LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 25 - Those Girls Are More Aggressive. They Cling and Whine.
Chapter 25: Those Girls Are More Aggressive. They Cling and Whine.
“You just need to reach the point where the red flag is planted.”
With those brief instructions, Professor Leonard began timing. Becky set off under a barrage of watching eyes.
Without a moment’s hesitation, she conjured her ice element. She quickly sprinted up the stairs made of blue crystals, scaling the wall.
‘Her proficiency has noticeably improved.’
Once atop, she connected the walls with ice. Soon, a straight path to the red flag appeared.
Having skillfully eliminated the maze constraint with elemental magic, Becky faced no remaining obstacles. The girl sprinted toward the red flag.
I shifted my gaze to Leonard.
‘Isn’t this too simplistic?’
It was exactly as it seemed.
For a practical exercise, it was overly simple, with more drawbacks than benefits. Becky, for instance, had basically revealed her strategy to everyone.
Yet, Professor Leonard simply stood and observed Becky as she ran with all her might. I couldn’t see what he hoped to evaluate with such a simplistic exercise.
Just as that thought crossed my mind—
“Begin!”
Leonard’s shout served as a signal, and the situation suddenly changed.
The walls, which had been uniform in height, began shifting up and down, with additional walls rising, transforming the maze into a near-impenetrable labyrinth.
“Ugh!”
The ice that had linked the walls shattered, and Becky fell to the ground. But the hardship didn’t end there.
Mana-imbued, non-elemental arrows, fireballs, ice spears… various spells from the second-year students rained down on Becky. She clung to the wall like a sticker, using it as cover.
“Huh? W-wait a second!”
Becky looked up at Professor Leonard with wide eyes. But all she received was a scolding.
“Will you just stand there blankly if you’re ambushed in real combat? Respond!”
Becky gulped nervously, wearing a bewildered expression. Watching this, I nodded to myself.
‘So that’s what this was about.’
The red flag and the time measurement were mere distractions. The real focus of this exercise was to evaluate how one adapts in a sudden situation.
It seemed like a fairly decent setup.
The magic that can be quickly executed in unexpected circumstances is truly one’s own—what can be called genuine skill.
It didn’t matter if she didn’t reach the flag. The key to this evaluation would be whether she could display her abilities to the fullest.
How much could Becky prove herself?
A wide ice barrier spread into the air. Compared to the simulated battle, its strength and width were impressive, but—
‘Why even bother trying to block?’
Her attempt to block every attack while solving the situation was already a misstep.
Boom! Bang!
The incoming attacks pounded against Becky’s ice barrier. But that was it. Focusing all her effort on defense, Becky couldn’t move an inch from her spot.
“Stop!”
At Professor Leonard’s command, the fluctuating walls returned to their original height, and the second-year students ceased their magic.
“Evaluation over. Get back in line. I’ll factor in that you went first.”
Not a sound was uttered as Becky returned to her place.
It was no surprise. The practical exercise, which seemed to only involve navigating the maze, hid unforeseen restrictions within.
“The first-years this year aren’t that impressive.”
“Isn’t it easier than when we were their age?”
The second-year students chatted at will, their expressions bright.
After all, it wasn’t their evaluation. They could shoot spells carefree, and their targets were just first-years. For them, this was nothing but light amusement.
The problem was that their murmurs were clearly audible to the students below.
Perhaps the casual remarks and side glances were also considered part of the ‘unexpected situation,’ as Professor Leonard imposed no restrictions.
“Now you all know what kind of evaluation this is, right? Next, Carol Romien.”
◈
The members of Becky’s group, Group 5, were called out one by one.
“That’s enough, we don’t need to see more.”
“Huh?”
The student’s eyes filled with despair at the unexpectedly swift conclusion. It was like receiving a death sentence.
“Enough. Go back.”
“Yes….”
Afterward, the last member of the group was called, and unsurprisingly, they received harsh criticism. Not a single student had reached the red flag yet.
“Group 5 should just forfeit.”
“All three of them? They’re only good as fodder.”
The second-years openly criticized, but there was no resistance from Becky’s group.
I briefly considered how I would respond when my turn came. With my mana capacity limited, I had to find the best solution, something beyond the best move.
Something one might call a ‘miracle.’
Of course, I already had something in mind.
So, I had no concerns, no worries, none of that.
“It’s now Group 11’s turn. We’re starting right away.”
“Wait a moment.”
A voice interrupted, and Leonard’s gaze turned toward the training ground’s entrance. I naturally followed his line of sight.
The large pointed hat was now a familiar sight. Violet stood at the entrance, looking weary in her robe.
“Professor Violet?”
“Professor Leonard. Come out for a moment.”
“We’re in the middle of a practical evaluation.”
“Step outside. I have something urgent to discuss about the transfer student.”
With a reluctant nod, Professor Leonard addressed the students.
“Take a break and wait here. Obviously, don’t leave the training grounds.”
As soon as Professor Leonard disappeared from the training ground, sighs began to emerge from all around.
“What’s our group going to do…?”
“I saw another group when we entered. Their faces didn’t look good either. Maybe everyone had it rough.”
The members of Group 5 talked seriously amongst themselves. Becky, unable to join the conversation, darted her eyes around, and eventually, she met my gaze.
“Hey, Flan.”
There was no strength in her voice as she called me. Becky continued speaking with a face that looked like she might burst into tears at any moment.
“…It’s your fault we went first. What are you going to do about it?”
“Do you think it would have been different if it were a different order?”
“Well… I guess you’re right. Ugh, you’re too blunt. I’ve got nothing to say.”
Becky let out a deep sigh and nodded. Then, she looked up at me with pleading eyes.
“You used my name, didn’t you? At least give me some feedback. What would you have done?”
I had no choice but to open Trivia’s notes. For this kind of feedback, it was difficult to explain in words alone—it wouldn’t be easy for either side to understand.
“Watch closely, Becky.”
I drew three spell formations on the page with my fingertip.
In order: mana arrows, fireballs, and ice spears—some of the attacks the second-years had unleashed on Becky.
“The key is to focus on the circuits responsible for destruction. What do you think about the mana composition ratios?”
“Um… it’s less than I thought? Can you really use so little?”
“Exactly. That’s the point. These spells are focused on output and appearance, so their destructive power isn’t high. Trying to block them was your mistake. You should have looked for a way to ignore them and push through.”
“Oh~!”
Becky looked up at me with a face full of admiration. The gloom that had shadowed her since the evaluation instantly lifted.
Excitedly, she began to chatter.
“This is what it means to see as much as you know… I didn’t know what kind of attacks were coming at me, so all I thought about was blocking them.”
“Exactly. They’re crude attacks.”
But then—
“Hey, you there.”
A voice interrupted, this time from above. Looking up, a few second-year students were glaring down at us unpleasantly.
“You little punk, what makes you so cocky?”
“Saying senior magic is all about output and looks, that it’s crude… you think you’re that good?”
“His turn’s soon anyway. Let’s see.”
Tsk, I clicked my tongue and closed Trivia. Looking up at anyone didn’t suit me, so I ignored them.
They weren’t wrong. Right, my turn would come soon enough.
Professor Leonard’s absence stretched longer than expected.
Watching Becky conversing seriously with her group members, someone suddenly tapped my shoulder.
No, to be precise, they tried to tap my shoulder, but I dodged. I still disliked physical contact.
“What the—how did you dodge that?”
With eyes half-covered by bangs and long, slanted eyes like a cat’s, his face was all too familiar.
“Martin Luke.”
“Yeah, that’s right. You know your own group members’ names, at least?”
Martin grinned. Though it was more of a sneer than a smile.
“What do you want?”
“Just saying hi between group members. Oh, and congrats on winning yesterday. Lucky, huh?”
His flippant demeanor was irritating. Even after witnessing Aria being fooled, was this confidence or stupidity? I asked him back.
“Were you asleep during the simulated combat?”
“I saw everything. You were lucky, right? Aria cheated, and you won by default.”
It seemed he’d only caught the latter half when Aria tainted the barrier.
“Luck, huh….”
I couldn’t help but chuckle.
No matter how I looked at it, Martin’s luck was better than mine. If this was my opponent, he would have been flattened without a trace on the ground.
“So, what’s your point?”
“Wow, do you always talk like this? I was just trying to get to know each other, y’know? Why so serious?”
Martin kept
smiling, but then suddenly leaned in to whisper.
“Flan, how are you feeling about today’s practical evaluation? Got any plans?”
“I do.”
“Oh~ really? I’m feeling pretty confident too.”
Martin was forcing a conversation that wouldn’t continue. Eventually, I frowned and asked him.
“What’s your main point?”
“Haha, main point? Just chatting, you know, about this and that.”
He kept grinning. Lowering his voice further, he whispered in an incredibly quiet tone.
“Flan, do you have any interest in Trixie?”
“…Are you insane?”
“Ahaha, thought so? You’re more interested in Becky, right?”
Having said that, Martin licked his lips and gauged my reaction. Judging by his look, he was finally getting to the point.
“I’m interested in Trixie, you see. I really want to get closer to her.”
I was astounded by how uninteresting this was. But Martin continued his enthusiastic rant.
“If I do well in today’s evaluation, you should put in a good word for me with Trixie. We’re all in the same group, after all.”
I closed my eyes quietly.
I started to think about what I had to do. Training, the Agora Board, club activities, healing magic books… Regrettably, Martin’s drivel still hadn’t ended.
“I’ve got quite a few connections in the Magic Department. I can set you up with some girls later. Come on, this isn’t a tough favor, right? Let’s help each other out?”
I ignored him. I noticed Trivia’s blue light was on and checked it instead.
[ ▶ I’ve solved all three! ]
[ ▶ Teach me the next part! ㅎㅅㅎ ]
“Are you listening to me? You’re not ignoring me, are you?”
I closed Trivia and nodded absently.
“Did everyone rest up? We’re resuming the practical evaluation now.”
Right on time, Professor Leonard re-entered the training grounds.
However, he didn’t return alone. He had Trixie von Fritz with him.
The professor asked Trixie.
“You said you had an important reason. You’re not feeling unwell?”
“I’m not sick.”
“Are you sure you’re in a condition to take the practical evaluation?”
“Yes.”
Trixie, wearing her characteristic expressionless face, stood by us. Martin, unable to hide his excitement, chattered away.
“Hey, hey, hey. You heard what I said, right? Praise me subtly. Naturally. Got it?”
Martin finished speaking and ogled Trixie with a sticky gaze.
Trixie von Fritz possessed an elegance and allure beyond her age.
Even now, her cold expression couldn’t hide the curves that her academy uniform couldn’t conceal, making her quite appealing to men.
“Hey. Watch me closely. Those kinds of girls are even more aggressive. They cling and whine, you know.”
“…”
“You should have some ambition too. If you get with her, I’ll share the details with you. Hmm? How do you think it’d be like to sleep with her? Doesn’t that get you excited?”
Should I just slap him? Even that seemed like a waste of effort, so I held back.
“Group 11, step forward. Martin Luke.”
At Professor Leonard’s call, Martin kept looking back at me several times before stepping forward.
As I glanced at Trixie standing beside me, I couldn’t help but smirk.
Trixie was engrossed in her Trivia, paying no attention whatsoever to Martin.
Martin stepped forward and took a few deep breaths.
“If you’re ready, start.”
“Yes!”
Martin answered energetically and charged forward.
He used the wind element to dodge incoming attacks, weaving left and right.
But it was all for show; his movements were obviously wasteful. It was clear he was casting magic with an audience in mind, focusing too much on appearances.
Magic meant for display alone is pitiful. My interest waned in precisely ten seconds, and I eventually opened Trivia.
[ ▷ Let’s move on to the next part. ]
[ ▷ Master this, and you’ll solve the problems on the Agora Board. ]
I decided to entertain my client until my turn arrived.
But then, suddenly, I heard a sound. A hum, almost like a tune.
Surprisingly, Trixie was humming. Our eyes naturally met in the air.
“…You.”
The moment our eyes met, Trixie von Fritz’s expression quickly returned to its frosty demeanor. She spoke in a frigid tone.
“Don’t look this way. Better yet, don’t even open your eyes.”
I had no intention of watching. I returned my attention to my Trivia.
[ ▶ I love it! ㅎㅅㅎ ]
As always, the client’s response was lightning fast.