Chapter 554

554.

Before the match.

Warden Tyden, who entrusted the provocation mission to Iliana, said:

“The main striking force of the opposing team will undoubtedly be Chelsea LeWalyn, Chen Sia, and Eiran Eresar. Those three, for sure.”

He looked toward Chelsea, Chen Sia, and Eiran.

“It won’t be easy to retrieve the ball from them.”

Unless we’re talking about speed.

When it comes to evasive maneuvers, Chelsea has the upper hand over Duran.

Moreover, if Celia and Duran were to take down the enemy with overwhelming strength, then Chen Sia would be the one to bring them down with flexible movements.

In Eiran’s case, she is quite literally a guardian for her teammates.

Hence, once the ball crosses over to their side, it’s very difficult to snatch it back.

“In the early stages, we’ll need to focus on blocking the opposing team’s offense. However, if we see an opening…”

“Celia can take the ball and aim for the first point.”

Howl nodded his head in agreement as he spoke.

Everyone agreed with his statement when Warden shook his head.

“No, our first goal is to eliminate Kal Thomas.”

At this statement, everyone turned to look at Warden in surprise.

“Why do you all wear such expressions?”

“Because, it’s hard not to be surprised. You’re saying that excluding Kal takes priority over scoring your first point.”

Jureddan spoke in a bewildered tone.

“Given the assumption of equal power in Basterra, the longer we drag out the game, the more advantageous it becomes for the defense team.”

In Basterra, defense includes the ability to retain possession of the ball, and the ball is the only offensive method in Basterra.

Being in possession of the ball for longer means more chances to attack.

Like how clothes get wet in a drizzle, the longer the game goes on, the more advantageous it becomes for the defensive team.

“We won’t have many attack opportunities. Wouldn’t it be wasteful to use one of those on taking down Kal?”

At Jureddan’s words, the other students except Warden nodded their heads in agreement.

“In Basterra, when an extremely offensive team meets an extremely defensive team, the defensive team has the advantage. Most students, including you guys, think that Professor Lifen put Kal Thomas on the defensive team to balance out that advantage.”

Warden glanced briefly in Kal Thomas’s direction.

“But Duran Moira, Abad LeWalyn, didn’t you both pick Kal Thomas as the most troublesome opponent until just a moment ago?”

“That’s…”

“Celia Zerdinger, don’t you find Kal Thomas to be a concern?”

“Yeah.”

“But you don’t really see him as a particularly threatening presence, do you?”

“Hmm… Kal? The weakest in second year.”

Turka shrugged.

“It’s not like I’m looking down on Kal. He’s definitely got skills since he’s made it this far. His strategies are excellent too. But this isn’t a real fight, is it? I think letting go of an opportunity where we have an advantage just to eliminate Kal would be a waste.”

“That’s the most irritating thing about Kal Thomas. The way he makes people not perceive him as a threatening presence. Even Kal Thomas himself contributes to this perception.”

Warden raised the corner of his mouth.

“But remember this fact: that guy has overcome every single trial we have faced, perhaps even more than we have. And every time, his teammates have gone above their limits. You all know this firsthand.”

Upon hearing Warden’s words, Celia, Abad, and Duran stiffened.

“Crossing our limits was undoubtedly our doing. But can you truly guarantee that you would have been able to surpass our limits without Kal Thomas back then?”

“That’s…”

Celia faltered at the end of her sentence.

Looking at her expression, Warden spoke.

“That is exactly what makes the guy alarming. His ability to help his comrades bring out their strength to the fullest. The longer he stays on the battlefield, the more he’s going to find our weak points. Not only that, he’ll also make the opposing team stronger. I believe that removing this guy from the game in its early stages is the key to winning.”

Warden’s gaze shifted toward Kal.

“I’ll leave it up to you whether to target this guy early on or not.”

Kal’s eyes opened.

“Huh?”

Kal raised his body from his seat and scratched his head.

“I got caught. Looks like we lost.”

“Well noticed.”

“Eek!”

Kal tensed at the voice coming from beside him.

There, Ella was sitting with her legs crossed, filing her nails.

“Ella? Why are you here?”

“Because I’m the one who brought you to the infirmary.”

“You? It wasn’t Chloe or Chelsea?”

Kal asked in disbelief, and Ella raised her eyebrows.

“Why do you react as if it’s natural for the other dorm leaders to care for you?”

“Nope, I thought something like, ‘Hmph, why should I bother with someone like Kal Thomas? I’ll be trimming my nails during that time,'” Kal mused, but— “Guh!”

“Deserving punishment, Kal Thomas.”

“Y-Y-Please forgive me!”

Kal, making a foolish imitation of Ella, ended up being strangled by her whip. He tried speaking through the pain.

Ella snorted mockingly upon releasing the pressure.

“I simply thought it would be appropriate for me to take care of you since we’re on the same team and from the same dormitory. Moreover…”

“Moreover?”

“Warden Tyden might have suspected that he could target you first. Yet by leaving you unattended, that was clearly my mistake.”

Ella clenched her lips.

“You intended to target me first, Warden did you? But why?”

“Are you still asking that now?”

Ella looked at Kal with an exasperated expression.

Kal scratched his head while looking back at her.

“Summoners tend to pick a familiar with a bit stronger feature even when they are of the same level. Hence, I thought they are known for being sharper in evaluating people.”

“Hmm, sure, students from the Department of Summoning generally possess such a trait.”

Kal nodded as Ella continued.

“I didn’t expect to tell you this. Kal Thomas, you’re much more remarkable than you think you are.”

Ella stared at Kal with a slightly irritated expression as though she had to spell it out.

“I’ve given you plenty of assistance, so I wish you wouldn’t see me as some cheap help. After all, helping you makes me feel like I’m being treated as cheap too.”

Upon hearing that, Kal looked at Ella with a moved expression.

“What? What is it?”

Ella, slightly confused by Kal’s continued gaze, blushed lightly.

Kal took Ella’s hands in both of his.

“What? What are you doing?”

Ella blushed even more as she became flustered.

“Ella, you do realize how much you’ve helped me.”

“…”

“I thought you’d never understand.”

“But… you…”

“Hmph. Why do you think someone like me, a mere commoner, deserves your help? It’s an honor.”

Zing! Snap! Snap! Snap!

“AAAGH! I was joking! Joking!”

Seeing Ella’s icy expression, Kal dodged as her whip lashed out repeatedly.

Then it happened.

Creeak-!

“Kal! Are you alright… oh my goodness?”

As Iliana opened the infirmary door boldly, she widened her eyes upon discovering the scene inside.

“You were having quite the moment. Sorry to interrupt.”

Then she closed the door.

“Stay out. There’s a whip play going on inside.”

Her playful voice was heard from outside.

“Kal Thomas.”

“Yep.”

“May I get rid of her?”

“Of course.”

Ella smiled icily and stalked out of the room.

Illiana’s piercing screams echoed throughout the ward.

“Sigh. I can’t relax and rest as expected.”

Kal sighed deeply, resting his chin on his hand, gazing out the window.

‘Not treating me as cheap…’

*

“The weather’s good today. I’m in a good mood.”

Seated at a café terrace, Elena sipped her fruit juice through a straw and spoke.

Leo sipped his coffee in front of her and replied.

“You’re looking cheerful.”

“It’s been a while since I had a day off.”

Elena smiled brightly in response, looking beautiful as always—worthy of being called the most beautiful woman in Lumeran. Just her smile alone was enough to make everyone in the shop lose their breath.

Seeing this, Leo chuckled softly.

“You look so confident.”

“Really?”

“Yes. We called this a date, but doesn’t it feel like we’re just here, sitting and looking at the streets? Are you not bored at all?”

Leaving Lumeran, Leo and Elena have been sitting in this café for a few hours with minimal conversation, just looking at the outdoor scenery.

“Because I love it—doing nothing and letting time pass.”

Leo looked out the window.

After living a life so busy, it felt refreshing to take time simply to relax.

“Hmm?”

Elena, resting her chin in her hand, looked at Leo and spoke.

“Leo.”

“Yes.”

“Would you like to stay over at my place tonight?”