An Angel Lives in the Academy
Chapter 33: The Angel Who Makes it Rain (3)

The demon king, the nightmare that destroyed the other world.

However, to the people of the human world, he was just a spooky ghost story. Why? Because aside from occasionally opening Gates, the demon king didn't seem to do anything. And the heroes of the human world easily closed the Gates he opened.

Even now, if you went to Seoul Station, you would see some elves protesting with signs that said, "World Tree Heaven, Demon King Hell," but... people just assumed it was another cult.

However, the demon king's invasion had already begun.

The first step was the corruption of the Mooncat Tribe. The plan to corrupt the Mooncats and use them to steal the holy sword, and even if it failed, they would gain the Mooncat Tribe and the Old Citadel, so it wasn't a bad deal…

They invested numerous items and suffered losses, but ultimately cursed the Mooncat Tribe.

However, this plan failed because of Leffrey. The demon army executive who devised this plan was probably already executed.

But that didn't mean the demon army had given up on their invasion. The demon army's next plan was…

'The corruption of Yumari.'

And that plan succeeded, ultimately leading to Yumari betraying humanity. And she caused tremendous damage to humanity.

If he could prevent that, he would gain an incredible amount of Angelic Power.

'Yumari is still recognized as a future hero by the status window, so...'

"Jack, is that true?"

In the magical studies department. Leffrey asked, turning toward the noble-looking Jack with his hair slicked back. Jack nodded.

"Yes, it's true that there were such discussions in the Connoisseurs' Club."

The Connoisseurs' Club was a club that studied how to appraise expensive items, famous paintings, and luxury goods. Its members were all rich young men and women who could enjoy such luxuries... It was a kind of inner circle for silver spoon students.

And naturally, Jack, the next head of the White family, was also there.

"There was a suggestion to humiliate Yumari during the Blessing of the Spirits."

The Blessing of the Spirits. It was a ceremony where future heroes, recognized by the only spirit king who had survived the demon king's invasion, 'Naiad', received her blessing. (TL Note: Fun fact In Greek mythology naiads are a type of female spirit that resides in places with water like lakes, wells, etc)

To receive the blessing, they had to prove that they had the qualities to be a future hero without resorting to combat, and since Naiad, in particular, was known for being a strict spirit king…

'There were many times when no one received the blessing.'

Anyway, it was that kind of ceremony.

It was a traditional event of the Central Academy that was even broadcast on TV. There was quite a lot to see, so the viewership ratings were high.

"But how are they going to humiliate her?"

"There are countless ways. Forming a team with Yumari and then not participating, stealing the materials needed for the test and replacing them all with trash... or doing all of the above."

That would greatly humiliate Yumari.

If she had no teammates and even her materials were trash…

How could the outcome be good?

Moreover, Naiad was famous for being a cruel and sharp-tongued critic.

'I've only seen Yumari look hurt once. It was during the Blessing of the Spirits in my past life... naturally, Yumari could only produce a pathetic work, and Naiad criticized it excessively.'

And if that were to be broadcast on TV…

Leffrey lowered his head and fell into thought. This probably wasn't a scheme by the demon army. It was just people showing envy and jealousy towards each other.

And those envy and jealousy were what led Yumari to betray humanity.

'I can't see that happen again...!'

And if he could prevent it, he would naturally gain a tremendous amount of Angelic Power. But would Leffrey be able to stop it? The other students were determined to use Naiad to humiliate Yumari.

'If it were about another topic, it couldn't be helped. But the theme of this Blessing of the Spirits is... 'cooking'. And I'm Cooking Lv.10...!'

It was time to show them the skills of Leffrey, the cooking angel.

"So... are you going to join?"

Jack asked with an indifferent expression.

Leffrey thought for a moment.

"Yeah, I'm going to help Yumari."

Then Jack sighed and said,

"Don't."

"Why? Do you hate Yumari too?"

"Hmph, it's not that."

Jack suddenly looked out the window and muttered,

"The reason this kind of talk came up in the Connoisseurs' Club... is probably because of Yu Si-hyun, the eldest daughter of the Seocheon Yu and the student council president of the Central Academy."

Yu Si-hyun, Yumari's old enemy. They were half-sisters, but they were famous for having a terrible relationship. Of course, it was a situation where Yu Si-hyun was one-sidedly bullying Yumari…

"I'll admit it honestly. Yu Si-hyun is powerful. And strong. If you get on her bad side, school life can become difficult."

This was also something he knew to some extent.

But Leffrey had to help Yumari.

For Angelic Power and for humanity.

No, was it really only for that?

Leffrey the angel... no, the boy. Really?

Leffrey smiled and said,

"Are you worried about me?"

"What nonsense. Why would I worry about someone like you? I'm just repaying the debt I owe for my life as a magic noble...!"

And then he turned around and left.

Leffrey smiled wryly.

"He's unexpectedly kind, Jack."

*

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*

*

The Blessing of the Spirits began.

As soon as morning arrived, a large crowd gathered at the lake east of the academy. Various amusement rides were set up, and stalls selling simple street food lined the lake.

The students of the Central Academy, who were constantly being bullied by the professors' tyranny, were all delighted by the festive atmosphere that had come after a long time and enjoyed the moment.

Soya, in particular, was having a lot of fun.

"Soya, are you having fun?"

"...Somewhat? Ah, no. I'm not riding those rides for fun! It's purely for the development of black magic, to maintain an empirical approach..."

She had a rabbit headband on her head, face painting on her cheeks, a cute chibi doll of Naiad hanging from her waist, and her robe was covered in stickers from the Blessing of the Spirits festival.

And she was holding cotton candy in her hand.

"Hmm..."

And her expression was as serious as possible, as if she were trying to stop the corners of her mouth from turning up.

But she was cute.

"Hmm, I need to empirically test that one too."

Soya tugged on Leffrey's sleeve. Leffrey obediently followed Soya's lead towards the amusement ride.

Leffrey was satisfied with the small amount of Angelic Power he was getting as he saw the status window message, 'Making a future hero happy is an angelic act'.

"Actually, it doesn't matter if I don't ride this. I'm only riding it for the development of black magic, out of necessity. Leffrey, you know...?"

"I know, I know."

Soya's expression was full of anticipation as she said those words.

And a few moments later.

"Unfortunately, you must be over 170cm tall to ride this ride..."

"W-What?"

Her expression turned sullen in less than a few minutes.

"What kind of black magic-hating... no, child-hating system is this?!"

"Excuse me? This is for safety reasons..."

"Soya, Soya! Let's go."

Soya, dragged away by Leffrey's hand, couldn't help but grumble,

"Hmph, I'm more mature than other adults. I've published so many papers and have so many references."

And the time came.

"Soya, you can walk around by yourself now, right?"

"U-Uh? Why?"

"...I'm also going to participate in the Blessing of the Spirits."

"T-Then it can't be helped."

Soya made an even more sullen expression than before, her hands twitching as she expressed her disappointment.

"...Come back soon."

It was almost a whisper.

"Am I going on a raid? See you later."

Leffrey, feeling a sense of guilt he didn't understand, headed towards the headquarters for the Blessing of the Spirits event.

As he entered the headquarters…

"Hello. E-Excuse me... I'm here to participate as a contestant."

Leffrey said as he entered.

However, there was no one in the headquarters. The various electronic devices, filming equipment, and schedule were all still there, but there were no people.

At that moment, a voice came from behind,

"So it's true? That Leffriel, the great, has fallen to Earth and is living among these lowly creatures."

The owner of the voice was none other than the water spirit king, Naiad. Her unforgettable intense blue hair and her long dress boasting a pale aqua color. There was only one person in Leffrey's mind who would look like this.

'Why is the water spirit king here in person...?'

She lifted Leffrey's chin with her long fingers.

"Ah, are you offended? That a mere water spirit king would touch your chin. No, there's no change in your expression. Of course, you were always that arrogant."

"What?"

"Don't pretend you don't know. Even if you've lost your angelic power, you are Leffriel. Are you saying... are you saying that I'm so insignificant that you've even forgotten my existence?"

Smile smile-

Even though the water spirit king was smiling, it didn't look like a smile.

"What on earth are you talking about?"

Leffrey stepped back and said,

"Leffrey, you've been calling yourself Leffrey."

"That's right, because that's my name."

"Hahahahahaha, keuk, khahahahahahaha!"

It was a roar of laughter.

Naiad couldn't stop laughing as if something was incredibly funny.

"Leffrey. Leffrey!!! That's just a title given to you. Have you forgotten that humans took the title bestowed upon you from Heaven and created their own new word for it?"

What was she talking about?

Wasn't Leffrey a weak angel with no power? That's why he had no Angelic Abilities, and when he first awoke, his body was as weak as a human…

"It seems you've truly forgotten. Leffriel, have you forgotten all those civilizations and races you judged?"

Naiad now grabbed Leffrey's face.

"You are judgment. The judgment of this world."

And she muttered with a hint of sadness,

"That's why you're a referee."

"R-Referee, what does that even mean?"

Unfortunately, Leffrey had never studied English in depth. So he had no idea what 'referee' meant.

Naiad couldn't stop laughing, as if she found Leffrey amusing.

"You've truly... truly forgotten everything."

"What on earth... what are you talking about?"

"Fine. You said you came to participate in the Blessing of the Spirits, right? Which team are you on?"

Damn it, Leffrey organized his thoughts for a moment and decided to tell the truth.

"I've decided to join Yumari's team."

"...And you're still an angel?"

Hahahahahaha- hahahahahaha- The spirit king's laughter echoed throughout the lake. Numerous high-ranking spirits in the form of girls laughed at Leffrey together.

'The Judge has become a fool!'

'Judgment of civilizations!'

'Fear and despair! Leffrey, the judge of Earth, has forgotten all his authority!'

What the... what on earth... Leffrey barely suppressed the rising panic and looked at Naiad.

"To think you, an angel who didn't save my loved one... are now siding with Yumari..."

Naiad mumbled something.

"Of course, it must be a lie... that you, a being like you, rejected the heavens for the sake of saving a single girl..."

Sadness overwhelmed him.

The memories he had seen in the white room flooded his mind.

Heaven had ordered him to reap the soul of a woman. A young woman who had given birth to an illegitimate child and had no one to help her.

The woman pleaded with Leffrey.

She said that if he took her away, her child would starve to death.

She begged for mercy.

"..."

Leffrey couldn't answer.

Instead, he shed tears.

'Why, why am I crying?'

Naiad's expression changed drastically. The mocking expression filled with madness turned into one of pity, just pure pity.

"No way, did you?"

Naiad, who had a surprised expression on her face, exclaimed,

"No! You, a puppet of the heavens... there's no way!"

And then Naiad's cruel demeanor returned.

"Well, fine. You said you came to participate in the Blessing of the Spirits, right?"

Naiad smiled and declared,

"Then how about this? If you fail to satisfy me... I will reveal your true identity to the world. And I will tear the heart of that little half-dragon, Yumari, to shreds."

It was a truly cruel declaration.