CH.59 17-1. Rivals Resemble Each Other Because They Are Rivals
A few days later.
[“The Annual Event of Grand Hearts Academia has finally arrived!”]
The interior of the Grand Hearts Academia was abuzz with the presence of countless outsiders.
[“It’s time for the ‘Year-End Exams,’ everyone!”]
Just like at the entrance ceremony, the Principal Laplace began his grand speech to open the event. His voice, amplified as if through magic, echoed throughout the school.
[“I, Laplace, will be your commentator this year as well.”]
There was no better commentator than him. As the head librarian of the Library of Truth, he could access all past records. He was someone who had honed his abilities for the sake of a loved one.
[“As expected, quite a large crowd has gathered this year. Excellent.”]
There were many spectators. Skilled figures who wanted to witness the students’ growth, parents and families who had come to cheer them on, and officials from Magic Towers and Northern Nobility looking to recruit future talent.
[“As always, the rules are simple. Magic, swordsmanship, spirit arts, divine power—anything goes!”]
I had asked the elderly couple who took me in to stay home. If they saw me getting attacked in battle, they might collapse from shock. They’d treated me like their own grandson, after all.
[“All students, please check the tournament brackets. The exams will begin tomorrow morning!”]
The idea of them witnessing me getting attacked by strangers… I didn’t want them to see that.
“…”
Of course, with the Academy’s mana protection system, there wasn’t any real risk of injury.
“…There are so many people.”
“Licht, you just don’t get it. The Year-End Exams are so popular that even people from the countryside come to watch.”
“It’s super famous, Helmet Guy!”
As always, I was with the hero couple, watching the opening ceremony after lunch.
“…Licht, do you like meat?”
Technically, there were four of us now since the Crown Prince had been added to the group. Ever since the bakery incident, it had become natural for us to move together as a party of four.
After fighting alongside one another against Magic Hat, it was no longer possible to stay distant.
“Huh? Oh, yes. I’m not picky.”
“Got it. I’ll remember that.”
What are you remembering that for? The Glass Knight, Mardol, was saying something odd beside me. Maybe it was because today’s cafeteria meal was beef stew.
Since it reminded me of the Saintess, I ate a lot. It was delicious.
For some reason, Mardol clenched his fist like he’d confirmed something important. He looked oddly reassured.
‘He’s probably stronger than Kainel.’
I glanced at the reflection of my black helmet in the pristine, glassy surface of Mardol’s Masterpiece-grade glass armor.
If it came down to it, I’d probably have to face him in the exams.
A magic swordsman.
I knew just how broken that class was since I’d played as Black Knight Licht in the game.
During the fight with Magic Hat, he’d tanked far better than the hero, and his clone creation magic was especially versatile. His unpredictable movements made him a difficult opponent.
“What are you doing… Licht?”
“Ah, I was just lost in thought for a bit.”
Had I been staring too much? Mardol looked at me as if to ask what I was thinking.
Whenever I tried to analyze him, he had this uncanny way of cutting off my train of thought. It was almost like he could sense it.
Perhaps it was because he was the only son of the Emperor. His heightened awareness was probably a result of his father’s influence—after all, his father was strong enough to create sonic booms with his physical might alone.
“…You’re strange.”
Not wanting him to catch on, I folded my arms and lowered my head.
Ever since our battle with Magic Hat, the Crown Prince had been approaching me more frequently.
[“Always seek out the things that matter most to you! Discover what you must protect and what you must do!”]
It’s obvious that family is important, but something about that phrasing felt strangely heavy.
[“May the blessing of Akasha, the God of Wisdom, be upon you all during this exam!”]
With those final words, the opening ceremony concluded. Our group moved together to check the tournament bracket.
“Looks like we’re all in separate brackets, huh, Kai?”
“Yeah, I was hoping to face Licht at least once.”
Our names were listed on different tournament sheets. There was only one possible conclusion.
“Haha, I’ll see you in the semifinals then.”
It meant we had to win every match to meet each other. Judging by the Crown Prince’s skill and Kainel’s recent growth, it was definitely possible.
“I’m not losing this time, Licht.”
Kainel gave me a cocky grin. He’d been getting cheekier lately.
Did I push him too hard in swordsmanship training?
“…I’ll be looking forward to it.”
I might’ve been responsible for his change. Back in , he’d run away, leaving me and the Saintess behind.
But now? No more trauma.
“No.”
A low, echoing voice, like someone speaking from inside a cave, interrupted.
“I’ll be first, Kainel.”
Ah, right. I’d forgotten he’s obsessed with strength.