Alright, let’s be real—I wasn’t paying attention in class anyway, so we’re skipping all the “study scenes” from the past week.
Even if we showed them, it’d just be me half-asleep, fighting off drowsiness.
Instead of that boring stuff, let’s talk about something actually worthwhile, baby.
…Well, “worthwhile” for me, anyway.
The people at this academy? Yeah, they’re probably only going to lose out—but hey, let’s call it charm.
So, up until now, I’ve mostly been learning the basics of magic and all that.
But finally—today—we get an event that actually feels like something.
Man, this week was long.
I’ve been working behind the scenes for this, barely getting any sleep.
And no, don’t give me that “but you were napping” nonsense. Sleep is something you do when you feel like it—it’s not necessary for survival. I just used every available moment.
Every second outside of class went into preparation.
Normally, I’d be spending my days zoning out—well, meditating peacefully and offering quiet prayers.
It’s been a while since I’ve been this busy.
I want my calm, peaceful life back.
Still… thanks to that, the groundwork turned out pretty well.
At least all that time wasn’t wasted.
Careful not to get caught. Absolutely not.
Sneaking past the academy’s ridiculously elaborate barrier system without breaking it—and setting things up—was a pain.
And keeping everything from activating before today? Even worse.
After all that effort, I finally made it to today.
Seriously, what a nightmare. If he hadn’t told me directly, I never would’ve bothered.
I came up with the plan, sure—but I didn’t expect it to be this much of a hassle.
I guess I’ve been ignoring people too much—I didn’t properly gauge their capabilities.
I mean, who would’ve thought they’d manage the event location that strictly?
Or that the “tool” I brought in would be that violent?
These idiots exceeded my expectations in all the worst ways.
Is everyone in this world just awful?
I want to do things the easy way, but I’m stuck using roundabout methods—it’s exhausting.
No, no—if I start complaining, I won’t stop.
Right. Let’s talk about the event itself.
This is basically something like a field trip they do once students have gotten used to academy life.
They take us somewhere a bit far out and run a special test in a controlled area.
This time? Apparently, we’re doing a survival exercise in a forest.
Now, you might be thinking—“Survival? Seriously?”
But let me explain.
First off, mages have two roles:
Researchers… and weapons.
This academy clearly leans toward the latter—they’re training students to become strong, combat-ready.
After all, they’re raising people who’ll eventually hold high positions in the military.
Sure, in the long run, the country would want researchers—but in the short term, they want a lot of battle-ready mages.
You never know when war might break out.
Things are relatively calm now, but apparently, tensions are high worldwide.
So—survival training.
If you’re going into the military, survival situations are inevitable.
It’s meant to develop observation skills and the ability to make decisions without hesitation when facing enemies.
They build strength—and make you recognize the value of producing and spreading that strength.
That’s how the country keeps its system running.
Magic research? Other institutions handle that, so here they don’t hold back.
They’ll probably keep throwing us into real combat situations every so often.
Train hard. Produce fighters.
That’s the goal.
Honestly… this feels less like a “magic academy” and more like a military academy.
You can practically smell the politics and strategy.
Sure, magic is the main focus—but they also teach tactics and warfare.
It’s basically officer training.
Anyway, for this exercise:
They release weak monsters into a controlled area, and we survive on our own for a full day.
We’re given supplies beforehand, so it’s honestly easy mode—but it’s just the beginning.
It’ll probably get harsher from here.
Still… I kind of like it.
You can see hints of what they’re hiding beneath the surface.
And honestly, being closer to nature feels better than being surrounded by people.
…Wait. Monsters?
Did I not explain that before?
Well, there’s not much to explain.
They’re monsters. That’s it.
More precisely, they’re mutated lifeforms tied heavily to the world’s magical energy—but that’s just complicated.
Some are animals corrupted by excess mana.
Some are their descendants.
Some are born entirely from magical energy.
Different types—but all grouped under “monsters.”
And every single one attacks humans.
So yeah—monster is enough.
Not important. Feel free to forget it.
Anyway, the reason I focused on this event is simple:
It creates chaos.
How are you supposed to create a “surprise” during a routine of classes, classes, and more classes?
Impossible.
Try forcing it, and you’ll get caught.
You need moments where irregularities can naturally occur.
We’re not supposed to act directly, so every opportunity matters.
I went through all this trouble for just one person.
They'd better be grateful for the grand treatment.
Though honestly, preparing all this was such a pain that I did consider just kidnapping and tormenting him instead.
But if that were possible, I wouldn’t be struggling like this.
I don’t know the details, but if it were that simple, I wouldn’t need to step in.
…Maybe I’ll ask about it tomorrow. I’m getting curious.
Ah. Time’s up.
Now… the real show begins.
※※※※※※※※※
The sun was already low.
Its red light was slipping behind the edge of the mountains.
Night was about to begin. Read this novel at g.com for the best experience.
The time when nocturnal monsters awaken.
For most people, it would be time to head home.
Still a bit early to sleep—but the day is winding down.
“Fwaaah…”
That’s when the event started.
After a week at the academy, this was the first activity outside of classes.
And the one who had been looking forward to it the most—counting down the days—
Chrono Dizaus…
…was not having as much fun as he expected.
Even now, behind his sleepy eyes, there was disappointment.
During the pre-event briefing, it became hard to stay awake halfway through.
Chrono could sleep standing up if he wanted to—so of course, he nearly did.
He’d always thought having more skills was a good thing.
This was the first time one caused him trouble.
“At least if I weren’t alone…” he thought.
But that didn’t happen.
Rush had proposed everyone do the survival exercise solo.
Apparently, cooperation wasn’t forbidden—but “that wouldn’t be interesting.”
“Survival in a forest… nothing new.”
Chrono was clearly bored.
So much so that even his thoughts seemed to be melting.
No fear. No tension.
Only familiarity—born from overwhelming experience.
How arrogant.
Even if it’s training, survival is still survival.
Even the strongest warrior can fall to something as small as a poisonous insect.
Strength in combat and the ability to survive are different things.
And yet—
Chrono stood there, completely at ease.
As if nothing in this forest could harm him.
As if everything here was beneath him.
As if he stood at the top of the food chain in a place he’d never even been before.
And yet…
That arrogance wasn’t entirely wrong.
He stood still in the forest.
Absent-minded—yet aware of everything.
His thoughts slipped out unconsciously.
“…My master isn’t here.”
The rules were simple:
Survive one day using only the supplies provided.
The area is enclosed by a barrier—you can’t leave.
Monsters roam freely—you can hunt them for food.
If you give up, fire a green-colored mana signal into the sky.
That was it.
And to Chrono…
It felt ridiculously easy.
Before coming here, his life had been far harsher.
Relentless monsters are constantly trying to kill him.
No food unless he earned it himself.
“Giving up” meant dying.
And above all—
His master was always there.
Beating him to the brink.
Teaching him violence in its purest form.
That embodiment of brutality…
Wasn’t here.
That alone made this place feel like heaven.
Nothing to worry about.
And that’s why—
He relaxed.
At an instinctive level, he knew:
Nothing here could harm him.
And in truth—nothing could.
Everything here was weak.
Since arriving at the academy, he’d already felt how low the level was.
Now it was certain.
And for the first time—
He noticed something within himself.
“…I’m bored.”
Classes were fun.
Everything he’d learned through experience was being explained in theory—it fascinated him.
Writing notes, reviewing them—it was all enjoyable.
But when it came to fighting…
That boredom returned.
“I’m bored…”
He wasn’t dissatisfied.
Everything he wanted—he had.
More than that, even.
He felt fulfilled.
And yet—
“I’m bored…”
What was this feeling?
Why did it feel like bitterness in his mouth?
No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn’t understand.
He had escaped hell.
He was bored outside of it.
He enjoyed this new life.
And yet—he longed for hell again.
For the first time—
He realized how twisted he was.
“Look around you.”
Ain’s words came back to him.
Like a child from a storybook—innocent and carefree.
But now he understood—
He couldn’t.
He wasn’t worthy of his own ideals.
He wanted peace—but his heart sought conflict.
He wanted bonds—but his nature would poison them.
And that warning—
It must have been given because she saw this future.
“….”
He looked up at the sky.
Had he been hurting others because of his own distortion?
Did he truly not understand people’s feelings?
“…boring…”
“Hey.”
A voice interrupted him.
Reality forced him to face what he had ignored.
“Commoner. Over here.”
He turned.
And there stood the result of his own distortion.
Even now, he couldn’t fully understand it.
They had fought once.
Chrono had accepted the duel—and won cleanly.
That was all.
So why the hatred?
He had only recently realized it even existed.
But Ain’s words struck deep.
“Look around you.”
There must have been something wrong with how he acted.
Something he had failed to resolve.
If he had acted differently, maybe it wouldn’t have come to this.
Self-loathing rose within him.
He couldn’t stop it anymore.
And yet he had said—
“I want to get along with everyone.”
How ridiculous.
How foolish.
To ignore others’ feelings so completely—
And still speak of harmony.
“Face me. You don’t get to refuse.”
The sound of a sword being drawn rang out.
The blade gleamed beautifully—like it had been dipped in water.
Lit by killing intent, it was terrifying.
This wasn’t like before.
This was real.
A fight for life.
Hatred. Obsession. Killing intent. Rage. Humiliation. Fear.
All swirling together—
He had sunk deep into them.
“I will never acknowledge you. I’ll deny you—with everything I have.”
“…I see.”
Chrono’s first real fight against another person—someone other than his master.
He hadn’t understood it then.
But it had shaped him.
He felt no hatred.
Only gratitude.
But deep down—
He had looked down on him.
That arrogance had been seen through.
All the effort, all the suffering that man had endured—
Meant nothing before Chrono.
Of course, he’d be furious.
And Chrono had insulted him further—
Offering empty respect.
Destroying his pride.
That was wrong.
Unforgivable.
And only now—
Did he realize it.
“I’m not just some nobody.”
That’s right.
He’s a classmate.
Someone who wanted a connection.
“I’m not your stepping stone.”
That’s right.
He’s not a prop.
“I am Arios Aguinor.”
Yes.
He remembers.
“Look at me, you fool!!”
At that declaration—
Chrono stepped forward.
Killing intent rising to match his opponent’s.
“I’m Chrono Dizaus. Sorry—but I have no intention of losing.”
Their blades collided—
With a sharp, ringing sound.
This time—
Chrono looked straight at him.
No more disrespect.
Only one decision remained:
To defeat his enemy with everything he had.