The Fake Saintess and the Elf Warrior

"Silver hair, short hair...and short?"

"Hmm," Oz nodded.

"...Is it her?"

After much thought, Frost finally remembered that among the last batch of new students who registered a week before the start of the semester, there seemed to be someone like that. Generally, no one bothers to remember every new student's face. But because of her unusual hair color and age so different from her appearance, Frost vaguely remembered her. He just couldn't recall her name at the moment.

"Do you know him?"

Seeing that Frost seemed to be getting somewhere, Oz immediately asked, "What's going on?" But Frost just shook his head.

"No, I think I saw someone like that when I was reviewing the documents, but I didn't pay much attention to her."

"Uncle, you have her information here, right? Okay, let me find out who she is!"

"Oz, sit down!"

Oz jumped up excitedly, his eyes already scanning the surrounding filing cabinets. Before he could actually mess up the documents he had painstakingly organized, Frost stopped him. Oz reluctantly sat back down.

"How stingy. Can't I even take a look?"

"What are you planning to do by looking at the information? Are you looking for revenge?"

"No, that's not it..."

"Then stop thinking about useless things. You're a student in the Hero Class. Your competitors are the heroes, not that saintess. Don't worry about her."

"yes..."

Faced with Frost's righteous argument, Oz, though somewhat remorseful, still obediently lowered his head.

He was a combative, wild boy, and had already clashed with his roommate before school even started. If he were to learn the saint's identity, he would inevitably cause trouble at school again. As the school's leader and Oz's guarantor, Frost wanted to do everything he could to avoid such an incident.

However, in Frost's heart, he secretly remembered Oz's words.

During the questioning, Oz described Naka as a monstrous being, using many exaggerated terms. Judging from his description alone, it seemed even Fros was no match for her. However, Fros remembered that while the saintess possessed some magic that a novice saintess couldn't control, her physical strength wasn't particularly outstanding. She shouldn't be as powerful as Oz described. Yet, she truly showed Oz what it meant to be "there are always stronger beings out there." How did she manage that? Fros was very curious.

In addition, something else surprised Frost.

"Oz, you said that before you met that saintess... you got beaten up? And you were unconscious in the training gym all night?"

"Yeah, it was my roommate who hit me. I was chatting with him that day, and he seemed a bit unhappy, so I punched him in the chest to encourage him. He punched me back without saying a word... But that's all in the past. We don't have any conflicts now. I even sparred with him a few days ago. He won."

"What? You actually lost to him in a head-on fight?"

"Yeah, that guy is really amazing."

"..."

Oz, that carefree kid, probably didn't take it to heart. But Frost started to have doubts.

The boy's talent and strength were deeply imprinted in Fros's mind from the very first day he met him. He had never seen such a gifted youth. Given time and systematic training, he would surely become an adventurer who surpassed his prime and made a great contribution to the kingdom. Furthermore, Fros had confirmed that Oz had single-handedly wiped out a band of robbers shortly before the start of the school year. It was safe to say that Oz's abilities were undeniably top-tier.

But how could someone like him be completely defeated with a single blow? Oz being knocked unconscious in the training gym could perhaps be attributed to a sneak attack, catching Oz off guard. But if someone could defeat Oz in a one-on-one sparring match, then it can only mean that there are even more terrifying geniuses in this world. Add to that the saintess he just mentioned, who made Oz instinctively sense a vast difference in ability. It seems that this year's freshmen are hiding many unfathomable individuals.

Frost prided himself on his extensive experience and keen eye for talent. To prove this, he defied opposition and implemented the special admissions system. He hoped Oz could serve as a living witness. But perhaps things weren't as simple as Frost imagined.

However, this wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Although Fros was unwilling, he was happy to see more and more talented people emerge. The more people like this there were, the closer they would get to defeating the Demon King. This was a great blessing for the people and society.

"Uncle? Are you alright?"

Seeing Frost's somber expression, Oz tentatively patted him on the shoulder. Frost then snapped out of his reverie and put on a relieved smile.

"I see. So, Oz, what were you thinking after you lost to him?"

"Well..."

A bet is a bet. Losing in a duel is not shameful. Oz readily admits this and praises his worthy opponent's skill. But for an adventurer aiming for the very top, a single failure only becomes the driving force for the next success.

"...Next time, I will definitely not lose to him."

Only first place is Oz's eternal goal.

It was clear that even in the face of failure, he didn't give up. Instead, he transformed into a more composed and hardworking Oz. Frost was very satisfied.

"That's right. One failure isn't terrible. What's important is learning from it. You need to understand that it's your good fortune to have a worthy rival who can compete with you in a healthy way. Nothing motivates a brave person to grow better than a goal to surpass. You should cherish it."

"Yes. I know."

"So, are you confident about the graduation exam in six months?"

"Unnecessary question, uncle."

Oz patted his chest confidently.

"No matter who my opponent is, the top scorer title will always be mine."

"I hope I haven't misjudged him."

"You don't, uncle."

That was the end of their conversation that day.

Oz was called to Frost's office after class. They talked until evening. Frost told him to go home for dinner and rest, and he left. Although they seemed to have reached a consensus, it was clear that Oz didn't want to linger in such a bureaucratic place. His quick departure after being given permission was evidence of this. It was evident that he was still only thinking about getting home as soon as possible.

However, this conversation was very meaningful.

When Fros first met Oz, he was a completely unruly and eccentric individual who wouldn't listen to anyone and would just charge around recklessly. Although he was a rare talent, Fros felt that it would take considerable effort to make him more enlightened and civilized. Adventurers are warriors who fight for humanity. If they are not mature enough in both mind and body, mere physical strength is not necessarily a blessing for society. Strength that cannot be used for good is only a disaster. Oz had never attended school, and the years he spent with orphanages had instilled in him a strong sense of江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the world of martial arts and outlaws). Fros had no idea how long it would take for him to accept and adapt to school life.

But in the blink of an eye, he became quite different. His talent, coupled with a more humble and cautious attitude, a thirst for knowledge, and calm thinking—if these qualities came together in him, they would surely lead to a qualitative change.

How much will Oz have grown in six months? With this expectation in mind, Frost began his written work. All the problems Frost faces in his position are crucial, each requiring meticulous attention and careful consideration. What used to be a strenuous task now flowed effortlessly and easily.

After writing his comments on the last document and finishing his work for the day, it was already late at night.

"Is it over so early today?"

These daily tasks usually take him until the early hours of the next morning to finish. Today, the pace is unusually fast. He glances at the clock; there's still about an hour until sunrise.

He thought to himself that an hour of sleep wouldn't relieve much of his fatigue. He had other work to do early the next morning, and oversleeping would be difficult to explain to his subordinates. He figured he might as well go out for a walk, enjoy the evening breeze, and clear his head. So, Frost packed up his documents, locked the door, and left his office.

"It's so cool..."

Unlike the sweltering heat of the daytime, the summer nights in Sunflower Town were always cool and refreshing. He stretched contentedly, thanks to finishing his work early. Frost was enjoying a rare moment of nature's warmth, a feeling he hadn't had in a long time due to his busy work schedule.

There was no one around to report to him, and no mountains of paperwork. Frost enjoyed his short hour of solitude, strolling leisurely through his campus. For him, who was constantly overwhelmed by work, this hour was incredibly precious.

but...

"Waaah...waaah..."

They hadn't gone far when voices began to echo from somewhere on the supposedly deserted campus. Judging from the sound, it seemed to be a girl sobbing.

"It's so late, are there still students who haven't returned to their dorms?"

Looking around, Frost didn't see anyone. But the sound continued to reach his ears intermittently. The person didn't seem to be on the main road of the campus, but rather hiding in a secluded grove of trees.

Frost hoped to use all his precious rest time to his own advantage. But the student who hadn't returned to the dormitory and was crying must have experienced something. Worried, Frost resolutely followed the sound.

After crossing the low fence and walking a few meters further, he finally found the source of the voice after parting a bush.

"Excuse me, student, it's so late and you're still...wait, who are you...?"

Before Frost stood a petite, silver-haired girl. Frost was familiar with her; he had just mentioned her in his conversation with Oz.

The girl, who was crying with her knees drawn up to her chest, noticed someone approaching and immediately looked up. She saw the middle-aged man beside her. Quite by chance, she recognized him too.

"Frost!?"

Late-night heart-to-heart talk

Attacked by the person she most wanted to protect, Naka unexpectedly learned of the terrifying, hidden side of the seemingly harmless girl. Heartbroken and terrified, she wanted nothing more than to spend the night alone, crouching quietly in the grass. Unfortunately, her cries attracted an uninvited guest. Frost, who usually wouldn't be here but buried in his work in the office, had just finished his work early and happened to go downstairs for a stroll. And he just happened to bump into Naka. It all seemed like a preordained arrangement.

He was unaware that the man standing before him was the murderer who had killed all his teammates. But she recognized him—the man she had once utterly defeated. Two mortal enemies who had fought a bloody battle twenty years ago unexpectedly reunited on campus late at night.

"Here, have some water and calm down."

Fros helped Naka out of the bushes, led her to the rest area, and helped her sit down. He then handed her a drink.

"No..."

"I've left it here; drink it if you want."

Naka wouldn't drink, so Frost simply placed the water beside her. She'd drink when she was thirsty.

Naka's eyes were red and swollen, her face streaked with tears. She was trembling all over. Her nun's habit was also wrinkled and crumpled, as if it had been roughly pulled. Frost took off his coat and gently draped it over Naka's shoulders, asking with concern...

"Excuse me, but what has happened?"

"It's alright, you don't need to worry about it..."

The man before her was her target, the one she was about to kill. But Naka was not in the mood for killing right now. Nor did she want to be worried about this defeated opponent. Stubbornly, she turned her head away.

"How could I not be responsible? I own this school. Everything, big or small, concerning students and teachers, is under my jurisdiction. You should have reported it to me immediately if you weren't going back to your dorm so late at night. Judging by your current state, I don't believe nothing has happened that required my intervention. Were you robbed by some student?"

"no..."

"Did you get into a fight with a classmate?"

"no..."

"Or were you sexually assaulted by a thug with malicious intent?"

"Are you ever going to stop?! I told you it's nothing!"

In a sense, Frost's last guess was correct. That's why Naka yelled at him in a fit of anger.

"What a busybody! Fine! I'm going back to my dorm! Leave me alone!"

As if avoiding Frost, Naka threw his coat on the ground and stood up to leave. But for the school administrators, this wasn't just a student's private matter. It was a crucial issue concerning the school's atmosphere and order. Without getting the answer he wanted, Frost naturally wouldn't let her go so easily. He grabbed Naka's wrist.

"Wait, I haven't finished yet."

"It hurts! It hurts so much!"

Because it happened so suddenly, Frost couldn't control his strength. This super-powerful warrior, with a strength level in the tens of thousands, only gave a light squeeze, and the frail saintess's wrist began to crackle, like a match about to snap. Naka cried out in pain.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to..."

Realizing he had made his student cry again, Frost quickly released her. Once released, Naka didn't move, but instead crouched down again, clutching her wrist.

"Waaaaaah!"

Then, she burst into tears again.

Normally, no matter how intense the pain, Naka wouldn't even blink. Even when she was being torn apart by the wolf demons and on the verge of death, she didn't shed a single tear. But now, her nerves were unusually fragile. Just a slight stimulation to her wrist caused her emotions to spiral out of control again.

"I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry... It's all my fault. Are you alright? Should we go to the hospital?"

Frost, unaware of the situation, saw Naka crying so hard and assumed he had hurt her. He hurriedly apologized, but Naka just kept crying. Frost was at a loss for what to do.

Frost remembered Oz saying that this saintess possessed monstrous strength. Just being grabbed by the wrist, Oz instinctively felt an almost insurmountable chasm. Therefore, Frost didn't deliberately suppress his strength when pulling her. But her reaction, no matter how you looked at it, wasn't as exaggerated as Oz had described. It was simply the physical ability of an ordinary saintess, something you could see anywhere.

But no matter what, calming her down was the top priority. In desperation, Frost resorted to his last resort.

"...Feel sorry!"

As an elite hero of the kingdom, an idol to countless adventurers, and the highest leader of the school, he didn't hesitate to bend his knees and kneel directly before Naka, this "ordinary" student. His forehead slammed heavily onto the concrete floor, even creating a small dent.

He set aside all differences in status and expressed his apology in the most sincere way possible by kneeling.

Naka never expected someone of his stature to kneel before a student she considered utterly unremarkable. Given his abilities and status, he should never have gone to such lengths. Although Naka disliked him, her heart softened. Wiping away her tears, she responded calmly.

"No...don't do this...get up."

"I won't get up until you forgive me and tell me what happened."

"you..."

She had meant well by wanting to accept his apology, but her good intentions had become a bargaining chip. Naka couldn't help but sigh that this man hadn't lived in vain all these years.

Leaving him like that, leaving him kneeling until the next morning so the whole school could see clearly, wouldn't be bad. However, if things were investigated later, she wouldn't be able to escape responsibility. Naka had no choice but to back down.

"I... I'll just tell you the truth..."

"Thank you, young lady!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Frost jumped up.

Of course, that was just a joke. Frost simply got up, carefully checked Naka's wrist, and after confirming that there was nothing seriously wrong, helped her back to sit on the bench.

To make Naka understand his intentions, Frost repeatedly explained that he had no intention of interfering with her privacy. He simply didn't want anything to happen that would damage the school's reputation or the students' harmonious and peaceful lives. Any disciplinary violations would be dealt with seriously.

Having said all that, Naka couldn't refuse any longer. But Naka couldn't, and didn't want to, truly betray Tatsia by telling Frost everything she'd done, causing her expulsion. She was the one who ruined Tatsia's life, the one who decided to team up with her, the one who decided to help her, and the one who paid for her to study here. Whatever Tatsia had done, Naka would accept it all. This was the result of her own choices.

"I might as well just make up a lie to appease him..." That was Naka's initial thought. But after recalling what had happened today, she felt a strong urge to talk to someone. Yet, she couldn't find anyone to confide in. She had so much to say. She wanted to hear other people's opinions. Otherwise, those unresolved issues would only cause her more pain.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. In the end, Naka decided to pour out all her doubts to Frost, whom she looked down upon.