[Rel's POV]
[Tuesday, 7:32 AM]
As I walked onto campus, a cool breeze brushed against my face.
I realized that my mana was rendered useless, as I could no longer use traditional magic incantations.
Sadly, I would have to rely on the system's skills for elental attacks from now on.
It didn't feel the sa anymore.
It was as if a part of was missing.
Haah...
I guess that's the price I pay for becoming the "Anti-Magic Man."
I even realized that Deus Le Veult was originally created for the supposed final villain in my novel.
But I scrapped that idea, leaving it in my notes, and ultimately went with a near-god who could only match the world's strongest person.
Not the most exciting choice, in hindsight.
Honestly, if I could rewrite those chapters, I'd probably stick with the anti-magic villain instead of a world-devouring monster.
But there's no use dwelling on the past.
I have this power now, and that's what matters.
I wasn't really into modern magic anyway.
With this new ability, I'm essentially immune to magic attacks.
A walking, talking "nope" to mage spellcasters.
Aura users, though? They're a different story.
***
[Pinnacle Academy, Central Hallway]
Stepping through the central entrance of the academy, I was greeted by a chaotic scene.
Reporters and dia writers sward the hallways, all clamouring to get a piece of the action.
I guess it's not every day that high school students take down a threat ant for high-interdiate heroes.
— "This new story's going to be a hit!"
— "If we can get a few questions from Gerrard's daughter, the headlines would go crazy for us."
— "You think the number one prospect Jan would speak with us?"
I weaved through the wave of reporters, knowing this was Jan's mont. The world should have already recognized him after the invitational tournant, but Valencia's victory had overshadowed his achievents. This award ceremony would finally give him the spotlight he deserved.
As the one who took down that octopus-like demi-human, Jan was about to capture the attention of every top guild in the world.
The story was finally back on track.
Still, I couldn't help but feel regret. During the incident, I tried to stay out of the way, but eliminating Jasper – a character who didn't exist in the original France Incident arc – was a step too far. Inevitably, Cyran had marked as a target, and now I had to tread carefully.
"Excuse ?"
Lost in thought, I barely registered the voice.
My mind raced, planning my next move.
Should I use the rcenaries Corporation to track Cyran's whereabouts?
Although I wasn't sure if Jaxon Cain would allow it, he'd probably try to kill if I revealed my knowledge of these organizations.
"Um, excuse ?"
Another voice, closer this ti. Soone tapped my shoulder, and I turned to see a woman in her 40s.
Brown hair, brown eyes...
Wait a minute.
"Are you Rel Laurence?"
Her voice snapped out of my thoughts.
From her attire, I knew exactly who she was: black blazer, black dress, and the signature badge of soone important.
Amara Navarro.
The Vice President of the International Heroes Association.
Well, this wasn't how I expected my day to start.
Looking her straight in the face, I did my best to maintain a stoic, student-like expression.
No need to raise any more suspicion than I already had. But how did she know my na? Sothing wasn't adding up.
"Uh, yeah," I responded, keeping my voice level and my face stern.
She squinted at , then let out a sigh of relief.
"Wow, that's a relief! That saves ti. Can you please co to the back of the presentation hall with ? Your other friends are waiting for you. You're late for practice."
"The what?" My jaw dropped.
Wait a minute.
I sent an email to Kolek about my involvent in the incident, which should've made ineligible for any awards.
This didn't make any sense.
"The practice for the ceremony, of course! You were one of the four students who contributed greatly to helping the public!" Amara said with a bright smile.
My expression darkened.
Just who could've justified giving recognition?
Don't tell ...
From the end of the hallway, a head peeked out.
It was that annoying pretty boy face I could recognize anywhere.
If steam could co out of my ears, I'd be glowing red right now.
That...damn fucker, Jan.
Tehe!
Don't 'tehe' ?!
I watched Jan's head slide out of view.
Suddenly, a hand touched my shoulder.
"Get moving, kid. We don't have all day."
I turned to see a massive bodyguard, dressed in an all-black suit, staring at with a serious expression.
"Okay..." I muttered, not really having a choice in the matter.
***
[Pinnacle Academy, The Presentation Hall - Backstage]
"Hehe... It seems he didn't forget after all!" Jan chirped, pushing through the backstage doors of the presentation hall, his face alight with a bright smile.
Camila and Valencia were already seated against the back wall, hidden from the prying eyes of reporters and the glare of caras being set up on the other side of the curtain.
"Achoo!"
Camila sneezed abruptly, and a soft cloth gently touched her cheek.
"Bless you," Valencia smiled, handing her a handkerchief.
"Thanks, Val!" Camila replied, gratefully accepting the handkerchief and giving it a good sniffle.
anwhile, Jan humd a little tune as he settled back into his seat beside her.
The three of them had been up since before dawn, preparing to receive their awards for their contributions during the Demi-Human Appearance in France.
Camila, who had caught a cold during the trip, hadn't been present during Kolek's eting with Jan and Rel.
Valencia, on the other hand, had been forced to stay ho due to her father's overprotective concerns for her safety.
"Jan," Camila began, turning to him as he settled in beside her, "I heard Kolek spoke to you about Rel's contribution."
"What did you say to him?" Valencia asked, trying to sound casual despite her curiosity.
huhu!
Jan smirked, turning to face the two girls.
"Well, I said he had the finishing blow, of course!"
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