Chapter 18
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: Academy Entrance Exam (2)
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'So this is the Academy...'
The Academy, built with the founding Emperor's boundless affection, was naturally extraordinary in scale.
The grounds were vast enough to dwarf any ordinary university, and even the flower beds, fences, and fountains exuded luxury in every detail.
The Frozenheart Ducal Family was known for its frugality, but I hadn't expected the gap to be this wide.
As I walked along, taking in the surroundings, I soon arrived at a fork in the path.
To the left was the Swordsmanship Department, straight ahead the General Studies Department, and to the right the Magic Department.
"Luke, we'll have to part ways here."
"I wish you the best of luck."
"Don't worry about me and focus on your exam. If you fail, I won't let it slide."
"I'll do my best."
That was the end of our conversation with Elena. She promptly headed toward the Magic Department.
Even blended into the crowd, spotting her wasn't hard. She stood out like the only splash of color in a monochrome world.
I stared blankly at her retreating figure before blending into the throng heading to the Swordsmanship Department.
There seemed to be plenty of women heading to the Magic Department, but why were there only rough-looking guys over here? I couldn't help but envy Elena's talents.
Well, for now, I needed to focus on the exam...
That's when it hit me—a piercing gaze from somewhere.
It would have been welcome from a pretty woman, but sadly, it wasn't that kind. It felt more like hostility.
Puzzled, I turned to see a familiar face standing there.
The Future Sword Saint. Red hair, red eyes, and one of Elena's future husband candidates.
Why on earth would someone of his caliber direct hostility at me?
Well, no need to dwell on it. After all, I hadn't done anything wrong.
As I averted my gaze and quickened my pace, he started walking toward me instead.
I let out a short sigh and faced him.
"Do you need something?"
"You're pretty strong, huh?"
Is this guy insane...?
Not content with the casual tone from the get-go, he openly assessed my strength. It was like he'd left his manners back home.
Of course, I knew his personality well, but meeting him in person was beyond imagination.
It felt like common sense was shattering.
"I'm not that impressive."
"Nah, definitely. I got here earliest and glared at everyone passing by with killing intent, and you were the only one who reacted."
"Who'd want to get involved with someone sending hostility right off the bat? Ignoring it is the norm."
"Huh...? Really...?"
He widened his eyes like he'd just realized something he hadn't considered.
I got that he had the passion to come out at dawn and test people like that, but...
I had no desire to get chummy. Standing next to this fool might make me one too.
"Well, then I'll be going..."
"Wait, what's your name?"
"Luke. Luke Nineheart."
"Luke, got it locked in. I'm Yubel, Yubel Lutwalt. Hope we match up in the practical exam."
Yubel Lutwalt. A genius knight who grew up in an orphanage and was coincidentally adopted into a baron's family.
He seemed eager to face me, but from my perspective, it wasn't exactly thrilling.
It was better to spar moderately with a decent opponent to showcase my skills. Drawing a standout like him could ruin the practical.
I might actually die at Elena's hands then...
Hoping that wouldn't happen, I entered the Swordsmanship Department building.
"I won't tell you not to cheat, but if you're caught, you're disqualified immediately. The choice is yours."
How much time had passed since entering the exam hall? With those words from a woman—possibly a teacher—with a sword at her waist, the written exam began.
'This is manageable...'
As Chrome had said, the written exam was quite easy. Anyone who'd read a few books could handle it without issue.
Of course, it seemed tough even for these sword idiots.
The grunts and groans from all around proved it.
Occasional snapping sounds suggested someone had crushed their pen in frustration.
Time dragged on until, finally, the written exam ended.
"We'll now guide you to the practical exam hall."
The same woman who'd supervised the written exam led us to the practical venue.
The so-called exam hall looked more like a training ground. Though indoors, the floor was packed dirt.
"The practical is a duel, as you know. Opponents will be drawn by lot, so come up one by one and draw."
A lottery. Pure luck.
Which meant the chance of facing the ecosystem destroyer Yubel.
'No way that'll happen.'
There had to be at least a hundred examinees here. Drawing Yubel out of that? Only if my luck was abysmal...
It should be impossible...
"Yubel Lutwalt, Luke Nineheart. You're paired."
The paper in my hand had "17" on it. Yubel's did too. No escape.
Did I commit some sin in my past life? Nothing else explains this.
"Whoa—! It actually happened?!"
While I sulked, Yubel was thrilled. His long-awaited matchup had come true, after all.
"Luke, let's do our best!"
"Yeah..."
It felt like my energy was being drained away.
Being Elena's exclusive attendant had been easier.
Tak—! Tak, tadak—!
The training hall echoed with the clash of wooden practice swords.
Swordsmanship instructor Helen watched the examinees' duels, evaluating them in real time.
'No real standouts, huh...'
Most applicants to the Swordsmanship Department had the basics down. They could stance properly and swing a sword—that level.
But Helen sought raw gems ready to become jewels, not common ore. Those were worth the effort to polish.
She'd do her duty as an Academy instructor, but personal investment was another matter.
"Pair 16, evaluation complete. Next, pair 17."
The previous duo, who'd only disappointed, stepped down. New faces appeared.
One had black hair and brown eyes; the other, red hair and red eyes.
'These might be worth expecting...'
At a certain skill level, you could gauge opponents without watching the sword. To Helen's eyes, these two were the closest to gems yet.
Whether they merited polishing would show soon enough.
"Begin the duel."
After bowing to each other, they gripped their wooden swords and took stances.
The moment their blades clashed, Helen doubted her eyes.
'What the hell is that guy...?'
Black hair—Luke Nineheart. His swordplay was filthy. Not dirty in a bad way, but tricky, hard to handle. Like a blade honed on the battlefield to kill.
'Wait, Nineheart...?'
She'd heard the name. The knight legendary in the North bore that surname.
It made sense then. His teacher would be a battle-hardened veteran of decades on real fields.
Worlds apart from modern knights swinging safely.
'The other one's no slouch either.'
Yubel Lutwalt. His sword was the opposite—textbook clean. Straight out of a manual.
Watching these rare gems clash, Helen couldn't help but smile.
Definitely worth polishing.
Taak—!
The wooden swords collided fiercely, sending a jolt through my hands.
I'd held out so far, but now I was starting to get pushed back.
'Monster...'
True to a male lead of this world.
Honestly, holding my own this long as an extra was pretty good, right...?
But strangely, I didn't want to give up. I itched to wipe that grin off his face.
Kung—!
Stamping hard, power flowed from my foot, surging through my waist and shoulders, growing fiercer.
Then, something boiled up from my dantian. It spread through my body, heating me up.
I can do this. I can win.
As I swung down with that thought—
"That's enough."
The supervisor appeared out of nowhere, grabbing my sword.
It felt like when I first met Chrome as a kid. Utterly overwhelming—I couldn't twitch a finger.
Only after she released her gaze could I move freely. Goosebumps still prickled my skin.
Time passed, all exams ended, and back at the lodging, I faced Elena.
"So you lost?"
"It wasn't a loss—the supervisor intervened suddenly..."
"But you didn't win."
"That's true, but..."
"Then you lost."
"How is that a loss?"
"Huh? Talking back? Want a spanking?"
Our Grand Duchess sure knew how to get under one's skin.
Still, what was that sensation during the fight with Yubel...?
Maybe the aura I'd only heard about.