Beginner’s Black Magic, Necrology, and even Hemomancy—the professors of Kizen had laid out a curriculum that seemed laser-focused on the upcoming Duel Evaluation. Today’s final class, Cursology, was no exception. "The first thing I do when I enter a classroom is look into my students’ eyes." Dressed as always in a stylish, pure-white suit, Bahil placed his felt fedora on the lectern. " My, my. They’re full of anguish today. Eyes that look as if they won’t be able to focus on the lesson. Shall I take a peek into your minds? Ah, the Duel Evaluation. Right now, your minds are filled with nothing but that!"
His easy charm drew a few chuckles from the students.
"I graduated from Kizen, so I know the feeling well. The thought of fighting your fellow students must be making you anxious. But do not worry. I will show you the way." Bahil offered his characteristically trustworthy smile. "In this single lesson, I will teach you a method to swiftly and safely subdue your opponents. All you have to do is trust and follow me."
The students’ eyes sparkled. It was only natural; the name Bahil carried a lofty halo, one that seventeen-year-olds could hardly dare to gaze upon.
"By now, I believe your individual black magic styles have been established to some extent. We will divide this lesson into two parts," Bahil announced, looking around the room. "For those of you who have clearly decided which magic to use in the Duel Evaluation, you will need a curse specialized for support. I will teach you the swift ‘Leg Down,’ which will allow you to pressure your opponent quickly and with little burden."
A murmur went through the class. It was a spell not found in the textbook.
"Humans are creatures of unstable balance, standing on just two legs with their backs held straight. Simply being knocked off balance can render most of their actions impossible," Bahil explained. "Leg Down applies Exhaust to a localized area, including the opponent’s feet, to restrict their movement. If applied strongly or if the opponent moves recklessly, they will fall. Its advantage, of course, is that it is faster and lighter than a full Exhaust curse."
He smiled faintly. "And for those of you flipping through your textbooks right now, it is only natural that you cannot find it. It is a curse I modified myself."
A collective "Ooooh" of awe rippled through the students.
"Next, for the Cursology prospects, those who will use curses as their primary weapon in the Duel Evaluation, and those who have yet to decide which black magic to use. To you, I will teach a modified Paralyze curse."
Remake Paralyze. This, too, was a spell not found in the textbook.
"Its effect is weaker than the original Paralyze, but through practical modifications, it can be cast much faster. I have also arranged it so that it can take effect using the basic runes and formula combinations available to first-years. If you build up stacks during combat, you will be able to replicate the effect of the original spell."
The students were given two choices: the light but effective Leg Down, or the heavy but decisive Remake Paralyze.
"Now, let’s split up." Bahil clapped his hands. "Students who wish to learn Leg Down, move to the left. Those who wish to learn Remake Paralyze, move to the right."
As the students began to murmur and divide, Bahil’s gaze was fixed on only one place. ‘...Now, Simon Polentia.’
A flicker of madness danced in his eyes. ‘A genius like you must be dressed in clothes befitting your stature. Curses are the best path to bring out two hundred percent of your Jet-Black’s potential! Cast aside that old, outdated Summoning. Focusing on Summoning for the Duel Evaluation is something not even a fool would do! You know that, don’t you?’
Uncharacteristically, Bahil bit his lip, his face tense. Simon, who had been talking with Dick, Meirin, and Kamibarez, finally made his move.
’Which side will it be? Of course, the right...!’
Simon, along with Meirin, walked to the left. Dick and Kamibarez went to the right.
Seeing Simon’s choice, Bahil bit his lip so hard it was on the verge of bleeding. He had once again chosen to treat curses as a secondary tool rather than his primary weapon.
"Professor Bahil."
Just then, a hand touched the enraged professor’s shoulder. He whirled around, his eyes wild, to find his gray-eyed assistant holding an index finger to her lips.
"You’re making that face again."
As if by magic, Bahil’s expression calmed, and his usual gentle smile returned. "My, it seems I grew a little excited. Thank you, Chehekle."
"It’s fine. This is my role, after all. More importantly, your instructions."
Bahil adjusted his tie as he watched the other assistants preparing for the lesson, flipping through the formula designs for Leg Down. "Send all the assistants to the right. I will teach Leg Down myself."
"Excuse me? But last week, you said you would be teaching Remake Paralyze...!"
"I’ve changed my mind."
This was a problem. The assistant team had stayed up all night preparing materials to teach Leg Down. Chehekle considered trying to persuade him, but Bahil’s face was a mask of resolve. ‘He has absolutely no intention of changing his mind.’ An assistant’s duty was to obey. She bowed her head.
"Understood."
Chehekle approached the assistants who were setting up the mana projector and handing out materials. "Hold on, everyone. Gather ‘round."
The assistants clustered together, looking puzzled by the sudden order. "What is it? It’s a two-hour class; we need to start."
"The Professor had a change of heart. He’s going to teach Leg Down himself."
"Whaaat?" they all exclaimed.
"No way, ma’am!" one protested. "We’ve been preparing for Leg Down this whole time, and he changes his mind on the day of the lesson?!"
"This isn’t right! Please try to talk to him!"
Chehekle crossed her arms.
"You all know he isn’t one to listen to us, don’t you?"
"This isn’t the first time he’s been whimsical. Stop your whining and prepare yourselves. I’ll manage the Paralyze class somehow."
With slumped shoulders, the assistants put down their materials and shuffled away. As Chehekle patted her juniors’ backs encouragingly, her gaze drifted to a boy sitting in his seat.
And so, with Cursology, the day’s classes finally came to an end. Dick headed down to Rochest, while Meirin and Kamibarez made for the girls’ dormitory. Simon, however, sat alone on a deserted bench, staring blankly at the sky as a beautiful sunset painted the heavens. [What thoughts have you fallen into, boy?] Pier’s voice echoed in his mind.
Keeping his gaze on the sky, Simon asked, "Pier, must a Legion Commander major in Summoning?"
Pier chuckled. [There is no such rule. If you were to choose Combat Magic, I would simply run the Legion myself. Demoting the Legion to a supporting role to maximize your own inherent power is entirely your choice. The Legion will respect that decision.]
When Simon remained silent, Pier’s lips curled into a smirk. [Why? Did you expect me to stop you?]
Simon flinched.
[Speak. What is it that troubles you so?]
"No, it’s just..." Simon let out a deep sigh. "Everyone says it. That Summoning is weak. Outdated. Not just the other professors and students, but even Professor Aaron, who teaches the subject."
[And so?] Pier pressed. [Are you going to quit Summoning?]
’Quitting Summoning.’ The very thought sparked a powerful resistance inside him.
[That feeling is likely your true heart,] Pier said with another chuckle. [In my opinion, boy, you ‘like’ Summoning. You have a personality that enjoys learning new things and feeling a sense of accomplishment, but the feelings you have for Summoning are special. Is there any need to find a reason to continue Summoning beyond that?]
Simon couldn’t deny a single word.
[However, that is not what you are truly agonizing over, is it?]
"Huh?"
[Boy, your ideals and values are already established. To agonize over abandoning Summoning now, simply because of what others say, is not like you. It is something lower than that. Something far more trivial and insignificant.] The corners of Pier’s mouth stretched wide. [Is it not the desire to win this Duel Evaluation using ‘only’ Summoning?]
Simon looked down at Pier’s clone with a startled expression before letting out a small sigh and a short laugh. "Wow, I really can’t hide anything from you, can I, Pier?"
[Hehehe!]
"It’s foolish, isn’t it?" Simon admitted. "I don’t know when I’ll ever grow up. Even when there’s a better way, this desire to win with Summoning just keeps surfacing..."
[And what do you think is the reason?]
"It’s just... it’s frustrating," Simon said, his voice hardening. "Summoning is weak. It takes time. It needs the support of other disciplines. You can’t win with Summoning alone. That’s all I’ve heard all day long. From the assistants, from Dick, from the professors, and even from Toto, who’s a Summoning prospect."
He crossed his arms. "It’s not even my major yet, but I grew angry that Summoning is treated with such disdain."
[But you have always chosen the most efficient means. The conflict between those two notions is the source of your dilemma.]
"Yes." Simon stood up from the bench and dusted off his pants.
[So, what is the result of your deliberation?]
"This time," Simon said with a grin, "I’m choosing passion."
"Imagine it, Pier. Everyone denies it. They all say it’s impossible. If, in front of all of them, I were to win the Duel Evaluation with only Summoning... don’t you think that would feel absolutely incredible?" It would be a weight off his chest—a pure, vindicating triumph.
[Bwahahahahahaha! Yes! That is it!] Pier’s laughter boomed. [To willingly walk a path others will not—that act in itself is special and valuable. What’s more, you have the ability and the talent for it, so there is no reason not to. Remember this, boy.]
A blue flame ignited on Pier’s clone. [You are none other than the Legion Commander I have chosen. Do not hesitate to cross the lines drawn by minnows when you have the body of a shark. Do whatever you desire.]
"Yes, Pier." A relieved smile finally spread across Simon’s face. "I’ve made my decision."

Comments

Loading...