Kays Translations

Chapter 22: The Villainous Aristocrat Abandons His Magic Sword

The written test ended in about three hours.

Classmates who would be studying together in the academy were now finishing their written tests and complaining to each other.

"How did it go for you?"

"No way, it was tough. I didn't expect questions on demon language and imperial language."

"It was seriously exhausting."

The purpose of this test was purely to assess our academic abilities, and the questions ranged from basics to extremely advanced applications.

And how did I fare, you ask?

- The written test? Piece of cake~!!

Sure, it was challenging. 

However, everything was just a matter of applying what I knew. There were no tricky questions, and nothing particularly vexing.

If I couldn't score well on this, I'd probably get a scolding from my mother.

"Those who have finished the written test, please proceed immediately to the practical test. Move to the training ground promptly."

I followed the examiner's instructions and made my way to the training ground.

As a student ahead of me stepped into the training ground, a commotion erupted.

Curious, I looked to see what was happening.

"These youngsters these days lack proper training, I swear."

Quite literally a battlefield.

In the midst of the practical test, students lay scattered, beaten and battered, around the examiner, Vermeil

Wow, seriously? That person, Vermeil, seems incredibly strong.

"Have you all finished the written test? Then those who have completed the practical test, please make your way back to the written test venue."

The students, struggling to move their battered bodies, somehow managed to leave the training ground.

Ugh, are they going to take the written test in that condition?

I'm glad I took the written test first.

"Alright, let's begin the practical test. We'll give you one hour. Form teams and devise strategies. You can use both weapons and magic. The test ends if everyone in a team is defeated."

"What, seriously..."

"Hey, come on, everyone...?"

"Does anyone want to team up with me!?"

"I-I do!"

And so, team formation began.

There were 31 students taking the practical test.

They formed six teams with six members each, totaling five teams.

Huh? Me? I'm on my own.

"Hey, someone invite him!"

"Well, forming a team of seven with someone you just met is impossible."

"It's his fault for not asking to join us in the first place."

Hey, who was it? Who just said something sensible!!

I'm just a country bumpkin; I have no idea how to interact with people my age!!

Well, inside, I might be older than my years!!

“I'm fine on my own, really.”

I decided to just go along with it.

And strangely, Vermeil, who had been watching me, looked at me with a kinder expression.

"U-Understood. Let's begin the practical test. You, come forward first, Kunou Von Dorana."

"Um, can I ask something before we start?"

"What? Don't worry; I won't go all out."

"No, it's not that. Is it okay if I use my own weapon?"

"I don't mind. Your mother was a human from Andaine, right? You can use a weapon infused with your own magic."

"Thank you."

I've got her word, so I won't hesitate to use it.

Oh, just to clarify, I won't be using modern weaponry.

It's been three years since I started developing guns, and the one I made is in a decent shape.

But that's strictly for emergency situations and is armed with the assumption of lethal force.

Right now, it's just a test. It's not the time to use lethal weapons.

But judging from the students who took the practical test first, there's no way I can win with a sword infused with mediocre magic.

What I need is to demonstrate overwhelming firepower using existing weaponry.

I draw the magic sword I crafted from my magical bag.

"Oh, a high-quality magic sword. What kind of effects does it have?"

"Take this!!"

I threw the knife-shaped magic sword.

My impulsive action widened Vermeil’s eyes, and the other students looked surprised.

Vermeil drew her sword and deflected my magic sword.

As the magic sword fell to the ground with a clank, Vermeil tilted her head in confusion.

"To throw your own weapon... That's certainly an unexpected move, but it's not something you should do in your first move, you know?"

"Watch out there!"

"Huh?"

In the next moment, the magic sword that had fallen on the ground heated up and turned red.

Vermeil instinctively kicked it away.

In an instant, the magic sword exploded.

During the explosion, shards of the sword scattered towards Vermeil.

What surprised me was Vermeil, who managed to dodge or deflect every single shard.

"W-Was that a magic sword infused with explosive magic?"

"Correct."

"I'm impressed. However, it was a mistake. Teaching me that was a bad move."

Don't worry, I'm fine.

"I still have plenty of backups."

"W-What do you mean?"

I pulled out many explosive magic swords from my magical bag.

Vermeil’s expression twisted.

Other students were also horrified by the sheer quantity of explosive magic swords.

"Take this!! And that!! And this!! Hah!!"

"Ugh!! Don't just throw away expensive magic swords like that!!"

It might take time, but I can make them myself. They aren't that precious to me.

"I'm not done yet!!"

"W-Wait!!"

And thus began the magic sword baseball game.

I threw the magic swords, and Vermeil deftly deflected or kicked them away with her sword.

However, it seemed like Vermeil was getting used to my attacks and decided to counter by stepping forward.

That's when I threw another magic sword.

"Huh!?"

"It's a magic sword infused with lightning magic. It causes numbness upon impact."

"What!? T-That's troublesome!!"

Of course, there are various types.

"Poisonous magic sword, storm magic sword, icefall magic sword... There are plenty more!! Please enjoy yourself to your heart's content!"

"W-Wait!! I get it!! Time out!! I'll recommend you for the S class!! So please stop!!"

"Come on!! Don't say that!! The monsters in my territory were too weak; they turned into a lump of meat too quickly!! Let me test a bit more!!"

This is the first time I've used disposable magic swords continuously like this.

I'm feeling a bit pumped up.

"H-Hey, that guy is dangerous!!"

"To unilaterally overpower Lord Zachtoll... scary."

"Let's, let's keep our distance."

"Kunou Von Dorana-sama... how magnificent!!"

"Huh?"

The outfield is quite noisy. Well, let's ignore them and carry on.

"Kuhahahaha!!!"

"Noooooo!!!"

The battle between Belmai and me continued, and ultimately, it concluded with me running out of magic sword stock.

In the end, I couldn't inflict any wounds.

In other words, I lost.

"Heh, heh, heh... I haven't been this desperate since the Human-Demon War..."

"Hmm, I guess it doesn't impress strong individuals after all. Martha could catch and throw them back. Maybe I should increase the power a bit more. I also need to think of ways to reduce the cost per sword."

Maybe I should try making more magic swords with status ailments.

"Well then, next!!"

I moved to a corner of the training ground, contemplating how to increase the power of the magic swords.

When I looked up, I noticed tired students collapsing around Vermeil.

...How can I defeat Vermeil?

I earnestly pondered on how to defeat Vermeil.

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