The fragrance of spring floated in the air, light and intoxicating. Through the window, butterflies danced beneath the rays of a sun that was finally driving away the last remnants of winter. It was a perfect day for Lamia Grandcester.
At twenty-four years old, this young woman, eldest daughter of Marquis Grandcester, was infamous throughout the kingdom for her execrable temper and utterly detestable attitude. These traits had repelled every single one of her suitors, much to her father's despair. At first, the marquis had tried to educate her, to mold her into someone suitable for an advantageous marriage. But Lamia, naturally blessed by the gods and endowed with an exceptional talent for magic, always slipped through his fingers. She would sometimes disappear for months on end, leaving behind an exasperated father.
After the death of her mother, the marquis's second wife had taken over the running of the Grandcester household. The father had then given up any hope of marrying off his eldest daughter and had turned his attention to the children of his new union.
Today, Lamia was seated on a marble bench, surrounded by other nobles, in the gardens of the royal capital, Daven. She was patiently waiting for the finalization of her registration as a teacher at the Davenguard Academy – the most prestigious institution in the world. Founded by the very first Hero in history, it trained the elite in magic, swordsmanship, and technology. Getting in as either a student or a professor was an extraordinary feat: only 35% of candidates survived the trials.
Lamia had passed them all with exceptional rankings. The only thing left was the interview with the director – a mere formality, in her opinion.
Yet when she pushed open the heavy door of the office, she found three people instead of one.
In the center sat the director, Maellus Greathun, a sexagenarian marked by war. His appearance was far more reminiscent of a seasoned mercenary than a scholar: piercing yellow eyes, impeccably trimmed gray beard.
To his right stood the head of the examination board: Duke Eternhal, father of the late Legendary Hero, Lux Eternhal. Despite being well past forty, he still looked young, with jet-black hair and eyes of a striking, luminous white – features his son had inherited.
And finally, on the left, a man was staring at her with barely contained fury: Marvin Greathun, the director's son. Blessed with his mother's beauty and his father's magical power, he ranked among the top ten most desirable bachelors in the kingdom. But he was also the man whom Lamia had publicly humiliated… and the very first whose heart she had broken.
"I categorically refuse, Father!" Marvin shouted, slamming his fist on the table. "Yes, she passed all the trials—so what? Her personality is atrocious! Even the emperor gave up trying to change her. She's vicious, violent, and will humiliate students from the great noble houses!"
Duke Eternhal consulted the results sheet.
"Magic: ten out of ten. Sciences: ten out of ten. Swordsmanship: ten out of ten… The list goes on. Please, Sir Marvin, do not let your personal emotions cloud your judgment. To me, she possesses every quality required—and more. The students need a teacher capable of bringing them back to reality."
The director let out a short laugh, then turned to Lamia.
"My son is a bit resentful, Miss Grandcester. His opinion will therefore be ignored today. However… do not forget that our students must become heroes. You may push them to their limits, provoke them if necessary, but their mental health remains paramount. Should a promising student give up out of fear or depression, we will be forced to question your methods."
Lamia flashed a wide smile.
"As long as that pervert stays far away from me, I will be the most exceptional teacher you have ever had!"
Marvin instantly flared up. The rest of the interview unfolded in a series of lively arguments between the two young people.
In the end, she had set her first foot in her dream: to become a teacher, just like her mother before her. To pass on to future generations the keys to survival… and to give them the chance to choose their own destiny.
After the interview, Lamia was practically skipping through the dark alleys of the royal capital Daven. The cold was heavy, the silence oppressive. Suddenly, black shadows gathered at a precise point before scattering, revealing a man kneeling on the ground.
"I come to report, Lady Vespia."
Vespia. The name of the most feared legendary assassin in the world. Responsible for the death of the greatest Hero of all time: Lux Eternhal. And of many others… The mightiest warriors had fallen by her hand. Since the fall of the Demon King, Vespia—and her organization Voracity, along with the thirteen Devourers—was considered the threat closest to destroying the world.
Lamia sketched a soft, almost amused smile. In the blink of an eye, the man's arm flew off without a single drop of blood touching the ground. He remained motionless, enduring the pain so as not to further anger his clearly furious mistress.
"This had better be the most extraordinary report in the world to dare disturb me while I'm savoring my pleasure."
Lamia and Vespia were two sides of the same coin. No one suspected their connection, for Vespia always appeared shrouded in dark mana, her voice distorted. The kingdom only knew her gender because she proclaimed it loudly and proudly.
"Yes, Lady Vespia… Lady Mary has taken control of her father's army, the Demon King's forces. They will soon be ready to cause trouble for the Academy during your years here."
He gasped under the pain. Suddenly it vanished; his arm reappeared, intact.
"Ooooh, you should have led with that! Hehe… What excellent news! Without enemies, the students will never grow stronger. Aaaah, I'm finally going to sleep well. You may go."
The man melted into the shadows without waiting.
Lamia remained alone, a terrifying smile on her lips.
How could a young noblewoman have become so dangerous? How had she killed the Legendary Hero? And why?
Only she knew the answers.
The next day finally arrived. Her first mission as a professor: to design a trial ground for the candidates hoping to become students. It took her most of the day, but at precisely two o'clock, the young hopefuls—nobles, commoners, and even a child from Voracity infiltrated on her orders—entered the great courtyard of the Academy.
Standing alongside the other professors, Lamia officially opened the Davenguard entrance examinations.
End of Chapter