The Stella Academy uniform was famous around the world for its defensive capabilities. Its quality was on par with the finest robes… gear that even elite, Class 3 magic warriors usually couldn't acquire until they'd endured years of harsh fieldwork.
On top of that, Baek Yu-Seol's own uniform had been continually improved with the most cutting-edge technologies developed by Alterisha. In terms of classification, it had already surpassed the [Highest] grade and easily entered the ranks of [Luxury] items. One could even argue that it was the magnum opus of a master craftsman who had devoted decades to robe-making.
"Sister, put this on."
He handed Florin a robe that closely resembled a dress. The cloak wrapped around her entire body, making her figure almost unnoticeable. The hood had an enchanted shadow cleverly designed to obscure her eyes, ensuring no one could look directly at her.
And the defense capabilities? Needless to say, they were exceptional.
Because Baek Yu-Seol had spent considerable time and effort designing this robe, it could be considered the finest among [Luxury] grade items.
Yet, Baek Yu-Seol still thought it wasn't enough. Naturally so.
Even without relying on the robe's technology, Florin, as the Elf king, owned a [Legendary] grade robe.
Unfortunately, to conceal her identity, she couldn't bring that robe, and Baek Yu-Seol had no choice but to settle for this one instead.
"It's quite a high-quality robe..."
Truthfully, this robe reflected Baek Yu-Seol's personal sentiments in many ways.
Designed to complement Florin's white-and-light-green hair and pink-tinted eyes, the robe looked closer to a formal dress than a simple piece of armor.
In other words, aside from its performance, it was so beautiful that anyone who saw Florin wearing it might be left breathless.
"H-How does it look? Does it suit me?"
When Florin lifted the hem of the robe slightly and asked, Baek Yu-Seol pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger, taking a deep breath.
"Even if I died right now, I'd have no regrets."
"Hehe, thank you."
"Let's head out now."
It was early dawn, the hour when the expedition would soon convene to practice for the Frozen Crystal Abandoned Mine subjugation. Given the season, it wouldn't be odd to see the sun by now, but the northern morning remained dark and shadowy.
As they left the inn with their gear, Florin noticed his clothing. "You're wearing your academy uniform?"
"Yeah. I got into a big fight near the city a few days back, so there's no point hiding who I am anymore."
"That's not what I meant… You gave me such a gorgeous robe, so why aren't you wearing something better yourself?"
"…"
She had a point.
The Stella Academy uniform?
Sure, it was good, pretty good.
But upgrading it wasn't exactly worthwhile. In fact, it was highly inefficient.
Integrating items with the academy's existing magical enchantment system reduced performance, complicated the process, and was just plain troublesome.
Frankly, crafting a new robe from scratch would result in far better quality.
'This is just… sentimental.'
Since arriving in the Aether World, Baek Yu-Seol had lived under the protection of the Stella Academy, which served as an excellent sanctuary.
Without this academy, would Baek Yu-Seol have been able to travel so freely like this?
Even if the academy seemed laughably insecure - its defenses constantly breached - it still provided him with a sense of belonging and a place to return to.
"Wearing this just makes me feel at ease, you know?"
Baek Yu-Seol had read plenty of fantasy novels about modern people being transported to other worlds when he was younger.
In the stories he had read, protagonists always adapted quickly to unfamiliar worlds, facing adventures with endless energy and courage. But Baek Yu-Seol knew he wasn't like that.
A protagonist's journey doesn't end in just a few days.
One day, two days, a week, a month, a year…
Sometimes, it lasts for decades.
They wander endlessly in the wilderness, without a proper home or shelter. But is that really possible for an ordinary human's mental strength?
The thought of spending years under the open sky, without a roof to protect him, was something Baek Yu-Seol couldn't even imagine.
The reason he had been able to travel the world, endure countless hardships, and always fight in top condition was simple. Because he had a place to return to.
A home where precious memories with loved ones were stored.
For him, that place was Stella Academy… a sanctuary that protected both his body and mind.
"You're here."
Upon arriving at Azure Spring Moon, Baek Yu-Seol saw about thirty cadets dressed in uniforms, along with Principal Bilek waiting to greet them.
After greeting Bilek with a handshake, Baek Yu-Seol quietly studied the group. Most cadets had their faces visible, making it simple to guess their age. Indeed, as he'd heard, some were in their twenties and thirties. Yet a few, like Florin, kept their hoods up, making it impossible to tell their age.
'… Hmm.'
Observing them with a meaningful gaze, Baek Yu-Seol turned to Bilek.
At that moment, his eyes subtly shifted to a soft pink hue.
[Blessing of the Pink Spring Moon: Mentalist]
He assessed the principal's emotional state and then offered a polite smile.
"I've heard the Frozen Crystal Abandoned Mine is as beautiful as it is dangerous. I look forward to working with you."
"Of course. I looked into you a bit, and it seems you're quite well-known on the central continent. Being 'Baek Yu-Seol of Stella,' there's hardly anyone who hasn't heard of you… I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do."
"You flatter me. But I'd advise against having too high expectations. My primary duty is to protect my client, after all."
"Understood."
It seemed Bilek had done some digging into Baek Yu-Seol's background beforehand.
By openly admitting it, Bilek was likely trying to build trust.
But it was a wasted effort.
Baek Yu-Seol had the ability to read emotions through subtle changes in body language, tone, eye movements, and facial expressions.
'They're hiding something.'
Convinced of this, Baek Yu-Seol quietly stepped back and matched pace with Florin.
"Let's move out."
As the cadets advanced ahead, Baek Yu-Seol handed Florin a small envelope.
"Huh? What's this?"
"Something to nibble on."
Inside were peanuts.
"We didn't get breakfast, so I figured we could at least stave off hunger."
Although High Elves were said to need nothing but dew to sustain themselves, Florin happily accepted his kindness and picked up a peanut. She might not have needed them, but she couldn't turn down his warm gesture.
The Frozen Crystal Abandoned Mine was located not far from the city of Trkalanta. Judging by the ruins of several buildings nearby, it seemed that people had once lived here before the area was abandoned.
'It's even more massive in person.'
The Frozen Crystal Ores were famous for their dazzling blue glow, and some were said to be as large as an entire house.
Because of the size of the ores, the mine naturally had to be massive as well. The tunnels were so wide and spacious that it felt like walking through a giant's passageway.
Most of the cadets showed no particular reaction, suggesting it wasn't their first time here. But for Baek Yu-Seol, everything about the place was fascinating. Though he carefully hid his awe.
"Wow…"
Florin couldn't hide her amazement. Her pink lips parted slightly as she gazed around the mine in awe with sparkling eyes.
The blue glow emanating from the abandoned mine had completely captivated her.
The radiant light coming from the crystals was said to be so bright that it illuminated the entire mine, making artificial lights unnecessary, and the sight certainly lived up to that reputation.
"It's beautiful… No wonder Frozen Crystals were so popular."
"They were."
Baek Yu-Seol continued staring silently at the mine before adding a remark:
"At least, until those crystals started turning into monsters."
"Ah..."
Only then did Florin remember that this was an abandoned mine, and she lowered her head.
She felt embarrassed about marveling at the beauty of the place without considering the danger it posed.
But to Baek Yu-Seol, even that reaction was part of her charm.
Having spent most of her life sheltered, Florin viewed the world with childlike wonder. To her, everything was new and exciting.
At the entrance to the mine, Principal Bilek addressed the cadets. "From here on, we're in the territory of the 'Frozen Cryst Beasts.' The path near the entrance has been cleared by your seniors, so encountering monsters is unlikely. Still, remain on your guard."
The cadets acknowledged his warning with resolute voices. Bilek gave a nod of approval and led them inside. Baek Yu-Seol and Florin followed at the rear. The moment Baek Yu-Seol stepped into the shadowy tunnel, however, a shiver ran down his spine.
'What… was that?'
He quickly turned around, scanning the area with his sharp eyesight, but couldn't detect anything unusual.
"What's wrong?"
Noticing that Baek Yu-Seol had stopped and fallen behind, Bilek called out from a distance.
"... It's nothing."
But something felt off.
This wasn't the first time he'd experienced such an ominous sensation. It often came when something was wrong. Terribly wrong.
However, with no clear evidence of danger, he decided to stick to the original plan and proceed cautiously.
Meanwhile, as Baek Yu-Seol and Florin trailed at a distance, Bilek discreetly turned to the mage walking beside him and whispered in a hushed voice.
"... What do you think?"
"Heh, it's certain… Excellent work, Principal. While you didn't capture the prey yourself, you've done well to lure such a fine catch to this location… I'll let this year slide because of it."
The man was known as a 'Hunter.' He spoke in a repulsive tone, causing Bilek to clench his eyes shut in frustration.
"Don't even think about trying anything foolish..."
The Hunter leaned in and whispered into Bilek's ear.
It wasn't telepathy, but the voice was so faint - so quiet, like the sound of ants crawling - that only Bilek could hear it.
"... I'm doing nothing."
"Yes, yes, that's the way it should be…"
Bilek wiped the cold sweat from his brow, trying to ignore the sharp, threatening sensation of mana pressing against his neck.
As a Class 6 mage and the de facto guardian of the city, Bilek was a powerful figure.
But against that Hunter, he didn't stand a chance.
The man was a true Hunter, someone specifically optimized for hunting mages. He was the ultimate predator.
'I never wanted to do this... But…'
There was no other choice.
For the peace of the city.
And for the survival of the academy...
There was no room for misplaced sympathy toward outsiders. At least, that's what Bilek told himself.
'I'm sorry.'
Even though Baek Yu-Seol had once stepped forward to fight for the city, Bilek convinced himself that the city's elite mage warriors could have handled the threat without him.
He felt some gratitude for Baek Yu-Seol's efforts in minimizing the damage, but it wasn't enough to see him as a savior.
However, if Baek Yu-Seol were to sacrifice himself today for their sake…
'Then… Maybe I could finally call him a savior.'
About fifty meters away—
Baek Yu-Seol suddenly pulled down his hood, frowned, and dug at his ear.
Florin tilted her head in confusion.
"What's wrong?"
"Ah, it's nothing… It's just that I can hear everything."
"What do you mean?"
"I can hear ants crawling."
"Ants?"
Florin's eyes widened, and she immediately glanced down at the ground, scanning the area.
Ants in an abandoned frozen mine? If so, that would be fascinating!
"Ahem. I didn't mean actual ants. It's just a figure of speech."
"Ah... Oh..."
Realizing her mistake, Florin blushed and quickly lowered her head in embarrassment.
Of course, there were no ants in this frozen, desolate mine.