Chapter 179
It was strange that someone who randomly inflicted violence on his fiancée maintained a model student reputation publicly. Humans couldn't be judged by appearances alone.
"I wasn't saying I would..."
"But I want to beat him up too. He hasn't done anything wrong specifically, but guys who act so diligent, clean, and flawless are suspicious. Call it woman's intuition."
Zenia took a jab at Haley.
"Don't believe her. What woman's intuition from an old man in woman's clothing?"
Caught off guard by the sudden attack, Haley closed her eyes tight, then opened them and said.
"First-year, it's not okay with Ruscus, but it's fine with her. I'll take responsibility."
Zenia had already fled.
***
Though I thought it was quite early, the arena was already bustling with spectating students.
Not just Magic and Combat Department students, but students from other departments unrelated to the evaluations filled the seats for the rare spectacle.
Among the five evaluation arenas, crowds particularly gathered at one.
It was the location of the notorious Sion's match.
"First-year, don't you want to see that too?"
Haley grabbed my arm and moved to the best viewing spot.
But such effort proved futile as the match ended in the blink of an eye after we arrived.
Just as we were getting settled to watch, Sion's magic sword split the ground where her opponent stood. Perhaps too extremely.
"Aaaahhh!"
Sion's opponent, Barion, screamed like a girl and fell backward.
The arena split in two like an earthquake, and an eerie blue light flickered from the crack.
Right. One shouldn't expect to build friendships with Sion through sword matches.
"Woah..."
Sounds of either amazement or shock echoed from the audience. A terrifying sword that could cut even giant Plantera in one strike. Though I didn't know much about swords, I knew magic swords stood at the pinnacle of all weapon types. No ordinary academy student could face such a thing.
Sion hadn't even broken a sweat, suggesting it hadn't been long since they started.
Barion gritted his teeth and shouted, "Don't you think it's ridiculous to bring out a magic sword from the start?"
Sion coldly looked down at her senior and threw her sword in front of him.
Her magic sword emitted a blue radiance while covered in dust.
"Then you try using it against me."
An arrogant tone that showed no respect for her opponent.
Barion's face was covered with humiliation and bewilderment.
He didn't readily pick up the magic sword. Probably because he knew he couldn't handle it even if he did. Instead, he stood up again, gripping his own sword.
"Come at me again, fight properly on equal terms."
Sion shook her head and drew her second sword.
Then her artifact activated and she rushed forward like lightning.
Clang!
With one upward slash, she sent her opponent's sword flying. She had closed a ten-step distance in one breath and struck.
The sword that flew toward the spectator seats hit the magic barrier and fell limply to the ground.
An instructor rushed into the arena and the evaluation ended. However, Sion didn't leave the arena and left some words, "Let me tell you what you lack. Not only do you have no resistance to match a magic sword, you have no understanding of defensive sword techniques, nor are you exceptional at striking techniques. Too many openings, and your reactions are slow."
Sion poured out all the points that needed fixing right in the dazed Barion's face. And to a third-year senior at that.
A cruel woman.
Haley, watching from the side, frowned deeply.
"Her skills are flawless but... I don't like her."
"...Almost no one does."
While some men admired Sion for her cold, pretty appearance, and lone wolf demeanor, hardly any women viewed her favorably.
"As someone trusted by the Duchess, what do you think of her?"
"I wouldn't want to face Sion either."
This was sincere. Even if I could use my full power, Sion would be a very troublesome opponent.
"Among first-years, I thought you had the best chance, what a shame."
"How many seniors have the skill to beat Sion?"
Haley sighed.
"It's hard to say definitively, but among third-years... there is one. They trained under a Sword Master too. But first-year, when is your evaluation match?"
"I'm assigned to Arena 3, Group 21... but I'm not sure exactly when."
Haley's eyes widened in surprise.
"Wait, that's the one after the next match... should you be here right now?"
"...What?"
***
Ruscus donned special gloves and wraps to protect his skin from freezing magic, and armor made from frost crocodile leather imported from the northern regions, then fell into thought.
Damian.
Drawing him as an opponent was perhaps a God-given opportunity.
Ruscus' greatest life goal was to gain Duchess Bibi's recognition.
Entering Eternia...
Training until bleeding to become a unique magic swordsman...
Paying tribute to the Grand Duke's family for so long...
Using Olivia as a tool rather than treating her as a real fiancée...
It was all to stand beside the Duchess.
He pictured Duchess Bibi's enchanting appearance from their brief encounter.
"Lady Duchess... Duchess Bibi..."
Because he had lived with this as his life's goal, the recent rumors surrounding Damian had come as a great shock.
He'd heard Damian had done crazy things like refusing to guard the Duchess, speaking irreverently to Duchess Bibi upon first meeting, and acting willfully with unclear abilities. Yet after the Duchess' disappearance, the middle process was omitted and suddenly he received her favor—it made no sense.
But that didn't matter now.
Ruscus just needed to defeat Damian.
If he could achieve an overwhelming victory that left no room for challenge, the attention focused on Damian would instantly shift to Ruscus.
As he was clenching his fist with determination, someone entered the waiting tent.
It was his fiancée Olivia. She spoke with downcast eyes like a servant, "An ambassador from the Principality has come as an observer for this evaluation. I don't know their purpose, but they'll definitely watch your match."
"...Heaven is giving me an opportunity."
"..."
***
Art Club President Haley watched Damian sitting alone, already out in the arena.
Regardless of winning or losing, putting up a good fight would be enough for a first-year. Though it was rare for a first-year to beat upperclassmen, she had a vague feeling Damian might accomplish something.
Fourth-year Neria approached and sat beside her.
"Still looking after your junior, Haley."
"If I don't do this much, they all run away. Did you come to spy on our first-year?"
"No, I came to watch Ruscus for the exchange tournament selection, but it's an interesting match in its own way. Two juniors recommended by siblings facing each other."
"Ha, so that bastard recommended Ruscus?"
Haley wore a sneering smile. Though she had a twin brother in the same year, almost no one at Eternia knew this. She kept it secret because any achievement would be compared to her twin brother.
Neria shrugged and looked down at the arena.
Ruscus was walking out opposite Damian.
Haley asked Neria, "Who do you think will win?"
Neria answered without hesitation, "Ruscus."
***
"Will the following students please come forward to the arena, Ruscus, Damian."
Ruscus stood at the starting position. Seeing Damian up close fired up his fighting spirit. Following the instructor's directions, he came forward and shook hands with Damian.
"Please take care of me, Senior Ruscus."
Ruscus greeted Damian rather seriously.
"Nice to meet you. I heard rumors that you're favored by the Duchess. Is that true?"
Damian watched him with static eyes, as if reading Ruscus's true intentions. Then he threw out a provocative statement, "More than favor."
A scoff burst out immediately. Though it was obvious nonsense, it was enough to stimulate Ruscus' jealousy.
"The rumors about your impudence were true. I wonder how your head is still attached with that mouth of yours."
Damian smiled slightly and said, "You'd be even more surprised if you knew what happened with the Duchess."
Thanks to his glib provocation, Ruscus's tone grew colder.
"Let's see if you really deserve such privilege."
Then he turned sharply and walked back to his position.