Chapter 10

Making my way through the narrow path, I ran towards the back of the school building.

While receiving the gazes of the students I passed, I continued to run through.

To be honest, it's been a while since I've done something this childish.

Chasing games are something kids do—well, except for the fact that the speed at which Iris is chasing me from behind is far from ordinary.

We both have enhanced our physical abilities with magic.

I wasn't called the "Sword Saint" just because I was skilled with a sword.

It was because I combined swordsmanship and magic that I earned that title.

No matter what, there are limits to what a human body can do.

In that sense, it could be said that I'm pushing myself a bit—no, quite a bit—to perform at the same level as in my previous life with this young body.

"Still, if I hold back, she'll catch up."

Iris closing in from behind.

I thought I had put some distance between us, but she was still not far behind.

If I pushed myself a little harder and accelerated, I might be able to leave her behind—

(We can't keep running at full speed for thirty minutes, so from here on, it's probably time for hide-and-seek.)

With that judgment, I headed towards the forest beyond the back of the school building.

Although it's still within the school grounds, there are dense rows of trees there.

Considering how large the school grounds are, I think this forest alone takes up quite a bit of space.

This area is likely used for drills and exercises—there are signs of battles all over.

(More importantly... one, two—five, maybe?)

I checked behind me. Seeing that Iris was no longer in sight, I kicked off the ground and fled into the trees.

Almost simultaneously, I saw Iris appear.

"…!"

Iris's expression seemed a bit anxious.

She must have completely lost sight of me.

I continued to run, weaving through the trees.

I climbed down from the tree and looked in the direction Iris had run.

If I can stall until the time limit, I'll win.

"Predicting your opponent's actions—this is also necessary, don't you think?"

I called out to the back.

But the only response was silence.

"Come out. Hiding is pointless."

Repeating this, two figures in robes appeared. Both wore masks, and I couldn't see their faces.

I see, it seems the timing of my arrival here was just right.

—Iris has already been targeted by assassins.

"…How long have you known?"

One of the robed figures asked. Judging by the voice, it was a man.

The other robed figure, judging by the build, was also likely a man.

However, the number of people I counted was different. Three of them had been following Iris.

"Probably when I got here. You were waiting for a moment when Iris would be alone, right?"

I stood in front of the two assassins.

The assassins continued to stare at me, not moving.

They were probably gauging my reach.

"Knowing that, you still came here. …You're not just a kid, are you?"

"Well, I am a teacher here, after all. I can't just let intruders go."

"You're a teacher? Don't joke around."

"I'm not joking."

I spread my hands to emphasize my point.

The assassins still didn't move.

They seemed determined to thoroughly assess my movements.

"…Fine. Your movements show that you're not just anyone. We don't take even unarmed children lightly."

"Don't take them lightly, huh—well, it's already over."

"…What—"

As I spoke, I took a step forward and swung my arm.

With a whoosh, the sound of the wind being cut, I slashed the necks of the two assassins.

The two in front of me probably didn't even understand what had happened.

"Sorry, but I didn't get the title of Sword Saint for nothing. —Now… the problem is Iris."

Without looking back at the fallen assassins, I ran off.

It seems that my work as a teacher and as a knight has come sooner than expected.