episode_0019

1.

“Oh, that’s ridiculous.”

Tachibesus thought to himself, “Are the 987th batch of students nothing but monsters?”

Of course, there are some who are average, and there are also children who seem to lack talent or effort.

But there are three children with overwhelming talent that they can’t even see.

This batch will definitely be the golden batch.

Because the children who will become famous in the future are gathered here.

-Gulp.

“…Did you cut the same spot again?”

Another red line of hot blood flows across the long scar carved into his eye.

When the blood flows and touches your mouth, it tastes bitter and metallic.

“Haak, haak, ugh, ugh…”

“Damn… What kind of competency test is this… It’s so hard…”

“I’m dying…”

Tachibesus wiped away the blood with his thick fingers and wrote an evaluation form in front of the exhausted children.

‘haha.’

I laughed inside.

I saw children who couldn’t come to their senses even though I only showed them a cross-section of the hell that would unfold in the future.

“Hmm…”

Even while writing the evaluations, I glanced at the children.

That guy named Kariel had regained his stamina and was reviewing the battle with his eyes closed.

“…”

As I turned my gaze, my sight was inexplicably fixed on a guy named Ban.

No… there’s a specific reason, but I guess that’s why my gaze is drawn to it because this feeling is so abstract that it can’t be described in words.

He has a look in his eyes that seems to be thinking deeply about something.

When I turned my gaze again, this time a spectacular sight unfolded before my eyes.

“Excuse me, Ignis? Let’s get up. I, I’m so embarrassed I can’t stand it…”

“Hehe, eheeheeheehee! Eheeheeheehee!”

…I lost to that kid.

The fact that the ‘Paralysis of Murder’ status did not work, and that it was only a test for students, meant that I could not give it my all.

During the battle with the guy named Ignes, he didn’t move from his spot.

But the fact that I lost was engraved in my heart like a brand.

“Huh?”

Those peculiar eyes stare at me for a moment.

Did you feel my gaze?

“…sigh.”

And you laugh at me?

Are you crazy?

It pisses me off even more because he’s laughing as if he’s mocking me by saying things like, “You’re so bad at swordsmanship, lol.”

“Huh? Ignis? Why are you laughing?”

“Because you made my lap pillow. The revenge reward is so sweet.”

“You’re really you. What kind of symbol is that, asking me to be your lap pillow because I gave you revenge? Who asked you to give me revenge? ”

The kid was resting his head on the lap of a girl named Taina.

“It’s so soft~”

I’m sure they told me to rest after the test to prepare for the evaluation… but if I had known how to rest like this, I would have told them to meditate and review the test.

Tch. What a disgrace.

There is no sense of courtesy, seriousness, or propriety.

It’s just disheartening that I have no choice but to acknowledge his skill with the sword.

-Gulp.

Oh, the bleeding hasn’t stopped yet.

Oh my god.

I was only hurt, whether mentally or physically.

…

The evaluation form has been completed.

A well-thought-out, well-written evaluation will be of great help to you when you later guide your students.

I spent the remaining time interviewing students.

Even though the interview will only take a few minutes at most, I have to do my best in each and every one of them.

“Kariel. You are great. It would not be an exaggeration to say that you are already a complete swordsman. However, it is also true that you are an immature student. Perfecting swordsmanship is not only about technique, but also cannot exclude psychological factors. ”

“Yes.”

…

“If you keep practicing, you’ll get better soon. You’re born with the talent and bloodline to do so.”

Kariel, next is Ban.

The interviews were conducted in the order in which the tests began.

half.

…Why?

“You showed a good strike, but a commoner like you is bound to lose his temper in the midst of murderous intent.”

“I expected that… but that’s a pretty honest assessment.”

Half of it is common.

It is difficult to evaluate further than that.

It may seem impressive that he completed a splendid blow behind Kariel without receiving much expectation, but his level of military power is still low compared to Kariel’s.

“But… you overcame it in the end. You did your best in the worst situation. Then you will always break down the wall blocking you and rise up, and grow steeply. No one can keep up with your mindset.”

For some reason, I only bring up good things.

That black hair.

And the inaction and determination shown.

I wonder if all of this reminds me of someone.

Let’s shake off the vague afterimage of someone trying to overlay it and focus only on the student in front of us.

“…Cheer up.”

After saying a few words of comfort, he was unable to continue speaking.

I hope no one notices this bitter expression.

After that, interviews with students continued.

From small details, attitude, and future direction.

Based on the evaluation results that were analyzed very precisely, I did my best to provide advice to the students, hoping that their future would be bright and smooth.

-Ding~ Ding~ Ding~

The bell rings signaling the end of fourth period, and the students look at me.

A complex gaze that is both resentful and expectant pierces me.

It’s burdensome.

“…Students who have finished their interviews may go to the cafeteria.”

“Rice! Rice baba rice!! Rice!!!”

Ignis was about to run out to the restaurant like a dog that had been starving for three days, but Taina grabbed him by the back of the neck and dragged him back to where he was.

“…We’re not done with the interview yet.”

At that moment, Ignis’ world came crashing down.

“Ouch ouch ouch!!!!”

…

“…Sit down at the same time, both of you. I’m sorry for taking up more time, so I’ll finish this quickly.”

“Yeah… Sorry.”

“I won? Just let it go… Sorry.”

Phew.

I let out a sigh.

I don’t understand why Taina, a member of the warrior party, a descendant of my proud disciple Altina, and a promising talent, is hanging out with a kid like that.

“First of all, Tina. Objectively, you are not lacking in any area. Your skills in handling weapons, your ability to read the opponent’s intentions, and the excellent five senses unique to the Suin tribe are also your strengths. You know how to use tricks.”

The interview continued.

Altina and Taina are not direct descendants.

Because the Suin tribe has more children than humans, their family tree is complicated.

The only thing they have in common is that they are all from the Shukeros family.

However, I feel like I have more and more things to say because I am a descendant of Altina.

…As the story got longer, the corners of Ignis’s mouth also started to droop.

“Lastly, let me add…”

“Yes, I’m listening.”

“Altina treated me the same way as you. It was exactly the same.”

Yes, Altina closed her eyes as soon as she felt the killing intent.

He ran at me, holding on to his twitching tail with his mental strength and refusing to admit his defeat.

It was impressive to see Altina’s appearance overlap with Taina’s.

“…!!!!!”

Taina’s eyes began to grow several times larger.

The corners of his mouth twitch and he can’t hide his delighted expression as he hears these words dozens of times more joyfully than the compliments he had been muttering throughout the interview.

“Thank you! I will work hard in the future!”

Taina bowed twice to express her gratitude.

I left another comment with a proud heart and a sudden ominous feeling.

“…Don’t try to follow Altina too much. That child’s fox blood is lighter than the other children’s, so your fox blood is darker than the other foxes’ to match the footprints.”

“Ah… Okay, I understand.”

It was Ignes’ turn to be interviewed.

He doesn’t even hide his rotten expression and shows his discontent.

“Your tongue is really sharp, Instructor. You’re more skilled in the art of the wind-blown sword than in swordsmanship… Sorry. I’m sensitive when I’m hungry.”

“… It creaks. Your body. Your body is not suited to it, to the point where your skills are a waste.”

“You lost to that guy?”

…

“Why do you insist on such a large and long sword? Even if the technique is tailored to the sword, it doesn’t suit your height. If you really want to use a sword, it would be better to use something a little shorter and lighter to reduce the delay in your attacks and enable more elegant swordsmanship.”

“Is that so?”

…

“…Learn manners. The sword has a great connection with the mind and body, so you must always be calm and swing the sword according to reason. If you can’t do that, you will be nothing more than a mere thug.”

“ㄱㅅㅈ?”

‘Go get something to eat.’

I couldn’t bring myself to say it out loud.

But still, he is a precious student.

“…The interview is over. You can go now. I’m sorry for taking up too much of your time. ”

As soon as he finished speaking, Ignis jumped up, bent his waist, and bowed his head politely.

“Ah! Thank you, instructor~”

Finally, I asked the question that came to mind to Ignis as he was leaving the examination room.

“Ignes. Why do you hate me so much?”

It’s a tantrum that a child would make, but I don’t feel ashamed.

Was it because of the power of her body that she showed through the sword, or the momentum she felt when we faced each other?

I just wanted to know the cause of these strange feelings toward me, knowing that her attitude was never dirty, petty, or mean.

“Huh? I told you. I had to get revenge”

“…What are you talking about?”

Ignis could only utter unintelligible words.

However, I know there was a clear reason.

“You hurt Taina. Isn’t it natural to cherish your friends?”

“…”

…Is that so?

At that moment, a red line drawn by the fragments of the broken sword appears above Ignis.

You don’t even care about the wounds you’ve received, but you can never tolerate the wounds of your friend?

It reminds me of that girl again.

“I’m sorry, Taina.”

He bowed his head and apologized to Taina.

“It was a test, but it was my fault for hurting you. I hope you will accept this apology.”

“Oh, oh no, instructor! It’s quite possible!”

Taina accepts the apology, waving her hand.

Ignis smiled like he had at first, perhaps relieved by this level of apology.

Your current bright smile suits you much better than the expression you had when you were holding the sword.

The thought made me cringe.

“… Hehe! Now let’s go eat, Taina! Thank you, Instructor! ”

That was how Ignis left the testing room.

Tachibesus thought.

This year’s Academy inductees are truly special.

He is one of the few students who follows the will of the warrior.