ILDBL 46

 Chapter: 46

The Duke of Batius’ office.

Before the unreadable, expressionless Callahan stood the adopted children, including Karina, all with tense expressions.

Callahan slowly scanned each of the children one by one.

These were the children who had won the friendly match in a way that even he hadn’t anticipated.

Each of them displayed abilities far superior to what he had been reported by Eric.

Denian, who he had thought was merely a physically enhanced individual, showcased a unique dagger technique that exuded cold energy.

It was an ability distinctly different from the ice powers he knew.

And swordsmanship and movements he had never seen before.

The same applied to Ariel.

Though healers were rare and precious, her movements were exceptional even apart from that.

Specialized in evasion and defense, her movements were unlike anything Callahan had ever observed.

In addition, Alvin’s utilization of artifact crafting and Isabella, who amplified her power through the artifact to create illusions.

All of them were outside Callahan’s expectations.

Callahan’s gaze eventually landed on Karina, standing at the center of the group.

It was probably because of this child.

Her abilities during the final match against Ellen—

The overwhelming aura and the phenomena around her that seemed like illusions floating in the air.

Moments before striking Ellen, a massive demonic figure appeared above Karina.

And countless souls seemed to pour down from the air along with her attack.

Technically, it was more like a storm of enormous energy falling in a way that appeared like souls, but to an ordinary person, it could easily be mistaken for the descent of a demon.

It was different from the illusions Isabella created with scent.

It seemed as though the surrounding energy moved around Karina, creating a phenomenon similar to an illusion.

Moreover, Karina even managed to move Isaac, who had always acted on his own whims.

From the first to the fifth test, Isaac had been the strongest but most individualistic, always causing problems in group activities.

Karina had managed to bring Isaac to her side, even if only for a moment.

Potential beyond prediction, natural leadership that guides children, and the ability to draw out their strengths and abilities.

Perhaps this child…

Callahan quickly pushed the thought away and slowly opened his mouth.

It was too early to make a judgment.

“You all performed excellently in the friendly match.”

The children’s faces, tense until now, brightened at Callahan’s praise.

“The victory in this friendly match is the result of your training and the fruit of your efforts.”

As the stern duke continued his praise, the children’s faces filled with anticipation.

Karina spoke up on behalf of the children who were hesitant to respond.

“Then, as promised, does this mean we all pass the sixth test?”

Callahan, staring at her intently, nodded.

“Yes. As promised, you all have passed.”

“Kyaa—!!”

Isabella, overwhelmed with joy, inadvertently screamed and quickly covered her mouth.

The other children, though not vocal, were just as flushed with excitement as Isabella.

Eric and Largo, waiting behind the children, wore proud expressions.

Callahan continued his words toward the children.

“Do not be complacent just because you all passed the sixth test. The final test remains.”

“Yes!!”

Though the final test remained, the children responded with determined faces, as if they had already conquered the world.

“Then, rest adequately until the next test.”

With Callahan’s last words, the office door opened.

The children bowed politely toward Callahan and then lined up to leave the office.

As soon as they stepped into the hallway, the children began to shout in joy.

“Kyaaa! They said we all passed!!”

“Isabella, shh, the Duke might hear you.”

Even Ariel’s admonishing face bloomed with a smile.

Excited, Alvin grabbed Denian’s hand and bounced around.

Though Denian’s expression remained emotionless while his hand was forcibly shaken, the faint flush on his face suggested he was pleased.

“Do you think we can handle the seventh test as well?”

Ariel asked, worried that she couldn’t believe they had all passed.

But Isabella, brimming with confidence, spoke boldly.

“We just need to cooperate like we did this time!”

At Isabella’s confident words, Ariel couldn’t help but smile.

“It would be amazing if we were all adopted together.”

“Th-That’s not impossible!”

Even Alvin clenched his fist in excitement.

Watching the children, Isaac quietly walked alone, fingers interlaced behind his head.

Ariel, laughing and chatting with the others, called out to him.

“H-Hey, Isaac!”

Isaac glanced back briefly at the sudden call.

“Thanks for helping Karina in the last match.”

Ariel, apparently having heard about the last match from the others, blushed and sincerely expressed her gratitude.

Isaac didn’t reply, turning his head in annoyance, and continued walking.

Karina let out a small laugh, observing Isaac’s back.

Though he acted annoyed, she could see his ears were certainly red.

On the way back to the dormitory, Karina couldn’t help but smile, watching the children laughing and chattering noisily.

For now, it was fine to savor the lingering joy of victory.

Time for Rest in the Garden

After training, it was time to rest in the garden.

Ariel tilted her head, watching the gray puppy sitting a short distance from Karina.

“That puppy… it always seems to stick near Karina.”

Karina looked back in surprise.

The little dog sat a few steps away, staring intently at her.

Noticing Karina’s gaze, the puppy pretended not to see her and turned its head.

It almost seemed human-like.

Karina’s eyes narrowed slightly.

She wasn’t sure why, but Ludovico clearly seemed to be targeting this puppy.

She had heard the knights were caught snooping around by the Batius household while searching for something.

They were embarrassed, forced into signing a disadvantageous treaty, and had returned sullen.

Karina was almost certain that the thing they were seeking was this little puppy.

Could this little dog really be a divine beast? Ludovico was willing to sneak into the Duke of Batius’ mansion recklessly…

Just then, Ariel spoke.

“But if we’re going to live with it, shouldn’t we give it a bath?”

Ariel had already discovered that the puppy slept under Karina’s bed.

Karina glanced at the puppy again.

It had seemed to smell musty and a bit dirty under the bed when she lay down.

“Yeah, we should probably bathe it.”

At Karina’s casual words, the gray puppy stiffened.

The puppy, as if understanding her, tried to scramble away, but Denian blocked its path.

Hands on his waist, wearing a stern expression, Denian prevented the puppy from escaping.

Sweating nervously, the puppy turned to another direction.

But Karina and Ariel had already moved close, standing like wooden guardians.

“Where do you think you’re running off to?”

“Arurur—”

At Karina’s words, the puppy bared its teeth in one last defiant act.

Karina and Ariel scoffed, amused at the display.

“What will you do if you growl at us?”

“Grr?”

Caught by Karina, the puppy whimpered pitifully.

“Woof! Woof woof—!!”

After a chaotic bath, the gray puppy had transformed into a pure white, soft puppy.

The fur, once matted with grime, had fluffed up, making the already small and cute body even rounder and more adorable.

“Oh my! I didn’t know it was this white and fluffy! Look at its fur! So soft and round, it’s adorable!”

Meanwhile, the puppy sat on the floor, utterly exhausted.

It looked as though half its soul had left, staring blankly. Karina tilted her head in curiosity.

 ‘Why does this little puppy have such a human-like, embarrassed expression?’