Chapter 31: Academy Exchange Meet — Beginning (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 31: Academy Exchange Meet — Beginning (3)
There is a saying that floats around among my former classmates.
Whenever something shocking happens, pointing at me, Kang Geomma, is usually the right answer...
It stings that the person who spread this superstition(?) was none other than Ryozo, but regardless...
It's completely unfair.
Back in my cadet days: When I first enrolled in the Academy, I had no choice but to clash with Nox. On Avallon Island, I was forced into a blood battle with Agor, the 5th Corps Commander. All those other incidents were equally unavoidable.
...Laying it all out like that, I really do sound like a troublemaker.
I shot Leon a reproachful glare. Never mind all the ordeals I had to endure; when you get right down to it, this false reputation is that handsome bastard's fault.
Just when I thought I was finally clearing my name recently... Of course, reality had other plans.
Stare—
My skin pricked under the heat of their stares.
Those glares demanded an explanation, but I didn't really have anything to tell them. After all, I truly hadn't taught Victoria anything special.
Meaning, that bizarre decision was entirely Victoria's own doing...
—I have one question, Heavenly Sword-nim.
A sudden memory bubbled up. It was from the day Victoria, who usually departed quietly after her lessons, stopped me.
'Go ahead.'
—What is the most important virtue for a hero? Not idealistic notions like altruism or a spirit of self-sacrifice—I want to know a practical, deeply personal mindset.
'I've never really thought about that.'
—Then let me rephrase the question. With what mindset do you approach your duties as a hero, Heavenly Sword-nim?
'...Nothing particularly special...'
—I am all ears.
'If it's someone I personally dislike, I break them so completely that they can never squirm back up again. I suppose that's about it.'
—...
'It's nothing important, so don't take it too seriously.'
—No.
Her resolute gaze had left quite an impression.
—I will engrave it upon my heart.
Uh...
Letting out an internal squeak, I averted my eyes. Ryozo's unblinking stare bored right into my retinas.
As expected, our Academy Principal was never wrong. Was this the fate of a man married to the world's most intelligent woman?
Just then—
Whisper, whisper.
Sounds drifting from the left broke the strange tension. Everyone's attention naturally shifted in that direction. The entire faculty from Parsi was whispering behind covered mouths.
"Novelty is fine and all, but this is clearly a terrible move."
"Tell me about it. Placing the Princess—their highest year and strongest combatant—as a mere Pawn."
"It's one thing to look down on our Parsi, but how will they deal with the fallout when they lose after pulling a stunt like that? That's what I'm really curious about."
Sometimes, I just don't understand.
Why do people actively go out of their way to ask for a beating?
I understood intellectually. They were deliberately provoking us, knowing full well I couldn't resort to overt violence here.
Glance.
A glass lens glinted in the corner of my vision. It was a camera catching the reactions of our faculty in real time. Fearing accidents, all camera operators had likely been evacuated from the arena, controlling them remotely from somewhere safe.
So even this is content to them.
It was always embarrassing to say it myself, but I, Kang Geomma, was the absolute ratings juggernaut for this broadcast. The networks were planning to hit the jackpot using my presence.
It was no coincidence that the logos plastered on the cameras were almost all in English or American branding. America had invested an astronomical sum into this Exchange Meet, which meant American networks dominated the coverage.
In short, they would bend over backward to shine the spotlight on me and milk this for all it was worth. How hilarious. America, which constantly stood at odds with me, was watching my every move so intently.
Regardless, the cluster of cameras aimed at me, flashing like arrows pointed at my head. If I showed even the slightest slip-up, they'd have plenty of juicy headlines for tomorrow.
Vein pops.
A vein throbbed on my forehead.
My stomach churned at the thought of keeping quiet like a stuffed doll with its mouth sewn shut. Even if the shackles of public attention bound my arms and legs, they couldn't restrict my tongue.
"Just as I taught her."
And so, I made something up out of thin air.
"Well done, Victoria."
I felt like I could physically hear the sound of my reputation plummeting...
You have to win, Victoria.
Even if our master-disciple relationship is just an ill-fated connection in disguise.
You must win, no matter what.
*
Episode: Academy Exchange Meet
Ⓐ Invincible Sashimi: Tuning in live check!
Ⓐ Invincible Sashimi: Wow, seriously hyped for this Exchange Meet ngl
Ⓑ Ddatdattjwi: The concept itself seems pretty decent
Ⓐ Invincible Sashimi: I literally took paid leave just to watch this
Ⓐ Zljon Geomje: That's a good company haha. Being able to take consecutive leave like that. Must be nice to be young haha.
Ⓒ He Is God: sniff sniff Is it just me, or does it smell like a boomer in here?
Ⓐ Zljon Geomje: ...I don't know who you are or where you live, young man, but watch your mouth or you'll regret it.
Ⓐ Invincible Sashimi: Shut up everyone, Heavenly Sword-nim is on screen!
Ⓐ Invincible Sashimi: Wow, he's so insanely handsome...
Ⓑ Ddatdattjwi: But wait
Ⓑ Ddatdattjwi: Parsi's lineup this time isn't messing around either?
Ⓑ Ddatdattjwi: The 2nd and 3rd years from Parsi are from the same family... if you can even call it a family.
Ⓐ Invincible Sashimi: It is a family, just an unreachable god-tier one.
Ⓐ Zljon Geomje: Looks like Parsi is determined to win this time.
Ⓒ He Is God: Wanna try doing that thing then?
[Created 'Match Prediction']
Ⓒ He Is God: Bet on what the score will be.
Ⓐ Invincible Sashimi: All in on the favorites—
[Saint_Ryu has donated 100,000 Cookies to Parsi Academy.]
Ⓢ Saint Ryu: How Parsi Academy Became a Powerhouse
* * *
The Flag War was about to begin.
Personal armaments were forbidden in the Exchange Meet.
Innate abilities or Blessings could not be helped, but if there was a discrepancy in armaments, it would undermine the purpose of the Exchange Meet.
What viewers wanted was a fierce, neck-and-neck fight. If one side gained an overwhelming advantage, Joaquin's reputation might rise, but the broadcast would become boring. The Hero Association, co-producing with the American network, was concerned about that exact issue.
Therefore, the Association distributed 'equal-tier armaments' to the cadets in advance.
That task fell to our Speed Weapon. He laid out the weapons on a long table and called out to the cadets.
"Alright, everyone gather 'round."
The weapons were either blunted or single-edged. Since the Exchange Meet was for friendly competition, this was to minimize injuries.
It might be a different story for Joaquin Academy, which possessed a proper Subspace, but if a fatal accident occurred in Parsi—which only maintained a crude makeshift Subspace—
The heads of numerous Association officials hosting the event would roll. Naturally, Speed Weapon included.
Shiver.
Speed Weapon rubbed away the goosebumps on his forearms, then continued in a feigned stern voice.
"Let me explain the additional rules. These are all special-processed armaments made specifically for the Exchange Meet. Limbs can be severed, but you won't be able to pierce vital spots like the trachea or heart. There won't be any casualties... probably..."
"Did you say... probably...?"
Ji Chang-hyuk paled in horror.
"It's dangerous to make absolute promises about everything."
"What about our lives being in danger?!"
"Anyway! Everyone, pick a weapon that suits your preference!"
As soon as those words left his mouth, the cadets moved swiftly. Each aimed to choose equipment similar to what they were accustomed to. After careful inspection, they began strapping weapons to their waists one by one.
Meanwhile, a subtle tension brewed between Victoria and a certain cadet. Sharp gazes collided in midair.
"So we meet like this, Princess."
The one who spoke first was a Parsi 3rd-year student.
A stern face, heavy gauntlets extending to his forearms, and an imposing posture radiated the air of a seasoned veteran. His appearance belied his young age.
"Indeed."
Victoria replied.
"Brother."
"...Brother...?"
Ji Chang-hyuk was shocked once again.
If Princess Victoria called him brother, that man was undoubtedly royalty.
I heard Parsi had a high concentration of royals and nobles, but still...
However, the two looked far too different to be family. In fact, Chae Lina shared more common ground with her, if only because both Victoria and Chae Lina were impossibly beautiful.
The Parsi 3rd-year seemed to read Ji Chang-hyuk's inner confusion. Glancing at him, the male student bared his teeth in a sneer.
"Unlike me, the Princess takes after her mother's side. I take after our father. That is why she is closest to the imperial throne, yet looks the least like His Majesty."
"..."
Victoria bit her lip tightly.
"Some even rumor that rather than taking after her mother, she's actually a completely different—"
Just as Victoria was about to snap in outrage, unable to take it any longer—
"How cowardly."
Chae Lina spoke up nonchalantly. Holding a hair tie in her lips, she was tying her lustrous hair up into a high half-ponytail. The Parsi 3rd-year stared, momentarily dazed by her striking beauty.
"Trying to shake her ■■ before a match. Cowardly."
Chae Lina secured her neatly pulled-back hair with the band. Her eyelashes fluttered, and her dark eyes glittered under the waiting room lights.
"Everything should be decided up there."
With those words, Chae Lina turned around. Two daggers slung at her waist tapped rhythmic beats against her thighs as she walked.
* * *
[1 minute until the Flag War begins.]
Starting with the broadcast, the entire arena began to thrum. It wasn't just a psychological feeling—the air vibrated.
We looked up. Holographic windows floated up in droves. Each window reflected the participants from multiple angles.
I have to hand it to American technology.
Wide angles, close-ups.
They displayed the match at various magnifications. If nothing else, the American network was dead serious about observer cams. It was a spectacular viewing experience.
Hummmmm.
The broadcast screen zoomed in on one of the three floating islands. Sand on the ground rattled and rose.
Whirrrr.
Soon, the ground split open and figures rose. Through the 3D map, we could easily view each camp with our own eyes.
□
□ |♙♘♕|
■
□
| ♞♛♟ | □ |
White was Joaquin, and Black was Parsi. The flag-bearers for both White and Black were the Queens. Namely, Joaquin's was 1st-year Chae Lina, and Parsi's was a 2nd-year girl.
Both of them had slender builds and looked agile. Naturally so, as Knights responsible for mobility.
"Looks like the innermost island is the starting line," Abel muttered.
Leon nodded and elaborated.
"The Knight's role will be bigger than expected. Crossing an entire island is equivalent to creating two Bifröst bridges."
"Even if it's only once," Ryozo chimed in.
"That's why the Knight is the key to victory. You never know when that 'one time' will be used."
"That makes sense."
As I nodded along knowingly, the broadcast announcement sounded once again.
[Emergency notice prior to start.]
[The positions of the islands will change every minute.]
That was somewhat expected.
The more chaotic variables there were, the less likely a one-sided game would occur. Still, taking a look at Parsi's roster, they wouldn't have been easy opponents even without the gimmicks.
It happened while we were having our casual conversation.
[Beginning the Flag War.]
A thunderous sound like a ship's foghorn reverberated through the arena—the solemn blare of the horn, Gjallarhorn.
It had begun. Without giving us faculty members a moment to feel nervous, the cadets on both sides launched their operations simultaneously.
Chae Lina (White) and the Parsi 2nd-year (Black), the two Knights, moved their lips. Instantly, gentle, iridescent rainbow arcs stretched across the gaps between the floating islands. It was the Bifröst.
The Queens and Pawns intended to join in later, after gauging the relative strength between the Knights.
"If possible, defeating the enemy Knight and taking the central island first would be ideal, but..."
"Since lives can't be taken like in a real Subspace, completely knocking them out won't be possible."
Everyone shared similar opinions, including Ryozo.
"Hmm."
I sensed an inexplicable, unsettling feeling. Whether it was the manifestation of my senses honed to the absolute limit by the Blessing of the Sword God, the arrows in my mind pointed in a different direction.
□
| ♘ | ← | ♙♕ |
■
□
| ♛♟ | → | ♞ |
Black—the female cadet from Parsi—dashed like an arrow, leaving behind afterimages. She likely possessed a Blessing geared toward mobility. Moving to another island in an instant, she immediately attempted to generate another Bifröst.
"As expected. She wouldn't use the Knight's one-time privilege right from the start..."
Ryozo couldn't even finish her sentence.
Because the connection point of the Bifröst created by White—Chae Lina—defied her, no, everyone's expectations.
□
| ♕ | ← | ♙ |
↙
■
↓
□
| ♛♟ | → | ♞¤♘ |
Chae Lina connected the black island directly to the island where Black was positioned. Then, stomping off the ground like lightning, she leaped in an instant.
BOOM!
The ground crumpled under Chae Lina's feet. Ji Chang-hyuk recoiled as the foundation of the island shook violently.
"...!"
Seeing Chae Lina bound across the gap in a single leap, the Black Knight looked horrified. The other Parsi cadets were equally dumbfounded. None of them had anticipated she would burn her 'one-time' privilege on her very first move.
The faculty members from Parsi stood up one after another, completely consumed by the match. The atmosphere grew intensely heated.
The Black Knight aborted the Bifröst she was about to generate. Raising her weapon high, she assumed a high stance.
In the next instant, the blades of the two Knights collided. A high-pitched metallic clash struck our eardrums.
────────────────!
An opening...
...that left everyone satisfied and was undeniably spectacular.