Chapter 20: True Identity of the Bloodlust

Chapter 20: True Identity of the Bloodlust

Everybody gather up!

A bellow from Rivalz rumbled forth, sending tremors through the maneuvering ground.

It was during a class of practical combat exercises, a day at the school under Kanakis tutelage.

The formal selection rounds for the student knight tournament will take place the following month. You need to psych yourself up for that since this week will see the beginning of more hands-on training sessions.

Hearing the words student knight tournament, the students surrounding him, especially those in their third year and higher, exuded an unparalleled fighting spirit. Even Fina, who was standing next to Karen, could sense the fighting spirit silently sparking in her heart.

Speaking of the student knight tournament, it is one of the grandest events held to crown the most dominant student of the year. Each year, five students from Selbeth Academy participate in this tournament in the royal capital as representatives of the school. Advancing to the finals would entitle them to the distinguished honor of competing in front of the Kings eyes. Should they be successful there, their future career paths will be secure!

True to Rivalzs words, the bulk of the students who have made it to the finals have embarked on promising professions.

The student knight tournament not only served as a platform to determine the most powerful students but likewise as an opportunity to bid for the most promising young talent. Not surprisingly, those in their third and fourth years who were approaching graduation from the academy have their eyes lit up.

However, should Karen, who was the most likely candidate to accede to the throne at the time, come out on top in this tournament, such a feat would earn her the title of a ruler in the future, and her already solid reputation might be further spread among the public. Karen likewise had an intention of participating in this tournament.

Rivalz then delivered lines of encouragement to the students before dispersing them to work on their own exercises. It was at this point that the students were relatively free to conduct themselves as they pleased when Karen and Fina were approached by an unexpected person.

Ortesia, Trinity, may I have a word with you?

It was Luis Albas, another student in the same class as Karen and the others.

A black man of southern heritage, he was frank with everyone and well-liked. Even to this day, he remained one of the few people who could strike a casual tone with Karen, the countrys Princess.

Oh, what is it?

My boss wants to speak to you. Will you follow me?

In the direction Luis pointed, a short distance away from the groupthe boss, Rain Aldar, folded his arms.

Mr. Aldar? What business does he have with me?

Senior Aldar, about that, you see, I have not heard the details either actually. Anyway, will you follow me?

Excuse me for interposing, but if he has a business with Lady Karen, I suppose he should come here directly, instead of summoning her, even though he is her senior.

Eek, Trinity is as perverse as ever. Otherwise, you could have gotten a boyfriend or two in a heartbeat.

I-Its none of your business!

Fina was uncharacteristically flustered by Luis, who did not break free from his playful demeanor.

Regardless of his birth or upbringing, Luis was an easy conversationalist with Karen and her group, which struck a favorable chord with her as well.

Its fine, Fina. Lets spare him here and allow us the pleasure of walking up to him.

Oh, as expected of Princess! Unlike a certain uptight follower, you understand what Im talking about!

If you insist, Lady Karen

Fina withdrew reluctantly, to which Luis, who was in a positive mood, led Karen and company on their way.

When they eventually reached Rain, he released his folded arms with a subtle smile.

That was a startling sight, prompting Karen to momentarily falter. She had expected him to be more unsociable than this.

Youre here. Im sorry you had to come all the way here.

Thats a move I wouldnt expect from a first year.

You!

That was the deciding move.

In the distance, Rivalz was saying something, but it fell on deaf ears, and right when Karen was about to unleash her magic with the intention of killing him, a cold bloodlust was shot through her back, as if she were being pierced by a pillar of ice.

[!?]

Rain and Luis were equally as terrified as Karen as they all turned to stare in that way.

An icy hand was quickly placed on Karens shoulder once she turned around, and the sensation was felt even through the fabric of her clothing.

The three of you, whats all this racket about?

Teacher Kanaki?

In a slightly fluttering voice, Karen announced his name, to which Kanaki responded with a warm smile.

That was enough to thaw her frozen heart, and as if she had just been reminded of it, a breath of air was released from Karens lips.

Aldar. Now release Fina. Whatever has occurred, I dont advise you to continue caring for her in any way. Right now, I can keep that fearful instructor in the back quiet.

I am sorry. I went out of line. I appreciate your concern.

After Rain squeezed out those words, Karen felt him exhale heavily as well.

Fina, who had been unbound, stood up awkwardly. Rain then bowed his head toward the two.

Excuse me, both of you. I intended to test your strength for a moment, but I overdid it.

No. It was Fina who made the first move, and I, for one, was immature to react in such a fit of rage at that level.

Waving her hand to indicate that an apology was superfluous, Rain nevertheless apologized again to Fina. He turned out to be more sincere than she had imagined.

Karen snuck a sideways glance at Kanakis face.

He was viewing the scene of reconciliation between Fina and Rain with a benevolent smile on his face, as usual.

It looks like things are settled. Then, Ill make up an appropriate excuse to Instructor Rivalz.

Thank you, Teacher.

She kept an eye on his back as Kanaki left.

Did I just feel an abnormal bloodlust, or was it just my imagination? No, with such a bloodlust, there is no way I could have been mistaken

Karen was convinced, though, when she witnessed Rivalz, with a terrific expression on his face, peering at them from behind Kanaki.

Was that from Instructor Rivalz?

Even though the dispute has been resolved, a strong bloodlust can still be detected from Rivalz. He was, after all, the former commander of the royal guard knights. He was once known as the Surging Iron Wall.

Karen turned her attention back to Rain, who was still scrutinizing Kanaki with a hint of skepticism in his eyes.

He seemed to be perceptive, but his insight was not as keen as expected.

It would have been fine to address his doubts, but he had just provoked her and she was responding in kind. Keeping her mouth shut here, she decided to join Kaguya instead. Despite her reluctance to acknowledge it, there was undoubtedly much to be learned from him at this time. In turn, that will contribute to winning the student knight tournament. Even Karen had the decency to acknowledge the reality of the situation.

In line with her resolution at the time, Karen joined the City of Seal Security Forces Kaguya with Fina that day.