Chapter: 316
It was a peaceful day. Just like usual, I checked the schedule for Rutis, reviewed the military strength of the United Kingdom of Yuben, and held regular discussions with representatives from the Holy Kingdom. Ever since Rutis enrolled at the Academy, it’s been the same daily routine. So, it was just another ordinary day.
However, there was one noticeable thing: I was on edge about the practical exam questions. Thankfully, with last year’s experience under my belt, it wasn’t something to get too worked up about. In fact, Rutis was all smiles after an excellent match with a student named Charles Ollid.
No problems with the escort, the satisfaction of my lord. Honestly, I just wished every day could be like today.
“……”
That was certainly the case.
Until the sky split open. With a strange amplification of mana and a deafening sound that seemed to tear space apart, the blue sky was severed.
‘What the heck?’
I was bewildered. Calling it confusion barely scratches the surface; it feels inadequate to describe my state of mind. The more I try to elaborately express it, the more that feeling feels diminished.
A grotesque scar that seems to insult the heavens. No matter how positively I frame it, it was nothing to behold, yet I couldn’t help but gaze at it like a heretic entranced by an idol. No, to a swordsman, that scar was more akin to a divine mark than any idol could ever be.
There’s no guarantee that it was a mark made by a sword. If I were to tell someone, they’d probably scoff at me. Yet, I could instinctively feel it. That was an achievement wrought by a sword.
I just stared blankly. Not long after, before the sky healed, neither I nor the nearby knights could utter a word.
“…Sir Villar.”
“Yeah.”
The knight who spoke trembled as if still in shock. I nodded before he could finish his thought.
“Report this to headquarters.”
This was a matter beyond our capacity to deal with. Even if I had to endure complaints of being a chatterbox, reporting this was non-negotiable.
And that night, the training grounds near our residence were filled with knights.
“Perosa.”
“Ah, Father.”
Among those knights, Perosa was present as well. I felt a rush of pride, thinking that instead of despair, he was feeling competitive spirit after seeing that mark. It brought a smile to my face as a father, knowing he was destined for greatness.
However, it wasn’t long before that pride was overshadowed by grim news.
“Is it about the Inspector General?”
– Yeah. The royal family made an official announcement. Although it wasn’t the Emperor who stepped in, it was the Crown Prince, so it’s reliable.
Hearing from the commander of the royal knights back home, I sensed something was off when I saw the dazed expression on the commander’s face, but I never expected the empire to officially recognize that the previous incident was a human act.
And I definitely didn’t expect it to be tied to the actions of the Inspector General, who had been stationed at the Academy for over a year.
– …It seems Robens Academy will follow in the footsteps of Ernesto Academy.
That sent me into silence. As a knight from Armein, it was unwelcome news. Robens Academy was a point of pride for Armein, yet they were now forced to acknowledge the superiority of the empire.
– The bureaucrats are in an uproar, too. The records of the Northern War have been revealed to be true.
I wondered what they meant but soon realized. Immediately after the cessation of hostilities, the empire’s weakened intelligence network had let Armein obtain records that stated, “The sky was torn and the earth wailed by Kagan’s sword.”
But who would take that literally? Most people would think it’s a typical exaggeration. From the bureaucrats’ viewpoint, it must be like a bolt from the blue.
– Plus, the military feels a sense of crisis with the sudden display of power from the empire.
The continuation of the conversation made my expression harden instinctively. In this climate, showcasing military might was anything but normal.
If it were a warning to the three nations stationed at the Academy, it should’ve been delivered last year. At this point, when we’ve established smooth relations, provoking the three nations would be detrimental to the empire.
– Opinions are divided. Some say this was merely to assert the royal family’s authority by using the Executive Manager of the Imperial Counts, while others suspect a move to completely suppress the Jeveno Kingdom to gain maritime dominance. There are even theories about advancing towards the Leon Kingdom, pressuring the United Kingdom, or conquering the Northern Region. There are all sorts of theories flying around.
The commander chuckled at the absurdity but maintained a serious expression. Each possibility couldn’t be dismissed lightly.
A sudden show of force. Especially with the admission of Rutis and other notable figures from the three nations and the influx of mages enchanted by Marcilio right at the moment when the heavens were split above the academy.
Was this a coincidence, or a calculated declaration?
– Robens Academy’s visit to the Imperial Academy isn’t solely for the sake of learning. Just so you know.
“…I’ll keep that in mind.”
That statement was enough. Armein would temporarily bow to avoid the empire’s blade, and I was ordered to clearly understand the empire’s intentions. It was an overly heavy task for a mere knight, but it was not the worst-case scenario.
‘At least it’s not Armein.’
The Inspector General I’ve seen so far is not the type to remain calm in front of someone from a nation about to invade. They’d either clearly draw the line or provoke openly. At least, that’s how I perceived the Inspector General.
‘If that demeanor is an act—’
Then it would mean they had been preparing for an invasion long before Rutis enrolled.
…That’s a terrifying possibility.
*
After entering the Tannian coin buyout meta, I ramped up my persuasive efforts.
Tannian’s healing spells can quickly bond severed limbs, but they say his enhancement spells are his specialty. If that’s the case, isn’t it possible to cleave the heavens without getting hurt at all? The Crown Prince personally asked him to nurture his students, so how could he refuse? I spouted every justification I could think of.
“…Alright then. I’ll let it slide this time.”
“Thank you for understanding, Mar.”
Fortunately, it seemed my heartfelt persuasion worked, or maybe it was the guaranteed safety of their bodies, but I succeeded in convincing everyone, including Marghetta. Honestly, the latter played a huge role, but as long as I hit my goal, who cares?
Anyway, with Tannian’s spell backing me up, I avoided no-showing in front of the audience that came to watch our performance.
“Robens Academy says they are ready to come whenever. They said they could teleport here immediately if permitted.”
“What splendid enthusiasm! A willingness to learn without hesitation is something to commend, even if they are from a foreign educational institution.”
Once I succeeded in persuasion, everything followed smoothly. From the principal’s standpoint, accepting Robens Academy’s submission after Ernesto Academy made sense; there was no reason to refuse. I’d likely be remembered as one of the greatest principals in the history of the empire’s academy.
“It brings me joy to see opportunities that infuse life into this old man’s boring twilight years. This is all thanks to the Executive Manager.”
“Don’t mention it. It’s more about the merits you’ve built up as the principal.”
“Oh ho, that’s quite a modest thing to say.”
In evidence of that, the principal maintained a laughing facade throughout our conversation. It would be understandable if he had concerns or hesitations after the sky-splitting moment, yet he only nodded smoothly without voicing any apprehensions.
I couldn’t tell if it was because Robens Academy’s submission made him feel magnanimous or if he had been liberated from various hassles after a year, but either way, I was grateful. As the principal suggested, if his old age was filled with vigor instead of complications, that’s a beneficial turn of events.
It’s a twisted fortune, but I’m inclined to think that way.
Just three days after the principal’s approval, Robens Academy officially visited the Imperial Academy. Unlike Ernesto Academy, which charged in with the intent of the fair, Robens Academy’s visit was rather unforeseen.
“I am Narche Joahim, the Vice Principal of Robens Academy. The Principal wished to come in person, but he couldn’t due to scheduling conflicts. We hope for your understanding in this matter.”
However, an unexpected visit does not mean the visitors are of lower rank. While the principal himself wasn’t present, having a Vice Principal of higher stature from the swordsmanship community come in personally to express understanding over the principal’s absence is significant enough. It showed Robens Academy’s sincerity.
“If the principal had come in person, it would have been our honor. We wouldn’t express disappointment over not meeting him. Please don’t worry.”
Thus, the Imperial Academy welcomed the Vice Principal with the formalities usually reserved for the principal, and it seemed the Robens Academy representatives felt reasonably content with that.
Of course, 100% satisfaction would come only after witnessing the sky-slicing firsthand. What’s the use of formality if you don’t get what you want?
“By the way, is the gentleman beside you the Executive Manager?”
After exchanging greetings with the principal, Narche Joahim turned to me.
“Yes, that’s right.”
“I’ve had the privilege of receiving invaluable lessons from the Executive Manager. It truly is an honor, and I won’t forget today’s events.”
I felt a slight sensation of vertigo at Narche Joahim’s polite bow.
Right now, he was laying aside his pride and bowing deeply, but had he not gotten to see that sky cleaving, there would have been uproar. If the price of letting his pride down was leaving empty-handed, anyone would be furious.
Thank you, Tannian… you saved the relationship between the empire and Armein…
*
The Executive Manager promptly led the students to the dojo to show them the sky-cleaving technique.
“It’s not something that takes long, and dragging it out wouldn’t be right for students who’ve come from afar. Isn’t it better to see what you wish and rest at ease afterward?”
We gladly accepted that remark. Having forcefully adjusted the Academy’s schedule and come to the empire, the longer we stayed, the harder it would be to handle the fallout. I was already overwhelmed with duties as the Vice Principal, and I couldn’t pile on any more.
So, I accepted the goodwill of the Executive Manager. If we achieved our mission from the first day, we could head back home as soon as possible.
‘…There are a lot of people.’
It seemed the news had already spread, as the dojo was filled with students and faculty from the Imperial Academy who had come to accompany the Executive Manager. It was understandable since they wouldn’t want to miss out on such an experience.
What was a bit strange was that Rutis was right there among the students of the Imperial Academy.
‘My lord…’
A peculiar situation, where the pride of Armein bows its head at the Imperial Academy, and the royal blood of Armein is present in that environment. As I reflected on this bizarre circumstance, a young man with white hair placed his hand on the Executive Manager’s shoulder and murmured something.
The bright white light shimmering around the young man and Executive Manager indicated it was a magic spell. That young man must be Tannian Enen, the next saint.
After exchanging a few words with the next saint, the Executive Manager nodded and took center stage in the dojo.
“Let’s begin.”
At that announcement, a heavy silence descended over the dojo. The immense crowd seemed to halt any sounds as if not wanting to disrupt the moment.
Among them, only the Executive Manager had the right to move.
‘Wow.’
And embarrassingly, the moment the Executive Manager lifted his sword, I couldn’t help but be in awe. For a martial artist, fundamental techniques are of utmost importance, and you can gauge their level by their posture alone.
In that sense, the Executive Manager’s stance was perfect. Even in simple preparatory movements, there were no flaws, and each step forward, each reach of his arm was mesmerizing. How much time must he have spent to achieve that level of perfection?
Sure, achieving the feat of slicing through the heavens must require an incredibly strong foundation—
‘What the…’
My wonder quickly turned into shock. As the Executive Manager slowly moved his sword, a fierce circulation of mana surged from his heart; that mana burst into the right side of his chest and spread explosively, engulfing his arm and sword.
An abnormal circulation of mana. Anyone foolish enough to try and replicate it would burst their heart in an instant.
Witnessing the spectacular mana circulation, everyone stood bewildered, watching a man on the edge of genius—
– ■■■■■■■■■──!!!
The marvel of that genius was displayed across the sky.
‘Huh.’
I gasped, but this time it wasn’t in admiration as before.
The black scar that grotesquely marred the blue sky seemed to devour it, leaving behind a new wound that widened further.
‘…Is that a malevolent deity?’
The sacred texts of the Dawn Sect tell of evil deities sealed away in the northern parts of the continent that once fought against Enen.
I’ve never seen those deities, but if they were to appear in this world, wouldn’t they tear the sky and insult it just like the Executive Manager did?
*
This is bad. I’ve been betrayed by the enhancement spell I trusted.
At least my arm looked alright. it appeared to be intact; nothing was lying around like last time when it was torn and rolling on the floor.
‘It exploded from the inside.’
Sadly, although the surface held up, beneath the skin, my muscles, nerves, and bones felt utterly wrecked.
But hey, as long as the exterior looks fine, that’s something, right? This time, I can insist I wasn’t injured. After all, nothing seems amiss. I can say my arm doesn’t raise because it aches a little from sudden use or something.
I will just casually ask Tannian to take care of it after everyone is gone.
‘Damn.’
…If I get caught, it’s over.
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