Chapter 18
Chapter 18
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: Bullying the Weak
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“No, what are you talking about!”
“Dean, don't you think you're making a mistake right now?”
“How absurd.”
Staring at the horde of nobles on the screen connected by magic, the Dean replied with a resolute expression.
“We've already confirmed everything. Penil Leiros and thirteen other students went looking to beat up Daniel McClane first.”
“A mere commoner beat up my boy!”
Peniman Leiros slammed his desk with a roar that echoed through the Dean's office, but her expression didn't change.
“Then you should be ashamed. Your son, known as the Blue Heron of the West, got beaten after ganging up on a single commoner boy who just transferred into third year.”
“Deaaaaan!”
If Peniman Leiros had been there in person, he might have grabbed his prized spear and charged at her.
The intimidation radiating through the screen was downright chilling, but the Dean didn't back down.
No, she couldn't.
'I don't want to do this either!'
In truth, no one knew that the Dean was screaming the most desperately and painfully inside at that very moment.
But what could she do?
Even if it meant massive losses, she had to protect her position as Dean first!
'Your idiot sons went and got themselves beaten, putting me in a tough spot too!'
So this was a sacrifice.
That damn brat had them by the throat!
'If word of this gets to Palace Academy...'
Just thinking about it was horrifying.
The rival Palace Academy's Dean would publicize it in a heartbeat.
Then she'd be forced to resign amid scandals, slapped with lawsuits, saddled with enormous debts, and even disowned by her family, wandering the streets like a beggar by midday.
Far better to make enemies of a few nobles, even if it cost her some reputation.
“The verdict stands with no changes. Penil Leiros and the fourteen students are suspended for one month.”
The Dean's words quickened, eager to end the call.
“We've received reports from other students about the numerous misdeeds and illegal acts these students committed. We should expel them immediately, but we're giving them a chance to reflect during their suspension.”
“You're insane!”
“I hope the children make wise choices.”
Curses erupted from the nobles on the screen, but the Dean hurriedly shut it off and let out a breath.
'This is driving me crazy.'
The Leiros family aside, the other nobles weren't a huge issue, but rumors spreading from mouth to mouth still worried her.
This incident wouldn't end with them—it would be the talk of social gatherings among many nobles.
'What can I do?'
For now, she had to protect what she could.
“Dean, that was incredible!”
“...I'm impressed.”
“Pardon?”
The two professors who had assisted with the communication magic spoke up.
“I didn't expect you to stand so firm even against the Leiros family. That was badass.”
“I think I misunderstood you before, Dean. Clear punishment combined with a chance for redemption. You're a true educator worth emulating.”
“Y-yeah...”
What misunderstanding were they having?
The Dean sighed and gazed out the window, where the third-years were taking their second exam.
Daniel McClane, protecting May alone against a mob of students, caught her eye immediately.
'You ditched her yesterday, and now you're protecting her?'
It'd be great if he flunked the exam and got expelled for poor grades!
'He skipped the first test, so if he bombs the second...'
But as she watched Daniel's movements, the Dean clicked her tongue, sank into her plush chair, and sipped her tea.
'No way that'll happen.'
Failing the second test alone?
Seemed more realistic that she'd take the test herself and score zero.
'Shh, calm down and stop struggling.'
“Ugh.”
Shuddering, the Dean muttered in disbelief that such intimidation could come from an eighteen-year-old and turned on her fan.
*
“Uwaaaah!”
“...”
“Uwaaaah!”
“Can't you be a little quieter?”
“N-no waaaay!”
May made a miserable face as students charged. I'd told her to stick right behind me, and she was clutching my clothes, which was honestly a bit annoying.
Well, not a big deal.
I jabbed my wooden sword into the neck of the first guy who lunged, and he vomited before collapsing.
'Oops.'
I had a habit of hitting pressure points, so I did it without thinking.
“Sorry.”
A quick apology and reminder to be careful, then I started taking out the others one by one. Realizing this wouldn't work, they backed off and surrounded us from four directions before charging.
“We got you now!”
“It's over!”
“Acting all cocky, punk!”
“Uwaaaah!”
Not a bad strategy.
I'm human too—I can't cover attacks from every direction.
“Hey, duck.”
“Huh?”
Before May could respond, I shoved her head down, placed my hand on her hunched back, and leaped into the air.
'First things first.'
They timed it well, charging simultaneously.
I kicked the face of the guy coming from behind—closest to May—while knocking out the one on the right with my wooden sword in my other hand.
“Haha! Got...!”
The remaining two ignored me and reached for the band on May's wrist.
“Whoops.”
I grabbed her cardigan with the hand on her back and flung her sideways.
“Kreurgh!”
May rolled on the dirt, making a sound no girl should, while the two panicked as she vanished from their reach.
“Nice and close together.”
Landing, I grabbed both their heads and smashed them together. They crumpled from the impact.
That made a nasty lump.
“Oof! Hey! What the hell!”
“I protected you.”
Of course, I wouldn't do that to customers in the Demon Realm Forest. There, I'd take the hits myself, but this wasn't the forest, and May wasn't my client.
I didn't feel like getting hurt, so I rolled her out of the way. It worked great.
“Call it teamwork.”
“Teamwork my ass!”
May brushed dirt off her clothes amid murmurs from the students watching our spar. They seemed shocked I could handle this many.
“Whoa, who's that guy?”
“Did you see that move?”
“Not for nothing he came in with Ares and Rin.”
Even our teammates, who'd just been spectating, started stirring.
“Um, should we help or something?”
“Yeah! We might've been too harsh...”
“Sorry!”
I was about to say something to these shameless kids now rushing for points when a girl—expert in this field—crossed her arms and yelled.
“Bullshit!”
A hearty Korean swear.
May flipped them off, unleashing her true personality without restraint.
“You fucking bastards try to butt in now? We cut you loose, and the second it looks like we're winning, you horny pigs come crawling back!”
“...”
“Get lost! No points for you. Daniel and I will handle it—go fuck yourselves over there, you idiots!”
Overwhelmed by May's bold curses and momentum, the students hesitated and backed off.
With a huff, she flicked her rust-red bob and approached me proudly.
Cat-like looks, but puppy-like “did I do good?” vibes made me chuckle.
“I did all the work—why are you yelling?”
“T-teamwork!”
Her face flushed as she shouted.
And then a sword flew at me.
Not aimed at May.
It struck precisely at my head, revealing sudden killing intent. Impressive speed, too.
Crack!
The dull clash of wooden swords announced the arrival of Hayun, the girl with black bobbed hair.
“...!”
Shocked her ambush was blocked, Hayun glared and leaped back to create distance.
“Hm.”
She was undoubtedly skilled.
Her swordsmanship surpassed Arni Duratan's, but...
'Lacks substance?'
Not fully committed? Heart elsewhere? Or maybe injured—her skills didn't feel like her true potential.
We exchanged blows several more times, but it only confirmed my suspicion.
“You won't win like that.”
Meant as advice, curious about her unique style, but she took it as a taunt.
No mana allowed in spars, yet some energy emanated from her.
'Not mana.'
Closer to killing intent. Anyway, she assumed a stance to kill me for real.
“Uwaaaah!”
Her silent demeanor shattered by a scream more than a kiai as she charged.
“Tch.”
I clicked my tongue, swung lightly, and her sword spun into the air, landing on the field.
“...!”
“Can't even do it right.”
I twisted, pulling May to me. She'd been dazedly watching; she yelped oddly as I caught her.
“You noticed that?”
Ares had circled behind, targeting May's band.
Shocked that their top duo failed, other students gasped.
Amid it, a sly smile crept over me.
'Prey delivered itself.'
“Hayun! Get it together and grab your sword! We two are enough!”
“Y-yeah!”
Hayun snapped to and scrambled for her dropped sword.
“Stay put.”
Like with the Dean and May before, I leaked a bit of my old sherpa aura. Hayun froze, staring blankly.
“Ugh...”
May in my arms trembled, recalling that day, but I couldn't let go—Ares's sword was incoming.
Crack!
Our swords clashed.
May threw off my stance; I slid back slightly. Ares pressed relentlessly.
“...”
“...”
No words between us.
Just silently parrying.
Crunch.
My wooden sword snapped after all its hard work. Ares lunged, thinking it his chance.
“Hm.”
I'd baited the break precisely. A kick to his gut as he charged.
He thought he'd timed it perfectly.
“Guhk!”
Expecting victory, Ares spat saliva as his body folded.
“Hya!”
Eve sneaked up, striking my head with her wooden sword. Trying her best for the team, so I let it land.
“Ow.”
Pretending it hurt, I snatched Ares's band.