Usually, there would be a few quests with the goal of subjugating demons on the bulletin board, however, the number of such quests was gradually reduced a while ago.

Students and people, in general, believe that it was due to the emergence of a new group called Hunters.

Hunters was a group of a few individuals whose strength rivaled the Grand Order at the least. The small group tended to move independently and follow their motive to actively purge any threats, especially demons, which in turn, could indeed be the reason for the lack of demon subjugation quests. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

At the time the Hunters were announced, it caused a huge uproar everywhere mainly because Olivia Rostanta, who was formerly the captain of the Grand Order, joined the group. Many believed that she started that group and that she would once again be the leader but in an interview, Olivia revealed that it was not her idea.

She stated that she was not the captain which alone made people come up with numerous theories concerning the real identity of the leader. But even to this date, no one came remotely close to unveiling that big secret.

And while the people kept pondering about that, Sara Tiam, another prominent name, joined their ranks. That move stunned the world, too, as Sara, another former Grand Order member, left the Grand Order after a year and joined a new group.

It was not revealed how large the group was but based on members like Sara and Olivia, the people knew that the Grand Order could soon see themselves getting overshadowed by Hunters.

"Isn’t she your sister? Can’t you just ask her about her leader?" Cindy asked.

It was currently lunchtime.

Ophelia and Cindy spent their break at a café near the academy.

"Not you, too..." Ophelia sighed.

"Can you blame me though? Hunters was the main article of today’s newspaper again so it’s normal for everyone to question the face of the secret leader!" Cindy said.

Her eyes were beaming with curiosity like a child.

"So? Do you know something? Or did you happen to meet the leader once? Come on, Ophelia! Tell me!"

Without her knowing, Cindy leaned over the small table.

"..."

"Ow! What are you doing?!"

Ophelia slapped Cindy’s boobs as they blocked her sight on the sweets which were located in the middle of the table.

"Get your act together. You’re not a child anymore." Ophelia remarked tiredly as she took a cookie.

Cindy pouted while crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"You want to know about the leader?"

She looked at Ophelia with big eyes.

"Is it a man? Is he hot? Older than me? Tall? Rich? Singl- Ack!"

Ophelia chopped her head.

"So that’s why you’re pestering me..." she muttered, disgusted by Cindy.

"Anyways, to put it into simpler terms for you, the leader is an existence you can no longer reach, be it strength or emotionally-wise."

"...?"

Cindy tilted her head while rubbing the spot where she was hit.

"Now you’re making me even more curious..."

Then, Cindy spotted someone in her field of vision.

"Hey, Ophelia...! Look...!" she whispered to her excitedly.

"Hm?"

"Heh...! He’s serious all the time but now look at that four-eyes having fun with a woman during his break...!" Cindy giggled menacingly as she observed Erwin, a fellow colleague.

"..."

Ophelia just stared at Cindy dumbfoundedly.

And soon, their break came to an end.

The teachers returned to their classes with Ophelia heading to the training field.

It was time for the practical lesson which was often used for sparring sessions.

"Ms. Ross."

Lily, who was the first one done with changing into combat clothes, approached Ophelia after she arrived at the place.

"I wanted to announce that we’ve already decided on our next quests."

"What kind of quests will you do this time?"

Ophelia opened her hand as if she was expecting to be given something.

"There are three quests we’re targeting." Lily said, handing the quest papers to Ophelia.

"They’re all located near Fuera and mainly consist of the subjugation of monster hordes."

One of them requested the elimination of spider monsters. Another one consisted of slaying wolves. And the last one stated the subjugation of a demon.

"A demon subjugation...? Didn’t expect the academy to still have a demon subjugation quest... But near Fuera, huh...?" Ophelia muttered slightly taken aback.

"According to the quest, it’s a B-rank demon."

"I see."

Ophelia read the quests.

"Will you split yourselves up again?" she asked in the meantime.

"Yes. I was thinking of teaming up Harik with Rachel and Belian and Lisa."

"Hmm... Seems somewhat unbalanced but considering how suitable their magic elements are with each other, it’s fine."

"Can you accompany Harik and Rachel, Ms. Ross?"

"Sure but what about you? You will be alon- Nevermind."

Ophelia quickly corrected herself.

"Who will do which quest then?"

"Belian and Lisa will deal with the wolves. Harik and Rachel will head to the spiders under your guidance. I will take on the demon."

"..."

Ophelia stared at Lily indifferently for a moment.

In that case, a teacher would normally reprimand the student for the reckless decision. After all, only a few would voluntarily face a demon on their own.

"Are you sure that I shouldn’t go with you?" she asked.

"Yes. I can- No, I have to do this on my own." Lily responded with firm eyes.

"I understand." Ophelia gave in as she closed her eyes.

Then, the others began to arrive after being finally done with changing.

"You still haven’t given up yet?"

"..."

Lily was about to head to the others but after hearing those words she glanced back to Ophelia.

"We haven’t heard anything about Mika since the day he disappeared. Cylia Tiam and the academy of Youra were notified about his case but we haven’t received a single word about Mika. Even in the newspaper was nothing hinting to his whereabouts."

"I know that you initially tried to get into the Grand Order to make a name for yourself and catch Mika’s attention that way, however, you’ve been a member for a year already and even among the Grand Order you’re considered a valuable person. What else do you plan on doing in order to find Mika?"

"I know what you’re trying to say and I agree with you. Anything I do is useless. No matter what I do and no matter how much attention I can generate through my achievements, he will not return on his own."

"Then-"

"But...!"

Lily clenched her fists as she cut off Ophelia.

Her gaze was cast to the soil.

"But the moment I give up on putting in the effort, it will also be the moment I give up on Mika...!" she declared bitterly with her teeth gritted.

The others noticed their conversation and stood behind Lily.

"Two years have already passed... I can’t even begin to imagine how strong he has gotten." Lily stated with a wry smile.

"However, that’s why I have to get as strong as possible in order to land a punch in his stupid face."

She turned her smirk to Ophelia.

"..."

Ophelia had to smirk, too, after hearing her response.

"Well, if he’s too strong for you, call for me then. If we gather our forces, we can land a hit on that fool." she replied.

And then, she clapped her hands.

"But enough of that talk! Find a partner first!" Ophelia announced.

It was the start of the practical lesson.

Harik and Belian paired up, whereas Rachel and Lisa formed a team.

Meanwhile, Lily headed to a corner on her own.

"We will start with a light sparring session!" Ophelia said.

And while the others were busy with sparring against each other, Lily summoned her black wand.

A fireball appeared in front of Lily.

"Maybe I should finish this creature... It’s been a few days since I worked on it after all..." she muttered pensively as she put her magic into the fireball.

"..."

Ophelia watched the class from afar.

"What am I even doing here...?" she sighed.

She was their teacher but it was clear since a while ago that each one of them did not need any guidance anymore. Maybe it was due to the events they experienced two years ago but they were all stronger than the teachers at the academy.

Even Ophelia had doubts that she could beat every student in her class.

She was only certain that she would lose against Lily.

"I’m sorry, Lily..." she muttered with a faint smile.

Because he told them to, Ophelia and a few other individuals were prohibited from spreading information about his current location and state.

"But Fuera, huh...?"

The next quests led the group near Fuera, the capital of Rostanta and the place where Olivia Rostanta, a member of Hunters, was.

She looked at the dark ceiling of the training space which Ralph created with his relic.

"If luck is on her side, then maybe she could encounter him..."