How to Survive at the Academy
chapter-184

Ed’s Subjugation (7)

My heart is in turmoil.

Yenika Faelover sat in the VIP waiting room of Elte Commerce, feeling exactly that.

“Yes, Miss Yenika. There… there should be no trouble.”

The room, designed to host VIPs, boasts high ceilings and lavish decor.

With Elte Commerce doing business at Sylvania Academy, where nobility of various ranks attend, it only made sense to have a space prepared for such formalities.

Contrary to the liveliness of the rest of the commerce hall, the VIP waiting room was noticeably quaint and pristine.

Yenika, being of commoner origin, wasn’t quite accustomed to such an atmosphere, but since she wouldn’t be staying long, it didn’t bother her too much.

She quietly sipped the tea brought by a staff member while seated on a sofa embroidered with gold thread.

Accustomed to the bustling life of a farm, she tried to act like a noblewoman in the antique space, but it seemed she was better suited to more vibrant surroundings.

Placing the teacup back on its saucer, she gazed out the tall window.

The lovely round moon seemed to be pleading for attention through the elongated window, complementing the high ceiling.

Breathing heavy sighs while alone on the sofa for the nobles, Yenika was joined by a variety of spirits crowding around her. Some were manifest, and some were not, but they all had no trouble communicating with Yenika, who was sensitive to their presence.

“I’m worried that cunning merchant woman might try something tricky… But she knows how to keep business separated from her personal matters, right? Would she really flirt with Mr. Ed at a time like this? My life is hanging in the balance.”

“Yes…! Of course! My livelihood as a merchant hinges on tonight, how could I be distracted by other inconsequential thoughts?!”

Wind spirit Karis, in the shape of a small sparrow, and Lennon, a bluish snake-like spirit, encouraged Yenika.

Even amidst their desperate persuasions, Yenika quietly took a few sips of her tea without much to say.

Indeed, the spirits were visibly troubled in their efforts to convince her, but they knew well enough that the cunning and scheming Lortelle Keheln wouldn’t let such an opportunity slip by unexploited.

After all, it was Ed who charged into a dangerous situation and rescued Lortelle. With the two now seemingly escaping together into the night, Yenika’s role was to hinder their path by sitting alone in the VIP room, sipping her tea.

She frowned and pouted, disgruntled with the situation, especially with herself for agreeing to it.

Verifying Taely McLore’s growth potential and extracting Lortelle Keheln comprised two objectives.

To execute this plan, Yenika’s assistance was crucial… and she herself had come to accept that fact.

She could have protested or acted more spitefully, but seeing Ed’s always serious demeanor, riddled with worries, she couldn’t bring herself to be a burden.

That decision led to her current predicament.

Yenika Faelover was not one to engage in emotional conflicts or power struggles. She deflated when confronted with seriousness, and her mood brightened when others were happy, bearing an almost pure-hearted nature.

And when the person in question was Ed Rothtaylor, she couldn’t help but be agreeable.

Lying in a physical form, Tarkan exhaled heavily, pitying the sight before him.

Dominance in relationships also wavered, and without the tension of power exchange, it simply wasn’t compelling or interesting.

When would Yenika finally take emotional control in her dealings with Ed?

A sigh escaped at such futile thoughts.

“Delicious…”

The tea was, regrettably, exquisite.

Yenika put down her cup and grumbled while looking up at the midnight moon.

– Bang!

Suddenly, someone kicked the door open.

Taely had caused chaos at the commerce hall, prompting even the guards to leave their posts and check on the commotion.

Until his arrival, Yenika had thought she would be alone.

But it was Lien, the chief secretary, who barged in – the former assistant to Lortelle Keheln, now assigned to Dun Grecks, a member of the practical committee.

Always lacking confidence, hesitant in her demeanor… Yenika recalled her visits to camp and how she’d often trailed behind Lortelle, organizing documents.

“Ah, eek…?!”

Lien, following Dun’s orders to check on the commerce hall and prevent damage to other structures, had come in through the back. As she hurried to assess the facility, she encountered Yenika alone in the VIP room.

Despite its spaciousness, the room was crowded with spirits.

In the moonlit room, amidst a sea of spirits, was a girl sipping tea on a sofa reserved for nobility.

Looking hastily away from the window, Lien staggered backwards, shaking nervously.

“Ah, ah!”

In the shadows, the eyes of spirits glittered.

Among them, the higher-order fire spirit, a salamander named Tarkan, began to manifest.

The VIP room, grand as it was, seemed too small for Tarkan’s size.

Without fully materializing and hunched down, his form still filled the space up to the ceiling.

The legion of spirits waited for their master’s command, ready to shred any enemies that appeared.

And amidst them, a girl sat, drinking her tea.

*- Clang!

“If you won’t give up Ed Rothtaylor’s location, move aside!”

Taely’s blow was swifter than expected. As Taely kept driving his broadsword forward, Zix had to grit his teeth just to fend off the assault.

The more desperate a battle, the more Taely’s natural aptitude for growth became apparent.

Zix, having witnessed Taely’s fight in their first-year combat training, greatly admired his ability to never lose heart in adversity.

If life was a stage, then surely this boy was destined to be the protagonist—one who never falters, continuously pressing forward.

Zix himself, a man weathering hardships, had high regard for Taely’s tenacity.

– Clash!

But there are always unfathomably harsh trials in life that cause both physical and emotional trauma.

Being complicit in Ed’s plans, Zix found it hypocritical to sympathize with Taely’s position.

A man set on his path should advance with the tenacity of iron.

No matter Taely’s resolve, Zix could not afford to show leniency.

Swinging his lance, Zix struck Taely’s flank with force.

– Boom!!

Sent flying by the hit, Taely crashed into the corridor wall, raising a cloud of dust.

Even before the dust had settled, Taely leaped back into action.

Zix, retrieving a gauntlet that had fallen to the floor, quickly gripped it.

– Clang!!

The corridor echoed with the sound of metal clashing. Zix, wielding the lance with one hand, attempted another strike at Taely’s side, but the same move wouldn’t work twice.

– Crunch!

Suddenly, Zix’ lance was split in two—a seemingly impossible feat. Taely’s broadsword had not only overpowered Zix’ gauntlet but also cleanly sliced through his lance during their struggle.

An illogical strike capability.

To cut or to block. In the face of two choices, Taely had impossibly opted for both—a technique that defied physical laws.

“Sword Mastery Style…!”

One of the mystic sword techniques of the Sword Mastery school, “Phantom Slash,” could cut two targets simultaneously or change direction in an unbelievable manner—virtually ignoring all principles of force and physics.

The two demons who once faced the first Sword Saint, Luden McLore, faded just as their swords crossed, entranced as if possessed—a famous tale.

There was no defense.

Especially in a one-on-one duel where techniques were matched, there was no way to predict movements that completely disregarded the laws of physics.

– Retreating!

Creating distance was the only viable action.

Leaping backwards, Zix swiftly picked up a rapier from the ground and assumed a defensive stance.

As expected, Taely’s next strike was already hurtling towards Zix.

The invisible intent behind Taely’s assault grinded at Zix.

Picking up the rapier had been a mistake; one cannot confront Taely McLore with a sword.

To prove the point, the rapier in Zix’ hand was instantly bisected.

Though he dodged the sword strike, the impact remained. Clenching his teeth and steadying his stance, Zix was forced to roll across the ground.

“Grh, huff…”

Even so, Taely continued to grow stronger.

The Sword Saint of adversity grew invincible with good reason; it seemed an unquestionable fact.

“You are admirable, Taely.”

Zix twisted his gauntlet-clad hand and hefted a mace in the other.

“It’s unbelievable how quickly you’re learning.”

“Please step aside, Zix. I have no more words to exchange with you.”

“No, it is you who must stop here.”

Zix shut his eyes tightly and then slowly reopened them.

He was aware of Taely’s resilience in the face of trials. However, everything has a limit.

Behind the building Zix was guarding lay only more formidable and overwhelming trials for Taely to face.

Even the greatest fortitude has boundaries. Beyond this point, the challenges awaiting Taely dwarfed Zix in scale.

Further struggles would only lead to greater suffering… resulting in more loss.

Thus, Zix resolved to restrain Taely here.

Taely’s growth would be halted on the second floor—a conclusion that Zix reached.

Putting an end to it would be in Taely’s best interest as well.

– Whooooosh –

The manifestation of high-level magic began. The mana armament Zix would only unleash in earnest… started to hover one by one in mid-air. Skilled in the use of all manner of weapons, Zix was equally proficient with mana-infused arsenal. Hundreds of weapons floated in the air, awaiting their master’s command.

“Let’s end it here, Taely. It won’t be pretty if we go any higher.”

“That’s not for you to decide, Zix.”

What happened next was over in an instant. The world went dark. This occurred right after Taely delivered a sword strike. Zix was momentarily taken aback, failing to grasp the situation. However, upon witnessing Taely’s swift blade, he realized.

The first Sword Saint, Luden McLore, the one who could cut through everything imaginable, had assembled techniques beyond Zix’s wildest dreams, especially one seeking the ultimate in swordsmanship. Sword Saint Technique – ‘Spatial Slash.’ All the mana weapons Zix had summoned were sheared away.

It wasn’t Zix’s weapons that were cut. The technique obliterated the space itself, reducing existence to nothingness. Taely’s eyes, dyed red, glared at Zix. The grip of the great sword, firmly held in both hands, was now directed at the body of Zix Effelstein.

Zix widened his eyes and once again mustered his magic. Basic wind magic, the Wind Blade, assaulted Taely, but even that was cleaved apart. Not a mere horizontal swipe or elemental cut, but the very space itself disintegrated into nothingness.

It can’t be blocked.

It can’t be dodged.

One must evade; there is no other method of neutralization.

But Taely’s speed had already surpassed limits.

His body was a wreck–muscles screaming, a torrent of blood that refused to cease, and the agony that filled him advised against further use of the Sword Saint technique due to the imminent danger.

Whether he could beat Zix was uncertain. Even if he could, it was unknown how many more would stand in his way. Straining his body to its limits now would likely lead to self-destruction.

Yet Taely doesn’t stop. With eyes full of resolve, he lowers his stance and charges towards Zix.

– Swoosh –

Aylar, cutting through the dark path of the North Forest, felt an ominous sensation and instinctively looked back.

“What…”

Having come this far, she had no choice but to proceed to Ed Rothtaylor’s campsite. However, Aylar couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling.

Initially, when Ed Rothtaylor called for her, it was simply to provoke Taely and gauge his capabilities. But with Lortelle Keheln involved, the stakes had become unexpectedly high. Aylar had thought it would be at most a duel.

“The situation has taken a turn beyond my expectations…”

Perhaps it was time to confront Ed Rothtaylor. The scale was entirely different from what was initially discussed. While expressing a desire to return to Taely, Aylar was overwhelmed by sinister premonitions.

She knew of Ed’s intention to rescue Lortelle and appreciated that her abduction could be viewed positively. It allowed Taely’s true capacity to be assessed and plunged the situation into further chaos.

With debts owed to Ed, Aylar couldn’t forget the life she owed, nor her harsh behavior through misunderstandings.

Nonetheless, even with debts repaid, something didn’t add up. The sheer harshness exceeded cruelty.

After battling through thick foliage, Aylar glimpsed Ed Rothtaylor’s campsite—a final destination befitting Taely’s rampage. Ed’s campsite at the North Forest cabin.

The campsite, harmoniously housing Yenika and Ed’s cabin, along with Lortelle Keheln’s villa, was summarized by a central bonfire surrounded by survival gear.

Magitech gadgets scattered across the floor, crafting tools, wooden workbenches, makeshift shelters, and a variety of hunting tools and nets—Ed Rothtaylor’s history of survival distilled into one setting.

Upon seeing Ed Rothtaylor seated before the fire, Aylar’s unease intensified.

“Mr. Ed.”

She called out to him with a low voice. Ed slowly lifted his head, revealing sharp eyes through the shadows falling across his face.

Behind every stage, there are figures deemed masterminds—inscrutable in their intentions and unfathomable in their planning. Those who seem completely understood yet lie in wait within a deeper pitfall… their true nature is most terrifying when revealed.

“You’ve come.”

“I need to speak with you.”

As Aylar started to speak, Ed Rothtaylor preemptively responded as if expecting her comments.

“You can’t go back. Not until this is over.”

*The broken floor is visible, looking upwards.

Regaining his composure, Zix quickly assessed the situation.

“Argh!”

Looking up from where he plunged into the floor, he saw Taely peering down at him. Despite the recoil from using the Sword Saint technique, causing his arms to tremble and blood flowing from numerous wounds, Taely McLore stood resolutely on his two feet.

In a situation where they faced each other in the utmost extremity, Taely chose to slash the floor rather than Zix.

To clear the path blocked by Zix.

Zix staggered to his feet, but Taely paid him no heed and continued to the upper floor.

“Taely! Stop! Advancing further won’t do you any good!”

Though bound by a sense of loyalty to Ed, Zix Effelstein would not divulge the entire plan or Ed’s intentions. Yet, he didn’t wish Taely to come to further harm. The best course of action for him would’ve been to subdue Taely right there.

Despite being caught in the middle, Zix did what he could, living in his usual way. Nevertheless, Taely ignored him.

“I know what’s ahead… Stop! At least halt and listen, Taely!”

What lies ahead? Zix knows, while Taely does not.

Nevertheless, Taely is aware of what’s at the ‘end’ of the path: Aylar Triss, who was taken against her will.

With just that knowledge… Taely pushes forward relentlessly, regardless of Zix Effelstein’s shouting.

Thus, Taely McLore, leaving Zix behind, ascended to the upper floor.

Gazing after the departed Taely, Zix frowned. The matter was out of his hands, but he continued to loudly call for Taely.

Eventually, Taely McLore reached the third floor of the Elte Commerce Building.

Seeking traces of Ed Rothtaylor, Taely dragged his battered body along the corridor.

He gasped for air and clung to his hazy consciousness… searching for Aylar.

The elongated hallway seemed endless.

Filled with rooms used by departments handling various documents of the establishment, and reception rooms for clients, yet not a single sign of life stirred throughout.

– Bang!

Suddenly, a grand and opulent door at the end of the corridor swung open.

“Ah!”

– Crash!

The secretary Lien, who emerged from the door, tumbled across the floor. Despite the rough fall, she ignored it, quickly rising to her feet with tears in her eyes and darted down the corridor.

“I’m sorry! I’m terribly sorry!”

With eyes tightly shut, she lightly bumped into Taely’s shoulder as she ran past, continuing her escape.

Watching the fleeing secretary, Taely’s brows furrowed for a moment before he proceeded towards the room she had left. There, he encountered a scene beyond his wildest imagination.

Lien had witnessed something in that lavish V. I. P. waiting room — a scene that Taely, his eyes now wide open, beheld for himself.

Within the grandeur of the V. I. P. waiting room, a young girl with pink hair sat alone, occupying the space and sipping tea on a guest sofa. Taely McLore recognized her all too well; to him, the girl symbolized an insurmountable terror.

Her rampages throughout Neelgan wielding the power of Glascan, blocking Ed’s path in Ophelius Hall as a battered mess, and commanding high-ranking sprits deep within the Glast Research Lab — never once had Taely seen Yenika Faelover resembling the naive girl which she often portrayed.

To him, Yenika Faelover was akin to a human weapon, a figure of fear controlling countless high spirits as limbs. Beside the girl, bathed in moonlight, lay a staff similar to Ed Rothtaylor’s.

Various magitech aids granted by Ed, including impact-enhancing shockwaves, clawed gauntlets, mana phase transformers, and even the Delheim hourglass, were present. Even in a fair duel, where both parties collide with their full might, Taely’s chances were virtually nonexistent. If she was also garbed in Ed-touched magitech, the predicament was utterly hopeless.

Gazing at Taely McLore with a bored expression as she held her teacup, Yenika Faelover was flanked by an army of spirits, each formidably powerful in its own right.

Before reaching Ed Rothtaylor, could he possibly overcome this notorious companion, his nearest ally, Yenika Faelover?

Trials are always steep and challenging, yet even so, there are limits.

Zix’ calls to dissuade Taely still seemed to echo through the air.

“You’ve arrived.”

In the darkness of the moonlit night.

The girl, who had been seated upon the guest sofa, slowly rose.

An insurmountable trial stood up.

“Let’s finish this quickly.”

There is no intention to handle with care. The object of terror holds no concern for Taely.

Magic begins to erupt from the spirits’ forms.

Taely gripped his sword laboriously, but could not stop his legs from shaking uncontrollably.

Elementalist Yenika Faelover.

The mysterious girl who sat guarding the third floor V. I. P. waiting room.

To reach Ed Rothtaylor, he must breakthrough at all costs.

Yet, no clear path emerged from the overwhelming trial ahead.