Chapter 324: Back to Academy

"I’m back here again."

Noah stood before the massive gates of Novaris Academy, staring at the familiar sight before him.

For a moment, he simply stood there.

The towering gates, the elegant academy buildings visible beyond them, the familiar atmosphere filled with students and mana... Everything looked exactly as he remembered.

Nancy was resting comfortably on his shoulder, completely uninterested in his surroundings. The black cat merely curled herself against him as if the entire academy meant absolutely nothing to her.

Noah smiled faintly. He was genuinely happy to be back.

Yet, somewhere deep inside, another part of him desperately wished he could turn around, go home, crawl into his bed, and never step foot inside this damn academy again.

Unfortunately, fate or rather, his circumstances had other plans.

He had no choice but to attend.

’Tch. What kind of transmigrator am I supposed to be?’

Noah sighed inwardly.

’I need to start doing something. I can’t keep stumbling into dangerous situations without understanding what’s happening around me. There are too many hidden dangers in this world.’

His expression became slightly more serious.

’And if I want to uncover those dangers, I have to stay close to Damien...’ He grimaced. ’Even if that’s the last thing I want to do.’

With that reluctant thought, Noah walked through the academy gates.

As he entered, he couldn’t help but glance around.

The beautiful academy welcomed him back with its familiar scenery. Students were scattered throughout the grounds, some returning from their homes, others carrying luggage toward their dormitories.

It was Sunday afternoon, and Noah still needed to officially register his return.

So, after entering the academy, he headed directly toward the administration building.

The staff there were visibly surprised when they saw him.

News of Noah’s disappearance had spread throughout the academy long ago. Even though he had been exiled from his family, he was still the son of Duke Eldritch. Moreover, his performance at the academy had been impressive, especially during several dangerous incidents.

His disappearance had naturally attracted plenty of attention.

After completing the necessary procedures, Noah regained access to his dormitory.

He returned to his room and began arranging his belongings.

Nancy, however, had absolutely no interest in helping.

The moment Noah placed her down, the black cat casually stretched before climbing onto his bed. She curled herself into a comfortable ball and immediately prepared to sleep.

Noah stared at her.

"Huh... You really are a lazy cat."

He shook his head with a helpless smile.

"Sleep well. I’ll go outside and meet my friends. I’ll bring something delicious for you when I come back."

"Meow~"

Nancy replied lazily without even opening her eyes.

Noah sighed. "Yeah, yeah. Go to sleep."

He left the room. A short while later, Noah arrived at the academy cafeteria.

Since it was already afternoon, the cafeteria was filled with students having their lunch. The lively atmosphere immediately reminded Noah of his normal days at the academy.

"Noah!!!"

A familiar male voice suddenly rang out.

Noah turned around.

A young man with short black hair was rushing toward him, weaving through the returning students without the slightest concern for anyone in his path.

It was Damien.

Noah’s lips curved into a genuine smile when he saw him.

Damien’s expression was filled with relief, and his eyes even looked slightly teary.

Noah felt touched. Then his smile disappeared.

’Wait...’ His eyes widened. ’He’s going to hug me!’

"No, no, no!" Noah immediately raised both hands toward Damien. "Hey! Wait! Don’t come any closer!"

Unfortunately, Damien wasn’t listening. If anything, Noah’s warning seemed to have the opposite effect.

Damien planted his foot against the ground with even greater force and lunged forward.

"This bastard!"

Noah’s instincts kicked in. He might have been emotional, but he wasn’t weak.

His reflexes had improved tremendously, and although Damien was faster, Noah’s reaction speed was enough to deal with a simple charge.

He swiftly sidestepped.

Damien’s arms closed around nothing. His momentum carried him forward.

"THUD!"

He crashed onto the floor. The surrounding students turned toward them.

Noah stared at Damien with a mixture of horror and disbelief.

"Bro! I understand that you’re emotional and happy to see me alive and back at the academy..."

He pointed at Damien accusingly.

"But don’t come charging at me like you’re trying to hug me!"

Damien slowly pushed himself up onto his knees.

"Sniff..."

He looked at Noah with watery eyes.

"Noah you are safe. I’m so happy!"

Noah’s expression softened. "Yeah, I know, buddy. It’s good to see you again."

Damien wiped his eyes. "Yes, I was so worried. I thought something had happened to you because of me"

"Noah!"

A gentle female voice suddenly interrupted him.

Noah instantly turned his head. A beautiful young woman was approaching them.

She carried an aura as warm and comforting as sunlight itself. Her long golden hair was tied into a single braid that rested over her right shoulder, giving her an elegant and mature appearance. Her unique pink eyes were filled with both worry and relief.

It was Lyria. The kind and gentle angel of the academy.

The moment she saw Noah standing safely before her, the worry in her expression slowly gave way to relief.

Noah stared at her. ’Is she going to hug me too?’ Before he even realized what he was doing, his body reacted on its own.

His arms slowly spread open.

Lyria approached hurriedly and then stopped. She stared at Noah’s outstretched arms with a slightly confused expression.

Noah froze.

"..."

Lyria blinked.

"..."

Noah slowly realized how ridiculous he looked.

"Tch. The first thing he expects after coming back is a hug from a girl." Another familiar voice came from behind Lyria. "That’s Noah for you."

Noah turned his head.

A beautiful young woman with long violet hair and striking yellow eyes stood behind Lyria. Her arms were crossed beneath her chest, and with an indifferent expression.

It was Arisha.

Noah immediately lowered his arms.

"Arisha..."

She gave him a faintly amused look.

"Welcome back."

From the side, Damien had already gotten back onto his feet.

"You didn’t accept my hug, though."

Noah immediately glanced at him.

"Like hell I’m going to accept a hug from another man!"

Damien looked genuinely offended. "What’s wrong with hugging your friend?!"

"Everything!"

Noah ignored his complaint.

Lyria shook her head helplessly before turning her attention back to Noah.

"Well, putting that aside..."

Her expression softened.

"I’m really happy that you’re back safely, Noah."

She stepped a little closer, her eyes still filled with concern. "Where have you been? I was so worried when I heard that you had gone missing."

Noah scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

’Damn... She’s a real saintess.’

"Well... it’s a long story." He gave her an apologetic smile. "But I’m back safely now. I’m sorry for making all of you worry."

"I knew Noah would come back."

A confident voice came from behind them. Leonard approached with a huge grin on his face. His tanned skin and blond hair were as familiar as ever.

"You’re someone who can face danger head-on and survive it."

He gave Noah a firm pat on the shoulder. "Still, I’m glad our Noah is finally back."

Arisha let out a small sigh of relief. "We’re all glad you’re safe."

Noah smiled. "Thanks, everyone."

A short distance away, another familiar figure stood quietly.

Kaelan, their eyes met. He simply gave him a small nod.

"Welcome back."

Noah returned the gesture.

"Thanks."

Seeing all of them gathered together again gave Noah a strange feeling.

For the past month, he had been separated from the academy and everyone he knew here. Now, standing among his friends once again...

It felt strangely comforting. The group had finally been reunited.

Noah looked around.

’But... where are Draven and Regnar?’

As if answering his question, he suddenly spotted the two familiar figures nearby.

A smile immediately formed on his face. He raised his hand and waved toward them. And just like that, the group was truly together again.