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“At least we’re fighting as a team, so it’s somewhat fun.”

Cora came back to life next to him. Cora stuck her sword into the ground and stood up, still looking competitive. Eugene looked her in the eye and let out an incredulous chuckle. She shook her head and adjusted her gear.

“How’s Natalie?”

“She’s fine. She looks a little disgruntled, but I think it’s because she’s fighting with much more focus than usual, though she hasn’t had any real injuries.”

‘Just how strong is Natalie?’ Eugene shuddered at her strength, becoming more visible with each training session. The gap wasn’t seen in the easier fights, but it has become increasingly wide as their limits were tested.

“Maybe she would’ve had an easier time if she went alone. Since the Professor said that all three of us have to be there to pass, she’s likely waiting at the exit.”

Cora said, looking at Eugene, who was leaning on a tree. He shook his head in disbelief and started walking forward. Every time his mana had threatened to run out, he’d have a mana potion to restore it, but he had one sip remaining. Only one chance left today.

“How many times have we died, Cora?”

“This must be the sixth time.”

There were times when they thought they’d reached the end of the forest, and then as if on cue, a monster would appear out of nowhere and kill us. Sometimes they’d let my guard down, thinking it was a harmless creature, only to become the stuff of their nightmares. Other times, they’d just lose due to their accumulating fatigue.

“I wonder if we can get through this.”

“…The Hero just strolled through it.”

Eugene had no choice but to shut up. When he had offered to show them the way out of the forest, he had gone through it with them first. Of course, monsters flew at him with the same ferocity, but he didn’t even give them a second glance, slaying them one by one. Like raindrops caught in an umbrella, the monster could not get closer than three steps to him before they perished. Moreover, the Hero had not even used any mana; there was no point in discussing how monstrously skilled he was.

“…That’s just him being weirdly strong.”

“He made it through on his own, protecting the three of us. We have no one to protect and allies to rely on, so we have to do better.”

Cora spoke up, her voice full of determination. Eugene pretended to be unmotivated but kept going. After all, their skills were improving with each death.

“Well, first, we must get to where Natalie awaits us.”

They were low on mana. They saw what was ahead and knew they couldn’t use it recklessly. Otherwise, he was just asking to become imaginary monster food. Eugene pressed down his surging mana.

“Let’s go as fast as we can. We can’t keep Natalie waiting forever.”

Eugene picked up the pace, running after Cora. She was much better at detecting monsters than he was. He lets her take care of the enemies before them and focuses his attention on the monsters waiting to ambush from behind.

“Take this!”

Eugene unwittingly realized the advantages of having someone else with him. What he lacks, others make up for, and he makes up for what they lack. It would be much easier to move as a unit than to try to break through this damn forest alone.

“Need some help!”

“Hold a second!”

Eugene released the spell in his hand. The white wolves hit by his flame were blasted into a nearby tree and died. Eugene barely had time to catch his breath before looking back ahead and firing his magic at the three wolves Cora was blocking.

“No time to rest; keep moving.”

The end of the battle was the most dangerous. After dozens of bouts and multiple deaths, Cora and Eugene understood that. Setting the carcasses on fire, they moved swiftly. They had become used to the tactics they had used and were fighting really well, but the fatigue of having to repeat many times had set in.

“…This has to be the last.”

Eugene muttered in resignation while Cora beside him lowered her sword as if she had run out of willpower. To be more precise, she didn’t have the stamina to lift her sword and fight. Roughly ten monsters surrounded the two of them. They were going to have to die again.

“You’re slow.”

The voice was like a ray of light in the otherwise dark forest. Her jet-black hair fluttered like night, and half the monsters were dead. Eugene opened his eyes and called out his savior’s name.

“Natalie!”

“You guys do the rest.”

With that, Natalie crossed her arms and sat on the root of a tree. Cora and Eugene, perhaps spurred on by the look, regrouped and squeezed what little strength they had left.

“We’re not kittens learning to hunt-!”

Eugene shouted, drawing up his mana. The amount he had saved was finally going to be used. Cora stepped forward in a defensive stance to support Eugene. The creatures lunged at her, baring their teeth.

“Nice one.”

Eugene’s spell was completed very quickly. Fourth Circle Spell, Burst. Eugene pointed his finger at the monsters, and a series of massive explosions erupted, blasting them apart. (TN: What a boring name.)

“Aaahhhhhhhhhh!!!”

The magic power Eugene had poured into it blossomed. He blinked as he felt his next ring developing a little more. He let out a long breath, checking the mana he had left. Cora and Eugene smirked at the vaporized remains of monsters.

“That’s it….”

“No time for admiring. We have to go if we want to finish the assignment.”

Natalie said coldly.

“The least she could do was give a compliment.”

“That’s the Natalie I know.”

They followed her as she walked ahead.

“Be sure to keep your guard up.”

With those words, Natalie raised her hand in a glow of magic. Monsters slowly revealed herself.

“Keep to the path.”

Natalie snorted and started walking forward. The monsters flew in without warning, and Natalie mechanically dispatched them, letting a few past her. Eugene’s eyes widened as he watched the swarm filter out, leaving him and Cora only facing one or two at a time.

‘If we struggle with the leftovers, how can we move forward? How would we ever catch up to Natalie?’ Eugene and Cora gritted their teeth and repelled the charging monsters, knocking them down. They didn’t think about the path forward, leaving that to Natalie, focusing only on dealing with what they could and not dying. The numbers slowly thinned.

“Well done.”

Then, a familiar voice sounded in their ears. Eugene and Cora looked up to see the owner. At the forest’s edge, the Hero greeted them.

“It’s over…”

Eugene and Cora’s legs gave way, and they collapsed before him. The Hero helped them to their feet and brought them to a bed. The two students lay in a daze, basking in the feeling of completing the task, forgetting that the Hero carried them. With a smile, he turned toward the only standing student.

“Good job, Natalie.”

Natalie showed no sign of exhaustion; she stared with emotionless, rational eyes at the forest she had just cleared. There was no joy in accomplishing the task.

“It was a task I could have passed on my own.”

“Yes. But passing it with others is a different challenge than passing it alone. You’ll learn the importance of doing that one day.”

The Hero laughed. Natalie couldn’t understand why.

“It’s annoying.”

“That is the responsibility of those who have power.”

Natalie stared at him.

Kill him.

A voice echoed in Natalie’s head. ‘Now is not the time. It won’t be too late to execute my plan once I learn more from him.’ With that thought, Natalie took a step forward.

“Teach me more.”

The Hero looked at Natalie thoughtfully, then nodded very slowly.

“Very well, let’s call this a special occasion, a reward for completing the task I set you.”

With that, the Hero drew the sword sheathed at his waist. It didn’t look like the Holy Sword Natalie knew. It was a false sword, probably provided by the Academy. The blade didn’t look threatening, but it looked intimidating in his hands.

“This’ll only happen once.”

Only then did Natalie realize she couldn’t eliminate the Hero whenever she pleased. She needed to fight him several times to understand him. She couldn’t win in a battle of strength.

“Change setting. Training ground.”

In an instant, the forest landscape shifted to a room with white walls. The Hero looked like a mentor teaching a curious student. If only he knew the student was trying to find a gap she could exploit.

“Give me your best.”

At the Hero’s words, Natalie didn’t hesitate. She had kept her power secret until now. Even if he was the Hero, he wouldn’t be able to comprehend her speed. Natalie’s vision blurred.

She activated her magic, showing her a world only she could see…yet turquoise eyes followed her movements. Natalie was surprised as she made out the words he mouthed.

“You’re fast.”

As their swords crossed, Natalie was knocked off her feet. The blow that hit her was something she couldn’t even see. She widened her eyes and glared at the warrior.

“Come again.”

***

“…You seem cheerful these days.”

I looked up. Across from me, Nella hadn’t touched her food. Humbled by her demeanor, I put down my spoon and turned to face her.

“What’s with the smile?”

“Maybe teaching kids is my thing?”

I gave her a wry smile. I would have said something immediately if the question had been asked sarcastically, but she seemed genuinely curious. Her eyes were staring at me blankly for some reason.

“It’s a responsibility. However, there’s a part of me that enjoys it. The kids are learning much quicker than I expected. It’s quite gratifying to see their progress.”

Little by little, I could feel myself relaxing with the students’ progress. We don’t have a plan for the Disaster itself, but Daphne is working hard to make one. As for Natalie… well, that remains to be seen.

(I’m glad you’ve found a worthy disciple.)

That’s a different genre.

“…I see.”

Nella said and picked up her spoon. After nibbling at her food, Nella took a large gulp of water and raised her head. I tried to read the emotion in her eyes, but all I could see was the glare of a knight preparing to duel someone. It reminded me of my time in Evernode.

“Hey, Hero.”

“?”

Nella slammed down her cutlery.

“I’ll deal with the Disaster myself. I’ll do it without your help. And I’ll prove myself.”

They were unexpected words. I looked at Nella, dumbfounded, as she continued.

“Just keep teaching kids like the old retired man you are. Make sure you teach them well. I’ll know if you did an excellent job if they can realize that removing me was the biggest mistake you’ve made.

Then, as if embarrassed by her words, Nella gulped down her food in one gulp and rose from her seat. She immediately left the restaurant. I noticed a purse on the table and let out a small chuckle.

“…She forgot her wallet.”

She’ll be back to get it.

I thought and slowly picked up my cutlery. As if on cue, Nella, blushing profusely, bowed her head and began to approach the table at a brisk pace.

***

“Didn’t you say you disliked him?”

Edwin’s demeanor, as if testing her. Nella was about to answer that she did, but then she swallowed her words. There was something hidden. She could sense the reluctance in Edwin’s question. Nella frowned and turned to him.

“Why would you ask such a question?”

“…Well, I can’t say you’re on good terms with him. I was just curious and asked.”

Edwin shrugged as if it was no big deal. Nella glared at him with narrowed eyes. She hated the Hero. That was true. She might say it out loud to him, but she doesn’t cowardly bite him in the back. It was a vital part of Nella’s pride and the least she could do for the man who had saved the world by putting himself out there.

“…It’s none of your business, Professor, and I have no intention of denigrating what he accomplished as the Hero. Even if I don’t like him personally, I can understand why people favored him.”

Nella was driven away because she didn’t fit in. A wizard named Daphne was chosen because she was more talented than she was. She can’t admit it, but she’s learned to live with it.

“…I see.”

“Unless you have any more questions, I’ll be leaving.”

Nella turned and walked away. She ignored his gaze, following her back.

‐—-

Translator’s Corner

Hope you enjoyed the chapter. I’m still on vacation, but I was bored so I made another chapter. Problem is that I don’t have my normal tools for translating and editing, so the quality isn’t the best.

Should I post it regardless, and edit them once I get back, or should I just hold them for now?

-Ruminas