But thats just in every childs nature. How about we let him off the hook, Emilia-sensei? (Eldmed)

Emilia smiled a bit at that.

Youre right. Were not in any position where we can worry about the safety of every single person. It would be much more helpful to us if he could just go missing. (Emilia)

The Hero Academy students burst into laughter.

Although, I actually sent him about five kilometers away from the dragons.

Since hes a royal, albeit a rotten one, he might be able to escape alive.

Welp, looks like that nuisance is outta the picture. Now lets get started on our strategy meeting. What should we do, Emilia? (Raos)

Eh? (Emilia)

Emilia turned to Raos.

Dont give us that. The royal capital will be doomed if we dont do something, right? If the royal palace isnt ready to fight, then weve got no choice but to go. Heine declared.

We may not obey the royal edict, but the dragons are still a threat to Azesion. We want to protect our homeland with our own hands. (Ledriano)

Perhaps defeating a dragon has given them a boost of confidence as none of the Hero Academy students showed any signs of being intimidated.

Are you all ready for this? Emilia thought for a moment before asking that short question.

They all nodded.

They decided to fight not because someone told them to, but of their own volition.

Their determination mustve been clearly conveyed to Emilia.

Very well. (Emilia)

Emilia turned to Eldmed.

The Hero Academy will now head out to slay the horde of dragons coming to Gairadite from the Enora Meadow. (she said in a resolute tone.

As for the Demon King Academy students, please stay here in Arclanisca. We cant put you all in danger during our school exchange program. (Emilia)

That was a surprising offer.

Khahaha! Are you sure you dont want our help? (Eldmed)

Eldmed leaned against his cane and stared at Emilias face.

Dont you think this is a reckless decision, Emilia-sensei? the Conflagration King asked, as if to test her.

Maybe so If we borrowed the power of the Demon King Academy the power of the Demon King of Tyranny this incident wouldnt be much of a crisis at all Emilia answered without hesitation.

Still, this is something we must settle with our own hands. Its a battle with our pride on the line. Even if we defeated the dragons with the Demon Kings help, theres no telling when something like this will happen again. We cant stay under the Demon Kings protection forever. (Emilia)

Eldmed grinned in response.

Ready to aim high, I see. But at present, theres roughly one hundred dragons to face. If all you have is courage, youll die in vain, you know? (Eldmed)

Emilia nodded to that.

It seemed they had a chance of winning.

In that case, like the guests we are, we will happily let this country protect us. Ah, but let me just warn you about one thing: any dragon that makes it to the royal capital will die, okay? I also have to fulfill my duty of protecting my students, after all. (Eldmed)

That mustve been his way of saying that they wouldnt have to worry about the safety of the royal capital.

With this, the Hero Academy could now focus on annihilating the dragons.

Thank you very much. (Emilia)

She turned around and headed for the door.

Lets go! We dont have much time! To the holy lake! (Emilia)

Emilia and the Hero Academy students left the main auditorium.

But hold on. Its definitely not normal that a horde of dragons suddenly appeared on the surface like this, is it? Sasha asked me.

I dont think this was voluntary on their part. Its probably the work of the draconids underground. (Anos)

What are they after? Misha asked.

Who knows? This could be a diversion to hide their true goal. (Anos)

What were they planning to do by diverting my attention to the dragons?

Eleonore, Zeshia, you should accompany Emilia and the rest. You two were originally students of the Hero Academy. They may not want any assistance from the demons but if its you two, it wont hurt their pride. (Anos)

Eleonore And Zeshia nodded in agreement.

Yup, got it. (Eleonore)

I will protect everyone (Zeshia)

The two began moving immediately.

Those guys get carried away easily, so Im worried theyll die if I carelessly take my eyes off them. (Eleonore)

Keep your guard up and watch out for fire (Zeshia)

With those words, the two left the main auditorium.

Sasha, Misha, youre with me. I found an unnatural cavern beneath the Enora Meadow. Something might be lurking there. (Anos)

Misha nodded, and Sasha replied, Got it.

Shin.

He was casually listening to our conversation beside us, and quietly approached us.

As he passed by, I gave him an order via <Thought Communication Leaks>.

As you wish, my lord. Shin muttered before leaving the auditorium.

The Pledge Jewel bearer who came in contact with the Royalists. The dragon being kept beneath the royal palace. The king of Gairadite. The horde of dragons approaching the royal capital. And the unnatural cavern formed beneath the Enora Meadow.

I had no idea what right those guys from underground had to be so conceited, and what their foolish plans were.

But I would make them bitterly regret ever looking down on the people of the surface.