Chapter 19 - There was a girl I knew named Chrystal…

“Ah, I see. You must be fellow schoolmates. My name is Wright Estein, and this is my girlfriend, Cynthia Leqean. This is the first time we’ve met. Are you three perhaps freshmen?”

“Yes, we are. My name is Winston Wozeal. This is Zer Aiur, and this is Azrael Celeste.”

“Ho... Zer, your skills have even reached my ears. My friends have spoken of your talents. I have also heard of you, Azrael. A friend in the intermediate water element course mentioned that, despite being a freshman, you are already at the top of the class.”

“Eh? Honey, my friend from the intermediate fire element course said that there’s a freshman named Azrael Celeste who’s at the top of her class too desu…”

Hearing Wright mention that Azrael was in the water intermediate element course, Cynthia tilted her head in confusion. Wright’s face mirrored her perplexity upon hearing what Cynthia’s friend had said. Seeing their confusion, Azrael couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

*Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later. There are many people with friends in different elements. I’m actually surprised it took this long for anyone to notice.*

Azrael wasn’t concerned about people discovering his tri-elemental abilities. He had requested the school keep it quiet initially to avoid unnecessary fuss. Now that he had established a reputation in all his element courses, it shouldn’t be too disruptive.

After a moment of contemplation, Wright turned to Azrael with an almost apologetic expression.

“Pardon me if this seems rude, but we can’t seem to figure out which intermediate element class you’re in. Could you clarify?”

“I don’t mind. I’m in both the fire and water intermediate element courses.”

As expected, Wright and Cynthia’s eyes widened in shock. It wasn’t just the fact that he was a dual elementalist. Though rare, dual elementalists were known. What astonished them was that a dual elementalist of such high caliber was unknown to them, especially one who excelled in both elements.

“…For two people so young to be at the top of their classes in both elements… You two are quite formidable desu.”

Seeing Azrael and Zer, Cynthia felt a mix of emotions. It had taken both her and Wright two years to reach the Knight Rank, and even longer to approach its peak. Yet here were two freshmen who were not only dual elementalists but also at the peak of the Knight Rank in both elements.

*Haa… What rotten luck for two monsters to enter the school just before our final chance to enter the tournament. Hopefully, we won’t face them until we’ve all made the top ten… At least I’ll always have my Wri-Wri here with me~*

While Cynthia and Wright were deep in their thoughts, the arrival of the food helped break the awkward atmosphere. As the food was placed before them, the couple seemed to revert to their previous state of affection.

“Honey~~ say ah!”

“Aaaaahn~~~” *munch*

“Was it good, honey?”

“Yes desu! Now it’s your turn desu~ say aaaaahn~”

Watching the couple, the three couldn’t help but shake their heads in amazement. It truly took talent to create such a "pink" atmosphere. If it were an element, they’d be at least Demigod-Tier. Thankfully, the trio’s food arrived shortly, allowing them to eat. After a swift meal, they bid farewell to Wright and Cynthia and left.

“Haa, I hope I never meet those two alone again. That pink atmosphere… It felt like my soul was being drained…”

As Azrael, Winston, and Zer rode back to the school, Winston hugged himself dramatically while pretending to shiver, commenting on the previous incident. Azrael and Zer could only smile, having felt similarly disturbed by the couple’s overt affection. After a moment, Zer turned to Azrael.

“Anyways, I’m surprised you actually admitted to being in both classes, Az. I thought you were going to keep it a secret.”

“Not really. I just wanted to avoid the hassle at first. Since I’ve made a name for myself in my classes, it shouldn’t be too bad now. It’s not like I could have hidden it forever anyway.”

“Haaaaa… You’re too optimistic, Az. You think too highly of people.”

Hearing Azrael’s response, Zer put his head in his palm. Azrael was confused and noticed Winston’s face also displayed pity. Doubt crept into Azrael’s mind, and he began to sweat coldly, sensing a bad premonition.

*Did I really mess up? Seeing their faces really makes me doubt myself now…*

Unfortunately for Azrael, his premonition was accurate. By the time he arrived at his first class of the week, students were already talking about him.

“Hey, did you hear? Supposedly Azrael is a dual elementalist. Cynthia said he admitted it in front of her and Wright.”

“Really? So not only is he a freshman and already the best in our class, but he’s also a dual elementalist… Wow, he’s so talented at such a young age.”

“I wonder why no one knew about it until now. The whole school usually knows who the dual elementalists are.”

All around him, people whispered about the news. Hearing this, Azrael put his head on the table, feeling overwhelmed. He hadn’t expected it to be such a big deal, especially since it was already halfway through the semester.

*Haa… Was I really too naïve in my thinking? Samjoko, Chunyong, Bonghwang, what do you three think?*

*Master, dual elementalists are rare. Throughout the history of this continent, they have always been sought after. Not only can they use two elements, but they can also create unique spells by combining them, significantly increasing their power. People flock toward them for their services or just to gain proximity for their own benefit.*

*I see… I really was naïve. I didn’t interact much with nobles in my previous life, but still… Don’t you think this is too much?*

*Hahahaha, master, just wait until they find out you’re a tri-elementalist and we’re your elementals!*

*Shut up, you stupid dragon. You’re not helping Master at all! Master, it’ll be alright. Don’t worry about it too much.*

*Uwaaa… I have no one except for you, Bonghwang…*

The rest of the week didn’t improve. Azrael was constantly surrounded by whispers and crowds. Seeing Azrael’s distress, Winston and Zer did their best to console him. By Saturday, Azrael was grateful not to have to attend classes and face the gossip.

“Yo Winst, hurry up! We’re going to be late because of you!”

“I’m coming, I’m coming. Hold your horses!”

With an exasperated tone, Winston finally emerged from the dorm. Azrael, Winston, and Zer were meeting outside the former’s room to head to the tea party. Zer felt like he was waiting for a girl to finish preparing and shook his head as Winston finally appeared.

“Geez, you two didn’t need to rush me so much. Let’s go!”

With a slightly annoyed expression, Winston pushed them forward, and they hurried out of the dorm. On their way to the princess’s special quarters, the three began talking.

“Haa… This has been the most tiring week of my life…”

“I warned you, man. But seriously, was there a need to take it out on me during training?!?!”

During the week’s training, Winston had noticed Azrael venting his frustration on him. Despite mentioning it a few times, Azrael always denied it. Zer had also observed this but chose to stay out of it. It was better to let Winston be the scapegoat than face the repercussions himself!

“Even though your movements with the spear were awkward at first, they’re becoming more fluid, Az. It’s not that you don’t know how to use it but more like... your body is getting used to it. Give it a week or two, and I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

Azrael nodded in agreement. The combination of gossip and his struggle with the spear was wearing him down. As they continued their conversation, they reached the estate. The building was a large, two-story structure made of marble. In front was a large yard with a patio. Azrael spotted two people seated around a table.

Noticing their approach, Han Byul greeted them with a bright smile.

“Ah, all three of you were able to make it. Excellent. Please, make yourselves comfortable and have a seat.”

They entered the patio and sat down. Azrael noticed a familiar face beside Han Byul. Riqzen, who had seen Azrael earlier, wore an unpleasant expression, still recalling the embarrassment from the Welcoming Ceremony.

The table was laid with various snacks: vanilla cookies, sponge cakes, shaved ice, and a delicacy called dangos. Each person had an exquisite tea cup and saucer.

“Please, help yourselves to the tea and snacks. I invited you three today because it’s been so long since I’ve spent time with Zer. I also want to hear your thoughts on the tournament.”

Han Byul glanced at Zer. Understanding her intention, Zer began.

“Truthfully, I think Azrael, you, and I will be fine for the representative team. The only potential issue is if we draw bad lots. Winston, on the other hand… Even though he’s been training with us for a few months, I can’t say for sure. He’s excellent at defense with his swordsmanship and

earth spells but lacks offense. He’s more suited for group fights and support. It all depends on the draw.”

Han Byul nodded, appreciating Zer’s honest assessment. After a moment, she turned her attention to Azrael with interest.

“I’ve heard that you’re a dual elementalist and possibly a tri-elementalist?”

Azrael nodded. He had learned from the past week’s experience not to mention being a tri-elementalist. Han Byul’s interest piqued. Dual elementalists were rare, and the prospect of Azrael being a legendary tri-elementalist was exciting.

The conversation then shifted to lighter topics. Han Byul proved to be an excellent hostess, engaging everyone in pleasant discussion. After over an hour of eating and talking, Han Byul brought up a topic that had been on her mind.

“So, Azrael, if it’s not too bothersome, could you tell me about this girl, Chrystal, whom you mistook me for?”

Azrael was taken aback by the question. He hadn’t expected it. Winston and Zer also paid close attention, knowing about the incident but not having discussed it.

Azrael debated whether to share. While he couldn’t reveal everything, he felt his close friends Winston and Zer deserved to know. Telling Han Byul might also clarify what happened before the Welcoming Ceremony. Taking a deep breath, Azrael looked at Riqzen first.

“Do you mind stepping outside for this segment? It’s quite personal…”

After Riqzen left and took a position outside, Azrael turned back to the others and began his story.

“There was a girl I knew named Chrystal…”