Chapter 27

EP.27 Sparring (1)

"I will now begin the sparring evaluation."

Finally, the day had arrived.

The Magic Department's 1st-year exclusive arena, 'Duke Hall.' The spacious interior was divided into four sections, each equipped with its own arena.

The 1st-year students of the Magic Department were divided into four groups and moved to their respective arenas.

I was in Group A. Among the many students, Lucena, Ian, Matteo, and Tristan stood out. Kaya and Amy must have been in other groups.

Next to the arena, a judging stand was set up, and middle-aged wizards were seated in a row. They were all judges.

"The rules are simple. You win by knocking out your opponent or making them surrender. However, surrender is not allowed for the first minute after the sparring starts, so keep that in mind. Due to the nature of the practical evaluation, sudden actions are strictly prohibited. Be aware that you may be stopped by the exam supervisors."

Professor Fernando was informing the students about the practical evaluation content from atop the arena, along with his zombie-like assistant, Marco, and the associate professor.

"You can only act freely during the sparring. The best medical staff and priests are on standby, so focus on showing your full potential. That's all."

Professor Fernando finished his brief explanation and descended from the arena.

The associate professor then called out the first students for the sparring.

Matteo Jordana and a student I had never seen before entered the arena, and the sparring began as the judge shouted, "Sparring start!"

[Matteo Jordana]

Lv: 80

Race: Human

Attribute: Rock

Danger Level: X

Psychology: [Wants to catch up to your level.]

Matteo had made significant progress since the last time I saw him.

Huh, so you've been working hard to catch up to me,

...but I might be in for a beating soon.

'Tristan, what should I do?'

I had resolved to win at all costs after making Tristan look bad, but the fact remains that I'm still behind him in terms of power.

Moreover, I have no idea how much he has improved himself.

In "The Magic Knight of Merchen," the conflict between Ian Fairytail and Tristan Humphrey happens during the summoning of familiars. At that time, Ian easily knocks down the boastful Tristan and gives him a taste of his own medicine. After that, Tristan starts to learn defensive magic.

However, I had already provoked him during the class assignment evaluation. It wouldn't be surprising if he had already mastered defensive magic by now.

Even though Tristan is full of vanity, I can't deny his offensive magic skills. If he can also defend well, I won't stand a chance.

So, I have to take him down in one decisive move. Otherwise, I'll definitely lose.

"......?"

What's going on?

Professor Fernando whispered something to the associate professor and then hurriedly left the hall.

His usual poker face seemed to waver...

'Probably nothing serious.'

I suppressed the fleeting sense of unease.

Nothing too serious will happen during this sparring part.

He probably just ate something bad and needs to use the bathroom.

"Matteo Jordana, win!"

Matteo easily overpowered his opponent with rock magic.

After the sparring, the judges provided feedback.

Most of them praised Matteo's ingenuity and pointed out areas for improvement, but one judge was particularly harsh.

"Terrible. Your mastery of rock magic is abysmal. Rock is an elemental attribute that solidifies instantly. Calculating the shape and precise combat ability of the rock is essential. Yet, it seems you only know how to fight in a brutal manner. I don't understand why you're in the B class. Perhaps it's because you're a commoner..."

Ah, I know who that is.

The middle-aged man with bright red hair. A professor who openly discriminates based on social status.

Professor Philip, who teaches the A class.

[Philip Meltren]

Lv: 108

Race: Human

Attribute: Fire, Rock

Danger Level: X

Psychology: [Feeling displeased that a commoner has defeated a noble.]

A professor with a notorious reputation but undeniable skills. He treats nobles well, so if you were a noble, you wouldn't have a reason to dislike him.

Matteo clenched his fists and trembled, but then calmed down.

"Thank you for the feedback."

Matteo bowed and humbly accepted Professor Philip's feedback. His submissive attitude seemed to further irritate Professor Philip.

Matteo is determined to prove his worth through his skills. Professor Philip's provocation won't faze him.

"Next! Isaac from D class, Tristan Humphrey from B class, step forward!"

It's my turn.

I took a deep breath and stepped forward.

The arena seemed overwhelmingly large now that it was my turn. My heart pounded roughly, probably due to nervousness.

I slowly climbed the stairs to the arena. On the opposite side, the vain blonde noble, Tristan Humphrey, approached with a smirk.

We faced each other, maintaining a distance with the judge in between.

"......?"

A system window appeared in front of me at that moment.

[A nearby demon has been detected.]

Whiiii─.

Suddenly, a wind sound echoed in my head, and I felt a pull upwards.

Instinctively, I looked up.

The high ceiling. Beyond it, I sensed a powerful aura.

At the same time, information about the demon, likely on the rooftop, appeared before my eyes.

[Phantom Rifa]

Lv: 130

Race: Demon

Attribute: Darkness, Fire

Danger Level: Highest

Psychology: [Wants to kill all students, including you.]

This is the "Sparring" part of "The Magic Knight of Merchen" Act 3, Chapter 1...

'What's going on...?'

Phantom Rifa, the final boss of "The Magic Knight of Merchen" Act 6, Chapter 3, "False Hell."

He's supposed to appear much later... why is he here now...?

* * *

Under the clear sky, the wind was blowing on the rooftop of Duke Hall.

The small, wiry demon with ash-gray hair, 'Phantom Rifa,' leaned against the railing and looked down.

A large magic circle emitting a faint purple light was engraved on the rooftop floor, but Rifa's interest lay beyond it.

With his unique skill [Piercing Vision], he could see through the building and observe the interior.

The arena was divided into four sections, and students were engaged in sparring, but none stood out yet.

[The meddler isn't here yet~.]

Rifa spoke with a bored tone, his voice playful.

The meddler who hunts demons. He hasn't appeared yet. Once found, Rifa planned to start a death game centered around him and Ian Fairytail.

All 1st-year students of the Magic Department in Duke Hall would be participants. The boring judges would be extras.

[It's coming soon, very soon.]

He would trap everyone with his magic and make Ian Fairytail and the meddler protect the people. Ah, it would surely be entertaining.

Rifa chuckled, his excitement growing.

At that moment,

Creak─.

The rooftop door opened, and a man with a cold expression appeared. Silver hair and blue eyes. Professor Fernando Frost.

Rifa's eyes turned to Fernando.

"A demon...?"

Fernando narrowed his eyes and glared at Rifa coldly.

Rifa smiled widely, not expecting a professor to appear here.

[What brings you here, Professor~? Ah, the 1st-year sparring evaluation is happening now, right?]

"......"

[Access to Duke Hall is strictly prohibited! Ah, I forgot, I forgot! I'm sorry~.]

Rifa answered like a mischievous child, showing no sign of remorse.

"Speak...?"

Fernando was surprised that Rifa spoke like a normal human.

Demons are known to have low intelligence and are incapable of normal conversation.

[But what's going on? Wasn't the net only inside the building? Ah, you've extended it outside this time? You overdid it~.]

"......Where did you hear that?"

Fernando usually sets up a telekinetic net around the entire building during exams and practical evaluations. It's a kind of barrier. Therefore, he can immediately detect any anomalies.

However, only key groups within the faculty know this: the professors, the Four Star Seats, and the student council.

"Do you have an informant?"

[Hehehe....]

Rifa only laughed with a unique laugh, not answering. It was as if he didn't need to.

The meaning was clear.

'You're going to die here anyway.'

"What are your intentions?"

Fernando extended his right index finger toward Rifa. Water and ice mana flowed from the finger, compressing into a small, round projectile.

"Water Creation (Water Attribute, ★1)" + "Ice Creation (Ice Attribute, ★1)" + "Compression (Neutral Attribute, ★4)"

= "Elemental Bullet (Water + Ice Attribute)"

[Oh, calm down, calm down~. Let's talk peacefully, shall we?]

"You have the nerve to say that."

The magic circle on the rooftop floor had wavy lines that intertwined in a sinister and unknown pattern.

Fernando had memorized most magic circles, so this ominous and unidentified one felt extremely dangerous to him.

No mana was detectable. Perhaps it hadn't activated yet.

No, normally, some mana should be detectable just before a magic circle activates...

[Sigh, I didn't want to be interrupted... But you'll do as an appetizer!]

"......!"

With Rifa's playful voice, the purple light from the magic circle intensified.

Then, a dark and strange mana spread rapidly, enveloping Rifa and Fernando in an instant.

[Enjoy, Fernando Frost.]

A purple circular space, [False Hell], was created on the rooftop.

Natural mana floating in the air was sucked in, creating a new world disconnected from the laws and principles of this world.

Fernando was forcibly invited into this world.