Chapter 23

While using Body Enhancement, I ran and arrived at the classroom a little before 9.

The heartburn wouldn't stop, and I gagged several times while running...

When I pulled open the classroom door, the noisy classroom fell silent.

Hehehe.

The arrival of the problem child.

I feel like giving up...

It seems that the seat I ended up sitting in yesterday, by the window, has become my fixed spot.

From there, I can see the clouds drifting in the wind, and the seat itself is wonderful.

The problem is...

"Good morning, Allen.

It's a nice morning, isn't it?

By the way, are you commuting from the viscount's mansion?

I thought we could live together, so I even set up a lookout at the dorm reception yesterday to secure a nearby room...

You hadn't completed the dormitory registration procedures yesterday, right?"

Of course, Faye was sitting next to me.

"Good morning, stalker.

I was having a nice morning until just now, but I'm in the worst mood right now."

The word 'stalker' didn't exist in this world, but it just came into being.

"Stalker?

As always, Allen uses mysterious words.

What does that mean exactly?"

"A pest that clings to someone without their consent and causes trouble, regardless of the inconvenience to others."

"Kyahaha!

That's exactly me.

I won't give up the No. 1 stalker position for Allen to anyone else!"

Faye declared provocatively to the poor blonde girl sitting next to her.

Someone, please teach me how to deal with this guy...

"Hey, Allen. Arriving just in time on the first day of class, you're really cool.

...And, I'm sorry for the trouble Allen's sister caused in the Endymion region.

I apologize."

Al bowed politely.

It's not your fault...

"It's not something you need to apologize for.

I think your sister isn't bothered by it anymore, so forget it.

At least I'm not bothered by it, so it's awkward to be treated this way."

I actually do care, but I answered that way for now.

I think the fool who forced himself on my sister got what he deserved, but I feel like apologizing to the lackeys who were sent to the hospital without knowing what happened...

Al hesitated for a moment but answered with a smile, "I understand."

Even though I'm leaving this class, I still want to be friends with this guy.

◆

Godorphen came into the classroom.

I haven't given up on becoming his disciple, but it's better to be patient for a week.

If I approach him now, he'll definitely make staying in Class A a condition.

"Everyone seems to be here.

Let's start right away with the practical Body Enhancement magic.

We're heading to the arena."

"Shouldn't the practicals be divided by course?"

"There's no job where a well-trained body and polished Body Enhancement magic aren't useful.

The royal academy doesn't produce magicians who can only cast spells from a safe distance, or magic engineers who can't manipulate magic properly, or officials who are only good at theory and can't apply it in the field.

The academy aims to cultivate generalists skilled in all areas.

In other words, a level of Body Enhancement magic and martial arts proficiency above the standard is considered general education for graduates of the royal academy.

Specialized courses will be added from the second year onward."

I see.

In other words, I can receive lectures and training similar to that of a magician.

I'm looking forward to the classes.

◆

The arena was located where the stone path leading east from the school building split off.

There were four gymnasium-like buildings, each as large as a track and field stadium...

How much budget does this school have?

The maintenance costs must be astronomical...

"Alright, I already have a good idea of your practical test results.

First, you need to introduce yourselves to your classmates.

Pair up with someone and do a mock battle one by one.

The rest should watch from the sidelines."

Here it comes, 'pair up with someone'...

This system is a nightmare for someone like me, who is disliked.

I can't pair up with Faye, and I can see a future where I'm left as the last two and have to form a pair with another poor soul with a wry smile...

"Allen Lovain!

I didn't expect to get a chance to guide you so soon.

I don't know what your combat level is, but I'm sure you won't run away, right?"

Ah, there's Parry...

I don't dislike you, Parry.

◆

"Let me make this clear.

If I win this mock battle, I won't recommend you, no matter what.

Even if Lady Faye orders me to."

"...There's no going back on those words, right?"

I emphasized.

For me, who thought a week was a waste, this is perfect.

"Hmph, you can only be so confident for now!

Old man Godorphen!

In the name of Parry Avenel, I will leave the decision to recommend Allen Lovain to the result of this mock battle!

Is that acceptable?"

"...I understand."

"Allen.

You can go easy.

He will recommend you no matter what.

Even if you don't acknowledge it..."

Faye approached, looking worried, but her cat-like pupils were wide open.

I feel bad for Parry, who will lose and get scolded after this.

But I'm a bit curious.

"He seems very confident.

Is he that strong?"

I'm the guy who got the top evaluation in the practical test.

But from his words, I can sense his unwavering confidence in his victory.

I'm also curious about Faye's cautious words, which are usually bold and reckless.

"...If we do it a few times, I think Parry will eventually lose to Allen..."

While Faye was hesitating, the answer became clear.

Parry passed the rack with training wooden swords and was selecting a weapon from the rack with polearms shaped like spears.

◆

At my age, there aren't many who have trained with spears.

In the practical tests for the entrance exams to the royal academy and other schools at age 12, wooden swords are always used.

In that sense, Parry, who specializes in spears, is very rare.

I remembered this when I heard his name and saw him choose a spear.

The Avenel family, as foster parents of the Dragoon family, is known as a martial family.

And the head of the family has been renowned as a master of the Avenel style of spear fighting for generations.

And I know.

A spear is not something that can be easily handled by someone who has never faced one.

I understand the reason for Parry's absolute confidence.

Until now, I had only been thinking about how to lose, but I changed my mind.

I was beaten to a pulp by the C-rank adventurer Dio from the countryside without using any thrust techniques.

Even if I go all out, it will be difficult to win.

I will use Parry to test how well I can handle a spear.

◆

I picked a suitable wooden sword and faced Parry.

"Please take care of me."

I bowed 30 degrees, as if asking for instruction, and then raised my head.

The old man's eyebrows twitched, didn't they?

To recognize the beauty of this bow, he must have some experience.

Parry stood in a half-body stance with his left hand forward.

His back was straight, but his knees were relaxed.

From the moment he held the spear, I could tell he was focused and full of energy.

...The first move will likely be a thrust.

I prepared my Body Enhancement and stood in a ready stance.

Parry slowly closed the distance, sliding his feet forward.

This technique can only be used in a dojo or an arena like this, where the footing is even, the distance is ample, and it's a one-on-one match.

In training with Dio, I didn't have as much time to think, but it would be unfair to expect that from Parry.

Dio, who has accumulated years of practical experience fighting monsters, has a fundamentally different mindset.

But it's cumbersome.

For me, this is not a battle I can't afford to lose, but a training session to test myself.

I relaxed my stance, lowered the wooden sword in my right hand, and closed the distance casually.

I calculated that I needed half a step more—

And then, a thrust came like a cannon.

I instantly twisted my body to dodge.

Even though I anticipated it, it was a close call...

The speed and reach were beyond my expectations.

The left hand provided the support, and the right hand twisted to increase the speed and reach.

This is the spear's thrust technique.

I couldn't help but smile.

◆

"Damn! Why can't I hit you!"

It's been about 10 minutes, but Parry's spear hasn't hit me at all.

The reason is simple.

Parry's spear technique is too beautiful.

His stance is faithful to the basics.

His thrusts are straight, and his withdrawals are fast but disconnected.

His footwork, which always maintains the distance to kill the sword, inadvertently reveals his next move to me.

Of course, he occasionally mixes in sweeping and downward strikes, but compared to Dio's unpredictable distance control, it's too predictable.

This doesn't utilize the spear's strengths.

At first, I was wary of a trap.

I thought he was deliberately using monotonous attacks to bias my thinking and then strike unexpectedly from outside my thoughts.

But the unexpected move never came.

No matter how long I waited, it never came!

Seeing Parry's growing frustration, I felt my own frustration mounting...

How am I supposed to lose in front of the old man...