episode_0064

Episode 64 End of Semester (3)

The monster, snorting, charged. Its massive body and rough movements created an immense phenomenon in themselves.

Dust clouds scattered, obscuring the view, and the earth shook to the point where it felt like an earthquake.

I drew up mana to steady myself, and coated my sword with sword energy.

The distance grew closer and closer. Just as its body filled my entire field of vision, I lowered myself as much as possible and dug into the monster’s legs. Then, I swung my sword horizontally in a wide arc.

Shluk-!

The sound of flesh tearing. The sharpness, layered with sword energy and Karsa, easily cleaved through the leg as thick as a log.

The monster, having lost its mobility due to the severed leg, toppled forward.

“Kweeekk!!”

The monster thrashed about in agony. I unleashed a series of sword strikes to inflict shock.

Each time, wounds appeared on its hide, and after a short while, the flesh that had absorbed the impact trembled slightly.

A sign that a special ability was about to activate. It was a stage where everyone was flustered and unable to respond properly.

For one, it was difficult to notice, and even if they knew, they couldn’t succeed in the attack without exceptional observation skills.

But the weakness was visible to my eyes. The right flank. The only area where the frequency was different from all the other parts.

As soon as I confirmed that, I retrieved my sword and reforged the sword energy anew. I unleashed Karsa.

The sword moved forward like a javelin. Without resistance, the tip of the blade cut through the flesh, and blood gushed out with a whoosh.

“Kkuuikk….”

Moreover, it had penetrated the lungs and heart. The monster couldn’t even let out a proper groan and collapsed onto the ground.

“Kyle Ardeen! Hunting time: 1 minute 59 seconds!”

The professor’s voice echoed from the sky.

As if indicating the end of the exam, the monster’s form in front of me disappeared with a whoosh. The background surrounding me also changed to gray walls.

All of that realism was an illusion. This was also a room prepared for the exam. This lecture was a course designed to have us fight against a variety of monsters.

I left the testing area. Immediately, numerous gazes focused on me.

“Wow… he records a time in the 1-minute range, even if it’s just by 1 second.”

“Looks like I’m screwed for getting a good grade on this exam too….”

“I heard he did well on the other exams too. Tsk, he should take it easy.”

Admiration and lamentations poured out from everywhere. However, there was no longer any sign of suspicion like before.

The reason for that was, of course, the library incident and the crafting competition. Since I had shown them something, the atmosphere had changed to one of grudging acceptance.

Of course, there were still people who harbored unpleasant thoughts. A prime example was Taylor Kaust, who had been crushed by me during the retake exam.

He occasionally glared at me, as if the humiliation he had suffered then still lingered.

“To give a brief lecture, there’s not much difference between your hunting methods and his. The reason for this difference is due to his superior observation and judgment.”

The professor began to explain. After speaking for about 5 minutes, the professor announced the end of the exam.

“The exam is now over. Tomorrow is the last exam, so get plenty of rest and do your best.”

He did not spare words of encouragement as he dismissed us.

As the professor said, the final exams would be over tomorrow. It was no wonder that an excited mood was forming. After all, we had worked hard for four months without rest.

I exited the building.

The sun shone brightly. It was a heat that made my skin feel like it was burning up. The temperature control magic enchanted on my uniform did not block out the sunlight.

“Should I go to the cafeteria?”

Perhaps that was why I was thirsty. I headed to the student cafeteria.

For the record, Elheim and Lana were not there. My sister had left for her monthly regular report, and Lana was taking an exam.

“One iced coffee, please.”

As always, I ordered a coffee, sat down at an empty seat, and sipped it.

‘Once the grades come out this weekend, I’ll write a letter to my father, and when the magic tool entrusted to my senior is completed, I’ll do the enchantment work….’

At the same time, I spent my time thinking about my schedule for this week.

With the first semester coming to an end, the days were somewhat relaxed.

The vacation, which included the large event of the National Foundation Festival, was considered the most leisurely episode in “Akatenma.”

No dangerous incidents occurred like this semester, and everything flowed smoothly and gently.

Of course, that was just a rest for the next semester. As I mentioned before, I’ll be busy again in the second semester.

Just as I had finished my coffee.

“Guess who~?”

Familiar hands gently covered my eyes. It was Lana’s voice and tone. The energy signature and mana patterns also matched.

But at that moment, my intuition warned me. I did not ignore it.

I replied in a low voice.

“Chloe, don’t. If you have any conscience, don’t imitate Lana.”

The hands came off at my growl. And Chloe, perfectly shaped like Lana, sat across from me.

She rested her chin on her clasped hands, sent me a seductive look, and slowly opened her mouth.

“Kyle. Do you hate me?”

“Release it.”

I said briefly.

Seeing her act like that with Lana’s bright and pure face made me want to throw up.

Moreover, since she was showing a completely different appearance from Lana’s usual self, gazes were pouring in from the surroundings. Impersonating her in the Academy was toxic in itself.

In fact, there is a setting in “Akatenma” that someone was severely punished for imitating Lana with magic. So, it’s best not to imitate the character of Lana Heitald.

Chloe pouted her lips.

“I thought it would work if I used my sister’s appearance….”

After complaining, she released the magic. Her trademark red hair and red eyes revealed themselves.

Only after seeing Chloe did everyone nod in agreement and simultaneously avert their gazes.

“Don’t do that if you don’t want to die in the Academy.”

“Oh my? Are you worried about me?”

“It’s not worry, it’s advice.”

“Hehe~ You’re kind in strange ways, Senior.”

I ignored her humming and drank my coffee. And the moment I sipped the coffee through the straw.

Hwaaa-!

The world inverted.

The student cafeteria that I had just seen was gone, and a dark and dim space took its place.

A place I had seen before. Sticky darkness clung from below.

But I did not resist it and accepted it. My whole body was dyed, and various sounds filled my head.

Time passed. 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes….

Even so, I remained still as if nothing was wrong. Then, I slowly opened my mouth.

“Keep trying for a hundred days. Do you think this will work?”

As soon as I said those words, the world inverted again. The summer atmosphere of the student cafeteria came into view. And Chloe was also visible.

This time, she had a sulky face.

“Senior~”

“What is it.”

“Shouldn’t you at least show a sign that it’s working, even if it’s just for the sake of your cute junior’s efforts?”

It was truly a sound that only brought laughter.

“I told you, try your best. You can’t blame me if it doesn’t work.”

“It doesn’t work at all. The one just now was at a level that would work even on a Master, you know?”

I ignored her as if to say, what do you want me to do? Then, Chloe asked with a curious expression.

“What on earth are you, Senior?”

“Why are you asking when you already know? Just a common thug.”

“Aww~ that’s all in the past.”

Yeah, it’s in the past. The reputation itself is changing within the Academy.

“Besides, how can someone who withstands that be normal? If you’re normal, Senior, is everyone in this world a fool?”

“Then you must be weak.”

I said, putting down my cup.

“Wow! You’re the only one who would treat the top student of the department like that, Senior!”

Chloe clapped her hands as if she was surprised. And then, she seemed to be pondering something.

“Senior.”

“What is it again.”

That voice calling out quietly was now tiresome. They usually leave after failing. She’s persistent today.

“I’ve been thinking about it.”

Chloe continued.

“Your solid mind is so strange that it doesn’t make sense.”

“What’s your point?”

“Don’t be so prickly. I’m just saying, your mind is abnormally strong.”

“Is that so.”

I replied nonchalantly. But Chloe opened her mouth as if it were no big deal.

“But you know~. No matter how much you’re born with it, you can’t be this strong, right? Especially, it’s hard to be born with the kind where intrusion itself is impossible like you, Senior.”

Chloe continued with a beaming face.

“Besides, strong mental fortitude starts from a firm ego. And to make this possible, the darkness in your heart must be completely gone. But another interesting thing is that to reach that level, you need at least….”

She paused for a moment and then said.

“You need to reach the realm of transcendence, right?”

“How do you know that?”

“Hehe~ let’s just say it’s a woman’s secret.”

At that moment, Chloe’s hand came and rested on mine. Her unique eye smile also poured out on me.

“So, you know. I’ve really, really thought about it for a long time, and this is the conclusion I’ve come to. Senior, by any chance….”

The aura of seduction was in her voice. She continued.

“Are you a reincarnator?”

That word popped out of her mouth.

In fact, the word reincarnation doesn’t not exist in “Akatenma”. If it is a world where the cycle of life and death occurs correctly, reincarnation can happen at any time.

In fact, it has happened several times in this world. Of course, only a very few powerful people know that fact. In the current era, there are at most 4 people limited to humans?

Well, if you include other races and go back to the past, it increases even more.

“No matter how much I thought about it, that’s the only thing that came to mind. Considering your skills and actions that are different from the rumors. Is the timing after the trial?”

A smile spread on my face for no reason. Of course, it was a smile that came from disbelief.

“Ah! You’re smiling now, right? You’re admitting it!”

Chloe’s voice was excited, as if she thought her guess was correct. I scoffed and said.

“What are you admitting?”

“Aww~ do you think I’d just do this with that alone? Your heart rate just increased saaallightly, very slightly. Isn’t it strange that you, who are unfazed by my seduction, are reacting to just the word reincarnation?”

Was that why she grabbed my hand? I quickly pulled my hand away.

“Look, even now. Isn’t it because you have a guilty conscience that you’re acting like this?”

“…….”

“Senior, if I may give you a piece of advice, it’s best to live according to your true nature. Villains should live like villains, and good people should live like good people. If you wear clothes that don’t fit, you’ll eventually get into trouble~?”

Chloe smiled brightly.

It’s not wrong. If you can handle the consequences, it’s best to live according to your true nature.

Of course, Chloe’s words were none of my concern.

“So….”

“But Chloe.”

“Yes?”

Even though I intentionally interrupted her, she didn’t seem to mind. Rather, she looked at me with a beaming smile.

I said to that face.

“What will change if I do that?”

“Huh?”

“I agree with you too. It’s best for people to live according to their true nature. But if I reveal my true self, if I have a secret, what kind of change will occur in the relationship between you and me?”

Would she fall for me if I showed my true self? No, I can say with certainty that she won’t. It might even drive Chloe further away.

So, Chloe’s words are close to a checkmate.

“I know!”

“Huh?”

But Chloe didn’t despair, and instead gave an unexpected answer.

“I know. I can’t have you for life if I go on like this. I don’t know what kind of villain you were, so it’ll be even harder.”

So she knows. I thought she didn’t know.

“So! I’ve decided to change my approach.”

“To what.”

“What else? I’m using the direct approach instead of shortcuts. There’s also a saying that in love….”

“Stop the nonsense. That will never happen until I die.”

“You never know~. You might give up on your sister and choose me.”

Chloe gave a bright eye smile. And then, she came closer to me and clung to me as if she was hugging me.

“So, Senior. Let’s go on a date!”

“No.”

I cut her off without a moment’s hesitation.

“That’s too much. How can you reject the proposal of a junior who has worked up the courage?”

Chloe wiped her eyes with her hands as if she was sad. But it’s no use.

“You really look down on me. You didn’t think I’d accept it so easily after what you’ve done so far, did you?”

“I can make a fresh start with this, you know. It’s okay, there are plenty of methods.”

At that moment, an ominous premonition flashed through my mind.

“…Don’t tell me it’s what I’m thinking?”

“Hmm~ I wonder? It could be right, or it could be wrong?”

“…….”

I thought I’d get some rest for the first time in a while….

Then, Chloe laughed when she saw my face.

“You have a cute side too, Senior? Don’t worry~. I won’t interfere with your date with your sister. Instead!”

“…Speak.”

“You know too, right, Senior? That there’s an imperial banquet after the National Foundation Festival.”

The National Foundation Festival, which lasts for 5 days. On the last day, the imperial family hosts a banquet.

The number of invitees is diverse. Nobles and commoners are invited regardless. Of course, only those with influence in the empire.

That’s why adventurers, merchants, and guild officials gather. And the Academy students are also invited.

“I know. They invite the top 5 students from each grade and department.”

“That’s a relief! Then you know what I’m going to ask you, right?”

“You’re saying you want me to escort you.”

“That’s right!”

Originally, even if students are invited, they are not obligated to participate in the imperial banquet. There is a grand reason called self-development.

So, you can withdraw at any time if you want.

“What are you going to do there.”

“Just… I want to see the imperial palace. If I was born as an imperial citizen, I have to do that much.”

“Yeah right.”

“Aww, don’t be so sarcastic. I’m really going with pure intentions.”

Well, she did participate in the novel, but nothing happened.

At most, she’ll play a little prank. A prank at the level of teasing a little. Well, it’s a secret, but it’s not a secret that the imperial palace was in an uproar because of that.

“Thank you, Senior!”

I stopped her from trying to hug me.

“You accept your sister’s, but not mine. That’s too much!”

“Stop talking nonsense and go. Go prepare for the exam.”

“Okay~. I’ve already achieved my goal for today anyway.”

Chloe, who gave up right away, said that and left.

“Senior! See you at the banquet!”

I didn’t bother to respond to that greeting.

“What a troublesome girl.”

I said while taking a sip of coffee.

She was definitely annoying and I disliked Chloe, but I couldn’t hate her. But if I keep carrying this feeling, it’ll only make me feel worse.

“Let’s go see Lana.”

I sucked in the rest of the coffee and got up from my seat.

***

Two days later.

The last exam was over, and the next day. All the grades were announced.