Chapter 251: March Without Regret

The next thing the three knew after being called out by Instructor Ranni was that they were trailing behind her in silence.

It was awkward. Unbearable.

Despite Lumine and Yelena having done nothing wrong, it felt as if they were marching toward their execution. Yet, the one who should have been the most concerned—Vergil—looked completely unbothered, his expression one of sheer boredom.

'Instructor Ranni only called the three of us, even though a fight almost broke out in the garden. Lumine and I had nothing to do with it, so… why are we being taken to the Headmistress's office? Wait… now that I think about it, isn't the office in the opposite direction?'

Yelena remained silent, suppressing her unease. They continued walking for several more minutes until they arrived at another garden.

This one was different.

There were no cadets lounging around or causing trouble. But there were cadets—standing in perfect formation.

Lined up in a rigid row, they stood with their hands clasped behind their backs, their postures stiff and disciplined, as if awaiting orders.

Instructor Ranni finally turned to face them. A faint smile crossed her lips, her tired eyes mirroring Vergil's perpetual exhaustion.

"You three were the last. Join the others. It's time to brief you on the mission for the auction house."

Their eyes widened.

Without a word, they quickly took their places alongside the others. Naturally, the assembled cadets glanced at them, sizing them up. Yelena met their stares with a colder gaze, trying to appear more intimidating.

'That's… Anastasia. But there aren't any other first-years here…'

A quick scan of the lineup confirmed it.

Aside from her, Lumine, Vergil, and Anastasia, everyone else appeared to be second or third years. If she was right, then the group consisted of four first-years—including them—four second-years, and four third-years.

Four from each year.

Twelve cadets in total.

'That's strange… Prince Azriel should be here, no? He accepted the invitation to join this mission… and yet, none of the other children from the great clans are here either.'

And yet, Instructor Ranni had said they were the last to arrive.

Just as the tension in the air thickened—a soft, hypnotic voice cut through everyone's thoughts and pulled their attention like a string.

"It seems everyone is finally here."

Freya stood at the front, having appeared as if out of nowhere, with Ranni taking a respectful step back behind her. Freya's eyes scanned the assembled cadets like a blade sliding across glass—precise, cool, unreadable.

For a fleeting second, her gaze met Yelena's.

A shudder crawled up her spine.

There was nothing overtly terrifying about Freya. She didn't scream or glare. Her expression barely moved behind the cold mask she always wore. But it was that exact stillness—that constant, suffocating aura around her like an unrelenting storm—that made her presence so unnerving.

And yet… Lumine stood, as did Anastasia. Neither seemed particularly afraid. Vergil too, of course, looked as relaxed as ever—bored, even.

Now that she truly looked, it wasn't just them.

It was only her—and the second-years—who showed any sign of unease.

'...What the hell happens in third year? And why are the other first-years so fearless? Are the second-years the only sane ones left? How are they not even flinching under her pressure…?'

Before she could get further lost in thought, Freya began to speak.

"All cadets gathered here today have been personally invited to take part in a very important mission."

Her tone was sharp and composed, cutting through the garden's silence.

"As you are all aware, there is an auction scheduled for tomorrow. Dozens of major terrorist organizations from the underground world are expected to attend. However, the location has changed. The auction will now be held at a legal venue—one of the most prestigious auction houses in CASC."

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"It appears the Nebula King has taken an interest in something. That means anyone powerful enough—whether from the underground or not—will be there to claim it before he does. The mission remains unchanged: eliminate as many high-level threats as possible."

The cadets said nothing, though their faces had grown tense, serious.

Freya continued:

"However, this mission will not see all of you acting on the front lines. Your roles will primarily be observational. You are here to learn—recognized cadets chosen for your exceptional performance thus far.

The operation is dangerous, which is why you will be given strict rules and instructions that must be followed at all costs. Instructor Ranni, myself, and several others will oversee the mission directly.

The twelve of you will accompany us under the guise of a commendation, a reward for excellence. Further details—including your responsibilities and conduct—will be provided by the instructor assigned to your year. For now… are there any questions?"

Yelena's eyes shifted toward Lumine. He looked as though he were about to speak when, suddenly, a calm, assertive voice rang out.

"Headmistress, I have one."

Every head turned toward the source.

A cadet stepped forward—short black hair, thin glasses framing sharp eyes, a serious expression etched into his lean face. His demeanor screamed honor student, the kind of cadet who never stepped out of line.

'He's a third-year… from the Crimson Faction… and also part of the student council, right? His name was…'

Freya gave a slight nod.

"Cadet Marco. Speak."

Adjusting his glasses, Marco spoke evenly.

"My apologies if I overstep, Headmistress, but… is the reason why Her Highness, Princess Jasmine, and the other children of the great clans are absent today because they'll be attending the auction under their families' banners?"

Yelena's eyes widened slightly.

'Ah… so that's why Prince Azriel isn't here. He must have withdrawn.'

Freya nodded.

"The great clans will indeed be sending their heirs to the auction, as will other influential clans. You are to avoid all contact with them."

Her tone became icier.

"The twelve of you are to remain as inconspicuous as possible until instructed otherwise. Especially when it comes to the people of the great clans—do not approach them under any circumstances.

Princess Jasmine. Prince Azriel. Princess Celestina. Prince Caleus.

They are likely to be present. Others may appear as well. Each of them will be there on behalf of their clans, pursuing separate objectives of critical importance.

Your are not to get involved. You are not to interfere."

As Freya's gaze swept across the cadets and met Marco's once more, she asked coldly,

"Is that all?"

"…Yes, Headmistress. Thank you."

Marco took a step back.

"Any more questions?"

Surprisingly, someone else stepped forward.

"I have one, Headmistress."

A petite girl with shoulder-length green hair and eyes to match.

'...Cadet Ella. Another member of the Crimson Faction. Second-year. Also in the student council…'

"Cadet Ella, go ahead."

Ella didn't waste a second.

"I heard there'll be an afterparty at the auction. I assume that's right before we take down the terrorist organizations. But… what if someone from a great clan or a villain approaches us before then? Or if our identities are exposed and no instructor is in sight?"

"At the afterparty, if any of you are approached, act naturally," Freya replied, her voice like still water hiding undercurrents.

"Blending in is essential for any hero. If you are exposed—and in the unlikely event that no instructor or ally is nearby—you are permitted to take whatever action you find most suitable. I doubt such a moment will come, but if it does… the entire mission will be compromised."

"I see… Thank you, Headmistress."

Freya gave a faint hum as Ella stepped back into line.

"Any more questions?"

No one answered. Heads shook in silence.

It seemed even Lumine had nothing more to ask.

Freya gave a single, deliberate nod.

"Good. Then I'll inform you of the instructors who will oversee your respective years. You'll be grouped under their guidance.

"For the first years, it will be Instructor Ranni."

Ranni glanced at Yelena and Lumine, offering a soft, reassuring smile.

"For the second years, Instructor Salvator will be arriving shortly. As for the third years… you'll have no instructor overseeing you. You're trusted to act as one unit. I suggest you appoint a leader among yourselves and stick together. Any questions regarding specifics can be directed to Instructor Ranni or Instructor Salvator.

You are dismissed. Prepare for tomorrow. Understood?"

"Yes, Headmistress!" they replied in unison.

Freya turned and began walking toward the academy building. Her voice floated back one last time:

"…May you march without regret."