Exposed to the gazes of my classmates, I scratched my head with a bitter expression.

Unlike Void or Ilga, in my case, this also involved my past self. I couldn’t view it objectively no matter how hard I tried.

That’s why I had remained silent.

But now that things had come to this—

I turned my gaze to Ilga, who was tapping the center of his part with his fingertip.

"Ilga, do you think that if war becomes a battle between Homunculi, or between Homunculi and biological weapons, there will no longer be any human casualties? That’s not how it works. If defeated, it will only result in unilateral devastation."

"But unless the military strength is balanced, the outcome will be the same—"

I raised my palm to cut him off.

"Then let me ask you this: why did you enroll in Lehan Royal Knight Academy? Was it just to obtain the title of a full-fledged knight? That’s not it, is it? Wasn't it to protect the people with your own hands? Whether you're a full knight, a mercenary, or a ranger, those are all just forms—nothing but means to wield a sword."

"That’s…"

"If you become stronger, that’s enough. Become a knight strong enough to take down a Homunculus one-on-one, and pass on the sword techniques and tactics you’ve learned to future generations. Blythe, as a mere human, hunted even ancient dragons. Don’t act like it’s impossible for a human to defeat something like a Homunculus."

Ilga, who had been about to say something, closed his mouth.

I continued.

"If the age comes where magic surpasses the sword, then it’s fine to switch. But even if the life was born of your own hands, stop seeking peace at the cost of others. That’s not the true form of the full-fledged knight you once admired."

Of course, if I were to speak frankly, the bigger reason I oppose the Homunculization of Blythe is simply that I don’t want it to happen. I don’t even want to imagine a Blythe who isn’t me coming back to life. The Homunculus version of Blythe wouldn’t have any memories of his time with Lili or of the battles fought alongside his disciples.

He’d be nothing more than a biological weapon—no, a slaughter weapon. I refuse to let him be used for something like that. Even if, by some mistake, he were to be born somewhere, I, Eremi, would make sure to kill him. Even if it meant going against Kilpus, or clashing with Lili.

Then I noticed something.

Ah, I’ve found my answer. As I talked with my classmates, the hazy feeling I had started to clear up. Whether or not we file a report, our stance won’t change. That’s enough for now.

Ilga scratched his cheek with his fingertip.

"That… might be true. If we just become stronger than the Homunculi. But still, it feels so far away. So far…"

Ilga gave a wry smile, but nodded with determination.

"Still, we’ve had the fortune of seeing it firsthand. Team Three of Class One, with Eremia and the others fighting the Homunculi on even ground. After seeing something like that, it’s hard not to believe that maybe we, too, could become like the Sword Saint or the War Maiden. ...Ah, you can laugh if you want, alright? I know how inexperienced I am."

Being praised like that made me feel a bit embarrassed.

But he’s right. Just like we do in club activities, if each of us keeps honing our strengths, that future will surely come. Just like it did for Blythe’s disciples.

That’s why—I—

"Idiot. As if I’d laugh. Though, the title of Sword Saint will go to me, not you."

Oujin crossed his arms and nodded firmly.

"Me too. You’re not the only ones with distant goals. If I laughed at you, I’d be laughing at myself too. And that’s something I won’t do."

Monica was gazing dreamily again.

Riona spoke in a light tone.

"I don’t even have the right to laugh, y’know? Isn’t it fine? Just give it your best. I’ll help out if it’s within my ability."

As for Void—

"Kuku, if you guys end up not making it, then I’ll laugh my ass off. Don’t think you can end up as nameless grunts, got it?"

When Bernald tossed some unknown herbs into the boiling water, a gentle herbal aroma spread around. A refreshingly tangy scent.

Everyone brought over cups from their own luggage and lined them up.

With his large hands, Bernald poured the tea in order from the pot.

"It’s herb tea from the Yasha tribe. It’ll warm your body and calm your mind. The flavor is like black tea with a squeeze of citrus. Add sugar to taste."

Void was the first to grab a cup.

"Heh? Sounds a lot better than that kappa stew. Kinda makes me wanna spike it with booze."

"You mean pond sludge soup."

"It’s matcha! I’ll treat you at the cafeteria next time, so give it a try!"

"I’m gonna paaass. More importantly, let’s do a toast!"

The sugar, wrapped in large paper, was irregular in shape but about the size of a thumbnail, and there seemed to be more than enough for everyone.

Bernald sure packs all sorts of things in his huge bag. The only regret is the lack of milk. But unlike in my previous life, I no longer dislike sweets—in fact, I rather like them.

I tossed in a few pieces of sugar.

Once everyone had a cup, Seneca cleared her throat.

"Well then, to the future of Class One—!"

Cups were lifted in unison, and in the seventh layer of the Lehan Dungeon, the clinking of metal cups rang out.

Voices of celebration overlapped.

The herb tea that splashed from the cups was piping hot, and many students let out yelps, but in the end, everyone was laughing.