Chapter 173
Chapter 173
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 173
Chapter Title: The Academy Workshop
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The agitation was greater than I’d thought.
Adelia inadvertently became aware of her own feelings. She was more shaken than she had anticipated.
And it seemed to feel even more significant because it was the weekend. For an officer or an instructor, the weekend was an incredibly precious time.
So, to be spending it together like this…
“Han Cheon-seong. You like a nice chest too, don't you?”
The audacious voice that cut through her thoughts made her freeze.
My eyes unwittingly drifted to my own chest.
It was ample, always protruding more than those of others. I’d always been aware that my bust had an overwhelming presence compared to other women, but…
*To think I’d hear such words from the mouth of a mere student.*
It was so absurd that I didn’t even feel the urge to get angry.
Even officers of the same rank wouldn't dare say such a thing. For Cadet Glacia to speak so casually, it was a situation where I should have been shouting a cold retort.
*Flicker.*
And the aide in front of me seemed to share my sentiment.
Her eyes were narrowed. Glancing at the adjacent table, she seemed to be asking me with her gaze alone.
Asking if she should give them a warning. No, her eyes suggested she was willing to do more, but I instinctively shook my head.
“……”
It was preposterous, but I was curious to see what Cadet Glacia was trying to say.
“W-what are you talking about?”
At the sound of Cadet Han Cheon-seong’s flustered voice, I leaned in a little closer.
*Gulp.* As if it were nothing, I brought a piece of steak to my mouth, focusing on the sounds around me more intently than ever.
“I think mine are bigger than my sister’s, though…”
…The strange comment that followed made a silent laugh escape my lips.
Somehow, I suddenly felt the tension drain away.
It wasn't as direct as her words just now, but I had experienced countless actions and remarks similar to Cadet Glacia’s.
All their words, as if they were conscious of me.
“Hoo.”
I exhaled softly and gave a slight nod.
I realized that a strange sense of victory was welling up, even dispelling the agitation in my heart.
*And here I was, thinking I didn't like my chest.*
Countless times, I had faced difficult situations because they were abnormally larger than others'. Why were mine so big? I had even resented my parents for it.
But right now, it felt different.
An undeniable sense of superiority. The fact that I, as a woman, was more attractive settled in my heart.
The foolish feeling of an instructor experiencing a sense of superiority over a mere student.
But I didn't hate it.
“…Instructor Adelia?”
At the sight of my aide cautiously asking for my opinion again, I spoke calmly.
“It’s fine. It’s the weekend. I don’t want to cause a scene.”
I wanted to let it pass with a light word.
I didn't want to raise my voice or approach Cadet Glacia over her comment.
For now, this was enough…
It only made me look forward to my meeting with Cadet Han Cheon-seong next week even more.
***
*Clink.*
The weight of the iron in my hand felt substantial. It felt heavier than a piece of iron of the same weight. While that gave me a strange sense of satisfaction, the unique clang of the workshop continued to echo faintly in my ears.
*Clang—! Clang—! Clang—! Clang—!*
Along with it, the intense heat that filled the workshop seemed to gradually reach me.
Here at the Academy Workshop to place an order for a custom spear, my heart was fluttering like never before.
“If you coat the entire spear shaft with a special alloy to enhance its durability, the weight will increase significantly. The production cost will naturally rise as well. But if you only use the special alloy for the spearhead, the price and weight won’t change much from the base cost.”
At the calm explanation from the man from the Academy Workshop, I cautiously nodded my head.
“In that case, I’ll order just the spearhead with the special alloy. Please give me the order form right away.”
“Looks like it’s your first time at the workshop. On the form, make sure to write down the desired length of the shaft and the shape of the spearhead in detail. Also, be sure to specify your name and class correctly.”
Receiving the order form he handed me, I felt a deep sense of regret as I calmly filled out the items.
First of all, I didn't have enough funds.
The money I had was just a little over one gold. No matter how frugally I had lived, there was no way I would have a large sum of money after only two months here.
Furthermore, if I were to coat the spear shaft with the special alloy and increase its weight, it was questionable whether I could even handle it properly.
The weight of a weapon was surprisingly one of the most directly felt aspects. A sudden, significant change in the spear’s weight would be a major variable, which wouldn't be good for me right now.
*Scratch…*
As I calmly filled out the order form, from the shape of the shaft to the desired length, I felt another gaze on me.
“What’s wrong? Are you short on money?”
At Glacia’s serene voice, I naturally shook my head.
“It’s not that. I’d like to coat the shaft, but I don’t think I’m ready for it yet. I don’t think I’d be able to handle a heavier spear well.”
Even if I could adapt to the changed weight of the spear, it wouldn't happen in a short period.
So, I couldn't do it.
“I see. If you’re short on money, let me know. I can certainly lend you some.”
“Thank you for the offer.”
As her casual words filled me with gratitude, another sense of relief washed over me.
*Somehow, that went smoothly.*
Back at the restaurant, being so close to Instructor Adelia, I had felt like I was sitting on pins and needles, but it passed with less trouble than I’d expected.
Instructor Adelia had just offered a passing greeting, to which I had awkwardly responded, and that was it.
And in a way, that felt like the natural outcome.
Right now, Instructor Adelia and I had no special relationship.
We were simply an instructor and a student.
*Scribble.*
After filling out all the items on the form, I carefully reviewed it one last time.
The production cost was one gold and thirty silver. I anticipated that the custom special alloy spear I ordered would have far greater destructive power than a standard iron spear.
As it was a product of the Academy Workshop, its performance was more or less guaranteed.
The only additional option I requested was a ‘Strength Increase Enhancement.’
That one option would cost me all my living expenses, but I had no regrets. Investing in my spear was never a waste.
After checking for any omissions or errors, I carefully handed the order form over with both hands.
“I’ve filled it all out.”
The man who took the form glanced at it and then looked at me nonchalantly.
“Alright. Everything seems to be in order. Your reservation is now complete. You can come to the workshop to pick up your item around lunchtime on Tuesday.”
“…It’ll be ready that quickly?”
“An order like this is considered a basic request. The process itself isn’t difficult.”
A smile touched his lips as he replied, and my spirits lifted for some reason.
“Thank you very much.”
I had thought that if it took nearly a week, I would have to borrow a training spear from Kalli, but that wasn't the case.
I only had to wait two days.
“Alright, next student.”
As the man’s voice rang out, I slowly stepped aside, my hands already itching.
A new spear.
Though I couldn’t afford a mithril spear due to my current circumstances, just ordering a new one felt like a great step.
“So this is what the Academy Workshop is like.”
“Sorry, Glacia. For suddenly changing our plans.”
“It’s fine. It was a rather unique experience, so I didn’t mind at all.”
Seeing Glacia, who had quietly stayed by my side, I was a little grateful she wasn't upset.
We were supposed to go to the training grounds as planned, but the thoughts about Adelia had made me forget about the custom order I needed to place, which I only remembered later.
My heart had sunk when we left the restaurant, but now that I had placed the order, I felt a great sense of relief.
“Alright, Glacia. Let’s head straight to the training grounds. We’ll proceed as promised.”
“…Okay.”
As I looked at the compliant Glacia, I felt a little excited myself.
Perhaps today, she might reach it.
From what I had observed, Glacia’s growth hadn't stagnated either.
Trait Level 4 didn't feel that far off. And if that happened, there was a high chance that I, too, could reach it.
Trait Level 5.
*
A-Class Training Grounds.
Not long after entering, we found Avalanche, the instructor for the A-Class training grounds.
We were there to request his observation for a duel, and Instructor Avalanche readily agreed, granting us permission. Soon after, Glacia and I were facing each other in a sparring area set up in a corner of the grounds.
*Swoosh!*
As I lightly warmed up, spinning my spear in a large circle, Glacia, who stood opposite me, did the same.
*Whoosh—!*
A small whirlwind gently enveloped Glacia’s form. Seeing the faint current of wind lingering on her sword blade, I could tell this felt distinctly different from facing Leonhardt.
*This might be even tougher than fighting Leonhardt.*
I was confident in my skills.
However, Glacia’s Trait, Guidance of the Wind, was an elemental type. That meant this couldn't be seen as a simple melee weapon duel.
…It meant that the fight would unfold in a completely different manner from the intense exchanges I had with Leonhardt, so I couldn't help but feel tense.
"It's strange when you think about it. That this is our first duel, Han Cheon-seong."
As Glacia spoke calmly, I nodded in agreement.
"You're right. It feels like we've known each other for quite a while."
Considering how long we had been spending time together, it was truly surprising that this was our first duel.
*Thud.*
When I felt I had warmed up enough, I stopped my spear, and Glacia was staring at me with completely cold eyes. Her gaze alone told me she was serious about this duel, so I slowly calmed my mind.
“It seems the preparations for the duel are complete. Before we begin, each student will state their name and Trait. Let’s start with Cadet Glacia.”
As the usual pre-duel announcement rang out, Glacia responded immediately.
“My name is Glacia. My Trait is Guidance of the Wind. It is Unique-grade, Trait Level 3.”
At her composed voice, I took a steadying breath.
Instructor Avalanche’s gaze fell upon me, and his voice echoed once more.
“Next, Cadet Han Cheon-seong.”
And unlike the concerned look he had given me during my first duel with Leonhardt, I now received a gaze filled with clear expectation as I opened my mouth with confidence.
“Han Cheon-seong. My Trait is Spearmanship. It is Common-grade, Trait Level 4.”
I, too, had grown incomparably stronger since then. More than anything, I now felt a well-founded confidence in myself.
“Begin the duel.”
With the voice signaling the start, I kicked off the ground without hesitation.
—First strike.
More than just being aware of the reach difference between a sword and a spear, I had no intention of underestimating Glacia.
Therefore, I would take the initiative.
Activating my mana in an instant, I rapidly closed the distance, but Glacia suddenly aimed the tip of her sword at me.
*FWOOOOOOSH—!!*
At the storm of wind that shot toward me in an instant, I had to hastily throw myself to the side.
*Swoooosh!*
The wind narrowly missed me, sending my hair flying and obscuring my vision.
And it didn't end with just one blast.
*Fwoosh—!*
*FWOOOOOOSH—!!*
Glacia calmly and composedly aimed her sword at me, continuously manifesting the power of wind.
And that manifestation occurred without any swing at all. She was simply firing blasts of wind with the tip of her sword aimed at me.
“...”
As I relentlessly dodged, I realized it immediately.
From the very start of the duel…
This was already on a completely different level from my spars with Leonhardt.