"Vespia playing the role of a teacher? Hahahaha…This old woman really can't help laughing. Someone so cruel and cold wants to take care of a group of children?"
The one who devours children was sitting lazily, rocking back and forth on her chair.Beside her sat Mary, the one who devours darkness, next to a man known throughout the entire continent: the one who devours minds, Emperor Harvic Langstro.
A new ruler who had killed his predecessor, he had sworn loyalty to Vespia.
He had not started an open war and actively participated in maintaining peace between nations, but he absolutely refused to consider Vespia an enemy of humanity. Because of this, the people of the Kingdom of Daven and those of the Lang Empire harbored a deep and violent hatred toward one another.
"Vespia always told us that it was her dream… but she also made it clear that this dream would never stand in the way of our objectives.
Which means that no matter what we do, Vespia will allow it. I have no wish to confront her, so this suits me very well. The Empire must take advantage of this time of peace to train its young shoots."
Mary gently caressed Harvic's arm, and he tenderly kissed her hand.
"So you want your children to defeat Vespia's students? I understand… you enjoy challenging her, like a game of chess. But be careful: the young girl Miore is part of her class, and she does not like you very much."
Nearby stood David, Lux's former companion, now in the service of Vespia.He wore full black armor, and the saber at his side radiated a powerful red aura.
The one who devours blades.A traitor to Daven.
"Mary… do not forget the army. When we launch the war, you will be among those fighting on the front lines. You owe that much to Vespia. She spared you despite the fact that you are the daughter of the Demon King."
Mary glared at David, seething with anger.
Suddenly, the doors opened, allowing four figures with terrifying auras to enter.
At the center stood a nun wearing the robes of a saint of the Holy Kingdom, but instead of pure white, they were pitch black, like the night itself.
The one who devours the sun: Ameria.
"Aaah… so we are all gathered on this glorious day. But our goddess is absent… what are we to do? Without her, we are nothing but lost sheep."
Her hair, once blonde, suddenly turned black as she violently stomped her foot.
"Seriously! What is Vespia doing?! I'm bored! I want action, damn it!"
Beside her stood an old man walking with difficulty, leaning on a cane carved with faces twisted in agony. Supporting him was a woman of singular beauty, wearing a maid's outfit and keeping her eyes closed.
The one who devours souls and the one who devours time, two Devourers almost inseparable.
"Ho ho… I will never tire of watching your personality shifts. It is magnificent, is it not, Cassidy? Ah, ah… my poor back."
Cassidy gently stroked his back.
"Master Thomas, please be careful… allow me to escort you to the table."
The last to join them was Vince, the one who devours history.His elegant attire and self-satisfied smile highlighted his fox-like eyes.
Once everyone was seated, he spoke.
"My dear companions… as always, being reunited with you makes my heart beat in countless ways.
I have called you all here today to tell you that our friend and brother — he who devoured silence — is dead. And just as fate had always intended, he passed away alone, wrapped in the most perfect, tranquil silence…
Aaah, we obtained this power from Vespia, but in exchange, we will die as we were known. Hahaha! I am truly curious to witness your deaths… especially yours, dear Ameria. Devoured by the sun. How ironic."
A heavy silence filled the room.
Ameria, her hair returned to blonde, burst into tears over the loss of her friend.
"No tears. Our Vespia once told me such magnificent words: 'Figure it out yourself.' Aaah, what brilliance. She knew I was the only one worthy of managing all of you.
Leave the recruitment of the next Devourer to me. I already have someone in mind. As for the rest of you, do whatever you want. You would not listen to me anyway. This organization is made of selfish individuals, and I do not complain. It is a fact, just like the absence of the other Devourers today.
Now then, let us speak of the Tournament of Nations."
Vince's laughter filled the hall before silence once again took over.
Back at the academy, the students were training.
On the field, Ben sighed before striking a target with his lava-covered fist.
"Peasant… what is your unique ability?"
Princess Leslie stood behind him.Surprised, Ben had not expected her to be the one speaking to him.
"Me? Uh… I do not think a peasant like me would interest you."
Leslie clicked her tongue, frustrated.
"Just tell me. That is all. I am not trying to be cruel. I am genuinely interested in your magic.
So speak, peasant. And also tell me about that commoner, Miore. I do not like her, but I am curious."
Understanding that Leslie was sincere, Ben stepped closer without hesitation.
"My magic is based on lava. I create a hand that condenses an enormous amount of lava, melting almost anything it touches. At first, creating it was difficult, but once I began to feel that energy as a second hand, everything changed. I think that if I modify its composition, I could go even further…"
Leslie listened calmly.
Ben realized he had fallen back into his old habit of talking too much when it came to magic. He was about to apologize, but Leslie interrupted him.
"If you change the composition, you could surpass a simple fist. You could even give it another form. And I believe your attribute will become even stronger when combined with natural magic.
Your status as a peasant prevented you from training properly. When I gain more authority, I would like to correct that flaw. So many gems that do not shine."
Ben was stunned.
"I thought you hated commoners. You always call us 'commoner' or 'filthy peasant.'"
Leslie looked at him, surprised.
"Yes, because you are filthy and you are a peasant. Titles are important. Only friends are called by their names.
You call me Princess, do you not? Now that you have bathed at the academy, you have gone from filthy peasant to peasant."
Ben stared at her, then smiled.
"Then we can be friends. Call me Ben, and I will call you Leslie. It is better than all those titles."
He extended his hand.Leslie hesitated, then shook it.
"Very well, Ben. Now you must explain the powers of that commoner, Miore."
The two continued to discuss magic at length, while Lamia received the keys to a special room reserved for her students.
End of Chapter 7