Chapter 5: A Sword Against the Truth

Time passed, and the day the temporary school closure ended finally arrived.

Strangely, Arthur hadn’t answered my calls no matter how much I tried to contact him.

I must ask him why today.

Although the school closure was ending, the academy, having lost many students to the demon army, accepted new students to fill the ranks, so it felt more like a new semester.

Whose idea was it to bring in other students just because some students died?

Lost in my thoughts, I sat casually beside the other teachers, crossed my legs, and observed the incoming students.

There weren’t many noteworthy students.

Perhaps the Crown Prince?

His Highness, the Crown Prince, seems to be the younger brother of the red-haired Princess who has a one-sided love for Arthur at this point in time.

Amplifying my hearing with magic, I could hear him talking to a student next to him, saying he gets angry whenever he sees his sister with other people.

What, this kid has a dangerous inclination.

“…Next, we will have a congratulatory address from Arthur Pendragon, who currently holds the highest academic standing and exhibits exemplary conduct.”

In the novel, Arthur, who placed first in the entrance exam, gave the speech, but that event has been removed.

Is this typical for novels?

“Hello, juniors.”

The students burst into laughter at the word “juniors.”

“I am Arthur Pendragon, Head of the Disciplinary Committee.”

I almost fell out of my chair when I heard Arthur was the Head of the Disciplinary Committee.

Since when?

As I made a small sound, Arthur openly glared at me.

Whatever he’s glaring at, that kid seems to be misunderstanding something, so I need to set things straight.

“The academy is a place of learning to become heroes and a place of exchange to make good companions, friends, and lovers.”

Whistles and unusually loud applause erupted among the students at the word “lovers.”

“If any student disrupts this place of exchange by harassing other students, the Disciplinary Committee will intervene, subdue them, and arrange a meeting with the newly appointed Teacher Pest.”

Should I turn on my Fear skill and conduct interviews?

“Since it seems tedious to only speak of disciplinary matters, I will conclude with one final point.”

Arthur said, his blue eyes shining.

“It is a tradition of this academy that new students spar with a teacher, and as luck would have it, you are facing an opponent with high stats.”

The swordsmanship teacher, upon hearing the word “high,” showed interest.

Although he’s described as having a battle-loving personality, does he pick fights just because someone’s strong?

What a thug.

Unaware of the swordsmanship teacher’s expression, Arthur continued without a pause.

“Be prepared. That concludes my address.”

Many students applauded while laughing, tears in their eyes.

As if they had gone mad, the applause showed no signs of stopping.

Arthur, with an expressionless face amidst this strange spectacle, pointed at me and said.

“…And now, we will hear from the aforementioned Teacher Pest.”

Arthur glared at me once more and said quietly,

“Marquis Pest Raven, if you please.”

The thunderous applause subsided as I rose and stood before the magic microphone.

Most of the students were sweating as they looked at me.

I suppose I’d also be scared if a teacher was wearing a mask.

“Greetings.”

I quietly held the microphone.

They didn’t give me a script, so I’ll do as I please.

Ah, I don’t have those anymore. I began my speech feeling a bit melancholic.

“I am Pest, your health teacher, who will instruct you on the secrets of the body and s*x education, and tend to your injuries.”

The students who heard “s*x education” were either thrilled or blushed.

The more perceptive students seemed curious about the phrase “secrets of the body.”

Just as I was about to continue, a student raised their hand.

“Teacher, what do you mean by ‘secrets of the body?’”

I was just about to explain.

“An excellent question. What is your name?”

The student, seemingly proud, answered with a bright smile.

“Alex. I don’t have a family name.”

A commoner?

Well, I should at least mention something about social standing for this student’s sake.

“The secrets of the body are essential knowledge for confronting humanoid demons. For example, striking the heart with a weapon can result in instant death, depending on the depth of penetration. Isn’t that fascinating?”

Perhaps I chose my words poorly, as the students began to regard me with fear.

Oh dear, I need to clarify.

“However, you will likely have little need to utilize such knowledge.”

Perhaps I shouldn’t have added “likely.”

The students already look as though they’re about to faint.

“…Finally, within this academy, I prefer you act without regard for my social standing.

This, of course, applies to me as well, so I will overlook a certain degree of impoliteness.”

I paused briefly.

“However, if you are caught engaging in inappropriate behavior, consider it an invitation for a personal interview with me.”

Now, for the final, somewhat inspiring message.

“Welcome to the academy. I sincerely hope that you will all become heroes, and…”

Just as I was about to say “please take care of me,” the wall behind me suddenly crumbled.

Crash!

Which imbecile destroyed the wall of this beautiful building?

I reinforced my body with magic and assessed the situation.

Just then, a loud roar, or perhaps a scream, echoed through the hall.

“Kieeeeek!!!”

A monster?

Maintaining my cool facade, I didn’t turn around, but simply punched backward, crushing the creature’s head.

Behind me, I heard the sound of the monster’s skull shattering.

Perfect timing for a one-liner.

“Please take care of me.”

As I offered my greetings, the students were still trying to comprehend the situation.

Excellent, that was impressive.

“Arthur? May I speak with you for a moment?”

Marquis Raven, brushing off the blood from his hands, addressed me.

Still reeling from the earlier spectacle, I unconsciously nodded.

“Take my hand.”

Although Marquis Raven’s outstretched hand seemed suspicious, I took it without protest.

In a matter of seconds, the surrounding scenery blurred as we were teleported to the gymnasium.

Marquis Raven picked up a wooden training sword and swung it a few times in the air.

“I believe I require a bit of a beating to regain my composure.”

He’s not giving me my sword?

He adheres to every other manner, yet disregards dueling etiquette…

“Ah, you may use the Holy Sword.”

I hesitated.

Is it appropriate to use the Holy Sword in a duel?

This weapon was divinely crafted to punish the wicked. Is it permissible to use it for mere practice?

Furthermore, my control is still imperfect.

What if I accidentally obliterate him?

However, the desire to teach him a lesson overruled reason.

“You’ll regret this!”

I summoned the Holy Sword in mid-air.

The sword, formed of converging light and emitting a soft golden glow, spoke from my hand.

“Arthur, do you intend to use me against him?”

The Holy Sword had never sounded so flustered.

It must be nothing.

“Yes, is that alright?”

“I have only broken once before. It seems I am destined to break again…”

I ignored the Holy Sword’s muttering and assumed my stance.

“Hya!”

Using a skill, I felt power surge through my body.

I gripped the Holy Sword with both hands, positioned it beside my leg, and gathered my strength.

“Commence!”

Simultaneously with my command, I unleashed a golden wave of sword energy along the ground towards the Marquis.

Kwaaaaa!

The sword energy tore through the floor and hurtled towards the Marquis. He swung his wooden sword downwards with immense force.

Astonishingly, my sword energy vanished.

“What?”

Momentarily stunned, I found the Marquis standing before me.

“Focus.”

Wham!

A fist seemingly tore through my stomach. The pain was more intense than when a demon’s spear had pierced me.

“Gah…!”

I was flung back against the gymnasium wall.

While not unfamiliar with being sent flying, I had never encountered such force before.

“Now, it is your turn to voice your grievances.”

The Marquis planted the wooden sword into the floor and leaned on it while addressing me.

Wait, how did he embed the wooden sword in the floor?

“If you remain silent, I will assume you wish to spar all day.”

Fear gripped me. Even facing a demon commander’s final blow, I had only felt humiliation and rage. This man, however, instilled fear with mere words.

To dispel this fear, I yelled,

“Because I know what you did at the hotel!”

For the first time, the Marquis faltered, losing his grip on the wooden sword.

Seeing a flicker of conscience, I pressed on.

“Aren’t you afraid of what will happen if it comes to light?”

The Marquis cleared his throat and started to approach.

“Ahem, about that…”

Is he planning a surprise attack?

I channeled power into the Holy Sword and shouted,

“Don’t come any closer! Speak from there!”

The Marquis stopped and sighed.

“Is it truly so wrong for an adult to indulge in alcohol?”

I paused.

Alcohol? Ah, so he did that after drinking.

“…I merely consumed a considerable amount of alcohol and slept. I am unsure what you are referring to.”

I cautiously lowered my accusatory tone.

Could I be wrong?

“Were you…perhaps in room 4308?”

The Marquis replied instantly,

“I believe so.”

“…But then, you were there?”

The Marquis placed a hand on his forehead.

“Perhaps you could enlighten me as to what you saw, or heard.”

“Well…there was a woman crying…”

Wham!!

Suddenly, the Marquis struck his own head hard.

“…? What are you doing?”

“It’s nothing…it’s nothing…”

After a long pause, the Marquis spoke.

“Can you keep what I showed you a secret?”