The emergence of a new coalition with significant potential was causing a stir across the entire hero industry. After all, for the first time ever, the Barmuths had lost the war of the blacksmithing industry to this newly formed coalition of small and medium-sized workshops. And on top of that, the Pilgrimage Church had even volunteered to become the coalition’s patron.3

However, despite the stir, Babel was standing a step apart from it all; the academy was restless over a different matter that was less than a week away—the extermination practical.0

“Did you hear where we’re going this time?”0

“I heard we’re heading to the Black Lotus Seas. I really hate that place.”3

“Don’t forget to bring your detection tools. There were more than a couple of upperclassmen who got lost during the last practical there.”1

Sighing deeply, the freshmen of Ur and Aqar Quf lamented the fact that the location of the practical was the Black Lotus Seas. For them, whose participation was mandatory, the most dangerous and difficult area among the choices being chosen was not a good thing. While they could earn a lot of points even with just one small success, one small mistake could also ruin their entire practical.3

“What are you going to do about the practical?”11

“I would’ve considered going if the location was less dangerous, but I think I’m going to skip it this time. I mean, if I get injured, it’s straight to the infirmary for me.”0

“Yeah. I guess I’ll skip too then.”2

Conversely, for the freshmen of Borsippa whose participation...2