Saint Veronica, the original continent.

Legend has it that it is the oldest land on Earth. Here, the sunlight belongs not only to humans, but also to all the residents of the continent.

Unfortunately, many years ago, there was a dimensional disturbance in this space.

This directly led to the complete loss of contact between the inner world, that is, the original continent, and the outside world.

Even the Eklun Gate, the only passage to the original continent, was closed.

Since then, the original continent has been divided into two worlds by a transparent thin wall, separated from the new continent.

But!

The people of the new continent have never given up their belief in returning to the original continent. They constantly explore any possible way to go back, even at the expense of the limited greenery on the new continent!

But good and evil will eventually be rewarded, and the actions of the humans on the new continent have completely angered the gods!

Therefore, the God King ordered the eradication of the humans on the new continent...

After countless years, humans have once again revived this primitive continent!

Unfortunately, they have long forgotten about the original continent and only found the Eklun Gate that connects to it.

Since then, people have speculated whether it is the path to hell.

Because no matter what methods humans have taken, they cannot open this ancient gate, so the Eklun Gate has become a real gate before hell!

However, on the other side of the gate...

In the ash stone area where the cold wind blows, it cleans the dust here and reveals the ancient arena that has been sealed for many years.

The magnificent and towering city walls, after the passage of time, still do not have a sense of decay. Is it because they are often repaired?

I asked the teacher at school, and the answer he gave me was - never!

This is also the magic of this arena.

When the arena was first discovered, everything here was considered extraordinary, because the general structure here is similar to the sacrificial altars used by ancient gods.

As for why it is regarded as an arena...

It is because it is guarded by a very powerful force, and even the elemental power here, even the authority, cannot leak out to other places.

It is as if there is a certain law operating here, and every molecule in the air is locked in the air.

Even the cold wind that dominates the earth can only bypass it when it comes here!

The arena of the academy is the first building of Durma Academy in its early days. It is said that the city of the imperial capital was also built on the basis of the arena.

That's why no one knows the true origin of this arena.

Later, under the king's order, it was customized into a large-scale duel arena for students to compete and take exams!

"I see, I didn't expect this place to have such a long history!" (Yukari)

"Yeah, these are all my teachers, or rather, the people in charge of me who told me these things."

I smiled and took Yukari to visit the arena of our school.

Because the competition venue and the protective barrier for students are still being set up inside, we cannot enter.

"Paroni..."

A glimmer of light rose in Yukari's eyes, and then she half-jokingly and half-seriously said,

"You said you are a swordsman, right?"

"...Yeah."

"Then, do you want to join our team? Our team just happens to need a tank like you."

"Um, is this really okay?"

On the surface, I pretended to be practical, but in my heart, I thought, "This is a great opportunity! As the saying goes, seize the opportunity when it comes!"

But...

"Oh, then forget it."

Yukari reacted so quickly! This is clearly not following the normal script, right?!

"No, what I mean is, give me some time to think about it, okay?"

"Is that so? Was that just a formality?"

"Of course, you can think of it that way."

I completely surrendered in front of her innocent expression.

Does Yukari only have one track in her mind?!

Oh my! We've been fussing over such a simple question for so long, I feel like I'm going to break down! (Overheating brain)

Around 1:30 in the afternoon, the audience seats at the venue were almost set up, and people started queuing up and entering the venue in an orderly manner.

"Wow, there are so many people! Didn't the upperclassmen say they weren't interested?"

But I don't have so much free time to waste on watching a battle between two teachers.

You see, I still have a commission to complete tonight. The Bird Dragon Beast's information was found online during my lunch break.

The Bird Dragon Beast is 6 meters to 16 meters 78 in height.

Its habit is a nocturnal monster that usually pecks at some livestock raised by farmers. Generally, it won't harm humans unless disturbed while feeding, in which case it will defend itself as a neutral monster.

For the Bird Dragon Beast to reach C-level in combat power, its size would be around ten meters!

"Well, according to this calculation, I still need to prepare some bait. I'll ask Teacher Fuyu about it while Yukari and the others go watch the match."

Fuyu Matoi is the academy's S-class biology teacher.

She is knowledgeable about information and habits of over a thousand monsters. She took care of the lost cat I went to her for before.

"Ask her if she knows where to find Romanha."

For the past two months, Teacher Fuyu has been taking care of me. I never knew what my next step should be, but with her help, I gradually emerged from the shadows.

Yukari doesn't have much practical experience, so I just need to learn a few moves from Teacher Fuyu!

"Hehehe...!"

The drool at the corner of my mouth has already become very long.

"What's wrong with you? Today is really strange, Paroni."

Yukari looked at me with a puzzled expression.

"Well, Yukari, my dorm room is number 1086. If you have any questions, just find me..."

"Hey, what about now?"

"I suddenly remembered that I need to prepare some necessities for the commission, so I'll leave first. Bye!"

Phew, I let out a sigh of relief.

In short, if you're ugly, you should read more books. I must learn more hunting skills.

Because girls always like exceptional abilities in the opposite sex, right?

Like that, I left the bustling arena.

As soon as I stepped out from under the eaves, I felt a cool liquid dripping into my collar.

"Huh, is it raining?"

I reached out to catch it, but the raindrops instantly became more intense!

"Wow, it's pouring!"

I picked up my bag and held it over my head, running back to my dorm room like a flying object.

After looking at my clothes, everything except my hair was soaked!

There's no other way, I have to take them off and wash them.

"Heh, today is really unlucky. The big household that was affected by the bird-dragon monster will probably have to wait another day!"

So, I leisurely picked up a towel, controlled the bathwater temperature at 43 degrees Celsius, and then jumped into the bathtub.

"Ah!"

A warm current immediately spread through every nerve in my body, making me unable to resist.

Indeed, the enjoyment of soaking in a bath can only be experienced in winter!

However...

The upper half of my body submerged in the water had a glaring, palm-sized scar that was shocking to look at!

I remembered the scene when I was being chased by that flying monster.

"...Can't forget, huh!"

My mood instantly dropped.

"Let's rest well these few days. Maybe that big household, seeing no one interested, will raise the price even higher!"

Oh, will they increase the bounty to that amount?

As I daydreamed in my mind, I extended one finger - ten thousand!!

"Just give me a whole number."

Can't be too greedy, actually, I would do it even if he doesn't add money.

Money?

Is that already irrelevant thing really worth cherishing?

"I only need enough capital to survive and become a savior, and that is a compassionate heart!"

My body gradually started to warm up, if I continue soaking...

Ding dong!

The doorbell rang at this moment, is it Teacher Fuyu?

I took out a towel and casually wiped off the water on my body, then put on another scarf underneath.

"Coming, coming, Teacher Fuyu, I was just..."

Without any precautions, I casually opened the door.

"Sorry to disturb, Paroni... Uh?!"

Behind the door was a flustered Yukari classmate, and she was startled by my... no, it should be me who was startled by her appearance!

What kind of situation is this?

I anxiously thought, I must have been mistaken for an exhibitionist or a pervert, right?

"Hehehe, is this... is this how people from your place are, so open-minded?"

She spoke with some modesty and shyness, seeming like an inexperienced innocent boy or girl.

But, how should I respond to this?

"Uh!" (Impossible!)

"Yes, yes! It's about right?" (I can only say that)

"I see, then I'll disturb you later?"

Yukari classmate showed a pretended calm smile, then took a few steps back and gently closed the door to my room.

During this time, I quickly changed my clothes. After all, it's already winter outside, I can't let a girl wait too long. This is not the behavior of a man, let alone a knight!

"Sorry for keeping you waiting!"

Just as the door was opened, white, crystal-like transparent particles floated into the room with the gentle breeze.

"...Snow?"

In just a few moments inside the room, the outside had already turned into a vast white world!

Here, I saw the first snow in over ten years, the first miracle for us people from the original world!

"Could it be true?!"

Looking at the snowflakes flying in the sky, I couldn't help but feel choked up.

The pure white snow, it's like a scene from my grandmother's fairy tales when I was a child. It's truly so beautiful!

Yukari, leaning against the wall, raised her head slightly and looked at the sky, which seemed to be colored by crayons. She smiled and said,

"We are able to see such a future, all thanks to one person's blessings!"

I looked into her watery eyes and could sense a hint of mysterious emotions.

"That person is the most important in my life and soul. He always creates miracles at the last moment. It is because of him that we can have this kind of world!"

Is that so? Yukari already has someone she likes?

In the end, my role is just an ordinary passerby. Falling in love at first sight is not worthy of Yukari, right?

The person she likes must be someone very outstanding. At least I can be sure of that.

"Yukari..."

I suddenly wanted to say something, but she interrupted me.

"The memories we once shared were so easily forgotten by me. It's only right that I should be punished by heaven, right?"

Yes, those who try to forget a memory cannot be forgiven. I... I am such a scumbag!

"Yes!"

A slight smile appeared on my lips, and I said to Yukari with relief.

"I have also received the punishment I deserve."

And so, she and I were completely baptized by this heavy snow...

Whether it's the big world or the small society, everything will have desires.

No matter how we choose or are chosen! It all depends on our pursuit, after all, without pursuit, there would be no humanity today.

The past, even if stained with black spots or even black lines, is no longer important.

Because we still have a white tomorrow waiting for us to graffiti on!