Chapter 67

67. The Third's Skill (9)

"Miss Luna~ Are you there? I've come."

At the fountain where Luna often came, but there was no sign of her.

'Hmm, she's not here either.'

She went to the girls' dormitory, but was told that Luna wasn't in her room.

If so, she must still be out.

Even after searching for at least an hour, she couldn't find Luna.

'No way, it can't be.'

The incident where Luna's arm was cut off.

Could it happen right now, at this very moment?

That would be a really bad joke.

"Huh, Miss Luna. When we meet again, you'll really be in trouble, you know."

After eating until her stomach was full.

Dressing her in a cute outfit with frilly lace.

Praising her.

And petting her head.

Is that considered punishment?

No, does it have to be punishment? Can't I just be nice for once?

'I must be going crazy. To have such illogical thoughts.'

This is all because of Luna.

So, it would be best if she appeared right in front of me, Luna.

This older brother can be really scary when he's angry.

Suddenly!

Yikes! I jumped!

She almost screamed.

Because a little girl had jumped out from the bushes.

"Huff... huff... I, I found her."

A voice smaller than the sound of crickets.

Moreover, she was breathing heavily.

And her clothes were torn in several places.

She was a strange girl.

'Why is her fringe so long? Can she even see in front of her?'

But she quickly dismissed that thought.

Judging people by their appearance.

Isn't that what people do when they see my squinty eyes and make assumptions?

I can see the world clearly, even with my squinty eyes!

Cheer up! Fringe girl!

"Huh, cheer up."

"Y-Yes, yes?"

"We are comrades, after all. I know your pain."

"......?"

Thanks to me, you'll be able to live a strong life from tomorrow.

Just as she was about to leave, the fringe girl grabbed her collar.

That's why popular guys have problems, you know?

"Huh, this is troublesome. I'm quite busy, you see."

"......Yes."

"Yes?"

"D-Dangerous. L-Luna... Luna is..."

Luna? Why is she talking about Luna now?

"Because of me... I, I tried to protect her..."

"Calm down."

"H-Huh..."

Not good. This girl is in a panic.

It's clear that something bad has happened to Luna.

'Stammering, timid personality, panic, crying.'

She quickly diagnosed.

This is the worst state to get information from.

Urgent situation. In such a case.

"Stuttering is fine. Just describe it in words. Where are you now, and what's happening?"

The girl desperately tried to control her breathing.

"F-Fight arena! F-Fight!"

This means Luna is in a duel at the fight arena.

"Good job. Rest now."

After petting the girl's head, she immediately started running.

Towards the fight arena where Luna is.

* * *

Teron's mouth twisted when he was called out by Luna.

Of course, he acted as if it didn't show.

"What's this all of a sudden? You're challenging me to a duel?"

"Drop the pretense. Just come out quickly. This is exactly what you want, isn't it?"

"I don't understand. Is it because Gonder is my subordinate?"

"It seems you need a reason. Fine, let's go with that. Gonder is your subordinate. Is that enough?"

Teron chuckled inwardly.

What a straightforward personality.

How easy to manipulate!

"Well, then I have no choice. I'll have to take responsibility."

Teron started to stand up but paused.

"Ah, right. Unfortunately, I can't fight."

"Why? Are you running away now?"

"No, it's not that. Look at this."

Teron held up a wooden badge.

A badge inscribed with the word "Certification."

All the children's eyes turned to him.

"As you can see, I am currently performing official duties. Since you've requested a proxy duel, you must know the conditions for a proxy duel."

※ Cases where a proxy can be appointed

Elderly, children, those suffering from illness who cannot duel, and.

"Those performing official duties."

Performing official duties is a form of official duty.

In other words, Teron is.

"I will appoint Dyke as my proxy duelist."

"......!!"

A huge shock descended on the fight arena.

Teron's hunting dog.

Currently the strongest in the first year of Andwood Academy.

'Dyke of the Greatsword.'

A person who can wield a greatsword as tall as Luna with one hand effortlessly.

Strength is one thing, but the real problem is his sword skills.

"Only someone like Rodelin could stand a chance."

A teacher who teaches practical sword skills said.

To appoint such a skilled person as a proxy duelist.

"Those damn kids are really...!"

Eurydia's true feelings burst out.

It was that serious a situation.

'That bastard! What a tightly woven trap!'

Eurydia had a gut feeling. Something was about to happen.

Such a tightly woven trap.

It couldn't end with just a simple proxy duel.

Eurydia headed towards where Luna was.

"Miss Luna, declare your defeat."

"What nonsense?"

"Please! I'll do my best to handle the rest. I'll do whatever it takes to prevent your expulsion!"

Luna smiled at Eurydia's desperate plea.

She knew it too. The end of this proxy duel.

Would not be beautiful at all.

'If I can avoid expulsion... I can attend the academy with Zero again.'

But.

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because of Zero."

"Excuse me?"

"If I back down, Zero will become the target. So I have to finish this here."

That was Luna's thinking.

To use this opportunity.

'To destroy the Teron faction.'

So Luna had no intention of backing down.

Whether the opponent was Teron, Dyke, or the entire Teron faction.

She intended to tear them all apart.

'That's what it is.'

Eurydia realized.

'This is what a girl in love... Indeed, the power of love is great.'

At the same time, she was angry.

What's so good about a guy who treats girls like trash!

'Where is that squinty-eyed guy in such an important moment?'

This was the start of Eurydia's misunderstanding.

"Alfonso! Fon! Bring a teacher here immediately."

"They'll block us."

"Break through by force. I'll make the judgment."

"......! Understood!"

Alfonso and Fon led a few children out.

As soon as they left, a small cheer echoed.

The fight to break through the wall Teron had set up began.

"What can we do for Miss Luna?"

"To fight Dyke is madness."

"Will it be okay? We might end up bleeding if we interfere."

"Miss Eurydia, what should we do...?"

The children gathered and expressed their concerns.

Some were worried about Luna, but most were concerned about the fight with the Teron faction.

'Teron's strategy is starting to work.'

The fear tactic was working effectively.

To declare the protection of Luna here?

The Eurydia faction might be torn apart.

They were collapsing in fear.

But.

"I will prioritize Miss Luna's protection."

"Miss Eurydia, but..."

"To ensure everyone can have a happy academy life. That's why we're here, right?"

"Um...!"

The children's eyes changed. They were united.

This was Eurydia's hidden strength.

Though her skills were not great, she chose only warm-hearted and strong children.

And now, that strength was beginning to shine.

'The unity is achieved, but the problem isn't over.'

Glance-.

A boy swinging a greatsword to warm up.

Dyke.

He was the problem.

'Is there anyone who can defeat that monster?'

An opponent she couldn't be confident about.

But if Luna was in danger, she would step in immediately.

"Miss Luna, hold on as long as you can. The kids are bringing a teacher right now."

Luna only smiled at her words.

Hold on?

'No.'

She will defeat that guy and pull Teron out.

And bite his neck off.

* * *

There was a brief preparation at the fight arena.

They removed the severely injured Gonder and cleared the broken stones.

"......Arrogant girl."

Teron muttered, looking at Luna from the opposite side.

To not only show her teeth but also try to bite.

His thoughts changed.

'I need to cut off one of her arms.'

Not knowing her place is a problem, but her skills are better than expected.

She needs to be cut down early.

One arm would be enough as a warning to Zero.

"Dyke."

"Yes."

"Bring me one of that arrogant girl's arms."

Dyke hesitated.

Use a killing move in the academy? Without a priest present?

If the bleeding isn't stopped in time, she could die.

"But that's..."

"It's an order."

Teron's order.

Dyke no longer disobeyed.

He was taught to obey orders unconditionally.

That's how he was raised.

'I am not a person, but a hunting dog.'

A blind loyal dog to his master.

A dog that has no value if it can't carry out orders.

So.

'I will cut off the arm.'

He will carry out the order silently.

"What, are you coming now? A late man has no charm."

"I'm sorry."

"Oh, no need to apologize."

"The moment this duel ends, you'll understand its meaning."

Luna twisted her neck.

"Ah, is that so? Well, then there's no need for long words."

"I'll give you the first move."

"That's very kind of you..."

Clang!

"Thank you!"

The duel began as Luna charged.

Luna knows. That Dyke is stronger than her.

'The guy who could cut off three ants' heads at once. Impressive.'

But she has grown too.

When did she have time to practice with Zero always busy?

After Zero entered the dormitory.

That time was Luna's practice time.

The front of the boys' dormitory was her training ground.

'Well, I did follow Zero on her night walks and watch her practice, too.'

Luna managed to find time to practice.

Clang! Clang!

Sparks flew as the swords clashed.

Indeed, it's not easy. How can his defense be so solid while using a greatsword?

'The reconnaissance is over here.'

Luna spun around and swung her sword.

The target was Dyke's waist.

Clang!

Dyke blocked the attack by lowering his sword.

As expected. Luna lifted her foot and kicked the lowered sword.

Thud!

Due to the counterforce, both were pushed back a little.

Since she kicked the side of the sword, there was no real impact.

But.

'The important thing is that the distance has increased.'

The slightly widened distance.

Thud!

Luna sheathed her sword and started charging forward.

Her left knee slightly bent, the scabbard set at a right angle.

Luna's hand moved like lightning.

The first secret technique of the Lester family.

One Flash (一閃).

A beam of light shot towards Dyke.

He spread his legs and took a stance.

Dyke's first original secret technique.

Schitelhau.

A vertical slash.

A normal vertical cut.

But its impact on the duel arena was far from ordinary.

Crack!

It split. The beam of light Luna shot.

And the ground of the duel arena.

Crack!

"Ch!"

The pile of stones scattered by the impact.

Luna moved her feet to the side to avoid it. And what she faced was.

Dyke's massive sword.