Ch.22. That Unforgettable Name

I solved Professor Kyopf’s malicious problems over and over again.

No matter how twisted and convoluted they were, I had never missed being at the top in written exams, and it was quite satisfying to see the once-proud Professor Kyopf’s expression contort.

Since I remembered the past and had complete mastery of the third and fourth-year course content, the so-called “Witch” finally declared surrender to me.

“Oh, today’s lecture ends here…!”

Professor Kyopf gathered her textbooks with a deeply furrowed face and hurriedly moved toward the exit.

The middle-aged female professor, grinding her teeth as she headed for the front door, failed to pay attention and tripped over the threshold.

Thud!

“Owww…”

Wow, that’s satisfying.

If she had a good reputation, students might have stepped forward to ask if she was okay and helped her up.

But since she was a professor who constantly berated the lower classes and showed an attitude of condemnation rather than criticism, the students’ expressions toward the “Witch” were nothing but cheerful.

The students of Class E snickered, glanced sideways at Professor Kyopf, and began to leave the classroom through the back door without anyone helping her.

‘No need to sit through such garbage lectures.’

I was no exception.

Professor Kyopf would let the students leave without protest, knowing how embarrassing the situation was for her.

Somehow, I had time to spare. Normally, this lecture would have been followed by morning assembly, but since I had chased Professor Kyopf away…

‘I might as well use this opportunity to check my current condition.’

After leaving the classroom with my bag, I decided to make use of the remaining time.

***

Levrant Academy belongs to the Ardelion Duchy, which shares its roots with the Artena Empire.

Therefore, as in the Artena Empire, everyone is equally educated here, encouraged to awaken their talents, and provided generous welfare without exception to become functioning members of society.

The welfare simply covers all necessities: food, clothing, shelter, and academic advancement incentives.

Any student who signs an admission application with the desire to learn and awaken their talents is deemed qualified to receive all support within the academy.

This means they can use all seven wings and sixteen buildings that make up 80% of the capital Levrant, excluding the Grand Duke’s mansion.

Naturally, even with class distinctions, this has nothing to do with campus welfare.

“Found it. The Comprehensive Examination Room.”

I arrived at the Comprehensive Examination Room, a place to discover what specialties and talents have been awakened through one’s studies.

I went to the Comprehensive Examination Room to check my current physical condition.

[Name: Junon]

[Age: 18]

[Year: Levrant Academy 2nd Year]

[Class: E]

[Magic Color: Colorless]

[Innate Magic Capacity: B-]

[Magic Concentration Rate: C]

[Magic Saturation: D+]

[Magic Rotation Rate: C-]

[Magic Level: Indistinguishable]

[Suitable Position: Vanguard]

[Magic Apparatus Adaptation Ratio: 50:50]

…

…

The paper I received after various tests contained detailed magical information about me.

“Nothing particularly different.”

This essentially determines the direction of my training, but in the past, I had difficulties figuring out which direction to strengthen my power because my magic level was indistinguishable.

Although I can use the fire element, the power is too weak, and even using magic circles doesn’t produce much efficiency.

That’s why in the past, I chose to nurture my unique magic that had awakened.

“…Come to think of it, I haven’t checked this yet.”

Without drawing a fire magic circle with magic power in my right hand, as my unique magic power fills it, a disc-shaped barrier appears.

Unique magic.

Just as people differ in personality and constitution, magic also shows differences in color, innate capacity, concentration rate, saturation, rotation rate, and other aspects.

The same goes for magic power. According to one’s magical tendencies, unique magic is determined and awakens in response to one’s mental state and emotions.

I’m not sure about my case, but my unique magic focuses on blocking attacks.

So it’s quite useful when used as a shield. That’s also why I’m suitable for the vanguard position.

But relying on magic used as a shield substitute like this isn’t good.

According to my past experience, this magic is a power I’ll eventually lose.

If it’s a power I might lose in the future despite training hard, would I want to grow in this field?

At least I didn’t want to commit such a foolish act.

“Sigh.”

If I approached the field of magic, I would face difficulties in my growth direction, so the only other practical consideration was obvious.

Physical strength. A strong and healthy body would be an excellent foundation anywhere.

Not only for dealing with magical beasts but also for other tasks, a robust physique could be useful in many situations.

As a last resort to resist enemies in environments where magic cannot be used.

As a foundation for close combat techniques or tools like weapons.

Even for ranged weapons like bows or crossbows that can create momentary openings or buy time without directly participating in combat with magic, strength is necessary.

From extreme isolation to surviving geographical obstacles.

The answer was obvious.

***

I headed straight to the physical training room and enthusiastically started exercising, but at first, I was at a loss about where to begin.

So I just grabbed something and tried following the training route prepared in the training room.

But… my body was in such serious condition that I couldn’t properly complete even the “beginner’s training route.”

“Wow… I really… had seriously poor physical fitness…”

And yet I had briefly considered training in magic.

I suppose I should be grateful that I at least discovered something.

That my current physical condition is at an unbearable level and must be trained.

“Haaah… huff…”

Sprawled out and dripping with sweat, I had to pant like a novice with my tongue hanging out.

As I lay there gasping, waiting for my breath to return, I fell into other thoughts.

Basically, humans are at a significant disadvantage in one-on-one situations against magical beasts, so it’s better to form teams with each position playing a specific role.

People form temporary teams, and sometimes these become permanent.

At that point, they’re no longer called teams but are given names and called parties.

A prime example is the Tembris Party that I belonged to in the past.

Each member was overwhelming as an individual force, and when they united, the synergy effect was tremendous.

Except for me, of course.

I heard people whispering more than once about why someone like me was there.

Getting anxious after hearing that, I even trained magic desperately at one point.

Anyway, I still don’t understand why Goden, who was essentially the party leader and the core of Tembris, recruited me.

To be frank, I don’t think I was of any help to that party.

After all, once I lost my power, I only depended on them…

“This time, I should avoid meeting them as much as possible.”

I have no intention of being a burden to those who will save this country, nor should I hold them back.

Although there are a few people in the academy I could call friends, this is the right decision even if it’s a bit lonely.

By the time I had these thoughts, my labored breathing returned to normal, and I was about to get back into position.

“Alright. Now I should train again…”

—Attention. The Grand Duke of Ardelion has arrived and wishes to hold an assembly. All professors and students are requested to gather in the courtyard within 10 minutes.

The amplified sound from the magical device announced the arrival of the duchy’s owner and leader.

I didn’t realize time had passed so quickly.

Today’s schedule wasn’t over, but there wouldn’t be any more classes after Professor Kyopf’s first lecture.

The atmosphere would become quite tense after the Ardelion Grand Duke, who had been absent without notice, personally visited Levrant Academy and finished the assembly.

I washed off the sweat from the physical training room, put my clothes back on properly, and went outside. And immediately ran into someone.

“Physical training room… that’s unusual for you, kid. I thought you frequented the magic training room.”

Whenever I recall the past before my death, I feel a throbbing, stinging pain in my chest.

But… now, hearing this familiar voice made my nose tingle slightly.

When I finally faced him, I couldn’t say anything for a moment.

“Junon? What’s wrong with you today?”

I should say something, but strangely, my throat feels dry, and no sound comes out.

Like a clam shell refusing to reveal its flesh, I barely managed to open my tightly closed lips.

“I’m… fine.”

“How can you be fine when you can’t even speak properly? Physical training is just like magic training. Don’t you know that overexerting yourself with a poor body only makes things worse?”

“…I’m really fine. I was just a bit thirsty.”

He said “Really?” showing momentary doubt, but quickly cleared away the clouds of suspicion and threw me a water bottle.

“Just try skipping my lecture tomorrow because you overdid it. I’ll mark you down for ten attendance penalties.”

Unlike other professors, he was truly worthy of the name educator when it came to teaching students.

A man who sacrificed himself to evacuate students even in the desperate situation when Levrant Academy’s defense line was breached.

Jake Calau Beril.

I could never forget that name.

Because he was the person who threw himself to save my life.

“That aside, although both sides were clearly at fault this time, you can’t cause any more trouble. You remember that, right?”

…Trouble. That can only mean one thing.

Until now, I had always protested against the unfair treatment that the vanguard position received.

Unlike other Class D and E students who had given up or endured it as a kind of convention, I didn’t just let it slide.

I would throw punches when situations became intolerable—when people spoke of it as custom and convention, looked down on others, openly insulted or disparaged them.

Every time, unable to contain the heat rising to my head, I would grab the collars of those who mocked me like hornets and beat them.

That’s what Professor Jake means by “trouble.”

“Even I and several other professors sympathize with your opinion that the current vanguard position is unfair. I’m saying it’s not strange for you to get angry. So… just be patient and wait until the end-of-semester evaluation. The situation will definitely change.”

“…Yes.”

“Kid, you’re being quite obedient today. I thought you’d go wild and tell me not to say nonsense.”

That’s because… I know things will turn out as you say, Professor.

“A friend of mine who died decades ago was also a guy who was pointed at for having no talent, just like you. But in the end, he saved my life. I believe that someday you’ll also reveal your potential and grow tremendously.”

-‘Don’t ever think your capacity is small. I, who have watched you for years, guarantee it!! Junon, you’re more outstanding than anyone else here!!’

Professor Jake’s past, when he was prepared to die, overlaps with the present.

I heard not the voice of a teacher who is normally friendly and playful with students, but the voice of a commander who controls and leads students’ morale.

Even the image of his back as he tried to protect me at the risk of his life flashed before my eyes.

As the present and past versions of him resonated, I felt a strange ache inside.

“Anyway, if you’re done washing up, let’s go to the courtyard. You don’t want to hear unpleasant things from other professors, right?”

“That’s the plan.”

Remembering how Professor Jake died makes my stomach churn a bit…

…but it will be okay. If I just give it some time, this discomfort will pass.

Probably.