"Insolent fools," Jijel muttered under her breath.
Her words prompted Yi-Han to look at her with a puzzled expression, as if asking what she meant.
"Insolent? What do you mean by that?"
"You can see it in their eyes. Don't you feel it?"
The astute students of the White Tiger, not being dull-witted, were somewhat aware. They sensed the unfriendly gaze of the newly arrived squires.
There was no need for excessive cordiality towards an opponent they were soon to face in duel. Being overly friendly could only lead to hesitation in battle.
However, the gaze of these squires crossed the line, even considering that.
It was an arrogant pride.
Jijel, who had never missed the chance to lead in any group, keenly recognized the emotions behind that gaze.
"They are... disregarding us," declared Dolgyu, his voice low and resonant. Jijel nodded in agreement.
"Yes, they are indeed disregarding us."
"Why would they disregard us?" Yi-Han asked, unable to comprehend.
"Yi-Han, think about it. We're from knightly families, yet we chose to study magic at this academy. What do you think that implies?"
They would think, "Those guys use both sword and magic, so they must be twice as strong?"
“...”
Jijel looked at Yi-Han with disbelief.
"Thanks, but the reality is, those short-thinking young knights often dismiss or provoke those who pursue magic. I didn't expect to witness it firsthand."
"Hmm. I see," Yi-Han nodded, understanding dawning on him.
It was natural for heirs of knightly families, who knew each other to some extent, to engage in such prideful contests.
Given their youth, even trivial matters could wound their pride...
'Really pointless antics. After all, we'll all have to work together eventually.'
"Wardanaz, aren't you angry?"
When Yi-Han remained impassive, another student of the White Tiger, his voice filled with indignation, addressed him.
The audacity of these outsiders to provoke them!
"Me?"
"Yes! They are disregarding you too!"
"I'm not from a knightly family, so why should I care?"
The students of the White Tiger then realized that Yi-Han was not from a knightly family. They had simply assumed, given how naturally he fitted in...
"Choi."
One of the squires recognized Dolgyu and approached him to greet.
Dolgyu responded with a nod.
"I didn't expect to meet you here."
"Neither did I."
"I've heard about the harsh magic training at Einroguard. Did you even have time to train in swordsmanship?"
There was a mocking tone in the squires's words, but Dolgyu paid no mind.
Dolgyu looked at Yi-Han.
'Ah.'
Seeing Yi-Han, Dolgyu realized how childish the squires's behavior was. If it were Yi-Han, he would have already cursed his opponent instead of engaging in such pettiness.
"It was tough, but it allowed me to focus more on swordsmanship. I realized that having everything tailored for you isn't always beneficial."
His words were half serious.
His skills had improved faster here in the magic academy, under harsh conditions, than in his family's estate, with ample time, lavish meals, and a comfortable bed.
Harsh environments.
Competition among exceptional peers.
These were the things that honed a swordsman's skills.
His words seemed to have struck a nerve in the squires, who frowned deeply.
"Adversity perfects swordsmanship. But the hardships you've faced can hardly compare to ours, Choi."
"Maybe. But the sword doesn't care for such comparisons. It would be better to speak through our swords now."
"Hmph! I intended to show you without saying."
The squires turned away with an even more furrowed brow.
Listening to the conversation, Yi-Han asked Jijel with a puzzled look, "Where do these squires stay?"
"They must be staying at the knight's order building in the city," Jijel replied curtly.
"Do they not get fed?"
"Why wouldn't they?"
"Is going out forbidden for them?"
"They are at the knight's order building in the city. There's no reason to forbid it."
"...Then on what grounds do they claim to have it harder?"
Yi-Han's voice had grown cold, to Jijel's surprise.
Professor Ingurdel nodded at the sight of his students, their eyes alight with eager ambition.
Being young, it was natural for them to burn with competitive spirit in such situations.
Losing to a fellow squire of similar age hurt their pride far more than losing to a knight of the prestigious White Wood Knight Order.
Even Wardanaz was looking at the squires with a stern face, a look of determination.
"Professor."
"What is it, Wardanaz?"
"We are students learning magic at this academy. Like in the previous duel, it's only fair to allow the use of magic."
Professor Ingurdel had, of course, forbidden magic use in this duel.
There was no need to use magic against opponents who were not even formal knights. Focusing solely on swordsmanship was right.
Of course, this might put the magic academy students at a disadvantage against the squires...
But Professor Ingurdel was unconcerned.
If their pride was wounded by a defeat in this duel, it would serve as motivation for them to focus more on their swordsmanship.
"No, it's a swordsmanship test."
"But Professor, in a swordsmanship duel, we don't just swing swords. We use striking and grappling techniques when the opportunity arises. Denying us magic is too harsh."
Yi-Han's logic was persuasive.
Swinging only swords in a duel was a foolish act.
One needed to seize opportunities to strike with fists or trip an opponent to gain an advantage.
These were all part of a broader definition of swordsmanship.
While the squires had been practicing such comprehensive techniques outside, the magic academy students had been practicing magic, so their desire to use it in the duel was perhaps natural.
'Was I too harsh?'
Professor Ingurdel slightly regretted his decision, reflecting on Yi-Han's words.
Maybe his desire to make the students stronger had led him to be overly harsh...
The elf professor looked up at Yi-Han.
Then it struck him.
He immediately realized the consequences of allowing magic for Wardanaz, the boy from the noble house.
"No, it's not possible."
'Tsk.'
Yi-Han inwardly expressed his disappointment.
'If only he would let me use magic, I could win easily.'
It wasn't arrogance, but a cold, calculated prediction.
Magic was more effective the less the opponent knew about it.
The squires had no knowledge of the magic Yi-Han wielded. Binding their feet with water orbs, cursing them, then finishing with a rapid succession of lightning strikes would be simple…
‘Regrettable, but it can't be helped,’ Yi-Han thought as he picked up his wooden sword. Dwelling on an unfeasible method was fruitless.
"...Wardanaz? Why are you stepping forward?"
The opposing squires looked at Yi-Han with a bewildered expression.
Yi-Han replied with an innocent face, "I'm taking swordsmanship classes for health and culture."
"Ah... I see."
The squires nodded, understanding. Among the nobility, it was not unusual to learn swordsmanship for culture or interest. Of course, such swordsmanship was mostly superficial compared to the real combat skills of knights.
This realization drained the squires of his energy. His posture with the wooden sword relaxed, a clear underestimation of Yi-Han.
Yi-Han was pleased with this.
'If he were at the magic academy, he wouldn't have lasted even a week,' he thought, amused at the knight falling for such a basic ruse.
"Are the other White Tiger students not bothering you?"
The squires even expressed concern for Yi-Han, not seeing him as a competitive threat since he wasn't from a knightly family.
"No, everyone's been quite helpful. I've been able to keep up, though I'm still lacking."
"That's good. A knight always respects and helps the weak."
The squires patted his chest proudly. Yi-Han thought to himself, 'Though the White Tiger students swarmed me from day one.'
"Shall we start then?"
"Yes, be careful not to get hurt."
The squires took his stance with the wooden sword. Yi-Han did the same.
Professor Ingurdel waved the flag.
Snap!
The squires felt as if a boulder had suddenly charged at him. Yi-Han's strike was so powerful it defied expectations.
In an instant, the knight's wooden sword snapped and flew away, and Yi-Han's wooden sword stopped right in front of his neck.
"Do you concede defeat?"
"Wardanaz wins!"
Professor Ingurdel declared decisively, seeing no need to continue.
Coming to his senses, the squires blinked rapidly, his voice urgent, "Wait...!? What just...?!"
But Yi-Han had already turned and was walking away.
'Having used deception, it's best to make a quick exit.'
"Where are you going, Wardanaz?"
"Isn't it over?"
"You have to face the other winners now."
Professor Ingurdel pointed in the opposite direction. squires who had beaten the White Tiger students were walking towards them one by one.
Yi-Han quickly relaxed his body and assumed a clumsy posture.
But it was too late. The approaching squires were already whispering among themselves.
-So, this Yi-Han from the Wardanaz family defeated Bikelintz?-
-Yes, that's what happened.-
-How is that even possible?-
-Did he use magic or something?-
'Twice won't be as easy,' Yi-Han realized, sensing he couldn't rely on the same tactics for the next fight.
"Wardanaz. Just one question."
"What is it?"
"Did you really defeat Bikelintz?"
"It wasn't just me. In fact, Dolgyu and Moradi contributed more."
"But Bikelintz says otherwise?"
Yi-Han inwardly cursed Bikelintz for his unnecessary honesty.
"There's a hidden story behind that."
"What's the story?"
"That is..."
"Begin!"
Professor Ingurdel waved the flag again. They both grasped their swords, readying their stances.
This time, the squire, having won his previous match and aware of Yi-Han's victory, didn't let his guard down like before.
Yi-Han opened his mouth again.
"Actually, Bikelintz is..."
The squire instinctively leaned in to listen as Yi-Han spoke. In that moment, Yi-Han's Azure Rock Style technique shone brilliantly.
The Azure Rock Style, a heavy and powerful sword technique, was difficult to counter once the initiative was lost. The squire's posture crumbled under the weighty assault.
Thump, thump, thump, thump, thump!
After five consecutive strikes, the squire fell. Yi-Han stopped his sword right in front of the opponent's neck.
"Wardanaz wins!"
Yi-Han quickly turned away, just as before.
There was no need to make eye contact with the squire, who looked at him as if he wanted to kill him, filled with a sense of betrayal.
'Phew. Wrapped it up neatly.'
Fortunately, he was able to end it quickly.
Having won both fights without allowing a single effective hit, he was on track for a perfect score in the midterms...
"I'm sorry, Yi-Han."
"?"
"I lost..."
Dolgyu apologized.
He had just been defeated after a fierce battle with a squire.
"...What about Moradi? Did Moradi lose too?"
"Moradi ended in a draw. Both her and her opponent broke bones."
"...You're kidding."
"Wardanaz. Take a break and get ready for the final round."
At Professor Ingurdel's words, Yi-Han sighed inwardly.
'Damn. I have to go to a third round.'
He had expected Dolgyu or Moradi to defeat the remaining squires, but one was still left.
Yi-Han looked up.
The gathered squires were murmuring and staring at him. It was clear what they were discussing.
"I'm just studying swordsmanship for culture, but I guess I got lucky to make it this far."
"Don't play tricks, Wardanaz!"
"Tsk."
