Chapter 111

Irist Senior.

The first impression Ulan had of her was “big.”

Sure, she wasn’t quite as tall as Ulan, but among the women he’d seen, she stood out for her size.

And there was one more thing.

She had a striking feature that grabbed attention.

“Uh, your face…” Noah awkwardly initiated the conversation.

It was because water dripped from Irist’s face. Had she just washed her face? Her skin was soaked.

But she seemed to care less about it. With her head hung low, it was quite evident she didn’t plan on wiping it anytime soon.

“I’m sorry for being late.”

She apologized in a calm tone.

Meanwhile, Kamila suddenly stood up, looking a bit troubled.

“Irist, if you’ve washed your face, you should dry it.”

“…Oh.”

Irist’s eyes widened slightly.

It was as if she just realized it.

After a moment, she replied dryly, “I don’t have a towel.”

“What? You don’t even have a handkerchief?”

“It’s okay. If I leave it, it’ll dry.”

“No, that’s not what I mean… Sigh, just come over here. I’ll help you wipe it.”

With a sigh, Kamila took out a handkerchief.

After that, Kamila started wiping Irist’s face.

Watching Irist stand there without resisting, Noah blinked a few times. She was trying to sneak a peek at Irist’s status window.

[Name]: Irist Senior

[Age]: 18 years

[Rank]: A

[Trait]: Master of Spearmanship

One of the named characters at Arsen Academy.

Irist Senior.

She was to be the next Student Council President of Arsen, taking charge of various events related to the council.

The event Noah paid particular attention to was, without a doubt, the hidden event.

‘The activation conditions are two.’

The most crucial condition is to become close to Irist in a certain relationship level. Only then can he save her life in the hidden event.

‘Named characters of grade A or higher are rare.’

No harm in keeping her alive. When facing the Abyss, she would be a solid ally.

‘Ideally, I would have to smoothly pass the entrance ceremony event to stand out.’

Then, when the new student council is formed, he would receive a covert collaboration proposal.

That was because he showed conviction despite the pressure and discrimination from the existing student council.

‘But…’

This time, it was not possible.

At the entrance ceremony, he made such a mess that he was labeled a terrorist.

As a result, Ulan stood out for another reason, and Noah had given up on any hidden pieces or events related to the student council.

‘But I never expected this connection to unfold thanks to the交流会 with Eloden.’

People really do live in unexpected ways.

After finishing his thoughts about Irist, his gaze shifted to the purple-haired woman meticulously wiping her face.

‘…Kamila Tanesia.’

A childhood friend, one year older than Irist.

The two had been together since childhood, sharing a bond stronger than that of siblings.

According to what players who had played as Irist said, they trusted each other’s words more than their own families, indicating their closeness.

That’s why, if Irist were to participate in the hidden event that revolves around her, it would be best to build a friendship with Kamila as well.

‘Because Kamila…’

Was set to become the final boss in Irist Senior’s hidden event. To put it simply, she held a similar position to Professor Dirck.

And the reason to build a friendship with Kamila was to participate in the hidden event alongside Irist.

That is, one had to befriend the pair who had an absolute trust relationship to finally join the hidden event.

This was the second activation condition.

‘This won’t be easy either.’

Noah let out a deep sigh.

The path ahead was already looking tough.

‘But there’s no need to rush.’

He had just met Irist.

And the hidden event centered around her would activate next spring, after the new student council was established. There was still plenty of time to get closer.

As he was wrapping up his thoughts, the moisture on Irist’s face had been completely wiped away.

Her face looked much drier than when he first saw her. The calm purplish eyes then focused on the group.

“Thank you for answering my call.”

After bowing her head once more.

Irist lightly tapped her left chest.

“I’m Irist Senior, a second-year student from the Military Department. It may not be much, but I will be representing Arsen in tomorrow’s friendly mock battle.”

With her introduction starting.

Ulan and his companions also once again completed brief self-introductions. After simple names were exchanged, Irist continued in a dry tone.

“The reason I called all of you today is to share the strategy and formation for the mock battle taking place tomorrow.”

Just as Noah had guessed.

However, she didn’t dive straight into the main topic.

Irist took a moment to catch her breath and then shifted the topic elsewhere.

“But before that, I have something to say.”

“…?”

“It’s about you.”

Irist’s finger pointed at Ulan.

She glanced at him before continuing in a dry tone.

“To be honest, you are my insurance.”

“Insurance?”

“Yes, I heard there’s a formidable expert from Eloden Academy. I was told it’s an expert-level individual.”

If that’s the case, he knew who she meant.

A knight, Ian Marcus.

One of the heroes, he was indeed an expert, the strongest among the Eloden delegation.

“But embarrassingly, we don’t have anyone on our side to match him. If Himel Deorg were here, I would have left it to him….”

He has left Arsen.

Having submitted his resignation form, he departed from the academy. Although it wasn’t a personal choice, but rather a decision from Count Deorg.

“So I called you.”

Himel was a high-ranking knight.

If Ulan, who crushed Himel, was here, it was only logical to assume he was even stronger. Plus, rumors circulated among the students that Ulan was an expert.

Meanwhile, just as the explanation was wrapping up.

Suddenly, Ivella jumped into the conversation.

“So, can I understand Ulan’s role as facing the expert from Eloden?”

“No, that’s not it.”

“Huh? Then….”

“As I mentioned earlier, he’s insurance. So unless it’s a last resort, I won’t be asking for your help.”

Huh? What does this even mean?

To have someone picked as a player but not ask for help?

Confusion clouded everyone’s faces.

“….”

Meanwhile, Ulan narrowed his eyes.

He could sense something.

Irist Senior wasn’t being very friendly towards him. But that didn’t necessarily mean she was hostile.

So, if we were to express Irist’s current attitude in words, it could be summed up like this.

‘She’s on guard against me.’

He didn’t know the reason behind that caution, but Ulan silently observed Irist.

Yet, despite that, she had never turned her gaze toward him.

After a while, when the surroundings quieted down.

Irist returned to the main topic.

“Let’s get back to the main point.”

She half-turned her body.

Approaching the wall, she unfolded a map she’d prepared earlier.

“Here’s the map of the place where this mock battle will take place. As you can see, the terrain is divided into two.”

The terrain was broadly divided into two sections.

The northern highlands and the densely forested southern area.

Clearly, each had its own advantages and disadvantages.

First, the northern area was rugged, making it advantageous for defense. The terrain was essentially a natural fortress.

However, there was the downside that joining forces would be difficult.

Most of it was steep hills or canyons, which would require quite a bit of time to regroup.

Next, the southern region was a plain flanked by dense jungle.

While it wasn’t advantageous for defense, it did allow for rapid regrouping at will. Among the two, Irist pointed to the north.

“Our Arsen formation is in the north.”

It seemed they had already decided on a base of operations.

Next came the explanation of the rules.

“The victory conditions for this friendly mock battle are two. One is to capture the flag, the other is to eliminate the enemy forces.”

Conditions easy enough for Ulan to understand.

No further questions arose. Thanks to that, Irist was able to continue with her explanation.

“So, I’ve divided our forces into three.”

First, the base where the flag is placed.

Second, the defense unit for guarding the gateway.

Third, an offensive unit whose goal is to break through the enemy’s defensive line and seize the flag.

“Where are we deployed?”

“I’ll get to that now.”

Clearing her throat lightly.

Irist pointed at the map.

“First, the offensive unit is made up of those with good mobility. The members are as follows.”

There were a total of six in the offensive unit.

The main members included Irist herself and Ivella, with the rest comprising two warriors and hunters, along with a mage.

The assault group was set to operate in two teams, with each team led by either Irist or another upperclassman.

“Next, the defensive unit was organized primarily featuring mages and snipers, taking full advantage of the terrain. The members are as follows.”

The defensive unit contained four members.

Including the mage Kamila, along with Delia, and the sorcerer Noah and one sniper.

Their role would be to intercept any approaching enemy forces on the high ground.

“Finally, there’s a rule that dictates there must be at least two forces guarding the base. So, I assigned you and Cliff Anton to that role.”

“Cliff Anton?”

“Yes, he’s a third-year from the Magic Department, known as a master of defensive magic. He was also the winner of the Arsen mock battle two years ago.”

With Irist’s response, Kamila added elaboration.

“Additionally, he currently serves as the president of the Arsen Student Council. Though, of course, the new students won’t be encountering him.”

Just as she said, Ulan had no clue who Cliff Anton was. As the conversation wrapped up.

“Wait a minute. I have an objection!”

“I have a question.”

With that, Ivella and Delia, who had been silent, simultaneously raised their hands. They then questioned Irist as if seeking clarification.

“Why is Ulan placed at the base?”

“That’s right. If he were placed in the offensive unit, we could achieve significant effects.”

Ulan was a master.

Being assigned to the offensive unit alone meant the enemies had no means to stop him. This essentially suggested that he could end the battle in a flash.

Even if they were only to concede the defensive unit, he would still serve as a powerful shield.

There was no formidable figure on the enemy side that could target the position Ulan was holding.

Right after the two girls finished their inquiries, Irist responded in a deadpan manner.

“Because he’s my insurance.”

“No, what the hell does that mean?”

“Let me be honest.”

Letting out a brief sigh.

Irist directed her finger towards Ulan.

“I don’t want to hear that I won because of that guy’s help.”

“…Huh?”

“But I also don’t want to lose in this mock battle, so I called him. If the front line continues to struggle, only then will I deploy him.”

With Irist’s response done, Ulan’s party finally understood the meaning of “insurance.” Shortly after, Ivella immediately protested.

“But that’s just too…!”

“Of course, I don’t intend to force anyone.”

Irist interrupted Ivella’s words.

Then, glancing at Ulan, she continued.

“So if my methods are unpleasant to you, please let me know right here. I’ll exclude you from the selection and pick another student.”

If it doesn’t sit well, they were free to leave.

Irist’s words implied such.

At her words, Ivella, Delia, and Noah looked at Ulan with worried and anxious eyes.

Shortly after that.

The tightly pressed lips parted.

“There’s no need for that.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll follow your words.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

As he replied that he would comply, Irist gave a faint smile. And in that fleeting moment, a light of relief flickered in her eyes.

But that was only for a moment.

Irist then said in a blank expression.

“The purpose of calling you all here is over. See you all tomorrow morning at the arena.”

With a brief command to dismiss.

The group of Ulan stood up from their seats.

Right after leaving the Student Council Hall, Ivella, as if she’d been waiting, furrowed her brow.

“What the heck is she doing?!”

Her furrowed brows conveyed her rage.

With a displeased expression, she burst out all the frustrations she’d held back.

“If she didn’t want to hear that we won thanks to Ulan, she shouldn’t have picked him in the first place!”

“…Agree. Don’t like it.”

Delia reacted similarly to her.

The inconsistency of not wanting to rely on Ulan’s power while planning to borrow it when the situation gets dire rubbed her the wrong way.

“I’m fine though.”

In contrast, Ulan’s response was different.

Despite it being an act of overlooking him, he didn’t seem particularly bothered by the current situation.

“What she said isn’t true.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

At his unexpected words, the three widened their eyes.

Facing them, Ulan added his reasoning for that statement.

“There were several lies mixed in between.”

Ulan could distinguish between what was real and what was a lie through the expressions and reactions of his interlocutors.

Some evidence supported it.

First, Irist hadn’t made proper eye contact with Ulan since entering the room.

Whenever she spoke to him, it was merely a fleeting glance; the changes in her tone and facial expressions felt like they were laced with lies.

Based on that, Ulan judged everything she had said about him to be false.

As for the reason behind it, he wasn’t quite sure.

‘Maybe there’s some issue?’

So Ulan didn’t pay much attention.

Having realized that her disregarding words weren’t genuine. But Ivella and Delia still seemed not to have cooled down yet.

Seeing that, Ulan spoke up again.

“I’m really fine, so there’s no need to hold onto it. Just being able to fight alongside you all is enough for me.”

Joining the battlefield with comrades from his past life.

Just this fact alone brought Ulan joy.

Even if it was just a mock battle, it was a situation in which he could reminisce about memories.

“Ulan….”

Ivella and Delia’s eyes trembled.

As if moved strangely.

A moment later, they nodded their heads.

“Alright. If that’s how Ulan feels, then so be it.”

“But if something difficult arises, you have to tell us quickly. I’m always on your side.”

“Yes, thank you, sis.”

A smile bloomed on Irist’s face.

Shining as though feeling truly supported.

And the next day.

The stage for the friendly mock battle, a contest of pride between Arsen Academy and Eloden Academy, was about to unfold.

Chapter 27. Friendly Mock Battle