episode_0108

The news spread quickly.

The authority of the professors, which had never wavered since the academy’s founding. A student had appeared, boldly challenging that authority, and everyone who heard the news was shocked.

It was a situation unimaginable even in dreams.

Moreover, the opponent was Cadell Evans. Despite his youth, he stood at the heart of the academy, treated as the de facto leader among the faculty. Aside from the dean, he was virtually the number one person at Gallimard.

Towards such a powerful figure.

“Besides, I don’t think there’s anything to learn.” “Isn’t the possibility of reaching the stars too precious to be under such a teaching?”

In addition to the clear and direct retorts.

“You are the challenger.”

He even uttered a line that would be remembered in the academy’s history, which was no small shock to the students watching. His unique playful tone made it seem as if he was teasing. Of course, there was ample justification to retaliate, given that he had insulted a teacher, but since the declaration of war was directed at a professor, it was inevitable that there would be talk.

Even without it, the academy, already heated by the practical exams, was adding more fuel to the fire. Lively discussions continued for a short period.

“As soon as the practical exams end, we get a good show.” “The outcome is too obvious… but isn’t that what makes it interesting?” “Let’s just grab some popcorn.” “This is a chance to see how high the top student’s peak is, too.” “Even if he’s the top student, won’t he lose?” “That’s stating the obvious. How could he possibly fight a professor, logically speaking?” “Anyway, I’m looking forward to this match.”

The Faculty vs. Student Match.

The attention of the students, whose practical exams were over, was drawn to this. Amidst interest heavier than a summer monsoon, the event date steadily approached day by day.

Before long, the event was upon them the next day. The atmosphere was heightening, but the person involved, meanwhile.

“Huhu… the weather is nice.”

Was just looking up at the clear sky.

***

The past few days.

There were unusually many words of concern from those around me. Was it because of the bold declaration of war I had thrown? While other students watched the situation with excitement, those close to me were restless and anxious.

Of course, those who knew my abilities seemed to take it in stride.

“Young, Young Master… wh-wh-what should we do…?” “Miss Regia.”

Because our protagonist was not.

The girl, her green eyes tearful. I had to comfort her, who was grieving as if the world was ending. Perhaps the thought of me possibly being disgraced was so unsettling that she was holding my sleeve tightly, tears like dewdrops falling continuously. Even then, as if trying to give me strength, she clung to me.

“Y-You’ll definitely w-win magnificently…!” “That’s a grateful belief.” “Because you, Young Master, have always trusted me. Th-That’s why I don’t want to worry, but I-I keep getting anxious…” “Everything will be fine.” “Yes, I’ll be cheering you on…!”

Regia sent very fervent cheers. Her gaze was filled with determination.

As I stroked her head with a grateful heart, Rose, sitting in her wheelchair, subtly asked a question. It was more of a direct question than one from the protagonist.

“Are you really okay?” “Your Highness.” “I don’t know much about the academy yet, but I roughly know how amazing those professors are. My older sister explained a lot to me.” “I didn’t expect Your Highness to worry about me.” “There you go again with pointless talk.”

Her tone was prickly, but she seemed worried deep down. She, too, didn’t know about my abilities. She only knew that I wielded mysterious power, but she had never seen me fight using it. In that sense, Elize’s worry was natural.

I smiled faintly and pushed the stopped wheelchair again. I replied simultaneously.

“I’m quite strong, even if I don’t look it.” “How strong?” “You’ll be able to confirm it with this opportunity.” “You’re brimming with confidence.” “Surely a knight who protects the stars must possess fitting skill, don’t you think?” “You’re not a knight, but a primary physician.” “Huhu.” “Anyway, I’ll be looking forward to it.”

Pilot, and Rose. Both showed signs of worry, but there was an atmosphere of trust towards me. Would it be presumptuous to say that I was secretly grateful for that trust?

It wasn’t much of an event to worry about in the first place. There were no disadvantages if I lost, and I was going to face them in a match anyway. It would simply receive more attention than other matches.

‘It’s not that I dislike worry.’

I just didn’t want to see the tearful faces of my precious ones. This time, I’ll just show them clearly. I thought, and waited for the approaching date.

So, when there was one day left until the event, this time I heard worry from an unexpected person. None other than my teacher.

“About tomorrow’s match.”

While helping with paperwork as part of my assistant duties, the woman sitting opposite me suddenly spoke. Her dead, red pupils were looking at me. As usual, the liquor bottle in her hand showed signs of overflowing intoxication. She said indifferently.

“You don’t necessarily have to overexert yourself.” “I’ve already made a declaration of war.” “They won’t care much anyway. Their target isn’t Student Yuda, but me. If I persuade them, they’ll let it go without another word.” “Persuade them… I don’t think they’ll listen.” “They will listen. Of course, I might have to kneel… but I don’t particularly value honor anyway.” “I’ll decline, then.”

Selena, who said she would kneel without a care. Was it because of her naturally indifferent personality? It seemed that she herself was included in that realm of composure. I smiled awkwardly and declined the offer.

“You believe I’ll lose, then.” “It’s just being realistic.”

She didn’t seem to even consider the possibility of victory. The attitude of awaiting a foreseen future. I didn’t feel particularly upset.

Although the event set up an assistant and a professor to face each other, in reality, there was an enormous gap between the two. From the start, it would be strange to predict the assistant’s victory. The reason they were set up was merely to show the overwhelming difference between students and professors. Every single one of them was a veteran: heroes from the Great Extermination era, former Imperial Knights commanders, church cardinals, and so on… a gathering of people who had once been significant figures. How could mere sprouts of students possibly defeat them?

It was all an event to emphasize the academy’s prestige.

“Professor Cadell is strong.”

From what I heard, that man was also a monster. He was selected as the youngest tower master at the tender age of fifteen, then suddenly lost interest in academia and took a faculty position at the academy. The exact reason was never revealed in the game’s settings. Although ten years had passed and his career as a mage was short. He was still spoken of among industry professionals as a legendary talent.

Given this, predicting my defeat was inevitable.

‘I must have looked quite insane.’

If you think about it, what would you call this? Yes. It would have looked like a fight between an elephant and a snake. Of course, there are cases where a snake’s venom can kill an elephant, but it’s a story hard to accept in common understanding.

The scene I’m about to show will be a miracle that breaks that common understanding. I added calmly.

“I’ll be fine.” “In that case, I won’t interfere further.”

The drunkard readily retreated. A brief silence settled. The woman, who seemed about to close her lips, finally brought up one last lingering question. Her flowing purple hair swayed precariously.

“This is a personal question.” “Please ask freely.” “I’m curious why you bothered to make a declaration of war.”

Her blood-red pupils clearly reflected the blond boy. Her dead eyes held not a flicker of life. I hesitated slightly before returning the answer.

“The situation where you were insulted bothered me.” “For me?” “Because I’ve received a lot of help from Teacher-nim so far. I think I got angry at the thought of someone I rely on being insulted.” “Someone you rely on… We just had compatible interests.”

As she said. We might just be a teacher-student relationship formed by a contract.

But.

“Relationships… naturally begin from understanding.”

They can change indefinitely. Taming, after all, cannot be defined by human language, and simultaneously, it is an unpredictable inner throb. I met the woman’s gaze with a faint emotion.

“Aren’t we in a relationship that will last at least three years? Since I bear the title of your disciple, I simply don’t wish to be dishonest with that word.” “……”

A sentence that took a step closer to the other person. I smiled faintly. As if responding to that smile, the woman froze. In her empty gaze, some past seemed to flicker. She, who seemed lost in thought, soon came to her senses and unnecessarily changed the subject.

Subtly avoiding eye contact.

“Anyway, I wish you good luck.” “I will do my best with that encouragement.”

Awkward silence lingered. The woman unnecessarily tilted her liquor bottle, filling her mouth with alcohol. As if she saw something superimposed on the boy looking at her, complex emotions were faintly etched on her furrowed brow.

I turned my eyes away, pretending not to notice.

‘It reminds me of the old days.’

A fleeting monologue. With a swallowed wry smile, I finished the paperwork.

***

After several noisy days.

The Faculty vs. Student Match.

It was the day of the event everyone had been looking forward to. The venue, like the previous practical exams, was an open training ground surrounded by numerous spectator stands.

I stood on the wide circular arena.

“It’s been quite a while.”

I muttered, looking around. My vision flickered with the spectator stands packed full of countless onlookers. In addition to being a popular event already, perhaps because the challenge I threw at Professor Cadell had spread by word of mouth, seats that would normally have been sparsely empty were completely filled.

Having experienced similar situations a few times before, I remained calm.

Cheers erupted!

As the cheers erupted behind me, my gaze met the person standing opposite. It was the partner who would join me in the show we would put on today. The young man, with his arms crossed, spoke as if surprised.

“I really didn’t think you’d show up.” “Didn’t I tell you?” “I don’t know what you’re thinking, coming into this match. Surely you don’t seriously believe you can defeat a professor, do you?” “What you’re saying is exactly what I heard from Ian Sunbae-nim.”

So, they are indeed teacher and student. I recalled the poor senior who became a dance machine in front of the entire student body.

“It was a pleasant memory.” “Though the person involved seems to consider it a nightmare.” “That’s sad.” “Since we’re having this match, I have no intention of going easy on you. While I don’t hold the previous provocation against you, as a professor, I can’t afford to be half-hearted.” “The same goes for me. I’m not one to avoid a challenge.” “Ha! I’ll see how long that arrogance lasts.”

Cadell scoffed overtly. He pulled out a palm-length wand from his waist, gathered mana at its tip, and took a stance. In response, I gathered shadows around me. Then, drawing a sword, I precisely aimed its jet-black, sharpened blade at my opponent.

Amidst the cool, sweeping wind, the announcer’s voice echoed.

《Faculty members, please stand by in your respective positions.》 《The match format will be a duel. The match ends when one opponent is subdued or incapacitated.》 《Additionally, the match also ends if one side forfeits.》

The rules were the same as a typical practical exam. Before long, the central referee tossed a coin into the air. The spinning silhouette landed on the ground.

Clang-!

The signal announcing the duel rang out. Immediately after.

Boom-!

The rapidly fired magic of the two people clashed in mid-air. Shadows launched as sharp thorns, and water condensed into pointed arrows. Their respective destructive powers sprayed sparks and shockwaves in all directions.

The first clash, announcing a tumultuous beginning.

Thus.

A match that would be remembered in the academy’s history began.