Chapter 28: Selection Ceremony (2)
The Executor training process typically selected ten cadets and ten instructors across four classes.
Unlike the cadets, whose selection began the moment the announcement was made, the selection of instructors wasn’t explicitly formalized.
It was simply a custom for skilled instructors to volunteer.
As such, there were no mandatory qualifications for becoming an Executor training instructor.
Since selections were made solely within the Academy, and it was an instructor position, naturally only instructors applied.
I, Evan, targeted this very loophole.
“I wish to participate in the Executor selection process not as a cadet but as an instructor!”
Thousands of cadets had passed through Lansed Academy.
Among them were those brimming with confidence in their skills even before enrollment.
Yet, they all followed the instructors’ orders.
This was because the instructors were clearly stronger.
Even Anton, now a Royal Guard Knight, had considered it natural to be guided by instructors back then.
“I’ve heard the stories. He took down an Alraune single-handedly. With his current strength, he’d easily surpass assistant instructors. But to aim for instructors?”
Instructors weren’t merely strong.
They were seasoned experts who had taught others for years, some for decades.
“No wonder Lansed Academy is nicknamed the King’s Special Forces. They’re the ones meant to suppress rebellions in times of crisis.”
If the kingdom were invaded, they were ready to deploy to the front lines or engage in dangerous battles at any moment.
Evan’s subtle disregard for such highly regarded and skilled training staff was evident.
“I’m curious how he’ll handle the consequences. No matter how promising a cadet, they won’t overlook such audacity.”
As Anton predicted, Head Instructor Everhart didn’t hide his displeasure.
In fact, he openly expressed his emotions.
“Applying to be an instructor… Evan, do our instructors seem that easy to you?”
His thorny words pierced the hearts of every cadet in the auditorium as if they were tangible.
But I stepped forward confidently.
“No, sir. How could I disrespect the instructors of the kingdom’s finest Academy?”
“Then what did you mean by your earlier words?”
“It’s simple. I wish to participate as an instructor in the Executor process under equal conditions. There’s no restriction on applying for the instructor role, is there?”
Having undergone countless trainings across my past lives, I had one realization.
No matter the training, the instructors giving orders always seemed so comfortable.
“Since the Dean’s forcing me into the Executor process, I can’t escape it. In that case, being a comfortable instructor is better. And even if not, who’s teaching whom?”
Instructors are strong enough.
But I’m stronger.
That was my current mindset.
Meanwhile, Anton observed this intriguing and precarious situation, gauging the atmosphere.
He wasn’t an Academy official, and the key figures—the Dean and Anna—were silently watching.
During this, the verbal sparring between Everhart and me continued.
“As you say, there’s no restriction. I acknowledge your skill. But teaching is a separate matter.”
“It’s troubling if you judge my abilities without seeing them.”
With no precedent in Academy history, everyone was at a loss.
“…”
No one could easily speak.
It was that shocking and absurd.
“You’re saying you’re confident you can teach better than our instructors?”
“Yes.”
“Hah! Even so…”
As Everhart was about to shut me down,
the Dean, who had been listening, kicked his chair and landed right in front of me.
Boom!
The two most unpredictable figures in the Academy were now face-to-face.
Knowing what had happened in the Dean’s office before, Everhart descended from the stage and approached us.
“Dean, there are many watching.”
“What am I doing? I just want to talk to Evan. A conversation, with this mouth.”
It was the Dean’s way of saying he wouldn’t resort to force, as usual.
Still, Everhart, distrustful, wanted to chain him up but decided to watch for now.
For now.
“Now, Evan. Your proposal to be an instructor is utterly outrageous. You lack grounds, don’t you? Grounds to appoint you as an instructor.”
“Does that mean you’ll consider it if I provide grounds?”
“If they’re reasonable, I’ll consider it. Isn’t that right, Princess?”
The Dean turned to look at the Princess.
Princess Anna raised and lowered her eyebrows, signaling agreement.
“Then, go ahead and speak. But if you spout nonsense, you’ll pay for ruining today’s selection ceremony.”
Let’s hear how grand and intriguing your proposal is.
Starting with the Dean, all eyes turned to my mouth.
“I acknowledge that to become an instructor, I must prove myself. Thus, I propose to everyone: I will teach the selected cadets and have my capabilities evaluated.”
“Hmm? Elaborate.”
At the Dean’s question, I spread both palms.
“Five versus five. The instructors and I each select five to train. Then, they spar against each other.”
“Hm?”
“Of course, to demonstrate my teaching ability, I’ll abstain from the sparring. How about it?”
It was a proposal to purely showcase my ability as an instructor by excluding myself.
“Hahaha! That method would indeed be good for evaluating you. What do you think, Princess?”
“It sounds fun. If Evan’s side wins, we’ll have no choice but to acknowledge Cadet Evan’s abilities.”
Knowing my plan, Anna subtly lent her support.
The Dean, catching this, continued the conversation.
“It’s fine that you’re abstaining. But that leaves one spot open. You know this, right?”
“That’s my concern. Who should fill that spot? Would you make a choice?”
“Ahem.”
In a five-versus-five match, with me out, one more needed to be added.
Thus, the Dean was about to mention a reserve cadet he had in mind.
Until Anna stepped in.
“I’ll fill that spot.”
“Princess!”
Anna raised her hand, and Anton blocked her.
“What? No, this absolutely cannot happen!”
Immediately, Everhart and others tried to dissuade her.
“Princess! It’s too dangerous.”
“Yes, Princess. Please retract your words.”
But the Dean asked with an intrigued expression.
“Princess, are you serious?”
Naturally, Anton snapped at him.
“Dean! Instead of stopping her, you’re asking that?”
“Calm down. It’s not too late to hear the Princess and decide.”
“Dean!”
Anton looked ready to draw his sword, but Anna grabbed his hand to calm him.
“Anton, I appreciate your concern, but hear me out first.”
“My apologies. My voice was too loud out of worry for your safety.”
Anton bowed, suppressing his anger.
“Dean, Evan Lafard, do you think it’s dangerous if I fill the empty spot?”
“Haha, I trust the cadets’ skills, so I don’t think any mishaps will occur in a spar. However, will the cadets be able to perform at their best against the Princess?”
The Dean’s point was valid.
Even in a spar, the opponent was the Princess.
No matter how many times it was said there’d be no repercussions, the pressure was inevitable.
The side facing the Princess wouldn’t be able to perform fully, which was a problem in itself.
“That’s true. My presence would be a burden… What do you think, Evan?”
“No need to worry about that. If you’re on my side, it won’t even reach your turn, Princess.”
“Huh? Pfft!”
I couldn’t hold back my laughter.
Where does this kid get such confidence?
“What do you think, Anton? He’s overflowing with confidence.”
“Still, a bit…”
“I want to try. I have to undergo basic swordsmanship training at the palace anyway. Think of it as starting early.”
“No, Princess, you don’t have to…”
“Shh! It’s my decision.”
As the conversation veered toward the Princess joining this chaos, Everhart’s face turned ashen.
He looked at the Dean, who just smiled, and at Anton, who shook his head.
It was a signal that it was out of his hands, so do as you will.
“Dean! I’ll join the spar too. On Evan’s side, of course.”
Thus, Anna officially joined this absurd spar.
Of course, apart from her magic skills, she had never trained with a weapon in her life.
She might be unqualified, but it didn’t matter.
If she wanted to do it, she would, and Evan had said he’d take responsibility.
“Very well, Evan. The stage is set. You can’t back out, so keep that in mind.”
“Yes, I understand. Then, Dean, please set the detailed rules.”
“What rules? The place should be outdoors, so the training ground. As for time… a week should suffice, yes?”
“Absolutely.”
“Good.”
As things progressed rapidly, instructors and cadets alike were thrown into confusion.
“What’s going on?”
“Is Evan completely insane?”
Especially the cadets selected for the Executor process were nearly out of their minds.
What were they planning with them?
“The spar’s rule should be a consecutive win format.”
“Fine. How will we select the cadets?”
“Since the Princess joined my side, I’ll give you the first pick. Let’s alternate selections.”
“Good. Then I’ll choose first. I pick Jaina Vaberin.”
The instructors’ first pick was, as expected, Jaina.
Considered peerless except for Evan, it was a natural choice.
“Jaina, you’ll now be trained by the instructors’ side.”
“Yes, Dean.”
She seemed to prefer opposing Evan over joining him.
With the Dean’s first pick settled, it was my turn.
“I’ll choose…”
Jack smiled brightly in front of me.
“Elliott Harpman.”
My first pick was Elliott Harpman.
“Huh? Me? Why?”
Even Elliott, the one chosen, looked confused.
“I’ll take Elliott. Your turn, Dean.”
Jack tried to understand my intentions.
“Right. I’m on Young Master’s side anyway, so it’s better to be picked last. Choose the stronger ones!”
Cheering me on inwardly, he waited to be selected.
Meanwhile, the Dean and my selections continued.
“Fine, next is Karl Stitz.”
“I’ll choose Leman Notel.”
“I’ll…”
Watching the alternating picks, Everhart realized something.
“That Evan guy is deliberately choosing lower-ranked cadets. Confidence?”
I intentionally picked cadets selected later, those considered less skilled in their classes.
In contrast, the Dean naturally chose the stronger ones.
Finally, it was time to pick the last cadet.
Only Jack and one other cadet remained.
“Alright, I’ll…”
“Wait! I’d like to make the final pick.”
“Go ahead. You’ll pick Jack anyway.”
“I’ll choose Jerto.”
“Hm?”
I didn’t pick Jack in the end.