Academy’s Genius Swordsman

Chapter 184

HEL SCANS

[Translator Peptobismol]

[Proofreader Demon God]

After hearing the shocking news, Ronan stood still for a few seconds. Navardose attending the parents day at the academy. It was a phrase he wouldnt have voluntarily recalled even if he had to live his life over ten times.

When exactly is the entrance ceremony?

Its a week from now.

This is messed up Does His Majesty know?

He probably doesnt know yet. And Im not sure if I should report this to His Majesty, considering the way this letter came.

Katir sighed, touching his forehead. He handed the letter from Navardose to Ronan, wearing an expression as if he were showing his own internal organs. On the crimson paper, there was a simple sentence written in cursive.

[Coming. Six days later.]

Shit.

Ronan cursed again. This didnt seem like a joke letter written to a twenty-year-old friend. The problem was, there was no one who could say anything about her unilateral notice.

Navardoses visits were not ordinary events. Whenever she occasionally visited the Empire, regardless of the reason, that day became a temporary public holiday. Merchants closed their shops, and citizens waited indoors for a while, showing respect for the Mother of Fire.

She is probably the closest creature to God. If God exists.

Understanding Katirs bewildering feelings about such a behemoth traveling to Philleon just to attend her sons entrance ceremony, Ronan suddenly recalled memories from a past life, and he bit his lower lip.

Although he had never seen Navardose in person, he knew that her status, widely known among the people, was by no means exaggerated. When she burned Duaru, one of the three giants, to death, the flames she emitted could be seen from thousands of kilometers away.

I woke up thinking it was morning, but it looks like Im still dreaming.

The pillar of fire soaring through the sky momentarily abolished the concept of night in the world. Imperial messengers dispatched to the City of Dragons witnessed the dead giant turned into mere charcoal, Navardose who collapsed from exhaustion, and the corpses of countless dragons.

However, unfortunately, there wasnt just one giant. Nirvana and Ahaiyute were still alive, and Navardose, depleted of her strength, couldnt participate in the following battle.

As a result, humanity not only lost the Great Mage Lorehon but also the loss of three-tenth of the continent. And in the end, it was destroyed completely. Katir, who had been groaning, spoke up.

Well for now, Ill try to figure this out somehow. Nothing will change just by worrying. I think I should seek advice from my master.

Your master you mean Lord Lorehon?

Yes. Its not something I can decide rashly. Come to think of it, I received a letter a while ago asking about your well-being. He seemed especially interested in Aselle.

Katirs face looked slightly better than before. He seemed to have gathered his thoughts to some extent. As he snapped his fingers, the space above the entertainment table flipped, and tea cups and snacks appeared.

Sorry for the delay. Well, lets catch up on everything that has happened.

My story isnt exactly cheerful either. Are you sure its okay?

What could be more serious than the Mother of Fire visiting next week? Its okay, go ahead.

Ronan raised an eyebrow. He realized it wasnt entirely incorrect. He began recounting what he had experienced in Parzan in a matter-of-fact tone.

****

The meeting with Kratir took about an hour. Since Ronan deliberately avoided bringing up stories related to the end of the world, there was no throwing of teacups and screaming.

It wasnt that he was particularly worried about the old mans mental health. He just wanted to pick the right moment to talk about it.

After spending a relatively pleasant time, Ronan headed straight to the club area. The cloudless sky was beautiful. As he thought about Navardoses visit, Ronan shook his head.

Its a good opportunity.

Initially, he had been anxious, but now it seemed like he could use it as an opportunity. He had been thinking of visiting her before time ran out anyway, so it was rather fortunate that she was coming to him instead.

I should take advantage of this opportunity. Who knows what might happen in the future.

From the outset, convincing Navardose was one of Ronans goals after his regression. The value of a dragon with a record of burning giants was undeniable. Perhaps he could even learn a way to disrupt the Protection of the Stars.

The only problem was that he couldnt think of a way to engage her in a conversation. There was no reason for that haughty dragon to converse with him.

Should I draw attention to myself by pissing on the ground during the entrance ceremony? Ive heard her temperament is foul, but what if I provoke her by babbling nonsense?

Lost in such thoughts, Ronan found himself at the warehouse connected to the club before he knew it. Suddenly, there was a burst of loud cheers.

Congratulations on your discharge!

Oh, my goodness, what a surprise!

The noise was deafening, echoing in the underground. Ronans eyes widened. Members of the elite adventure club, including Aselle and Marya, were gathered in the vast training ground in the background.

You guys

Ro-Ronan. Are you fully recovered now?

Aselle asked, stuttering. His hair, now longer, cascaded over his shoulders. A white streak which appeared when the Winter Witch had possessed his body still gleamed in one corner of his bangs.

It had been a month since they last met. Everyone seemed healthy, laughing and smiling. Marya, who had leaped up to Ronan, clung to his neck.

Keuk!

Are you really okay? You slept for so long. Really long.

I was fine until now, but you made it painful again.

She still had incredible strength. Ronans face turned a faint shade of blue as he struggled in her grip. Realizing her mistake belatedly, she let go.

Sorry. Ive been having trouble controlling my strength lately. Ahaha

Its okay. By the way, werent you guys supposed to be doing club activities? I distinctly remember hearing something about Griffons and whatnot.

Well, it ended earlier than expected. Youd be surprised how strong our cutie has gotten.

Marya pulled Aselle into a tight hug from behind. Aselles face was now the same color as his hair, blending seamlessly. Judging by his shy reactions, it seemed like their relationship hadnt progressed much. Braum, standing behind them, let out a hearty laugh.

Hahaha! It feels like its been ages since we last met, and its only been a month. How was the Festival of Swords?

Eh, it was alright. Ill tell you more about it next time; the atmosphere might get awkward if I go into detail now. Are you handling the shield better now?

Haha, what are you talking about? So far, no one from the graduating class has been able to pierce my Brahms!

Braum pounded on the large shield strapped to his back. It was the shield Ronan had fitted for him in Gran Cappadocia.

Seeing how he even named it, it seemed like he cherished it quite a bit. Ronans mouth quirked up at his confident demeanor.

Oh, really?

Just a moment!

Ronan drew his sword. Braums hand moved reflexively as he took a sharp breath. Claaang! Sparks flew from the air as the sound of metal clashed resounded.

Ho.

Hahaha! Did you see that? I blocked it!

Ronan exclaimed, his mouth forming a slight o in admiration. The white blade was stopped in its tracks against the shield. Even though it was just a light swing, he hadnt imagined it would be blocked.

Not bad, Braum.

Its still a fearsome quick sword. I never thought the day would come when I would block Ronans sword. Im glad!

Braum chuckled heartily, bending over with laughter. As pleasing as it was to see him genuinely happy, it was regrettable that he needed to be informed of the truth. Ronan, scratching his head awkwardly, spoke up.

Uh, sorry.

Hahaha Hm? Whats up?

Next time, instead of going to another blacksmith, try asking Doron directly. With your level of skill, hell definitely make it for you.

Braum cocked his head at the unfamiliar name. At that moment, a white line was drawn vertically over his large shield. Clang! The shield split neatly into two halves and fell to the ground.

Aahhh! Brahms!

Its sharper than I thought I should be more careful.

Ronan murmured, looking at the edge of Lamanchas blade. It had always boasted exceptional cutting power, but it had become even more formidable since being combined with the Holy Sword.

Whoa-oh! How could my comrade have to go through this? I I

Braums cry filled the training ground. He was kneeling, clutching the shattered shield. With tears streaming down his face, it looked as though someone might mistake him for mourning a deceased lover.

Suddenly, a shadow loomed under his feet, stretching out long. It was a phenomenon seen somewhere before. Soon enough, a girl with silver hair broke through the shadow, tearing it apart to reveal her figure.

Braum its too noisy.

Ugh! S-Sorry. Did I wake you?

Yeah. Because of you.

It was Ophelia, the only vampire in Philleon. Ronan was wondering where she had been, but she had apparently been sleeping inside the club building.

She gently caressed Braums neck. Her white fingers twirled around the area where his carotid artery passed.

Braum, who had stopped his banter and frozen like a mouse in front of a snake, turned his head towards Ronan as Ophelia waved and greeted him.

Hi, Ronan Youve gotten stronger since we last met. Whats your secret?

Just go through a lot of shitty stuff. But hey, about that stone

Ronan pointed his index finger at Ophelia. A white, smooth stone was lodged against her side. It was a stone that seemed very familiar. Marya widened her eyes and exclaimed,

Ahh! I was wondering where that went!

As Aselle turned his head, his face turned pale. Only the three of them, including Ronan, knew the true origin of the stone. Ophelia stroked the stone gently and said.

These days its a stone I use as a pillow. Its pretty and I can feel its magic, so I like it.

A pillow?

Ronan furrowed his brow. It occurred to him that Ophelia probably didnt know the unfortunate story behind the stone originally being an old elf.

Though she couldve easily suffered from nightmares, it seemed like she hadnt experienced anything like that yet. But should he just see it as a simple punishment? While pondering deeply, Ronan stopped Marya from taking the stone back.

Why are you stopping me? Thats

I know what it is. But wouldnt it make you happy if you became a pretty girls pillow? Come to think of it, theyre about the same age.

Youre insane.

Marya looked at him with a disdainful gaze. Nevertheless, Ronan didnt back down. No matter how he thought about it, for Saranate, who had turned into a stone, this was its own happy ending.

Come to think of it, where did that lizard kid go?

Lizard? Oh, Itargand went back to Adren to prepare for the entrance ceremony. He said hed come back on the day before or on the day of the entrance ceremony.

Is that so

Ronan chuckled dryly. Judging by the casual response, it seemed like they didnt know who else was coming along.

Anyway, it was good to see everyones faces after such a long time. Suddenly, Ronan belatedly realized that he had missed these boys and girls in front of him. He had felt this way during his Punishment Squad days as well; humans indeed seemed like creatures who couldnt live alone. Ronan spoke up.

Anyway, as long as everyones been doing well, thats what matters. Its been a while, but can you fill me in on how the academys been running?

Of course. But theres something we need to do first. Your body is completely healed now, right?

Marya asked. Ronan shrugged at the ambiguous question.

Something to do? Well, yeah, I guess

Then spar with us. Seriously.

Huh?

Ronan raised an eyebrow. Sparring proposals always came from his side, so being urged first was a first for him.

Whats suddenly got into you?

I realized that you havent sparred with us since you lifted the curse. Everyone has also been working hard, you know.

Maryas tone was serious. Ronan looked around at the other members. They all wore determined expressions as they stared at him.

Different emotions could be read in their eyes of different colors: tension, fear, the determination to win Ronan chuckled and nodded.

Well, if you want.

He thought they picked a good time. Ronan tapped the hilt of his sword. A warm glow seeped out through the gaps in the sheath, responding like a greeting. Despite his weary mind, sometimes, things like this were alright.

[TL/N: becoming a pillow for a sadistic vampire girl? where can I sign up?]

HEL SCANS

[Translator Peptobismol]

[Proofreader Demon God]

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