**Chapter 105: The Melancholy of a Certain Genius Swordsman**
Countless monsters raced across the plains, heading towards the entrance. As they moved, they attacked any humans they encountered along the way. Yet, strangely, the emotions reflected in their eyes were not hunger or hostility. If one were to describe the feelings in their gaze, it would be… fear. The monsters were fleeing from something, driven to the outskirts of the plains in terror.
“What a bizarre sight… What on earth are they afraid of?”
A boy murmured in wonder as he swung his sword, blood splattering onto the grass below. Around him lay the lifeless bodies of numerous monsters, creating a scene reminiscent of hell itself.
“Unbelievable… He took down that many monsters all by himself…!”
“This is the genius swordsman… Wilhelm Lyubase!”
The students surrounding him expressed their awe with a mix of fear and admiration. It was Wilhelm Lyubase, a first-year student in the Knight Department, renowned as the strongest among his peers, who had annihilated the monsters and saved the lives of the students under attack.
Lyubase was not a member of the Executive Committee. However, due to his top-ranking performance in the Knight Department, he had been included in the rescue team. He hailed from a poor, lower noble family, and when offered a suitable reward, he eagerly accepted.
Earlier, he had rescued a mixed team of four students from the Knight and Magic Departments. Though they were rivals, they shared a friendship that transcended their academic affiliations, and they had participated together. When the monsters had surged forth, it was Lyubase who had come to their aid.
“That swordsmanship… Is he even better than the third-year students…?”
One student gulped nervously. Lyubase’s skills surpassed the level of a typical student, rivaling even those of professional knights. To think he was just a first-year; he could only be described as a genius.
“…Could it be that these monsters are fleeing? Chased from the depths of the plains by someone?”
Ignoring the rescued students, Lyubase muttered to himself, seemingly indifferent to their presence.
“This is…!”
“What a find…!”
While one male student trembled in fear at Lyubase’s swordsmanship, a female student’s eyes sparkled with excitement. Although Lyubase came from a lower noble background, his prowess suggested he was destined for greatness. After graduation, he would undoubtedly join a knight order and follow a path to success.
(This is a great opportunity to get close to him…!)
(If I play my cards right, I might even become a high-ranking noble’s wife…!)
His future prospects were outstanding, and there were no rumors of a fiancée. His appearance was somewhat plain; his unkempt hair was hastily tied back with a string, and long bangs obscured his eyes. He seemed indifferent to fashion, but those with discerning eyes could see that his features were quite handsome.
Two female students from lower noble families exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. It was a silent signal between friends, a pact that neither would complain regardless of who succeeded.
“Ah! That was so scary!”
“Thank you, Lyubase-sama, for saving us!”
“Yikes!”
The two girls clung to Lyubase from either side. Startled, he jumped back, having been lost in thought.
“D-Don’t touch me! Stay away! I don’t want your… excess flesh pressed against me!”
“Huh…?”
“E-excess flesh…?”
“I saved you, so hurry up and get out of here! The entrance to the plains is over there. Don’t bother with me and evacuate quickly!”
“…………”
As Lyubase shouted like a wary beast, he distanced himself from the two girls. It was then that they realized just how extreme his aversion to women was.
“Ah… Sorry about that. Thanks for saving us.”
“Well then, we’ll take our leave. Thank you!”
The boys who had been with them gathered the two girls and headed towards the entrance of the plains. With the girls gone, Lyubase let out a sigh of relief.
“Hah… Hah… This is exactly why I can’t stand women…”
More importantly, Lyubase resumed his thoughts. The sudden monster stampede had likely been triggered by someone provoking the Lord of the Demon Territory.
(The Lord of the Demon Territory… By provoking Subnock, it must have stirred him into action, causing the monsters to flee and ultimately invade here.)
With that deduction, Lyubase turned his gaze towards the depths of the plains.
“Hm…?”
There, he noticed something. Someone was running at an incredible speed. It was a pace so fast that he would have missed it had it not been for his keen reflexes.
“Could it be… they’re trying to challenge the Lord of the Demon Territory? The great beast that has never been defeated since the founding of this land…?”
It was reckless. Foolhardy. Brazen.
“But… how interesting.”
Lyubase grinned fiercely. Born a prodigy with a sword, the genius Lyubase felt a thrill in his chest.
“Let’s go…!”
With that, Lyubase dashed forward, running across the plains at a speed that rivaled the effects of High Accelerator, chasing after the figure that had gone ahead.