Dawn Sparring and Widening Gaps
I figured I'd get an earful for suddenly changing my mind, but surprisingly, the Bronheim duke's daughter coolly allowed the reversal. She even offered to help with training starting tomorrow to prepare for the inter-class competition—talk about killing two birds with one stone. One-on-one lessons with the undisputed strongest first-year knight student? You couldn't buy sessions like this. No way I'd pass them up.
"Whoa, so you're representing our class, Aren?"
"Yeah."
Back at the dorm, as I lay on my creaky bed, Theo struck up a conversation.
"Impressive. Even if they pick at least one per class, it's not easy to get chosen."
"Eh, mostly 'cause I caught the lady's eye. We went through hell together during the class placement exam."
"True, that makes sense. I figured you'd nail it anyway."
"Save the empty words."
"It's not empty... "
The guy passed out during the class placement exam and barely saw me fight—what does he know? His sincerity came through, though, so I appreciated it, even if it didn't quite hit home. Whether he just saw me as a friend or spotted something special in me, who knows.
"Anyway, since we're doing this, let's both give it our all. You'll be up against Neriel Marit, so we won't face off, but still."
The inter-class competition was a main event in the original story, so I assumed he'd be in it too and encouraged him early.
But Theo's reaction felt off somehow.
"Give it our all together...? Aren, what do you mean by that?"
"Huh?"
No way he's saying we're enemies since we're in different classes. Not with that nice-guy personality—he wouldn't drop something that harsh.
"It sounded like you thought I was participating too."
"...What? You're not?"
"Nope."
His answer veered even further off my expectations, leaving me momentarily stunned. Wait, he's sitting this out? Why? The inter-class comp was a big deal, the perfect stage for the original protagonist to shine and make his presence known.
"Why not?"
"Why? No one even asked me. Epid from our class is going instead."
Who's that? More importantly, why skip over this guy? Sure, Theo's grades were great for C-Class and he wasn't a combat standout, but with protagonist buffs, you'd think he'd stand out and get picked naturally.
Does that mean this key event rolls without the protagonist? Is it because he skipped the labyrinth incident and hasn't powered up?
"Aigoo, dude."
"Wh-what? Aren? You okay? Suddenly collapsing or... "
I sat up on the bed before flopping back down dramatically. As Theo rushed over to check on me, I tossed out a line.
"You're useless now."
"Did you just casually drop something brutal...?! "
"Whatever, man."
But switching gears, it actually seemed fine. If the protagonist stays out of the plot, maybe nothing blows up. Yeah, plausible. The labyrinth mess was just bad luck for me and Senior Siel getting tangled in his destined crisis.
"...Well, nothing to be done. Cheer loud then."
"You got it! I'll be your one-man cheer squad all day!"
"Cheering for me? What about your class?"
Is he betting against his own team or something? Why root for another class otherwise? When I asked, he gave an awkward smile.
"Well... I overheard Marit gathering her selected classmates and talking."
"What'd she say?"
"Stuff like she doesn't expect much from your group, don't drag her down... She badmouthed other classes without holding back. I don't wanna see someone like that win."
"I see."
Classic narcissist purple-head with zero home training. Even pushover Theo shaking his head says it all.
And does that girl toss all common sense out while buried in magic research? No wonder her own classmates won't warm up to her. Or maybe I'm expecting too much from someone without a brain.
"Don't worry, I'll smash her good."
"N-narcissist purple-head?"
"That's her."
I was itching to school her anyway, and Theo's words fired me up more. Magic tower lord's disciple or whatever—you're done.
The next day at dawn, I got permission from Professor Azela, skipped the morning run, and headed to the training grounds. She always barked "It's your lack of stamina! Quit whining and run!" at guys begging off for colds—I doubted it'd work. But apparently, the Bronheim lady had put in a word first; she approved it readily under the guise of inter-class prep training.
I could picture my classmates eyeing my back with envy as I left. Keep grinding, suckers. Tsk.
"Good morning, milady."
"Early bird, aren't you? Still ten minutes till our appointment."
Stepping into the training grounds, I greeted the familiar face. The grand duchess glanced at her watch, her eyes widening slightly—maybe even pleased.
"You're one to talk—you beat me here."
"Touché. But that's a new sword."
Her gaze lingered on the blade at my hip, interest sparking. Swordswoman through and through—spots a good one instantly.
"Yeah... The old one shattered in the labyrinth. Just picked this up."
"If you'd asked me, I'd have gifted you one forged by our family smith."
"Appreciate the thought."
I drew it to show her, shrugging. The hilt's a bit rusted from age, but the blade's a real gem. Professor Azela said it's a rare artifact with bonus effects, though I haven't tested it post-discharge.
"Today's the first time we'll cross blades directly. I'm looking forward to it."
"Go easy on me—I just got out of the hospital."
"Sadly, I'm no lightweight."
"Tch."
Just testing the waters, but still a bummer. That said, I was pumped too—more like a relief. Expert-level like me, but from the class placement exam sword aura, she's at least a step above. Rare chance for a sparring partner like that. My blood was heating up.
Shing—
"Warm-up's done. Shall we?"
"Music to my ears."
The mood shifted the instant she drew. Air grew heavy—like pressure building. But instead of buckling, I grinned. Guess I've got swordsman's blood too.
Lately, Tiabel had started waking up much earlier. Back when she first entered the academy, her routine hadn't changed much. No need to rise at dawn like Aren for runs, so she'd sleep in till just before class.
But lately, she'd decided that wouldn't cut it and began personal dawn training.
The change stemmed from Aren.
I don't just want him protecting me. I'll get stronger and protect him too.
She wasn't weak by any means. Gentle temperament aside, as top spirit student, no peer dared challenge her. She knew it, so no rush before.
But seeing Aren return injured from places she couldn't reach reignited her drive.
The notion that he had to guard her as escort knight, and she had to be protected—such hollow roles and excuses wouldn't satisfy her anymore. She knew better than anyone she didn't see him as just an escort.
As a woman, wanting to shield the man she cared for was instinct.
"Ugh, sleepy..."
Thus, Tiabel left Iferia Dorm early again, heading to the training grounds. Normally restricted without prior approval, but as top student and special admittee, she had free rein anytime.
"...Huh?"
Dragging her feet to the grounds, she spotted a familiar face in the dim light. No mistaking it.
"Aren!"
"Miss? What brings you here?"
Calling out joyfully, she caught his gaze. She trotted over.
"That's my line. What are you doing up this early...?"
"Got picked for the inter-class comp next week. Training with the grand duchess to prep."
"You're in the inter-class comp too?"
"Looks like it."
His wry smile hinted at backstory, but it was good news regardless. Tiabel beamed. Sure, a twinge of jealousy at him alone with another girl at dawn, but...
"How'd sparring with Bronheim go? Win rate or whatever."
She'd already decided the answer inwardly. Same A-Class, same top spot—she'd clashed with Silvena in joint mock battles before. Her win rate? Dismal. So Aren probably fared no better.
"I won."
"...What?"
"Only three bouts, but I took 'em all today."
His deadpan report froze her brain. An opponent she'd struggled to even match—he beat the grand duchess three straight times?
Of course someone like me...
She wanted to protect him. Hoped he'd take no more wounds.
But he surged ahead without her "protection," far beyond her.
Her recent training flashed by like a montage—maybe pointless flailing after all.
"Uh, yeah. Good luck, Aren. I'm heading out."
"Huh? We could go together... "
"Nah, it's fine."
The thought made staying impossible.