Raised in Dungeon

The headmaster's room.

In that serene ambience of the headmaster's room, Eliphas stood by the window, his gaze fixated on the panorama outside. Before him stretched a tranquil expanse of sky and water, their reflection intertwining, creating an illusion as if the room itself existed in another world.

Inside this ethereal chamber, Eliphas was with a striking white-haired, adfeqtus reliqua, girl named Horivaid, or simply Hori. She appeared suspended in mid-air, her body defying gravity as she floated gracefully, her silvery locks cascading like a ghostly waterfall. Hori's attention was captivated by one of the room's aquariums, which inside that was a firebird flying in the water.

As she flew to Elipha's desk and saw the waterfall-like-desk, Hori suddenly sighed, then said,

"Two other-worlders, six humans bearing Wildenhall blood, the elves future queen, and even the reincarnations of legendary heroes. You've certainly gathered a unique mix of students here. As expected... your attraction to your students is truly disgusting, Eliphas."

Eliphas responded with a mischievous grin. "Hoho, perhaps it's because of my age. After living for more than two centuries, you find ample ways to keep life entertaining, don't you agree with that?"

Hori remained unimpressed, replying, "I don't care... My ageless body doesn't guarantee maturity. We were never designed to mature; our physical form is but a projection of our mana core. Conversing with beings like me, your perception of space, time, and emotions would be vastly different."

Eliphas persisted, "Even so, as an adfeqtus reliqua, you should share the same excitement as I do, don't you?

A look of disgust crossed Hori's face. "That's precisely why I find it repulsive. I can sense your mana swaying."

Eliphas couldn't help but chuckle as he continued to gaze out the window. His uncharacteristic silence intrigued Hori, as Eliphas was usually reserved only when he was contemplating something unsavory, something disgusting, and she knew it.

"Is there something you're waiting for?" Hori asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"Hmm? Yes, you could say that is true," Eliphas replied, a hint of mystery in his voice.

"Tell me! What are your plans this time?!" Hori's impatience showed in her question.

Eliphas simply grinned. "You'll find out soon enough."

True to his word, it wasn't long before Hori sensed the arrival of two distinct and unmistakable presences, their auras resonating with an unusual quality.

Hori couldn't contain her unease any longer and turned to Eliphas. "Eliphas... these two, they aren't the ones you've been waiting for, are they?"

Eliphas met Hori's inquiry with an enigmatic smile, one that held the secrets. "Exactly."

The frustration that had been simmering within her boiled over. "I detest those two, and now, I detest you even more. I hope you didn't use me to deal with these kids"

The heavy door of the room swung open, revealing two figures who were no strangers to Eliphas. They entered with a certain cautiousness.

" "Eliphas," one of them began, the words carrying a note of caution, "we've come to discuss the renewal of her contract."

The other figure, visibly hesitant and still wary from past encounters, added, "A-are you certain he won't deceive us this time? I'd rather not be fooled like we were before."

Eliphas smiled, coming closer to the two as if to hug them,

Eliphas greeted them with a warm smile, approaching as if to embrace them. "Welcome back to your cherished school. It warms my heart to see that you both remain in good health. Norman, Clarissa. I'd be even more delighted if you would refer to me as your teacher."

"No, I have no part in this academy anymore," Norman declared, his face displaying clear annoyance.

Meanwhile, Clarissa remained in the protective shadow of Norman's figure, still hiding behind him.

Eliphas couldn't help but chuckle. "Even after a decade, you're as short-tempered as ever."

Norman wagged a playful finger at Eliphas, his eyes alight with mirth. "It's all your fault, you old man!"

With a reminiscent smile, Eliphas leaned in and added, "Just so you know, your reaction reminds me of Petronella's. Looking back, the two of you were quite the spirited and endearing pair."

"Huh? Don't tell me Petronella is at the academy now? That can't be true, after what she did back then," Norman said, genuine surprise coloring his voice.

Eliphas nodded, "She's even a teacher here now."

"Petronella? A teacher?" Norman fell into a thoughtful silence before bursting into laughter. "Hahaha! That fiery little midget is an actual teacher? and at the academy she used to hate so much?! I'd pay to see the exasperation on her face."

"Looks like you missed her... you'll cross paths with her soon," Eliphas' expression shifted, his voice taking on a serious tone.

"What do you mean—" Norman said, his voice trembling with uncertainty.

"You won't find the heroes," Eliphas stated with an air of omniscience, as if he held all the answers, understanding both their purpose.

"W-what does that mean? Why are you saying that? A-are you going to kill us?" Clarissa inquired, her voice a mix of fear and curiosity.

"I also want an explanation, Eliphas. Don't you already know everything since we arrived?" Norman chimed in, eager to understand.

Eliphas answer, "I am a cursed being, and your designs for me are superficial at best. I remain indifferent… I literally don't care about your stuff at all."

Clarissa couldn't hide her shock. "S-So, you're deliberately withholding information about the remaining heroes? I-if you don't care, why don't you give us their location?"

A deep silence settled in as Eliphas disclosed the revelation, "You can't find them because all the heroes are currently enrolled as students in this school."

"?!!"

Clarissa's eyes widened in disbelief. "Impossible..."

Norman's voice quivered with anger "Are you toying with their destinies? You know the use of such power is forbidden in this world! You conveyed that to me!"

"As I said, I am a cursed-being."

Tears welled up in Clarissa's eyes. "AAaAAaaaah!!! A-a-At this rate, my contract won't make me eat a single hero! I'll have to wait another agonizing ten years for them to graduate from this school."

Just as despair settled in, the door behind Norman and Clarissa slammed shut, splitting the room's contents into two parts, effectively keeping them separated from the rest of the room.

Instinctively, Norman unsheathed his sword. "Eliphas! What are you doing?"

Clarissa let out a frightened cry. "HiiiiiI!!! T-this is the same mana manipulation he used to deceive me!"

Eliphas reassured them, "Don't worry, I'm not trying to harm you. As per your request, I will renew the contract."

Seven ethereal swords descended from the ceiling, forming a circle around Norman and Clarissa.

"ELIPHAAAAAS!" Norman exclaimed.

Eliphas, holding a staff formed from the relic Hori, spoke with an imposing aura. "Let's forge a new contract... From this moment onwards, until all the heroes graduate from the academy..."

Norman and Clarissa, both skilled mana users who were confident in their abilities, couldn't help but feel dwarfed by the Untouchable Eliphas.

Approaching them with a faint smile, Eliphas continued, "You two should become the teachers of this academy."

Their stunned expressions mirrored each other.

"WHA-"

…

…

…

In the dawn of the Soil Month, as leaves drifted down to blanket the earth, the stately trees within the academy shed their verdant attire. Only the indomitable maple trees held onto their foliage, refusing to succumb to the season's gentle yet insistent persuasion.

Amidst this autumnal transformation, the Oxwade Academy opened its doors to a new beginning. The school year's inaugural ceremony commenced, marking the beginning of new story…