Chapter 168
Austria's suggestion to rest worked wonderfully.
Kraush could feel his body was much more refreshed than before.
'The effect is definitely reliable.'
Maybe he should visit sometimes when his fatigue reaches its limit.
It was quite a decent idea.
While Kraush was moving along, it happened.
At that moment, his gaze met someone coming from the direction of the corridor.
And that person was someone Kraush knew to some extent.
Glen Diana, the younger brother of Mary Diana, and Kraush's classmate, was Divine Spear.
The moment Glen saw Kraush, his face brightened.
Ever since the fight with the Imperial Faction, Glen had been extremely friendly toward Kraush.
Perhaps that's why, although Glen wore a bright expression, it soon darkened.
"What's wrong?"
Despite his bluntness, Glen had always been relatively cheerful.
When Kraush asked with a puzzled expression, Glen pressed the back of his neck with his hand.
"Kraush, do you know that my sister entered closed-door training?"
Of course, he couldn't not know.
"After my sister got involved in the Princess Assassin incident, her condition rapidly worsened. She's been living almost half out of it. Her former intelligence is completely gone now."
To be honest, Kraush thought she wasn't particularly intelligent even before.
However, Kraush didn't retort and continued to listen to Glen.
"And that hasn't changed even now. It's as though she's been living as if being chased by something."
While Glen hated her for what Mary had done,
it seemed he didn't dislike Mary herself.
Well, Mary was someone he once admired and followed with pride.
For Glen, it wouldn't be easy to completely hate her.
The phrase 'Hate the sin, not the sinner' fit perfectly.
"And yesterday, I ran into my sister by chance."
Kraush narrowed his eyes at those words.
Thanks to Austria's generosity, Kraush had slept soundly for about a day.
During that time, it seemed Mary had finished her closed-door training and come out.
"There was malice in my sister's eyes that wasn't there before. And it didn't seem like it was heading in a good direction."
Kraush realized why Glen's face had looked so gloomy.
It was hard for him to accept the changed appearance of his once-admired cousin.
'Malice.'
It was a word that didn't suit Mary at all.
"But the aura emanating from her was real."
Glen clenched his fists tightly.
Just thinking about Mary made cold sweat break out on his face.
That night.
In front of the aura that had briefly emanated from Mary as she passed by, Glen's breath had caught.
Mary was now far stronger than when she had been a Spear Candidate of the Empire.
Even if he stabbed his spear ten thousand times, it wouldn't reach her even once.
It had only been a few weeks since she entered closed-door training.
But during that time, she had changed so much.
"This upcoming midterm exam won't be easy."
Glen warned Kraush.
He told Kraush never to underestimate Mary Diana.
Hearing that, Kraush slowly smiled.
"Don't worry. I've never underestimated her, not even once."
Divine Spear, Mary Diana.
Kraush remembered better than anyone how strong she had been, born with the Heavenly Martial Body.
A damned woman burdened with a wretched curse.
Yet the martial prowess she showed had reached its pinnacle.
Except for Arthur, she was the only one capable of facing the Greatest Evil alone.
That was Mary Diana.
That's why Kraush had never underestimated Mary, not even once, from beginning to end.
Even if she had fallen, she wasn't an opponent to be taken lightly.
And Kraush had to completely defeat such a Mary.
"Thanks for the advice."
Kraush lightly tapped Glen's shoulder and moved on.
Tomorrow.
It was the first day of the midterm exam at Rahelrn Academy.
* * *
The midterm exam at Rahelrn Academy.
For the second-year students, it was originally a test meant to pass the six-month training period.
However, something unusual had emerged at Rahelrn Academy this time.
It was none other than the Special Class.
A class that could be directly deployed into practical training without going through further training periods.
Since additional members for such a Special Class were to be selected during the midterm evaluation,
the second-year students were training with fiery determination.
Yet they vaguely understood.
That the focus of this midterm exam wasn't solely on them.
"Mary, it's been a while."
And at the time, just before the midterm exam.
Before the Empire's 3rd Princess Sigrid Ephania stood a figure kneeling on one knee.
Her name was Mary Diana.
She was once called Divine Spear before the regression.
"Yes, Lady Sigrid, I greet you after completing my closed-door training. It's been a while."
Her face was much more haggard than before.
Of course, even such haggardness couldn't mar her inherent beauty.
Instead, the fragile aura that replaced her usual fierce one gave her a new impression.
However, to Sigrid, who looked upon Mary bowing her head, there was only contempt in her eyes.
As if looking at a discarded card, she pressed her chin with her hand.
She was pondering whether this discarded card could still be of use.
But she had to do what she must.
"Mary, you do understand how important this midterm evaluation is, don't you?"
Kraush's reputation was escalating by the day.
Moreover, Charlotte, who had brought in such a Kraush, was the same.
Particularly, the Hardenhartz incident had had a significant impact.
After all, they had performed a monumental feat of defeating World Erosion beings and sealing an 8th Class World Erosion.
It was an immense accomplishment for their future standing.
Especially the fact that they were siblings from Balheim drew attention, raising their value to its peak.
Grit-
Sigrid, thinking of Charlotte's face, clenched her teeth.
She hadn't been idle all this time either.
She had been extending her reach in various ways to advance the grand plan she had crafted.
However, she hadn't been able to lay a hand on the Hardenhartz matter.
'I barely managed to find the Sword Emperor's legacy. But in the meantime, the focus of the Academy has shifted.'
The former Celestial Four Strongest, the Sword Emperor, who had crumbled while fighting against World Erosion long ago.
While she had been searching for his legacy, the power dynamics within Rahelrn Academy had greatly shifted.
'Ever since that Curse Bearer showed up, things have been going wrong.'
She struggled to suppress her rising irritation and looked at Mary.
Perhaps this is truly the last opportunity to defeat Kraush.
Now that his name has reached its peak.
If Mary can defeat him and claim first place, public opinion could be overturned in an instant.
"I trust you'll exceed my expectations."
"Yes, I will definitely meet your expectations."
Mary answered Sigrid energetically.
In Mary's eyes, which were raised, a burning emotion was evident.
It also showed how genuinely she was approaching this matter.
But Sigrid didn't know the anxiety beyond that.
Sigrid acted as if nothing was wrong, but Mary had a natural intuition.
Thus, Mary subconsciously felt that this was also her last opportunity.
"Do your best, Mary."
At Sigrid's encouragement, Mary lowered her head and left.
Watching her retreating figure, Sigrid opened the drawer with a creak.
Inside was a potion bottle.
Her eyes, staring listlessly at the transparent glowing potion, slowly curved.
"Yes, do your best. Otherwise, you'll have to take on the role of a breeding vessel."
That broad smile already contained the message that she had abandoned Mary long ago.
Sigrid no longer saw Mary as a companion who had worked alongside Arthur.
After all, a broken spear must be discarded.
She would simply find a new spear to replace it.
* * *
The pivotal day of the Midterm Exam had arrived.
Kraush adjusted his tie while gazing at the especially radiant sky today.
Thanks to Austria, his recovered condition was at its peak.
Everything felt just right.
There couldn't be a better time to seize Excel.
[Looking at that smug expression makes me wish he'd just fail.]
"Don't go jinxing the test taker about failing."
Grumbling even today, Kraush stretched his hand toward the desk.
Then, the Corpse Rat on the desk scurried up his arm and into his pocket.
According to Ebelasque, the corpse transformation of the Mad Blade Emperor would soon be complete.
Once the Midterm Exam is over, they could proceed with Ixion's meeting.
'So, before that, I'll take Excel.'
With firm determination, Kraush began to move.
Just then, Aslan appeared.
"Hey, Kraush, how's your condition?"
Aslan asked with a rather leisurely expression.
"How about you?"
"I'm always the same. Compared to the time when I had Lunar Body, now I feel good all the time."
His Lunar Body now belonged to Kraush.
So Kraush could understand that sentiment.
"Then good luck with the exam. Let's meet as first place again."
Since he was from Magic Studies, he had to head to the Magic Studies Hall.
So, parting ways after a brief greeting, Kraush noticed a familiar back.
Well, everyone was heading to the Martial Arts Hall, so it was natural to encounter someone familiar.
Kraush walked quietly, suppressing his presence.
Then, deep in thought, he squeezed his way beside her.
"Haring."
"Eek!"
Like a startled cat, Haring screamed with wide eyes.
Was it because it was the first time hearing her scream so loudly?
Kraush blinked and looked at her ridiculous reaction.
"Why are you so surprised?"
"K-Kraush."
Haring, calming her startled heart, looked at Kraush and then avoided his gaze.
Then, she once again began to subtly step back.
It was a behavior she had been showing frequently lately.
But this time, he didn't intend to let her slip away.
Kraush grabbed Haring's wrist firmly with his extended hand.
At that, Haring raised her hair and widened her eyes.
Her ears had turned bright red before she knew it.
"You've been avoiding me a lot lately."
"T-That's..."
Haring's face visibly showed embarrassment.
Her eyes swirled like a whirlwind.
After realizing her feelings for Kraush.
Haring had been avoiding him, just as he said.
It was because he had a fiancé, and she thought her feelings were wrong.
Of course, she intended to repay her debt to him for the rest of her life.
But she needed time to sort out these feelings.
However, Kraush's condition had seemed worse every day recently.
That's why she couldn't help but worry and decided not to avoid him today, intending to ask.
But before she could, Kraush spoke to her first, leaving her flustered.
All her resolve vanished the moment she faced him, and her mind went blank.
She was nervous that he might hear her heartbeat through her wrist he held.
"You're worried about the words Lord Poison King said last time, aren't you?"
Haring flinched.
Because it wasn't entirely untrue.
Kraush let go of her wrist.
"Don't worry. I'll take responsibility for your matter. I'll make sure the Empire doesn't cause any trouble."
He did it again.
Kraush once more tried to shoulder everything himself, as if it were natural.
Haring bit her lips tightly.
She had spent a considerable amount of time with Kraush.
That's why she knew Kraush would charge ahead, no matter what danger he faced.
Perhaps because of that.
Kraush often seemed like he didn't know how to protect himself.
That fact made Haring's heart ache.
Now that she realized she liked him, she didn't want to see him choose a difficult path.
"Or perhaps, did you hear about that?"
But Kraush, misunderstanding her gaze, scratched the back of his neck.
Haring's eyes showed confusion.
Kraush gave a bitter smile.
"Don't worry about that either. I won't take another wife or anything like that. Don't bother with what Lord Poison King said. I'll resolve it without causing you any problems."
At that moment, Haring's shoulders flinched.
'What on earth did Father say?'
At that time, Haring also knew that Kraush and her father had gone out and talked together.
Realizing her feelings for Kraush and being flustered, she hadn't had the time to eavesdrop on the conversation.
Judging by what was just said, she figured out what it meant.
Her father, noticing her feelings, had told Kraush to take another wife.
He didn't seem like someone who would ever abandon his fiancé.
In that moment, a corner of Haring's heart wavered.
Perhaps, just perhaps.
If it were that kind of situation, then truly...
Such thoughts began to grow rapidly in her heart.
"Anyway, it's nothing to worry about."
Kraush, as if to reassure Haring, spoke and started walking away.
However, he didn't get very far.
Because Haring's outstretched hand had somehow grabbed his collar.
"Haring?"
Kraush turned around, as if asking if she had more to say.
Then, Haring belatedly realized that she was holding onto his collar.
Startled, she quickly let go and wrapped her hand around her own.
"W-well, good luck on the exam."
Hearing that, Kraush laughed in disbelief.
"You're taking it too, aren't you? Is that something you say to a competitor?"
Saying so, Kraush resumed his steps, as if to say they should head there together.
Watching his back blankly, Haring looked down at her hand.
The hand that had just reached out to him unconsciously.
The selfish desire contained in that hand.
Haring firmly pressed down on her racing heart.
A selfishness she had never indulged in her life.
Just this once, she wanted to give it a try.
"So, this is the kind of person I am."
Once she acknowledged it, for some reason, her heart felt a little lighter.
Along with that feeling, Haring's long legs extended from under her skirt.
Fully aware now that she no longer had any way to detoxify the addiction.