Chapter 68: Responsibility (1)

Chapter 68: Responsibility (1)

TL/Editor: Raei

Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun

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Cromwell's Lab.

"So, I've won the bet since Evan technically won."

Cromwell declared his victory, but his face was far from happy.

In contrast, it was Robert who sported a grin and started talking.

"It must be nice to get out of guard duty."

Robert teased Cromwell, humming a playful tune.

Even though Cromwell was the victor, it was Robert who mocked him.

That was because he'd heard the full story about the incident from the teaching assistant.

The clash between Evan and Rudy.

More than a couple of teaching assistants had watched this fight.

They were ready for any issues, knowing it was a battle between reputedly strong students.

As the teaching assistants anticipated, it was a fierce battle.

Their fight resulted in damage to the surrounding trees and landscape.

At the fight's end, Rudy landed the final hit, sending Evan flying far away.

The teaching assistants were on high alert, ready to intervene even in the final moments.

Usually, students at the end are so thrilled that they often launch a huge attack, even when the opponent can no longer fight back.

They were prepared to stop the fight if Rudy tried to attack Evan further, but what Rudy did next was unexpected.

He didn't just refrain from attacking; he didn't even take the gem from Evan.

The teaching assistants were puzzled and reported it to Cromwell.

And now.

The bet had started over 'who has a better eye for students' and 'who has trained their students better'.

But they couldn't outright order the students to fight each other.

So they wagered on the scores.

Even if Rudy had directly fought with Evan and won, it was fine to lose the bet.

Scores weren't important.

They just wanted to prove that their judgment was correct.

"Wow~ Professor Cromwell sure knows how to pick students who score well."Gẹtt the latest novels at n.o/(v)/e/l/bin(.)com

Robert didn't dispute when knowing the reason for the bet.

He simply accepted his loss cheerfully and shrugged it off.

Robert was happy just proving he had taught Rudy well and that his judgment wasn't off.

"Whoever taught Rudy has trained him well in combat. Hahahaha!"

Robert exited Cromwell's lab, his laughter filling the air.

"Hmm....."

Cromwell watched Robert leave, a frown on his face.

"The top first-year student this year is Rudy Astria, right?"

Cromwell had chosen Evan after much consideration.

After all, he was the one who kept taking the Top Seat among the first years.

He had bet on Evan's potential.

However, the highest-ranking first-year student this year was unusual.

Despite consistently scoring top grades, he didn't draw attention.

The professors' focus was on different students.

McGuire, Robert, and the other professors all focused on one unusual student.

"He seems pretty capable..."

Nobody doubted Evan's superior skills.

Yet, if asked whether they could mentor him well, they would shake their heads.

The method Evan used in his individual assessment.

None of the professors knew such a technique.

Given the professors' abilities, it was far more effective to overpower than to use such a method.

"Will this be a curse... or a blessing..."

Evan's unusualness was an advantage, but the absence of any mentorship was a significant drawback.

He had to chart his own path, without help.

Of course, they could help with intermediate magic like eco-magic, but even that wasn't ordinary.

"I have no clue..."

Cromwell would have thought more about it if Evan was his official disciple, but he decided to let it go, figuring Evan had his own plans.

He simply grabbed the calendar on his desk and erased all his scheduled guard duties.

"I should just be content that I won't have guard duty."

Cromwell sighed, finding some satisfaction in this ambiguous victory.

---

Raei Translations

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He had been defeated.

Thoroughly defeated.

He had done his best, but it was still not enough to reach him.

Evan was alone in his room, lost in thought over his sword.

"Did I choose the wrong way......?"

Was it a mistake to use a sword, being a wizard?

At first glance, the sheer volume of paperwork was daunting.

"Um... I'll help you carry them."

"......Okay. Thank you."

I took Astina's documents and directed our steps towards the student council room.

I paced alongside her.

Then, Astina broke the silence.

"You've done something peculiar again."

"Peculiar... what?"

I asked Astina, my face a mask of confusion.

"Evan mentioned that you didn't take his points."

"Ah......"

Astina chuckled softly at my response.

"I thought you didn't want to be the top student to not draw attention with such noticeable behavior?"

I chose not to answer Astina's statement.

But, Astina insisted.

"You said before that you opted to be the runner-up because you dread the responsibility that accompanies being the top student."

I gave a slight nod in response to her words.

"Don't be afraid."

Upon hearing those words, I met Astina's gaze.

Astina appeared serious.

But then, her expression relaxed, and she laughed lightly.

"I must be out of my mind because I'm tired. I'm talking nonsense."

Afraid......

I had no regrets about the decisions I've made so far.

Gradually, I was becoming certain of my survival, and I was also contributing to Evan's development.

Evan's growth......

Evan's top rank......

That was the most efficient survival strategy in the end.

Amongst various alternatives, I was selecting the one with the highest probability for everyone at the academy to survive.

And I knew the result......

"I understand. I'll handle it."

As I was deep in contemplation for a moment, the student council office materialized before my eyes.

Astina unlocked the door to the student council office and attempted to take the documents I was holding.

Then, suddenly, Astina swayed a little, losing her balance.

"Are you alright?"

"Uh......"

Fortunately, she didn't tumble, having rapidly regained her balance, but something was wrong.

I studied her and suggested cautiously.

"Wouldn't it be better to take a brief rest?"

I was concerned she might suddenly collapse.

"I can't... I've got a pile of work these days......"

"Nevertheless, you should take a break."

Then the student council office door swung open, and Rie emerged, declaring,

"Hand it to me, I'll take it."

Rie naturally attempted to take the documents I was holding.

I recalled how Rie appeared after the practical.

She had been staggering and clinging to me.

I expected Rie to shout at me, "It was because of the medicine!" when we meet again, but she was surprisingly calm.

"Rie, you seem to have recovered now?"

As I handed over the documents to Rie, I voiced my thoughts.

Then, as Rie accepted the documents, her hand lightly brushed against mine.

"Huh!!!"

With that, Rie was startled and retreated swiftly, clutching her hand.

"......"

I observed Rie in her current state.

Then, Rie curled up defensively and stammered,

"W-w-what!!! What! G-g-give me the documents! Quickly!"

"......Here you are."

I was dumbfounded by her reaction, which was so different from her initial calm approach.

If she was going to react that way, she should have done so from the beginning.

Rie quickly grabbed the documents and ran into the student council room without saying anything else.

"What was that about......"

I mumbled to myself and shifted my gaze to Astina.

"Well, Astina, health comes first. You should take care of your health while working."

Astina gave me a smile before disappearing into the student council room.

---

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