Chapter 123
Chapter 123
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 123
Chapter Title: Finals' Blade
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The first day of finals had barely ended, but a storm of rumors was already sweeping through the first-years.
The star of those rumors was, predictably, the top student of the year.
【Blitzkrieg of Iron Fists】
The flyer circulated by the newspaper club was that shocking.
Milmyu von Sabre.
In her first match of the day, she crushed Cotton Shinespark—the third-ranked student—with a single blow. Then she effortlessly laid out the fourth-ranked as well.
They weren't on the level of the top two, but third and fourth place were still the absolute elite representing this batch of twenty thousand students.
One was a central baron's mage. The other, an archer from a renowned elven house. They couldn't hold a candle to the former top student with his light mana or the central count's heir, but still.
"I can't hold my head high if I lose to the likes of you."
"Guh... sob."
[Winner! Milmyu von Sabre!]
And yet, they weren't even close.
According to a student who witnessed the fight firsthand, her style earned the evaluation of 【Utterly Efficient Combat Technique】.
Against Shinespark, the pure mage, she clamped one hand over his mouth to silence his incantation, then smashed him with the other.
Aspiring magic division students next year were trembling, diving into research on how to fight charging melee warriors.
Her matchup against the archer was even more ridiculous.
Since the opponent's dexterity was superior, she opted for throws.
She slammed the training ground floor, scooped up a rock, and hurled it at her foe.
Using her prized 【Cartridge-Style Bwee Punch No. 2 Ultimate Edition】, no less!
The rock's power dwarfed a wooden arrow, sending the elf flying in one hit.
In the end, Milmyu claimed another victory.
Afterward, knight division students who believed they could overwhelm her with superior dexterity began studying close-range defense techniques.
Now, only the former runner-up and top student remained.
One might expect some tension, but her expression was utterly serene.
And seeing that look, the other first-years subconsciously realized something.
That was the face of a warrior.
The face of someone resolved for a battle with no retreat.
They were mere sheep who had never tasted real combat.
A hundred sheep, a thousand—even then, they couldn't slay a wolf with killing intent.
Blitzkrieg scored a clean double win, then let out a small sigh.
"Hmm... This might be more boring than I thought."
The folks at that convenience store had way more presence than this.
Milmyu wasn't even confident she could land a single hit on Aila without using magic, even if she went all out right now.
Ah.
She wanted to head to that convenience store where her heart raced just thinking about it.
Milmyu planned to smash an Impact Buster full-force into her next opponent's face the moment the match started, claim victory, and then go meet her senpai.
"Next up: the clash between first-year top student Milmyu von Sabre and first-year runner-up, Kelters!"
One hit.
One shot.
End it completely.
If the first-years' battlefield was abuzz with the top student's blitzkrieg, the second-years' finals played out quite differently.
The knight division at least had proper duels, but the magic division was a whole other scene.
Naturally. Because the top student was her.
Mana: 22.
Eve von Loengrin, who shared the same mana value as the founding emperor—a number too sacred to even utter aloud.
Her position as top student was already set in stone. Just being in the same cohort as her was enough to hold your head high in society.
No one dared challenge her authority. Even without her imperial blood, that staggering number forbade approach.
Thus, the second-year magic division duels were entirely ceremonial.
On stage stood the top student, Eve, and the division's runner-up.
Eve yielded first strike with a nod, and the unassuming runner-up girl raised her staff to chant.
"Here I go, President! 【Iron Cannon: Triple Shot: Enhance: Pinpoint Focus】"
Her family's secret art, Iron Cannon, molded metal drawn from the earth into small bullets and fired them. Unlike her plain looks, she was a specialized sniper mage for assassinations or long-range kills. Mana: 19. She'd have job offers galore after graduating Jefrin.
"【Light Barrier: Area Control】"
But the three steel bullets hurtling toward her halted midair with a single gesture from Eve.
The runner-up nodded, her face not showing despair at the blocked spell, but the exact opposite—anticipation. Eve sighed softly.
"【Light Barrier: Mark】"
Eve erected a light barrier matching her exact silhouette where she'd stood, then stepped forward.
The runner-up advanced too, and the referee professor joined them at the side.
Before the professor's intrigued gaze and the girl's hero-worshipping eyes, Eve cleared her throat and spoke.
"Nice spell. Activation formula, options, cast speed—all solid judgment."
"Thank you, President!"
"But there's a problem."
"Sorry, President!"
"Look closely. That Iron Cannon's angle—it was aimed precisely at my head and heart. Clean aim."
"Thank you, President!"
"But the trajectory's too straight."
"Sorry, President!"
In all of Jefrin's hundred thousand, no 'student' truly hated Eve von Loengrin.
So these weren't duels—they were lessons.
"However, a peer light mage could deflect it. Spread thin Black Crystal from the Trista house to alter the path, and Iron Cannon becomes useless."
"...Ah."
"Especially current third-year top student Aila Trista—her dexterity hits human limits. Brushing off your spell and embedding Black Crystal? Child's play."
"B-But she's a senior. I won't face her..."
"Three years from now, everyone's out in the world, territories clash—still say that? Or planning grad school for research?"
"Hng..."
The brutal, merciless verbal barrage—simple, vicious, filthy—overwhelmed the runner-up, tears welling in her eyes.
"Now, two solutions I can offer. First, reinforce that spell. You've got the talent."
"Y-Yes!"
"Second, learn arc shot or pinpoint as sub-options."
"Uh... Aren't those 8th and 7th tier?"
"And?"
"Th-That's way too advanced, President..."
"......"
"Eek... I-I'll do my best. Thank you for the guidance!"
The runner-up bowed deeply, declared "I concede!" to the professor, and left the stage.
The professor noted the forfeiture, nodded, and praised Eve.
"Excellent points. Battle-ready instruction at its finest."
"......Thanks."
Even professors marveled at the continent's top genius's guidance.
This was second-year Eve von Loengrin's finals.
But somehow...
"Boring."
Eve murmured unconsciously, tracing her lips with her right index finger.
Boring? What?
Teaching students?
No. She would be a ruler.
So what was boring?
The runner-up balking at acquiring a mere 7th-tier spell?
Or no one truly challenging her?
No, that was last year too.
This Loengrin model garden was always dull and predictable.
The only change?
Her bloodmate who annoyed her just thinking about his face.
The older brother who flipped her off and genuinely despised her.
He'd say it with that brazen face:
【I'd rather grind a 4th-tier to perfection than grab some 7th-tier add-on.】
【Why use trash family secret Iron Cannon? Just make gauntlets that fire it.】
【Delusional? Ha. What if I pull it off?】
Then present theory far beyond her imagination, forge it into reality, and... flip her off again.
It pissed her off, made her want to slam a holy lance into his solar plexus, but still... it was never boring...
"No. Stop. What am I thinking?"
Tsk.
Eve shrugged and waited for her next opponent.
At her waist hung the staff Wolfram had given her from the dungeon infused with the founding emperor's design.
Now, what about second-year knight division?
Duels were happening here, at least.
But calling the spectacle ordinary was a stretch.
"......Mm, hmm. Hnn."
Nefti stared blankly at the sword in her hand.
It was a reward from the dungeon she cleared with Wolfram von Loengrin.
Senpai Wolfram had called it 【Decent for second-year filler, swap it next year. Junk with too many options.】, so she registered it as her primary duel weapon.
Knight division duels allowed personal gear alongside issued ones, so Nefti entered with just this blade.
And now, gazing at the sword Senpai said to use only this year, she felt her hands trembling.
"......You said it was nothing special, Senpai."
First fight, and nothing special? Yeah right.
First, channeling mana into it boosted 【Cutting Power】.
Next, it definitely had 【Magic Defense Boost】 to shrug off spells.
Then, a 【Hawk's Eye】-type skill widening vision and focus.
Finally, unmistakably 【Stamina Enhancement】 magic.
"And it self-repairs if broken...?"
No matter how she sliced it, this was treasure fit for the great Loengrin imperial vault. Nefti's hands shook.
She was a student and knight; good gear tempted anyone. She knew legendary items fetched billions at auction.
This? Easily hundreds of millions.
Plus the Royal Guard uniform from Senpai Wolfram. Sword, armor, even a shield.
Money couldn't repay it in a lifetime of service, but he'd probably grin and say:
【Cheap junk. Real treasure? I'd have kept it.】
【Ignore it. Uphold your conviction.】
"...Ugh."
Handing out treasure like candy—could you really uphold conviction then?
She hadn't even worn the special Royal Guard uniform or used the shield. Just this sword mowed down opponents.
"Wh-What the hell is that sword..."
"N-No way we can win."
"Guh... That's the chosen one's life...!?"
Chosen one, huh...
Maybe.
Until recently, Nefti fretted over tuition for her millions-of-rin siblings. Now she donned near-treasures and shrugged.
But if that shook her resolve, what good was she?
Treasure was just a tool.
If she became Royal Guard, even billions in loot wouldn't outweigh Wolfram's life.
"Top spot confirmed. Nepthelian!"
"Ah, good work."
Finishing five duels at record speed for finals, Nefti shrugged.
"Mm. Finals over. Time to scout day labor gigs, then hit Senpai's store for something cold."
Unyielding despite top scores and priceless gear—that was Nepthelian.
The girl whose convictions never wavered, the one Wolfram trusted most.
"Wonder if I call 120k rin daily for this crew if they'll boot me..."
Or maybe still just a small-town girl at heart.
First-years had blitzkrieg.
Second-year finals were serene, but third-year magic division was a whole different beast.
"Beat you, and I get tea time weekly with Prince Wolfram. Lose, and you serve my tea."
"...Ha. Bold words, Regina Ciella."
With good reason. Eastern continent powerhouse Ciella—long history under the imperial family, merchants born of the first Ten Elders.
Versus the west's Tristas—rumored to eye central power after merging local mines into a new force.
"Why not learn tea etiquette now, Aila Trista? Mana 19 vs. 21. I know you're a battle mage good up close, but this gap? Hopeless."
"......You're right. 19 vs. 21. Hopeless gap. I admit it."
Most bets favored current runner-up Regina Ciella.
19 vs. 21 was that overwhelming.
13 could beat 15, but 17 couldn't touch 19, and 19 would never surpass 21.
No mage outdid mana 22 in spell battles.
"Then..."
"【Dark Flame Dragonic Force】"
Chanting an unnecessary spell aloud, Aila activated her gained power.
She could've just gripped the scale, but reciting? Bluff, or remnant of childhood dreams?
"Eh."
The incantation faltered, but the result was the opposite.
Regina's eyes widened at the sight.
It defied everything she knew.
Mana 19?
No. Far beyond.
The 【Black Crystal】 before her might not surpass her, but it could now threaten her throat.
Aila recalled her beloved fiancé's 【Pre-Battle Taunt to Enrage Foes】.
She crossed her arms, looked down, and sneered.
"Now I'm your equal. Or more."
"......Ha. Fun."
【Black Crystal】 vs. 【Magic Merchant】
"Stakes are high. Fitting for merchant heirs."
"Yep. No yielding. Hehe. Shall we?"
Both pictured one man's face.
They'd never asked the stake himself.
Thus, their battle began.
Midday.
Sitting in the convenience store yard, lost in thought about everyone's finals battles, I heard a spatial warp beside me.
"...Little bro. Mods done. Close call?"
"...No. Perfect fit. Thanks for the hard work. Grateful, sis."
"Hehe. No biggie. Tearing apart and tweaking Papa's memento with my own hands... Hehe. So sinful, sis might just... like this..."
"Mm."
"Everything ready on your end?"
"Big bleed, huge bleed, but managed."
"Good boy. Hehe. Sis'll watch from above."
"......Mm."
With that, Felthia vanished.
Now.
Tomorrow, this time.
Assassin vs. third-rate prince begins.
Whew.
Hehe.
Hehehehehe. Ahahaha!
"As long as she doesn't one-shot me, I can handle it. Just no one-shot..."
Rudika has some conscience, right? She won't kill in one hit?
Might even give time to kneel and apologize?