I Will Carry as an Academy Veteran

32

Midterms, huh.

I remember. It was quite a memorable episode.

It was an event that instilled tension into the relaxed Salenium.

During this period, Salenium was a battlefield in itself.

The cries of those who had messed up the last semester and desperately needed to recover at least one grade, the pure-hearted determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with the person they had chosen as their goal.

There were various minds and wills entangled, even mud wrestling to get a higher score than that guy, leading to a bloody battle.

Thrown into the midst of such bloodshed, I too had to fight my way out somehow.

Sitting at my desk, casually flipping through the books, I was lost in thought for a moment.

“Hmm.”

The subjects I am taking are ‘General Elemental Theory and Elemental Application,’ ‘Elemental Magic Linkage Studies (Upper),’ ‘Basic Swordsmanship Introduction,’ ‘Herbalism,’ and ‘General Imperial History.’

In this lineup, Basic Swordsmanship Introduction has no exams.

According to Professor Bedel, there’s nothing as foolish as giving wooden swords to kids who haven’t even held a sword for three months and having them spar.

I’d rather have you train your muscles during that time.

Even though they are just kids, once they step outside, they can easily handle at least one knight. Isn’t the evaluation too harsh?

The stamina enhancement quest that Professor Bedel gave me is still a work in progress.

◈Bedel Professor’s Stamina Enhancement Special Manual◈

*Resets daily at midnight!

Push-ups 100 times. (5/100)

Squats 100 times. (10/100)

Sit-ups 100 times. (4/100)

Walk 10km (0/1)

* Warning! If you push too hard, you might lose your mind!

A list that seems familiar.

I’ll tell you in advance.

Absolutely.

It’s not because the last warning message is scary.

Anyway.

There are no exams in Basic Combat Studies. All that’s left is Herbology, General Imperial History, Elemental Magic Connection Studies, and Elemental Theory and Application.

“Uh.”

Actually, Herbology isn’t that difficult either.

After throwing a few ingredients, the task is to make the ‘specific potion the professor designated’ within the given time.

However, due to the randomness of the ingredients and the inclusion of unusual ones, it is a notorious exam.

But I already know all potion recipes that can be made through ‘crafting,’ as well as what other ingredients can be used to substitute for specific ones when they are lacking, so it shouldn’t be difficult.

The same goes for General Imperial History.

Beyond the Sarene Saga, I have all the settings and history of this world firmly stored in my mind.

“So, what’s left is Elemental Theory and Magic Connection Studies.”

What did we do with these?

Recalling the midterm exam from the first semester of my second year in the School of Magic at Erhan…

“Ha.”

This.

It might not be as easy as I thought.

* * *

“Is the midterm exam for Elemental Theory a one-on-one magical duel?”

“…I knew it. I just needed to be sure.”

“Adrian’s magic skills are quite decent, right? He couldn’t even handle a single low-level spell properly before, but now he’s handling them with great skill. Like when he got that Evnis Sophaque last time.”

The streets of the School of Magic.

The girl walking beside me smiled brightly as she spoke.

“I don’t think Adrian is weak at all. Of course, he can’t beat me, though. I’m a third-rank.”

Reyna, folding her arms, nodded with a hmm, hmm, nodding her head.

…Well.

Indeed, facing Reyna, who handles intermediate magic as if it were basic, would be a tough opponent.

One-on-one magic battle.

Two students on a desk made in a straight line, wielding wands, engaging in a magical duel.

“Since it’s just a draw, and a single match, winning once will reflect in your grades. Honestly, I wish I never met Adrian.”

Reyna looked at this side and spoke with a face that seemed like she could cry at any moment.

“I don’t want to hurt Adrian. I don’t even want to imagine myself knocking Adrian down with my own hands. If, if Adrian goes wrong, I won’t be able to lift my head for the rest of my life.”

Hmm.

I understand.

I know that feeling. I get that you’re too kind to say that.

I have something to say too.

“But, you won’t listen to me anyway, right?”

“Hmm?”

“Because that’s just who you are. But, remember this. I hate even more seeing Adrian fall from someone else’s attack, be it Kelly… or Levrion. So, Adrian, no matter who the opponent is, please do your best.”

“I was already thinking that way.”

“Alright then. Let’s aim to share our thoughts after both win.”

Reyna smiled, and I nodded as well.

“Shall we go then? To the self-study room.”

“Yes! Let’s go quickly!”

Reyna tightly held my arm, even humming a tune for some reason, as we walked.

It felt like my arm was about to be torn off.

That was the moment we were walking towards.

If only we hadn’t come across that guy from across the street.

“Adrian.”

Purple short hair with a headband.

Neatly dressed in a school uniform.

And a green badge.

Daisy von Schkross approached us.

What’s going on?

The way he glared at me was truly chilling.

With his appearance, Reyna also placed both hands on her hips and stepped forward, a fierce flame erupting between them at a distance that seemed touchable with their foreheads.

“What’s going on here, Miss Schkross?”

“Wolfgang knows nothing.”

“Oh, really? Unfortunately, I am Adrian’s fiancée. There can’t be things I don’t know.”

To the confidently approaching Reyna.

Schkross also confidently spoke up.

As far as I know, the Wolfgang family has already issued a separation order to you.”

“Gah!”

“I heard you’re ignoring the family’s contact. I don’t know how long you can hold out, but I’ll be keeping a close eye on you.”

“Gah!”

With a breathless double strike, Reyna staggered and collapsed.

As Schkross, passing by that guy, approached me and shot me a look.

What is this.

Are you planning to prick me with your ◈ on my body?

Unfortunately, that’s out of the question.

My eyes will be faster than your hands.

But what she said was different from what I expected.

“Let’s get to the point first. I was told by the chairman yesterday. You are considering proving your innocence by putting full marks on the midterm exam of ‘Elemental Magic Linkage.'”

Ah.

Is that what you’re talking about?

“I’ve heard it all. I dare say, don’t just stand there as a laughingstock. Tell the chairman about everything you’re hiding.”

I see.

So, this guy is here to persuade me.

No, he might have come here out of anger himself.

He probably thought that achieving a meaningful grade in the midterm exam, breaking himself, was an ‘impossible task.’

So, it’s just a warning not to stir up trouble and to stay quiet.

In a way, it’s understandable.

If a guy who always ranked last in the school suddenly tells me, the top student, that he will beat me and prove my innocence, I would have been surprised too.

However.

“For that reason, if you cancel now, this will be considered as if it never happened….”

“Who gave you the authority to judge me?”

Daisy von Schkross.

As the top student in the School of Magic, she is undoubtedly a tough and formidable opponent.

And this incident is solely due to the original foolish Adrian losing all trust at the academy.

If this guy had just been a student quietly getting by without causing any accidents, he would have received a commendation for resolving the incident without being interrogated about what else he might be hiding.

So, this opportunity should be used as a stepping stone to rebuild trust.

To make it undeniable, let’s use the Student Council as witnesses.

In my opinion.

Daisy von Schkross also replied firmly without backing down.

“Isn’t the path you’ve walked telling everything?”

“Ridiculous. If as you say, those with dark pasts are not even allowed to repent and live cleanly in the present. Therefore, Daisy von Schkross, you must be very confident. Even though I have received failing grades in all subjects so far and have been attached to this place only by one family, I won’t be able to beat you.”

Of course.

I have defeated this guy many times.

And thoroughly.

Since I have the most accurate strategy in my head, no matter what I do, the possibility of me losing is a complete 0.

But no matter how many times I say that, this arrogant top student won’t listen to me.

A shock therapy is needed.

I casually took off the gloves in my hand and placed them on his shoulders.

“T-This, is…?”

“Daisy von Schkross. I challenge you to a duel.”

“…A d-duel?”

“I will show you. I will shatter the firm conviction in your heart. Beyond proving innocence, duel me for the midterm grades of Elemental Magic Connection Studies.”

“Are you referring to the Creative Magical Device Development Presentation related to the connection between magic and spellcraft?”

“Yes.”

“…Are you seriously proposing a bet with the Student Council President and a duel with me for the top spot in that exam? Is that what you’re saying? Are you serious?”

Of course.

Because Shucross’s specialty is crafting magical devices.

If I win from his pieces, he might not easily accept defeat but will eventually acknowledge it.

“There’s a saying that seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times. You have to witness it yourself to be able to prove it.”

He nodded silently, and I continued.

“Also, duels usually come with conditions. By winning this duel, I can prove my innocence to the Student Council President. Additionally, understand this. If I win, you must grant me one wish. Anything at all. If I lose, I’ll comply with your conditions without resistance. How about it?”

If this duel ends just with proving my innocence, I’ll feel unjustly accused.

I won’t always accept challenges from self-proclaimed experts but rather turn the tables.

I need to raise the stakes.

If Shucross creates magical devices, the quality will likely be top-notch.

There’s a lot to gain.

“Yes, understood. If I lose, I will definitely grant you one wish.”

Accepting such conditions from me implies there’s absolutely no chance of defeat in his mind.

I don’t know what he’s so confident about.

Destroy that confidence completely.

“Understood.”

“Well then…”

“Oh, there’s one more thing I’d like to ask.”

“What is it?”

Glancing at Reyna mumbling in the corner, I spoke.

“Does our match have the potential to overturn your ranking and his ranking?”

“Reyna von Wolfang defeating me and becoming top of the class will probably never happen. However, well, if you beat me and prevent me from getting full marks, there might be a slight chance for her to become top of the class.”

Is that so.

There might be a chance.

Reyna von Wolfang’s primary breakthrough condition is seizing the top spot in the Department of Magic.

If Reyna’s power-up event is aided by our serious competition, then it’s only fair for us to benefit.

“Let’s proceed that way then.”

“Understood. I have something to attend to, so I’ll take my leave.”

She nodded silently, passed by, and I turned to look at Reyna.

Reyna, gritting her teeth, said, “That despicable… I want to crush her right now… Adrian, are you sure about this?”

“About what?”

“Daisy von Shucross is truly formidable. I might have the upper hand in magical combat, but I couldn’t possibly beat her in theoretical subjects.”

“If I manage to defeat her here, wouldn’t you be closer to the top spot?”

Reyna raised her chin, pondered for a moment, then nodded.

“Well, that might be true. Actually, I do want to face her head-on, defeat her, and become top of the class. But tearing down someone who’s already lost isn’t honorable.”

Is that what you think?

“Ahahahaha, actually, regardless of aiming for the top, I just want to support Adrian himself. But it’s true that I worry about it to that extent.”

“You don’t need to worry.”

Daisy von Schkross has a divine lineage when it comes to inventing or creating spells, but in the end, they’re just items in the game.

If you can’t even handle that, shouldn’t you just give up the expert title?

“I will definitely win.”