Chapter 94 — Interlude
1
Melanie was confused.
Professor Jennifer was a name she had heard before.
The Legend of the Imperial Palace.
The Fist Master who shattered the prejudice that mages were weak in close combat.
It was said that as long as she was there, the safety of the Imperial Palace was guaranteed.
And now, that incredible person had called her.
When she arrived at the office, there was Manus already waiting.
“Um…”
“What is it?”
“Can I really learn Martial Arts Magic?”
She lacked confidence.
Martial Arts Magic was known to be something only those with immense talent could learn.
Although she could command spirits, she felt it was akin to fighting recklessly. Could someone like her really learn Martial Arts Magic?
She believed she had no talent for physical combat.
Because of this, she felt even more intimidated.
“Simply having spirits gives you enough qualifications. If you stick it out with sheer determination, you’ll be able to master Martial Arts Magic.”
“Understood. I’ll give it a try—.”
“Have confidence. Your talent is rare, even across the entire continent.”
Melanie nodded.
The spirits floating beside her also nodded enthusiastically, as if to say that she should be proud, as they were invisible to ordinary people.
Still, it was physical work, so it would be grueling, right?
Melanie wasn’t particularly thrilled about the change in her daily life.
But soon, she remembered the horrors of the past.
‘I need to become stronger—.’
She was a mage who took on the role of a frontline fighter.
To do the work of a guardian or warrior while being a frail mage wasn’t a positive consideration for her.
Martial Arts Magic wasn’t just something she was interested in; it was something she needed to study for the path she had chosen to walk.
Climbing the tower.
It might not be the most crucial aspect of her life, something she could give up at any moment.
But it was the path she had chosen.
‘I want to be stronger.’
Resolving herself, Melanie looked at Jennifer.
That expectant gaze.
She wasn’t sure if she could meet those expectations, but if she was going to do it, she might as well face it with a positive attitude.
This wasn’t a business deal where you weigh the pros and cons.
“I’ll work hard.”
“Now that’s the look I wanted to see. Good, I’ll see both of you after school.”
“-Yes.”
They both responded at the same time.
Before leaving, Jennifer added a final word.
Martial Arts Magic wasn’t something easily learned.
“It won’t be easy. Think carefully before deciding. No one will blame you for whatever choice you make.”
“Understood.”
“I’ve already decided.”
Manus and Melanie answered in turn.
As they left the office, Melanie found herself curious about something as she watched Manus respond calmly.
The two walked side by side down the hallway.
Melanie hesitated, unsure how to start a conversation.
Manus-senior was always someone who was difficult yet also someone she was grateful to.
His tall stature and face that could outshine any noble’s made it hard to believe he was just a student at the academy.
His mysterious aura made it even harder to approach him.
“Is there something you want to say?”
“Ah, well—.”
Manus, noticing her expression, spoke up.
She clearly had something on her mind.
Given her personality, it was unlikely she would let something like this pass quietly.
Though she was timid, she was observant, much like Emerson.
Being observant meant she had many questions.
Melanie bit her lip before speaking.
“Why do you, who are so good at magic, want to learn Martial Arts Magic?”
“Because I’m not tolerant of my weaknesses.”
“Even you have weaknesses, senior?”
Manus nodded lightly.
“Everyone has weaknesses.”
“-I’ll do my best too.”
“I’m counting on it.”
That short conversation ended there.
Melanie pondered over Manus’s words.
Naturally, she started to think about her own weaknesses.
As Manus observed her deep in thought, he smiled secretly.
The introspection and contemplation she was going through would help her reach greater heights.
There’s nothing more important than self-awareness.
When stuck, reflecting on one’s path is a crucial option.
“Well, I’ll see you later.”
After bowing politely, she quickly walked away.
Manus also started moving toward his class.
[Interference is beginning.]
‘This interference again…’
Well, maybe it’s a good thing.
How will the conclusion of this world change?
An unknown enemy.
Mysterious incidents.
The unpredictable actions of certain individuals.
“…Nothing comes easy.”
There was no way to prevent everything.
But he could certainly prepare himself to withstand any trials that came his way.
That was the true blessing Manus possessed, and the source of his ability to enjoy this world.
#2
“Hey everyone! The class assignments are posted!”
The voice echoed through the first— and second-year classrooms.
Kael and her friends, who were just leaving class, couldn’t resist their curiosity.
What would the results of this evaluation be?
A crowd gathered in front of the grade board, buzzing with anticipation.
Faces filled with anxiety, excitement, and nervousness…
A sea of emotions formed around the board.
“Kael, how do you think it went this time?”
“It should be good, right?”
She answered someone’s question.
The test had gone perfectly, after all.
But who had asked?
She reflexively looked back, but there didn’t seem to be anyone who had spoken.
What was that?
She shrugged it off and turned her attention back to the board.
By then, her companions had gathered around her.
They were just as curious.
‘Everything we’ve done so far… It wouldn’t have been in vain.’
They had fought numerous battles.
Stayed up all night studying.
They had spent more time and effort training than anyone else.
“Ah—!”
Someone exclaimed.
[Evaluation Results]
[Class A, Rank 1: Kael]
[Class A, Rank 2: Flois Anais]
[Class A, Rank 3: Harry Melanie]
…
[Class A, Rank 8: Peterson Pearson]
“Yes—!”
Melanie cheered.
Unfortunately, Emerson was ranked 1st in Class B.
But it was a huge improvement.
She had been barely hanging on in Class B.
Anais, with a bright smile, and the other friends all shared in the success.
“You did it again, Kael.”
“Thanks.”
“Next time, I’ll aim for the top spot.”
Anais said, her expression resolute.
Kael gave a faint smile and nodded.
She had no intention of giving up the top spot easily, but a friendly competition was always welcome.
Manus had talked about the drive for improvement.
She felt like she was starting to understand what he meant.
However, Kael still couldn’t shake off a lingering sense of unease.
So she added a word of caution.
“Just don’t resort to anything strange to win, okay?”
“O-Of course not. I’m a Flois. A member of a family that shines proudly.”
Anais said, placing a hand on her chest.
She looked confident, and she was beginning to shine, even if just a little.
Kael smiled genuinely, encouraging her.
Hoping that the synergy between the two of them would reach the top of the tower.
They gathered together and headed to their new class.
Kael and her group quickly prepared to move to Class A.
“I’m the only one in Class B. I’ll make sure to move up next time.”
“We’ll be waiting for you.”
“Emerson, you’ll be fine without me, right?”
When Melanie looked at her with slightly apologetic eyes, Emerson made a face that showed her frustration.
Mythos Academy basically had a culture of encouraging competition.
Even though they cared for each other, the truth was that they were all thrown into a crucible of competition—.
“Come on, don’t worry about me. Just wait and see. I’ll grab one of the top spots soon enough.”
“I know you will. Emerson, you’ll do great.”
“Don’t worry about me. Just take care of yourself. Got it?”
Emerson knew.
Melanie had been called by Professor Jennifer.
That meant only one thing.
The tough and formidable Professor Jennifer wanted to train her properly.
From Emerson’s perspective, this was a step toward a new challenge.
Martial Arts Magic, huh?
“Manus-senior and Alano-senior will be 1st and 2nd, as always, right?”
“Probably.”
“Well, it’s not something we need to worry about. Let’s just focus on what we need to do. If Emerson joins us, we’ll all be in Class A. We really are special~.”
“Keep it down.”
With light-hearted banter, they headed to their classroom.
What would it be like to take classes together?
They all felt a sense of excitement.
“I’m jealous. I wish I could be with them…”
No one heard the words muttered by someone watching them.
They were unaware that they were becoming objects of admiration, and that more eyes were beginning to focus on them.
As such, they were also unaware of the more unsavory emotions that would soon be directed at them.
#3
Manus naturally took the top spot.
Following him was Alano, with their fellow second-year students lined up behind them.
Lupera’s name was nowhere to be seen.
Feeling a twinge of bitterness, Manus quietly turned away.
Alano also remained silent, but he felt a similar sentiment.
In any case, the incident had concluded, and it was time to move to their new class and start the next lesson.
“Alano, Manus, could I have a word?”
“Professor Trail.”
Professor Trail approached the two as they were heading to the same class.
He came up to them with a kind expression and spoke.
“You both are eligible to skip a grade. You could officially become third-year students and start taking classes with them. What do you think?”
“Ah—.”
Alano murmured in awe.
She had thought it was something only Manus could do, but now the opportunity was being offered to her as well—.
She closed her eyes and pondered.
Was this the right path?
“I’m fine, Professor.”
Manus answered first.
Alano looked at him in surprise.
The benefits of early graduation were immense.
How significant was the advantage of stepping into society even a year earlier?
For warriors and guardians who became knights, a difference of one year often meant a huge gap in rank.
And yet, he was refusing—.
“What about you, Alano? Oh, was this too sudden? Take your time to think about it and let me know.”
“…I understand, Professor.”
“I’ve reviewed your evaluations. You both showed exceptional teamwork, something rare at the academy.”
“Thank you.”
Leaving them with words of encouragement, the professor walked away.
After a moment of silence, Alano asked.
Why was Manus so intent on staying at the academy?
“Why aren’t you skipping a grade? Wouldn’t it be better for you to enter society sooner?”
“It’s just a whim.”
“A whim?”
“Staying in school means more memories to look back on later. I just… want to enjoy my youth.”
Alano tilted her head in confusion.
It was an incomprehensible statement.
But she could vaguely understand the idea of creating more memories during school life.
As she organized her thoughts, Alano headed to class.
The cryptic words Manus had left behind.
Somehow, she felt today’s lesson wouldn’t sink in.
She knew she’d be pondering over his words all day.
–TL Notes–
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