Chapter 1.14
If it were a normal bat, it should have been knocked out by the first attack.
Sensing that something was suspicious, I flicked my fingertips and summoned a small knife. It was something I could do thanks to the Blessing of the First, which said the physical body itself was no different from a weapon.
And I aimed and threw it at the escaping bat.
Thud!
‘A direct hit.’
It’s still impossible to skillfully control the longsword handed down through the family with this body, but it seems this much is possible.
I felt like I did well with the weapon summoning technique I had practiced hard as soon as my admission to the Academy was decided.
My heart was pounding as if I had run a short-distance race because my body was so frail, but it wasn’t to the point of collapsing.
I was feeling somewhat proud of myself when I felt a gaze from the direction of the dormitory building.
“Who’s there?”
When I asked just in case, a timid answer came back.
“Um…… I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop.”
From behind the moss-covered dormitory building, a woman who was beautiful at a glance revealed herself.
Long silver hair swaying softly with the wind, and clear blue eyes sparkling as if she had discovered a hero.
The female lead I had been looking for so much, Ayla Ryner, was watching me with a slightly flushed face for some reason.
As soon as I realized that the woman who had been peeking at my bat hunting from behind the dormitory building was the female lead, Ayla, the first thought that came to my mind was this:
‘Wow, she’s pretty…….’
It didn’t seem like the reason she would later be called the manifestation of the Goddess was only because of her immense holy power and benevolence.
With such an appearance, a kind personality, and even power and talent worthy of the title of the strongest in the world.
Just as I was about to grumble that the world is truly unfair, her gaunt wrists and worn-out sleeves from not eating well came into my view.
Considering that she lost her parents at a young age and even suffered from her uncle’s cold treatment, Ayla’s power might just be a justifiable reward for the pain she received.
As I couldn’t take my eyes off her while having such thoughts, Ayla opened her mouth first.
“I’m sorry once again. I came to check because I felt someone’s presence, and I ended up watching you without realizing it.”
“It’s alright. I was the one looking around as I pleased. I’m Levi Heron, a freshman.”
When I said that, Ayla had a face that seemed to understand for some reason.
“Ah, you’re the Young Lady of the House of Heron who inherited the power of the Lion Divine Beast! No wonder.”
……No wonder?
“I thought you were really amazing when you subdued that bat just now. I’ve heard that the Counts of Heron can summon all kinds of swords, and it’s an honor to witness it myself.”
“Ah…… thank you.”
If she remembered the stories about our family to that extent, she must have heard the rumors that I was a defective product of Heron, but Ayla didn’t mention it at all.
For a moment, I felt embarrassed that I had thought the “no wonder” might mean I was frail for a Heron.
‘Is it a reaction etched into my body?’
While I felt a bit sorry for this body that reflexively shrinks back in fear of others’ evaluations, I simultaneously felt grateful to Ayla for looking at me without prejudice.
“And what is your name, Young Lady?”
“I am Ayla of the House of Baron Ryner. You may already know from hearing about me.”
When I reacted as if I didn’t know, Ayla gave an awkward smile.
Then, as if she had concluded that she couldn’t hide it even if she tried, she opened her mouth.
“The thing is…… my reputation was already at rock bottom even before I entered. A Lady who uses the campus dormitory that even commoners don’t use.”
“…….”
“Since the rumors have already spread, I thought it would be difficult to mingle with others even at the banquet, so I was in the dormitory thinking I might as well pack my things.”
As if she had long since stopped hiding or making excuses for the situation she faced, resignation was settled in Ayla’s eyes.
Looking at those sad eyes, I felt like offering some words of comfort rather than just continuing the conversation for the sake of becoming close.
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