Chapter 207 - Duel Against the Veteran Students

Nathan Evenhart:

“Today you all have a special class, so get used to it. It's the duty of the older students to guide the younger ones,” Professor Beatrix declared authoritatively.

We were in an open field, where Professor Beatrix had called advanced students to instruct us. Recently, we’d been trained by other instructors, with Professor Beatrix only occasionally giving pointers. Given the number of students, more combat teachers were necessary, but today, veteran students would assist as instructors. These students, already in leadership roles or preparing for them, came from military families and had undergone rigorous training since early childhood.

Not all first-year students were here; our class was divided into groups due to the large number of attendees.

"This is going to be boring…” murmured Cylla, sitting on the ground.

Since it was a practical class, even tamed magical creatures were allowed to participate, many of which were trained to assist their owners in battle. I observed the range of animals and even caught sight of a small, green-furred bear.

A Rank C magical creature… interesting.

The cat beside me gave my leg a gentle nudge.

“Are you assessing the animals? You should know I don’t even fit into human rankings—I’m way too powerful for that,” she said with pride.

I muttered under my breath, “Show-off…”

“Good morning, class. You already know me from the first day’s introduction. I’m Sebastian Blake, a Sky Knight in the Teresia Kingdom’s army, also known as the Human Kingdom. Starting today, I and some senior students will be responsible for your practical lessons,” the instructor announced before stepping back into place.

Beside him, a red-haired woman stepped forward.

Do they practice this, too?

“I’m Elara, princess of the human kingdom. I’ll join the classes whenever possible. As a representative of the alliance of the three kingdoms, I want you all to know we’re committed to seeing you grow into fine warriors. I hope you enjoy the training,” she said, then turned to the knight instructors. “And go easy on them; they’re just novices.”

Professor Beatrix stood aside, observing and evaluating the instructors’ performances.

“Let’s get started. I promise we’ll be gentle with you,” one of the instructors said with a smile that didn’t exactly inspire confidence.

So I’m supposed to let them win? Great…

“I know you have separate classes for magic, but we’ll also assess your magical talent,” Sebastian added.

“Nathan Evenhart,” someone called, and I quickly looked around.

What did I do this time?

“You’re assigned to spar with the top instructor, aside from the princess,” Professor Beatrix informed me, approaching and giving my shoulder a light slap.

She leaned in and whispered, “I know it was you who scratched me in that last fight. It had to be you.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about…”

“Seems like you’re not just a pretty face,” she said with a grin that wasn’t entirely comforting.

She patted my shoulder. “I’m keeping an eye on you. Good luck,” she finished.

So much for being the invisible one…

I looked at the cat beside me. “You’d better find a place to rest; this is going to take a while,” I said, and Cylla dashed off to a safe spot.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

Sebastian Blake:

We were on our way to the training grounds to instruct the second group of first-year students. Earlier, we had taught the other half of their class.

“I’m telling you, take it easy this time. I don’t want to hear any complaints,” Elara insisted.

“Haha, I swear it wasn’t on purpose. Not my fault that kid was trained to be a Shooter Mage. He should’ve been prepared to wield a sword,” William remarked with a mischievous grin.

The princess sighed, but I could see a hidden smile forming on her face.

“I know it was funny, but remember to go easy. These are the ones who’ll eventually fill our ranks. We have to inspire them to want to be like us, not scare them off,” Elara reminded us.

We kept walking.

“And don’t forget to invite a few students to start knight training,” she added.

“When I mentioned it earlier, another student overheard and begged for the honor of joining the team,” William said.

“The promise of riding an Asalon Horse and soaring through the skies is tempting. Everyone wants that honor,” Elara observed.

I let out a small laugh.

“Too bad only a few will ever get that chance,” I commented.

Elara gave my arm a light smack. “No need to say that out loud. Maybe some of them will rise to the challenge and earn that chance in the future. They don’t need to know it’s… almost impossible,” she said.

I stifled a chuckle and shrugged.

“Don’t injure another student, William,” Elara warned.

“I’ll try…” William replied, barely holding back his laughter.

When we arrived, Professor Beatrix was waiting at the entrance.

Such a beautiful… and dangerous elf.

“I’ve prepared the list of who you’ll be sparring with. I’ll be evaluating you as instructors, so please avoid injuring the students,” she said, handing us the list before stepping away.

“We’ll do the same as this morning, dividing the matches to run simultaneously. Starting next week, we’ll introduce advanced fencing techniques. Today, let them use magic. And remember to try recruiting a few human students; we need to begin preparing the next group of knights,” Elara instructed.

“Relax. Once the prince shows up by surprise, they’ll all be in awe,” William added, as we approached the students.

***

“We only have ten instructors, so first, each of you will duel with an instructor. Afterward, we’ll begin working on sword techniques. For those of you who use wands or other magical implements… sorry, but you’ll also be required to practice with a sword, at least during this first school year,” I announced to the class.

As earlier, I noticed their curious expressions. They recognized our special uniforms, signifying our status as knights.

Earlier, there was that wolf girl who defeated one of our colleagues, but she’s from another kingdom, so recruitment isn’t an option. Besides, she doesn’t even practice swordsmanship…

We divided the students, and I approached William.

“You’re instructing Alice, so go easy on my fiancée,” I said.

“Of course, I would never do otherwise with Her Highness Alice,” William replied, adding a playful tone.

Melina tried sword fighting earlier, but she didn’t excel. Unfortunately, the talent for fencing lies with Elara and Duncan. Still, I hope she becomes an exceptional Shooter Mage. If she masters her fire magic further, she’ll be a real force to be reckoned with.

I took my roster and reviewed the students I’d be dueling with.

The last name caught my attention.

It seems I’ll be paired with that Nathan Evenhart.

Beatrix:

I’ve been keeping a close eye on Nathan Evenhart. Ever since that day, I’ve been replaying the battle in my mind, feeling like maybe I overlooked something.

“Professor,” greeted Elara as she approached.

“Skipping the duels again?” I asked, a hint of curiosity in my tone.

“I can’t be seen sparring with students due to my position in the army. It could affect morale if I appear weak, and if I overdo it, I might intimidate the students,” she replied.

“Must be tough being you,” I teased.

Elara paused, stepping closer. “At least sometimes, it’s fun. I’ll help with fencing instruction, but I won’t participate in any of the duels.”

I glanced over at Sebastian, who was already sparring with the students in his line.

I’ve left Nathan for last…

“Anyone else interesting in this class? I’ve already recruited Edmund,” she asked.

“The wolf girl from earlier is good,” I remarked.

Elara laughed. “I’m talking about people I can actually recruit, Professor. I need candidates for the human army.”

I considered for a moment. “There’s Viktor, the Shooter Mage with a solid arsenal of spells, but I believe he’s already been picked up by your group. What type of mage are you looking for? Shooter Mages tend to be a bit vain, given their greater magical talent, and Healers are only interested in coin.”

“I’m looking for Transmitter mages, the ones the military considers standard: Combat Mages. I need those skilled in close combat. Shooter Mages often avoid fencing practice since they have the advantage of keeping enemies at a distance with their spells due to their higher mana reserves. I’ve recruited a few for the knights, but I need more quality fighters. After all, for a Shooter Mage to shine and unleash their spells, they need a Combat Mage on the front lines, holding off the enemy and creating the perfect opportunity. Any student catch your eye?”

I looked at Nathan Evenhart, waiting patiently in line.

“For now, no one,” I replied, lying.

I need to confirm if what happened that day was just a coincidence.

“Easy, Princess; it’s only their first year. Let’s shape them into good soldiers. Just be patient,” I said.

“You know me, I have targets to meet,” she replied, her tone determined yet playful.

We watched a few students. Fire bolts flew through the air, and other powerful spells flared.

Most of them are using magic unnecessarily… and if they run low on mana mid-battle?

I sighed.

And then they say we Transmitters are just brute fighters. But what happens when the Shooter Mage runs out of mana? Will they ask their enemy to show mercy? These kids…