Chapter 242:

Chapter 242:

Chapter 242 A Good Day

“...He really, truly won.”

“If it goes like this, becoming a hero is....”

The representatives of the Magic Department stared at the arena with expressions that still didn’t fully grasp reality. Flan stood as usual, and in the distance, Viola’s new form lay in a pitiful heap.

“...”

Even Trixie, who typically remained composed, was now dumbstruck, her lips moving silently.

In fact, it wasn’t that she hadn’t anticipated Flan’s victory. She had observed and trusted him closely, believing more strongly than anyone that he could win.

However.

There was a tremendous difference between harboring such expectations and seeing them realized. It was a difference as vast as the sky and the earth.

‘And it wasn’t even a normal victory.’

Flan had achieved a complete victory against Viola. It was evident to everyone that the gap between them was glaringly wide.

“Becky.”

“Yes, Louis.”

“...”

“...”

Becky and Louis called each other’s names but exchanged no further words. Sometimes, it was possible to communicate without speaking.

Even Maiev, having recovered, clicked her tongue in awe.

‘Really, a person beyond racial boundaries.’

Traits like ‘Humans are like this,’ ‘Elves are like that,’ and ‘Vampires are like this’ seemed not to apply to Flan at all.

He was undoubtedly stronger than before. Just when one thought they were catching up to his will and abilities, he would leap ahead once more. By now, Maiev was quite accustomed to it.

However, even as she acknowledged this, she didn’t feel any inferiority but rather could smile.

Flan was no longer an opponent to be defeated but a mentor in life. Moreover, he had become a ray of sunlight, a reason for living.

“Ahaha, you know what?”

Suddenly, Louis burst out laughing, drawing the attention of the representatives. Following his gaze, they saw the professors of the Magic Department in the distance.

“...?”

Everyone tilted their heads in puzzlement.

‘Could they even show such expressions?’

‘It’s my first time seeing them like that.’

It was fascinating and amusing to see the professors, whom they’d never seen show such diverse expressions, now expressing admiration.

Realizing that they weren’t the only ones surprised, the sense of reality dawned on them belatedly.

“Uh....”

Violet absentmindedly fidgeted with her pointed hat. Beside her, the Secretary’s jaw hung open in astonishment, presenting a truly ridiculous sight.

“I’m not sure if what I’m seeing is real.”

“Without your glasses, you can’t see.”

“No, it’s not about the glasses.”

After a short exchange with Violet, the Secretary finally pulled herself together. She spoke again, her face still flushed with excitement.

“At this rate... I think Flan is greater than us now. What have we even done...?”

“Oh, really!”

“Ouch!”

Finding a single culprit to blame would have been comforting, but it was impossible. Strictly speaking, neither those who failed to predict this nor she herself were at fault.

After all, who could have predicted this?

“Um... Lady Viola....”

A royal official knelt on one knee beside Viola, who was lying sprawled out, and spoke cautiously.

“Can you get up? It’s about time to announce the results....”

“....”

“If you can’t get up, we’ll have to carry you to the infirmary. May we assist you, Lady Viola?”

The official’s words felt incredibly surreal. Having never anticipated defeat, Viola didn’t know how to respond.

In this moment, should she stand up and accept her loss gracefully, or should she be taken to the infirmary to avoid showing an unsightly appearance...?

The fact that she even had to consider such a dilemma was devastating. The shock was indescribably immense.

Ultimately, Viola couldn’t utter any response.

And no one particularly blamed her for it. No one here was unaffected by the shock, so how immense must the impact be on Viola herself?

Finally, the royal official spoke to the other officials nearby.

“Assist Lady Viola. Escort her to the infirmary.”

“Yes, sir.”

Even as she was carried away on a stretcher, completely out of the arena, Viola didn’t blink once. The knights, watching her, bowed their heads deeply.

The reason for their defeat.

Every knight sought to find that reason, but there was only one. The Magic Department was simply stronger than the knights. There was no other reason.

Desperation.

Effort.

Strength.

Not one field had they won in.

By then, Conette from the Magic Department had stepped onto the arena. On the knights’ side, the escort knight had no choice but to step up as well.

Conette spoke first.

“Ah, Escort Knight.”

“....”

“Thank you for today’s match.”

Even with a simple greeting, the escort knight didn’t know how to respond. A glance back revealed that the other knights felt the same.

He looked back at Conette.

Solid and standing tall. More dignified than ever.... It was the sight the knights had aspired to.

“Today’s match....”

With a solemn expression, the escort knight forced his stiff lips to move. With so many eyes watching, any sign of disrespect was unacceptable.

“...Thank you.”

The escort knight’s body trembled. Overwhelmed by humiliation, he didn’t know where to look, but Conette gazed at the high sky instead of this sight.

‘It’s blue.’

The weather was perfect.

“With this, the hero is...”

A royal official announced.

“...the magician, Flan!”