Let's Train Heroine

Chapter 178: Heroine Will Investigate Seven Horror

Lucan sat quietly in the staff room, sipping his lukewarm tea as the afternoon sun streamed through the windows. The room was filled with the usual chatter of teachers going over lesson plans, but Lucan couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing—something he wouldn't be able to avoid. He sighed, staring at his cup, the steam long since dissipated.

"Mr. Lucan," a voice interrupted his thoughts. He looked up to see Head Teacher Calus looming over him, a stern expression on his face.

"Yes, Mr. Calus?" Lucan responded, placing his cup down with deliberate calmness.

Calus leaned forward, resting his hands on the table in front of Lucan. "Thanks to the efforts of Prince Kai and his friends, the 'Blood-Stained Portrait,' one of the academy's infamous Seven Horrors, was finally subdued. Their success proves their actions were justified, but there's no denying the fact that several students were injured in the process."

Lucan nodded, already sensing the direction this conversation was heading. "Indeed, it's a problem that cannot be ignored."

"Exactly," Calus agreed, his eyes narrowing as if he was about to deliver a particularly unpleasant verdict. "Leaving the resolution of these dangerous incidents solely to students is not just irresponsible—it's downright reckless. The academy has a duty to protect its students, not simply allow them to fend for themselves in life-threatening situations."

Lucan felt the weight of what was coming next like a stone in his gut. "That's true," he acknowledged, though he was already preparing for what he knew was inevitable.

"We need to address this issue swiftly and decisively," Calus continued, his tone growing more urgent. "We cannot afford to have students acting independently when there are so many unknown dangers lurking in the academy. That's why we're going to start sending out academy personnel to investigate and resolve these incidents."

Lucan nodded slowly, inwardly groaning as he braced for the final blow.

"And the most suitable person for this task," Calus said, his gaze locking onto Lucan's with a look that brooked no argument, "is you, Mr. Lucan. Not only are you a 'Theology' teacher, but you're also a Holy Priest. There's no one better suited for this job."

Lucan sighed, trying to keep his expression neutral. "I see. And who will be assisting me?"

Calus straightened up and gestured to someone standing just out of Lucan's line of sight. "Allow me to introduce your partner for this mission."

A voice that was far too cheerful for Lucan's liking chirped, "Let's do our best together, Lucan-sama!"

Lucan turned, and his stomach sank further. Saint Maris stood beside him, her face glowing with enthusiasm. He sighed again, this time a bit louder. "Is Maris supposed to be bait?"

"Not exactly bait," Calus clarified, "but we've confirmed that the anomalies only manifest in the presence of students. However, we can't deliberately put ordinary students in danger. Saint Maris, on the other hand, is a student with powers that exceed most adults. Her divine abilities should keep her safe."

"That's right, Lucan-sama!" Maris added, her eyes sparkling with what could only be described as misplaced excitement.

Lucan knew Maris was powerful—there was no doubt about that. But the problem wasn't her strength; it was the fact that he didn't want to do this task in the first place. He slumped slightly in his chair. "So, in essence, you're saying I have no choice in the matter."

"Precisely," Calus said with a small, satisfied smile. "In fact, I had initially requested that young sisters from the Great Temple be sent to investigate, but they felt that it would be sufficient if Maris participated instead."

Lucan cast a glance at Maris. "And I suppose it was Maris who suggested that she should go instead of the young sisters?"

Maris smiled innocently. "I might have made a small suggestion."

Lucan shook his head, resigned. "Alright, I understand. Let's get this over with."

"Lucan-sama," Maris said, her tone suddenly more serious, "I'm more concerned about you. You'll be with an unknown sister in the academy, getting involved in dangerous situations… You understand why I'm worried, right?"

Lucan stifled a groan. He knew Maris was anxious, but not because of the dangers. She was more worried about him being alone with another woman. "I understand. But we should focus on the task at hand."

"Exactly," Calus interjected, clearly pleased with how things were progressing. "And with Maris by your side, I'm confident you'll handle this with no problems. We're counting on you both."

"Yes, leave it to us!" Maris said, her enthusiasm undiminished.

Lucan stood up, feeling a heavy sense of resignation. "Let's get going then."

Before he could take a step, Maris, in her usual energetic fashion, looped her arm through his, pulling him close. "Do we really need to link arms?" Lucan asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's easier to protect you this way in case something happens," Maris replied without missing a beat.

"I'm a teacher. I don't need a student protecting me," Lucan said, though he made no move to detach himself from her grip.

"Then please protect me," Maris countered, her smile sweet and disarming. "It's more convenient to stay close, right?"

Lucan sighed, defeated. "Fine. Let's just get this over with."

"Well then," Maris said, tugging him toward the door, "shall we go?"

As Lucan allowed himself to be pulled along, he noticed the staff room door was slightly ajar. Before he could say anything, Maris pulled him through with such force that they stumbled out into the hallway—and directly into a passing servant, who was carrying a tray full of tea.

The servant yelped, the tray wobbled, and Lucan's reflexes kicked in. He tried to catch the tray, but instead, it flew up into the air. Cups, teapot, and all. Time seemed to slow as they all watched the inevitable unfold.

Cups clattered to the ground, spilling tea everywhere. The teapot landed upside down, its contents splashing across the floor in a wide arc. Lucan, Maris, and the student stood frozen for a moment, eyes wide in shock.

And then, as if on cue, Lucan's shoe slid on the freshly spilled tea. He flailed for balance, but Maris, in her attempt to steady him, only succeeded in pulling him down with her. They landed in a heap, right in the middle of the mess.

Lucan groaned, staring up at the ceiling, wondering how his day had gone so wrong so quickly. "Well, that was unexpected," he muttered, trying to untangle himself from Maris's grip.

Maris, still on top of him, looked down and giggled. "I suppose."

Lucan shot her a withering glare, "Let's just get this over with," he repeated, as Maris helped him to his feet. Find your next read on m_v l|e-NovelBin.net

The servant, now recovered from the shock, stammered an apology, but Lucan waved it off. "No harm done," he said, though he was already feeling the cold tea soaking through his clothes. "Let's just… move on."

As they continued down the hallway, with Maris still clinging to his arm, Lucan used magic to dry his cloths.

The academy's halls were eerily quiet, most of the students having gone home due to shortened classes. The silence only made Maris's cheerful humming seem louder as they made their way through the empty corridors.