Ch.10Episode 2. Watching in Silence (End)

“A duel…?”

Yeon Muhui murmurs. Her eyes looking at me were sharper than usual. To me, she seemed displeased about something.

Could she be unhappy about me dueling with Jeong Iyeon?

If that’s the case, it’s unfair. I never agreed to a duel.

“…Have you already adjusted?”

“Of course! I’ve fully grasped all the school facilities and understood all the rules! The hologram system for realistic combat practice is quite nice! I completely cleared C-rank yesterday, and I’m planning to challenge B-rank this week! Though I intend to have a match with you first, Instructor!”

To think I’ll have to deal with student duels already…

Considering Jeong Iyeon’s purpose for joining the special class—to find strong people—it made sense.

“Actually, adjusting wasn’t hard since the academy’s structure isn’t that different from high school! Though it’s much more liberal compared to high school.”

“I see.”

Honestly, I had no reason to refuse.

Since I volunteered to guide them with the hope of reforming them, dueling with them was inevitable.

But I preferred to avoid duels if possible.

In a duel, there would inevitably come situations where I’d have to use my abilities. Even I couldn’t defeat them without using my powers.

If someone connected to Akcheon happened to witness it, it could become a serious problem.

They would certainly recognize my ability that had been wreaking havoc on Akcheon. The sparks flying from my body are my unique “skill” effect, after all.

“But things are still unsettled, so maybe we should postpone it a bit.”

“Ah… I was looking forward to it…”

“Are… are you trying to m-maintain your dignity as an instructor?”

Before Jeong Iyeon’s sigh could finish, Yu Ari spoke up.

It was the first time she’d opened her mouth since our first meeting a week ago.

But why does her tone sound so prickly? Do you want a flick on the forehead too?

“What do you mean?”

“If you show an o-overwhelming difference in power… you could c-control us better. I’m w-wondering why you’re not taking the e-easy path.”

Is this the image left by last year’s special class instructors?

If that’s the image the instructors created, I can understand such misunderstandings.

If I had actually been born in this world and followed the proper path to becoming an instructor, I might have acted that way.

But I never passed any qualification test for being an instructor, nor did I ever intend to make a living as one.

“That approach certainly exists. I don’t think it’s entirely bad. But control through force has its limits, and I don’t particularly like the method of controlling without knowing the full context.”

After all, both Yeon Muhui and Yu Ari were once diligent students.

I can say this because I know their full circumstances.

“I want to be someone you can rely on.”

I tried to create a warm atmosphere while subtly suggesting they could depend on me. Well, I tried to.

“Then why do you give us penalty points, Instructor!”

Gu Yeonhwa suddenly stood up and objected.

“Don’t you think those penalty points are forcing our behavior?!”

She interrogates me with an accusatory pointing gesture like in a courtroom drama. Seriously, there’s nothing I want to hear less from Gu Yeonhwa.

“Gu Yeonhwa.”

“Yes!”

I sighed deeply, lowering my head, then pointed at her frilly gothic dress.

“Why are you wearing that dress again today?”

A week ago, Gu Yeonhwa had fallen for my words and wore her uniform until yesterday. If she had worn it properly today, I was planning to reduce her 15 penalty points.

But she had regressed to a week ago. Does she really need to have all those damn frills torn off before she’ll wear her uniform?

“Heheheh! I thought being a spy was cool in its own way…!”

She places her right hand on her left side and her left hand on her face. Her blue eyes stare at me through her fingers.

That pose is irritating. Want another flick on the forehead?

“But I am the Dark Wizard Magician! The strongest magician in this world! I have no reason or need to be concerned with others’ opinions as the ultimate human weapon.”

“Not a weapon, but an idiot.”

I muttered under my breath.

“An idiot?! Is that something to say to a student?!”

Sharp ears, huh.

“Shut up. That’s 15 more penalty points for today. Already at 30. Congratulations.”

“Grrrr…! You think that will make me care?! I am the Dark Wizard Magician! No one is stronger than me!”

As soon as I saw her emit black flames from her palm like before, I approached at a speed she couldn’t react to and grabbed her wrist.

Since I was criticized by a student, I should properly demonstrate.

«Nullify».

The flames disappeared instantly.

“Huh? The fire… just like last time…”

“Gu Yeonhwa.”

I deliberately lowered my voice. I also made sure to emit killing intent to create pressure.

“Y-Yes!”

Sensing the chilling atmosphere, she hastily responded, unable to maintain her chuunibyou persona.

“Using abilities in unauthorized areas incurs 90 penalty points. With your current 30 points, what do you think will happen if you receive 90 more?”

“Th-that would be o-one hundred and twenty points…! S-suspension…”

“That’s right, suspension. Are you okay with being suspended?”

“…N-No! My parents will scold me!”

She frantically shook her head.

So defying me is fine, but defying your parents isn’t?

“Then what should you do?”

“Well… I… I’m s-sorry…!”

Gu Yeonhwa bowed her head obediently and apologized.

“Good. You currently have 120 penalty points. Normally you’d be suspended, but I’ll reduce 2 points for each day you come wearing your uniform.”

“Grrr! So in the end, my powers are sealed…!”

Please drop that concept already.

Calling the academy an “agency,” calling instructors “dogs”—she was exhausting in many ways.

“You don’t like it?”

“H-Hmph…! I-I have no choice but to retreat for now! I’ll s-seize another opportunity next time…! I won’t be defeated so easily then!”

Simply put, it seems she’s agreeing.

She really makes a long speech out of saying “yes.”

After releasing Gu Yeonhwa’s arm, I glanced at Jeong Iyeon. After this performance, the others probably wouldn’t use their abilities recklessly either.

Plus, I could maintain my dignity as an instructor.

“Yu Ari.”

“Yes?”

“I didn’t say anything, but don’t think I’m avoiding duels because I lack strength.”

“…Yes.”

Yu Ari flinched as if caught and lowered her head deeply.

“Jeong Iyeon.”

“Ah… yes!”

“I’m sorry, but I plan to duel with Yeon Muhui first. Six days from now. I’ll duel with you on that day too. Is that okay?”

“Six days from now. Understood! I’ll become even stronger by then!”

She responds as if pleased with the arrangement. I nodded with satisfaction and was about to return to the podium when,

“Mmm… mmm…”

I stared incredulously at Bin Yuni, who was sound asleep.

How can she sleep through all this? She must have stayed up all night again.

…Well, it’s better than being holed up sleeping in the lab.

At some point, I found myself making compromises.

I should bring her an energy drink later.

* * *

“Are you just going to watch today too?”

“Yes.”

I answered Yeon Muhui’s question while leaning against the same spot as always.

“…Instructor, will you be okay?”

She asked in a gruff voice while examining her swords one by one.

“With what?”

“It’ll be embarrassing if you lose in front of the others. Are you going to run away with your tail between your legs like the other instructors?”

Look at her confidence that she’ll win.

Her tone was impertinent, but I didn’t deny that her skills were good.

“It would be embarrassing to lose, but I have no intention of giving up on educating you all.”

Not that I’d lose anyway.

“How will you educate someone you can’t subdue with force? I told you before. Bring power that can convince me.”

“Don’t worry. It will be convincing.”

“Hmm… I’ll look forward to the duel day. Don’t disappoint me.”

Disappointment, huh…

Having decided which sword to use today, she put the rest back in her sword bag.

She walks to the center of the dueling ground.

I quietly observed her.

And so began her practice.

I spent the afternoon watching her wield her sword smoothly, as if lost in her own world.

How many hours passed like that?

By the time school was letting out, she stopped moving.

Her movements seem much faster and more powerful than before.

If this were a skill, it would mean her skill proficiency has increased, right?

“You’re still here?”

“Yeah. Wanted to give you this.”

I handed a blue plastic bottle to her as she threw another barb my way.

“Here.”

“What’s this?”

“An electrolyte drink.”

“…Why are you giving me this?”

“You sweated a lot.”

“Did you put something weird in it?”

“What would I gain from putting something weird in it?”

“I don’t need it.”

She holds it out as if telling me to take it back. But I had already withdrawn my hand long ago.

“Throw it away if you don’t want to drink it. I’m leaving.”

I turned around without hesitation and walked toward the exit. Fortunately, I didn’t hear her throwing it away or discarding it.

I didn’t hear her opening the bottle either, but for now, I’m satisfied that she didn’t openly throw it away.