Chapter 8 - Claudia Enfield
Since Fan Xinglu intended to take Luke out specifically, it indicated that the gift prepared for Luke by Fan Xinglu was undoubtedly not an ordinary Lux; it must at least be an Orga Lux.
Luke had encountered a few Orga Lux in the past two years, and they varied widely in levels and abilities, generally falling within the C to B level range.
Obtaining a B-level weapon would significantly aid Luke.
After lunch, Luke followed Fan Xinglu and joined her outside.
On the way, as he observed Fan Xinglu, who exuded innocence like a little lolita, Luke sensed a subtle feeling in his heart.
"I can now understand why Senior Brother Zhao always looks at me with resentful eyes," Luke thought to himself, trailing Fan Xinglu with mixed emotions.
It didn't take long for them to reach their destination – Seidoukan Academy.
Upon arrival, a figure stood at the entrance of the academy in the distance.
"Welcome to Seidoukan Academy, Banyuu Tenra and Extreme Swordsman," greeted a beautiful girl with dazzling blond hair at the entrance.
Luke recognized her.
Precisely speaking, there were very few people in Asterisk City unfamiliar with her.
Claudia Enfield, the student council president of Seidoukan Academy, also held the current rank one position in the academy. She hailed from the Enfield family, both of her parents being officials in the corporate conglomerate 'Ginga,' the group behind Seidoukan Academy's financing.
She operated smoothly and calmly, excelling in calculations and long-term planning, unafraid to get her hands dirty to achieve her goals. She often referred to herself as "black-hearted," a sentiment echoed by other high-rankers from Asterisk schools.
She also wielded the Orga Lux 'Pandora.'
However, Luke couldn't shake the feeling that Claudia looked at him a little strangely.
"Thank you for picking us up, Enfield," Fan Xinglu casually responded to Claudia's greeting.
"Then, you two, please come with me. The school gate is not a suitable place for discussion," Claudia suggested, turning around and leading Luke and Fan Xinglu into the academy.
As Claudia had mentioned, the sight of their student council president personally greeting guests at the school gate drew the attention of many Seidoukan Academy students.
Luke could overhear people gossiping.
"Hey, look, the student council president is personally picking them up at the school gate!"
"Really? What are their identities? They actually require the student council president to greet them personally."
"Judging by their school uniform, they must be from Jielong Seventh Institute, but they're all unfamiliar faces."
Amidst the growing discussions, Luke quickly followed Claudia and Fan Xinglu.
Advancing, the trio eventually reached the underground facility of a separate building.
After walking to the deepest point, a small square surrounded by metal walls appeared before Luke. In the center of the square, on a metal platform, lay a red and black sword hilt.
Claudia, standing aside, addressed Luke at this moment, "This is the content of our agreement. Our Seidoukan Academy possesses the Orga Lux named 'Ser-Veresta,' or simply Sword of the Black Furnace."
Luke was suddenly surprised at Claudia's words.
"Ser-Veresta? Are you saying you want to give me this sword?"
It was no wonder Luke reacted strongly; 'Ser-Veresta' was the weapon used by the protagonist in the original work.
Before arriving, Luke had various speculations about the Orga Lux he would obtain. Even upon seeing the destination was Seidoukan Academy, he did not expect it to be this sword.
Observing Luke's reaction, Claudia seemed a bit confused. She looked at Fan Xinglu and asked, "Didn't you inform Extreme Swordsman of our agreement?"
"Well, it's not too late to inform him now," Fan Xinglu said, glancing nonchalantly at Ser-Veresta in the center of the field.
Claudia, covering her forehead, expressed her frustration with Fan Xinglu's irresponsible behavior.
She looked at Luke, smiled, and continued, "Let me briefly describe the agreement between Jielong Seventh and our Seidoukan Academy."
"Fan Xinglu, the current student council president of Jielong Seventh, proposed this agreement."
"The request from Jielong Seventh is to lend the Orga Lux 'Ser-Veresta' and designate its user as the rank one in Jielong Seventh, 'Extreme Swordsman' Luke Ashburn."
"Since no one has successfully wielded 'Ser-Veresta' for over ten years, after careful consideration, we agreed to Jielong's request."
"As a condition, Jielong Seventh Institute will train some students from Seidoukan Academy."
"The training covers physical skills, swordsmanship, etc., excluding Seisenjutsu, unfortunately."
Claudia paused at this point, displaying genuine regret.
"The students will be recommended by our Academy, handed over to Jielong Seventh Institute, with the final selection made by the trainers. Essentially, the students are jointly selected by the two schools."
"The designated individual for the training program is the current rank one in the Named Charts of Jielong Seventh Institute, 'Extreme Swordsman' Luke Ashburn."
"The above outlines the general content of this agreement. There are additional detailed clauses, but the primary content remains as explained." Claudia concluded.
"By the way, the training program was initially my responsibility, but due to her suggestion, it was transferred to you."
Fan Xinglu, with a wicked smile, added, "Enfield seems to know Luke quite well. To confidently hand over the training program to a student unfamiliar with the outside world is indeed the user of 'Pandora.'"
"Some people truly care about you, Luke."
Fan Xinglu then walked to the side, folding her arms, ready to enjoy the unfolding events.
Taking Fan Xinglu's prompt to heart, Luke glanced at the hilt of the Orga Lux 'Pandora' held behind Claudia. He seemed to grasp something.
Staring intently at Claudia's face, he wore an expression that conveyed, 'I've seen through you.'
Claudia, under Luke's scrutinizing gaze, slowly lost her hold on her smile, a subtle rosy tint crossing her pretty face.
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