episode_0025

“Yustetia? What the heck is that dog····woof!”

“If you could just keep it down. If you don’t want to become an even more worthless human, then watch your words, okay? Right, Headmistress Lira? Wouldn’t it be fun to see Shiirain and the top student fight?”

As I was about to curse, Yustetia immediately covered my mouth and turned to Headmistress Lira with those words.

Although Headmistress Lira didn’t show it outwardly, she must have found Yustetia’s words intriguing.

Because Shiirain was the weakest of the weaklings. She wanted to see the difference between the weakest and the top student, but she hesitated because if the 10th rank fought and easily defeated the 2nd-year 10th rank, it would likely evoke fear rather than admiration.

In the past, she hadn’t worried much because the average level of the 2nd years wasn’t high, but now it had significantly increased. Especially since the benchmark was Ayla.

Headmistress Lira, who was pondering this fact a bit, had now changed her mind.

‘She must be thinking the same thing!’

Just by looking at the crazy headmistress’s face, one could roughly guess what she was thinking.

Right now, the headmistress was contemplating. Yustetia’s words had piqued her interest. In the narrative, Headmistress Lira had been concerned about the 2nd years’ average being too high, worrying about instilling fear if the 10th rank defeated the top student too easily, but that was a miscalculation.

Instead, the first years started looking down on the second years. The fact that the 2nd-year 10th rank was miserably trampled by a mere newcomer from the 1st year, Piiiran, played a role in this shift.

While the gap with Piiiran was insurmountable, the outcome was that the first years started to look down a bit on the second years.

The headmistress, who had regretted not just sending Ayla out, now probably had a change of heart.

By initiating a fight between the weakest and the top student, she could showcase the difference between them. Since the chances of me winning were zero percent, Headmistress Lira could engage in the fight without worry.

That cunning princess… I don’t know what her intentions are, but right now, she wants to see me fight Piiiran.

Could it be that she wants to confirm if I’m really a sturdy guy? Even though I’m just a useless brat?

Well, saying such things wouldn’t change anything for me. After all, I wasn’t even given the opportunity to speak in the first place.

“Alright. A fight between the weakest of the 2nd years and the top student of the 1st year. It should be interesting.”

-Clap!

“Thank you. I’ll take that.”

“Don’t mention it.”

They shook hands and smiled at each other.

A very positive impression must have been left on both of them.

The polite headmistress who listened well to requests, and the princess who eliminated worries with an entertaining suggestion.

From their perspectives, it was natural that their impressions of each other improved.

“Why the hell do I have to fight!”

Except for me.

It’s not that I dislike fighting. In this world, combat is one way to improve skills and prove oneself. However, that doesn’t mean I enjoy fighting. I haven’t lived my life as a fighter, so why go crazy over it? I’d rather go crazy in a pub than over a fight.

I don’t want to fight. But my opinion doesn’t reach anyone’s ears and is simply ignored.

“Pah····!”

As Headmistress Lira returned to her desk, Princess Yustetia removed her white hand that had covered my mouth.

Looking at the princess with a slightly resentful gaze, I asked, “Why did you do this?”

I didn’t truly feel resentment, but if you asked how much resentment was present in my emotions, I could say around 5%. So, it wasn’t just acting.

But it was merely 5%. Not a big deal, so let’s just leave it at that.

Upon hearing my slightly resentful tone, Yustetia, instead of apologizing, smiled and said.

“I want to see how sturdy you are. With Stamina and Vitality at S level, it’s a shame Endurance isn’t there, but since both Defense-related stats are S, I should be able to quickly raise Endurance to S as well. You may not be able to withstand attacks, but you’ll be tough. Show me that toughness. Even if your arm is cut off and your leg is bleeding out, it seems like you’ll die from hemorrhaging, but with Vitality at S, you’ll come back to life like a cockroach! If I see that, I can trust you. We’re peers, and you’re quite sturdy.”

‘A psychopath-like woman…’

Upon hearing Yustetia’s excited words, I reflexively thought of her as a psychopath-like woman.

She wants to see me suffer, show my toughness. Just endure getting hit. Crazy woman.

The term “crazy woman” seemed more fitting than “psychopath.” It was just a reflexive thought; she wasn’t really a psychopath.

It’s just a way of speaking.

“Oh, hold on.”

I suddenly paused.

Yustetia wants a sturdy person.

And the reason Yustetia promised me a future engagement is simply because I look ‘sturdy’ and am a ‘peer.’

Given those two criteria, she must be a princess who promised me an engagement. So what if I collapse miserably in front of her?

“Oh shit.”

An engagement promise would be immediately annulled.

Slightly anxious about this fact, I cautiously raised my head, looked straight at Yustetia, and asked, “If I can’t endure, will the engagement be called off?”

Yustetia seemed taken aback by my question.

It was probably an unexpected query that caught her off guard. Of course, asking someone who promised a future engagement whether they would call it off if they failed is bound to cause surprise.

However, among Yustetia’s engagement conditions were a sturdy person and a peer. I am her peer with Stamina and Vitality at S level. Having met numerous peers, none as suitable as me could be found.

If someone as suitable as me fails miserably? Even if the engagement is called off, it wouldn’t be strange.

I asked out of anxiety, pure anxiety.

But Yustetia’s response was unexpected. No, it was beyond unexpected.

“N-no… even if you fail… the engagement will… continue, right? It’s just… because of your head… I’m starting to… feel a bit… fond of you… so… even if you… fail… yes… I’ll continue the engagement…”

With cheeks flushed red, Yustetia now had the expression of a middle schooler who had just discovered love.

To an observer, the heat radiating from Yustetia’s forehead could melt ice, such was the intensity of her embarrassment.

How embarrassing must it be to reach this point?

Well, one thing is clear from Yustetia’s words. It seems that she has developed a liking for me due to patting her head.

Head-patting. This was effective, right? I should use it again next time.

“Hehe, why is Yustetia so cute? Let me pat your head quickly.”

“Um, the head… next time…”

“Come on.”

“Yes…”

Executing the common phrase often used against adults, ‘Come on,’ I patted Yustetia’s head as she reluctantly withdrew her hand from her head.

While stroking Yustetia’s head, I awaited the words of Lira, the principal.

“Haha, it feels good…”

Making short sounds with her tongue, Yustetia enjoyed my hand draped over hers. To an observer, it might seem like a puppy being affectionate and receiving a reward.

Well, it hasn’t been many episodes yet, but Yustetia’s image is already deteriorating. But well, as long as she feels good, that’s what matters.

You can always fix the image later; for now, let’s listen to Principal Lira’s words.

Not paying much attention, I listened carefully to Headmistress Lira’s words.

“Alright! First-year cadets! There have been some changes! We are going to slightly alter the tradition that has been upheld until now! However, if there are any issues, we will consider changing it next year, so think of this as a momentous occasion where traditions can change! Let me explain the slightly altered tradition! It’s none other than a battle between the top student of the first year and the bottom student of the second year! Isn’t it exciting? The difference between the top student of the first year and the weakest of the second year! I am curious!”

Ah, why change the tradition like this? I understand that you founded this academy, but is it right to change the tradition like this?

Although my discontentment flowed towards Lira without a sound, silent dissatisfaction never reached Headmistress Lira.

Deciding to just accept it now, I thought I might as well snack on popcorn while figuring out what the Headmistress was up to.

“Hehehe… Hehe… Uh… Uh…”

“…This person seems to have gone crazy.”

Watching Yustetia make short noises with a melting face while eating popcorn, I thought it might be really dangerous to continue watching, so I stopped.

Soon, with a bewildered expression, she seemed to be looking for a missing doll, moving her hands endlessly as if searching for something.

“Princess, I think I need to go check on something. So please wait.”

“Huh…? Oh, right, right. I’m sorry! I lost focus for a moment! Are you ready then?”

“No, Headmistress Lira hasn’t finished speaking yet.”

“Oh…”

Making excuses to quickly leave for a vague reason, I now genuinely waited for Headmistress Lira’s next words.

Her next words would probably be about preparing for the duel after rallying the students. The duel would take place at the dueling grounds next to the auditorium, so it wouldn’t take long.

“It seems everyone is in agreement! Then, Peiran and Siera, I will teleport you directly to the dueling grounds next to the auditorium.”

Ah, right, teleportation, wasn’t it?

Come to think of it, whenever Headmistress Lira sent someone to the dueling grounds, she often used teleportation magic to make it convenient. I had forgotten about that, disqualifying myself as a true fan.

Thinking about it was scary, Headmistress Lira’s teleportation magic activated, and we were transported to the dueling grounds.

Peiran also appeared in front of me in the same manner. Our distance was roughly estimated to be about 15 meters. It was a suitable size for a duel.

-Zzick, zzijijijik!

Accompanied by sounds resembling broken appliances, a hologram appeared in front of us.

This was none other than Lira’s Sight Sharing Magic, used to show our fight to the first-year and senior students, as well as the faculty.

I wonder how many times they’ve used this Sight Sharing Magic to have such a hologram appear, but I can find out about the principles later.

For now, fighting takes precedence.

-Thud!

“Oh.”

Suddenly, a single sword appeared out of thin air.

Likewise, in front of Peiran, a single sword also materialized.

Both swords were identical. In this fair academy where no one is favored, that’s Leornios Academy for you.

This single sword was probably something Lira threw from another dimension. Among them, she must have pulled out two identical ones.

But well, this isn’t some item-generating trick. It’s just an ordinary sword even at a glance.

Peiran began inspecting the sword, checking its condition while holding it up.

That’s Peiran’s habit. As soon as he picks up a sword, he checks its condition. He probably calculates how many more swings he can make depending on the opponent.

I wonder how he calculates it, but since I don’t know, let’s just watch quietly.

Ah, can you hear me? If you’re ready, both raise your hands. Then let’s begin.

The words of Headmistress Lira entered the ears of both of us.

Although there was a lot of buzzing noise, I couldn’t quite make out what was being said, but one thing was clear: when you raise your hand, the duel begins.

Since I had nothing to prepare anyway, I raised my hand, and Pyiran, after carefully watching for a moment, raised his hand as well, perhaps having finished all calculations.

As both of us raised our hands simultaneously, Headmistress Lira’s booming voice echoed, [Duel begins!], and at the same time, with a fierce gaze, Pyiran rushed towards me.

His eyes were fierce, but his expression was blank. What an odd combination, right? Like an assassin devoid of emotions other than those necessary for killing.

However, it was all just a show. He was a first-year student. He probably hadn’t even had any real combat experience.

Well, looks like I might lose.

[Skill: Momentary Capture]

Unable to block Pyiran’s fierce attack with my speed, I immediately used Momentary Capture to deflect his sword.

-Clang!

“!”

As his sword was deflected, Pyiran seemed slightly taken aback, starting to create some distance.

Was it to reassess my abilities or just waiting for the right moment? Pyiran once again rushed towards me.

This time, in one hand, he held the longsword given by the headmistress earlier, and in the other, a dagger pulled from his belt.

Both could be fatal with one strike. Truly dangerous weapons.

Yet Pyiran wielded them without hesitation, as if it didn’t matter if he got stabbed.

[Skill: Wave]

-Swish!

“?!”

Calling himself a first-year, using the skill Wave to redirect Pyiran’s attack, as his longsword missed its mark, he hesitated slightly but promptly thrust the dagger accurately towards me.

But if you have a dagger, I have a fist?

-Thud!

“Ugh…!!!”

For the first time, Pyiran let out a cry of pain.

While the sound of someone struggling in pain wasn’t pleasant, it didn’t concern me.

With a precise blow to his abdomen, Pyiran looked at me with an expression that something was wrong.

I am considered the weakest.

That’s right, among the second-year students at this academy, no one believes they can beat me. That’s how others see me, objectively speaking. I’m not the weakest; I have a skill.

Above all, I have a morale-boosting skill.

And that skill is none other than the ability to block or redirect attacks. As long as I sacrifice my body, I can always defend against or deflect attacks.

In that case, I will become a strong contender in the lower to mid-tier. The top tier is out of reach.

Of course, in the eyes of others, I may be the weakest.

“Sigh…”

Exhaling deeply, I lowered my head.

I lowered my head because it was time for a philosophical reflection on why I was here.

I just wanted to relax, but unfortunately, it was ruined by Yustetia.

Even though showing a sturdy appearance might earn me some favor… I don’t like getting hit. So, I’ll just fight. Without taking a single hit.

Though whether I can avoid getting hit remains to be seen.

“Come at me.”

With a taunt, Pyiran, veins bulging, rushed at me once more.

This time, a truly life-threatening sword. It seemed like a mistake could cost me my life.

[Skill: Momentary Capture]

‘Up.’

-Clang!

[Skill: Momentary Capture]

‘Down.’

-Clang!

[Skill: Momentary Capture]

[Skill: Momentary Capture]

‘Sides.’

-Clang clang!

Desperately blocking the attacks, as I left an opening, just as I was about to strike with my fist again.

-Thunk!

Unnoticed, Pyiran’s dagger struck towards me.

I noticed a gap just now. That’s why among the dagger and fist, the one that arrives first in front of the opponent is Peiran’s dagger.

Realizing how messed up this situation was, I pondered what to do next and tried using an unconventional moment capture.

Even if it’s a bluff, there’s no way to block an attack that has reached my abdomen in an instant capture state. But still, isn’t there a chance?

“Huh?”

As I was thinking that, that chance arose immediately.

The dagger I had been wielding suddenly stopped.

For the dagger to stop in an instant capture state meant a slight hesitation.

“This guy…”

He knows how to handle life, but has he never actually stabbed anyone before? No, more precisely, has he never stabbed a human being?

Certainly, if you’re used to only killing monsters and then try to stab a human, there would be reluctance. But if you don’t stab, you lose.

Hesitation leads to death. You have to fight with that determination; if this were real, this Peiran would have died.

-Clang!

“!”

I parried the dagger that was aiming for my abdomen.

Peiran. She can’t stab humans. Instead, she hesitates.

If this were a real battle, Peiran would have just died from her mistake.

Well, even though it’s already serious in the real aspect, this is still an academy setting, right? They can easily hire healers like holy maidens, so as long as you don’t die, they can always heal you.

That’s probably why she irresponsibly threw the dagger.

Well… that’s not important right now.

“…How.”

Peiran asked me how I managed to block that attack just now.

Hmm, this is truly the first time I’ve heard her voice. It’s somewhat sweet. A young voice, slightly rough? That kind of tone. Not too low or high?

But really, how did I manage it? She hesitated. If she had stabbed me there, I would have surely lost. With my arm pinned down, complaining about having to fight with just one arm. And trying to win with one arm against two is nearly impossible. So naturally, Peiran would have won.

But Peiran hesitated. For that one moment. About the fact that she was about to stab a person.

Having only exuded life towards monsters until now, it must be strange for her to direct it towards a human.

In the novel, there was no mention of hesitation… maybe it was too fast for any hesitation to occur. Did she just win without even realizing it?

Or maybe it’s because I’m the opponent? Maybe I’m not overwhelmingly fast?

In the novel, Etten pressured Peiran very quickly, so Peiran might have accidentally stabbed Etten.

In the novel, it was described as ‘very rough, almost like a killing machine,’ but… nonsense, she was just someone who hesitated when her opponent was slow.

A weakling, indeed.

“Sigh… This is why first-years are a problem.”

Exuding life disgustingly, staring as if about to kill, yet unable to follow through.

This is why first-years are a problem.

-Thud!

-Swoosh!

Seeing me silent, Peiran must have realized I had no intention of responding, as she immediately took a combat stance and rushed towards me.

This time, she’s aiming for my shoulder.

Exuding life, she seems determined to stab me decisively.

I wasn’t flustered by her attack but rather thought about what to do.

“Well, injuring my shoulder wouldn’t be great. Still, she doesn’t seem like she’ll stab me, but I should give it a try.”

Since the life force was intense, I decided to redirect the harm elsewhere for now, as making a mistake could lead to getting stabbed.

-Whoosh!

“!”

I dodged Peiran’s attack, but not entirely.

My arm was still within Peiran’s attack range.

It’s difficult to change the trajectory while charging. Therefore, to win, Peiran needed to stab this arm to restrict my movement.

However, Peiran didn’t stab.

-Pause!

“…”

The vitality I emitted due to the thought of stabbing someone had all faded away.

I clicked my tongue in disdain at that sight.

[Skill: Moment Capture]

“Really, is this why first-years are a problem? If you aim as if you’re really going to kill your opponent and miss the chance to subdue them, isn’t it the same as not doing anything despite having all the form down? This is just····.”

-Swish!

“!!”

Swiftly moving my arm, I reached out towards Pirean’s face.

Pirean, flustered, tried to evade my hand as it aimed for his face.

However, if I were to stop the attack, he would only become prey to my Moment Capture.

Before touching something, Moment Capture makes time feel as if it has stopped. However, if you don’t touch anything for too long, the duration will end.

The duration is 1.5 seconds. Within that time, I reach out my hand to grab this guy. It’s not just Moment Capture; it’s a morale skill that could be considered time acceleration.

As if telling him to hit me, Pirean’s face was right next to my arm.

I firmly grabbed Pirean’s face with a thud, very forcefully.

-Thud!

“Ugh····!”

Pirean winced in pain, grimacing with narrowed eyes from being grabbed too tightly.

If she hadn’t hesitated and stabbed my arm, she would have easily defeated me.

There is only one reason you lost.

“Damn, you’re disgustingly non-violent.”

-Thud!!!!

“Ughh····!!!!”

Damn, because you’re disgustingly non-violent.