Chapter 87

Chapter 87

As the building had been recently renovated, the Ophelius Hall stood stoutly, unshaken even by a blizzard. Its management team comprised of veterans, and most of the residing students possessed exceptional talents, which resulted in a more peaceful atmosphere compared to Dex Hall or Lortelle Hall. The heating was perfectly arranged, and the maids provided for nearly all necessities, so the interior of Ophelius Hall felt more like it was settling into a long rest than preparing for a natural disaster.

Although crossing the dimly lit hallways might give off an eerie feeling in the winters soft darkness, the gentle lights from various halls and student facilities inside Ophelius Hall gave off a warm sense of comfort instead. The student halls located midway through each floor seemed to serve as leisure spaces for the residents of Ophelius Hall, albeit somewhat more spacious than their intended purpose.

With antique wooden pillars lined up along the walls and neatly placed tables throughout the hall, assortments of desserts and drinks kept stocked by maids could be found between the pillars, and around the large fireplace located in the center were big round wooden tables arranged in abundance.

Most students spent their time in their rooms, but too much confinement could lead to boredom. Therefore, these facilities inside Ophelius Hall saw a decent amount of use. Some students chatted while enjoying desserts, others participated in light reading groups, and there were also those who practiced chess or engaged in elemental magic to improve their skills.

Do you really wish for a duel?

Zix had not long since returned from visiting his family home with Elka. They had hurried back before the blizzard, feeling rather exhausted from the rushed journey and now firmly intent on recovery.

Leaning casually against a table in the student hall, engrossed in alchemical texts, Zix showed a curious smile at the bold suggestion from a junior who had come to greet him.

Yes, senior Zix.

Folding the corner of the book he was reading, Zix placed it on the table. The junior who had come to find him was Wade Callamore, holding the position of top freshman.

With hair as white as new snow and pale grey eyes, the boy bore an almost albino appearance as he greeted Zix earnestly. And hastily, he proposed a duel.

Of course, not right now. Youre famous across the academy, even beyond the Magic Department, senior Zix. I am not yet a match to challenge you in a duel.

Im not really concerned about such formalities. If you want a duel, crossing blades with you is not too troublesome.

Zix casually leaned on his chin and replied nonchalantly.

But why?

Of course, as a junior, I wish to seek guidance from a senior like you.

Skip the superficial reasons.

As Zix said this, Wade nodded with a grin.

I want to prove my worth. I feel I havent properly demonstrated my strength within the academy yet, so Im approaching reputed seniors for duels.

Hmm Securing the position of top freshman and still saying such things?

I genuinely wish to duel with Zix senior, but considering you just returned from your journey and everyone needs to follow a certain order, it wouldnt be right to challenge you straight away.

Wade smiled refreshingly, but Zix sensed that Wades intentions were not as pure as his appearance seemed to suggest.

Whether it was Tanya declaring her intention to capture the student council president seat or Wade ambitiously challenging seniors to duels, Zix felt a certain pride watching these energetic juniors.

I will first defeat seniors like Clevius from Combat Department and Elvira from Alchemy Department before I issue a challenge to you.

The Magic Departments top isnt me, though?

The top sophomore of the Magic Department is usually excluded from such considerations by all students.

Wade pulled up a chair and sat down, asking a maid to bring him a cup of tea. Indeed, Lucy Mayrill had become the standard exception to the usual ranking considerations, whether for academic grades or duel outcomes.

Considering that, I view you as the actual top sophomore of the Magic Department.

Well, Im not interested in such hollow victories. Lucy is stronger than me, and I see no reason to exclude that truth.

Everyone is aware of your humility, but facts are facts. If I defeat Zix senior, I can prove that I am on a higher level than the other second-year students.

Wade seemed aware of what he was saying; making such declarations to someones face could be seen as provocation, depending on the circumstances. But Zix wasnt one to take offense at such things Wade probably knew that too.

Winning against you, senior Zix, might be hard to guarantee

That sounds like the other seniors will be an easy win for you.

Wade simply smiled in response.

And what will you do once you defeat me?

Then Ill extend my challenge to the third-year seniors, like top student Yenika and Combat Department head Drake. Personally, Im also eager to contest against senior Ed, whose reputation is well-known among us first-years.

Its great to be ambitious, but make sure your confidence doesnt turn into arrogance.

Zix wasnt being rude he was merely stating the plain truth.

Wade smoothly handled the advice with a word of thanks, though he didnt seem to take it too seriously.

Ive arranged to duel with senior Clevius. With the blizzard locking everyone in the dormitories, he seemed to have time to spare. We can use the underground hall of Ophelius for the duel.

A week indoors was considerably lengthy, so Ophelius Hall had prepared various activities to pass the time, including student duels.

However, Clevius senior seems to be avoiding a duel with me; its quite disappointing.

Wade laughed contentedly.

It was clear Clevius, always gloomy and timid, would certainly not accept a duel challenge from an overzealous freshman like Wade. Wades enthusiasm made it apparent hed try anything to secure a victory over Clevius.

My purpose in greeting you today was to give a prior notice for when I eventually request a duel.

Ed pulled a wooden chair over and sat down in front of Clarice, who was standing as punishment. The sight of her trying to hold the chair steady, tears welling up and trembling, was pitiable.

Ed fell into thought for a moment. He must have been startled when Clarice appeared out of nowhere in the cabin. However, after regaining his composure, it wasnt hard for him to deduce why the young saintess had come to this remote place. The minor mishap during the class assignment test was likely the cause.

Despite dropping her brooch during a battle with Merilda and covering up the mistake swiftly, Clarice must have thought Ed had seen through her disguise.

Admittedly, Eds response wasnt smooth due to the suddenness of the situation, but there wasnt a better way to handle it at the moment.

Kylies true identity was a major plot twist revealed only in the latter half of Act 3.

If Kylies identity were exposed too early, and she ended up under the strict surveillance of the churchs knights, the future developments would become unpredictable.

After tidying up the cabin and his thoughts, Ed concluded that as long as Kylie believed he knew her true identity, she would remain uneasy. There was no immediate way to dispel her suspicions.

Thus, Ed chose a direct approach.

I apologize for my disrespectful behavior, Saintess. You may put down the chair now.

Both Belle and Clarice shuddered at his words.

Clarices eyes widened in shock, and Belle, uncharacteristically nervous, asked for confirmation.

You knew?

As a baptized member of the Telos Church, its usually easy to recognize when an illusion spell dissolves up close.

Really?

This was a grey area. Kylies illusion hadnt completely dissipated during the test, and even if it had, making such a smooth recovery would have been difficult.

Assuming ambiguity, a quick wit and reflexes could cover it, preventing any further questioning about Eds awareness of Kylies true identity.

Then

Ive said you may put down the chair.

Ah Yes

With the plan of action decided, Ed didnt want to get further entangled with Saintess Clarice. Acknowledging that he was aware of her identity would hopefully remove her unease.

Next, he needed to ensure Clarice that he wouldnt disclose her identity.

As a follower of the Telos Church, it was regrettable to act so rudely towards a revered saintess. However, I felt obligated to teach you the dangers of freedom.

The dim cabin, the howling wind, and the occasional creaking of the roof painted a stark contrast to the Saintesss usual surroundings.

The tools of the hunt and the remnants of game, along with the heavy scent of blood, added to the severity of the environment.

Ed hoped to convey that life in the wilderness wasnt always romantic and filled with the scent of flowers. Often, its more like the suffocating smell of blood in the cabin.

Do you understand the life I lead?

The disparity between a senior students simple description of being strong and scary and the reality of living with blood and survival was profound.

To the members of the Telos Church, Clarice was always an object of veneration, making the idea of punishing or angering her inconceivable.

Yet, here was a boy looking at the saintess with cold eyes, prioritizing survival over religious veneration.

This mans life is more about surviving than living. The slight difference in phrasing might seem insignificant, but its reality is profound. Everything possesses both light and darkness, and freedom is no different. If Adelle is a bard who sings praises of freedoms beauty, then this man must represent the weight and darkness of freedom more than anyone else.

Please go back, and avoid approaching this cabin again. Even under the protection of holy laws, accidents like slips, getting lost, or dying from exposure cannot be prevented. Ed said this and bowed his head graciously. I apologize for being harsh. Sadly, it seems theres no one around you to share these truths, so I took it upon myself to overstep.

Rising from his seat, he concluded, Now, please leave. Clarice had no chance to respond. She could not find the words as Ed turned to leave.

Before the blizzard intensified, they needed to return to Ophelius Hall. With Belles guidance, it would be a quick journey back. There, they could enjoy warm soup in a cozy room, a stark contrast to the storm outside. Sitting in a well-kept room, the blizzard would become a distant tale.

Holding Belles hand and leaving the camp, Clarice looked back with difficulty. Ed, confirming their departure, returned to the cabin, his figure blending with the bleak surroundings. Inside, the cabin would remain cold, filled with the heavy scent of blood, a reality that weighed heavily on her. Yet, this boy seemed unburdened by its gravity, treating the harshness of survival as a mere aspect of life.

Clarice had read that even beautiful swans paddle ugly beneath the water. The life of freedom was no different. She could never have imagined the complexities behind Eds facade, based on her initial impression of him defending the summits altar.

Mr. Belle.

Yes, Lady Clarice.

Im sorry for causing you such trouble.

Its merely my duty. Please dont worry about it.

As they made their way through the blizzard, Clarice glanced back towards the cabin repeatedly. For the first time since arriving in Sylvania, she felt she had met a senior worth respecting. Such an encounter would have been impossible in the holy city.

Belle, unaware of her thoughts, sweated as he saw Clarice looking back at the cabin. Could it be? No, it couldnt Could it?

As the blizzard raged and winter slowly receded, everyone experienced their own form of winter. Some buried themselves in magical engineering research, others conversed with spirits by a window, and some completed ledger books in the warmth of their rooms. Each person found their way to endure the season, from diligent students and failed knights to guardians of the northern plains and timid swordsmen hiding in their rooms.

In the royal residence, a platinum-haired princess sat quietly by the window. Watching the snowfall, Princess Phoenia of Phoenia lowered her gaze and made a small resolve. With spring and a new semester approaching, it was a time of change, including the upcoming student council president election. Widely regarded as a strong candidate due to her broad support across the academy, Phoenia Elias Clorel decided, I choose not to run

For Ed Rothtaylor, this statement was akin to the crumbling of all premises and the onset of all calamities.