Chapter 39: Academy Exchange Meeting — Twist (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 39: Academy Exchange Meeting — Twist (3)
The Blessing of Transfer.
Its original effect was to transfer a Blessing I possessed outside my body.
It was the first Blessing I planned for and obtained back in the Buffalo Dungeon.
Even thinking about it now, it was a great choice. I benefited immensely from the Blessing of Transfer. In terms of versatility, it was the best among my Blessings.
Like this, the Blessing of Transfer is flexible. It was like an all-purpose magnet that stuck to whatever you brought it close to.
However, the Blessing of Transfer didn't originally have an effect that let you absorb someone else's Blessing. It wasn't even written on the Miracle Blessing M Kkeomuwiki.
However, I have abilities other than Blessings.
The Demon Eye Defying Heaven.
Next to the Evil Eye of the Loop—the strongest Demon Eye in history, which can distort 'concepts' once—this was the most broken. A Demon Eye in the truest sense. If I flipped the direction of transfer using this, I could transform the Blessing of Transfer into a pseudo-absorption Blessing.
Furthermore, the Demon Eye Defying Heaven has no usage limit or risk. That doesn't mean I can just steal the Blessings of heroes around the world whenever I feel like it, though.
The target must not hold ill will or opposition toward it. I don't know the exact reason why.
But it was probably because I hadn't given up my humanity. I respect everyone's free will. That's the same reason I condone the tumors of this world and leave them to Auditore.
If the God of Sword steps in, he could pull them up root and stem, but doing so would collapse the world's ecosystem.
Wouldn't that make me no different from the False Gods?
I try my best not to intervene in the lives of individual humans. Of course, there are times when someone gets on my nerves and I 'unintentionally' send them to the afterlife, but...
It's strictly an accident. Truly an accident.
Anyway.
Nox's shocking proposal.
My deliberation lasted quite a while. Until the blue hue of the moon faded into twilight and the sun gradually poured crimson warmth into the hospital corridor.
"I..."
At long last, after a lengthy silence, I opened my mouth.
Episode. Academy Exchange Meeting
The hallway where the Heavenly Sword had departed.
Nox stood tucked into a blind spot away from the sun, his back pressed tightly against the wall.
"Kang Geomma..."
He stared at the blazing morning in that position. Meanwhile, hospital staff began arriving one by one. Though they brought life to the previously desolate corridor, Nox remained lost in quiet contemplation.
"You... really never cease to defy expectations..."
—I refuse.
Kang Geomma hadn't rambled or made excuses; he had simply shaken his head. Then he had added this at the end:
—Breaking Auditore's shackles is ultimately Chloe's task. It's not something you or I should butt into. Besides, thinking about it now, I don't really seem to need the Raven's Blessing that much anyway.
As her biological brother, Nox himself hadn't even thought of that.
...Why did I try to decide that without consulting Chloe for even a single word?...
Had he unconsciously treated Chloe with subtle condescension or as a possession? Reaching that realization felt like a fishbone lodged in his throat.
Did I truly, genuinely care about Chloe?
As Nox stood groaning inwardly in the corner, he felt a presence approach. Turning his head, he saw a young woman in a white coat looking up at him. With an utterly harmless, puppy-like expression, she spoke to him.
"...Um, you don't look so good. How about getting examined?"
"..."
Nox subtly narrowed his brow. The woman hurriedly flashed her name tag and explained.
"Ah, ah! I-I'm sorry if I overstepped! I, I am the attending physician for Patient Chloe in Room 412!"
"...Thank you for looking after her..."
"Oh, it's no trouble at all, I'm just doing my job."
Good intentions radiated from her tone. Looking at the doctor's face, Nox thought: So Parsi Academy Affiliated Hospital actually has proper medical personnel.
"Anyway, you're going to ruin your own health playing guardian. Go inside and get some rest, or go downstairs and get an IV drip."
"Wouldn't it be more profitable for the hospital if I were admitted?"
"It's not like that money goes into my pocket anyway. I'm just a salaried doctor working at an affiliated hospital. Preventing even one patient from being admitted helps me leave work on time! My professor back in university taught me that. Ah, saying only that makes it sound like I'm disrespecting my professor, so let me clarify—she's an amazing person. You've probably heard of her? Professor Cynthia."
How could he not know?
She was the biological mother of the current Academy Principal, Saki Ryozo, and the mother-in-law of the Heavenly Sword, Kang Geomma. Honestly, even without that backing, she was a grand figure in her own right.
Cynthia of God.
If she was her disciple, there was no room to doubt this puppy-faced doctor's skill. That was probably why she brought up Cynthia in the first place.
"Understood."
Nox uncrossed his arms and pushed his back off the wall. As he quietly turned to leave, the woman watched his retreating figure in dazed astonishment.
"U-Um!"
No sooner had her crimson lips twitched than Nox turned around. A red glint in his eyes followed.
"There is one thing I would like to ask."
"...Pardon?"
"This is, well, a personal consultation... Um, you see..."
Nox stroked the back of his neck and averted his gaze. Then, with a sigh deep enough to sink the earth, he spoke again.
"When a doctor treats a patient, what mindset do they hold? It doesn't need to be specific."
"Mmm, that's an interesting question. 'How do I treat a patient?' It's so second nature that I've never really taken the time to think about it, but..."
"I am merely asking out of curiosity, so you do not need to answer if it makes you uncomfortable."
"It's not an uncomfortable question."
A bright smile curved the doctor's lips.
"I'm in charge of rehabilitation therapy, so... seeing the patient walk on their own two feet out of 'their own free will.' I think that's about it."
"...Ha, haha."
"Haha?"
"Hahaha!"
The doctor blinked in surprise at the sudden burst of laughter. Straightening his bent waist, Nox wiped the corner of his eyes with his index finger and muttered:
"Heavenly Sword, you always give me enlightenment. I am a year older than you, yet why does it feel as though you've lived decades longer than I?"
It was the truth.
"P-Patient... Ah, no, Guardian-nim?"
"Doctor."
"Yes?"
"I am thinking of making a donation to this hospital."
If one received a lesson, paying tuition was proper etiquette. Parsi was, after all, an academy.
"...So suddenly?"
"However,"
Nox nodded with resolute eyes.
"The donor's name will be Kang Geomma."
* * *
[■■ of □□, Mental Rank has increased!]
[Plausibility from the Counterforce has decreased.]
[Until the unlock of Blessing of the Sword God — Affection...]
[...approx. ...% ...]
* * *
The opening ceremony was grander than before. Starting with jet fighters drawing patterns in the sky, plum blossom petals fluttered down in abundance.
Given the explosive response to the first event, aggressive investment seemed to have been poured in. Moreover, from Parsi's perspective, losing even in 'Skoll and Hati' meant guaranteed overall defeat. They must have lavished it in gold if only to boost the morale of Parsi's contestants.
Bhoo-oooooooo!
The solemn sound of a horn echoed. Amidst such commotion, we entered Parsi's training ground. On both sides of the red carpet, a wall of people had formed. They threw three or four flowers at our feet, wishing us blessings of victory.
Unlike last time, they even hosted spectators.
That was proof that the upcoming event wouldn't result in casualties. If the risk of injury was low, there was no reason not to admit spectators.
The Hero Association had reportedly taken the first event as a foundation and exercised extra caution for this second competition—so that more people wouldn't feel repulsed by it.
"Wooaaaaah!"
"Joaquin! Joaquin! Joaquin!"
"Heavenly Sword-nim—! I love you! Marry me!"
The loud cheers of the crowd collided to create a strange harmony. Thanks to that, the realism heightened, and a feeling of self-efficacy filled my chest. Yes. There definitely needed to be a crowd.
Shortly after Joaquin, the winner of the first event, made its entrance, the Parsi side made their appearance. A fighting spirit unique to pursuers boiled in their eyes. The participating faculty were one thing, but the students' eyes flared with murderous intent.
"Is it because they took a beating in the Flag War? Their momentum alone looks like it could kill someone."
Ryozo remarked with a weary chuckle. I nodded in agreement and took my seat. The rest of our group sat down as well.
As was customary for such events, the MC shouted at the top of his lungs to build up the hype. With a face red as a ripe tomato, he listed the students' names, followed by the faculty joining them.
"—And our sa-vior, the Heavenly Sword!"
My neck and ears turned red as well. For a moment, gazes capable of suffocating me or making me die of embarrassment bound me in place.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Right away! Without wasting any time, we will begin Skoll and Hati—!"
Amidst cheers that surpassed thunder, the ground of the arena collapsed downward. It was a sudden sinkhole, except it was the size of a soccer field.
Shortly after, new ground filled the empty space as if growing new skin. At the same time, Ji Chang-hyuk, the 2nd-year representative sitting behind us, let out a soft exclamation.
"Whoa."
A long elliptical shape. A few sculptures modeled after Egyptian gods asserted their presence right at the center.
It felt like being on a movie set. The scent of dirt carried by the wind brushed past the bridge of my nose. The three-dimensional presence felt by all five senses created the illusion of having time-traveled to glorious ancient Rome.
They spent quite a bit of cash.
However, what instantly caught our attention was not the arena itself, but the chariot race. Attached behind the wheels of the two-seater chariots were black and white iron balls, respectively.
White represented the sun, and black represented the moon. I knew that much from the prior briefing.
But...
○┐
□ - ʕ•㉨•ʔ
□ - ʕ•㉨•ʔ
●┘
I was never told that beasts, not livestock, would be pulling the chariots. What kind of animal is that? It looks like a canine, but...
"They are wolves!"
A passing dog would laugh at that claim.
Abel's lips twitched in disbelief.
"...Those? Those chubby things?"
Propping up a thick hind leg, it vigorously scratched somewhere near its round(?) ear.
People put their hands over their hearts. Then they uttered a strange, collective coo.
"So... cu...te..."
A modifier that hardly matched a wolf came pouring out.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Give a big round of applause! Skoll and Hati!"
Their appearances couldn't match their names.
"The rules are simple! Victory is achieved when each academy's iron ball touches the mouths of Skoll and Hati!"
In short, a game of tag. Translated into Korean style, it was Cops and Robbers.
"To do that, they will first have to complete a lap, won't they?"
"However, completing ten laps first also secures victory!"
"Beep! Direct physical combat between sides is strictly prohibited! Compete purely with running!"
"Ah! You think the iron balls attached behind aren't ordinary?! Hahaha! You saw right!"
"But telling you right away would be no fun, wouldn't it? Please figure it out through the contestants' reactions! We have to leave some entertainment!"
"Too much explanation is no good! RUN! RUN! RUN! Let's get running right away!"
"This event will begin with the 2nd years!!"
It was due to public interest. In the Flag War, the 1st and 3rd years of each academy had left a deep impression.
By contrast, unfortunately, the 2nd years—whether from Joaquin or Parsi—had failed to stand out. Thus, the superficial reason for sending them out first was...
"To redeem yourselves."
Ryozo rested her chin on her fist.
"...would be the excuse, but in reality, they're just setting the stage."
"Phew. Nothing we can do about it."
Abel blew her bangs back with a breath. Rising to her feet, she signaled her disciple with her eyes.
"Let's go, Chang-hyuk."
"...Yes."
"Shoulders back. Whose disciple do you think you are? Having a hunched neck when I'm the one who taught you?!"
"I-I'm sorry... Sword Princess-nim!"
Ji Chang-hyuk pulled his shoulders stiffly back. Only then did Abel's expression clear up sunnily.
"I mean don't worry about my pride or anything. Just do your best. Then even if the whole world curses you, it's fine. Don't strive for others' recognition. As long as you can be proud of yourself, that's enough."
"Sw-Sword Princess-nim...!"
If someone poked Ji Chang-hyuk near his eyes, a whole bucket of tears seemed ready to pour out.
"Not that I'm saying you're allowed to lose, though."
"...Pardon...?"
Abel's lips were definitely smiling. Yet her eyes were terrifyingly sharp.
"Now that we've stepped up bearing the name of the Nibelung family, defeat will not be tolerated."
"..."
Ji Chang-hyuk's desperate gaze poked at me. I looked away. There's a saying that you can know ten fathoms under water, but not one fathom into your wife's heart.
Abel's competitive streak is genetic, my friend.
Ji Chang-hyuk was grabbed by the scruff of his neck by Abel and dragged off like a sack of grain. Leaving our side, the two soon emerged in the arena and mounted a horse-drawn carriage, dog-drawn carriage, wolf-drawn carriage...
Damn it, I don't know.
Whatever it was, they boarded the chariot, and so did Parsi.
Both sides were ready.
"Skooooooll and Hatiiiiiii!"
The MC inside the monitor proclaimed, leaning back so far it looked as if his back might snap.
"START!"
Abel and Ji Chang-hyuk grabbed the reins connected from the wolves' mouths. Parsi snapped their reins as well. Skoll and Hati, who had been lazily yawning at the front of both chariots, willingly dug in their paws.
Swoooooosh!
The Parsi side's chariot sliced through the wind at a refreshingly brisk speed. A wig flew off one of the spectators. How could a chubby wolf produce such speed?
The admiring gazes of the audience shifted. It was toward none other than the vicinity of the starting line.
"...U-Uh?"
"Sword Princess-nim?!"
The speed of their chariot was sluggish. No joke, the crowd fell into disarray at the snail-paced crawl.
"This is the real charm of this year's Skoll and Hati!"
As if waiting for this moment, the MC chimed in.
"From ancient times, the sun represents the master! The moon represents the disciple! It means the disciple does not shine on their own, but sparkles from the light bestowed by the master!"
"The white iron ball estimates one-twentieth of the master's capacity! The black iron ball estimates the weight of the disciple's maximum instantaneous capacity!"
"To win, the disciple must push themselves desperately while the master cheers them on, right?!"
"As for why Joaquin Academy's chariot isn't making progress, mm... I won't explain in detail!"
"However! Overcoming the master's shadow is how one truly grows into a real hero!"
Good thing he omitted it. It meant the gap in level between Abel and Ji Chang-hyuk was astronomical—so much so that he couldn't even handle a twentieth of her power.
It was a game entirely disadvantageous to our Joaquin Academy, whose faculty members were all part of the Golden Generation.
"..."
"Mmm."
I felt a gaze at the back of my head. It was Victoria.
I know.
If Abel and Ji Chang-hyuk were in that state...
There was no hope for the two of us.