The Academy’s Weapon Replicator

A few days later, in an abandoned building in the central continent.

As noon passed, wolves walking on two legs appeared.

They twitched their noses, unfamiliar with the strangely quiet place today. It was rare for them to arrive at the meeting point first.

Since it wasn't good for humans and monsters to be together for a long time, the usual order was to receive the human corpses and leave immediately...

“Now!”

Tatatang!

A sudden shout. Someone among the hidden humans yelled, and at the same time, the door of the abandoned building closed.

“Kieeek!!”

The wolves instinctively turned back and fled. When they ran at full speed, they galloped on all fours, looking like wolves without a doubt.

This building was built a very long time ago and was just as old, so there were gaps where they could escape even if it wasn't through the door.

However.

Slash!

“Don't miss a single one!!”

Even those gaps were filled with the blades of humans who had been waiting in advance, flying like mobiles.

Even if these were monsters from the outside, they specialized in concealment. In this situation where they were completely exposed and trapped, they had no way to withstand the attacks of skilled veteran Pros.

A one-sided massacre took place, and after a while.

“They've all been dealt with.”

The wolves had now become corpses, rolling on the floor.

“Just as Mr. Eden said. You are truly amazing.”

The Pros approached Eden, who had led this place.

“To track down the discovery areas of those who received the Mana injections and find the meeting point, I can't even grasp the direction.”

“Haha, I was lucky. I had several other places in mind besides here, and fortunately, I got it right on the first try.”

Eden humbly downplayed his own contribution, but his expression was somehow stiff.

“Mr. Eden, is something wrong? You don't look well.”

“Ah, no. That can't be. I think I'm just relieved that things worked out well. Fatigue must be catching up to me.”

“Hahaha. I understand. We've been chasing these bastards for a long time.”

As Eden said, this incident could be considered almost over.

“In the end, that kid was right. They really were using Constel’s laboratory.”

“Frondier and Mr. Eden played a big role in this operation. Thanks to the efforts of both of you, we were able to complete the operation safely without major damage.”

“But that Frondier guy, he's not participating in the communication operation after all. As other Pros predicted, he seems to prefer strategy. I don't think we can expect him to be a frontline fighter.”

“I think so too. Don't you think so, Mr. Eden?”

“Th, that's right. Frondier's contribution was certainly great.”

Eden's face stiffened as soon as he heard Frondier's name. He even stuttered, which was definitely not like him. His answer was slightly off too.

Eden put his hand on his head and shook his head.

“Hmm, I should withdraw now. I'm really tired today.”

“Yes. You definitely seem tired. Please get some rest.”

Eden walked to his vehicle, escorted by his colleagues.

As soon as he got into the car, his phone rang.

He looked at the screen and saw that a message had arrived.

[Good work.]

That short sentence.

It wasn't even a big deal, but Eden's hands trembled.

‘He was watching….’

He couldn't read Frondier with his Internal Energy. Whether he was nearby or using something else to observe him.

Eden couldn't feel Frondier, and just sat still in the car for a while, gripped by the fear that he was watching him from somewhere.

* * *

After the joint operation was over, the Roach family had a family dinner for the first time in a long time.

It was to celebrate Frondier’s first experience as a Pro.

On the surface, it looked similar to when Frondier took first place in the final exams, but there were two differences.

First, it was a dinner out back then, but this time, the meal was held at the mansion. This was at Azier’s request.

And secondly.

“……Ah, I, well…….”

Selena, who was sitting next to Frondier, was busily rolling her eyes.

Selena couldn't understand why she was here now, even though it was a family dinner.

And what was this silent atmosphere? It's a celebratory family dinner, but no one has spoken since earlier.

What is it, is everyone angry? Because of me? Because it's presumptuous for me, a non-family member, to be at the dinner table?

That's why I said I wouldn't come!

“It's okay, Selena.”

Frondier said.

“You don't have to force yourself to make conversation. Our family is originally taciturn.”

“I, is that so?”

“Yes. It's not like the atmosphere is stiff and heavy because of you.”

Is it just human psychology that makes it feel even more like that when you say it so specifically?

“Azier.”

Enfer called Azier.

“Yes.”

“Frondier participated where the Pros were, how did you see it?”

Azier answered without hesitation.

“He was lacking nothing.”

“──Hmm. I see.”

And silence again.

Selena rolled her eyes, wondering if this was really it, but she was the only one who found the silence awkward.

Malia, who was watching it quietly, opened her mouth.

“You're Selena, right?”

“Hot! Yes!”

“I heard my son hired you as a bodyguard.”

“Yes, yes! That's right. I am Frondier-nim’s bodyguard.”

Malia smiled and asked, looking at Selena, who was answering like a parrot.

“Doesn't Frondier give you a hard time? He doesn't seem like it, but he's a bit mischievous.”

A bit?

Selena almost asked back like that, but she held it in with all her soul.

“It's, it's okay. Frondier-nim treats me well.”

“Hmm, but the way I see it.”

Malia trailed off and looked at Selena quietly.

Then she turned her gaze to Frondier.

“No matter how I look at it, it seems like you chose her based on her looks. Frondier?”

Malia's words were half-joking, but half-serious. There was a suspicious look in her eyes amidst the laughter.

“When I contacted them for hiring, Selena was the one who came. I was also surprised.”

Frondier said.

Selena became more nervous at that answer.

Being surprised meant, that is, Frondier also immediately─

“So you think she's pretty too?”

Malia asked exactly what Selena was thinking.

Frondier said.

“Well, I have eyes too.”