How to Survive at the Academy
chapter-213

King of the Dunces (1)

“I don’t want to.”

It wasn’t common for such a firm refusal to spring from Lucy’s lips.

“You could die.”

The clear intent of refusal was obvious from the worry that accompanied it.

Leaning against a tree, engrossed in her book, Lucy suddenly leaped to the ground, her hair bouncing with the motion. She briefly cast a vacant look up at me and then, nonchalantly as if it’s nothing, broached a deadly topic.

“I don’t want to kill you. High-level magic isn’t easy to control.”

“I obviously don’t want to die either.”

It was such an apparent statement that it needed no emphasis.

“There’s an item I prepared for magic engineering called the ‘Delheim Hourglass.’

If you have this on you, you absolutely won’t die from a one-hit kill.”

“But I’ll still get hurt.”

“If you take all precautions and still manage to gain quick results, everyone would choose that path.”

Lucy surely understood my desire to accelerate my growth as soon as possible.

The resurrection of Sacred Dragon Bellbrook wasn’t unfolding as predicted. Like most events.

“I don’t have the luxury of time. Fight with me from now on. At least until I master high-level magic. If it had been before, sparring wouldn’t even be possible… but now, I absolutely won’t die from a one-hit kill.”

In a world where experience equates to skill in magic, no one seeks to risk their life for practice. Having magicians willing to perform high-level magic dozens of times over is rare in itself.

Yet, a mage of Lucy Mayrill’s caliber could potentially achieve that if she set her mind to it.

While fighting the evil god Mebuler, Lucy wielded an insane amount of mana, casting over fifty high-level magic circles and even high-level magic spells in one go.

After a single night’s rest, she could replenish the mana of dozens of people, making her the perfect sparring partner.

The opportunity to spar without limits against perhaps the greatest magic talent ever born isn’t one that comes to everyone.

When I first arrived in this body, there was a greater chance that even a single blow would have been too much to bear, let alone attempt it… But now the story is entirely different. My growth rate has also reached a certain trajectory.

To learn high-level magic with this body, which takes ages to improve mana sensitivity, heading with an all-out method is the only way.

“Waiting half-heartedly only risks injury without triggering the hourglass. So, better to crank up the firepower like I’m aiming to destroy.”

“It’s not difficult, but still, I’m against it. I’m opposed.”

Lucy was seldom this adamant in expressing her opinion.

“I want you to stay unharmed.”

“Lucy, please understand my desperation. You know.”

…

For a long time, we stood looking into each other’s eyes. The silent standoff continued, with no signs of either of us backing down.

After some time, Lucy sighed deeply and pressed down on her large witch hat.

“Alright.”

The place was the northernmost cliff of Acken Island. Tall, craggy cliffs stretched along the coast. Standing at their edge, looking down, the sight was enough to send shivers. I had been stabbed with a knife and had fallen from this very spot during the student council elections. Even in hindsight, it was an insane act.

Moving slightly inland from the cliffs reveals a vast open meadow. It’s far from the Sylvania lands and almost devoid of human activity. Few students make their way through the northern forest to this seclusion.

The wind blowing across the meadow flutters the hem of my clothes.

Lucy, standing some distance away facing me, her skirt also fluttering in the meadow breeze, slowly begins to manifest her mana.

I am fully prepared. Not only my physical condition but my mana is fully replenished, and all the spirits I can summon are manifested.

A new spirit formula is etched onto the short blade I hold in reverse grip. To the ceremonial short blade already endowed with Muk’s spirit formula ‘Detonation,’ I now add Mayrill’s ‘Counterwind.’

It’s the same dagger I’ve carried since my survival began. Not only weapon proficiency but its attunement to my mana are both at their peak, capable of handling high-level spirit formulas without issue.

Mayrill’s ‘Counterwind,’ a spirit formula that momentarily shatters and weakens enemy’s mana by dispelling magic from the inscribed formula.

Magic attacks come fast, timing the manifestation of the spirit formula is hard. Nevertheless, in pure defense capability, it’s impressive.

But whether that could block Lucy’s high-level magic was uncertain. More likely, her magic would easily penetrate the spirit formula. Still, better than a direct hit.

…

In the swirling wind, Lucy abruptly raised her hand.

With an effortlessly clenched fist, the mana concentration that would leave ordinary spellcasters exhausted pooled around her.

To any mage, this was incredibly unfair; the resonance and efficiency of her mana were off the charts.

Without a change in expression—

—Boom!!!

She launched the lightning strike.

The released magic’s flow was invisible to the eye. It was blocked almost reflexively, thanks to the timely interference of Mayrill, manifesting a human-shaped magic circle.

—Rumble!!!

—Whistle!!

—Crackling…

Quickly lifting the reversed blade, I pressed the other arm over the hilt to brace against it.

Taking on a human form to improve mana efficiency, Mayrill, nonetheless a high-level spirit, her white hair fluttering as she quickly funneled mana to the spirit formula, barely breaking a sweat.

A perfect defense. Astonishingly complete.

Yet, despite the successful block, the shock wasn’t nullified.

Though it couldn’t have been more perfect, a trembling sensation ran through my bones from the recoil.

Traces of smoke rose from the impact. My fluttering garments and hair returned to normal, but my legs were shaking from the shock.

“Argh…”

Frowning, I looked at the tightly clutched dagger. Mana was leaking from the overloaded spirit formula.

“Still… more bearable than I thought…”

Had all my training been for nothing? Even against the formidable high-level magic of a genius sorceress, it wasn’t lethal.

I was too quick to think…

“That wasn’t high-level magic.”

“…”

“I began with intermediate magic to measure up.”

Intermediate electric magic ‘Lightning Spear.’

A thrusting attack that uses a spear of lightning to impale the opponent. It seemed familiar in shape now that I thought about it. Too rapid to see, though.

The aftermath of the shock spread beyond me, charring the grass within several meters to crisp. This was not the usual power of a Lightning Spear.

Even intermediate spells, when cast by Lucy Mayrill, are in a different league. That was known.

“Now… here I come…”

Though reluctant, Lucy had agreed to participate, resolved to do it right.

High-level electric magic ‘Divine Punishment,’ high-level explosive magic ‘Destruction,’ high-level frost magic ‘Permafrost,’ high-level fire magic ‘Scorching Globe,’ high-level light magic ‘Severing Light,’ high-level dark magic ‘Nightmare Swamp,’ high-level earth magic ‘Antlion Pit,’ high-level wind magic ‘Eye of the Typhoon’…

Each one, if mastered, could earn magicians respect as exalted beings in their own right.

Without taking them head on, it’s hard to internalize their flow and principles.

I let out a hollow laugh. As reckless as it was, there was no surer way.

Then, closing my eyes tightly, I dropped the smile. Narrowing my eyes, clenched my teeth, and glared with venom.

Power surged through the hand gripping the dagger.

*― Thank you all for your hard work during the festival preparation period. The grand Crestol Festival starts tomorrow.

― Let’s collaborate closely with the faculty to ensure a successful event without any unfortunate incidents during the festival.

The recently constructed Obel Hall, adjacent to the student plaza, proudly displayed its vintage style.

To support the increasingly responsible student council activities, its interior was practical.

In the grand conference room, where all the students were gathered, president Tanya announced through a sound amplification spell.

There were praises for the hard work during last month’s festival preparations, and an appeal to enjoy the grand Crestol Festival while fulfilling their duties as student council members. That was the gist.

Around president Tanya, the student council members clapped and cheered. With the festival preparations finally concluded, they could now look forward to a return to normal life after the week-long festivities.

Time certainly flies.

Zix, leaning against the back wall of the conference room, muttered to himself.

Indeed, the months leading up to the festival had been incredibly busy.

Keeping up with the curriculum while reviewing festival plans, providing support where needed, resolving conflicts, and managing external visits required him to be everywhere at once.

Even with all this, he couldn’t neglect Elka’s care, making Zix so preoccupied that he seemed to be in two places at once. He could only feel grateful for Elka’s constant presence during the student council activities.

“Senior Zix, thank you for all your hard work during the preparation period.”

Stepping down from the podium, greeted by the students, president Tanya brushed off her old-fashioned skirt and spoke.

While everyone was energizing each other with a fighting spirit—

Tanya was on her way to the Triss Hall with Anis for her next schedule.

“No, it was the President who had the most hardships. And now, the matters we need to handle are of utmost importance.”

“Haah… that’s true… anyways, the senior action committee members shouldn’t relax either. Emperor Clorel himself is planning to visit…”

“Have you finished reviewing the visit schedule?”

“Yes, he will arrive in the morning in two days, have lunch, tour the school, make a speech at the event, and then watch the integrated sparring tournament. Senior Felbrain will review the lunch menu, and Senior Clinic and Anis will take charge of checking the tour route.”

“Then I suppose I should re-examine the integrated sparring tournament schedule.”

“Correct. Please ensure everything proceeds without any problems by reviewing the participants’ schedules again and announcing any necessary notices.”

“Understood, President Tanya.”

With his arms crossed, Zix nodded and soon let out a slight chuckle, “By the way, President Tanya, you seem to be in good spirits lately. Division of work must have been effective.”

“Yes, well… The festival preparation period did involve more work, but it became manageable once it was organized. Handling an organization is truly hard work.”

“We all have to learn it one way or another. It’s just a pity that you’ve had no time to catch up with others.”

“Well, everyone is busy. During the festival, the entire school is bustling. Ed brother doesn’t have any issues, right? He’s scheduled to spar with Senior Dex this time.”

“I will check on that while reviewing the tournament schedule. I should give a final confirmation of the timings.”

So deep in thought, Zix realized that everyone around him seemed busy for various reasons. Tanya would continue to remain busy.

Taely seemed absorbed in training, his companion Aila for some reason stuck in the library all month, sifting through booklists as if searching for something. It appeared she was looking for information on a historical figure, the Grand Sage Sylvania.

Elka, the librarian, had mentioned that Aila borrowed all books related to Sylvania. Zix had a faint idea of what Aila might be thinking but refrained from saying it out loud.

Yenika Faelover, newly minted as a baroness, was preoccupied with learning the proper conduct of a novice noble. At times, she’d strike various poses or utter majestic phrases when alone, only to blush with embarrassment. Zix made sure to pass by without engaging, knowing calling attention might shame her to ‘death.’

Lucy Mayrill, meanwhile, was seen more at Ed’s camp than in academic circles, often appearing exhausted despite her formidable mana capacity.

As a senior action committee member, Zix knew better than to pry into these personal matters—it wasn’t appropriate.

Lortelle was frequently visible, as Elte Trading Company was increasing logistics staff during the busy festival period, leading to various small negotiations with the student council. He maintained a generally amicable approach.

Others were as usual, except for Clevius, who looked more ominous than ever, often muttering dark, foreboding words with lifeless eyes. On inquiry, Clevius lamented that being from a noble house wasn’t particularly useful. Zix recognized that Clevius had his own set of troubles.

Amidst preparing for the festival, Zix still paid attention to these acquaintances.

“I’ll review the plans from the academic headquarters regarding Emperor Clorel’s visit and establish precise movements to align with it. Once done, I will submit it for approval, so please don’t hide in some obscure place. It’s hard to find you.”

“No need to worry, senior Zix. I’ve ‘graduated’ from hiding in dark and damp places. What do you take me for?”

“Wasn’t it just yesterday when you were caught hiding under the cupboard in the back room? The student council members looked so distant. Next time, hide somewhere more reasonable, if you must.”

“… Did Senior Anis tell you?”

“No, it was Sinir who handles pantry inventory—he screamed when he found you and almost fell. I was the one who bandaged the scrape on his ankle.”

“… I really should apologize to Committee Member Sinir…”

Tanya, shifting uncomfortably, darted glances around. Thankfully, she behaved nobly when on the podium.

“Prepare well for tomorrow’s opening ceremony. I’ll head back to finish the tournament preparations.”

With that, Zix pushed off the wall he was leaning on, fluffed his clothes, and said, “I need to review the tournament participants one more time.”

“Take care, and please submit the report through Senior Anis.”

Zix nodded with a slight smile and left the conference room.

*

“You’ll find him at the northern cliffs. After returning, he’s there every day until late at night.”

When Zix went looking for Ed at the camp, he wasn’t there. Yenika, sitting by the campfire, greeted Zix instead. Her worried face told him where Ed was. Zix thanked her and proceeded through the forest, crossing its breadth to the cliff area.

The forest that covered most of the northern part of Acken Island was familiar to Zix who regularly jogged there, though he had only explored less than half of it. As Zix ventured deeper, people who knew the terrain became scarce.

Nonetheless, one thing was certain—following north would lead to the cliffs. Knowing just that was enough not to get lost. The quiet forest facilitated contemplation.

Many attended the Grand Melee, but everyone’s attention was fixed on the integrated sparring tournament featuring each class’s top students.

Approaching the northern end, where the forest gave way to open meadows, Zix caught his breath—powerful magic energy was palpable even from this distance. The vast plains were saturated with a magic presence, beyond the capacity of an average mage.

Frowning, Zix stepped into the meadow and stopped in disbelief.

“Ugh…”

A towering boulder stood on the meadow’s edge, and leaning against it, Ed Rothtaylor was seated, bleeding profusely.

The area was a chaotic aftermath of magical battles—holes dug into the ground, grass torn up, and even a tree ripped out by its roots.

“Ed, senior…”

“What is it… Zix…”

Recognizing Zix’s voice, Ed opened his eyes sharply.

He wasn’t unconscious or asleep; he was merely resting.

“What… what happened here…?”

“Just… training a bit too hard…”

Trying to stand, Ed’s clothes were torn in multiple places. But Zix’s shock was due to something else—the resonance and amount of mana around Ed had changed dramatically, and even the glint in his eyes seemed deadlier.

Zix recognized the sensation—a severely scarred wolf should be feared. It’s a saying in the northern grasslands that a yellow wolf, having survived numerous life-threatening wounds, becomes cunning and ferocious.

The more one survives extreme circumstances, the sharper one’s killer instinct gets. Ed Rothtaylor, standing with difficulty against the boulder, had surpassed mere student levels of mana.

His sparring with Lucy Mayrill, who no ordinary person could withstand even a single blow, had pushed his limits through relentless training. Though twice was still too much.

Day after day, Ed repeated battles with Lucy, amplifying his magical sensitivity to an almost self-destructive degree.

Now, on the brink of collapse, Ed had managed to muster enough mana to cast high-level magic. It was almost mad ambition that even Zix, who never skipped his training, silently respected.

“Ed… Senior…”

“Right… the festival is about to start…”

Ed wiped the blood from his temple and staggered to his feet.

“I need to wash up… and attend the opening… ceremony…”

Greatness often comes after overcoming frustration with barriers—those not born with innate talent or genius abilities must repeatedly clash against their walls until they break.

It’s the destiny of those born with less—to persevere through sheer willpower.