The royal guard duel ended only in the evening.
Among the thirty-two students in Class A that I teach, only nineteen survived until this duel. Thirteen were eliminated during the competition. Since no one had expected today’s duel, an unexpected melee broke out, leading to these eliminations.
Before the formal duel even began, the conflicts among the students in Class A were the most lethal. However, Laura, Elin, and Chloe were still alive.
I returned to the dorm with the exhausted students from the Occult Research Club.
After returning to the dorm and finishing my bath, I met with Professor Esther, who had also brought her students, and it was time for a meal that left us moderately satisfied.
“Ugh… I’m so tired…”
Having finished dinner with me, Sub-Priest Sofia threw herself onto the sofa in the living room and groaned.
It was understandable, as there were a few students injured after the fantastic magic had faded amidst the chaos of today.
I used my divine power within my limits, and it was natural for Sub-Priest Sofia to feel a little more burdened. Of course, I healed more students regardless.
“I’ve never used this much divine power in a single day…”
“Sub-Priest Sofia, it’s not good for your body to lie down right after eating.”
“I don’t know about that…”
“Sub-Priest Sofia.”
“Zzz… zzz…”
Sub-Priest Sofia began to snore. I stared at her for a moment and then sat down next to her on the same sofa. The sofa wasn’t very big, but since Sub-Priest Sofia was small, there was still room for me.
“Mmm… ugh…”
As I sat on the sofa, Sub-Priest Sofia stirred and shivered. I turned my gaze straight ahead.
One thing I didn’t like about the Bruytni Branch School dormitory was that the sofa was positioned toward the balcony window. This forced me to look at the sunset over the sea beyond the balcony.
The surface of the sea sparkled in the glow of the sunset, resembling sparks flying. As I gazed at the scene, I quietly closed my eyes.
Then, I could hear the sound of waves crashing, even while I was in the dormitory. Disliking the sound, I opened my eyes again.
“Head Priest.”
Sub-Priest Sofia had now raised her body and was sitting next to me. I gazed at her blankly.
“Yes, Sub-Priest Sofia.”
“Tomorrow’s the real deal, huh?”
“…That seems likely.”
Sub-Priest Sofia’s gaze fell downward. Following her line of sight, I noticed my right arm trembling slightly.
“Is your arm… okay?”
“It’s fine.”
“Did you take your medicine?”
“Yes, I did. You don’t need to worry too much.”
“Still…”
I looked at Sub-Priest Sofia, who was biting her lip, and thought.
Using divine power was becoming increasingly burdensome. Every time I used that radiant grace, my body screamed in protest. I knew this better than anyone.
However, I couldn’t just leave the students to fend for themselves.
“I’ve heard that your shoulder is gradually improving. It’s okay now.”
“…Really?”
“Yes, really.”
Sub-Priest Sofia’s expression softened a bit. While I looked at her, I also had other thoughts.
Why is Sub-Priest Sofia worrying about me so much? Is it the case that all graduates of the Seminary are like this?
I knew that being foolishly kind often does not lead to good outcomes.
…Because I had seen that for myself.
– Don’t think of me as a mere substitute for Helena. It could be a significant wound.
“I…”
I turned my gaze away from Sub-Priest Sofia. I wanted to change the subject. For the sake of Sub-Priest Sofia, who was looking at my right arm with doubtful eyes.
And, for my own sake.
“Sub-Priest Sofia, could you bring me a cup of black tea?”
Upon hearing my request, Sub-Priest Sofia smiled softly and nodded. Her figure disappeared into the kitchen, and I once again looked toward the balcony.
Suddenly, the fiery sea, tinted red by the sunset, looked like a vast cup of black tea.
Was it because I had finally lost my mind? Or was there another reason?
I couldn’t tell.
– The Grade-by-Grade Duel of the Caldera Imperial Academy! The third duel is finally about to begin!
As Professor Andres shouted enthusiastically, the practice field was filled with cheers. Among them were students who had faced elimination in the previous duel, as well as those who had made it to Day 3 of the duel, their expressions filled with anticipation.
The important thing was that everyone was maintaining a sense of tension. The students who had been eliminated early wanted to witness those ascending toward the top, while the students who hadn’t been eliminated were likely fired up with the thought that the real contest was just beginning.
– As you all know, the duels conducted from today will take place in a tournament format!
The number of students who survived yesterday’s royal guard duel was thirty-two in total, divided evenly by grade. Thus, a tournament starting from the round of sixteen would commence.
Professor Andres continued.
– Each duel will last for 10 minutes! As I mentioned on the first day, if the time limit is exceeded, victory and defeat will be determined by our faculty’s judgment! Students aiming for a turnaround victory must not exceed the 10-minute mark!
Some students looked distressed. These were other class students who had climbed up amid the prowess of Class A.
To defeat their opponent within 10 minutes might sound ludicrous. However, those students also had a chance if their opponent wasn’t from Class A.
– …Huh? What did you say?
Professor Andres, who was on the monitor, seemed to hear something from someone nearby and cupped his ear. The students sitting in the audience, along with Professor Esther and Sub-Priest Sofia who stood beside me, wore puzzled expressions.
“What’s going on?”
“Did something go wrong?”
“…That’s unlikely.”
Considering Professor Andres’ cheerful and playful character, it might just be a staged act.
As I expected, Professor Andres, who had feigned a surprised expression, laughed heartily and began to speak.
– Hahaha! Our Chancellor Damian said that since first-year students put in a lot of effort before, shouldn’t the seniors show their worth first today!
– Hey, Professor Andres. When did I say that…
As long as Professor Andres was placed in the role of moderator for the grade-by-grade duel, there was no going against his flow. Ignoring Chancellor Damian’s words, Professor Andres shouted again.
– Alright! Therefore, today’s first duel will… begin with the second-year students! The second-year students who survived the royal guard duel, please stand up!
With Professor Andres’ booming announcement, the second-year students who had survived yesterday’s royal guard duel stood up casually.
Among them were familiar faces to us.
“There’s Daniel! And Vivian too!”
“Those two students were outstanding in the previous duel, but we didn’t get to see them fight properly… Today we’ll finally see that.”
Professor Esther wore a knowing smile. Indeed, those two had been recognized as exemplary students last year.
While I had seen Daniel casting spells during the Finger Incident, this was my first time witnessing him directly participating in combat. Although they weren’t my students, I felt a natural sense of excitement.
“By the way, isn’t it amazing? Professor Lucio.”
Suddenly, Professor Esther asked me with a question I didn’t quite understand. I looked at her, puzzled.
“What do you mean?”
“Vivian. Her younger sister also survived the royal guard duel with excellent skills, and now Vivian has made it this far too! I wonder if sisters take after each other?”
“…Younger sister?”
“Oh… Did you not know?”
Professor Esther chuckled softly and then pointed toward one side of the audience.
“The first-year student from Class A, Owen. Owen de Valuè. That child is Vivian’s younger sister.”
“…What?”
I looked back and forth between the sulky-faced Owen in the audience and the goth-loli-dressed Vivian, who was just going down to the practice field.
…Indeed, they do seem a bit similar.
Sub-Priest Sofia, who was standing next to me, also looked surprised, as if she was hearing this for the first time, and alternated her gaze between the two.
– The duels are now ready! Let’s reveal the matchups!
In the meantime, the duels were about to begin. Professor Andres’ glimmering head vanished, and on display was the bracket for the second-year students.
– Day 3 of the Duel! The long-awaited first protagonist is—! From the second-year Class A, affiliated with the Department of Sorcery, Daniel! And his opponent is…! From the second-year Class B, affiliated with the Department of Combat, Joey!
As soon as the words ended, two students stepped and faced each other in the well-trodden practice field. Daniel’s stiff expression felt unfamiliar.
– Then, let’s start the duel—!!
Professor Andres shouted, veins popping on his neck. I crossed my arms and focused on the monitor.
Daniel, the chief perpetrator of spreading rumors in the academy and a notorious troublemaker in the Occult Research Club.
It was time to appreciate the skill he possessed, even if just for a moment.
“It’s nerve-wracking…”
Daniel fidgeted with his sweaty hands. Facing him, Joey, a girl from Class B, leveled her weapon at him with a nonchalant expression.
Her weapons were a sword and a shield. Among the unconventional students from the Department of Combat, this was the most classical combination, and yet, it was a solid type that was tricky to deal with.
Block with the shield, stab or swing with the sword. It was a highly simple attack style, but that simplicity and reliability could become a troublesome poison to the opponent.
Moreover, her sword was a rapier specialized for thrusting. The shield had a small hole for piercing attacks, and the blade extended through that gap. She could execute both defense and offense simultaneously.
As Joey began to assume her stance, Daniel took a couple of steps back. If a lunge attack characteristic of a rapier were executed, the reach would rival that of a spear. He needed to be cautious not to be ambushed by an unexpected thrust.
At that moment, while the two were readying their stances, Joey spoke to Daniel in a flat tone.
“Class A’s sorcery department, Daniel. I met you last year too.”
“…Did I?”
Daniel tilted his head. He somewhat remembered Joey’s face, but he also didn’t.
As he tried to recall her, he shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.
“Well, I’m not sure. My memory isn’t that great.”
“Must be because you were caught up in that weird club activity of yours in the Occult Research Club.”
“Oh, you know me so well?”
Joey gritted her teeth, glaring at Daniel. While keeping a playful attitude, Daniel didn’t remain idle either.
In Daniel’s left hand was a small ink bottle, and in his right hand were pieces of charcoal that were burnt and wedged between his fingers. Joey’s eyes glimmered with tension as she watched.
“I will defeat you and rise to Class A as well.”
“Oh… Just so you know, the assessments for the next grade are done in the second semester. Don’t get too hasty.”
“Well, if I become an exemplary student, I’ll have a positive influence, right?”
The two held their respective attack tools but didn’t move. This was because the signal to begin the duel had not yet sounded.
As the dense silence filled with tension settled in, time stretched on.
– Then! Let’s start the first duel! The time limit is 10 minutes!
With Professor Andres’ boisterous shout, both Daniel and Joey moved.
The fight for their honor, aiming for the top of the second years, had begun.
