Chapter 133: Interdepartmental Exchange Event (3)

Chapter 133: Interdepartmental Exchange Event (3)

Woosh!

Like Yuna had done, Vilkas also unveiled his most powerful magic from the start.

Flare Dragon.

An orange blaze took the shape of a dragon from Vilkas’s hands.

Casting speed.

Magic technique.

And efficiency of channeled mana.

Befitting a golden age member, Vilkas’s magic was flashy and mighty.

“Hmm.”

Observing Jeryd furrowed his brow slightly.

‘So this is the golden age I’ve heard of.’

Their skills were certainly outstanding.

But only outstanding by student standards.

Seeming to notice his puzzlement, the Principal whispered to him.

“The center of the golden age is Miss Roanna. Miss Roanna anchors them and elevates their level. There’s a big gap between those two students and Miss Roanna.”

“I see, that’s why.”

He nodded his head.

They were undoubtedly exceptional for students, top-tier even.

But fell short of being called the golden age.

‘They’re clearly different from the students Ethan taught.’

Yuna and Ron had surpassed student level.

The remarkably skilled golden age students.

And the two who transcended student level.

‘A difference in educators.’

All the students at this Ivecar Academy are talented.

How that talent is nurtured is the measure of an educator’s ability.

‘It may be presumptuous, but I believe the academy’s teachers should receive a composed evaluation.’

Jeryd thought the gap in ability between Ethan and Duty was immense.

As Ron’s case showed, Ethan did not confine a student’s talents.

If a student specialized in the greatsword, he would teach tailored to that.

‘In terms of efficiency, Duty’s approach is probably correct.’

There is one teacher but many students. To teach them efficiently, he must instruct in areas all can learn and grow together.

‘Time is limited, after all.’

But this is Ivecar Academy.

The students have already found their own efficiencies, either through their noble houses or self-discovery.

‘Then their individual talents should be cultivated. Ivecar must do so to live up to being the top academy.’

By that criteria, Ethan Whiskers is far ahead of Duty, beyond comparison.

‘An educator looking to the future and taking that extra step.’

Versus an educator teaching just to get good grades at the academy.

Woosh!

Anyone can guess which educator would receive higher evaluation.

“That’s all.”

“Waaaaaah!”

“As expected from Vilkas!”

“I can’t tell how this situation will unfold!”

Vilkas’s outstanding magic, like Yuna’s, was enough to elicit cheers from both sides.

Witnessing high-level magic brings joy to the eyes and quickens the heart.

Jeryd also applauded.

They were magics deserving of ample applause.

But his mind was already leaning.

‘The students are not to blame.’

Beyond a certain level, students can no longer be faulted. They merely followed their teacher’s instruction.

“I can’t tell who will win.”

“Vilkas will probably win. That magic earlier looked no joke just from watching.”

From the start, Duty never intended to stay long as a teacher at this academy.

This was just a stepping stone.

That’s why he lost.

He had the right perspective on students, but lacked the matching teaching methods.

“I’m sorry, sir. I’m really sorry.”

Vilkas, returning in defeat, grit his teeth. Though trying to endure, tears streamed from his eyes.

Seeing this, Duty’s mind went blank.

What had he been doing until now?

Watching Vilkas bitterly crying made him feel struck hard on the head.

“Vilkas.”

Duty wasn’t always like this.

The sense of inferiority from witnessing Claudie’s class had made him this way.

“You did well. The problem was...me. I did you all a disservice.”

“No, sir. If you hadn’t maximized my strengths, I would still be unaware of my talents. I’m really sorry for failing to meet expectations.”

“No, no......”

Jeryd’s words stung deeply.

Academy grades are a visible metric of effort. But the true essence the academy should pursue is student growth. There is unseen growth beyond just grades.

Teachers have an obligation to nurture students’ growth.

Duty had neglected that duty.

“It was my fault. Let’s do better next time.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll do better.”

Vilkas wiped his tears.

“Both teachers and students, please come up to the stage!”

The Interdepartmental Exchange Event.

While there were winners and losers, its essence was displaying abilities and interacting.

Six students and two teachers stood on the stage.

The previously noisy hall gradually quieted.

“Greetings!”

The students who showed good form greeted each other.

The two teachers also approached and shook hands.

“To be honest, I had underestimated you a bit. But there was definitely a reason you defeated Claudie to become the representative. Yuna and Ron were truly excellent students who received excellent education.”

“Teacher Duty, you have a genuine eye for students. In contrast, I lack that ability.”

Completely unexpected words.

Duty could only be surprised.

He never expected to be praised.

“That remarkable ability is something no other teacher at this academy can match. Even I, fortunate to win today, cannot.”

Normally it might sound mocking, but somehow Ethan’s words rang as sincere praise.

“Today we competed, but are we not teachers of Ivecar? Today ends today. I look forward to the year-end. With a superb teacher like yourself, Sir Duty, and teachers like Sir Claudie on the same team, we could even beat Freya Academy.”

Today was the only day they faced as foes.

At Ethan’s words, Duty blinked.

His feelings toward Ethan had been immensely complex after today’s defeat.

But those complicated thoughts vanished with this remark. Ethan was not a foe, but an ally – a fellow teacher for future academy exchanges.

The swirling emotions in his mind simply dissipated.

“...Yes.”

Duty smiled faintly, then let out a small sigh.

With that sigh, he expelled all his previous thoughts.

His mindset changed.

Claudie and Ethan, who he had seen as rivals.

Now he would be on the same team with these two for the academy exchange. That thought felt reassuringly solid.

“I’m counting on you.”

As Ethan smiled again, Duty firmly gripped the joined hands.

“Yes, Teacher Ethan.”

Author's Thoughts

Want to read ahead of the scheduled release? You can check the Novel page on the website (or press the next chapter button) and buy an advanced chapter with only 20 Honeys! (100 Honeys is only 5$! So you can basically read 5 advanced chapters ahead of schedule!)