The Accident
"...Then, I'll be going now."
"...Yeah."
It was only after morning came that I finally managed to compose myself. I sent Kania, who had been comforting me until then, off to the classroom first.
In truth, my body still wasn't fully recovered, so it would have been great if she could support me. But if I did that, it might draw suspicion toward Kania from the others. So, even if it was a bit tough, sending her ahead and keeping our relationship hidden would benefit my future plans.
"...Hoo."
With that thought, I opened the skill shop and began browsing for the skill I absolutely needed right now.
◈ Slightly increases life force recovery speed permanently. (Total amount unchanged)
"...Looks like I have to buy this now."
Today was the long-awaited practical evaluation day. To get beaten up by Irina, this skill seemed essential.
"...Oh."
As I thought that and clicked to purchase the skill, vitality began surging through my body out of nowhere. I hadn't expected much from the 'slight' increase, but it was worth every bit of those 1000 points.
"...I hope Irina lands her Fireball on me properly."
I closed my eyes for a moment, savoring the vitality filling my body, then started rummaging through my bag, worrying about Irina.
"...Good, this should do it."
Finally, I pulled out the three top-grade mana potions I'd bought in the back alley on my way from the church to the dorm yesterday. Without hesitation, I popped the corks and chugged them all at once.
"...Urk."
I'd thought top-grade potions would taste good, but they were surprisingly awful. I nearly gagged, but vomiting would mean wasting tens of thousands of gold, so I forced them down. Soon, a hot energy stirred in my stomach.
'...This should be enough.'
I closed my eyes briefly, sensing the mana pooling in my gut, and smiled once I felt a sufficient amount had gathered. This much Star Mana should provide ample help to Irina if I passed it to her.
Of course, Irina was still gunning for my life, but if I didn't share mana with her, her grades would tank... and that could derail the scenario. I was already working hard to minimize variables, and there were plenty of twists so far. If Irina got demoted to the lower class or expelled from the academy, who knew what chaos that would cause.
So, I had to stick as closely as possible to the Prophecy Book...
'...Stick to the Prophecy Book?'
As I organized my thoughts and prepared to head to class, a sudden realization about the Prophecy Book halted me in my tracks.
"...Haa."
I suppressed the rising unease with a deep sigh, my face turning serious as I muttered inwardly.
'Two parts of the Prophecy Book have already diverged... Should I really follow it?'
The idea that regressing would restore all the main heroines' memories as a penalty definitely wasn't in the Prophecy Book. I'd felt something off about it, but until now, I'd rationalized it as some unforeseen variable even my ancestor hadn't predicted.
But now, even Perloché's setting had a discrepancy. According to the Prophecy Book and my memories, Perloché had always been just a pure, airheaded human. She'd drunk the potion I gave her as a child without suspicion and happily toddled off to the church when I suggested it, beaming innocently.
Yet in the dream I had today, she'd boldly shouted at young me that she'd 'expose' my atrocities.
That Perloché who couldn't distinguish 'prisoner' from 'expose' and wrote grammar questions in her threat letter to me.
Of course, if today's dream was just nonsense, it wouldn't matter... But seeing my cherished sword fade in color overnight confirmed that whatever spirit or entity dwelled within it had intervened.
So... if that dream was truly real, if my ancestor—who I thought knew everything—was wrong, if following the Prophecy Book was the mistake, then what should I do? Was blindly trusting the Prophecy Book, the system, and my memories really right?
"............."
I stood there frozen, pondering deeply, but ultimately couldn't find an answer.
Because denying the Prophecy Book and the system would mean invalidating everything I'd done so far.
And if I did that, I probably couldn't stay sane anymore...
In the end, I decided to shelve this worry until clearer evidence emerged.
'It's still under control. For now, I can handle it.'
With that forced rationalization, I let out a deep sigh and left the dorm.
"Everyone, pay attention. I'm about to explain the rules for the practical evaluation."
All of Class A had gathered in the training grounds.
""..........""
And soon, an overwhelming wave of killing intent washed over us.
Wondering what was up, I looked over to see Clana, Perloché, and Irina glaring at me like they wanted to kill me.
Clana and Irina were one thing, but I never expected that pure saintess to shoot me such a murderous look.
"...Focus! You lot, focus!"
After glaring at me for a while, they finally tore their eyes away at Isolet's shout and turned to her.
I silently thanked Isolet for the brief respite and began reviewing the upcoming scenario.
Today, I had to lose to Irina somehow. After losing, I'd play the arrogant wastrel forced by the Death Oath to hand his mana to a lowly commoner.
Of course, when transferring mana, it had to be just enough to keep her from failing for a year. Anything more, and my survival odds would plummet.
"...To reiterate, mysterious monsters have been appearing across the nation lately."
Lost in thought, I tuned back in as Isolet amplified her voice across the training grounds with a magic tool.
"The knights are holding them back for now, but if the surge continues, even our capital could be at risk someday."
That was true. By now, monsters were spawning empire-wide due to the Demon King's awakening. They'd ravage the already famine-stricken lands, causing massive casualties.
Half the empire's people would starve, the other half get trampled or devoured by monsters. The lords would ignore them, focused on protecting their own wealth.
Truly a hopeless world.
"So, per the empire's new policy, I'll train you all to be shields defending the empire. And this practical evaluation is the first step."
As I quietly cursed the rotten empire, Isolet swept a cold gaze over us and continued.
"Thus, the evaluation will be in 'full combat' format."
The kids tilted their heads in confusion, and Isolet added curtly,
"...Fight with the intent to kill each other."
With that, she finished the briefing and sat down, plunging the area into heavy silence.
"Then... first pair: Clana Solar Sunrise and Perloché Astellade, step forward."
In the tense atmosphere, Isolet quietly announced the start of the evaluations.
"Perloché. Once more, this isn't a game..."
"...I know."
"Pardon?"
"...I won't let myself get played for a fool anymore."
The two stepped up with hardened expressions and began talking as they took positions in the arena.
Normally, I'd enjoy the cute banter between Clana and Perloché, but now Perloché just coldly gathered divine power in her hands, ready for battle.
"...Urk."
Seeing her like that stirred guilt for turning that pure, cute girl into this—mixed with the horrific image from today's dream and her past that didn't match my memories—making my stomach churn.
I shook my head to clear the distractions just as Isolet's whistle blew, and the next instant, the princess and saintess clashed.
My heart skipped, fearing Perloché might use Solar God's Blessing, but the princess's solar mana attack was blocked by a white shield.
Clana swiftly retreated, focusing solar mana into her fingertip, while Perloché gathered divine power in her hand.
'Going for a one-shot clash?'
The sheer volume suggested an all-or-nothing exchange. Sure enough, their attacks collided mid-air.
'...Ah, so that's their aim.'
The massive energy fragments from the clash hurtled toward me.
Direct hit would mean ten weeks in recovery.
".....!"
Kania quietly gathered black magic, alarmed, but I shook my head to stop her.
Because I'd anticipated Isolet's sword aura slicing the fragments just before they hit.
"...I can control such variables anytime, so feel free to use big moves. Continue."
After Isolet's calm statement, the disappointed pair resumed fighting.
It seemed like a 'if it works, great; if not, oh well' plan, but still threatening.
'...Anyway, that wasn't lethal. Confirms Kania was right.'
Kania said the heroines' alliance's primary goal was to 'ruin' me. When I asked why, they deemed simply killing the guy who once doomed the world too merciful.
Touching, really.
"...Kyaa!!"
As I watched silently, Clana's solar mana-infused punch soon landed on Perloché, ending it anticlimactically.
The original Perloché, who hated pain, never would have taken a clean hit.
But somehow, she overextended into Clana and ate a fatal blow.
"...Kuhk."
Clutching her stomach and trembling for a while, Perloché gritted her teeth and struggled to stand.
"What on earth happened to you..."
"I... I won't... be used anymore..."
"........"
But she couldn't endure the shock on willpower alone and soon passed out.
Watching, guilt gnawed at me for ruining her purity. I averted my eyes.
"...Clana Solar Sunrise wins. Next pair."
Isolet's flat voice rang out, and limp Perloché was carried off by assistants.
"Young master, is something wrong..."
"...Shh."
Kania whispered beside me, but I brushed her off and schooled my expression.
Judging by her bitten lip, my face must have been a sight.
Several pairs fought after, but most ended in one exchange. Nobles were too incompetent, commoners too capable.
Kania vs. Ariane was decent, though. Ariane won by trapping Kania in a barrier, but if Kania had used black magic, it might've gone differently.
Too bad Serena wasn't here. She'd predict every attack and subdue foes with a finger...
'...Nah, what am I thinking.'
On second thought, with Serena here, I'd probably be dead already.
Far from regretting her absence, I should be grateful.
But she should return to school soon. I need countermeasures for her...
"...Next pair: Frey Raon Starlight and Irina Philliard, step forward."
As I sorted my thoughts, our turn arrived.
"...Ready to be my slave?"
"........."
I sauntered up beside Irina, sneering. She glared daggers.
Meeting her gaze steadily, I whispered in her ear,
"Oh, right—thinking of hugging your friend next time. Mind giving tips later?"
Irina started gnashing her teeth.
"...Well, nice working with ya?"
I gave her a mocking look, wiped the blood trickling from her lips with my hand, then walked to the arena, lost in thought.
'...This should be enough.'
Irina Philliard grows stronger with anger. Not hyperbole—it's canon. The grand magic that critically wounded the Demon King was born from grief and rage over losing her friend Ariane.
So even mana-exhausted, this fury should let her land a Fireball on me.
Finishing the thought, Irina entered the arena, glaring. Isolet's whistle followed.
"...Haaap!"
Before it even ended, seven Fireballs appeared above Irina's head.
"W-Wait... s-seven!?"
"What... how's that failing student..."
Murmurs rose. Amid them, Irina eyed me with hatred.
"I... might not kill you 'cause I'm weak... but I'll make it hurt as much as possible..."
"Uh... seven's a bit..."
"Killing you's for a year from now, when I regain power. Till then, I'll leave burns to cripple you in agony."
"No, you can't even land all—sigh."
Creating seven Fireballs mana-exhausted? Mages would study it obsessively if reported.
Impressive feat, but I was anxious watching. Controlling seven in her state was suicidal.
"...Urk!"
Sure enough, Irina collapsed to her knees trying to move them.
"F-Fuck... cough..."
'Just fire a few—I'd lose on purpose... why screw around?'
Glaring reproachfully, I noticed Isolet and Clana eyeing my inaction suspiciously, gritted my teeth, and approached.
"Kyaaak!!"
"...Knew it. As if trash like you could handle Fireball."
Reaching her, I kicked her into the dirt.
"No matter how you struggle... some things never change... Irina."
"Don't... say my name... with that filthy mouth... you fucking dog..."
"The dog'll be my pet soon... you lowly bitch."
"Urghk!!"
Grabbing her hair, I slammed her face into the dirt as she muttered hatred.
"Mmph!"
"Look, the filthy dirt suits you."
"Mmmph..."
"What's wrong? You'll swallow worse soon."
I secretly poured purified mana from a hidden flask onto the dirt, then rubbed her face in it, taunting.
"Urghk..."
"What? Bad rubbing your face in dirt?"
"Cough cough..."
"But honestly, the dirt probably hates it more than you..."
"...What?"
"Even full of bugs and filth... it'd hate a lowly thing like you rubbing on it, right?"
Finishing, I walked toward the exit, ignoring her coughs, muttering inwardly.
'Please... just land one.'
Praying she'd safely Fireball me, I felt heat rising behind and turned with a triumphant smile.
The first Fireball hit dead-on.
"Kuhak...!"
Struck squarely, relief at losing to her mixed with shock at the worse-than-expected pain, tumbling backward.
'...Why's it hurt so much?'
Fireball's threatening in volleys, not singly—unlike Meteor. But this felt like a mini-Meteor.
Even mana-exhausted, future grand mage was no joke.
"Ow, it huuuurts!!"
Writhing and tearing up, two more Fireballs flew at me.
"Kuhak! H-Hot!!"
Gladly taking them, I rolled, reciting planned third-rate villain lines.
"H-How dare... a filthy lowly bitch like you... hit me...!"
Cringe-inducing, but effective. Commoners' faces soured instantly.
"...How's it feel groveling in dirt after getting beat by filthy commoner trash?"
"Cough... cough..."
"...Get up. More left."
"Ugh... what...?"
After more rolling and childish lines, her words made me stagger up—and freeze.
Three Fireballs this time.
"Kyak!!"
Writhing in agony, I inwardly saluted her controlling three mana-exhausted—even with my help—and faked unconsciousness.
But,
"G-Get... up... one... left..."
Her hate-filled voice made me bitter-smile and rise on mangled limbs.
Hero stamina let me tank one more, despite lost lifespan and HP. Might really black out, though.
Still, my villainy—evil acts from her view—justified taking it if she wanted.
"N-Not over... a lowly bitch like you..."
Forcing ugly lines, I stood gritted, awaiting the last Fireball.
"T-Take... this... and die..."
"I'll cut you down in one..."
"...Huh?"
Irina staggered mid-cast and collapsed unconscious.
""...........""
Silence fell.
"Counting to 10. 10, 9, 8..."
'Damn, no choice now.'
Isolet began counting. Panicking, I reluctantly used the Kania-exclusive life force brooch on my chest to wake her—but,
A massive mystery magic circle etched into the arena floor, light seeping out. Frowning at the anomaly, I gripped my sword.
"...What the—?"
Then, blinding light erupted, swallowing Irina and me instantly.
"I-I bought recovery scrolls...!?"
Hearing panicked Ariane amid the light, I blacked out unknowingly.
"Urk..."
Clutching my throbbing head, I cracked my eyes. Trees loomed before me.
".....?"
Panicking at trees instead of spectators, I widened my eyes and scanned. Ashen trees everywhere.
"...This is insane."
I blurted a curse, realizing—if per the Prophecy Book—this was Ashen Forest, mid-to-late game monster den, hundreds of kilometers from the academy.
"What... the hell happened...?"
Standing unsteadily, something snagged my foot. Looking down in alarm,
".........."
Irina lay unconscious, breathing raggedly.
"...I'm losing it."
Somehow, I'd been dumped here with knocked-out Irina.
At this point, I dreaded whatever came next.