Chapter 24: For My Sister (3)

Chapter 24: For My Sister (3)

Kratir pulled the empty sky, and the background tore away like a curtain being ripped off.

The landscape, which had been empty, disappeared, revealing a bustling square filled with people. The crowd of upperclassmen facing the freshmen cheered as if the sky had departed.

“Welcome Juniors!”

“Is there anyone interested in celestial alchemy?”

“If you’re from the martial arts department, join the sparring club, please!”

They were all wearing school uniforms. Philleon 786th generation. They were the 2nd-year seniors of Philleon Academy, who had entered a year ahead of the current class led by Ronan.

Seeing the bustling students, Ronan furrowed his brow.

“Are all they our seniors?”

“There are so many...”

Aselle exclaimed with his mouth wide open. Although he had only heard about one generation ahead, it seemed like there were hundreds of them. Most of them were wearing the martial arts department’s uniforms, probably due to the scarcity of magicians.

“Just in case there are some who don’t know, let me explain. The enrollment ceremony is an opportunity to greet the seniors of the class just above yours, whom you’ll see the most during your school life, and to exchange introductions.”

Kratir continued explaining while stroking his beard. It was about fostering camaraderie between upperclassmen and underclassmen.

After exchanging light greetings, there would be events like awards for outstanding students and a banquet. At that moment, a booming voice echoed from the 2nd-year camp.

“Hahaha! They say there’s someone who defeated the Empire’s Rising Star in this class? Let’s have a match!”

The 2nd-year group split to the sides, and a boy who reminded one of a bear stepped forward. He was currently ranked 2nd. The former top student of the martial arts department from last year, Braum Biodan.

“Braum! Braum! Braum! Braum!”

The martial arts students chanted his name. Braum, who stood at the front, flexed his biceps and struck a pose. His muscles, reminiscent of tree trunks, seemed like they could burst out of his uniform at any moment.

Kratir chuckled as he stroked his beard.

“Haha, Braum hasn’t changed a bit. Have you been increasing the weight of your sword?”

“Yes!! Thanks to everyone!! I’ve successfully increased it to 120kg!!”

“Good job. Shall we prepare the stage for the light greetings?”

Kratir gestured again into the empty air. This time, it seemed like he was grasping and pressing something.

-Rumble!

Suddenly, as if an earthquake had struck, the plaza vibrated, and the ground around Kratir began to sink. The professors were also engulfed by the erosion, but they maintained their composure without changing their expressions.

Before long, a massive circular space with a radius of about 200 meters was created. The freshmen watching were awestruck by the instant appearance of the arena.

“What...what is this?”

“This is amazing...”

On the other hand, the 2nd-year students weren’t very surprised. They had already seen similar scenes last year, and living at Philleon meant they would witness even more extraordinary sights.

“Hehehe, our expressions were like that too last year.”

“Don’t be too surprised, friends!”

Ironically, the wide-eyed freshmen were more entertaining for the 2nd-year students. Kratir shouted.

“Then, let’s proceed with the greetings from the martial arts department. The top 10 students, please come down to the arena. First, the top freshman of the martial arts department, Shullifen de Gracia!”

“Wow!”

The crowd of freshmen split, and Shullifen walked out. Cheers erupted for him without distinguishing classes. He truly had the popularity befitting the Empire’s Rising Star. Ronan’s name was called next in line.

“Next up! The second-ranked freshman of the martial arts department! Ronan!”

“Wow!”

“Well, damn! that’s surprising.”

The cheers, not much different from before, burst out. Taken aback by the unexpected reaction, Ronan bit his tongue and mumbled. Unbeknownst to him, he was quite popular among students, especially the 2nd-years. There wasn’t a single student who didn’t know the story of the boy who had appeared like a comet and taken first place in the practical exam.

“Hey, hey, check out that jawline. He might even cut an apology.”

“Wow... He’s handsome. He is standing next to Shullifen and doesn’t kneel?”

“Is he from the commoners? He doesn’t even have a noble surname.”

Kratir called out the students from both martial arts departments based on their rankings. A total of 20 students stepped onto the stage.

Ronan looked around. Sitting in the front row, he could barely spot Eirl, who was waving both hands. Then, a familiar voice came from the side.

“Hey! Long time no see!”

“Marya.”

To cut to the chase, Ronan’s proposal was accepted.

Kratir divided the professors into a brief discussion. The members of the interview committee who had evaluated Ronan thought, “Well, as long as the parties involved are okay with it, does it really matter? It could be interesting.”

“I also wanted to know more about Ronan’s skills.”

Convincing the 19 participants, including his peers and seniors, wasn’t as difficult as expected. They were already aware that Ronan had outperformed Shullifen and ranked 1st in the practical exam.

“Can I face him too? We’d be satisfied and pleased if you win.”

“Me too. But are you sure...?”

His peers were curious about what kind of technique Ronan had demonstrated to achieve such results.

“It’s fine. Go for it.”

Shullifen also accepted Ronan’s claim. He thought the event of “light greetings” itself was a waste of time. However, while the reactions of the freshmen and other students were mostly favorable, the 2nd-years’ responses were different.

“Hey, underclassman. What made you do something like this?”

“Hahaha! He’s completely crazy!”

“He thinks he’s second-best, so he’s looking down on us? Let’s break him, Braum!”

Ronan’s statement trampled over the pride of his seniors. With unified minds, they were burning with passion to look after their juniors in need.

Braum shouted while blood vessels bulged on his forehead.

“Ronan!! My passion! Don’t toy with it like this! I won’t leave it alone!!”

Of course, Ronan was oblivious to such pride. He aimed to put Eril at ease. Showing her once was much better than talking about it tirelessly to calm her worries.

“Well then, let’s begin the ‘light greetings’. Take your positions!”

Kratir announced. Ronan and ten 2nd-year students faced each other with about 50 meters of distance between them. Students wearing blue neckties all glared at Ronan with determination.

“R...Ronan! Why did you do something like this...!”

Eril was contemplating Ronan with a contemplative expression. She was the first to recognize her brother’s talent, but this was definitely not it.

*Boom!*

A magical firework signaled the start. Ten boys and girls rushed toward Ronan. Stout Braum led the charge with powerful strides, followed by Nasdo, who was in 1st place.

“Ugh... Do you have any flashy techniques?”

Though the gap would narrow in a matter of seconds, Ronan had enough time to ponder. He suddenly recalled the swordsmanship Navirose had shown during the practical exam interview.

“Yeah, that was quite good.”

It was a sword technique performed while rotating the entire body with the sword. He had even attempted to imitate it briefly. Ronan nodded to himself.

“Alright, then.”

“Take this!!!”

Just then, Braum, who was charging forward, swung his greatsword. A golden blade gleamed as it soared horizontally.

Whoosh!

The rush of air pushed against Ronan’s forehead. Ronan spun in place, catching the greatsword head-on.

Thud!

“Wha-what?!”

Braum tightly clenched the hilt of his sword. If he had let go of just a little bit of strength, he might have lost his grip on the sword. It was an unbelievable strength coming from his small stature. Braum’s pupils widened as he recognized the familiar black blade.

“You...How did you learn the Navirose Instructor’s swordsmanship...!”

“Oh, you know?”

“Where did you learn that!”

Instead of answering, Ronan stepped on Braum’s greatsword and leaped up. He rotated vertically three times and swung the sword.

“Ugh!”

Braum urgently raised his greatsword horizontally, assuming a defensive stance. The 120kg greatsword, reinforced with mana, was as good as a large shield.

However, Ronan’s intention wasn’t a straightforward confrontation. The trajectory of the dark iron sword subtly shifted.

Swoosh!

The hilt of the greatsword was sliced off, and the hefty blade fell to the ground.

Thud!

“Ugh!”

The cut was clean. Braum stared helplessly at his severed sword. Ronan dryly responded.

“I just watched once and then learnt.”