Within the persevering walls of the Royal Gladiatorial Academy, festivity was at its height as the snow continued to paint the landscape. The students prepared for the greatest celebration of the year, a first for Reina.

She learnt the most she could from Siege, though the yearly tradition still confused him. At first, Wundermastenn was a humble party after the victory of the 14th hero, the rebirth of the kingdom. Ever since then, every winter season has been filled with festivity and gratitude, a celebration of the heroes, the kingdom as well as the Goddess.

Reina wasn’t too keen on studying history, but she was still excited to enjoy the holiday for the first time. However, she had yet to choose a gift for Siege, Crimson as well as her friends, and continued to ponder as she wandered the halls with a hero.

As Umpeare walked through the decorated areas, warmly lit against the already dark sky, he reminisced about his era. He usually celebrated only with his close comrades and family, and this was the first time he had attended a large-scale event such as this. In only a week, Wundermastenn would begin. Now carrying supplies for the school talent show, Umpeare nervously prepared for the holiday.

He soon bumped into Reina, who was looking at a poster unaware of her surroundings. It was a poster for the school talent show, another yearly tradition. However, over the years, it evolved from solely focusing a combat combat-related shows to more variety.

“Umpeare! We should join the talent show!”

“Eh…?”

Umpeare’s eyes followed Reina’s extended finger pointing at the bottom section of the poster. It detailed the prizes for the first, second and third places selected by vote. To the hero’s surprise, the first prize was…

“...Unlimited supply of cake for a year…? But why…?”

“Let’s go!” shouted Reina as she ripped the poster off the wall

“W-wait!”

The hero was dragged along the halls, racing past the bystanding teachers and students. Reina’s path ran chaotically, but she was sure of the destination.

She slammed the door open and revealed herself to the members of the Council, a student body acting as an official extension of the Royal Gladiatorial Academy. It was one of the most prestigious clubs in the academy and played an important role in connecting the students with the higher-ups of the Ministry of Education as well as those in the gladiatorial business. The room was currently filled with computers, stacks, and spreadsheets regarding the logistics of the largest event of the year.

“...I’m here to sign up for the talent show” announced Reina in a calm tone

The room fell silent as the students watched confused. Finally, the girl in black welcomed the two intruders.

“...I know you, you’re the new transfer aren’t you? The rumoured hero’s daughter?”

“...Maybe”

“My name is Handel, the president of the Council. Nice to meet you”

“...I’m Reina, the president of… Nice to meet you too”

“And who might you be?” asked Handel as she switched focus to the student held by the wrist

“O-oh, my name is Umpeare. Also a recent transfer”

“Umpeare…”

Handel carefully observed the hero, trying to recall where she had seen him before. As the president, she wanted to familiarize herself with the student body as much as possible, spending time to remember everyone’s names. The president also prioritized remembering the characteristics of the students as it was her responsibility to gauge the proficiency, stress and well-being of the students. Even at such a young age, she was already in contact with many major gladiatorial managers and guilds who searched for young talent, and she was the woman for the job. However, these two were new and it would take a few more encounters before the characters set in.

Her mind wandered to the red-headed stranger from back in the entrance ceremony. He was one of the most outstanding possible recruits, and it was truly a shame that he ceased attending not long ago. However, it was a bit strange as the student she assigned to watch over him, Sivrit, also disappeared at about the same time. Sivrit’s friends Attila and Blodelshein both vanished as well. To her, it seemed like a grand conspiracy with Reginn at the centre of it all. Of course, it was not her duty to investigate, but it may be required for the well-being of her fellow students.

Returning to the guests at hand, Handel continued the friendly conversation.

“...Do you want to join the Council?” asked Handel to Umpeare

“E-eh?!”

“I- Uh- I was just joking, It was a joke”

She had subconsciously offered a prestigious position to a student she met for the first time as if it was the most normal thing to do. Handel quickly clasped her mouth in shock. Upon further inspection, she felt a strange urge at Umpeare’s presence, the urge to shower them with gifts and praise, as if they were a cute animal.

“A-anyways, you said that you wanted to join the talent show, right?”

“Yeah!”

“Well, not me…”

“W-what? Why not?!”

“Uh… I mean, I’m a bit shy…”

“No, believe in yourself! I’d love to see you on the stage!”

“...Uh…”

“I-I mean, you should believe in yourself more!”

“Hm…”

“Think about the precious memories you would make with your friends! It’s a four-times-in-a-lifetime kind of opportunity!”

Umpeare thought about how he loved celebrating Wundermastenn, surrounded by the warmth of his family and friends. Though different in setting and presentation, the season at the academy felt similar. Perhaps it was a good time to relive his memories of the past.

“...I suppose you’re right…”

“Alright then, here’s a form and a pen!”

“...What about me?” asked Reina

“Oh sorry, here’s yours as well”

The other members watched their president in confusion as Handel had never acted like this in the past. Of course, she was always kind and friendly to others, but she never lost composure like this before. They were especially shaken by her offer to join the council, something they had to earn through blood, sweat and tears. The Council began to analyze Umpeare and concluded that… they would also like them to join.

“So, have you come up with what you’d like to perform?”

“Not really, I was just dragged here so suddenly…”

“Well, it’s only a week away, so you could ask others if you could join them” recommended Handel “I know you’re friends with the princess, so maybe you could join her”

“I suppose we could. That’s a good idea”

“Thanks! Oh, and it’d be best if the show included you dancing and singing! I- I mean, everyone would love that! You’re sure to win if you do so!”

“...Okay…”

“That’s great! We should do that!” confirmed Reina

“What? I can’t sing or dance…”

“But she said that we’d win!”

“...We should ask Liliya first. Maybe Kaizer too”

“Well then, you are always welcome to join- I mean, contact me as well as the Council. I hope you two luck in your endeavours!”

“Thank you”

The two students soon closed the doors behind them, the Council slowly returning to working on the logistics of the holiday and organizing the data from promising students on their computers. However, the president wracked her brain thinking of every possibility of why she said strange things to the new student. She only hoped that she did not leave a bad impression on the Council as well as the academy, as Handel hoped to see them again.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

The brief thought of arranging to be in the same class as Umpeare and quitting her role as president, living the peaceful, dreamlike student life together crossed her mind briefly, and Handel seriously considered the option. However, she had worked to the bones to obtain this position, stomping on many others’ dreams and ambitions to achieve her own. The president’s main goal was to become the principal of the academy or the minister of education, and she couldn’t throw it all away for a blooming spring dream.

However, before this encounter, she never noticed how good the girls’ uniform of the academy looked. She specifically requested to modify hers to her taste, but perhaps the blue and red weren’t so bad after all.

Handel had to do something with this newfound feeling. It wasn’t quite love, but a feeling similar to finding something so precious, you’d fight to the death for it, to forfeit all mortal possession to it, and to live for it. Something that was intricately programmed into the human psyche, a natural response to serve and protect.

“...Who wants to start the Umpeare Fanclub with me?!” proudly announced Handel to the rest of the room

A silence instantly took place as all ceased their typing and writing to let the question settle in.

Then.

An explosion of cheers.

…

At lunch, Umpeare, Kaizer and Reina all followed to the rooftop to their regular dining spot. Liliya was already prepared beforehand, a large tent with a built-in heater to protect against the winter snow.

“W-wow…”

“How did this even get up here?” asked Reina

“It’s portable, as to say that it’s like a folding chair”

“Cool!”

The four sat around the round table, all with their lunch of choice. Kaizer’s was made by Orchestra, a simple wrap with chicken, eggs, cheese, sauces as well as lettuce and tomatoes paired nicely with the flask of hot chocolate as a treat. Though Orchestra was one of the weaker heroes, Kaizer commended her efforts. Liliya had her usual, meal prepared freshly by her cooks. Today’s menu included [some fancy food] with a side of [fancy side dish lol]. Reina’s lunch was personally cooked by Siege, a healthy porridge and bread. Umpeare had the same with Kaizer but modestly appreciated hers.

“So, this is you guys’ first Wundermastenn, at least in the capital right?” said Liliya

“Well… I suppose it is my first within the royal academy” answered Umpeare

Umpeare remembered the time he celebrated the holiday within the kingdom, shortly after his group’s victory against the demon lord. It was a nationwide celebration, a scale which had never been seen before, or ever again. The people filled the streets with glowing warmth and illuminating decorations, those of all ages, genders and appearances commemorating this special occasion.

The hero specifically asked to delay the celebrations until Wundermastenn under the pretense that early celebrations may be interrupted by retaliation from Sonosis or the resurrection of the demon lord. However, all were simple excuses as Umpeare just did not want an occasion focused all on him. He was already anxious enough with everyone treating him like a sacred relic, carried carefully from one location to another. If one were to observe the area from the first person, it wouldn’t be wrong to describe the situation as the transportation of a royal.

Though to the hero’s dismay, the celebrations mostly focused on him anyway, the holiday was put on the sidelines.

“Yeah… You could say that”

“Do you think I’m some sort of a country bumkin? Of course, I’ve been through many winter seasons in Cadra, I was born here!”

Before Kaizer became an accursed blade, she was just a normal girl living her life out within the capital. Wundermastenn was the time of the year she looked forward to the most, though the current Kaizer would not remember such a thing. A tragedy struck, and a series of events slowly led her to her ultimate fate as an accursed blade. It was only at this point she became a hero.

However, even in such a state, she remembered her love for Wundermastenn, though not exactly why. It wasn’t the festivity, the presents or the community. It was something else, remaining at the edge of her mind.

“A-ah, yes. But it is Reina’s first, right?”

“Yup! I’m pretty excited”

“But how come you never experienced Wundermastenn? I mean, you’ve been living in Cadra, right?”

“Uh… I’m not sure about that. My memory is kind of fuzzy about my past”

Liliya pondered for a moment before concluding that Reina’s ailment must be connected somehow to her status as the hero, Siege’s daughter. Most heroes never had their own families, due to time constraints as well as the dangers of the job. Siege would be an example of how being a hero changed over the decades as one of the heroes living the longest and even to a child.

“Anyhow, this will be a great opportunity to meet new people and learn the culture! I can show you around the festival if you want me to”

“Yeah! But wait… I have to go on the talent show!”

“The festival lasts for multiple days, but also - you’re on the talent show?”

“Yup! Me and Umpeare. I was also going to ask you if I could join your show?”

“M-my show? Well, that’d be a bit difficult…”

“What are you going to do anyways?”

“I’ll be doing a piano performance, perfect for winter times. Maybe if you know how to play an instrument, you could join?”

“What’s an instrument?”

“Well uh… What are you guys doing for your performance?”

“We haven’t decided yet,” said Umpeare

“But I do remember we have to sing and dance!”

“I don’t want to do either of those things though…”

“Then I can dance! You can… do an instrument!”

“An instrument? I can play a triangle or something in the back I guess”

“That’s great then, it’s settled!”

“...What about you Kaizer?” asked Umpeare

“Huh? Oh, I’m going to celebrate with… my other friends”

“They’re doing their celebrations as well?”

“Of course they do! I mean they made- made their tradition for it!”

“Well, I’ll try to be there for both”

“It’s too bad both ‘Blo’ and ‘Reg’ are away though…”

“Huh? Why are we speaking in secret code names now?” asked Liliya

“Nothing, it’s none of your business”

“Oh, sorry…”

As time passed with the snow descending from the heavens, the warmth of company helped the friends forget the chilling air. It had only been around a month since they’d met, but the four of them had gotten closer thanks to their similar interests, and especially due to Liliya’s interest in the others. Reina especially took a liking to Umpeare, a gentle and patient person she could rely on. He reminded the anti-demon lord of siege, but timid. Perhaps the 99th hero was similar in the past.

It was only a week from the Wundermastenn, the first of many to come. To celebrate with the company.

…

The alarm’s ringing awoke Umpeare, but Umpeare continued his slumber against the noise. It was only due to the commotion that he quickly lifted himself off the bed. The hero found Kaizer frantically getting ready for the celebrations at the Academy.

“...Why did you set the alarm so early…” asked Umpeare while rubbing his eyes

“Isn’t it obvious? You wanna be late for school or something?”

“It’s only the 5th hour…”

“It’s only natural for Wundermastenn!”

Umpeare was surprised by how excited Kaizer was for the holiday. She pretended to not care too much about the day, acting mature, but it seemed that she revealed her true colours this morning. Of course, no one could blame her. It was Wundermastenn after all.

Umpeare quickly followed suit and made her way down the stairs after Kaizer. To her surprise, Sacrosanct, Poda-Bruss and Satie were already in the living room and the kitchen. Gaius was still sleeping on the couch, refusing to sleep among the wary heroes for his safety as well as their own. It may be called paranoia or caution, but Gaius was too prideful to accept a bed from his past opponent.

The students of the house approached Poda-Bruss and Satie who were preparing breakfast as well as lunch, Sacrosanct waiting on the sidelines.

“Did you guys wake up for Wundermastenn as well?”

“Nah, I just usually wake up around this time” replied Sacrosanct

“Same for the two of us as well” added Poda-Bruss “But, I did expect you to wake up early, so I prepared for that”

Poda-Bruss presented the two with a simple sandwich filled heartily with vegetables, meat, chees and sauces.

“Of course, Satie helped as well”

The hero in question was waking her master on the couch, who grouchily responded wondering why he was interrupted from his dream this early in the morning. It was a cool morning, and Gaius approached the table to eat with the other heroes while draped in a throw.

“It’s rare to see you dine at the table, Mister President,” said Sacrosanct

“...It’s warmer near the kitchen, don’t look too far into it”

Gaius picked up a couple of tissues before transforming them into utensils. Umpeare was impressed by such magic and recognized that it wasn’t a simple transmutation.

“S-sir Gaius, could I ask about your talent?”

“Hm? Which one? I’ll have you know that I have three talents, ⌈Mydia's Touch⌋, ⌈Eternal Charm⌋, ⌈Aurumancy⌋”

“Wow… really?”

“I was given two talents by the Goddess, ⌈Mydia’s Touch⌋ and ⌈Aurumancy⌋. The first turns any object I wish into gold. Unlike normal magic which the effect lasts only temporarily, my manipulation of matter is permanent. ⌈Aurumancy⌋ further amplifies my first ability, allowing me to transform the object however I like as well as to change its material. From wood to gold, from gold to diamond”

“What about your third talent?”

“⌈Eternal Charm⌋… To be completely honest, I am not so sure if I have the talent anymore” replied Gaius while caressing over his eyepatch where his special eye was, “It used to be my proof as an Incubus. Perhaps I am better off without it. Of course, a simple dismemberment cannot destroy my entire abilities, so I’m sure I can cast charms still. It is still an incredible handicap”

“...What happened?”

“...I don’t want to talk about it. Besides, Satie has it far worse than me” said Gaius, turning his focus to Satie who was tidying up the couch, “She lost her better arm, desecrating her abilities as a swordsman. I feel… responsible for the tragedy, so I try to help, but even I cannot seem to find a good solution”

The hero turned his attention back to the table, this time eyeing Kaizer who quickly finished her meal.

“You. You’re a puppet correct? Not any puppet I’ve ever seen before, but a puppet nonetheless. Do you know how your body was created?”

“Huh? You mean this?” replied Kaizer while waving around her arm, “This body was made by Reginn, why do you ask?”

“Reginn…”

Gaius only briefly met the man, and he seemed to be one of the leaders of the heroes. Of course, the experience wasn’t too pleasant, the second hero looking down on him as a troublemaker as if dealing with a troublesome child. He did not even try to hide it.

Nonetheless, it was clear that Reginn was an incredibly powerful individual, someone Gaius must not get on the bad side of. Even with his self-confidence, he knew to carefully balance relations as well, an important skill in the world of politics.

It was too early to ask for favours, but perhaps with Reginn’s puppet creation, he could acquire a sufficient replacement arm for Satie.

“Thank you. It’s too bad Reginn is away”

“I was hoping he could make it back before Wundermastenn but… it seems that he is busy with a new apprentice”

“I’ve heard about that. A World Beast training another World Beast? It must be a first in history”

“Well, we’re kind of writing history right now. With all the demon lords and heroes running around”

Kaizer glanced at the clock before shoving her dishes into the sink.

“We better get going, Umpeare! I’m not going to wait!”

Kaizer haphazardly put on her shoes and backpack before hurrying out the front door.

“I-I better get going again… See you later, Sir Gaius, and everyone else as well!”

Umpeare followed the trail left behind on the fresh print of snow covering the forest, the green pine leaves no longer visible under the bright snow. It was a winter wonderland, the kind Umpeare encountered many times before in his time as a hero. However, everything was different, everything had changed. Umpeare was still a hero, but the meaning of being a hero of the current era had evolved, his excitement being the proof.

Wundermastenn would always remember so.