Chapter 74
Chapter 74
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 74
Chapter Title: It Was Romantic
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Jefrin Common Academy!
A massive campus. Countless buildings stretching out as far as the eye could see. And dormitory districts capable of housing a whopping forty thousand students!
New freshmen arriving at this academy, so incomparably grand compared to their hometowns, were almost all awestruck.
Is there such a world out there?
My hometown was so small and cramped!
This was Jefrin, the pinnacle of global education! The breeding ground that produced talents who dominated the entire continent!
Here, students could decide between the Knight Division or Magic Division, immersing themselves in daily learning!
Surrounded by tens of thousands of peers who were friends and rivals alike!
But after exactly two months, the freshmen realized the truth.
Everything was great.
All of it was fine...
Except there was absolutely nothing to do for fun.
Considering the average freshman age at Jefrin was sixteen—the prime of playful youth—it was only natural.
Hell, at an age where picking fruit in the neighborhood woods would be a blast, this 24/7 boot camp academy was boring as all get-out.
So the first-years shifted from marveling at Jefrin's grandeur to resenting the soul-crushing routine of class-meal-class-home-self-training-sleep. They accepted there was no freedom for them and resigned themselves to it.
Yet humans always find ways to play.
Back when newbies couldn't bring any toys or games, the most fun pastime was right there beside them.
It was the game called "rumors."
There were a ton of first-years.
Classes of eighty students each, fifty classes total, crammed into ten school buildings.
Even if you were super tight with dorm mates, different school buildings meant different classes, leaving a bit of regret—but then you'd hear whispers: someone from Building 1 aced swordsmanship, Building 7 had the next Magic Division ace... Rumors swirled through the dorms like wildfire.
Every day, you'd pick up intel on fellow first-years from dorm buddies, spin rumors, inflate them, and turn them into juicy gossip.
And from that, celebrities emerged.
Even among the current second-years, some were first-year celebs.
Take "Light of the Future," "Our Hero," "Princess from Myth"—Eve von Loengrin.
Or "Everyone's Conviction," "Acknowledged by All First-Years," "Best Friend," "Dear My Friend"—Nepthelian.
As you can see, top grades, class toppers, or runner-ups often became "student-chosen celebs."
But this year was different.
The hottest rumor among first-years: the top spot scandal.
Kelters, a commoner who topped the entrance exams, got stripped of his rank for disqualification. Who'd take next top spot? That was the buzz.
And now... the duel challenge from Milmyu von Sabre.
The Sabre family: ranchers in the eastern pastures, nobles on good terms with their folk, ancient lineage, but nothing standout.
Yet the eldest daughter, Milmyu von Sabre, acted like she came from another world entirely—pure audacity.
Early on, she seemed like a lucky underachiever.
Kelters, the top student, skipped sparring for personal reasons; she got a free pass by default. But her luck ran out with a rematch.
Everyone expected her crushing defeat.
Then the upset: as the top student switched to magic, she closed in for a clean strike.
After that, Milmyu's fame exploded among first-years, especially the strugglers.
Rumor accelerated: she was part of the former Student Council President's faction, the "W.R.," aka Wolfram Crew.
In her duel challenge against the class runner-up, she named a W.R. member as witness, proving the connection.
Milmyu, challenging the runner-up while tied to Jefrin's most mysterious, dangerous faction in 300 years.
All eyes on the pink chick among first-years.
How much was true? Was she really linked to Wolfram von Loengrin's crew?
All doubts amplified on duel day when Wolfram arrived on a black giant mech with his core crew.
Weekend morning.
I'd agreed to spectate Milmyu's duel as a witness.
"Ready? Let's roll, Patrasche."
"Mm. Got it."
"Ah, Senpai! Got any snacks?"
"Oh, Wolfram. Headin' out?"
The carriage inside buzzed like a bus full of kids on a field trip. It was built for two wagons, with room for ten more upfront, but that'd ruin the picnic vibe.
I took the front seat, Aila snuggling right up beside me.
"Mmm. This regular ride's the best. Wolf carriage, right?"
"Mm."
"Is this the start of that train plan you mentioned, Wolfram?"
"...Yeah. Testing tweaks every time. Thicker armor, blacker paint, bigger size."
"Such cool, amazing mods! Your family's artisans are thrilled—their mana stone and golem core skills leveled up big time."
"Mm. Slapped on mini-engines with mana stones, after all."
"Yeah! It'll evolve more. But why focus on defense?"
It'd only been days since assembly, but this wolf carriage had undergone serious changes.
Commissioned metal from the Trista family, hauled and fitted with Patrasche's strength—this ride had basically ditched speed for durability and bulk.
"This train's gotta head outside eventually. And that means blocking monster raids solo sometimes."
"...True. Crossing borders or territories means monster attacks."
"That's what the mods are for."
Of course, it was excessively huge and badass. Plated in black iron, spikes everywhere, mana engine roaring like thunder—it looked cool even to me.
"But 'wolf carriage' feels kinda plain, no?"
"Got a better idea?"
"Black King Tiger. Whaddya think?"
"Mm."
What the hell was that?
Not some post-apoc boss fight.
Really...
"I like it. From today, it's the Black King Tiger."
"Knew you'd get it, Wolfram!"
It did have a certain flair.
Witnesses were required to attend duels by the rules.
As the backer—and with risks of revenge or disputes—they'd name higher ranks, but Milmyu von Sabre's pick was overkill.
Wolfram von Loengrin as witness!
The news set first-years' hearts ablaze.
To them, the most dangerous, mysterious, enviable faction: rebels led by the ousted Student Council President, "villains" against the system—objects of admiration, envy, and awe.
"...Th-that's..."
"...U-ugh... Uwuaaagh...!"
First-years clustered in the arena couldn't suppress their chills.
The overwhelming mana dominated the area, pressuring every mage's mind.
And that colossal monster of a carriage—no, golem?—pulsed with mana waves too intense for rookies.
Screeeeech. It halted, doors auto-opening, figures emerging one by one.
"Mmm. The Black King Tiger's comfy! Right?"
"Mm... A ride like this would be handy in Rudika's homeland too."
"My home... might not have space."
Black Crystal. Abyss Dagger. Sword of Conviction.
Upper-year legends, no duds among them.
Nearby first-years couldn't even look up; those farther trembled in mana-induced thrill.
Then, the star everyone awaited appeared.
The man with a black-painted uniform wolf at his side.
His radiant golden hair and sharp blue eyes screamed imperial direct lineage—no denying it.
A cold, emotionless mask hiding iron-blooded dominion.
The dispossessed prince, now even more fearsome.
Wolfram von Loengrin had arrived at the Common Academy.
As all bowed in terror, one lone first-year approached.
With a pure, gentle smile, she addressed the scariest man naturally.
"Wolfram Senpai. You came."
"Mm. Duel today, right? As witness, it's a must."
"Sorry to trouble you again. But you're the only ones I could think of."
"Aw, Chickie. That kinda bother's welcome anytime~"
"...Hehe. Thanks, Aila Senpai!"
"Oh my, how are you this cute?"
Aila Trista tiptoe-petting the taller Milmyu's head.
Nefti and Rudika tossed encouragements too.
"Give it your all, Milmyu Junior!"
"Yes! Nefti Senpai!"
"Fight on. Rudika's rooting for ya!"
"Thank you, Rudika Senpai!"
Finally, Wolfram von Loengrin stared into Milmyu's eyes, offering support.
"Just follow today's instructions. Then..."
"Don't worry. I'll bring you victory for sure."
"Mm. Oh right. One more tool's coming."
"Huh? A tool?"
"Mm. I said use every means. It's a bit iffy personally, but it'll work fine."
"Hehe. Your tools are always spot-on, Senpai. Looking forward to it."
"......Mm."
Instructions?
Tools?
Expectations?
The tone implied the whole duel was Wolfram von Loengrin's scheme.
First-years who overheard realized it.
This match—no, the duel—was orchestrated by Prince Wolfram von Loengrin.
The outcome was decided before it started...
And they were mere spectators to a grand conspiracy's origin.
"...N-Now, the duel between Milmyu von Sabre and Gale Strike begins under witness supervision. Gale Strike's weapon: one 7-tier! Milmyu von Sabre's weapon: one 7-tier! All combat skills permitted!"
The second-year referee had some experience from last year, but today, tension gripped them tight.
Actually, everyone synced to that vibe—spectators focused less on the fight, more on one side.
Four in the second-floor corner: Wolfram. Aila. Rudika. Nefti.
They claimed prime front-row like they owned the place; no one approached.
Well, except one.
And that one made everyone tense.
A golden-haired, blue-eyed girl with a slightly annoyed expression.
Wearing the cape granted to only one at Jefrin, leg crossed casually, overlooking the stage.
The apex of a hundred thousand students. Eve von Loengrin was there.
"Th-Then, duel start! Begin!"
The ref called it, but most below the second floor barely registered—save one.
The pink-haired girl on stage.
"...Urk, damnit!"
Gale Strike, rattled by Eve von Loengrin's entrance, reacted a beat slow to the start signal and his opponent's move.
That tiny lag was everything against Milmyu von Sabre's agile hand-to-hand and Gale's greatsword style.
"Tch!"
Gale was skilled. Too late to dodge or parry? Tank it and counter with the greatsword.
Her weapon: gauntlets.
Unexpected, but made sense at this speed.
Odd design, brutal studs on the striking surface—but Gale knew her stats were weak.
No matter the gauntlets, her puny power meant negligible damage!
Spot-on for normal gauntlets.
Disastrous for these.
Weeeeng.
Short activation hum,
"Huh?"
instant strike,
KABOOOOOM!!!!!
earth-shaking impact.
But that one punch's aftermath was massive.
An impossible sound for a mere fist boomed; Gale spun two full rolls across the arena floor.
First, everyone doubted their ears. Then their eyes. Tiny Milmyu blew away huge Gale in one hit?
They turned to her and got it.
Pssshhhht.
Steam hissing from the gauntlets.
Flip the backhand: clunk—mana stone pops out, shattered with a fizzle.
Milmyu slotted in the next from her pocket.
Again, the "mini-engine gauntlet" whirred to life.
Low stats? No punch power?
Then gauntlets with mana stone mini-engines make up the difference.
That brutally straightforward—insane—idea,
blended with Wolfram's blueprints, Trista craftsmanship, and Vanilla's gear skills, gained vicious realism.
Aila dubbed it "Cheep Punch Mk. 1."
Wolfram: "Cartridge Battle Gauntlet Prototype."
Milmyu clenched her fist, feeling the engine hum anew.
"Round two. Here it comes."
It was romantic.