Chapter 23
A Warm morning.
Pastel patrolled the Commercial District in the Academy’s Surroundings.
She checked if there was any Suspicious Mass Distribution like the Stimulant Secret Warehouse, visiting the shops one by one.
“Are you experiencing any difficulties?”
The Tax Evader Merchant, who was only experiencing difficulties because Pastel visited, handed over a small box with an Awkward smile.
“This is a small token of sincerity from our shop.”
Click the box open, and it’s full of gold coins.
Woowaoowa.
Is this the heart of a Thug going around collecting protection money?
Just how much tax Evasion did these people commit to give this so willingly?
The urge To Shake down her ledgers surged up, but she held it in.
Curiosity kills people!
The Student Council does not commit the Evil Deed of revoking the commercial rights the Academy granted to the Commercial District in the Surroundings and kicking the merchants out.
Even though they have the power to do so, they do not.
She closed the box and tucked it into her arms.
“There are no issues with this shop!”
Yep, yep!
Pastel smiled, Nodding.
The Merchant also smiled, Nodding.
A Peaceful Daily Life!
The Merchant subtly opened his mouth.
“I heard the Magic Tower is visiting. Although I won’t be able to see it, I will cheer for His Excellency’s Academic Debate.”
Academic Debate?
Uwaaa.
An unpeaceful Daily Life!
A Ruthless Ordeal struck Good Pastel, who was only going around collecting bribes!
Uwaaa.
I just liked the 'Top Scorer in Written Exam' title.
Pastel Frantically left the Commercial District, Frantically visited the Chicken Skewer Shop, and Frantically ordered a chicken skewer.
“One chicken skewer, please!”
Uwaaa, Academic Debate.
She received the chicken skewer and sprinkled Magic Stone Powder over it.
She took a big Bite of the chicken, pulled it sideways off the skewer, and ate it.
The crispy outer skin was chewed, and then the moist inner meat filled her mouth with a chewy Bite. The scent of charcoal lingered.
Uwang.
It was so delicious that she forgot what kind of agony she had been in just a moment ago. Did something happen?
A Peaceful Daily Life!
The boss/Owner smiled benevolently.
He was an incredible boss/Owner who secured Rank 1 in the most satisfying Bribe Ranking by providing a Free Provision Service of chicken skewers to Student Council Members instead of gold coins or gold bars.
“Is it delicious?”
“Yes!”
“I heard you’re doing some kind of debate. Eat up and do a wonderful job. I’ll be cheering for you!”
Keok.
An unpeaceful Daily Life…!
Pastel felt like she was going to get Indigestion.
No one knows.
I don’t know a single thing right now.
I received this topic in advance. - Discuss the Progressive Revelation seen through the Old and New Testaments from the perspective of continuity and differentiation.
No one knows that because it was such a Bizarre Topic, and Pastel just went, 'Uwaaa! A topic I know nothing about!' when she received it.
Uwaaa.
Total crisis!
#
The High-ranking Mage of the Magic Tower stood at the Airship Railing and looked down at the Docking Bay. The Academy Officials who came to welcome the Mage could be seen.
Among them, a pink-toned girl who was trembling for some reason could be seen.
Kraft.
The Mage’s eyes narrowed.
To Think that the Top Scorer in the Written Exam this time wasn’t Melissa.
Melissa Camelot had received Systematic Education as the Successor of the Border Count Family since birth. After her talent as the Next Archmage was recognized, Educational Support at the Empire level was also provided.
In contrast, Pastel Lovecraft was famous in High Society for being an idiot since birth. Had they said she barely mastered Writing and Language?
Melissa and Pastel couldn’t be compared from the start.
It was only recently that Marquis Pastel woke up from her Idiot State after the Extraction Ritual and Massacre that occurred at the Kraft Grand Mansion.
One enters the Academy right after waking up from an idiot state.
Her proper study period in her entire life was only a few weeks.
Between this Pastel and Melissa, it was obvious who would have the upper hand without even having To Ponder.
Marquis Pastel would have to do her absolute best just To Avoid humiliation.
There was no way they would fail Marquis Excellency in the Entrance Exam, so they would pass her somehow, but she would become a lifelong Object of Ridicule.
However, the Entrance Exam that immediately followed produced a result no one expected.
Marquis Pastel crushed Melissa Camelot with an Overwhelming Difference and secured the top scorer position in the Written Exam.
Although there were rumors that her Combat Practical was 0 points, it was naturally impossible To Fight with a Frail Body that hadn’t even properly built muscle and had just recently woken up from an Idiot state.
The High-ranking Mage stared straight at the Pink-toned Girl. She was still trembling, but he wasn’t fooled by the Benevolent Appearance unique to Kraft.
To crush the Next Archmage, who had completed Elite Education, considered among the best in the Empire, and become the Top Scorer in the Written Exam with only a few weeks of study.
This was truly a person of unbelievable intellect.
Why were those Pink Monsters always like that? Was it truly because of the Ruthless Tradition of determining the Successor through Kin Strife?
Due to the severe Information Control Inside the Academy, it was difficult to know Pastel’s exact movements after that. But the mere fact that a Freshman held the position of Vice Student Council President was enough to gauge them.
Even if the Empire’s greatest Scheming Family fell, its intellect remained firm to a terrifying degree.
One still shouldn’t even step on Kraft’s shadow.
The High-ranking Mage pushed himself off the Railing.
But there are loopholes.
He looked straight at the Novice Mage who would debate Pastel.
“Academics is an Ivory Tower built by countless geniuses. It cannot be Overwhelmed all at once by an individual’s Arrogant intellect and talent alone.”
A Monster of that level would be able To Conquer the Ivory Tower. But Marquis Pastel didn’t have that much time yet.
Understanding that hasn’t had time invested in it will have holes, and logic will be tainted with prejudice. Learning that hasn’t been hammered out is nothing but stubbornness.
“A debate is neither a competition nor a fight. But this exchange is a matter of pride for the Academy and the Magic Tower. If you see a loophole, subtly push her into a corner.”
So she gets humiliated in front of the Public.
The Academy and the Magic Tower, which competed over the Empire’s budget, didn’t exactly have a good relationship.
The Novice Mage made a Confident Expression.
“Could an opponent who was an idiot, and not even Melissa, really be difficult? The top scorer in the Written Exam must have been a coincidence. I’m not afraid at all. I’ll push her into a corner all at once.”
The High-ranking Mage narrowed his brow.
“Even so, don’t act disrespectfully to Marquis Excellency. Are you trying to pick a fight?”
“Ah. Yes…”
The Novice Mage Cowered.
#
Uwaaa.
Tremble, tremble.
Pastel sat in the Staff Seating of the Auditorium, her hands shaking.
I hope time doesn’t pass.
I wish time would just stop like this.
Please give me the Authority of Time Stop.
There’s no way the World abandoned me like this.
Surely, the Authority of Time Stop left by the Demon King was hidden underground in the Dormitory.
Did I miss the opportunity because I didn’t want to go to the Library and just waited for the Summer Vacation Construction Period?
Did I Throw away the destiny of the Top Scorer in the Written Exam with my own hands?
Gasp, too realistic.
A child who didn’t want to go to the Library obviously couldn’t be the top scorer in a Written Exam!
Heok.
Karma had finally come for me.
Pastel had realized the truth of all creation in the World.
Meanwhile, on the Podium, the Top Scorer in Combat, Melissa, stood facing the opposing Mage. After exchanging elegant Greetings, they aimed their staffs at each other.
As the Sparring began, Magic Bullets crossed as if keeping to a beat. The Mage repeatedly performed Evasion against the bullets with light Footsteps and swung her Staff. Light Bullets and Flame Bullets collided and exploded.
It was a static and calm Magic Exchange.
Woah-Woah.
Do Mages spar so politely among themselves?
It’s completely aristocratic.
I’m good at Swordplay too!
Swish-swish.
The number of colliding bullets gradually increased. At a certain point, the Magic Tower’s Mage could no longer increase the number of bullets.
Evasion actions increased until a Light Bullet struck the Staff. The Magic Tower’s Staff flew off and fell to the Ground. Silence flowed.
The victorious Melissa grabbed her skirt, lifting it gently as she bowed.
“It was an enjoyable match.”
“Likewise.”
The Opponent also bowed in return.
The Clapping Sound of enrolled students rang out in the Auditorium.
Uwa.
Mages are so elegant.
What on Earth was that ignorant Sparring in which I sweated and did Swordplay all this time?
Dustin! Renard!
What did you expect from me!
You guys were too ignorant.
For me, the top scorer in the Written Exam, that kind of elegant Magic seems to suit my aptitude better than sweaty Martial Arts.
Heok, come to Think of it!
I don’t even go to the Library, so I’m not even a proper Top Scorer in the Written Exam. There’s no way Magic suits me.
Uwaaa.
Karma is swooping down on me.
Pastel, who was going to Euaeua, was pushed by an Official’s hand and went up to the Podium. She took a seat in the chair.
The Academy Enrolled Students and Magic Tower Officials filling the Auditorium could be seen.
Uwaaa.
The moment Pastel’s intellect is exposed!
The Host stepped forward.
“Today, we will Hold a light debate on the Progressive Revelation bestowed by God, with the theme of continuity and differentiation. It’s an event for mutual exchange, so please enjoy it with a Light Heart.”
A hand pointed at Pastel.
“This is Student Pastel Lovecraft, who has stepped up as the Freshman Representative. She will speak focusing on continuity.”
Loud applause rang out in the Auditorium.
Uwaaa.
The requiem of Karma!
Everyone is welcoming the Social Death of the Top Scorer in the Written Exam.
The Courtesy and Order Guidance ended.
“Hmm. Even if the name is Academic Debate, is it just an exchange event following the format? Doing it with the feel of a casual chat should be fine.”
“Student Pastel, our first Debater, please begin.”
“Adapt it appropriately and Repeat after me.”
Uwaaa.
“To Examine the Progressive Revelation, we must first understand the concept of salvation history. Salvation history refers to God’s Act of Salvation that has continued from Genesis to the present…”
She Frantically moved her lips.
Uwaaa.
“Within this framework, we can gain Consistent Insight into the Covenantal Relationship between God and the Temple. The difference between the Old and New Testaments created by the blank period is merely an optical illusion created by the limits of Human Intellect…”
Blah blah blah. This and That.
Uwaaa.
I don’t understand at all!
I can’t follow the topic at all!
Is this the requiem of Karma?
“Therefore, the Old and New Testaments can be seen as continuous, forming a Consistent Theme. That is all.”
The moment Pastel’s intellect is exposed!
Pastel’s lips relaxed into a smile.
I don’t understand at all.
But I have Lord Demon.
Hehe.
Life is easy.
After the time for Mutual Rebuttal and Audience Questions, applause rang out.
Pastel came down from the Podium, singing La-la-la.
“I am the Top Scorer in the Written Exam, Pastel~.”
The Pink Girl went Hopping.
“I’m a child who only has a good head.”
She Spun Around and went Hopping again.
“My Combat is 0 points, so I’m not good at it, but it’s okay~.”
My head is good.
Uwang.
The Mage who debated her Hurriedly Chased after her. Respectful eyes sparkled.
“How could you achieve such Academic Achievement in a short period of time? Do you have a secret method?”
Oing.
A secret method?
Pastel pondered with a Serious Face.
And she stated the secret method that immediately came to mind.
“Talent.”
Hehe.
The Mage marveled.
“Could I do it too?”
Hmm.
Pastel pondered Seriously before Wiggling her Index Finger.
“Difficult.”
She tapped herself.
“I am a super ultra genius.”
Great and fantastic.
The Mage looked at her with eyes meant for a genius.
Doesn’t that look too objective?
Hehe.
Pastel returned to the Lounge, smiling brightly.
“I am the Top Scorer in the Written Exam, Pastel~.”
Hopping.
“I’m a child who only has a good head.”
Pastel was singing when she Suddenly startled herself.
Heok.
Is it okay to broadcast my weakness all over town like this?
Uwaaa.
A Death Game targeting the weakness of a child who only has a good head begins.
Eueee.
A Sound of Shoes was heard.
“Kraft.”
Turning her head, she saw a blonde, blue-eyed girl. A neat Mage Robe wrapped around the girl’s body.
“Melissa!”
Pastel’s Eyes Widened.
“To Think you’d speak to me first! How long has it been? I’m so happy! As expected, we’re Best Friends!”
Melissa snorted.
“You’re probably the only one in this World who calls someone a friend after one conversation.”
Pastel’s mouth dropped open.
“Woowaoowa! So chic! I want to do that too! Ahem! You’re probably the only one in This World~.”
Gasp.
Totally chic.
Melissa was dumbfounded.
“More importantly, Kraft. You possess Excellent knowledge, as expected. Others might have been fooled by your Naive Appearance, but I was already countering it. You are hiding deep inner feelings.”
“Heok, really?”
How did she know I was smart?
Hehe.
Pastel felt shy.
Melissa looked at her coldly.
“I haven’t heard anything about you going on External Requests. In that case, you’re planning to Fill your Semester Report with Research Achievements, right?”
Ing.
Semester Report?
A soft voice rang out.
“Although I lost the Written Exam, I won’t lose in the Semester Report. The Top Scorer in Research will be I, so keep that in mind.”
Pastel’s Eyes Widened.
“What’s a Semester Report?”
“Are you making fun of me? Kraft, you’re using the Self-Study System. Before the first semester ends, you have to submit a Semester Report - never mind. The Top Scorer in Research will be I, so just know that. Excuse me.”
Melissa turned around.
The Sound of Shoes faded away.
Eh.
Semester Report?
Self-Study System.
It was one of the systems the Academy implemented to overcome the prejudice of having been an Officer Training School.
Students who wished not to attend classes didn’t have to, that is, provided they submitted a report every semester.
The report could be filled through External Requests or Individual Research. However, low-quality reports would Be Rejected, and one would have To Take Compulsory Classes as well as Supplementary Classes, so caution was needed.
Since children of good families had already finished Homeschooling at a high level before enrolling, most enrolled students with top scores used the Self-Study System.
Therefore, when the grades of Enrolled Students were ranked, lining them up based on their Semester Report scores didn’t make a big difference.
Eh.
Pastel, who had only been playing and eating, became dazed.
Then she snapped out of it and let out a Scream.
“Lord Demon! Lord Demon! Lord Demon! I haven’t done anything!”
Uwaaa.
It felt like remembering Vacation Homework right before vacation ended!
The Demon spoke calmly.
“It’s fine. I was thinking of telling you soon anyway. If you take an appropriate External Request and knock it out quickly, you’ll be able to Fill the report in no time.”
Pastel paused.
Oh.
As expected of Lord Demon.
Beaming.
“But then the report will only be filled with Combat Missions? Top Scorer in Combat?”
“Correct. It suits your aptitude.”
Ing.
Is Pastel evolving from Top Scorer in Written Exam not to Top Scorer in Research, but to Top Scorer in Combat?
Pastel furrowed her brow and imagined it.
In Imagination, the Top Scorer in Written Exam Title was attached above Pastel’s head like a game.
She flicked it away With a Finger and Slapped on the Top Scorer in Combat Title.
Top Scorer in Combat Pastel.
Pastel’s Blank Expression zoomed in.
Maaaang.
Maaaaaang.
Heok, I look like a total fool!
Especially since I’m Pink-Pink!
Top Scorer in the Pastel Written Exam?
Super evolution!
Foolish Pastel!
Maaaang.
Uwaaa.
Pastel grabbed her head.
Absolutely not, absolutely.
“I need a Title Defense!”
Pastel is a child with a good head!
If I lose my Intellect Title, others will misunderstand!
“Hmm. Even if you Fill your Semester Report with Research from now on, reaching the Top Score will be difficult. Even I would find it tricky to go up against the Next Archmage’s Research Achievements in a short amount of time.”
“It’s fine! Because I’m Life's Too Easy Pastel! I’ll handle the Resolution!”
“Oho?”
Pastel raised her arm high.
“To get a Research Idea for the Research Report, I will first go to the Demon Realm!”
The Demon Realm, the Demon Realm.
The Demon’s Dumbfounded Voice rang out.
“…Why the Demon Realm?”
“Academic Research! Academic Research! The Student Council will commence an Investigation into the Demon Realm for the smooth Academic Research of the Enrolled Students!”
Privately, I’ll get a Research Idea too!
“You just want to do some Smuggling, Killing Two Birds with One Stone-“
Pastel Hurriedly shouted.
“Departure~!”
Towards the Top Scorer in Research!