Chapter: 397
After revealing to Rutis that I would participate in the class competition in a different way instead of the four-person match, the situation escalated rapidly.
With Beatrix’s participation already grabbing the entire continent’s attention towards the academy, what happens when the final showdown is added to the mix? Naturally, the aftermath was explosive. The rumor mill started churning just as quickly as the public’s gaze was locked in.
“There’s been a suggestion to run the class competition like a club fair.”
“A club fair, you say?”
“Yes. We want to open the academy to the public, just like during the fair.”
And there you have it. What was once a simple children’s game turned into a big deal with adults sweating over it.
‘This is ridiculous.’
Seeing the principal calmly sipping tea confirmed that opening the academy to outsiders was all but set in stone. The fact that the head honcho of the academy was discussing opinions in front of the inspector meant that they’d already made a decision.
Originally, the principal would’ve wanted to reject the chaos and hassle that an unexpected opening would cause. For them to give up on that means it was beyond their control.
‘So they were serious about this.’
I could take a good guess at who was behind this. It must be the Crown Prince’s doing. If the Crown Prince personally ordered the Minister of Education, the principal would have no choice.
It’s laughable for someone of the Crown Prince’s status to be involved in an academy event, considering Beatrix and I were both about to showcase our prowess on stage. It seemed like they were trying to maximize attendance for the best effect.
‘That bastard.’
I should’ve seen it coming when they started talking about a thousand attendees, but I never thought it would get this serious.
At least this extravagant spectacle was a one-off event for this year. Doing such things too often would ruin its significance.
“…I guess the principal has quite the workload ahead.”
I suppressed my bittersweet feelings and offered a polite consolation to the principal. Honestly, all I had to do was swing my sword, but the principal would have to manage all these outsiders. Ultimately, if chaos ensues at the academy, he would bear the responsibility.
“It’s fine. As the principal, it brings me joy to showcase the academy’s prestige.”
However, catching a glimpse of the principal’s faint smile made me involuntarily bow my head.
Thinking back, last year was just as tumultuous for the principal, but this year was another rollercoaster. With Beatrix arriving at the academy, countless mages submitted admission applications, visited the club fair, and students from Armayne flocked in as I sliced the skies… It’s hard to believe all of this happened in just one year.
While it might elevate the academy’s status, that old principal had rolled with the punches like a dog. A peaceful retirement has vanished in a brilliant flash.
“I’m sure you will be remembered as an unparalleled principal at the academy.”
That was why I cautiously offered my words of comfort, hoping they might bring some solace to this old government worker.
“Just hearing that fills me with excitement. Thank you, Minister.”
I flinched slightly at being addressed as a Minister, but my feelings didn’t waver. After all, the burden on the principal’s shoulders was far too heavy for me to sulk over just a title.
For the students of the academy, the class competition was an event meant for casual movement followed by relaxed spectating—an event where, at best, the class with the highest-ranking student would triumph.
Last year, despite the overwhelming nobility standing among us, it only momentarily disrupted the ritual. In truth, apart from a handful of freshmen, there were no victims. The class students had to roll for the victory of the noble student, not those from other classes and grades.
However, this year, everyone had to roll. No more exclusivity—everyone from the first, second, and third years was getting swept in.
“When it was just an academy event, it was fine to act according to our traditions, but the outsiders from all corners of the continent won’t know our customs. As nobles, we can’t show them any nonchalance,” said Mar, giving me a kind explanation.
Out of nowhere, reverse marbles were coming, higher-ups and high-profile knights and mages roaming about. Showing a lazy demeanor in front of them would jeopordize one’s reputation and insult those prestigious guests. As a result, all students had shed their old customs and transformed into warriors.
And now, the student council was stuck dealing with the chaos from these warriors. That’s why Mar wore an awkward smile that looked like a deer caught in headlights.
“I’m not sure if I’m causing you trouble, Mar.”
“It’s not like that. It’d be a lie to say it’s not tough, but if it raises the knife’s reputation, I’d gladly do it.”
Seeing Mar’s grin relaxed the burning heart I felt like I was in a furnace. The Crown Prince paved the way while Mar was protective—didn’t they share an extreme temperature difference?
“If Beatrix hears about this, she might get a bit sulky.”
Seeing Mar, I decided to make a light-hearted joke.
“Isn’t there no place left for her renown to rise? She’ll understand.”
Mar responded with equal humor, which led us both to burst into laughter for a moment.
Yeah, Beatrix doesn’t have any room for more fame. She’s been a top authority in her field for nearly a century. In game terms, she’s probably locked at 99999 by now.
“That’s true. Then I’ll have to focus on boosting my fame to match Beatrix’s status.”
A small vow to work hard for the amount Beatrix has achieved. At this, Mar smiled even broader.
While I might not be a Duke, I would at least be recognized as an eminent swordsman—if everything panned out. Of course, if they offer me titles like Sword Emperor or Sword Monarch, I’d refuse. That’d make me seem like a total rebel.
As I continued chatting with Mar about the class competition, a familiar voice echoed from beyond the president’s office door.
“Mar, it’s me. May I come in?”
‘Oh.’
Just then, the topic of our conversation made her entrance—Beatrix.
“Yes, sister. Please come in.”
Mar’s eyes widened momentarily with surprise at Beatrix appearing just as she mentioned her, and then she spoke.
Once Beatrix stepped in at Mar’s permission, she noticed me and offered a gentle smile.
“Oh, you’re here too.”
“Yeah, I’m just hanging around where there’s not much to do.”
While I answered casually, something felt off. Beatrix’s words were more than a simple greeting—they felt like she stumbled upon something fortuitous.
What’s this? Does Beatrix have something to discuss with me? I mean, we chat daily, so there shouldn’t really be anything she wants to say.
“I was planning to discuss things first with Mar, but since we’re all together, why don’t we talk now?”
Seeing me dumbfoundedly blink, Beatrix sat down next to me and continued with a calm voice.
“Hey, you mentioned you’d slice the heavens during the closing ceremony, right?”
“Uh, yeah. I figured if I did it earlier, the audience wouldn’t be able to concentrate on the competition.”
Even though the competition has ballooned to an uncontrollable level, its essence is still an event for the academy students. Whenever I slice the heavens, there’d be no way to ignore that spectacle, so it’d be best to save it until all the students were finished with their activities.
Beatrix must have shared my thought, as she nodded briefly.
“In that case, how about we don’t do it alone but together? I’ll have time after the four-person event.”
“Together?”
“Yeah, together.”
And then came the proposal—a joint performance of Beatrix and me during the closing ceremony that left my mouth agape.
“Uh, sister, are you serious?”
Even Mar stammered, double-checking the audacious proposal. Had it been anyone else but Beatrix, I would’ve said they were out of their mind.
But this was what you’d expect from a being so extraordinary. The norm is turned upside down when she’s involved.
“Safety concerns are nonexistent. It can’t get any more spectacular than this.”
Yet, standing before Mar was a being far removed from the ordinary. She takes the abnormal and molds it into the normal, altering the paradigm.
Regardless, Mar’s gaze, full of hope mixed with fear, turned toward me. As if wishing for me to intervene somehow.
“…….”
“Cal…?”
I discreetly averted Mar’s eyes.
‘Is that possible?’
The audacity of Beatrix’s proposal was undoubtedly intriguing. Had it been anyone else, I’d have called them crazy, but with Beatrix declaring ‘safety concerns aren’t present’, who wouldn’t doubt her? There’s no chance a spectacle could be more spectacular.
…My heart raced. I didn’t desire to become a clown, but if I had to roll in the Crown Prince’s game, I’d want to pull off something absolutely insane. Perhaps then, the Crown Prince would be shook and never drag me into this again.
“Is it really safe?”
“Cal!?”
Sorry, Mar, but at this moment, I was determined to embody the heart and mind of a beast.
The one who wanted this extravagant performance was none other than the Crown Prince.
*
The class competition had concluded. Even though I’d only experienced my second class competition, it was clear this year’s scale was overwhelmingly grand.
“Olivia, we’re done managing!”
“Got it! Great job, everyone!”
It was way more exhausting than any student council duties I’d heard about from my graduated seniors. They wouldn’t lie, so this must be a scale they hadn’t encountered before either.
“Ugh, what a grind…”
I grumbled as I massaged my thighs. Even someone with decent stamina like me felt exhausted—as the student council had been beyond busy.
Yet amidst all the weariness, a smile crept onto my face. Even though we hustled around for several days during the competition, it was worth it. With all these people attending, there hadn’t even been a single accident.
‘Hehe.’
I felt so proud. When I first became part of the student council, there was so much unfamiliarity, but now look at me—I’m a seasoned council member! My sister even praised me!
“It’s a shame we couldn’t witness the four-person match. Where will we see the Duke fight?”
“Don’t worry; they filmed it. We can watch that.”
Amidst the chatter of the other council members, I suddenly remembered.
‘The Closing Ceremony!’
How could I momentarily forget that? Not only had the Duke participated in the four-person match, but the Executive Manager was also going to showcase his sky-slicing technique at the closing ceremony.
I, too, wield a sword, so I had to see it! I was relieved I remembered just in time!
The closing ceremony hall was already packed.
What a bummer. I wished I could have been closer.
‘…But who cares if it’s far, right? As long as I get to see the sky get sliced!’
While I was having these thoughts, any feeling of hesitation evaporated. Sure, being far away is annoying, but it’s not like I can’t watch the skies getting ripped!
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone gathered here today.”
As my racing heart waited, the Executive Manager’s voice echoed.
The crowd was so thick, I could barely make out the figure of the Executive Manager on stage, but that was fine. Just knowing he was there was enough.
“During this class competition, our future talents who will lead the empire, and indeed the continent, demonstrated their skills in a friendly rivalry. As one who walks this path ahead of them, I’m filled with joy.”
‘Senpais?’
I tilted my head in confusion. Isn’t the Executive Manager one of our senpais?
“That’s why I want to give a small gift to the juniors who showed such marvelous displays. A glimpse into the realm that lies at the end of the path they tread, which they can reach if they keep moving forward.”
What’s that? Everyone who shows something good is automatically a senpai!
As the Executive Manager delved further into his speech, I could feel the anticipation building among the crowd.
“This is a sentiment shared by our great Duke of the Empire, the Duke of Magic. He wishes to showcase the end of magic that couldn’t be fully displayed in the four-person match right here!”
The murmurs among the crowd intensified. I’m not super interested in magic, but just like I awaited the sky slicing, I knew all the mages hoped to see the Duke’s magic as well. What a delightful situation!
“Oh, and please stay calm and observe, as everything unfolding here is proven safe.”
?
That’s a weird thing to say. Safe? Calm? The Executive Manager’s previous sky-slicing technique hadn’t affected anyone, and it wouldn’t matter how powerful the magic was if it was fired into the air—nothing would happen, right? Why the need to emphasize safety?
Oh, with so many non-combat guests present, he must have spoken out of consideration. The Executive Manager truly has a gentle heart—
Huh…?
“Uh?”
When I looked up at the sky, a phenomenon left me speechless.
‘A rock?’
No, could saying that was a rock even suffice?
Out of nowhere, a massive boulder appeared in the sky. A dark, ominous, and bloody-red rock materialized out of thin air.
And it was falling toward us.
“───!!”
“──! ───!”
The surrounding area erupted into chaos. I couldn’t catch everything that was said, but whatever was happening, it was loud.
Yet, I found myself entranced, staring at the rock—no, meteor. It wasn’t just one. There are two, three, four—perhaps even more.
“To clarify, there’re no safety issues.”
My daze faded, redirected back to the Executive Manager’s voice.
“Nothing will come into contact with you.”
Right as he said that, the meteor split in half. The divided meteor began to develop cracks before it scattered away like the remnants of petals.
Under the torn sky, it disappeared like dust.
*
Watching the meteors turn to powder felt oddly gratifying.
‘Maybe this will work out somehow.’
The Duke of Magic conjured a meteor, and slicing it in the sky would involve cancelling the magic. Such a high-level execution required genius finesse on his part.
Honestly, I thought it was insane, but I don’t regret it.
‘This is sick.’
To be honest, it was undeniably impressive.
A wizard wielding meteors and a swordsman who shatters meteors—where else could you see such a thing?
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