Chapter 199 — The Day Cherry Blossoms Bloom

1

Cherry blossoms in this world bloomed unusually late.

End of May.

On the day the first cherry blossoms bloomed, Mythos Academy held a grand sports festival.

It was one of the biggest events of the first half of the year, where teams of three solved various challenges as they progressed.

The sports festival was right around the corner.

Curious about what challenges awaited them, students gathered in small groups, chatting in excitement.

Most of the events were classic sports festival games, but with twists involving magic, traps, and monsters.

Manus also understood the significance of this event.

‘An important artifact is on the line.’

It was a crucial item Manus had come across before—the [Core]. Along with a black rod, this accessory was one of the key materials, and it could be acquired as a reward for winning the sports festival.

He didn’t care about anything else, but he needed the brooch that would be given as the prize for the individual competition.

Winning the team battles or the class match-ups would be great, but their rewards held no particular significance.

As Manus pondered the events and started to plan accordingly, Nia quietly approached him.

“Manus.”

“Yes?”

“Are you going to participate in the sports festival?”

Manus nodded.

Nia tilted her head, seemingly surprised.

The sports festival was the last thing she’d expected Manus to be interested in.

“Really? I thought you’d be reading a book somewhere on the rooftop.”

“There’s something I need,” Manus replied.

“Oh, I see. But which grade are you going to compete as? Are you going to enter as a third-year?”

Most likely, right?

Or not?

To Nia’s question, Manus answered immediately.

“I’ll be competing as a second-year.”

“Oh… Is that so? You must be really determined to win.”

“That’s the plan.”

“Then maybe I’ll enter as a third-year for some fun too?”

Nia’s competitive spirit started to flare up.

Manus looked at her, eyes calm, and asked.

How were things going around Nia lately?

The system had clearly indicated that the time when the world would start to reject her had been delayed.

Had anything changed then?

Or had the progression simply paused?

He needed to confirm.

“How are things around you?”

“Around me? What do you—Ah, yeah, it’s not too bad.”

“And the forgetfulness, is that any better?”

“Yeah, I don’t forget my assignments anymore. Could it be that I’m improving?”

Manus pondered how he should respond.

Should he just be honest?

Or should he let her figure things out on her own?

It would be best if it were certain, he thought.

“I can’t say for sure yet. But… I’m sure it will get better.”

“Yeah. Maybe I could ask this Apostle—they seem more communicative this time around.”

That could be a solution too.

Manus nodded, and Nia smiled shyly.

How strange.

Manus was her junior, yet receiving permission or acknowledgment from him made her feel really good.

It was a different feeling from being praised by her family elders or her brother.

A genuine feeling of being recognized that brought an involuntary smile to her face.

But what about the second-years?

Facing a tyrant like Manus after having been without him for so long, she couldn’t help but wonder how they would react.

“Are you going later? Let me come along.”

“Sure.”

“Hehehe, I just want to see their faces turn pale.”

Whether it was her mischievous side coming out, Nia gave a sly smile.

Manus shook his head in disbelief.

Soon, the bell rang, signaling the beginning of morning assembly.

Nia waved her hand as she left, saying she’d see him later, and soon after, their homeroom professor entered the room.

The professor nodded as he observed the students seated.

He had a good enough memory and sharp observation skills to check attendance with just a glance.

Clearing his throat, he began to speak.

“I believe you all know that the sports festival is happening next week. It’s the biggest event of the first half of the year, so I hope for active participation from everyone. Although I expect you all know this already, let me explain once again…”

He began his explanation.

The events were divided into three categories: class match-ups, team competitions, and individual competitions.

The class match-ups would select representatives from each year to compete.

The team competitions required teams of three to take on various challenges.

The individual competitions were exactly what they sounded like—individual battles for victory.

Traditionally, the Serpent Class had always struggled in the sports festival.

Given the nature of the event, which required physical prowess, the Deer and Eagle classes had an advantage.

Perhaps for that reason, many of them listened with lukewarm interest.

“…That’s it. Anyone who wishes to participate, please contact me or Professor Kaiser. This concludes the morning assembly, so everyone, pay attention in your classes.”

“Yes, sir!”

Their answer was full of energy.

After Professor Trail left, the students resumed their own conversations.

Before heading to his next class, Manus followed Professor Trail for registration.

In his past, whether it was in school or work, sports festivals had always been far removed from him.

He was neither gifted in physical activities nor particularly fond of sports.

He’d even preferred reading a book while the others played soccer during lunch.

But now?

‘I could probably beat most of the Eagles.’

Pure strength-wise, there were very few who could surpass Manus unless they were on Guillermo’s level.

Maybe Santo Leo could overwhelm him with sheer skill, but otherwise, he had the physical prowess to handle even the third-years, let alone the second-years.

Obtaining the [Core] would be easy—as long as he didn’t let his guard down.

“You’re signing up for the individual competition…”

“Yes.”

“Unexpected. In your first year, you showed no interest in the sports festival.”

Professor Trail looked at Manus with a hint of surprise.

How had Manus been last year?

An aloof tyrant with no interest in any school events.

In class, he would remain silent, not showing any engagement, but now?

Professor Trail was pleased with the change.

After all, Manus couldn’t live in solitude forever.

On a continent tangled with countless relationships, building different kinds of connections was crucial to survival.

“Creating memories isn’t a bad idea, I suppose.”

“That’s a good thought. You’ve also been getting along well with the student council lately, haven’t you? This is a great change.”

Manus replied with a smile.

Professor Trail took Manus’s signature and dismissed him.

The one the Emperor had his eyes on.

The star that shone more brilliantly than anyone.

He was a talent with so much potential for the future.

Would he surpass Labeth, the greatest mage of all time?

It seemed the magic community had already started watching his every move.

‘I’m looking forward to this year’s symposium.’

Manus’s answers on his midterm exams were already garnering attention from the community.

Though it hadn’t been long since they were sent, they were already spreading rapidly across the magic towers.

Even the Caesar family might soon receive his answers.

Professor Trail wondered how the family would treat Manus afterward.

Thinking of his future prospects, perhaps they might get him affiliated with a magic tower early on.

Professor Trail smiled in satisfaction.

Seeing his student become a star would surely have a positive impact on his own future.

“Hmm, it seems the second-years are going to be nervous.”

If a mage, one who even mastered Matuak, started participating in earnest, then the sports festival would become his stage.

If the Eagles and Deer classes found out that Manus was joining, the reactions of the Eagle class professors would be priceless.

2

Second-year Deer Class.

Not all aspiring Guardians were reserved.

They were also sixteen, blooming like spring flowers, full of liveliness and energy.

One of the students quietly approached Guillermo.

The rumors had spread everywhere—that Guillermo, who had kept to himself, was now spending time with mages like Manus and Alano.

There was even talk of him joining a strange club filled with student council members.

“Guillermo, are you planning to participate in the individual competition?”

“I plan to.”

“I got a hot scoop—wanna hear it?”

The usually blunt, blonde guy showed a rare sign of interest.

Manus.

Most people still thought that Guillermo and Manus were enemies.

Because of this, there were a few who were eager to see them clash during the sports festival.

“I heard Manus is joining the individual competition.”

“He’s a third-year, so he’ll compete as one.”

“No! He’s entering as a second-year this time.”

“Really?”

Seeing his classmate nod repeatedly, Guillermo’s eyes lit up.

Manus, the monster mage, joining the sports festival.

‘Is it just for fun? Or is there more to it…’

From what Guillermo had seen so far, Manus was someone who moved with clear purpose.

Whether it was climbing the ranks of the tower, gathering allies, or even the words he spoke—everything served a purpose.

And now, Manus, who had shown no interest in the sports festival, had decided to participate…

“Sounds fun.”

“We can’t lose to a mage, right? Am I right?”

“Agreed.”

The events of the sports festival weren’t just about physical strength.

They required agility, judgment, reflexes, and an overall balance of physical abilities.

And skills.

Manus fought mostly while standing still.

Guillermo, who had more experience moving around in combat, thought that gave him an edge.

He had wanted to face Manus at least once.

‘We’re allies now, so this may be my only chance to take him on.’

Guillermo grinned.

This sports festival was shaping up to be very interesting.

He was curious about how others would react as well.

“Thanks for the info.”

“No problem! This time, victory is ours! You got it?!”

Guillermo nodded in agreement.

He wondered how the first-years would fare.

And… who among the second-year Eagle Class would compete?

3

Manus’s decision to participate in the individual competition surprised many.

Moreover, it inspired numerous people who wanted to challenge him and take down his notorious reputation.

Castro was among those people.

“You want to compete as a second-year?”

“Yes.”

“It’s not impossible, but there are a lot of strong competitors there.”

“That’s why I want to compete.”

Castro’s gaze was calm, almost heavy.

Until recently, he had been just an awkward warrior wannabe.

The Eagle Class professor eyed him thoughtfully.

“I have no right to stop you from challenging yourself. I will register you.”

“Thank you.”

Castro bowed deeply and left the room quietly.

Castro.

What was that look in his eyes—what was he after?

The professor didn’t know, but he thought it was a good sign.

After leaving the professor’s office, Castro headed towards where the second-years stayed.

The fewer competitors for the individual competition, the better.

It could be seen as insubordination, and Castro knew that well.

‘No matter how I think about it, the strongest among the second-years is weaker than me.’

Therefore, I will take control of the second-year competition.

If the first— and second-years had competed separately, he would have cheered for them.

But since they were competing together as second-years, eliminating his competition early seemed wise.

The Eagle Class thrived on the logic of power.

Dueling and challenges were always welcome.

There were few cases where a first-year had taken down a second-year, but this time might be different.

“What are you planning to do for the sports festival, huh?”

“Obviously… huh?”

He heard some chatter abruptly stop.

Second-Year Class A.

With a squeak, the door opened, and Castro appeared.

With his dry, emotionless gaze, Castro scanned the room until his eyes locked on the strongest student in the second year.

–TL Notes–
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