Chapter 14: -it’s time (4)

Chapter 14 – Back in My Day (4)

Disasters arrive unexpectedly, at unforeseen moments.

Ultimately, the most efficient way to prepare for disaster is to remain vigilant and always keep it in mind.

It’s not easy, but if you’ve experienced it once, or witnessed someone else experiencing it, you can’t help but be aware.

“Swordsmanship is the most fundamental of basics.

Even if it seems like everyone is swinging a sword the same way, the efficiency of combat itself changes depending on whether you truly know proper swordsmanship or not.

Swordsmanship is what allows for maximum offense and defense with minimal strength.

And swordsmanship can never be learned from books or pictures.”

Lopez Heinman, the professor of Swordsmanship in the Knight Studies department.

He gathered the first-year students who had chosen the sword as their weapon in Knight Studies at the training ground, demonstrating sword techniques himself as he expounded on the importance of swordsmanship.

“You learn what you’ve been taught by moving your body directly.

Depending on how much you gain here, the scores you earn in the practical exams for each department, which have sharply increased this year, will vary.”

When he mentioned practicals and scores, the students listening at attention flinched.

The academy is not just a simple school.

It is a place where those born with mana talent come to change their lives.

Of course, there might be some who aren’t like that, but the majority of students came here bearing the support and hopes of their parents, families, and even their neighbors and villages.

To succeed and return home in glory was the goal of most students.

Moreover, since Eve had announced the abolition of all existing support policies, stating that evaluation would be based solely on grades, they had to stake everything on their academic performance.

‘Is that why?

Not only the students but also the professors are working hard.

So much has changed.’

Among the students taking swordsmanship class was Lassian.

While other students were tense, focusing all their attention on the professor’s words.

Lassian, who was in the back row, was paying attention to other things, such as the atmosphere among the other students.

Though it was very different from the present, in the grand scheme of things, he had already experienced all of it once anyway.

“From now on, we will begin practical training.

Everyone draw your swords.

I will personally instruct you, so maintain proper posture and…”

‘He’s going to personally observe?’

Lassian was bewildered by the professor’s proactiveness.

He already knew a lot had changed, but he never imagined it would go this far.

With teaching assistants clearly present, for the professor to personally step forward and observe each individual student’s movements.

“Seeing both students and professors working so diligently, I, as the head of the academy, am very proud.

It seems the budget isn’t being spent in vain.”

However, the reason soon became clear.

A clear and beautiful girl’s voice echoed from behind the training ground.

Everyone’s startled gaze instantly fixed on the silver-haired girl approaching.

‘Eve Restra Avalanche.’

Lassian, blended among the bewildered others, stared at her.

That girl, accompanied by a secretary and wearing a one-piece uniform, looked like a truly ordinary girl in her early to mid-teens, judging solely by her appearance.

Her perpetually half-closed eyes and sneering expression made her seem a bit difficult to approach, yet her slender legs, clad in white knee-high socks, and her arms, covered by sleeves that reached her knuckles, were exceptionally delicate.

“H-Head of the Academy, why are you here…”

However, she possessed a power capable of flustering even a veteran professor who had once served as a Guard Captain.

In Lassian’s own experience, which had been a great source of strength until now, she was the most unpredictable existence; he recalled meeting Eve a few days ago.

She was the only person who knew the extent of his current abilities.

He hadn’t intended to show it, but for some reason, Eve kept that day’s events a secret and remained silent.

Thanks to that, the student council had been thrown into disarray.

“Don’t feel too burdened.

I’m just looking around.”

“T-This place is dusty.

Perhaps you should rest in your office…”

Eve was unfazed by the tense gazes of the professor and students.

It was impossible to truly let go of their burden just because she told them not to, so Professor Lopez sweated profusely and paced anxiously.

“Even if there’s a lot of dust, if the students are training while breathing it in, should I avoid it?

What are you doing?

Continue what you were doing.

Time continues to flow, and the budget is being used even at this very moment.”

It was impossible for her not to know such feelings.

Even though it was impossible for her not to know, Eve chuckled, crossed her arms, and demanded that the class proceed.

‘Dictator.’

Even Lassian was so taken aback by her demeanor that he clicked his tongue.

“The class will resume.

The Head of the Academy is observing, so I assume no one will try to cut corners, and for today’s objective, basic slashes and blocks…”

Ultimately, the class resumed.

With Eve watching, the students, with stiff bodies, had to do their best to prove what they were learning.

Naturally, there was no time to cut corners or take breaks.

While everyone had mastered the physical conditioning required for admission, the mental fatigue from the pressure and burden was considerable.

‘What is her objective?’

Lassian was no different.

In fact, swordsmanship was easier for him than using chopsticks, a cultural practice of the Empire’s northeast that he was currently learning.

However, he had to pay more attention to reading Eve, whose true intentions were utterly inscrutable.

Eve’s objective was something he had been pondering from the very beginning.

Why exactly was the new Head of the Academy, Eve, trying to completely overhaul this academy?

While the official announcement was to make Ragpedia the best academy in the Empire—no, on the continent—everyone knew that the practicality and training Eve pursued did not align with the recent trends of academies.

“Is the class over?”

“Yes, it is.

As written in the lesson plan, today I taught basic slashes and blocks.”

Thanks to everyone’s focus, time passed quickly, and before they knew it, the class was over.

The class had, at least, ended safely.

Lopez, who inwardly sighed in relief, appealed to Eve that he had diligently conducted the class.

“I liked seeing the students’ diligence.

Since my observation seems to have unintentionally bothered everyone, I’ll give you a reward.”

It was then that Eve, clapping her hands together, suddenly stepped forward.

Eve held up what Illia had taken from her pocket for everyone to see.

“An Imperial gold coin, minted to commemorate the current Emperor’s ascension.

You all know its value, don’t you?

I will give this to the student who best demonstrates what they learned today.”

Eve’s sudden actions didn’t stop there.

Everyone’s gaze was fixed on the gold coin, sparkling in the sunlight.

Of course, it was true that there were some who didn’t covet the gold coin.

“I can also award bonus points at the Head of the Academy’s discretion.”

But things change when grades are involved.

When Eve mentioned bonus points, the students’ eyes changed.

“By what method do you intend to determine that…”

Lopez glanced uneasily at Eve.

Bonus points were an issue directly related to the authority of professors.

“Everyone might receive it, or no one might.

Because you have to pass a certain threshold.

Did the students learn slashes and blocks today?

Then it’s simple.

Block my attack and strike me, and you pass.”

As if she had been waiting, Eve grinned and extended her hand, and surging cold energy gathered at its tip, forming a clear blue ice sword.

Eve pointed it at the students.

“Although career paths seem varied these days, you are all here to become knights who wield martial power.

You are the ones who must show and prove the will and spirit of resistance and struggle, even when victory seems impossible, even when defeat is certain.

Someday, a winter stronger, colder, and more merciless than me might come before you.

For that time, even now, challenge me.”

To the students plunged into shock and fear, Eve demanded they boldly challenge her.

‘A colder, more merciless winter.’

Lassian was the only one who noticed the hint contained within her words.

Of course, it might seem like an obvious statement given the unpredictability of life, but Lassian instinctively knew that her remark was not merely a cliché.

“Yes, courageous student.

What is your name?”

“…It’s Lassian.”

Eve acted as if she were seeing Lassian, who had stepped forward, for the very first time.

However, seeing the hint of interest in her eyes, Lassian realized that Eve was intentionally pretending not to know him.

“Draw your sword and point it at me.

I am not your master, nor am I proficient in swordsmanship like Professor Heinman, so swing it as freely as you wish.”

“I will do so.”

Lassian, feeling everyone’s gaze on him, drew his sword and instantly aimed it at Eve.

The tip of his sword did not waver in the slightest.

Only Professor Lopez, whose eyes widened, understood its meaning.

Though his personality abhorred stepping forward, to the point of hating it, for the current Lassian, understanding Eve’s intentions was more important.

“As expected, you’re hiding your strength.

However, I won’t go easy on you.”

Lassian, pushing off the ground, attempted a preemptive strike, but Eve twisted her arm to block the blow aimed at her side.

At the same time, she whispered to Lassian.

The moment Lassian flinched greatly and showed a momentary opening, Eve swung her sword at his body without hesitation.