The Academy’s Crude Pink-Haired Martial Artist

A wide clearing. No, the professors surrounding the clearing that had just been a forest swallowed dry saliva.

“…Is it really okay to leave it like this?”

“I… I suppose, given that the concerns we had don’t seem to have happened, it’s technically correct to leave it…”

Technically correct to leave it? Hahaha. What a funny thought.

It’s not about the correctness of leaving it alone; it’s that they have no choice.

To be honest, those three running wild over there. No, make that two. Eliaernes and Yurasia. They instinctively realized that there was no way to subdue those two without any issue.

Are they even capable of being subdued in the first place?

This area was a forest. A dense forest teeming with foliage. Wildflowers and trees packed closely together. But that didn’t last long.

The blonde girl. As soon as Yurasia’s sword flashed through the forest, the trees turned to clearing. If that was all, the professors wouldn’t have been flustered.

Yurasia’s sword technique dodged fifty-eight students perfectly, slicing only the trees and wildflowers.

Were the students gathered in one place? No. They were scattered here and there, hiding behind trees and crouching among flowers.

However, Yurasia’s blade didn’t touch a hair on any of the students, precisely cutting through only what she desired.

Was the sword exceptional then? A legendary blade that could cut through all things? No. It was just a crude cudgel picked up who-knows-where.

Moreover, she even accurately calculated the direction the trees would fall to avoid hitting the students when she cut them down.

Yurasia, known within the academy as a 5th Rank, among those able to assess her skills, would likely be believed to be on the threshold of the 6th Rank or even into the 7th Rank.

And then there’s Eliaernes.

Her movements were so intense that none of the professors present could follow her.

The exact level of her abilities was impossible to discern. She hid them well and displayed such irregular movements.

Evading with minimal effort and subduing with minimal force.

Her subduing technique was flawless. Precise fractures.

If done incorrectly, there could be lingering effects, but it seemed Eliaernes calculated that too, breaking bones just enough so they could heal later.

She knew better than anyone where to hit for more pain, how to break something more easily, and how to make a human suffer, moving as if she was fully aware of it.

Moreover, without any hesitation in using violence, she almost seemed to enjoy it…

Even if they’re of the same gender, is it really okay to break a girl’s nose, smash her cheekbone, and kick her in the lower abdomen? … Seems a bit much, doesn’t it?

And the same went for boys.

Kicking them in the groin mercilessly—she even looked like she was in more pain herself…

“They’re really… thought-provoking students, aren’t they? I didn’t expect them to be like this.”

“Ha ha… I know right? I never imagined those two students who had never stood out in practical lectures would turn out like this…”

Yurasia and Eliaernes.

The two girls had never shown excellence in the academy’s combat-related lectures.

Recently, Eliaernes had been conducting lectures alone with Leona. Therefore, even the professors of the academy had no grasp of her abilities.

As for Yurasia, she had never taken the combat classes seriously once.

When Yurasia did take it seriously, it was only during her private sparring sessions with Eliaernes after class.

In ordinary lectures, she had never put her heart into it.

She had no need for it, and It was Yurasia showing consideration not to dampen the spirits of other students.

However, the professors didn’t understand this.

Because Yurasia’s true training took place in the personal training grounds where no one could see.

Thus, the eight professors present had no choice but to be astonished.

And each of them reached their own conclusions in their heads.

Subjugation would obviously be impossible.

Then, what of victory when it comes down to life and death?

If those students were to open a merchant association… I can’t be sure.

“Whoa…”

The professors’ bitter sighs escaped their lips at the same time as a clap! echoed.

“Alright, professors?”

Black sleeveless top and black shorts.

Black hair and red eyes.

Adelia Baros caught the professors’ attention.

“Hmm… how should I describe this situation? Should I call it a subjugation mission of Eliaernes? Heh. Anyway, since the situation has more or less settled, shouldn’t we return to our posts? The movements of Group C of Signia have also surpassed our expectations. I hear they’ve encountered captain-class monsters already?”

Group C of Signia.

It’s the group of the Disciple of Flame Sovereign, Stella Behrhaigen.

Her group moves at an overwhelming speed, seemingly determined to uproot the monsters in the mountains.

The points her group amassed total 1,700 points.

While Eliaernes was plundering points from students, Stella earned them exclusively from monsters.

Not to mention, on just the third day, they encountered a captain-class monster. Even if the final exam is a results-oriented one, with performances like that, Stella’s level should be noted with great detail.

In that flow, the fragments of magic transmitted by the Flame Sovereign may also reveal themselves. Thus, the professors nodded without further comment and began to disperse.

As the professors scattered, leaving behind Adelia, she smiled faintly.

In the last three days, she had directed the monsters toward Stella. It was also Adelia who led Stella to encounter a captain-class monster on the outskirts of the forest.

However, in the process, Adelia couldn’t pay attention to Eliaernes’ group. As a result, things had gotten delayed.

If it gets any later than this, it’ll become problematic.

“I was trying to fulfill my duties as a professor, but I’m a bit concerned and looking forward to how Eliaernes thinks of me…”

Black feathers danced lightly. The black feathers painted the air and resonated with the ‘barrier’ spread throughout this mountain.

“Still, I hope you understand that I worked hard to protect Yurasia.”

*

“Those bastards really did hide points.”

The points gained amounted to only 580, with each person getting 10 points each.

They were 170 points short of what they needed to finish the exam.

Tsk, clicking my tongue, I hopped over the sprawled students and approached Silina.

“Did you catch on?”

“I figured out that you didn’t come at me for no reason.”

I handed a paper to Silina, who wore an expression mixed with many complexities.

“What’s this?”

“The names of those who’ve bullied you until now.”

I didn’t say anything else, but it seemed Silina understood my intention perfectly.

“…You weren’t writing this to torment them more, were you?”

“What do you think of me?”

“A punk. A waste. A fox. A baby gorilla. A rake.”

“…What the hell is this crazy woman saying?”

Honestly, I could accept being considered a punk or a waste to some extent.

But what’s with ‘fox,’ ‘baby gorilla,’ and ‘rake’? That’s just nonsense.

Especially a rake? As if I, a tidy Ada-in-the-making, could ever hear that.

“Oh my god. It’s the first time I’ve ever heard anyone call me a crazy woman in my life.”

“I’ve never heard that either.”

“Then let’s call it even.”

Silina, with a small smile, accepted the note I handed her.

“So, what do you want me to do about it?”

“Just deal with it as you see fit. I’ll cover the costs later. And once summer break starts soon, let’s get into action properly then.”

“No need to worry about the costs, and what do you mean by ‘getting into action?’”

“I’ll head to the Holy Kingdom, and you will go to the Veruna Region to put the plan into action.”

“Ah, I see…”

Previously, Silina’s preparatory work for her plan had already been completed.

I’d head to the Holy Kingdom to pull out Silina’s person who’s infiltrated the Cartel as she mentioned.

Silina’s puppet would enter the Veruna Region’s iron mines and get attacked by the Guard Knights of the Side Branch.

My plan is highly likely to fail.

Silina agreed to this, and Fabiana accepted it as inevitable.

In contrast, Silina’s plan cannot fail.

The knight attacking Silina is someone Fabiana personally placed there.

Moreover, there are many threads planted there by Fabiana in the side branch.

If the second princess of the Empire gets attacked by the guard knights in the iron mine, which is filled only with people from the side branch, escaping and spreading the word would cause quite the commotion.

After all, Silina had almost died not long ago within the labyrinth, and the Royal Family would fiercely focus on eradicating the side branches.

Additionally, in preparation for this, even as we speak, Silina’s and numerous other merchant associations are pulling out of the Veruna Region’s iron industry.

During that process, the flow of funds being drained is very conveniently manipulated, ensuring that people reliant on the Veruna iron mines won’t starve even if the side branch collapses.

Of course, measures have been finalized to prevent any impact on the direct lineage of Yustetia.

The people planted by Fabiana left behind writings revealing their resentment toward the direct lineage and the Empire inside the side branch’s mansion, and all testimonies have been coordinated.

Moreover, preparations for other variables have also been carefully completed.

It won’t matter if the testimonies of the people working in the side branch differ since they have already been entangled in the ridiculous rebellion plan from within the side branch.

So, all that’s left is to eliminate them cleanly.

The knights, too, and the servants.

The side branch that tried to drag the direct lineage down through public opinion will be crushed by public sentiment.

Even if Silina’s plan were to fail by some chance…

It doesn’t matter at all.

I’m not concerned about being disqualified. I’m confident that the side branch will ultimately collapse.

And that timing isn’t far off.

“I hope everything goes well…”

Silina looked unusually wistful.

Regardless, I checked to see if any students with remaining points might still be sprawled below.

“Miss!”

“Good job.”

“The points being low… is disappointing.”

Yurasia, who approached with a smile, saw her mouth corners droop.

“170 points… Should we look for other friends now?”

Just then, as I was about to agree with that thought…

[Ronan.]

The sparkling voice that fell was despondent.

“…Ha.”

Chills ran down my spine.

Nausea surged from within, and mana churned.

Breathing became constricted, like a winter cold storm descended.

An unpleasant sensation crawled under my skin. It felt like nails scratching the insides of my skull.

The smell, an unfamiliar one. But it brushed against my nostrils like an echo from my past life.

The stench of blood. The odor of decay. The scent of torn flesh. The smell of spilled entrails. The miasma of congealed blood.

The smell of death.

And also, the scent of Nucleksyrol.

Instincts rang alarm bells. My intuition warned me.

The barrier spread across Anketin. The amplification of the dormant magic. Nucleksyrol. The magic that has not vanished for 400 years.

The pieces in my head clicked together. But it wasn’t natural. It was uncomfortably askew.

Adelia Baros.

What about the danger to Yurasia?

“Miss?”

Yurasia’s cheerful voice broke through my thoughts.

The situation had already unfolded. The why no longer mattered.

I immediately activated my bracelet. Tap, tap, tap, tap.

Right after, the bracelets of Yurasia and Silina rang out.

In the distance, Pina, raising both arms, tilted her head. Gailan, emerging from the cave, approached us.

“Yurasia.”

“Huh? Miss, didn’t you say you were lacking points? I have 500 points now!”

Light exploded from the bracelets of the other four, excluding me.

At that instant, I pulled out the paper connected to the Flame Sovereign from my pocket.

“Hmm? Why is there a calmness in Miss’ bracelet—”

“If Stella isn’t in the meeting spot, tear this white paper.”

“…Miss?”

“And, collect as many priests as possible above the 6th rank, gather as much Holy Water as you can. Mages linked to the barrier magic, gather them all, and only summon warriors with great battlefield experience, above the 6th rank.”

The wind blew, and the stench of death wafted in.

“Oh, ugh… What, what is this…?”

Yurasia’s face went pale. Tap, tap. Her jaw trembled. Her legs wobbled, and she staggered. Silina collapsed. Pina and Gailan, who approached, also lost consciousness.

The students who fainted begin to foam at the mouth and convulse.

Where are the professors? The professors who had just been gathered suddenly vanished.

Of course, this doesn’t feel right.

Grinding my teeth, I dug through my A-Space Pocket.

I took out the sword of the Eustetia Knight Order and placed it into Yurasia’s arms.

“W-Why this…”

“If something happens at the meeting spot, you need to protect the kids. Got it?”

“B-but… Miss…?”

The moment Yurasia opened her lips, the bracelet flashed.

“Oh, and please gather my points at the meeting spot. If I don’t do well by the final, I’m at risk of failing, you know?”

I gently patted Yurasia’s head while letting out a small laugh.

“I’m counting on you, Yurasia.”

“Ah—”

Yurasia reached out her hand. At the same moment.

Whoosh—!

Yurasia, Pina, Gailan, and Silina.

Each of their bracelets shone brilliantly, and all four vanished from their spots.

Then, once again, the wind blew.

But it was an abnormal wind. The wind was bound within the space. The sound, the oxygen, the mana, all trapped in this space.

What about Stella? She’s not here.

“Thank goodness. Huh…”

I breathed a sigh of relief, letting out a deep breath. I spat out the molar I had bitten down too hard on. I shook off the hand where my nails had dug in, leaving behind drops of blood.

[…Ronan.]

“What’s wrong with you? Why aren’t you back yet?”

Gently stroking the trembling Sparkle in my arms.

“You can go out. Hurry up and by Pina’s side to take care of the kids.”

[You… What about you?]

“What about me?”

Bitter chuckle. I turned my back.

I see kids foaming at the mouth, dying. Down by the ridge, a sinister fog is advancing.

Within that fog, kids’ bodies burst, melted, twisted, and rotting.

Arms and legs torn apart lie scattered on the ground. Their insides soak the meadow, and the children’s uniforms have been left hanging in the branches without a trace of their bodies.

I raise my gaze to the dark night sky, pale moonlight dimly illuminating it.

Narrowing my eyes to look closely, I could see below the sky a faintly colored veil. It was lined with tidy teeth, tongues, and mouths.

All at once it moved, chewing something with loud chomp, chomp sounds.

It moves as if to devour the space itself.

The veil encircling the sky conjures images of a massive creature’s mouth.

“Whatever kids fall within my view, I need to protect.”

[I’ll… draw out time as much as possible. In the meantime, Ronan, you should bring Leona and the Flame Sovereign…]

“Cut the nonsense. I’ll handle that thing.”

[…But, that…!]

Hiccups I shifted my steps forward.

“I’m definitely not gonna deal with the main body. A clone? A fragment? Even that’s belittling. That trash is so pathetic it must have been cast off from the main body.”

It’s not even the leftover scraps from Ghulaka.

“A fiend that devoured the leftover magic and was formed imperfectly.”

I wrapped my hand tighter around the bandage.

Snap My fist filled with strong magic. Mana surged through the wide-open channels. Mana originating from my lower dantian traveled through the middle, reaching the upper dantian.

My vision expands. My senses stretch. My thoughts and intuitions extend.

What I couldn’t see before becomes visible. What I couldn’t feel before is now perceivable. A single second feels endlessly prolonged.

“Four hundred years ago, I’m the one who killed that thing.”

Memories, experiences, rage, and murderous intent surged.

“Do you think that I, who killed it, will lose to mere scraps?”

[Ah, uh… But still…]

“I’ll see you later.”

Roughly, but there’s no other way.

I unleashed my strong magic and returned Sparkle to the spirit realm.

At the same time—

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

An unbearable magic enveloped the world. My vision distorts. Auditory hallucinations pierce my eardrums.

From the mouth hung in the sky, screams erupted.

Voices of women, men, children, the elderly, and those dead combine in echoing agony.

Thick, sticky fluid, blood, flesh, entrails, magic, and all negativity gather, materializing before me.

With a round head like a whale, a massive maw filled with countless teeth and a long, drooping tongue.

It has a shape molded to embody despair.

And at the center, I glimpse a familiar face.

The girl who had left the burden to me.

The girl who lit the Nucleksyrol.

A name I do not know, a girl.

Her belly burst open. The gash evolved into lips. Her entrails became teeth, and the flowing blood formed a tongue that devoured the corpses of children strewn on the ground.

Squish, squelch— the chilling sound echoed through the mountains.

And then,

“El… ria, lune… en… do…!”

A desperate request reached my ears.

“Ha…”

I should at least have asked for her name.

“See, this is why I hate demons.”

I laughed bitterly as I moved forward.

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