect!”

This kind of setting or assignment is something I’ve never heard of in my life.

Could it be that the past has changed because of my intervention? Really?

At that moment, the events of a few days ago flashed through my mind like a revolving lantern.

‘The incident that occurred at The secret club where the sun sets.’

If I hadn’t been there… Chartiness would have been taken hostage by The Heroic Cult, and then our Saintess would have become the successor….

‘Perhaps the mention of the original second Saintess would have become taboo.’

No matter how I thought about it, this was the part I was missing. Do developers leave contradictions as they are, as long as they don’t cause problems for the love line?

‘Or, like with the Northern Grand Duchess, if I save her here, they might patch her to appear in other works too.’

Thinking that, I felt relieved. I did well. I let out a deep sigh at the dizzying sensation of my heart nearly dropping.

If this is the case, a romance fantasy academy story might be okay. It means I can save our Saintess too.

As I replayed what I had seen in the beta tester email, an uncontrollable smile spread across my face. It was truly a relief I was wearing a helmet. I wouldn’t be caught suddenly smiling like a pervert.

“The professors have completed their reconnaissance and preparations so that even if monsters appear at night, they won’t attack the students! It’s only a one-night, two-day trip! There won’t be any danger!”

So that means we fight in the morning. It’s convenient and simple, I like it.

“Hunt the highest-grade monster, or hunt as many monsters as possible and return!”

As I watched Drake continue speaking, a question arose.

This would be too advantageous for just me and Mardol, so I wondered if there might be other evaluation methods and leaned forward.

“By individual evaluation or overall evaluation by the professors, groups will be scored and given grades!”

Drake curled the corner of his mouth, as if aiming for something. That old man is scary when he does that.

Still, it’s a fair method. It means even if you catch weak monsters, as long as team members cooperate well, an A+ will be given.

“Professor Drake, will teamwork and combat style also be reflected?”

“Oh, good question! Of course!”

“Thank you, Professor.”

A student from a distant seat asked a question. The Dragon Slayer answered it cheerfully, continuing his story.

“By the way, don’t do anything foolish at night! We’re all watching! Like Laplace the Librarian, and the Sage of the Magic Tower, who are also among the Ten Greats!”

If they’re using information abilities and even future foresight to prevent it, then it’s certainly trustworthy.

Because it's the Archmage who works at the Library of Truth and the last remaining Sage of the Magic Tower.

“Even if you students are adults, if you do such things, you’re out! Out!”

As he let out a refreshing burst of laughter and shouted loudly, the entire classroom shook with just his force. The warning shout sent shivers down my spine.

“Eek.”

“..The Ten Greats are truly amazing. If I were a Grand Sword master, would I be like that too?”

No, Kainel. That old man is unique.

I shook my head, watching the Hero couple’s surprise.

Among the Ten Greats, there are those who were summoned as Heroes from other worlds, but in reality, they are no more and no less than incredibly strong ordinary people.

‘Dennis is one such case.’

Someone simply called in unpaid to clean up after the 4th Hero. So, if he grows to his full potential, the Hero with the Holy Sword will be stronger.

Because that’s how the game was. There’s a reason why the Kainel and Ariel couple appear in the original work.

“Licht, you too.”

“..Will I be like that? Mardol?”

The Emperor, Mardol’s father, who is currently saying strange things to me, is an exception, though.

He was just a woodcutter who made a living selling wood, but when war broke out, he was a munchkin who wiped out The Heroic Cult with a hand-axe.

..It is said in the original that he crushed some Demon King with brute force and turned him into a Hero.

“...”

That’s why I stubbornly insist on only using an iron sword right now. I looked at Pure Love Injector (Physical) No. 2, newly strapped to my waist.

With a simple weapon, I can’t reach the Demon King. So no matter how expensive the armaments I equip, it’s ultimately a waste of money.

The Holy Sword isn’t called a cheat item for nothing.

‘In the game, I was lucky enough to get and use another similar weapon.’

Thinking about it, where would that weapon be now? If I remember correctly, I just bought one that was sold at an auction.

[zZSupremeFallenCoolZz: Quitting the game because of <Black Heart>. Quick sale.]

To be honest, I just got lucky. As expected, there are many rare items among those sold by veteran players who quit the game.

“If you retire, you’re automatically disqualified!”

At that moment, my stray thoughts were cut off. Drake was saying something I couldn’t miss.

“If you get hurt or find yourselves in a dangerous situation, the instructors will come to help you, so don’t worry!”

Meaning Professor Beatrice and Professor Maria would also be participating.

It means they’ll pour out all their Spirit Arts and Divine Power to both protect the freshmen and improve their skills.

Something’s strange. It’s too much.

“Then. In the name of Tardun, burn with resolve! Everyone-!!”

Drake concluded with a hearty laugh and stepped back from the classroom podium.

“Those who wish to drop out will be sent home.”

Then, Dennis opened his mouth. Since the schedule was made so suddenly, there must be students who can’t make it. But even if it’s because of The Heroic Cult, it’s too rushed.

Wait, sent home…?

Shouldn’t he normally say they won’t get points for the assignment?

“Other grades aren’t concerned; this is special only for you freshmen.”

The answer to the question I hadn't even thought of was there. That means only the freshmen are doing this.

‘Could it be that my abilities are blocked again because of Omniscience…? So they’re giving a group project to introduce a variable…?’

It was strange to suddenly go outdoors. Goosebumps rose on my arms.

‘Thinking about it in reverse, it means that if I just go outside, future foresight or information access is possible.’

I know the Demon King is watching this place, but he's using his authority excessively.

My head throbbed. Only Nex and I would notice this fact. It means staying still in the Academy like this is dangerous.

“Departure in 10 minutes. Even in this urgent situation, I will observe your judgment.”

Uncharacteristically, Dennis’s words were rushed, as if anxious. It was clear he was trying to increase the calculation load to twist the Head’s ability.

No matter what, I had to leave the Academy quickly. Cold sweat ran down inside my helmet.

Think. My guess is that only the ‘freshmen’ have a problem. Otherwise, they would have protected all the students in the entire school.

What’s important here? Why did the Demon King suddenly kidnap Chartiness… and this time.

Ah, I get it.

Are they targeting Lupus? If so, it makes sense.

Come to think of it, he was close with the senior female student. All the protagonists of <Knight Heart Trilogy> have had turbulent pasts because of Demon Kings.

As the answer emerged, my mind felt lighter. I stopped tapping the desk with my fingers.

“..Hurry and form your groups; that’s a skill too, students.”

Dennis, looking visibly tired, displayed a three-dimensional magic circle and was counting down.

They twisted it twice. If they just evacuated the students, the Demon King of Omniscience would notice,

Gathering and protecting freshmen in one place under the guise of a group project, managed by professors… Yes, not a bad plan.

At this level, it would be outside the realm of calculation, just like what I did before.

When it was time to form teams, many students in the classroom were seen looking for strong people.

“Hey there…!! Black Knight Helmet…!”

“Was your name Licht? Listen to me for a moment!”

“Why are there so many people…?”

Perhaps because I placed first in the previous practical class, people started flocking towards me.

“Kainel.”

“Oh, Licht.”

I immediately stood up and looked behind me. It was a good thing I always sat close, just in case.

Talking about such an emergency will only amplify anxiety. He has trauma concerning the Demon King, after all.

“..You know without me saying it, right? That I’m going to ask to team up with You and Ariel.”

“Of course. I’d be grateful if you were with us!”

“Helmet Guy! You’ll use that typhoon-like move again this time, right? I’m counting on you!”

We quickly formed a team. Ding-, a sound rang out, and our names appeared on the three-dimensional magic circle in front.

[Team 1: 3/4]

Is it a group of 4? That means…

“Hey, Mardol! Team up with us!”

“..I came first. Me first, for now.”

“He’s 2nd place, so surely he wouldn’t try to team up with 1st place, would he? Mardol..! Let’s team up and beat that Black Knight Helmet, Licht or whatever he is!”

“Oh hohoho! Step aside! That Glass Knight is destined to be with me!”

As expected, a Harem route easy mode character.

Only female characters flocked around him. A character claiming to be a ducal lady, a country girl who looked like a commoner, a knight captain’s daughter by all appearances….

‘They’re really clinging to him.’

As if he were emitting some kind of pheromone, people swarmed around Mardol.

It was even worse than me, who had the first-place score. This is getting a bit depressing.

Still, he’s the man who should end up with our Saintess, so I should help him a bit. I’ve decided to take the Crown Prince companion route from now on.

I also need to protect the protagonist of this installment.

“Mardol!!”

I pushed through the crowd of students and shouted. My voice was barely audible. Fortunately, he seemed to have heard and replied.

“Licht…?”

The Glass Helmet, which had been bowed deeply and utterly still, suddenly moved with a jerk.

“Group project, team up with me!!”

If he builds a harem in this installment too and makes the Saintess cry, I won't stand for it. I barely stretched out my hand and sought his agreement,

“..Yeah, Licht.”

He took my hand, accepting, and all our names appeared on the three-dimensional magic circle. But why is he interlocking fingers again? He could just gently hold it.

Is it really safe if I just leave the Academy for a short while like this?

A constant sense of unease tightened around my heart.

***

At the moment Licht’s party was just one step away from the group project,

Somewhere in the Gransia Empire, someone’s sobbing echoed.

“Waaaaah…”

“Oh my, cute little boy. Why are you crying?”

“My balloon… got caught… in the tree… Dad and Mom bought it for meee…”

A boy, who looked barely seven years old, was crying, pitifully staring at his balloon caught in a tree.

“..Just that? How boring….”

Then the long, white-haired woman’s demeanor changed to informal speech. With a completely unamused expression, she looked up,

“Here you go.”

“Oh, oh? Pretty big sister!! Thank you so muchhh!!! Sob, that’s a relieeef…”

As soon as she finished speaking, the red balloon that was caught appeared from the woman’s hand. As she handed it over, the little boy, who had been crying, smiled brightly.

“Pretty, huh…”

The woman in the black suit wore a somewhat uncomfortable expression. She crossed her arms and continued speaking.

“Alright. Crybaby kid. I’m trying to go to a place called <Grand Hearts Academy>, you see?”

“Oh, yes. Sniff. Why the Academy?”

“..It’s been so long since I’ve been outside, I don’t know the way…. Where should I go?”

The woman, tilting her black hat, closed her eyes as if tired.

“Go straight that way, and then straight from the fountain! Magician big sister!”

“Thank you, ah. Little boy, by any chance….”

As if a suddenly interesting thought had occurred to her, the magician smiled and leaned her face close to the boy. Like a beast playfully approaching a rabbit.

“Between your mom and dad, who do you like more?”

The voice of a madwoman filled with perverse delight. Anyone else would have treated her as insane and fled.

“..Huh? Suddenly? Big sister?”

“Because it seems fun..! Don’t you think so? Hurry and answer!”

But unfortunately, the little boy, unable to foresee the misfortune about to befall him,

“I can’t choose! Big sister!”

“..Hmm. Why can’t you choose?”

“Both my parents are really good people! I can’t choose just one! Hehe…”

He would soon regret his foolish past and had just given an answer that he would curse himself for his entire life.

“..Is that so? Then I’ll ‘make’ it so!”

The white-haired woman’s golden eyes gleamed as she flashed a slightly twisted smile.

- Clap.