A few days ago, during Minerva Academy’s faculty meeting time…
“How did the exam results turn out?”
In response to Principal Heinz’s question, Professor Cain Aldeon, who taught the swordsmanship application course, slowly began to speak. As he was also the head professor of Minerva’s Swordsmanship Department, his words carried weight.
“First, top student of the swordsmanship department is Ariane Selene. She scored perfectly on both written and practical exams, and her artificial dungeon completion time was 4 minutes and 25 seconds, ranking first. With her reaching Sword Expert level, there’s really nothing more to say, is there?”
Considering that a significant number of graduates from Minerva hadn’t even reached Expert level, it was safe to say that Ariane’s testing phase was essentially unnecessary at this point.
“Other graduating students?”
“All have passed. There are no issues with participating in the inter-school Grand Competition, ‘Olympia’.”
With a light nod, Heinz turned his head to look at Angela Ganerine, the head professor of the Magic Department. The silver-brown wavy-haired Angela nodded and began speaking.
“The top students in the magic department are Lux Stella Sirius and Amy Helios, tied for first place. The rest of the students have also comfortably surpassed the required standard.”
“Good. It seems we can successfully wrap up the midterms then.”
It was worth all the effort put into creating these exams. Given that they had already made one major mistake, if any student had failed the academy’s own test…
Even if it were the student’s fault, avoiding backlash from parents would’ve been nearly impossible. However, since the Olympia is hosted by the Royal Palace, if a student loses in a fair match against someone from another academy, there wouldn’t be much room for protest.
‘Still… reaching Expert level…’
Though unable to express his inner thoughts due to the presence of other professors, Heinz couldn’t help but admire Allen’s capabilities. To produce an Expert-level student in less than a single semester…
Even if it was largely thanks to the student’s talent, it was undoubtedly an impressive achievement.
Having observed Allen’s lesson plans and teaching methods several times, Heinz quietly reflected that perhaps it was time for Minerva Academy to embrace some changes. In truth, Allen’s methods weren’t particularly special or extraordinary—they were just about giving everything to push the students as hard as possible, almost like military training.
‘Maybe hiring another former soldier as the next special professor wouldn’t be such a bad idea.’
While Minerva did have professors specializing in combat training, most of them never returned from the battlefield. And even if they wanted to replenish their ranks, most talented individuals had already perished in the war—a truly regrettable situation.
“Principal?”
Cain’s voice snapped Heinz out of his musings.
“Hmm? Ah, sorry. Where were we?”
“We were discussing the accommodations for the students during the Olympia. Since it’s being held in the capital, some students might already have homes there.”
“I see.”
After pondering for a moment, Heinz nodded.
“In the interest of fairness, it’d be better if everyone stayed in the same place. Isn’t there a hotel provided by the royal family?”
“Yes, I’ll inform everyone accordingly.”
“Any other agenda items?”
Upon Heinz’s inquiry, Angela, checking through some documents, responded.
“It seems selecting the supervising teachers is all that remains.”
“As head professors, both of you should attend. Select two additional professors each, and that should suffice, right?”
“That sounds reasonable.”
As Angela nodded, Cain posed a question.
“Can we choose anyone?”
“Hmm, ideally, professors who can properly care for the graduating students would be best. Do you have anyone in mind?”
“I’m considering Professor Allen. I’ve heard he has connections within the royal family, so if anything unexpected happens, we might be able to get some assistance.”
Stroking his beard, Heinz considered this. Allen was indeed a unique individual with ties to many members of the Golden Way Zodiacs, making this suggestion quite solid. Separately, Cain’s true intention was probably just to pass off the troublesome students he couldn’t handle—but if the outcome was good, then why not?
After finishing his thoughts, Heinz nodded.
“If Allen is fine with it, let’s go with that.”
“Yes sir.”
“Are there any other suggestions?”
As silence fell, Heinz spoke once more.
“An event directly overseen by the royal family doesn’t come around often. Especially since this is the first competition specifically for students, treat it as if it’s your own personal responsibility—even if you don’t have a direct stake in it. This competition will determine Minerva’s reputation. Understand?”
“Yes sir!”
***
Minerva Academy wasn’t the only institution pouring its heart into this Olympia. Numerous academies across the empire were aiming for victory.
“This opportunity must not be missed!”
Alonso Falenberk, principal of Don Quixote Academy and former captain of the royal guard, shouted at his professors. The elderly man, as rigid as his years, looked every bit the part of a stern instructor.
“How can it be acceptable to remain second-best year after year just because we don’t cultivate mages?”
“It’s unacceptable!”
“This time, we’ll show that we don’t need mages to prove Don Quixote is the greatest educational institution!”
“Yes sir!”
Unable to contain his fervor, Alonso tore off his clothes and roared.
“Physical strength is national power! Crush those weak mages with our perfected bodies!”
“Uooooh!”
Inspired by him, the professors also ripped off their meticulously crafted training uniforms.
“My chest muscles are roaring, Captain!”
“Call me Principal!”
“Yes, Principal!”
“From now on, I’ll run around the campus encouraging the students! Let’s go!”
“Let’s go!”
And thus, the professors, led by Alonso, began running. Their bulging muscles—so large they could pass for orcs—were on full display. Despite the spectacle, the students merely continued walking calmly, having grown accustomed to such displays.
“Keep it up! Don Quixote Academy!”
Of course, whether this encouragement actually helped the students was anyone’s guess.
***
Elsewhere, numerous academies made various efforts for the Olympia.
“Students who perform well will receive full tuition waivers! We’ll even refund what’s already been paid!”
Such as scholarships…
“We’ll send you abroad to study in any country you wish! All expenses covered by the academy!”
Like studying overseas…
“Make it to the finals, and you’ll receive a million gold coins!”
Or prize money…
“Uh… Should I offer my daughter too?”
“Are you insane?!”
And so on…
In short, they staked everything they could for the honor of their institutions. Just as the academies and professors worked tirelessly, the students trained hard to achieve good results, striving to bring glory to their schools.
Thus, time flew by, and before long, the opening day of the Royal-sponsored Academy Grand Competition, ‘Olympia,’ was fast approaching.
***
“And now! The grand inter-academy battle! Let’s begin the OLYMPIA!!!”
Waahaaa-!
The audience erupted in cheers at the host’s cry. The noise was deafening.
“…Too loud.”
Black Wolf winced and pulled her robe tighter. If my eardrums are about to burst, hers must be far worse with her heightened hearing.
“Just bear with it for a bit. We’ll leave once the preliminary match brackets are announced.”
“Mm.”
As we waited, the host soon revealed the information we were waiting for.
“With participants from every academy in the nation, there are simply too many contestants! Thus, we’ve prepared a Battle Royale to eliminate many students at once! Let’s take a look at how it works!”
With a snap of the host’s fingers, a massive screen floated above, displaying multiple glowing circles.
“Each arena will hold thirty students! And from among them, only three students per arena will advance! That’s how the first preliminary round will proceed.”
So, this is the first stage. Clearly, the number of participants is immense compared to Minerva, where only seniors could participate.
“There will be 128 spots available for the main tournament! The preliminaries will continue until that number is reached! Only the gods know when this festival of battles will end!”
It was a somewhat crude method, but given that the event was hastily organized, some allowances had to be made. Still, just how many participants were there to necessitate this format?
Shaking my head as I watched, Black Wolf murmured softly.
“Will they be alright?”
“Hmm? What do you mean?”
“They can’t afford to lose.”
Despite her usual stoic expression, a hint of worry flickered in her eyes. Has she grown attached to them over this period?
Certainly, in a chaotic battle, there’s always the risk of not being able to fully demonstrate one’s abilities… but still.
Our kids are on a different level.
“Don’t worry. We trained them. We didn’t raise them to be weaklings, did we? Trust them and wait patiently.”
“…Alright.”
At my firm reassurance, Black Wolf silently nodded. Once so sharp-edged she struggled to express emotions, she now carried a faintly human warmth. I felt proud and gently patted her head.
Her ears twitched under the robe.
“Looks like our group starts in an hour. Let’s grab something to eat meanwhile.”
“Alright.”
“Stop touching me.”
“I heard you, I heard you.”
Still keeping my hand on her head as she requested, I chuckled watching her tail sway slightly.
The Olympia preliminaries were about to begin.
