Chapter 152

“The duel between the two archers continues! This final match is truly unpredictable! Lysquare Academy versus Muktaba Academy! Between the two archers… Ooh! Muktaba Academy’s arrow misses! Now it’s Lysquare Academy’s turn……”

The first day of the Academy Competition, the very first event, was archery.

A simple shooting competition took place in the morning, and then, in the afternoon.

Which meant that right now, a match between archers was underway.

‘It really was quite a brutal type of match.’

The rules were simple.

Two archers stood roughly 100 meters apart.

Each archer fired one arrow at the other.

Of course, they weren’t actual arrows.

The arrowheads were magically processed… harmless to the human body even if struck.

The one who struck the opponent’s head or chest first with that arrow would win.

‘Simple, yet very clear-cut.’

Whoever hit the opponent’s vital point first won.

Simple, and as I just thought, quite a savage event.

Even if the arrows were harmless to the body, I heard they still hurt quite a bit when they struck.

And they were shooting those at each other, even if only once……

If it were me, I would’ve been so nervous that my bowstring would be shaking.

“Kkyaaak!!”

A moment later, a scream rang out from the arena.

The back-and-forth exchange, with each side firing one arrow, continued.

Eventually, one student was struck in the head and collapsed backward.

“Lysquare Academy’s representative has won! The first event of the Competition, archery! And the victory goes to! Lysquare Academy!”

Thunderous cheers poured from the audience.

Lysquare Academy’s archery representative smiled brightly and lifted her bow high.

It seemed to be her own personal victory pose.

“Today’s matches are all over,”

Lisa, who was next to me, spoke.

“How was it? Your thoughts on watching the first match of the Competition?”

“It was tense, and everyone was skilled.”

“Well, they’re the representatives of each academy. Their skills are all exceptional by default.”

“So I’m supposed to fight those top-tier representatives among the best?”

I would be competing in the All-Representatives Event.

That event sent out the absolute best representative of each academy—someone who embodied the academy’s very strength.

Because of that, in the setting of this world, the All-Representatives Event was on a much higher level than any of the other matches.

“Don’t worry. You’re quite the skilled fighter yourself.”

“To be honest, I still don’t know. Whether I’m really someone worthy of representing our academy.”

“Yeah, you are.”

Lisa answered without a moment of hesitation.

“You beat Sara. You even left a small wound on Instructor Luke’s body. And even though you haven’t fought him yet, you’ll definitely beat Jason too… and now, you’ll defeat me with ease as well.”

“You think I can beat you, Noona?”

“If you’re not convinced, want to spar with me tonight? I’ll fight seriously, so you fight me seriously too.”

“…No. I don’t think that’ll be necessary.”

I had just run a quick simulation in my head.

What would I do if I had to fight Lisa?

And the result… was my victory.

No matter how many possibilities I considered, the conclusion was the same—my win.

If I used all the sword techniques and abilities I currently had, I felt I could defeat Lisa without issue.

“Right? I can’t decisively beat you anymore. And even within the academy, there’s no student who can withstand your wide range of sword techniques and abilities. So be confident. There’s no one more suited than you to represent our academy.”

“Thanks, Noona. Hearing that helped me feel a bit more confident.”

“If you’re thankful, can you hang out with me tonight too?”

“Mm… Instructor Luke said he’d be guiding me this evening……”

“You can come late. I don’t mind.”

Lisa grabbed my hand and smiled.

Then, as if something occurred to her, she changed her expression.

“Come to think of it, Jason—he hasn’t shown up at all since yesterday… do you know where he went?”

“He said he was going to Muktaba.”

Since lying never worked on Lisa, I simply told her honestly.

“Muktaba? Why there?”

“He said he had something to look into.”

“I see. Well, it’s not the first time Jason’s done something like that.”

Thankfully, she didn’t ask further about Jason.

“Anyway, today’s matches are all done. Want to go eat something first?”

“Yeah, let’s go right away.”

The Academy Competition continued afterward.

Spear techniques, hand-to-hand combat, three-person team battles—countless events unfolded each day.

And while watching them, I realized something: every match was genuinely entertaining.

Watching the high-level battles of the representatives, I found myself immersed without even realizing it.

‘No wonder so many people gather.’

People from all across the Empire still packed the stands.

At first, I wondered whether it was worth coming all this way from faraway regions.

But after watching the matches, it was definitely worth it.

In this medieval-fantasy world, entertainment wasn’t abundant.

Because of that, exciting competitions like these naturally held immense value.

‘And it’s not just spectators… there are people here to work too.’

For example… nobles, guild masters, and mercenary groups.

Some of those seeking to scout promising talents were watching with sharp concentration, eyes practically glowing.

‘I should show myself well too… Imperial Knight Order? No, even if not them, I should at least get noticed by someone in that sphere.’

I wanted to gain something—anything—from this Competition.

Of course, I couldn’t beat Eisen…….

‘No. I have to win. Now, I actually have a reason to win.’

Now that I knew something was happening in the Isrinbloom Family, I had to win without fail.

Well, that aside……

“Noona. If you’re hungry, want me to go get some snacks?”

“Mm… I’m a little hungry. Want to go together?”

“No, I’ll go. A drink and some skewers?”

“Yeah. Chicken this time.”

The extremely flashy quarterfinal for the magicians’ magic duel had just ended, and we had a short break.

Taking advantage of that time, I went to buy some food.

So I left the audience seats and headed toward a nearby stall……

“So you’re finally alone.”

Someone suddenly placed an arm over my shoulder from behind.

I immediately turned my head to see who it was.

But that person grabbed the nape of my neck, stopping me from moving.

“You really do stick around Lisa all day long. There’s barely a moment when you two are apart.”

I couldn’t see who had appeared behind me.

But as soon as I heard the voice, I knew.

“Duke Hawkbat?”

“Don’t call me so stiffly. Just Andrew, or, well—Andrew hyung, if that’s easier.”

“…Andrew-nim. What is it?”

“I’d like to talk to you alone. Follow me. Let’s have a word somewhere quiet.”

Andrew led me deeper into the hallway of the arena.

We arrived at a deserted corner where no one ever passed by.

“Whew, this disguise magic tool is always uncomfortable.”

As soon as Andrew let me go, I immediately turned to face him.

But Andrew wasn’t there.

Instead stood an ordinary-looking man with black hair, dressed like a commoner…

“Wait, if I press this and remove this… there.”

He took off the necklace around his neck, and the man’s face instantly changed—

Into the Andrew I knew.

Even his hair returned from black to its usual green.

“I’ll need to tweak this thing later. Breathing’s annoyingly hard in it.”

“You went as far as to disguise yourself?”

“Too many people recognize me. I can only tail someone like this.”

After straightening the commoner’s clothes, Andrew turned back to me.

“Let’s finish this quickly. You’ve got food to buy and Lisa to get back to, right?”

“What did you want to talk about?”

“Where’s Jason?”

“…You mean Jason-nim? Why ask me that—”

“Don’t pretend, Gideon.”

Andrew gave a faint smile.

It was, in many ways, a serious one.

“A few days ago, Jason suddenly left Lysquare at night. My family’s men followed him, but… Jason shook them all off.”

Recalling it, Andrew let out a sigh, still in disbelief.

“Still, it’s kind of funny. Jason might lack in combat skill, but his talent for tracking, stealth, and tailing is exceptional. In a way, he’s the one who suits the Hawkbat Family best.”

“…So you lost him?”

“I lost him heading north. I’d chase him myself if I could, but I can’t leave my position so easily.”

As he said this, Andrew placed his hand on my shoulder again.

“I got word yesterday that Jason visited your quarters the night before he left.”

“Did he? But he didn’t say anything special to me. Just mentioned he’d be away for a bit…”

“Gideon Kyrgram.”

Andrew’s voice turned cold fast.

“I’m His Majesty the Emperor’s eyes and ears. I must know everything important to His Majesty—and to the Empire.”

“I doubt I’m part of those ‘important matters’. His Majesty surely wouldn’t care for someone like me, a fallen—”

“His Majesty already takes quite an interest in you. Layla-nim spoke of you often, after all. Still, that’s all—just interest. He doesn’t see you as a threat.”

But Andrew’s eyes hardened.

“I don’t agree. You’re far too suspicious for my liking.”

“Is that so?”

“You’ve gained the Power of Peregrie, haven’t you? I heard you command wind and lightning. Then, this suddenly-appearing fallen noble defeats Sara, wounds Luke… fine, let’s say that’s possible. But what’s strange is that you literally appeared out of nowhere.”

I said nothing.

Andrew gave a dry chuckle and continued.

“I looked into you myself, but there’s nothing—no records, no traces. You suddenly appeared, enrolled at the Academy, made a name for yourself, became Lisa’s lover, befriended the Princess… Tell me that doesn’t sound suspicious.”

“Andrew-nim, I—”

“And somehow, you even swayed my son. Jason might act on his own sometimes, but he’s never hidden anything from me. He always reported everything—even personal investigations. But after talking with you, he left without a single word.”

…Right. I had momentarily forgotten.

This was the kind of man Andrew was.

No, this was how most heads of the Hawkbat Family were.

Because of their family’s duty, they obsessively sought to know everything.

They were the Emperor’s most loyal eyes and ears.

“Speak, Gideon. Who are you, and what are you plotting?”

“Andrew-nim, I swear I’m plotting nothing. I only seek the truth. A truth that must be uncovered.”

“And that truth is?”

“I’m still working to find it. Once I know everything, I promise I’ll tell you. But for now… I wish to investigate quietly.”

“…Gideon.”

Andrew let out a soft sigh.

His eyes held a swirl of conflicting emotions.

“I trust you—as Andrew Hawkbat, the man. But as Duke of the Hawkbat Family, I have to uncover your secret.”

“Can’t you just let this go?”

“Tell me willingly. Otherwise… I’ll have to use harsher methods.”

“…Lisa-nim is waiting for me.”

“This is a matter of the Hawkbat Family. Even if your side is the House Balmuth, I can’t back down.”

Andrew’s hand moved to his saber.

I too placed my hand on the Mistcatcher.

I wanted to avoid clashing with Andrew if possible—but the secret I sought…

I couldn’t reveal it yet.

If the Hawkbat Family caught wind of it, it would surely reach the Emperor.

“Well, good. I wanted to stretch a bit anyway. So, let’s—”

“Oh, perfect timing then. Stretch with me.”

“…What?”

A different voice suddenly cut in.

Both Andrew and I froze.

Before either of us could react—

A greatsword came flying for Andrew’s head.

Of course, Andrew easily dodged it.

Boom—!

The massive blade slammed into the floor of the corridor.

“…Kafka?”

“Andrew, you wanted to loosen up? Then I’ll be your partner. But don’t you dare lay a hand on my son-in-law.”

“…How long have you been listening?”

“From the start. I saw you disguised and dragging Gideon off from afar, so I followed just in case. You must’ve been too worked up—you didn’t even notice I was there.”

“…You realized I was disguised? You?”

“I’ve seen you in disguise too many times to count.”

Kafka smirked.

Andrew let out a sigh.

“Kafka, this is our family’s duty. So even you—”

“Andrew, the House Balmuth never abandons its own. Gideon may not be one of us yet… but he will be soon enough.”

Kafka hefted her greatsword onto her shoulder and stood firmly in front of me.

“So, Andrew—let me speak as Head of House Balmuth. Don’t touch Gideon. If you do, the Hawkbat Family will be making an enemy of the Balmuth Family.”

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