Chapter 49

(3)

6.

Lunchtime was almost over.

Ulan, who had left the dining hall, headed towards the forest near the training ground. This was because Noa had suddenly approached him and said:

「Ulan, Ivella’s condition seems a bit off.」

An unexpected statement.

Ulan made a puzzled expression at the sudden remark. He asked what was going on, but no detailed answer came.

「I don’t know the details either, but she was talking to someone and her expression turned really bad. It’s like something serious happened.」

After a brief explanation.

Noa told Ulan where Ivella was.

This was the reason Ulan went to the forest.

As he looked around the forest, expanding his senses, he soon detected a familiar presence.

‘Found her.’

It was Ivella’s presence.

She was sitting on a rock, staring blankly into the air. Definitely not her usual self.

As Noa had said, something must have happened. Ulan immediately revealed his presence.

“Ivella.”

He called her name, but there was no response.

She was still staring into the air with a half-lost expression. It seemed she hadn’t noticed his presence, so Ulan spoke a bit louder.

“What are you doing here?”

“······Huh?”

This time, she seemed to notice.

Well, it was enough to create a slight shockwave.

As dust rose from the ground, the faint turquoise light in her eyes returned.

“Ah.”

After letting out a short exclamation, she noticed Ulan and smiled faintly.

“Oh, it’s you, Ulan.”

Her reaction was definitely different from usual.

It felt like she was having a conversation while her mind was elsewhere. As Noa had said, she didn’t seem to be in a good state.

So Ulan asked directly.

“Are you worried about something?”

“Huh? Why do you ask?”

“Because of your expression.”

Ivella’s eyes widened slightly.

Then she let out a soft laugh.

“Ahaha, I thought I hid it well, but I guess I can’t hide it from you.”

With a subtle expression.

She stood up from her seat.

“Ulan.”

With a serious expression.

Ivella burst into laughter.

“I’m thinking of forfeiting.”

“Forfeit?”

“Yeah. Something came up.”

A bitter smile spread across her lips.

Ulan frowned.

“Hehe, it’s okay. It’s nothing serious.”

Ivella shrugged her shoulders lightly.

As if it was no big deal.

Meanwhile, Ulan was staring intently not at her expression, but at the sword in Ivella’s hand.

Whether she knew it or not.

She kept answering.

“It’s really okay. It’s just that something came up. Plus, my body isn’t in great condition either.”

“······.”

Maybe Ivella herself didn’t know.

But Ulan knew a bit about her habits.

First, when she feels uneasy.

Ivella thoroughly hides her emotions. And she tries hard to appear calm, treating everything as if it’s no big deal.

‘But······.’

Every time she does that, she grips her sword tightly.

As if the sword is the only thing she can rely on. As if only then can her heart calm down.

“Besides, it’s not like it’ll be a big deal if I’m not there, right?”

Next, when she says something contrary to her true feelings.

In other words, when she lies.

But you can’t tell just by looking at her face. Ivella is skilled at hiding her expressions, eyes, breathing, and voice.

However, there’s one thing.

She can’t hide.

‘The sword.’

When she says something contrary to her true feelings.

The sword she’s gripping tightly trembles slightly. In such cases, nine times out of ten, she’s lying.

Yes, just like now.

“Ulan, you’ll easily make it into the top 10, and there’s also Delia Arpen······.”

“You’re still bad at lying.”

Ulan’s sudden remark.

Ivella immediately closed her mouth.

She seemed quite flustered. Seeing her trembling eyes, Ulan answered.

“I can tell by your face.”

“······.”

“You looked like you didn’t want to.”

As soon as he finished speaking.

She bit her lip slightly. But only for a moment, she forced a smile.

“Well, of course, I don’t want to. But as I said earlier, something came up······.”

“What is it?”

“Just some family matters.”

Originally, she didn’t plan to say anything.

But if she kept her mouth shut, Ulan wouldn’t be convinced, so she decided to reveal just a little bit of the reason.

“If I don’t forfeit, my family might be in trouble. But it’s okay. If I just forfeit, everything will be fine······.”

“You’re wrong.”

“Huh, what?”

“You’re not okay.”

A sharp remark that stabbed like a dagger.

Ivella clenched her mouth shut. The harsh words felt like they were digging into her chest, and the emotions she had barely held back surged violently.

And one more thing.

Ulan’s sudden remark slightly peeled away the mask of composure she had been holding onto.

“······What else can I do?”

The emotions she had tightly suppressed behind the mask.

Like an angry sea, the emotions surged and seeped out. And Ivella had no strength left to stop it.

“If I go to the finals, it’ll harm my mother, what else am I supposed to do······!”

“Did your mother tell you that directly?”

“Huh, what?”

Ulan’s sudden question.

While she was flustered by the sudden question, Ulan fired off questions rapidly.

“Has she ever asked you to protect her from something, to keep her safe?”

“That’s······.”

“Have you ever been told not to act recklessly because you’re causing trouble?”

“······.”

She couldn’t answer.

Because it had never happened.

“Without even asking your mother directly, you’re interpreting and deciding on your own. Do you really think that’s what your mother wants?”

“······Then what am I supposed to do?”

Listening to the sharp words.

Ivella gritted her teeth.

The mask had already been torn off long ago. The torrent of emotions she had been holding back raged fiercely.

“If I ignore the fact that it’ll harm my mother and just go to the finals, will I really feel at ease?!”

“Of course, you won’t feel at ease.”

“Then why······!”

“I never said you shouldn’t forfeit.”

Ivella closed her mouth.

Now that she thought about it, that was true.

Ulan had only told her to be honest with herself. He hadn’t tried to dissuade her from her choice or decision.

“Whatever choice you make, I have no right to deny you. But as a friend, I hope you make a choice you won’t regret.”

His crimson eyes looked at her.

Eyes that shone with sincerity. She could feel that he was only thinking of her.

Perhaps that’s why?

The moment she met Ulan’s eyes, the emotions that had been raging like a torrent gradually subsided. Her heated head also cooled down bit by bit.

As she felt her heart calming down.

“Let me ask you again.”

Ulan spoke.

The same question as before.

“Does your mother want you to protect her?”

“······.”

“If that’s really the case, then it’s okay to forfeit. But if you’re not sure, think about what your mother truly wants from you.”

That was all he had to say.

The rest was up to Ivella to decide.

So Ulan closed his mouth.

Meanwhile, at that time.

Ivella suddenly remembered something from the past.

No, it wasn’t that long ago.

Just a few months ago.

When she was leaving Count Deorg’s territory to take the entrance exam for Arsen Academy.

On a gloomy day just like today.

After saying goodbye to her mother, she turned around immediately. But then she stopped again. Suddenly, she felt a lump in her throat.

For the last time.

Just one more look at her mother. As she was about to turn her gaze.

「Don’t look back!」

A sharp voice rang out.

Startled, Ivella froze. It was understandable. It was hard to believe that the voice belonged to her mother, who had always been gentle and kind.

「Don’t stop, just keep walking forward.」

Ivella’s mother, Idelin Elea’ad.

Unlike usual, she shouted in a strong, firm voice.

「What’s behind you is of no use to you right now.」

At the time, Ivella didn’t fully understand what her mother meant. She didn’t try to understand.

Her mother’s unusually cold tone made her feel hurt and disappointed. So she hesitated to take a step.

「It’s okay, Ivella. You don’t need to worry.」

A warm voice rang out again.

It was the voice of her mother that Ivella remembered.

「I’ll be watching over you from behind. From now on, forget the past and the family, and live only for yourself. That’s all I want for you.」

A memory buried in the sadness of parting.

Recalling her mother’s words, Ivella’s turquoise eyes quickly moistened.

‘That’s right, that’s how it was.’

What her mother truly wanted.

It wasn’t for Ivella to protect her from the family’s oppression. It was simply for Ivella to live a life for herself. That was all.

At that moment.

A new emotion surged up. It was slightly different from the emotions that had been raging until now.

Then.

“Ivella.”

Ulan spoke again.

In his usual serious tone.

“We’re friends.”

Regardless of their past lives.

Ulan and Ivella had introduced themselves and fought together in the Trial of the Hero. That’s how they became friends. At least, Ulan thought so.

“When friends are in trouble, they do their best to help each other. It might not be like that here, but that’s how it is on the prairie.”

The sound of footsteps approaching.

Soon, a large hand was extended.

“So if you’re in trouble, tell me.”

With an axe in his other hand.

Ulan spoke sincerely.

“I’ll help you.”

A simple statement without any fancy words.

But that one sentence of offering help was more comforting than any other words.

Perhaps because she felt relieved? The moisture in Ivella’s eyes turned into tears and fell.

“······Thank you.”

Filled with honest emotions and sincerity.

Ivella barely managed to answer. But that was all. She didn’t take Ulan’s extended hand and stood up on her own.

“But it’s okay. This is my problem.”

Instead, she held onto her sword.

Then, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, Ivella bowed her head to Ulan.

“I’m sorry, Ulan.”

For showing such an unsightly side.

For getting angry at you who did nothing wrong.

Ulan silently accepted her sincere apology. Then, a bell rang in the distance. It was a notification that the finals were about to begin.

Hearing that.

Ivella made a decision.

“I’ll take back my forfeit.”

A determined light shone in her eyes.

Seeing the look in her eyes of someone who had decided to be honest with herself, Ulan smiled.

Finally, it was the look he knew.

And so, the two headed to the arena.

Ivella walking with Ulan. The sword in her hand no longer trembled.

7.

2 PM sharp.

The finals of the selection matches began.

Amidst the watchful eyes of numerous students and faculty.

Mathel Bornus, the eldest son of Count Bornus, who was participating in the first match, was going crazy.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

There was only one reason.

The girl currently swinging her sword with a menacing aura across from him.

‘What the hell? What’s going on?!’

The storm-like sword strikes.

The thrusts aimed only at his vital points left Mathel with no room to counterattack, barely managing to defend himself.

‘This, this isn’t what we agreed on!’

When the finals bracket was revealed.

Someone had suddenly approached Mathel.

It was his classmate, Himel Deorg. Known as a swordsmanship genius, he made a proposal to Mathel out of the blue.

「I’ll make sure your opponent, Ivella Elea’ad, forfeits. In return, help me become the leader if I’m selected in the top 10 later.」

It was an offer Mathel couldn’t refuse.

At least for him. He had just barely reached the level of a beginner.

On the other hand, Ivella was different.

She had long surpassed the beginner’s wall and reached the level of a junior knight. Moreover, her swordsmanship was precise and flawless.

In other words, if they fought as they were, Mathel would surely lose.

So he immediately accepted the offer.

But contrary to what he had heard, Ivella didn’t forfeit. Instead, she seemed determined to defeat Mathel, swinging her sword with all her might.

‘Damn it! Himel!’

Eyes bloodshot with anger.

Just as Mathel glared at the spectator seats.

Clang!

With a sharp impact sound, Mathel’s sword flew into the air.

“Ugh!”

His hand trembled from the shock of losing his sword.

Mathel gritted his teeth.

But his gaze wasn’t on Ivella, but on the spectator seats where Himel was supposed to be. It was anger towards Himel for not keeping his promise.

“Stop! That’s enough!”

“First match, winner! Ivella Elea’ad!”

Once the match was decided, Ivella sheathed her sword.

The sword slid cleanly into its scabbard.

After giving a slight nod to Mathel, she immediately left the arena. At that moment, there were eyes watching Ivella.

“Do we have a student like that in our department?”

“She fought better than I expected.”

“Right. Her swordsmanship is very stable, and she has a good sense of it.”

“It seems she’s already surpassed the beginner’s wall.”

“Haha, this is why the preliminaries are worth watching every year. Occasionally, talents like her emerge.”

It was the faculty of the Military Department.

They each observed Ivella with sparkling eyes. Their gazes were filled with a mix of interest, curiosity, and expectation.

And at that moment.

There was someone else staring intently at Ivella, just like the faculty. Though the emotions in their eyes were different.

‘That damn girl!’

A young man with a twisted face.

It was Himel Deorg. He glared at Ivella leaving the arena as if he wanted to kill her.

‘Alright, so that’s how you want to play?’

Then I have my own plans.

Himel bit his lip hard, barely suppressing his anger. He was determined to make Ivella regret her decision soon.

Meanwhile, there was another pair of eyes watching him. A girl with neatly braided black hair.

It was Noa.

‘I can tell what he’s thinking just by looking at his eyes.’

He must be planning some form of retaliation against Ivella for ignoring his order to forfeit.

‘But I won’t let that happen.’

Noa’s eyes turned cold.

Since she had decided to help, she was determined to do so thoroughly.

‘Should I cast a curse on him first?’

She was a sorceress specialized in curses.

So she was about to take out nails and a hammer, but unfortunately, she couldn’t achieve what she wanted.

“The second match will begin soon!”

“Noa Darshen! Delia Arpen! Step forward!”

Her name was suddenly called.

Because the first match ended faster than expected, it was already Noa’s turn. Noa slumped her shoulders.

‘Ugh, I really don’t want to do this.’

Why do I have to fight Delia?

And of all people, the monster who’s supposed to become the strongest mage in the world! She sighed repeatedly, clearly showing her reluctance.

Thud! Thud!

A large hand patted her back.

It was Ulan.

“Do your best.”

A word of encouragement followed. Surprised by the unexpected support, Noa’s eyes widened.

“Oh, that’s a bit unexpected.”

“What is?”

“I thought you’d be cheering for Delia.”

But instead, you’re cheering for me.

As she looked at him curiously, Ulan responded nonchalantly.

“I told her the same thing.”

“What?”

Noa frowned.

Cheering for both of us? What’s he thinking?

As she stared at him with a blank expression, Noa suddenly spoke with a mischievous smile.

“Ulan, let me ask you one thing.”

“What is it?”

“Between me and Delia, who do you want to win? Be completely honest.”

Noa gave him a sly look.

Her eyes were filled with a strange expectation.

On the other hand, Ulan’s reaction was indifferent.

“It doesn’t matter who.”

“······Huh?”

“The stronger one will win.”

A half-hearted answer.

Noa pouted her lips. But she didn’t argue. It wasn’t a wrong statement.

“Sigh, fine. I’ll go then.”

After standing up.

Noa headed to the arena.

Looking at Delia in the distance, she pondered over Ulan’s words.

‘The stronger one will win.’

That’s true.

And in that sense, Noa Darshen can’t beat Delia Arpen. Although their talents are similar, everything else is different.

Just in terms of magic power alone, Delia had twice as much. No matter how much she calculated, there was no chance of winning.

‘Plus, her penalties aren’t as severe.’

Unlike Noa, who has ‘Weakness’ and ‘Poor Stamina,’ Delia’s penalties have nothing to do with combat.

If this were a game.

Noa would have definitely lost to Delia.

‘But······.’

This isn’t a game.

It’s reality, where we breathe and feel pain. So Noa has a slim chance of winning.

And one more thing.

Noa has ‘information.’

‘She doesn’t know me.’

A sorceress from the barbarian tribe, like Ulan.

That’s probably all she knows.

On the other hand, Noa was different. She had a lot of information about Delia.

‘Because······.’

Once, when she was a gamer.

Although it was a short time, she had played as Delia Arpen.

So she knows everything about Delia.

Her traits, habits, magic, fighting style, etc.

She even knows why Delia speaks in such a frustratingly clipped manner.

‘Lastly.’

She has a trump card.

A technique only Noa can use.

And she had prepared effective tactics against Delia, even skipping lunch.

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