Imperial Guard (2)
3 minutes later.
Unlike when he went behind the tent, Tomahawk came out with a big smile. I followed and headed to my seat.
The members who watched the scene with bated breath breathed a sigh of relief, especially the next powerful deputy commander, Kelly Gun.
“phew······”
Perhaps, under the pretext of not properly educating Regilos, he seemed to have expected a snarl. As I and Tomahawk took our seats, the atmosphere became friendly again.
I asked while eating the salad.
“Is the test time the same?”
“Yes, it is. Compared to the last time, only the difficulty has increased, but all other conditions are the same.”
“Imperial Guard Joining Test”.
Fortunately, there were no significant variables in the testing process. It was held for 2 hours in the magic dark room in the basement of the headquarters, and all it did was protect the defense target from random attacks.
However, there was a condition.
Use at least 10 defensive spells.
Do not activate one defensive magic for more than 10 minutes.
In a word, I couldn’t use only “Barrier” all the time. Because officials in charge monitor the darkroom in real time, violating even one of the two conditions would result in immediate disqualification.
A test that Leonard could easily pass.
But I won’t go all the way. I couldn’t spend 2 hours fully testing it.
Now that variables have been created in the academic calendar due to the advanced 「Francis’ Quiz Game」, there is a possibility that the victim will be different from the original work. Maybe the named characters would be sacrificed.
Since it was an attack, it was an event that could not be prevented in advance.
So I had to step in and reduce the number of victims as much as possible. I had to place a number of bets that were not in the original work, and in order to do that, I needed Regilos more than anything.
I passed the whole steak to Tomahawk. Tomahawk waved his hand in amazement.
“I-I’m fine, Professor Leonard.”
“no. You’re working hard on my behalf, so I have to give you this much. It is my sincerity.”
“That… that… I get it. I will eat it thanks.”
Special A+ grade steak prepared only for Leonard. The tomahawk, which was carefully sliced and ate a bite, could not hold back its admiration. It was a whole new world of taste.
“Wow… that’s really cool. Professor Leonard, try a piece too.”
“I am fine. I just have a favor to ask of you.”
“If it’s a request…?”
“Regilos.”
Yes. Steak was a kind of bribe. A bribe in the sense of asking Regilos well in the future. I took it and ate it, so I’ll pay for it.
“I don’t want people to enjoy preferential treatment because of our family, or to turn a blind eye to breaking rules. Rather, I would like you to be more strict with me.”
Tomahawk nodded with a confused face. The reason he condoned Regilos’ atrocities was not because he wanted any gain. It was suppressed by the power of the Adonis family, and had no choice but to leave it unattended.
“sorry. From my point of view…”
“I understand everything. Maybe I would have noticed too. But from now on, I hope you don’t do that. Now that I’ve told you well, I’ll follow the Temporary Guard Captain’s words carefully from now on.”
I drank water from a luxurious glass. Then, he tapped the empty glass.
“There is no water.”
“yes····”
Water poured from a glass water bottle that appeared from behind. Regilos asked.
“Can I get you more?”
“I’m okay. Who is the Temporary Guard Captain?”
“I’m fine too.”
“It’s okay. Go somewhere else.”
“·····All right.”
Regilos bowed his head and moved to another table to pour water. As requested, he was doing a good job as the youngest.
He looked at him with a happy face and asked.
“Now is the time to combine mission and training, right?”
“That’s right.”
“How about Regilos? Skills aren’t bad, but do you participate in training diligently?”
“There are no tardies or absences, but I do not participate in good faith. I don’t think there’s any sense of rough-and-tumble.”
It was unfortunate news for me.
In order to stop 「Lucadelos’s 1st attack」, she needed help from people around her, including Yeria. Among them, Regilos was a key figure.
Depending on his capabilities, he could safely block the attack or lead to total catastrophe.
The remaining period until the [Imperial Guard joining test] is about a month.
It was tight, but if it was Regilos, who inherited the blood of the Adonis family, he would be able to raise his abilities sufficiently.
If tomahawk training is added to that…
I handed the lobster to Tomahawk. Tomahawk’s plate was full of supper.
“Imperial guards, who protect the emperor as the closest person, should not skimp on their training. You never know when, where, and what dangers may lurk, so you have to do your best in everything.”
“I think so too.”
Tomahawk’s current position is a drill instructor.
Just by looking at his pumped biceps, I expected how terrible the training intensity would be. It seemed like that would be enough.
“In that sense, I want you to intensively harass Regilos during training. Please push me beyond the limit until I pass out.”
“All right. I can’t help it if Professor Leonard asks me that much.”
Tomahawk couldn’t control the corners of his mouth rising.
The treatment of the young master was over, and there were things that had accumulated in the meantime, and Leonard’s direct request was also received.
It was meant to be half-killed.
“Let’s do our best. I will also conduct hell training separately.”
“I would appreciate it if you would.”
We looked at Regilos at the same time. The guy who had no idea of the hardships ahead was pouring water with his lips pouting.
“Can I get you more?”
“No, it’s okay.”
“Ohh- now you can do this?”
“…of course the youngest should do it.”
I’m sorry, but… Take this opportunity to regenerate and become a human being.
Even if it’s hard now, if you look far away, it will work to your advantage.
I continued to talk to Tomahawk afterwards.
The internal situation of the Imperial Guard, training and mission schedules, and even digressions about the joining test. Information was collected succinctly.
Then, it was time to leave. When I got up from my seat, all members of the Imperial Household Guard rose to their feet.
Tomahawk asked regretfully.
“Are you leaving already?”
“I think I have to go because I have the next schedule. Thank you for providing a good seat. Next time, I’ll take a big bite.”
I bowed my head to the crew members who worked hard.
It was a natural expression of gratitude from the point of view of winning, but strangely, the crew applauded. I was just embarrassed.
“Enough then.”
“Wait. Regilos!”
As I was about to leave in a hurry, Tomahawk called Regilos. Regilos put down his water bottle and trudged over.
“Did you call, temporary guard captain?”
“Please send Professor Leonard off.”
Regilos said he would
“no.”
I personally refused.
Regilos still had work to do.
“I can go alone. The youngest has to stay and clean up.”
“Mmm, what?”
Unlike me, who smiled peacefully, Regilos’ face turned red. He raised his voice as if he couldn’t stand it any longer.
“I couldn’t even eat food and only poured water, so why am I cleaning up-”
A three-year-old habit lasts until eighty.
It was not a habit to be corrected overnight. Fortunately, there are still two left.
I raised my hand with my middle finger bent.
“Would you like to see me for a second?”
“·······”
Regilos’ voice stopped in an instant.
As long as he didn’t hit the Imperial Guard, he couldn’t refuse. Regilos, who suffered from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), regained his composure as if it had never happened.
The boiling anger faded away like snow melting.
“Everything, of course I should do it…”
“okay. Good idea.”
I put down my raised hand.
It seemed like it would be a good idea to visit the Imperial Guard from time to time in order to correct Regilos’ habits or to check his abilities.
He said it loud enough for Regilos to hear.
“I will visit more often in the future. I think next week will be fine. What do you think, temporary guard captain?”
“We are always welcome.”
“I’m glad. Then I will prepare a special grade steak for you next week.”
The crew cheered at the announced beef dinner. Tomahawk also smiled meaningfully.
Only the face of one, Regilos, turned pale.
＊＊＊
same time.
The wilderness of northern Arkinia.
After completing the 4-day 「Immortal Knights joining test」, Karios headed for the temporary residence.
A spacious hut made of the finest leather.
Inside, there were furnishings comparable to those of a family home, and as if the knights had waited, Karios’ coat was supported.
“Congratulations on passing the test, Karios-sama.”
“·······”
Karios nodded and sat down. The entrance test was to lie down and eat rice cakes.
After using the 4 ‘Beast Summoning Stones’ given by the imperial palace on a daily basis, it was over when all the monsters were subdued.
······By the way.
Why?
An unknown thirst arose.
I’m doing well enough, but I’m continuing to grow, but I felt impatience for some reason.
The only thing in my head is magic. Other distractions were neatly erased.
“·······”
Karios stared into the void and thought.
I had an important appointment today. A very important meeting was scheduled with a person who must not be forgotten.
But what was it…
who was it…
“·······”
My brain went blank. Not even a clue came to mind, as if instinct rejected recall.
And that question was also covered with tenacity for magic.
If you can’t remember, it’s probably not an important promise.
What’s important to me right now is my magical ability.
Talk tok-
Karios touched the crystal ball placed on the table. I contacted Knight Commander Terios.
Eventually, Terios’ voice was heard, and the knights all went out of the hut.
Therios said.
-okay. The test must have passed.
“That’s right.”
-Are you planning to return?
“·······”
Carios could not answer easily. I didn’t want to return yet.
I wanted to slaughter more demons. I wanted to become stronger.
“Father, we are still lacking. We need more demons.”
-I understand your feelings, but don’t you know that you can’t get a monster summoning stone?
The monster summoning stone was managed only in the imperial palace.
Even if he was the leader of the Immortal Knights, he couldn’t take out the Witchbeast Summoning Stone at will.
“I know everything.”
Of course, Karios knew this too. What he wanted wasn’t a demon summoning stone. I just need demons to be sacrificed for attack magic.
“But, there’s Gilbert in the headquarters dungeon, right?”
＊＊＊
The Grand Hall on the top floor of the Magic Tower.
The Grand Hall, where official events of the Mage Tower were held, such as holding a press conference or announcing a grand position, was unusually busy. The officials were busy running around, and the faculty members of the planning department went around the grand hall to check the internal situation.
“What about the VIP seats?”
“I cleaned it so that not a speck of dust came out.”
“Didn’t there be any problems during the rehearsal of the researchers?”
“Yes, the mpts are all working as well.”
“okay. It’s an important position, so let’s get our minds together.”
Jo Cordon, head of the Planning Department, inspected the Grand Hall one last time. After all preparations were complete, the Mage Tower researchers were admitted first.
Again – Again – Again –
Researchers were seated at tables divided by departments and teams.
Sitting in the 4th pharmacy team seat, Jeniel closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
“after······”
Today is the day of the magic tower seminar.
To the staff of the planning department, it was just a tedious event, but to the magic tower researchers, it was an important test bed.
Today’s achievements have a huge impact on future career paths. Depending on what kind of evaluation you receive here, your future career options are determined.
So never make a mistake. No matter what, it had to end perfectly.
“Let’s do well…”
Jeniel widened his eyes, clenched his fists and strengthened his resolve. I practiced mind control while repeating that I can do well – I have prepared harder than anyone else.
But it didn’t work out as intended.
My heart beat out of control, and my lower jaw trembled with strong tension. His gaze continued to turn toward the floor. It was difficult to control the anxiety that was spreading in my heart.
This swamp-like emotion, the more I struggled, the deeper I fell into it. I couldn’t get out of it at all.
That time when I was trying to catch my heart somehow.
Talk tok-
Something touched my shoulder. Jeniel didn’t react. I must have bumped into it by mistake while passing by.”
but within
Talk tok-
I felt a tingle in my shoulder again. Only then did Jeniel raise his head.
“…?”
No one was standing in front. The researcher’s table, the VIP seats, and the vast stage were all there was.
then······
Jeniel turned his head backwards. Standing behind her was Yerina from Team 5 of Pharmacy. Yerina, with her hands behind her back, said with a warm smile.
“Are you very nervous?”
“yes? Ah, yes… a little bit.”
Jeniel pursed his lips. He averted his gaze and nodded his head.
I hate to admit it, but it was true. He was trembling enough to be seen by others. I hated myself for not being able to overcome this tension, and on the other hand, my pride was also hurt.
But why did Yerina suddenly ask?
We’re not on the same team, and we’re not particularly close.
Jeniel looked away again. Yerina was looking down with cute eyes.
When our eyes met, he held out his hand behind his back.
“Eat this when you’re very nervous.”
A packaged pill was placed in her fine palm.
Slightly larger than candy.
Brilliant blue light.
It was a calming pill. In terms of color, it seemed to be of the highest quality.
If it’s a top-notch heart stabilizing pill, it’s a huge amount of medicine that can buy five major books.
Jeniel tilted his head.
“Why this…?”
“just. I wish you well.”
Yerina smiled and placed the pill on Jeniel’s hand. He raised his fist and blew spirits.
“go for it!”
After a single word of encouragement, Yerina returned to her seat.
The sudden kindness was burdensome, but now was not the time to argue about it. Eun-hye, it’s enough to repay her later, and now she had to focus only on the seminar.
Jeniel swallowed a heart-resting pill.
gulp-
Smooth throat as if oiled.
Soon, a warm energy spread and my mind became more comfortable. The tension that suppressed my heart completely disappeared.
Indeed, it was a top-notch effect.
“under······”
Jeniel’s mind became clearer and he looked around with clearer eyes. The back seats were full of people, and the seminar moderator was standing on the stage.
“hello. My name is Jo Cordon, the head of the planning department who was in charge of the seminar.”
The seminar had begun in earnest. Jokodun bowed his head and pointed to the VIP seat in front.
“Before starting the seminar, I would like to introduce the distinguished guests who will be in charge of the evaluation.”
President Frederick, Mage Master Catherine, Head of General Headquarters Batian, etc. Big names attended the seminar. Following the introduction of the moderator, the members stood up one by one and bowed to the audience.
The introduction continued quickly, and we arrived at the last turn before we knew it.
“You are the last guest. You are a master of defensive magic, and you are the one who was awarded the ‘Imperial Commendation’ by His Majesty a while ago.”
Even before the introduction was over, the audience seats became noisy. The reporters aimed at the camera in unison. The women stared at the VIP seats with eyes full of anticipation and excitement.
“·······”
Jeniel also looked there with a curious look.
Only one person was awarded the Imperial Commendation today.
However, he announced his absence.
When I handed over the seminar ticket yesterday, I waved my hand and refused. With the words that he didn’t need a ticket, he immersed himself in preparing to go to the imperial palace.
Of course, I thought I couldn’t come because of the commendation ceremony.
that wasn’t it?
You said you declined the ticket because you were going to attend as a judge?
“no way·····”
After a brief pause, Jokodun introduced him, whom everyone was waiting for.
“This is Deputy Professor Leonard of the Imperial Academy, who attended as a special judge.”
At the same time, the towering rear view.
I could feel even a hint of elegance in the way I slowly turned around.
It’s just an act of looking back.
Before long, a handsome man in uniform showed his face.
A gold medal shining brilliantly on the left chest.
“·······”
When Leonard bowed lightly, the voices echoing in the hall were no longer heard.
Everyone just watched with bated breath.