How to Survive at the Academy
chapter-105

Student Council Presidential Election 下 (6)

Eagle Knight Kadek and Bear Knight Nox—longstanding vassals of the Rostayle family and identified as the direct perpetrators in the death of Ed Rostayle. Both men were confined in a detention room of the Trixian Pavilion, with the charges against them nearly certain, they were awaiting imminent transfer to the royal authorities to face punishment upon completion of the academy’s investigation.

“Damn it…”

Kadek muttered a curse as he sat leaning against the wall of an old basement room, his arms bound behind him. He had gone to great lengths to acquire a highly poisonous and inscribed dagger at an exorbitant cost, having come all the way to distant Aken Island under the pretext of assisting Tanya with her work. The meticulously prepared assassination plan’s exposure was beyond anything he could’ve imagined—essentially undone by Lucy’s overpowering might, leaving him no room for response.

Initially, Kadek did not fully understand Crepin’s intent to go to such lengths to assassinate Ed after he had been expelled. Before taking on the role of secretaries to the royal-serving Crepin, Kadek and Nox had served as knights to Ed, the heir of the family, and knew all too well how spoiled he had become since taking on that role. Could power indeed corrupt someone so easily?

Drunk on the sweetness of being the heir, Ed had quickly revealed his true, corrupt nature. Even the always benevolent Duke Crepin had contemplated sending him to this place of learning for a chance at reeducation.

That matter with Sylvanya was barely more than a year ago—Ed had caused trouble and was ultimately expelled. Now, why would there be an order to kill the former heir who had been dismissed from the family? Regardless, the two knights had no choice but to follow their orders. Duke Crepin was always wise and sagacious.

“Kadek…”

Across the wall, Knight Nox, similarly bound and leaning, addressed Kadek.

“It seems… perhaps Duke Crepin’s judgment was correct after all…”

Bear Knight Kadek heaved a sigh, his massive figure lying on its side.

Kadek briefly closed his eyes upon hearing Nox’s words, then nodded in agreement. Kadek and Nox were mighty warriors in their own right, with skills that were not easily surpassed. Indeed, if they were to use mere force, neither of them would have needed to attack Ed together.

Ed Rostayle lackluster in both swordsmanship and magic, they had believed that even their basic capabilities would be sufficient to overwhelm him. Yet despite their anticipation, the plan failed, and both were taken down without accomplishing anything.

Kadek was only able to kill Ed Rostayle because Ed had exposed his chest, allowing for a stab with the dagger. Kadek’s hand still remembered the sensation of pushing the dagger through flesh—it was an unpleasant feeling.

“If he had lived and had such quick-wittedness and combat adeptness, even unfinished in his abilities… He indeed might have posed a significant threat to the Rostayle family.”

Though there was no certainty that Ed harbored any hostile intentions or plotted against the family, the conviction that he could become a big problem if left unchecked was enough to feel justified.

How exactly they came to be aware of Ed’s situation in far-off Aken Island was a mystery, but eventually, it seemed Crepin’s decision was right.

Moreover, it wasn’t just about abilities—the extent of his relationships, his network, appeared quite developed as well. Observing scenes like Enika Felover, the third-year top student who’d nearly burned out her spirit sensitivity summoning a high-ranking spirit, and Lucy Meyrill, who’d run all the way to the Ophelis Pavilion in fury upon learning of Ed’s death—all this made Kadek and Nox truly realize the significant presence of the man they had killed.

If left alone, he might really have formed an independent faction and become a significant obstacle for the family.

“We might have been able to face him if things had been otherwise… but dwelling on such thoughts now is useless. Our real concern should be… somehow reporting all these events back to our lord.”

Kadek and Nox, like mid-bosses during Sylvanya’s failure as a swordsman, remained steadfast and loyal.

Despite the academic side’s continued demands and threats to confess everything, the two knights remained silent. There was frustration for the investigators since there seemed to be no progress, and the looming threat of extreme punishment from the royal hand didn’t break their silence.

“Miss Tanya…”

If there was one matter that troubled their hearts, it was Tanya Rostayle, who had been burdened with all the accusations.

Initially, their plan was to carry out everything secretly, serve Tanya well, relieve her of her burdens once the work was done and then depart Sylvanya. Now that things had become so twisted and Tanya was suffering the consequences, they couldn’t help but feel remorse—but trapped in the corner of a cell, bound and waiting punishment, they had no means to apologize or atone. With no way to report to Crepin and no way to atone to Tanya, their hearts were heavy.

– Clang.

That’s when it happened. The sound of the lock being opened echoed.

Was it already time for their meal? Turning towards the door, they expected to see a guard. But the person who entered wasn’t a guardsman.

“Who… who are you?”

A young man, garbed in a rough leather tunic and a thin jacket; a face both had never seen before. The purse at his waist seemed so loaded with coins it jingled with every step—carrying around that much cash seemed suspicious.

Just before they could ask his identity, the stranger lifted his index finger to his lips, making a quiet ‘shh’ sound to keep them silent. Then, he drew a dagger and freed both men from their bonds, whispering to them cautiously.

“My name is Dune, a lackey from the Elte Trading Company.”

Elte Trading Company. At the mention of that name, Kadek and Nox exchanged puzzled looks.

“I understand your confusion. Why would someone from Elte Trading Company appear in such a place? Well, isn’t it just like us to show up wherever there’s the scent of money to be made?”

Someone was pulling strings from behind the scenes. It could be felt even though it was unseen.

Regardless, Kadek and Nox refrained from speaking for now.

“Anyway, the guards will be lax near the Onyx Pavilion’s southern exit by dawn tomorrow. Head to the southern coast, and as you follow the shoreline, you’ll find an old rowboat waiting.”

“Are we supposed to just trust your word?”

“Do you have any other choice?”

They had no answer.

“Don’t worry. Certain individuals stand to benefit from your escape amidst the commotion. That’s all there is to it.”

Nox glanced subtly outside the slightly ajar door. A guard sat in the corridor, resting his spear in his lap while absent-mindedly gazing outside—a seemingly experienced guardsman, difficult to bribe with any amount of money, seemed uninterested. Of course, it was not Kadek’s or Nox’s concern.

*

Living inside a cave in the cliffs was a period of intense training. The days spent at the camp, maintaining both wilderness and academy life, demanded the majority of time spent sustaining basic necessities.

Money had to be carefully conserved, the academy’s schedule strictly adhered to, and comfortable living conditions could not be sacrificed. However, this brief period of hermitic life required less time and effort to sustain basic life needs.

Enika took care of their sustenance, and with no current obligation to participate in the academy’s routine, coupled with leaving the camp unattended, it was a valuable time where the day could be entirely devoted to training.

Wasting anything was not in my nature, let alone something as precious as time.

This interval had to be used for truly meaningful advancement. And so, I committed to a routine of physical conditioning, sparring with spirits, and devouring magical tomes daily.

The academy life, survival routines, and scenario checks—all efforts previously divided—were now concentrated solely on my development, and the results began to show more clearly than anticipated.

Day broke and night fell, the moon rose and set.

Some days, fluffy clouds adorned the blue sky, and others, a dazzling starry night filled the expanse.

But amidst it all, my daily routine remained unchanged.

After rising in the morning to repeat basic strength exercises, I would eat with Enika, then spend the day absorbed in magical texts, and come late afternoon, engage in combat with spirits summoned by Enika.

All while endlessly disassembling and reassembling magecraft tools, ingraining their basic designs in my mind, and continuously improving my archery skills.

The diligent daily grind of training seemed imperceptible day to day. Steady effort typically yields results difficult to notice at first.

It’s the consistent, albeit gradual, progression that is key. That’s usually how real advancement happens.

Even with time’s passage, the day-to-day routine stayed the same.

Morning weight training, mock battles, magic training, magical engineering practice, and various activities filled my days… The routine was static, but the news Enika brought each day kept changing.

“Tanya has made a personal appearance at the academy. She’s been hiding at the royal residence all this while, but she’s decided to actively cooperate with the investigation to prove her innocence. Still… campus opinion is not so favorable. Everyone seems to think Tanya killed Ed. It’s understandable, but so unfair… I wish we could wrap this up quickly and support Tanya… Oh, right… I’m making a vegetable salad today, Ed, any veggies you don’t eat?”

On a day when I was running with water yokes across the cliff-face.

“Princess Phenia has officially declared her support for Tanya. She hasn’t entered the election period yet, but if her candidacy is confirmed, it seems she intends to fully back Tanya. But… does that mean Princess Phenia won’t run for election? Oh, right. I picked up some stain remover from the Ophelis Pavilion; it gets out stains really well. Look, the shirt is spotless~.”

On another day, buried in a tome on intermediate magic theory and practical application threefold.

“There’s a gathering of students at the academy supporting Loratel. It looks like they believe that if Loratel becomes the student council president, he’ll better represent their interests. It makes sense… Loratel does have very meticulous vibes… And before any candidates are even confirmed, there’s already a power struggle brewing…. But Ed, last time Loratel came to the cave… what happened…?”

“…”

“Oh, no… It’s not my place to meddle…!!”

On the day I salvaged what I could from the destroyed ‘Del Heim Hourglass’ and spent the entire day drafting blueprints for another legendary magecraft tool, ‘Glockt’s Eye.’

“Look at this, Ed! I’ve got loads of leftover ingredients from the Dex Pavilion cafeteria~.”

On a day I was lost in archery practice.

Suddenly, turning to Enika that day—

Something about the situation felt odd.

There she was, dressed in an energetic blouse and a sky-blue skirt, sleeves rolled up decisively… Was she about to start cooking, with a bandana tightly wrapped around her head? It was hard to tell whether she was the academy’s top spirit master or a kitchen maid.

The one who had contributed the most during this period of seclusion and intensive training, indisputably, was Yenika. The realization struck me hard in the chest.

Looking at Yenika like this, one could almost be misled into thinking she had wings on her back.

While I brushed my face with my hand and gathered my peculiar emotions, Yenika waited with a smiling face, as if she expected me to say something.

I couldn’t just wipe my mouth and pretend I hadn’t received such extensive help… That would be too conscience-stricken…!

“Yenika. Is there anything you want?”

“Huh?”

“I thought it would be nice to give you a gift. Looking at you… Just… That thought came to me.”

Yenika cocked her head and then blushed profoundly.

“Ah, no… A gift? That’s not what I…”

“It’s alright. I’ll think of something myself.”

“Uh, huh?”

Suddenly, Yenika shuddered and started pressing down on the corners of her mouth. She wasn’t one to ask others for anything, always preoccupied with the thought that her requests could be a burden.

Considering the progress in demonic arts training, I had an idea for a gift. The materials were tricky to obtain, but with summer approaching, it should be manageable.

“Expecting it would be too much pressure, right? I won’t expect anything at all! I really don’t expect anything…! I mean, I shouldn’t even remember it by now!”

“…”

“…Now that I’ve said it, that seems kind of rude… Sorry, Ed…”

I didn’t respond to Yenika’s self-amusing presentation; it was just so typical of her.

“Anyway, it looks like you’re going to practice archery today? If you have no plans for a mock spirit battle, I’ll just read by the campfire…! Just after I prepare some ingredients..!”

“No, I’ll actually be practicing mock combat today… It’s not necessary for you to summon a spirit. Someone visited to check up on us and asked for some help with their training.”

“Huh? Ed, aren’t you technically supposed to be dead? Who would come to visit?”

Then, emerging from inside the cave, dusting off his clothes, was a young man. Dressed neatly in a uniform, his long hair cascading down to the nape of his neck.

“It’s been a while, Senior Yenika. I see you often come to this cave.”

It was Zigs Eppelstein, the second-ranked student in the second year of the magic department.

The timing was perfect.

Since it had come to this, I wanted to check the results of my training.

*

Originally, I had come to discuss matters related to the Student Council election… But there was also news about Tanya and Princess Penia.”

Below the cliffside carved by waves was a rocky terrain that required a significant climb to reach. It wasn’t particularly wide but was relatively flat.

Not ideal for sparring, but real battlefields are seldom clean and spacious.

Since fighting under adverse conditions is a reality for both sides, fairness wasn’t in question.

“Before that, a light sparring wouldn’t hurt. I haven’t had a proper duel in a while either, so it’s a good time to loosen up.”

Zigs drew his sword without moving, tossing aside the sheath and lightly shaking the tip a few times.

“That’s good to hear.”

With those words as the signal, we began to distance ourselves.

Gripping his sword with both hands, Zigs took a deep breath.

“Here I come.”

Then he raised his sword straight above his head and brought it down swiftly. The clean strike surged towards me like a storm.

Single Cut (一刀). It was a fundamental skill in combat, honest in its power as it directly mirrored the wielder’s prowess.

– Clang!

While I could have dodged it, I chose to manifest a basic defensive magic to block it instead, eager to test my improved mana sensitivity. Zigs’ strike was neatly deflected.

But the first Single Cut wasn’t meant to be decisive; it was intended to probe for weaknesses.

Lowering his stance, Zigs lunged into my guard with his sword trailing behind. I bent my upper body to dodge and simultaneously drew a dagger from my thigh sheath, holding it in a reverse grip.

Expecting a follow-up strike with the dagger, Zigs corrected his stance. But my dagger struck the ground instead.

– Thud!

A ‘Burst’ spell ignited from where the dagger was embedded.

– Boom!

A typical spirit-style ambush, but Zigs, with his keen battle sense, already leaped back, creating distance the moment he realized the target was the ground.

– Blaze!

The rising smoke was cleared with a single sword slash, and Zigs closed the distance again.

No, it was feigned.

As I quickly drew my bow to counter, Zigs halted his leap.

The movement defied physics, as though reversing inertia itself, with direction and momentum at complete odds.

This remarkable feat… at the core of it lay the use of psychokinesis to forcibly redirect bodily motion.

Such precise control during urgent combat is no easy feat, surpassing simple theory and capability; it requires extensive experience, much like that gained through many practical encounters.

Intermediate spell ‘Ice Spear’. Not one, but three manifested.

Confident he could handle them, Zigs released them mercilessly. Simultaneously, he manifested the flow for another spell.

– Clang! Clang! Clang!

I narrowly avoided the ice spears and detected the mana surrounding Zigs’ body. Given he was undertaking chanting, the spell was distinctly serious.

Whatever it was, preventing its manifestation would render it meaningless.

I swiftly took up my great bow, discharging three magic arrows.

– Crack!

Zigs dispersed his mana and ducked swiftly, avoiding the attack.

Then, from where the arrows struck the ground, a ‘Water Source Manifestation’ sprang to life. Slowly, water began to seep up from the barren ground.

“…”

Ordinary people overlook misfired arrows. However, Zigs Eppelstein misses nothing, even the faintest trace of mana movement.

Eventually, he realized these wayward arrows were also a stratagem and promptly incinerated them with a lower-tier ‘Ignite’ spell.

“It’s hard to let my guard down.”

With that, Zigs released the mana gathered in his body, beginning the manifestation of his signature high-level magic.

Already a second-year student wielding high-level magic was a ludicrous achievement.

But as if it were natural, Zigs emitted a pale mana radiance… forming a large mana sphere.

Zigs’ high-level spell ‘High Mana Armament’ took shape.

– Blaze!

Instantly, the mana sphere dispersed and reshaped into a bow in his hands.

He fired, and the powerful magical arrow headed straight for me. I rolled aside in an instant, and where I previously stood, the arrows exploded.

The time taken to roll and evade gave my opponent leeway for further action.

Having closed in on me, the form previously assumed by Zigs’ mana had shifted into a large rapier.

A piercing thrust, as swift as a bullet. An attack that couldn’t be avoided.

– Blaze!

“Argh!”

However, the wind that enveloped me repelled Zigs. He collided with a distant rock and struggled to his feet.

The passive skill of a high-tier wind spirit, ‘Blessing of the Surging Winds.’

With a significant cooldown after each activation, I could consider my reserves spent.

Nevertheless, the gap ‘Blessing of the Surging Winds’ afforded me was just enough for gathering mana for my next spell.

Seizing the moment, I launched an attack of my own.

– Blaze!

As fire blossomed from my fingertips, obscuring the field of view, Zigs clicked his tongue and assumed a defensive posture.

I seized the opportunity to fire arrows, but even with his vision nearly impaired, Zigs read the flow of magic and deflected them all. His senses far exceeded human limitations.

Leaping forward once more, Zigs narrowed the distance, now holding two daggers in a reverse grip.

His ‘Mana Armament’ skill allowed him to handle almost every type of weapon, providing versatility to adapt to any combat pattern—a skill unique to Zigs, rarely seen among magicians.

– Clang! Clang!

– Crackle!

My hastily summoned basic protective magic shattered under two strikes. Zigs attempted to exploit the gap, but I swiftly manifested a ‘Wind Blade’ right in front of his face.

Of course, Zigs deflected it cleanly.

– Clang!

Yet that brief moment was enough. Unfortunately for him, the surroundings had turned into a waterlogged battlefield.

The barrage of magical arrows I unleashed was numerous. He likely failed to anticipate a counterattack amid the tense situation.

From behind Zigs, the lioness spirit Leshia lunged to bite at his shoulder, her jaw wide open. But what ended up in Leshia’s mouth was not his shoulder but Zigs’ dagger, quickly drawn for defense.

– Crackle!

Zigs had already sensed it the moment he parried the attack. This assault by Leshia was merely a feint, meant to create an opening.

He pushed Leshia’s abdomen with a kick and turned towards me… but my spell had already been cast.

– Roar!

Intermediate fire magic, ‘Explosion Point.’

Few intermediate spells could match its casting speed—a rapid-fire magic.

– Blaze!

With that, Zigs was blown away, slamming into a rock.

– Thud!

A cloud of dust rose, and intermittent coughing broke the silence.

“Indeed… You are impressive. Keeping my guard down against you is not an option, Senior Ed.”

With a few coughs, Zigs managed to stand up feebly.

“So… I’ll get serious now.”

– Thud!

The renewed aura of mana enveloped Zigs.

The second high-tier spell, ‘Mana Armament – Convergence,’ layered over the mana sphere.

The mana stream split and converged again, buzzing with energy… then transformed into a mighty lance in Zigs’ grasp.

Handling all sorts of weapons, Zigs’ favorite was the lance. Composed of a torrent of magical energy, the massive weapon was known as the ‘Lance of Flora.’

A single sweep stirred up a storm around it. The bluish-green mana began enveloping his body.

Suspended in the air, the entwined mana seemed to defy gravity itself.

Sylvania’s Failing Sword Saint Act 4 Chapter 7. The infiltration of Grogol Cathedral.

There, as a mid-boss, one faced… Zigs’ ultimate combat pattern.

‘Lance of Flora Zigs.’

“Huff…”

I exhaled sharply and steadied myself, prepared for what was to come.