Chapter 65

65. The Third's Skill (7)

At the Anwood Academy, duels between students are generally prohibited.

The exceptions are when a teacher or a student from the Guidance Department is present to oversee, and when both parties swear to duel for the sake of their honor.

Of course, even in such cases, a teacher-level supervisor must be present.

'There's no one like that around now. But what if I draw my sword first?'

If she were to initiate an investigation at the academy, it would certainly be to her disadvantage.

Drawing a real sword first could be interpreted as an intention to threaten.

'Of course, I'm not afraid of that.'

Luna was confident.

She was confident that she could subdue him without injuring him, and that she could handle the investigation.

But.

"Luna, don't get involved with the Teron faction."

Suddenly, Zero's words came to mind.

The words telling her not to get involved with the Teron faction.

'Well, it's not like we're friends anymore. What if I don't keep it?'

Right? It's fine if I do as I please now, isn't it?

For the past ten years.

I've been alone all this time.

"Draw your sword."

The urging to draw the sword.

But the words that came out of Luna's mouth were completely different.

"I don't want to."

Luna chose to keep her promise to Zero.

'Being called a coward by this guy is something I can endure.'

Considering Luna's fiery temper, this was a significant change.

"Is that so? Then I have my ways."

Gordner rolled up his sleeves and took out a rather thick cudgel.

And.

Smack!

"Ah!"

He started beating the trembling Reje, who was crouching on the ground.

"I did everything you told me to. Why... why...?"

"It's my decision."

Smack! Smack!

"It hurts... stop... please..."

"Would you stop if you were in my place?"

In the end, Luna, unable to bear it, intervened.

"What are you doing?!"

"None of your business."

"How can you ignore someone being beaten?!"

"Then stop me. Of course, you'll have to draw your sword. Hahaha!"

Luna gritted her teeth.

She had realized Gordner's scheme.

'Because of the size difference, I can't win without drawing my sword.'

At the beginning of the semester, when she first met Gordner while plucking the parrot's feathers.

She had felt the difference in physique when they fought bare-handed.

Smack!

"Mom... it hurts... mom..."

Smack!

"Ugh..."

A weak moan escaped Reje's lips.

A boy over 180 cm tall beating a girl around 140 cm like a mouse.

"Stop! Stop! Beating someone who isn't resisting! Aren't you ashamed as a noble?"

"Haha, I'm just teaching a lesson to someone who doesn't fulfill their duties."

"...Duties?"

"Yes, as a noble, we must stand together. Pretending to be noble and lofty while doing nothing? I can't tolerate that."

"Is this child a noble too?"

"Yes. Now, get lost. Unless you want the same treatment."

Gordner raised his cudgel again.

But.

Snap!

Thud.

He couldn't swing it.

The upper part, except for the handle, had cleanly broken off.

Gordner grinned.

"Drawing your sword and swinging it? You're not in your right mind."

Indeed, Luna had swung her sword.

"Passing by a weaker person in need is not something a noble should do, Luna."

It was a lesson from her mother, and from the family's lineage.

And this was.

'Our pride as the Lester family.'

She couldn't tarnish it.

Even if.

It meant breaking a promise to a friend.

'Sorry, Zero. But I had no choice.'

The child, Reje, crying on the ground.

She had no doubt that Reje had dragged her into this to get her involved.

Luna was furious.

"Be prepared. Playing tricks with a friend."

"Hehe, yes, I'm looking forward to it."

Gordner drew his sword.

Clang!

Luna and Gordner's duel began.

* * *

It was early evening, with the glowstones in the academy starting to light up one by one.

I was wandering around the academy, having nothing to do.

'Is there a Luna passing by?'

If I saw her, I'd at least give a nod.

Then, someone called out to me.

"Hey? It's Zero. Zero! Over here, over here!"

It was Raymond, waving his arms wildly to greet me.

I had been hoping for Luna, but instead, Raymond popped up.

"Tsk."

"Y-You just clicked your tongue at me!?"

"Hehe, Raymond, you're mistaken. I wouldn't do that."

"Of course not, right? Hehe!"

Raymond clung to me and started chatting.

About what he did today, how it was good that Luna wasn't around, what he planned to do tomorrow, and.

"I'm chasing a suspicious magic sword."

"A magic sword?"

"Yes! The one who wields it gains incredible power!"

Only then did I understand what Raymond was doing here.

He was investigating, moving towards the end of the first chapter.

"Being able to become strong just by wielding a sword! Why don't you try it, Zero? It would suit you!"

"...?"

Does he even know what a magic sword is?

A magic sword is a sword that brings destruction.

Moreover, the sword they were chasing was one possessed by a demon.

He was telling me to pursue it.

Typical Raymond.

"Raymond, did you find anything?"

"I found something better than a magic sword!"

"Something better? Ah... I see."

Two figures emerged from the darkness.

Rodelin and Alex.

"Zero, it's a surprise to see you here."

"Hehe, Senior. You must be working hard even at this hour."

"Yes, we received a suspicious tip. Raymond, anything unusual?"

"I did find a black crack, but it didn't seem significant."

"...Usually, that would be considered unusual."

Raymond scratched his head, saying, "Is that so?"

Rodelin, who was working as hard as I was, though my efforts were more intense.

"So, this place...?"

They started sharing information.

I listened in on their conversation.

Hmm, I see. You've made this much progress? Quite a lot.

"The black cracks are in three places..."

"They seem to be concentrated in one area?"

"Yes, we should investigate that area. The highest probability is right here, at the center of the cracks."

Rodelin drew lines on the map.

The point where the lines intersected was where the magic sword was hidden.

'Hmm? Wait. So it's about that time.'

The incident where Luna's arm is severed by Dike.

The main characters learn about this event through conversations with friends.

They couldn't participate because they were chasing the magic sword.

The event known as the 'Execution Ceremony.'

A wave of unease swept through my chest.

'Damn! Of all times, to leave Luna alone now.'

A mistake. Too much information had become a hindrance.

The information I knew from the game.

And the new information I gained from my activities here.

The flood of information made me forget about Luna and Dike's duel.

'I need to find Luna immediately tomorrow.'

The Execution Ceremony. The probability that it's today is low.

I've only been away from Luna for two days.

But for it to happen now?

A bad joke.

"Hmm? Come to think of it..."

Rodelin looked around.

"Where did Luna go?"

"Huh?"

"Aren't you always together?"

"Well... it's a long story. She seemed to be relying on me too much."

I explained the situation to Rodelin.

She nodded after hearing my story.

"I see. Zero, you were overprotective."

"Overprotective?"

"Yes. You were worrying unnecessarily."

"But if she only sticks to me, Luna's mental growth will be slow."

"Mental growth? What are you talking about?"

Rodelin raised an eyebrow.

"Mental growth is important. But is isolating her the way to achieve it?"

"Hehe, of course. Luna's current problem is her narrow social circle. If she interacts with others, she will grow significantly."

"That's just your opinion, isn't it?"

True, but my opinion can't be wrong.

Because I'm a real adult.

Unlike Luna, who is only fifteen, I have the body of a real adult.

"I don't understand. Why do you think Luna's mental growth is necessary? You've only been together for two months."

"But relying only on me isn't good. It could become a habit."

"During the Demon Shard incident, I noticed that Zero tends to believe his own thoughts are perfect."

During the Demon Shard strategy.

At the time, I had confidently stated that the Demon Shard's only attack methods were black thorns and corrosion.

But the guy who was almost defeated by a mop used corrosion, and Raymond's sword rusted.

'I almost got everyone killed because of my confidence.'

Unlike Raymond, Rodelin had avoided [corrosion].

She didn't believe my claim that there were no other attack methods and always focused on defense and evasion.

"The same applies now. You say Luna's mental growth is necessary? Why are you so certain? From what I see, it's not the case."

I'm an adult.

It's natural for an adult to worry about a child.

I was just worried about Luna.

"Zero, you're different from usual. I don't understand why you think this way. You're only fifteen, and I'm just sixteen."

"..."

"Moreover, being older doesn't mean you're always right. That's why the Emperor has many people around him. Pointing out mistakes isn't just for the elderly."

Being older doesn't mean you're always right?

It felt like I had been hit.

True, my core is only in my late twenties.

I'm not someone who has figured out all the truths of the world, so my thoughts can't always be right.

"Most importantly, the Luna I know is a strong child."

"She is strong."

Especially her teeth, which bite me.

They are as strong as steel.

"No, that's not what I mean."

Rodelin shook her head and continued.

"She has the strength to overcome her own problems. But it seems you don't see it that way?"

"!!"

Rodelin raised her fist and lightly tapped my chest.

"Trust your friend, Zero."

I see. I didn't trust Luna.

Luna always trusted me unconditionally.

It feels like a revelation. Of course, I can't see it clearly with my half-open eyes.

"Senior, I'll go ahead. I have something to do."

"Good to see you. You look refreshed. Youth."

"Hehe, aren't you young too, Senior?"

"That's too young a word for an old woman like me."

Only a year apart!

"Thank you for the advice today."

"Take care. Next time, come with Luna."

I started running immediately.

Not tomorrow. Right now.

I wanted to see Luna.