Chapter 33: Reunion (3)
What are you suddenly talking about? And did you just use informal speech?
Yeah. Screw you.
The rectangles illuminated brightly, signaling the start of the duel. Ronan dashed forward as if shot out, grasping the hilt of his sword.
What, what is it?!
Startled, Karudan swung his spear. Four crescent-shaped blades flew through the air towards Ronan. He deftly twisted his body, evading the blades.
You didnt eat the school lunch through your asshole, right?.
It was clear just from looking at the blades. They were far superior to Brauns. Of course, Ronan didnt know that.
In an instant, the narrowing distance caught Karudans attention. He gathered his remaining mana, summoning a blade several times larger than before. Karudan released the blade and shouted.
You crazy bastard! Die!
The blade was aimed directly at Ronans waist. It was an inescapable trajectory unless he had wings.
But Ronan didnt evade. He merely held his sword vertically.
Clang!
The dual-edged blade struck Ronans sides and exploded. Karudans eyes widened.
What?!
The distance had completely closed. Before Ronans eyes were already thousands of black blades. Most of them led to futures directly tied to turning Karudan into a pile of flesh. Ronan clicked his tongue.
The academy is all fine, but this is the only thing I dont like.
He couldnt kill or mutilate him. Ronan sighed as he sent a sword strike towards Karudans head and his chest.
Swoosh!
The razor-sharp blade slid back through the scalp. It was a moment after Karudan belatedly retracted his body. As the severed hair floated in the air, a wide path was opened on Karudans head.
Seeing the falling hair, Karudan exclaimed in a bewildered, mixed voice.
Huh? Whatwhat is this?!
You dont have to cut your hair for a while.
At the same time, thin lines appeared on the spear. The spear, now divided into twelve fragments, exploded into pieces. Ronans motion continued as he swiped at Karudans chest.
Ugh!
Karudan, pinned from his back to the ground, gasped for breath. For a moment, his vision blurred before the ceiling unfolded before his eyes. It felt like his ribs were broken. Ronan twisted Karudans collar and growled.
Listen well, Karudan. This is a warning.
You, you think you can get away with this even after doing this? You, youre not even in the same grade, and youre doing this to a senior!
Smack!
Ronan slapped Karudans cheek. A dull sound echoed from the violently turned head. Ronan pulled Karudans collar, bringing his face close.
Ive never had a senior like you, you bastard. And I dont care about that crap.
What, what!
Remember. If you act like that to her once more, Ill cut off your pathetic little thing and stick it to your forehead.
Heehee hee!
The most pathetic unicorn in the world. Youll probably even be shunned among the unicorns because your horn will be pathetically small.
Ronan let go of Karudans collar. Karudan collapsed, rubbing his head. He was breathing heavily, as if he had just had the worst nightmare of his life.
The dueling arena had fallen into silence. Braun and Nasdo, who usually carried themselves with grace, were no different.
Their attitude was completely different from how they normally acted. Ronan, standing up, aimed the tip of his sword at a male student.
Hey, you.
Uh yeah?
When Karudan was tormenting Adeshan, it was a senior who locked eyes with him. The student, pressed by Ronans momentum, shrank back.
When did this ** start happening?
W-What are you talking about
Do you want to die? You locked eyes with me earlier. Remember?
With his sword drawn, Ronan approached him. The frightened male student took a step back. Only then did Adeshan, who had regained his senses, step in front of Ronan.
T-There is no need Im really fine. Calm down, okay?
Step aside. I cant stand seeing people like you being cursed and those bastards who are just standing there watching are the same.
Ronan pointed at Karudan, who was lying on the ground. His face, completely drained of color, was filled with terror.
Indescribable emotions boiled in Ronans chest. He couldnt tell if it was late loyalty to his former superior or the result of the division he had made at the last moment.
However, this wasnt the right way. The person who had given him a new chance shouldnt be treated like trash. It was the moment to repel Adeshan and move forward.
Stop, Ronan.
The world Ronan was looking at was suddenly engulfed in darkness. The sound of metal clinking echoed from various places on the ground.
Ronan turned his gaze to where the voice came from. A gigantic serpent was glaring at him up close. Ronan clenched his teeth, taking a deep breath.
Is that your familiar?
The snakes body coiled around the dueling arena, its end not visible. The serpent, as huge as Professor Varen, was enough to swallow him whole.
The eerie pupils that paralyzed any creature they met had a deep green color similar to Naviroses. The snakes mouth slowly opened.
I wont ask about the responsibility for what happened during the duel with Karudan. A lot can happen during a duel. However, I cannot allow anything beyond that.
Did you actually see everything?
Yes.
Damn, and you call yourself an educator? Your subordinate, no, a student, is being tormented.
Ronan spat on the ground. Swordmaster and all that bull** didnt matter now. The snake revealed its venomous fangs as it fully opened its mouth.
Thats not your area to interfere. My assistant and I will handle it. Go back to your place with your sword.
An eerie feeling, as if licking the brain with his tongue, ran through him. He knew this illusion was created by Navirose.
But the trembling in his hand holding the sword didnt stop. Taking a deep breath, Ronan took a step forward.
Fuck it.
The snake closed its mouth. A sharp impact was felt at the back of his head. Ronans consciousness went blank.
****
He woke up to the sound of cicadas. The ceiling made of leaves came into view. Through the gaps between the fluttering leaves, he could see the cloud-filled sky whenever the damp wind blew.
Where is this?
The air felt heavy. Ronan slowly raised his upper body. He was lying on a hammock made of netting. In a corner, the familiar voice was coming from.
Even catching just one of them properly would be worth more than a mansion, like a dream eater or a sea nymph! The same goes for those bastards who just stand by and watch.
Then why are you shoveling ** with a spade here, Valus? Where did you leave the mansion?
Maybe those brainless idiots dont understand it, but really? Hey, Ronan! Could you lend a hand with these idiots!
Ronan got up from his spot. A very familiar landscape entered his view. A run-down shack built with debris, an Imperial campsite spread out below the mountain, and the guys sitting around a campfire chattering nonsense.
Ronan recited the names of his punishment unit soldiers like a drunk person.
Luudan? Martin? Valus? Why are you all here?
Ah, how much did you drink yesterday to look like that? I said lets have some together if you
stole some alcohol.
Forget it. You guys went crazy from being bored, huh? Uracil, how much longer do we have to wait here? Are you the General or what?
Are you the General?
The moment Ronan heard those words, an eerie feeling passed through his mind. It was a
scene he clearly remembered. Immediately, he recalled what would follow and hastily got up.
Damn it, now is not the time, you bastards. You cant be here.
What are you suddenly talking about, Ronan?
Shut up and follow me. Theres no time
Ronan was about to grab Valus collar when suddenly a blaring sound, like a horn shaking the heavens and earth, echoed.
Boooom!
Boooom!
Boooom!
Ah, my ears!
What the hell is this sound?
His friends covered their ears. The cacophony from the campsite below the mountain began to reach their ears.
The moment Ronans gaze reached the sky, a majestic voice resounded in everyones minds.
Ahayute answers the call. Everything is as per His will.
A geometric magic circle appeared in the air along with the breaking of the clouds. The gigantic figure, with four wings outstretched, began to descend slowly as if shaking the earth.
W-What is that?
M-Monster!
The soldiers who were used to unreal scenes screamed in terror. Arrows and offensive spells, as if waiting for the giant, were shot towards it. Seeing light gathering in Ahayutes hand, Ronan turned his head.
Listen well. You guys wont be any help, so take advantage of the chaos and run away. Two of those things are coming down, so head north
But Ronan froze in place. All three of his friends had turned into corpses. Their bodies were so twisted that it was impossible to recognize their original features.
Swoosh!
The sound of rain reached his ears. Ronan realized that the background had suddenly turned into a desolate wasteland. Ahayutes blue blood pooled beneath his feet. Someone whispered in his ear.
Will you make me a judge?
Guh!
Ronan jolted up as if propelled. The blanket covering him fell to the ground. White curtains were hung around, transforming his surroundings. The sound of urgent footsteps came with the curtain being pulled back.
Whats happening? Are you okay?
Adeshan? Navirose?
Emerging from the wet curtain were Navirose and Adeshan in school uniform. Navirose, who was wiping Ronan up and down, turned around.
You seem fine. Ill go first.
Yes, sure!
The sound of footsteps grew fainter. It was truly an absurd exit. Adeshan, who had hesitated for a moment, sat down on the makeshift chair beside the bed.
You fainted, so I brought you to the infirmary. Hows your body?
Im fine.
Hey, did you get angry at me earlier?
Ronan didnt respond. It was as if he had dreamed a nightmare. The image of the descending Ahayute, the scattered corpses, and the Generals last words were lingering in his mind.
Adeshan, noticing Ronans mood, spoke up.
Dont hate the casual ones too much. Karadan was one of the top students in the third year. He was smart enough to know it was wrong, but he might have been too scared to say anything.
Speaking of which, what about that guy?
Well Im not sure, but he probably wont show up in class for a while. He couldnt even walk properly and had to be supported by his friends.
Thats fortunate.
Ronan nodded. He decided to trust that Karadan or whoever that guy was had some sense. After warning him like that, if he didnt understand, Ronan would have had no choice but to kill him or make him a fool.
General no, Adeshan. I have a question.
Huh? What is it?
Why do you tolerate such treatment and stay quiet? Dont you get angry? Especially Navirose, the instructor, allowing her student to be treated that way.
Ronans voice became intense. Let me and my assistant handle it. That was making him angry again. The words that fueled his anger were building up once more. Adeshan, twisting his lips anxiously, began to speak.
Its fine. I asked for it.
You asked for it?
Yeah. Professor Navirose is a really good person, so I hope you dont misunderstand. I asked her. Even if someone who thinks like Karadan treats me lightly, dont intervene.
Why did you make such a ridiculous no, foolish request?
Adeshan explained the situation. The former Sword Saint Navirose was Adeshans idol. After miraculously passing the Philleon entrance exam after four years of preparation, Adeshan wanted to attend Naviroses classes no matter what. However, her classes were only available to students who had surpassed the level of Sword Expert.
Because I enjoy privileges I dont deserve. Im still at the level of a Sword User. Even if I become an assistant, that wont change.
Ronans eyes widened. It wasnt particularly surprising given Adeshans seemingly thoughtful nature.
Even after years of training, youre still just a Sword User? That General Adeshan?
In the past, when he didnt know much about mana, he might have let it slide. But now, the story was different. It was nonsensical.
Ronan remembered Adeshans aura. Of course, Adeshans true strength came from her unique ability, not just her aura, but her aura also possessed a power befitting someone at the pinnacle of the Imperial Army.
He recalled something about shadow mana. Just as Ronan was about to say something, Adeshan continued.
But thanks anyway. Its our first time meeting, yet you cared this much.
I was just annoyed.
Well, youre really a good person. Oh, look at this.
Suddenly, Adeshan pulled something out. It was the jacket he had thrown away during their duel. Pointing at the elbow area, Adeshan grinned mischievously.
It was slightly torn, so I sewed it up. Looks nice, huh?
Yes, indeed.
There was no sign of any blemishes on the elbow. Her sewing skills were exceptional. Adeshan,
who had opened up a bit, began to chatter away.
Youre the first student to resist Naviroses aura and move. How did you even do that? Everyone dropped their weapons except Shullifen.
Just grip the hilt of the sword tightly.
Ahaha, youre quite amusing.
Adeshan chuckled. She didnt seem to feel any discomfort at Ronans rough way of speaking. The more he talked to her, the more he realized she was unusual. As Ronan was thinking about
something, he spoke up.
So, inspired by you, I went to the library, and there was this 1st-year girl there, standing alone. She had beautiful purple hair, so
Adeshan.
Yeah?
Why are you working so hard?
What do you mean?
I want to know why youre so obsessed with becoming stronger. You know it yourself. If it were someone else, they would have given up long ago.
Adeshans situation wasnt good at all. She lacked innate talent, her practical scores were low, and she was even taking odd jobs to earn money for tuition.
Yet, if her determination wasnt shaken, there must be something she can rely on. Ronan asked.
Do you have any particular reason?
Adeshan hesitated for a moment. Ronan stared at her with a knowing smile. Avoiding his gaze, she looked at her lap before speaking.
W-well, I have a dream
A dream?
Yes. I want to achieve it no matter what If you promise not to laugh, Ill tell you.
I promise.
Okay. I think we get along pretty well. Can I really believe you? I havent told anyone yet.
Ronan nodded. Adeshan took a deep breath and began to speak.
General.
Time seemed to stand still for Ronan. Adeshan, who had just washed her face, blushed and continued talking.
I might look reckless, but I want to try challenging myself. Even though Im saying this myself, I
have confidence in military strategy and tactics. Ive never missed being in first place.
Hope was evident in her ashen eyes. Adeshan spoke rapidly, pouring out her feelings about her dream.
And when a war breaks out, a lot of people die, right? I?
Suddenly, Adeshan trailed off. A shadow crossed her face for a moment, but Ronan, whose vision had already blurred, didnt notice the change. Adeshan brightened up and smiled again, raising her head.
Well, no, not that. Later. Anyway, I dont think anyone would want to follow a General who hasnt awakened her aura.
As her words grew longer, realization dawned on him. The Commander Adeshan he knew, who wanted to become a Tailor, was no longer here. Ronan wiped his eyes with his sleeve and let out a bitter laugh.
So oh! You said you wouldnt laugh!
Im not laughing.
You really arent?
Adeshan looked at Ronan skeptically. He nodded, suppressing a bitter smile. Adeshan checked the time, then stood up from her seat.
Well I should be going now. Ive rested enough.
Okay.ll new stries at n0ve/lbi/(.)cm
Oh, by the way, Navirose said to make sure you come to the next class. She added that she wont let you off the hook if you dont show up.
Damn it, got it.
Alright, see you later, Ronan. If you have anything to worry about or want to talk about, feel free to come to the First Training Ground or the Kratir dormitory anytime.
Thud!
The door closed. Even after Adeshan left, Ronan remained seated on the bed for a while. The message she left behind lingered in his mind.
Tell me not to fool around and become a Tailor, okay?
Fool around? Ronan twisted his lips. A reddish beam of light seeped through the curtains. The sun had set by now.
How can I say that?
Ronan mumbled to himself. He remained there until the room grew dark, then finally returned to the dormitory.
Novel Bin 