Chapter 40
There was certainty.
Artellion was confident that he would storm the stronghold of Class 1, whether he was wearing a short robe or shabby clothes, and break through the unsafe zone.
He seemed indifferent in every way, but in reality, he was a remarkable strategist who had never known the word “defeat” until the entrance exam.
When he entered Academia and suffered the disgrace of being ranked last, he couldn’t just sit idly by. This opportunity was a chance for him to redeem his previous humiliation.
However, it was rare to see him act independently. Especially when it came to stories unrelated to people like his former lover, Alicia.
Therefore, through visual magic, I provided him with a good “reason” to eliminate me.
That reason being that I was the “king.”
Of course, the visual magic I displayed was manipulated, and the possibility of me not being a king was undoubtedly considered.
Yet, he charged towards me with determination. Was it due to his stubbornness?
No, Artellion possessed not only physical talent but also decent judgment. Unlike Liam, who was a simple bully, he widened his perspective and likely considered the possibility of me not being a king.
-Clang, clank!
“I understand your haste, but wait a moment. I will give you time to exact revenge on the species that have captured you.”
I calmed the head of a wolf-like monster nearby by stroking it.
The monster, which could easily reach 2 meters when standing, cutely flicked its ears and drooled. Excited as if injected with adrenaline, it barely contained its excitement upon my command.
It was so adorable that I almost pinched its cheeks.
-Growl.
To explain the current situation, I am currently waiting in the forest near Class 2’s stronghold.
On one side, I observe the situation of Class 1 through my lovely twin owl familiars.
On the other side, I command the aggressive demons of the Shanet species.
The forest is full of shadows.
Anger towards the human race.
Violence and cruelty are at their peak.
After briefly diverting my attention from them,
I focus again on the situation at Class 1’s stronghold.
Artellion and Alicia are clashing, while Nias, who embodies me watching over them, chuckles.
Currently, Nias is participating in the class tournament under the guise of being a familiar capable of changing appearance. Some professors know that Nias is a high-ranking spirit, but other students, excluding Alicia, are unaware.
Artellion still only knows Nias as me. This confirmed his susceptibility to hallucinations and delusions at the beginning of the story.
Now, all that’s left is to neutralize the familiar assigned to Palon, who has taken on the role of a wireless operator… Oh, Pin, following Nias’s orders, has reached its destination.
My familiar, hidden in Pin’s shadow, reacted and swallowed his familiar whole.
With this, Artellion’s communication was blocked.
-Growl!
Various monsters in the dark forest growl, their red eyes flashing.
Their eyes reflected hatred and an impulse to break free.
I forcibly suppressed their intense emotions and endured.
It was as if they were eagerly awaiting the moment when my permission would be withdrawn.
Yes, they endured well.
Despite being consumed by such deep emotions.
You are monsters, not beasts.
I guarantee that.
Now is the time for a well-deserved reward for your patience.
I said with a smile.
“I permit the intrusion.”
⎯Kwaaah!
As the words fell, the ground trembled fiercely and reverberated ominously.
The world was filled with dread.
***
The castle walls crumble like a pile of Legos.
A colossal monster in the form of an ogre charges, creating a massive hole in the thick wall.
The debuff spells did not affect the monsters; they were not human.
⎯Kwaaa!
The monsters roared as they surged forward.
Young aspiring heroes shouted battle cries or obscene words to hold them back.
Yet, they were still young sprouts of the guardians meant to protect humanity, inexperienced in battling monsters. Most had no experience, and those who did had never faced such an exhilarating number of creatures.
⎯aaargh!!
⎯What, what is this! What’s happening!
⎯Why is there no response from the Academy… This is no longer a class battle…!!
Shock led to screams.
From Noble mtl dot com
Screams bred terror.
Monsters were seen as meager yet useful creatures.
Primarily dwelling in dungeons, born to serve as minions, sacrificing themselves for their masters in place of death.
That was the general perception of monsters.
⎯This… this can’t be… These monsters are all… cursed by one person…? The total magic power needed must be unbelievably vast. Is this even possible…?
⎯Snap out of it! This can’t be happening!! Open your eyes and understand properly!
⎯B-but, the fact that all forms of magic take the shape of the same sorcerer… aaargh!
⎯Damn it! They’re already here. What do we do! Charge!!
Oh, the female student holding a staff in the chaotic battlefield seems to have quite a good insight. It wouldn’t hurt to follow her lead.
On the other hand, the male student next to her seems clueless. His sword swinging form is far from ideal. It might take a few more months of practice to reach a decent level. Just about that.
Such individuals were widespread in the world. Let’s not waste space on them and erase them from our minds.
Oh, speaking of which. This guy seems to be the same.
“P-please… spare me… please….”
Look.
Over there, a man who couldn’t bear the fear, trembling legs giving in, sinking to the ground, shedding tears and snot in fear.
Even on the battlefield of the class battle, this ignorant nobleman who couldn’t let go of his flashy accessories.
They must have seen monsters as tamed and oppressed creatures, trained by humans. Simply obedient pets for their amusement.
Unaware of the intense hatred they harbored. Oblivious to the origin of the apparent docility and obedience.
Truly foolish beings.
“Lord Vargan, Lord Vargan! This isn’t right…! No matter who you are, this, this is…!!”
Bizarre eyes were fixed on me.
Although it was a piercing gaze, his expression seemed to be pleading for mercy.
The demon’s foot, with sharp claws embedded in it, advanced towards him. He seemed eager to tear me apart right away, exhaling excitement through his nose.
“Wait, wait, wait a minute!!”
Perhaps, this was the moment he truly faced animosity for the first time in his life.
As those lively eyes seemed to devour him, he must have imagined his arm being torn apart.
Hence, he wailed with such a pitiful voice.
He looked at me, then back at the demon. No matter how fierce the confrontation, murder was not permitted. I couldn’t let go of the belief that I would stop that beast.
However.
As I lost interest in watching, I turned away, and he barked urgently.
His voice was so desperate that I almost burst into laughter.
“S-Surrender!! I lost! I surrender…!!”
Another defeated one emerged with extinguished determination.
The demon growling in front of him vanished with the demise of animosity, disappearing elsewhere.
As the sight of the demon faded, the nobleman seemed to realize the predicament he was in, his face filled with fear and embarrassment. He was still kneeling on the ground.
He is not a king.
Whether out of naivety or not, Artellion entrusted the role back to the character he had initially chosen.
His shield.
No, not yet.
He entrusted the role of king to a woman of strong will.
⎯Creak.
He opened the door to one of the many chambers.
Inside, a woman was being held by my task horse, unable to move an inch.
She had been bitten by my possession, the wolf-like task horse that could transform into chains. Her skills were not to be underestimated, so I didn’t leave her to the demons that roamed the island but intervened directly.
She glared at me sharply, as if she could pierce through.
If she’s going to finish it, she should hurry up. She seems to want to scold me for stalling.
Her mouth was sealed, so she spoke with her eyes.
“In everything, there is an order. Just wait a little.”
Artellion’s shield. One of the heroines Liam read about in a novel. However, she had no particular connection with Liam, so she could be considered a supporting character now.
Osel Solus Lauka.
One of Artellion’s loyalists, ranked 9th in the entrance exam, she was a skilled individual next to Artellion in 2nd class.
Even though she was tightly bound, unable to even boast about her proud swordsmanship.
All she could move was her fingers twitching in the hand with the king’s emblem.
In the corner, the white gloves she wore were thrown aside.
“Seeing you have taken on the responsibility of a king, it seems you have gained quite a bit of Artellion’s trust.”
It wasn’t Artellion who rushed recklessly to the 1st class stronghold.
Without any hindrance, he placed this woman as king at a secure point, using himself as a tool of power.
A move to obtain both spear and shield.
Certainly, not a bad idea.
Lauga is actually the possessor of considerable skill, recognizing both leadership and loyalty.
However, the fact that I could predict your actions in advance is a crucial flaw, Artellion.
“…….”
Looking into those anger-filled eyes, Erica comes to mind. The atmosphere is completely different, but one could say she is an enemy looking at me.
Anyway, it is a sad thing when someone harbors animosity towards me.
“We must vividly imprint the current scene on the spectators watching the class tournament. That’s why there may be some who shed blood. But if one is a hero, a few scars should be nothing.”
“…!!”
Despite explaining each detail so kindly, why does he dislike me? It’s something I can hardly comprehend.
“What is there to worry about? If there’s a possibility of murder or excessive punishment, Academia will intervene.”
Students who are attacked will automatically be marked as out, but isn’t that better than dying?
“Anyway, just for a moment… Oh?”
Another perspective. While briefly checking Class 1’s stronghold, I could see a peculiar point.
Artellion displayed a red aura. Indeed, this would lead to Alicia’s quick elimination. Her skills have already been sufficiently proven to everyone in Academia.
I was considering waiting a bit longer, but I should end it now.
I approached the girl who was glaring at me.
“…….”
As our distance closed, Lauga’s eyes showed wariness.
She asks to finish quickly, but when I actually approach, she bares her claws. Quite uncouth.
“Do as you wish.”
I reached out my hand to her.