Red Sea (2)
The news spread quickly.
The unwavering authority of the professors since the founding of the academy was now being challenged.
A student had bravely stepped up to challenge that authority, and those who heard the news were universally shocked.
It was a situation beyond imagination.
Moreover, the opponent was Kadel Evans.
Despite his young age, he stood at the center of the academy and was regarded as a de facto leader among the faculty.
Except for the dean, he was practically the number one figure in Gallimard.
And toward such a powerful figure.
- "Besides, it seems there isn't much to learn."
- "Isn't it a waste to be under such teaching when there's a chance to reach the stars?"
These retorts were delivered clearly.
- "You are the challenger."
With sentences that would be remembered in the academy's history, it was no wonder that the witnessing students were shocked.
His characteristic teasing tone made it seem as though he was mocking.
Although there was enough justification to counter, given that it was a professor who was insulted, such a declaration undoubtedly caused a stir.
The academy was already heated due to the practical exams, and this added oil to the fire.
A heated debate ensued for a short period.
"Right after the practical exam, this is an interesting spectacle."
"Though the result is obvious… isn't that what makes it fun?"
"Let's just grab some popcorn and watch."
"This is a chance to see how high the top scorer can reach, right?"
"No matter how top-scoring, could he possibly not lose?"
"That's too obvious. Could he realistically fight a professor?"
"Anyway, this contest is exciting."
The student versus faculty contest.
The attention of the students, who had just finished their practicals, shifted to this event.
Under an interest pouring down thicker than the summer rains, the date of the event faithfully drew closer with each passing day.
The event approached the following day.
Though the atmosphere was high, the main party involved was…
"Hahaha… the weather is nice."
He was just looking up at the clear sky.
***
Over the past few days,
There had been many words of concern around me.
Perhaps it was due to the bold declaration I threw out.
While other students watched the situation with interest, those close to me were restless and anxious.
Of course, those who knew my abilities seemed to understand.
"Your Highness… what do we do…?"
"Lady Regia."
Because I was not the protagonist.
A girl with tearful green eyes.
I had to comfort her as if the world was ending.
As if she was uneasy about the possibility of my disgrace, she clutched my sleeve and shed tears like dew.
Even in such moments, she seemed to cling tighter, trying to draw strength.
"I'm sure you'll win spectacularly…!"
"Thank you for your faith."
"You have always believed in me too. That's why I don't want to worry, but I keep feeling anxious…"
"Everything will be fine."
"Yes, I'll be cheering for you…!"
Regia sent fervent support.
Her eyes were filled with determination.
As I stroked her hair in appreciation of her sincerity, a rose sitting in a wheelchair unobtrusively asked a question.
It was closer to a straightforward inquiry than the protagonist's.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"Your Highness."
"It's not that I know much about the academy… but I have a rough idea of how great the professors are. My sister has explained a lot in various ways."
"I never expected Your Highness to worry about me."
"Don't say such pointless things."
Her tone was curt, but she seemed genuinely concerned.
She was no different in not knowing about my capabilities either.
She was only aware of the mysterious power I wielded, never having seen me in battle with it.
From that perspective, Elize's concern was natural.
I smiled gently and pushed the stationary wheelchair once more.
And responded simultaneously.
"I may look like this, but I'm quite strong."
"How strong?"
"You'll find out during this opportunity."
"You seem full of confidence."
"Being a knight who guards the stars requires a skill befitting that role, doesn't it?"
"Though you are a personal physician rather than a knight."
"Hehe."
"Anyway, I'll look forward to it."
The pilot and the rose.
Both appeared worried but still believed in me.
Would it be wrong to say I was secretly grateful for such trust?
In essence, it wasn't an event worthy of concern.
There were no disadvantages for losing, and they were originally supposed to face off in a contest.
It was merely that this contest was garnering more attention compared to others.
'Not that I dislike the concern.'
I simply didn't want to see my cherished ones with worried faces.
This time, I had to show them clearly.
I thought as I awaited the approaching date.
As the day before the event approached, an unexpected person expressed concern.
None other than my mentor.
"About tomorrow's contest."
While assisting with paperwork as part of an assistant's duties, the woman sitting across suddenly spoke up.
Her red, emotionless pupils looked in my direction.
As usual, intoxication seemed to ebb and flow in the bottle clutched in her hand.
She spoke indifferently.
"There's no need to push yourself too hard."
"We've already made a declaration of war."
"They won't mind much. It's me they're after, not Judas-student. If I try to persuade them, they'll let it go without much argument."
"Persuasion... I doubt they'll listen."
"They will. Although I might have to kneel... but I don't hold honor in high regard."
"I'll decline."
Selena was willing to kneel without hesitation.
Could it be due to her inherently indifferent nature?
It seemed she included even herself in that realm of calm disposition.
I declined her offer with an awkward smile.
"It seems you think I'll lose."
"I'm just being realistic."
She didn't even consider the possibility of victory.
She waited for the predicted future with a nonchalant attitude.
I didn't particularly feel disappointed.
Even though the chief assistant and professor were pitted against each other under the name of an 'event', there was a significant gap between the two in reality.
It's odd to expect the chief assistant's victory from the beginning.
Their reason for being set up was solely to highlight the overwhelming difference between students and professors.
The organization was made up of humans who once held great renown, like heroes from the Grand Crusade era, former Captains of the Imperial Knight Order, Cardinals of the Church, and so forth. Therefore, it was unlikely they'd be trampled by students who were still mere sprouts.
The event served to emphasize the authoritative prestige of the academy.
"Professor Kadel is strong."
Rumor had it that he was a monster as well.
He was appointed as the youngest Tower Master at a young age of fifteen, but unexpectedly lost interest in academia and ended up on the academy staff, though the specific reason was never disclosed in the game's setting.
Ten years had passed already, and despite his short career as a magician, he was still talked about as a figure with legendary talent among the industry's people.
As such, defeat seemed inevitable.
'I must have looked like quite a lunatic.'
If you think about it, what should I say?
Sure.
It must have seemed like a battle between an elephant and a snake.
Though there were occasions where the snake's venom killed the elephant, it's a scenario hard to accept by common sensibility.
What I'm about to show will become a miracle breaking that sensibility.
I calmly add.
"I'm fine with it."
"In that case, I won't interfere any further."
The drunkard retreats without resistance.
An ephemeral silence descends.
The woman, who seemed about to close her lips, voices one last lingering question.
Her flowing purple hair trembles precariously.
"A personal question."
"Feel free to ask."
"I'm curious why you went as far as making a declaration."
The scarlet pupils held the image of a golden-haired boy.
Lifeless eyes devoid of any vitality.
I pause slightly before responding.
"I was bothered by the situation where you were insulted."
"For me?"
"I've received a lot of help from teacher so far. I was angry at the thought of someone I rely on being insulted."
"Someone you rely on... We were merely in a mutual understanding."
As she said.
We might just be in a mentor-student relationship formed by contract.
But.
"Relationships... naturally start from understanding."
They can change as much as necessary.
Taming is something that cannot be defined by human language and simultaneously, it's an unpredictable throb of inner feelings.
Facing her with my blurry emotions, I said.
"At the very least, isn't it a relationship that will last for three years? Since I carry the title as your disciple, I just don't want to belie that word."
"......"
A sentence stepping a bit closer to the counterpart.
I smiled gently.
As if responding to such a smile, she froze.
Her empty gaze seemed to reflect a certain past.
She, who seemed to be lost in thought blankly, soon collected herself and spoke with a faux nonchalance.
Casually averting her gaze.
"Anyway, best of luck."
"I'll do my best with that encouragement."
An awkwardly flowing air.
The woman unnecessarily tipped the bottle, filling her mouth with alcohol.
As if overlaying something onto the boy watching her, her twisted furrow displayed faint complex emotions.
I feigned ignorance and turned my eyes away.
‘Reminds me of old times.’
A fleeting monologue.
I wrapped up my paperwork with a bitter chuckle that I couldn't swallow.
***
After a few noisy days.
The competition among faculty members.
The long-anticipated event had finally arrived.
Just as with the previous practical exam, it was held at an open coliseum surrounded by countless spectator seats.
I stood with my foot planted on the wide circular arena.
"Been a while, hasn't it."
A murmured comment while glancing around.
The seats appeared bustling with numerous onlookers.
In addition to its usual popularity, perhaps thanks to the challenge I had thrown at Professor Kadel spreading by word of mouth, the usually sparsely occupied seats had been filled densely.
Having experienced similar situations several times before, he remained calm.
"Wow—!"
Turning his back to the cheering sounds, he meets the eyes of the person standing across from him.
It was his partner for the show to be presented today.
The young man, crossing his arms, spoke with a tone of surprise.
"I didn't really think you'd come out."
"Didn't I tell you?"
"I just can't figure out what you're thinking, getting into this match. You don't seriously think you can beat the professor, do you?"
"The way you talk sounds just like what I heard from Senior Ian."
Are they truly master and disciple?
I think of the unfortunate senior who became a "dance machine" in front of the entire school.
"It was a fun memory."
"Though the person involved seems to consider it a nightmare."
"That's sad."
"Now that the match is on, don't expect any leniency. Even though I've let go of the previous provocation, as a professor, I can't just take it lightly."
"It's the same here. I don't shy away from challenges."
"Hah! Let’s see how long that arrogance lasts."
Kadel sneers openly.
He pulls out a wand the length of his palm from his waist, assumes a stance, and gathers mana at the tip.
In response, I condense shadows around me.
Then, drawing a sword with a pitch-black edge, I aim it precisely at my opponent.
Through the cold breeze slicing by, the host's voice echoes.
《Faculty, please take your designated positions.》
《The match format will be a duel. The game ends if you subdue or incapacitate your opponent.》
《Additionally, the match also concludes if one side forfeits.》
The rules are the same as the regular practical exam.
Before long, the middle referee flicks a coin into the air.
The spinning reflection hits the ground.
Clang—!
A signal announcing the duel rings out.
Immediately.
Boom—!
The spells rapidly shot by the two clash in midair.
Shadow spikes, sharply fired, and water tightly concentrated into an arrow. Each force explodes, dispersing impact in all directions.
With a tumultuous start signaling the first confrontation.
Thus.
A match that would be remembered in the academy's history began.
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