Chapter 60
Chapter 60
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 60
Chapter Title: Midterm Evaluation (2)
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I thought it would at best be a designated sparring match, but it seemed not. Suddenly, Kratir, who had been standing next to Naviroje, clapped his hands. Clap! Ronan's vision went dark.
"Eh?"
It was the same sensation as when he'd been kidnapped by Kratir before. Fortunately, it didn't last long. As his organs churned, his vision brightened again. Ronan frowned at the unfamiliar scenery before him.
"What the hell."
The sound of crashing waves echoed from all directions. The humid sea breeze carried the scent of salt.
Ronan looked up and surveyed his surroundings. The shoreline, made entirely of rock without a speck of sand, was a deep gray. Dark blue waves crashed against the sheer cliffs lining the coast.
'An island...?'
Toward the land, massive broadleaf trees stood densely packed. It was a primal landscape untouched by human hands. Adeshan, standing right beside him, was wide-eyed, twisting her limbs this way and that.
"Whoa... So this is Instructor Kratir's spatial magic. First time experiencing it firsthand."
Most of the students were reacting similarly. Ronan tilted his head.
"You don't know this place either, Senpai?"
"Huh? Yeah. The midterm evaluation site changes every time. Oh right! Your armor!"
"Everyone, listen up."
Adeshan was just about to take off her greaves again. Naviroje's voice rang out through the sea wind. She was scanning the students while holding a trunk in one hand. Confirming everyone was present, Naviroje continued.
"Good. No one's missing, so I'll explain the rules of the midterm evaluation."
"Yes!!"
"As you all know, my classes emphasize 'real combat.' If I could, I'd send you all on a field trip to the southern warzone... but that's not realistic."
The students' faces paled. Only Ronan pursed his lips in admiration. A warzone. Come to think of it, that was an option.
"So, I devised this as a substitute. You'll be randomly scattered across this small island and fight until only one remains. Take a look at this."
Naviroje opened the trunk. Inside were over a hundred thin black bracelets.
"These are recognition bracelets designed for the exam. The moment you put one on, you'll be teleported to a random spot on the island. They also determine elimination: if it's removed, or if you die, or if you suffer irreparable damage, it forcibly sends the wearer back to Phileon."
"Heh."
Ronan let out a hollow laugh. It was his first time seeing so many expensive spatial magic artifacts in bulk. Using them just for an exam—only possible at Phileon Academy.
Of course, that wasn't the only reason he was surprised. Naviroje's words meant not to worry about killing your opponent—just fight.
"Don't fear getting hurt. The best healers and recovery mages from Phileon are on standby. Even if you're sent back gravely injured but not dead, you'll be treated immediately."
She added that there were no special fouls. In other words, ambushes or ganging up on one person were fair game.
'That's why everyone dressed like that.'
He could see why they'd come so prepared. Students carrying ranged weapons unused in class or massive backpacks were common.
"Whew... I'm nervous. If we run into each other, wanna team up?"
"Not a bad idea. Honestly, I'm a bit scared too."
"Heh heh heh, gonna have fun hunting underclassmen again."
Even knowing in advance, it was outrageous. As the students' murmurs grew louder, Naviroje began calling names one by one.
"Alright, come up one by one and get your recognition bracelet. Schlieffen Sinivan de Grancia."
Schlieffen walked forward silently and put on the bracelet. His form distorted for an instant before vanishing. Gasps erupted here and there. Soon, Adeshan's name was called.
"Next, Adeshan."
"Whew... If we meet, absolutely don't go easy on me. Got it?"
"I'll try."
"Haha, what kind of response is that? See you later!"
Adeshan put on the bracelet and disappeared. Soon, murmurs rose nearby.
"What, the assistant TA? What was she thinking coming here?"
"Anyone who runs into her is screwed. She's guaranteed to take one down."
Ronan narrowed his eyes. Jerks like that were everywhere. As he scanned for the students who'd just spoken,
"Next, Ronan."
"Yes."
Naviroje called Ronan. As he stepped forward, the crowd of students parted to both sides.
Thanks to bald Cardan and the idiots he'd beaten during the interview. Among the third-years and above, Ronan's nickname was solidifying as 'Senior Slayer.'
Ronan picked up the bracelet. Naviroje, who hadn't said a word, quietly spoke.
"Go easy."
"I agree with the instructor's words that real combat is important."
"You..."
"Bye."
Ronan put on the bracelet. His vision blurred immediately, revealing a completely different scene. Towering trees rose all around. The faint sound of waves suggested he was in the middle of the forest he'd seen from afar.
"Feels like a ghost yanking out my hair..."
He chuckled involuntarily. Spatial magic was something you never got used to, no matter how many times you experienced it. As he stretched and prepared to move,
a sudden doubt crossed his mind.
'Wait. Am I really supposed to slice people up?'
Ronan stopped in place. He could feel mana flowing to his weapon.
Getting hyped for real combat and accidentally decapitating a student would be no fun. As he rubbed his chin in thought,
the space five steps ahead rippled, and a male student appeared.
"Huh?"
The student immediately went on guard, scanning the surroundings. He looked extremely tense, frozen stiff.
The moment he turned his head left, their eyes met. Ronan waved casually.
"Hi."
The student's eyes bulged. Gripping his polearm, he shouted,
"Y-You're...!"
"Calm down, calm down. Think you're lucky?"
"Die!"
Suddenly, the student charged with his polearm thrust forward. The mana-charged blade glowed bluish. Ronan sighed and lowered his stance. Whoosh! As he ducked, a blue arc traced over his head.
"Goddamn it, I said calm down."
Ronan drew his sword hilt. Two slashes shot toward the polearm's shaft. As the student tried to pull back,
Bang! The shaft snapped into three pieces, and the polearm's head hit the ground. Ronan tripped the stunned student.
"Agh!"
"I've got something to think about, so wait a sec."
Ronan pointed his blade at the student's throat. As he pondered how to test it,
the trembling student suddenly jerked his upper body up.
"Damn it! Don't humiliate me!"
"Whoa! Hey!"
The blade tip was just about to touch his Adam's apple. Stab. But it felt like piercing something other than flesh.
Whoosh! The student's form distorted and vanished. Ronan, stunned for a moment, scratched his head and muttered,
"...Lucky."
It seemed to detect threats and teleport rather than a barrier. No mishaps. Soon, a faint smile curved his lips.
"Guess I can go all out then."
Suddenly, Ronan hurled Lamancha at the trees above. The straight-flying blade pierced the dense leaves. Snap! As it emerged the other side, a leather-clad girl plummeted from the branch.
"Kyaaah!"
She clutched a longbow. She hit the ground headfirst before she could use any falling technique.
It was a height that should've snapped her neck. But just as her crown touched the earth, her form distorted and vanished. Twigs and arrows scattered where she'd been.
"Should've hidden your presence better."
Chuckling, Ronan retrieved Lamancha. The magic triggered on non-combat deaths too. Of course—such stability was needed for this insane exam.
There seemed to be just over a hundred competitors. Ronan headed toward the sound of the waves. No real reason; he just wanted to see the sea.
"Y-You bastard!"
Slash.
"Argh! I-I'm weak... Get the others...!"
Slash.
By the time he exited the forest, he'd encountered two more students. One charged, one fled—both sliced on sight. Ronan smacked his lips.
"No blood spray, so it's no fun..."
Soon, the cliffs and vast horizon appeared. The sea was a deep indigo he'd never seen. The cliffs were razor-sharp, like cut with shears, with at least thirty meters drop to the water.
Clang...!
Clang...!
Then, metallic clashes carried on the wind. Sharp tones suggested blades colliding.
"Hm?"
Ronan turned toward the sound. Not far off, students were locked in fierce combat. Spotting one face, Ronan's eyes widened.
"Adeshan?"
Black hair whipped with each sword swing. Her form was textbook perfect, thanks to diligent class attendance. Ronan clicked his tongue.
'...Sword's too slow.'
But despite the form, she was overwhelmingly outmatched. Pushed back despite a head shorter than her opponent. The female student clashing blades laughed mockingly.
"Hahaha! Resist a bit more!"
"Ngh...!"
It was more like toying. Adeshan swung her longsword vertically. The girl easily twisted her shoulder to dodge, then kicked Adeshan's gut.
"Guh!"
"Didn't expect to get the lucky protagonist spot."
Ronan's eyes widened. Same voice from the waiting area. After a moment's thought, he kicked off the ground and charged. Adeshan swung repeatedly, shouting,
"Kacha! Stop playing around and fight fair...!"
"Nah, wanna play more. So what if you're tall and pretty? You're this weak."
Adeshan bit her lip. Kacha was deliberately avoiding lethal strikes. Zip! A shallow cut appeared on Adeshan's shoulder.
As Kacha's sly smile returned, a chill ran through her. She turned. Ronan's face was right there.
"Huh?"
She hadn't noticed him approach. Ronan drew his hilt. Two thrusts shot at the girl.
Slash! The blade tore from her shoulder joint, blood spraying as it withdrew. Her sword dropped.
"Kyaaaaah!"
"Fun playing with shit? Me too."
Bam! Ronan kicked her chest, sending her tumbling back. Not lethal or disabling enough for teleport. Adeshan cried out in shock.
"Ro-Ronan?!"
"Yeah. You finish her, Senpai."
Ronan nodded at Kacha. Arms useless, she writhed screaming. No trace of her earlier smugness amid tears and snot. Kacha pleaded to Adeshan,
"A-Adeshan! Spare me... We're in the same class!"
Adeshan didn't reply. After deep breaths, she swung. Clean whoosh, and Kacha vanished. Adeshan stabbed her blade into the ground and sighed.
"Hoo..."
"Good job. Most hesitate even knowing they won't die."
"...Thanks anyway. What're you doing here?"
"Heard noise. Now pondering what to do with you."
Ronan said flatly. A chill ran down Adeshan's spine. She'd forgotten momentarily—they had to cross blades, at least temporarily.
And Ronan was the most dangerous foe on this island. Clutching her hilt, Adeshan said shakily,
"...Don't hold back."
"That's my call. Wanna walk?"
Ronan strolled off. Adeshan hesitated, then followed. Soon, they walked side by side along the cliff.
"Nice view. Sea color's like the southern seas, but no idea where."
"Why not strike? Think it'll make me happy?"
"Yeah, still pondering. You make it hard for me, Senpai."
"...What does that mean?"
Ronan twisted his lips. Lately, he'd pondered Adeshan's situation more than ever—even more than during the Dolan incident.
'Too dangerous.'
The fight with Nebula Klazier would intensify. Monsters like Brigia lurked everywhere.
The war against ancient bastards predating the Empire would be long and grueling, as Saranté said.
Ronan glanced at Adeshan's profile. Gray eyes and pale skin caught first. Her sharp nose rose proudly.
He hadn't noticed in his past life, but she was stunning. Long black hair billowed in the sea wind. Ronan smiled bitterly and stopped.
"Mm, decided."
"Decided?"
"Draw your sword. Adeshan."
Back to the cliff, Ronan faced her. Her face hardened. He continued calmly.
"I won't use mine. If your attack even grazes me once, I lose."
"Are you joking...? Toying with me like Kacha?"
"No joke, no toying. But if you lose..."
Ronan trailed off. His lips wouldn't part.
Quit this nonsense and go home to cut cloth. He couldn't say it. Steel himselfing,
"Lose?"
"Well... quit this non—"
Suddenly, Ronan lunged at Adeshan. He wrapped her waist and yanked her back.
"Kyaa!"
As she flushed and tried shouting, a shadow loomed over their heads.
Something massive crashed where Adeshan had stood. BOOM! A huge dust pillar erupted with the roar. Pale-faced Adeshan staggered back.
"Wh-what the—!"
"Heh, saved her."
A somewhat sleazy baritone emerged from the dust. A bald man in heavy armor stepped out, an absurdly huge warhammer slung over his shoulder.
"Nice to meet ya, Ronan. Heard a lot."
"Who're you?"
"Aewoon Dalan. Got a sec to talk?"
Adeshan's eyes widened. Whispering to Ronan,
"Th-the third-year top student...!"
Aewoon was a warhammer master shining in Naviroje's class. The crater proved it—like a meteor strike. Ronan spat on the ground.
"Don't care who, spit it out. Interrupted something important, you fuck."
"As rumored, rough. Anyway... Our year's opinion ain't great. As top student, here to judge."
Aewoon planted the hammerhead. Thud! Dull boom echoed.
"Teach third-years to shit from their mouths?"
"Kinda. Guide promising juniors too. Get arrogant when cocky. Like you. Early elimination'll humble ya."
"Aewoon. Got her."
Boom! Boom! Two more hulks landed beside Aewoon. Bald like him. Ronan snorted at the bald trio.
"Birds of a feather. Not embarrassed?"
"Real combat, no face."
"Bullshit. Asked if three baldies parading ain't embarrassing. Humanly, pluck grass for hair, idiots."
"...You're hopeless."
Suddenly, Aewoon leaped skyward. Whoosh! Hammer arced massively down. Ronan sidestepped easily. BOOM! Hammer cratered his spot. Crack. Cliff corner split off. Ronan smirked.
"Same old tricks."
As Ronan leaped up lightly, the two hulks behind Aewoon launched at him. Moves impossible unless aiming to fall together.
'Bait from the start.'
Ronan drew. Slash! Flicking strikes tore heads and sides. Head-slashed student distorted away.
The other's side bled, but he ignored, bear-hugging Ronan. They plummeted off the cliff. Ronan glanced up.
"Damn, Adeshan."
BOOM! Dust exploded above—Aewoon's hammer again.
Ronan reverse-gripped Lamancha, stabbing the bald's back. Hulk vanished; body freed. Ground rushed away fast.