Love Letter From The Future

The Hunting Festival was dangerous. Even without considering the contents of the letter from the future, it was clear. It was a festival meant for hunting monsters.

On that day, the forest would not only release the native monsters but also the ones captured from outside. Furthermore, monsters were inherently hostile to humanity.

Naturally, being an Academy Student wouldn’t earn one special treatment from the monsters. A moment’s mistake could lead to injuries, and it was a dangerous festival that could even result in fatalities occurring once every few years.

Despite that, the Hunting Festival was bustling with participants every year. Even if hundreds were spread out in that vast forest, it still seemed quite a handful for a festival where one had to risk their life.

Moreover, most battle-related departments, the business department or the humanities department, were not allowed to participate.

In other words, even if just over half of the Academy Students were excluded, hundreds of participants would still show up every year. This phenomenon stemmed not only from the splendid prizes of the Hunting Festival but also from the characteristics of the Academy itself.

The Academy was both an educational and training institution. Whether in the Swordsmanship Department or the Magic Department, one had to survive in intense competition, and by the third year, they could even be dispatched for real combat.

There were plenty of circumstances where one had to risk their life to graduate from the Academy, not just the Hunting Festival. One could even argue that a festival held under proper supervision within the Academy grounds was safer. Therefore, it made sense that people would have less reluctance to participate.

So, I initially expected that gathering a team to participate in the Hunting Festival wouldn’t be too difficult. Ceria was a superb swordsman, and there were friends like Celin and Reto whom I could trust with my life. It was only four of us, after all.

What I thought would be a simple journey had turned into one filled with various hardships. Of course, I managed to gather the four somehow, but the atmosphere wasn’t particularly good.

First, Celin and Ceria hadn’t even properly communicated.

Perhaps because Celin was wary of my reaction, she lowered her head to Ceria first.

“…I’m sorry.”

Ceria looked at Celin with a slightly surprised expression. Celin let out a deep sigh and bowed her head even further.

“I’ve said bad things about you in the past. So, my friends might have disliked you more, and it’s all my fault. I apologize.”

For Celin, it must have been a humiliating thing to do, biting her lips. She had a strong sense of pride and especially wouldn’t bow down before high-ranking nobles.

She sometimes exhibited a somewhat soft attitude towards high-ranking nobles because she had to navigate social situations. However, one thing she was resolutely refusing to do was bow her head. Yet here she was, bowing to a member of the Yuridina Clan.

I could only assume that Celin had made this decision with the best of intentions. Nonetheless, I didn’t particularly defend her.

Forgiveness was a right of the victim. She had no right to interfere with me. I merely stared silently at Ceria.

She was silent for a while. As she quietly gazed at Celin, who had her head lowered, she let out a faint sigh.

Her gaze remained cold. However, the words that came out of her mouth were different.

“…It’s fine.”

Celin’s body recoiled and trembled. It could easily be misunderstood from just the words spoken. It might seem like Ceria had no intentions of forgiving her, but I understood the warmth contained in her voice. If it were someone else, they might not notice, but I shook my head with a bitter smile.

In any case, Ceria still needed to correct that easily misunderstood habit of hers; she still had a long way to go.

“I don’t mind it, things like that. It’s always been the case, and just because of that, it doesn’t mean it’s solely your fault. I do tend to say things that could be misunderstood.”

Celin lifted her head slightly. Her hazel eyes reflected a mix of confusion and anticipation.

‘Why is that Yuridina acting like this?’ was the look on her face, but the way Ceria was behaving now was closer to the real ‘Ceria.’

By nature, she didn’t hold on to insignificant wrongs. It was rare for her to bear a grudge, and she certainly wouldn’t hate others.

It was too familiar for her to attract animosity. So, Ceria was able to respond to Celin’s apology as though it were nothing special.

“I will accept your apology. From now on, as teammates, let’s… work hard together.”

The last line seemed a bit embarrassing, and Ceria slightly turned her head, her cheeks turning red. After observing her for a moment without saying anything, Celin burst into a laugh.

Straightening up, she extended her hand. It was a scene of reconciliation visible to anyone.

Yes, this is what the Academy is about. Reconciliation, friendship. And youth!

Until now, we had been living in a tense atmosphere. The Academy, where numerous youths mixed, should be vibrant like this. Jokes should be exchanged, and tension should not escalate.

When Celin extended her hand, Ceria gazed at her in wide-eyed surprise, as if it was her first time receiving a handshake. Yet, Celin did not withdraw her hand.

“Let’s take care of each other, Ceria. At least until the Hunting Festival.”

“Th-… Yes, definitely…”

It was a heartwarming scene. As I watched the interaction between Celin and Ceria with warm eyes, I suddenly sensed a presence beside me.

Turning my head, I saw someone I had expected. A large hooded hat, brown hair, and eyes like blue sapphires.

Her small frame and delicate features made it hard to believe she was a living doll. She was that beautiful.

If there were two flowers in the second-year Swordsmanship Department, there were equally renowned beauties in the fourth year. Among them, if there was a ‘flower with poison,’ it was none other than this girl.

Elsi Rainelle, the daughter of the noble Rainelle Duchy.

An exceptional battle mage wielding lightning magic, she had already made remarkable achievements in numerous real battles. According to rumors, she already had five circles surrounding her heart, having elevated herself to the rank of a high mage, a 5-circle sorceress before even graduating.

Each circle surrounding her heart was essentially a spellcasting tool. In other words, this small girl could stack five different spells.

Moreover, as the number of stacked spells increased, resonance occurred, exponentially increasing destructive power. If Senior Elsi cast her magic with all her might, no matter how formidable a named monster, it would not survive.

In a way, she was the secret weapon I had prepared. Initially, I had planned to bring Reto along, but thinking back now, it was much better to work with Senior Elsi.

The main role of a mage is to unleash powerful firepower while being protected by the vanguard. With ample combat experience and exceptional skills, Senior Elsi would undoubtedly be of great help in facing a named monster.

As I looked at Senior Elsi with pride, a smile that did not match her charming appearance suddenly caught my eye. Her tiny lips began to move and spoke the next moment.

“Make a fuss, will you? Ah, a bit of gossip and now it’s some kind of… If you’re going to bully someone, why not just grab their hair and make them hide their face in shame starting the next day? Or, what… gather around and beat them up in the corner of some open area? Tsk tsk.”

Senior Elsi clicked her tongue, clearly displeased with the way Celin and Ceria were acting. The disparity between her appearance and the words flowing from her mouth was enormous. Even I felt stunned for a moment.

She didn’t stop there—she even sought my agreement.

“Hey, you think so too, right? Honestly, it’s not something to apologize for… Hiiieek?! I… I made a mistake!”

Instead of responding, I revealed the handaxe at my waist.

I could no longer endure the words flowing from Senior Elsi. Watching her utter harsh words with that cute appearance made my head spin.

The effect was immediate. Senior Elsi immediately pulled her hooded hat down and began to tremble.

“P-please spare me… I-I won’t act cocky again…”

Her voice trembled to the point of being pitiful. I feigned a solemn voice and asked.

“…Can you promise that?”

“Yes, yes-hee… Hieek!”

Only then did I cover my waist with my cloak again. Placing my hand on top of her hooded hat, she flinched and briefly stiffened, but once I began to gently pat her head, a dazed expression overtook her. A faint blush spread across her cheeks.

My upper body leaned slightly closer, close enough for my whisper to reach her ear.

“From now on, be obedient.”

“…Mhm.”

Senior Elsi, though embarrassed, didn’t resist my hand. Rather, she seemed to want me to keep petting her and nudged her head further into my hand.

Alright, Senior Elsi was sufficient for now. The only ones left were Celin and Ceria. They had certainly created a somewhat shy atmosphere of reconciliation just a moment ago.

However, as I turned my gaze again, I noticed Celin whispering something into Ceria’s ear, and shortly after, Ceria’s eyes grew cold.

Celin wore a provocative smile. Though Ceria still hadn’t let go of Celin’s hand, it was clear the atmosphere had grown much colder.

As I stood confused, not having caught the content of their whisper, Celin confidently declared.

“So, let’s get along until then.”

“…That seems right; my goal is to win the Hunting Festival after all.”

It was a chilling atmosphere. For me, hoping Ceria would gain a second friend, it was troublesome. Could it be that Celin and Ceria were fundamentally mismatched?

I could only click my tongue in frustration. The hand that had been petting Senior Elsi withdrew at that moment.

Senior Elsi adopted the expression of a puppy chasing after a toy, looking at my hand with sad eyes. However, it seemed that she still had enough pride not to grab my hand again, so she cleared her throat to draw my attention.

My gaze naturally fell back on Senior Elsi. The blush on her cheeks had yet to fade as she asked me.

“By the way, do we have a plan?”

“What plan?”

As I asked what she was talking about, Senior Elsi’s face turned frustrated as she began to stomp her feet.

“We need to train! The Hunting Festival is real combat, so naturally, we have to coordinate! That Delphine girl will be teaming up with those who have trained together already!”

Ah, I let out a small gasp. Truly, Senior Elsi’s point was accurate.

With only about a week left until the festival, it was essential to train and coordinate before facing the named monsters. Otherwise, it might even turn into a situation where it would be better not to participate at all.

Nonetheless, I had indeed contemplated that aspect. I responded to Senior Elsi as if to reassure her.

“Don’t worry; I brought in someone special, so there’s no need to stress.”

“Someone special? Hmph, what could a low noble with no proper connections possibly…”

Senior Elsi merely scoffed at my bold claim. Her attitude was somewhat cheeky, and I was tempted to show her the handaxe once more.

Suddenly, a shockwave spread through the air, followed by a burst of rising dust.

The ground shook with a tremendous impact. Senior Elsi squealed in panic, grabbing onto my cloak. Meanwhile, both Celin and Ceria were quick to regain their stances, bringing their hands to their waists, gazing with wary eyes through the rising dust.

Among the four of us, I was the only one unbothered. After all, it was someone I had summoned.

I hadn’t expected this arrival, but frankly, it wasn’t surprising at all.

As the dust gradually settled, a middle-aged man boasting muscles like steel revealed himself.

Celin and Ceria widened their eyes in surprise. They recognized him well.

“Is it you? You’re the arrogant bunch who said you wanted to follow in the footsteps of the monster hunter I-an mentioned.”

With his burning red hair and beard, despite being retired for a long time, his gaze retained a vigor that testified to his still formidable skills.

Derek, the legendary monster hunter.

He was a professor in the Swordsmanship Department, and I had left a special request for him. Thankfully, Professor Derek, who had been keeping an eye on me lately, readily agreed to help with our training.

It was training focused on tackling monsters. There was no better expert than Professor Derek.

Senior Elsi, who wasn’t as acquainted with Professor Derek’s reputation, simply stared blankly. I bowed my head regardless.

“Yes, thank you for your guidance, Professor Derek.”

“Hmm, good. Students who might become monster hunters, then I’ll invest my time specifically for you.”

Of course, there were some objections. At the very mention of “monster hunter,” Senior Elsi immediately squealed in indignation.

“Monster hunter?! This Liberean renowned Elsi, dabbling in a life with no roots… Hiiik?! I-I’ll do it! I’ll become a monster hunter! So, please spare me!”

Though it was all subdued with just a slight display of the handaxe.

For the next week, hellish training ensued.

Yes, it was truly hellish training.

So much so that even Ceria looked at me with a resentful expression.

No, I hadn’t anticipated having to train while covered in monster waste.

For reference, after finishing that training, Senior Elsi appeared utterly dazed. She looked like she might as well be asking to be put out of her misery.

On the day of the Hunting Festival, it was a morning where the excitement of the festival had fully arrived. Even in the early dawn, a crowd bustled, and the air was heated by the warmth of the people.

I quietly checked my supplies. Standing beside me were my companions who had decided to participate in the Hunting Festival. One of them, Senior Elsi, still looked as though her soul had been completely drained, with light missing from her eyes.

With a lifeless sound, Senior Elsi sighed heavily, and I asked Celin and Ceria.

“Are you ready?”

“Yeah, somehow…”

Celin responded in a weak voice while Ceria merely nodded silently. Both wore expressions of exhaustion.

It seemed the week-long training had taken a toll. Truth be told, many of those trainings were quite horrendous in hindsight. I felt a shiver run through me as if I were trembling.

However, we were faced with the necessity of confronting named monsters. It was better to endure a tough training program. The harsher, the higher the probability of survival.

I still vividly recalled the expressions Celin and Ceria had made when they saw me demanding even higher intensity training from Professor Derek.

Those were looks that seemed to regard me as a madman.

Senior Elsi nearly had a fit. Had I not drawn my handaxe from my waist at that moment, there might have been a catastrophe.

Seeing the brilliant sunlight reflecting off the blade of the axe, Senior Elsi finally regained her senses and immediately huddled down.

She might as well have urinated in fear. It was hard to discern the smell given that I was smeared in monster waste, but I resolved to let it go since Senior Elsi was vehemently denying it.

Those were good times; Professor Derek admired my determination and actively trained me more.

Today would mark the fruits of that tearful journey. I steeled my resolve. Speaking of which, Reto had said she would come to greet us.

At that moment, my body stiffened. From somewhere, I sensed a sharp presence.

My nerves, already on high alert, immediately sketched a virtual trajectory in front of me. My hand reached for my waist. A sword? No, it should be shorter.

It was a remarkably fast ambush. The handaxe gracefully soared through the air, cutting a silver line.

Then, a clang, the sound of metal clashing.

A dagger. Nonetheless, the strength it carried was formidable. I sensed my handaxe being slightly pushed back. The dagger narrowly passed in front of me, spinning in the air.

The blade was surrounded by a golden aura. The moment I saw that, I immediately understood who had thrown the dagger.

Before my stunned companions could react, my gaze turned towards the direction the dagger had come from.

Burning gold hair, and crimson eyes dripping with languor.

Snow-white skin, a face that would cause anyone to admire it, and above all, armor that revealed her body’s curves in a way that showcased her confidence as an ‘art piece.’

The woman, who referred to her own body as a ‘work of art,’ had no reason not to express those curves even while armored.

Upon meeting my gaze, the sun-like beauty smiled mysteriously.

“It’s been a while, Lord Handaxe.”

Delphine Yuridina, it was her.

---