Combat techniques class in the training room.
The day after completing a special training, Celsia strengthened in a surprising way.
“Hyah!”
“Too slow. You should train more.”
She dodged just before the female student could split her bamboo cane and counterattacked with a strike.
Her sharpness and speed were different from before. She responded immediately to attacks, read the subtleties, and surprised her opponents. There was no trace of the hesitation she used to show when unable to anticipate timing.
Everyone was impressed.
“It’s incredible. Her movements are completely different. What happened this week?”
“Celsia is so lovely, isn’t she? And she also has an attractive figure. If she weren’t the duke’s daughter, I would have proposed to her already!”
“That’s right.”
Theo, Dente, and I were watching the fight from the wall.
Well, actually, the boys were all mesmerized by Celsia.
As for me, I was just verifying the results.
Celsia, having won, looks at us and gives us a sweet smile, waving her hand in greeting.
Excited and anxious, Dente exclaims, “Did you see that, Theo?! She waved at me!”
“You’re too excited. She could have waved to all the boys.”
“No, just to me. I’m sure, because our eyes met.”
What an idiot! When one stands out so much, it’s natural for eyes to meet.
She waved to Theo. From my calculations, at that moment, she expressed interest in him. She may not have officially confirmed it, but I was the only one who noticed.
Or was it me?
No, no. I have a common appearance and hardly any charm.
I’m the wretch who left her stranded in front of a monster. She is kind and acts as if nothing happened, but surely deep down, she must feel aversion towards me.
“Theodore, you’re next.”
“Yes.”
Teo, with his silver sword, steps onto the stage.
His opponent is Ash.
“I’m going to beat you, commoner.”
“I’ve been training hard all week. Thanks to a certain person, I’ve become stronger. But that’s not enough. So, sorry, but I won’t let myself be defeated so easily.”
“It’s me who will become stronger. You will be devoured and become my food.”
The start is announced by the instructor in charge.
The sacred swords clash, creating sparks and metallic sounds.
Ash unleashes flashy fire magic attacks and mixes in direct strikes. If it weren’t for the barrier covering the stage, we could have been affected.
“Finally, it seems like I’m going to settle what happened that day,” Ash declares.
“Do you really think so?”
Theo dodges Ash’s sword and instantly delivers a spinning kick that embeds into his chest.
Ash is sent flying towards the wall of the training field.
“Darn it, don’t make me…”
“I haven’t used even half of my strength. Do you still want to continue?”
Theo looks on from the stage.
Overwhelmed, Ash admits defeat, “I surrender.”
The atmosphere has changed. There is now an intensity that wasn’t present before.
It also seems like his sword skills have been honed, and his pressure with the sword has increased.
In a way, it reminds me of… Leon.
“What was that just now?! A man like you is too valuable to be called a commoner!”
“I got carried away and said things I don’t usually say. If you can just pretend you didn’t hear what I said in the previous match, I would be grateful.”
“Always with that! It’s not like that at all!”
Theo responds, who is effusively praised by Dente and Marcus.
Other male students rush towards him and surround him.
The female students watching from afar seem thrilled by his feats.
Yes, yes, he definitely shines like the protagonist.
I hope he continues to grow stronger this way!
I may not be able to be his friend, but I will support him from the shadows all the time.
“Now, Will Starfield.”
“Yes.”
It was my turn, so I stepped onto the stage.
My opponent is someone familiar to him.
“Will Starfield. This time you will really fight seriously.”
“Professor, it seems I’m not feeling well today. My chronic anemia is getting a lot worse.”
“Ah, I see. I understand. Rest this time and have your match next time.”
“Eh?!”
I’m not in the mood this time to deal with a determined and aggressive opponent. Winning the first match won’t give me any advantage.
Well, maybe getting hit and defeated wouldn’t be so bad. But it would probably worsen Theo’s impression of me.
“Come to think of it… I think I will.”
“Uwaaaaaaaah!”
“Oh.”
After briefly reflecting on whether to take that fight, it was already too late, as my opponent had hurriedly withdrawn.
***
I was walking down the hallway anxiously.
I had been summoned to the Student Council President’s office.
Furthermore, I was called over the loudspeaker at a deafening volume: “Will Starfield, come to the Student Council office immediately!” My classmates looked at me strangely, and Theo looked at me with compassion.
I truly regret being discovered by someone I didn’t want to find out.
I reached the door, took a deep breath, and knocked.
“Come in.”
“Excuse the interruption.”
When I entered the Student Council office, I found Adelina Agnis sitting there, smiling contently.
“You’ve arrived. But you’re two minutes late.”
“No one informed me that I had a limited time to come here. It seems to be an oversight on Adelina-sama’s part.”
“You fool! If I say come, you should be here in five minutes or less. It’s common sense.”
“Really? Should I ask Leon Agnis-sama to confirm that?”
“Stop talking nonsense!”
We decided to set aside the argument and move on to the main issue.
“What is this about?”
“You said you would listen to me. Remember?”
“Yes, yes, of course. It’s a unique matter, right?”
“Yes. U-nique.”
Is this woman planning to use this against me?
I shouldn’t let her outward charm give her so much confidence. No matter that she is the Student Council President, she shouldn’t assume she can use that to her advantage.
“Are you interested in a skilled magical artisan?” Adelina inquired.
“Tell me more.”
The term “magical artisan” refers to those who create magical artifacts.
Unlike “magical engineers” that have proliferated in recent years, these professionals continue to craft tools in the traditional way. The products of a magical artisan can range from simple lanterns to monster-repelling amulets or protective stones. It’s an occupation involving working with truly fantastic objects.
The chance to meet a skilled magical artisan is truly rare. Although I have knowledge about the game and know where some are located, the distance is considerable, and the time to meet them is far off.
On the other hand, common magical artisans are usually in the capital of the kingdom. What I truly seek is someone exceptional.
“I have an acquaintance who has been recently searching for test subjects of your age. He was quite concerned about finding a healthy and competent man, even willing to die if necessary.”
“I’m not competent, and I’d prefer not to die.”
“Don’t worry. I’ve handled those matters well. And the reward will be generous.”
“And what if I refuse…?”
“You don’t have to, but bear in mind that I am capable of speaking out of turn. Who knows, maybe I could be disclosing these secrets to all students through the microphone.”
Does this woman have no scruples about threatening a fellow student without a care?
However, the offered reward is tempting. The opportunity to network with an exceptional magical artisan will have a lasting impact.
“I have a question. Has this assignment been offered only to me?”
“Theodore Williams and Celsia Rains will also join the mission. I must clarify they have separate conditions for the assignment. Your treatment will be different from theirs.”
“Am I at a clear disadvantage?”
“Who knows. Perhaps it’s an advantage,” replied the Student Council President with a smile.
The enigmatic expression of the president baffled me. Is the reward that enticing?
“Here is the address. Take those two with you and head there right away.”
“I understand.”
I received a note with the location’s name, and after bowing, I left the room.
