Chapter 161: Bet (1)


    <b> Bet (1) </b>


    ck and red.


    A mysterious space decorated in a checkered pattern. Red furniture was scattered throughout the room with tilted clocks filling the walls.


    This was Alices Labyrinth.


    Within the dreary atmosphere, three students in their uniforms were seated on pieces of furniture, quietly waiting for the Spade Pdin.


    How does it feel to be suspended.


    The red-haired female student with a heart-shaped essory, Shera Hectorica, broke the silence.


    The question was directed at the brown-haired female student leaning against the wall, Alexa.


    Alexa narrowed her eyes and red at Shera.


    Phwah! Whats that look supposed to mean? I was just trying to lighten the mood.


    Shut up.


    Alexa shot back coldly.


    But Shera continued to smile cheerfully.


    The four Pdins had failed to stop the Nameless Hero during the first-year students joint practical evaluation.


    Moreover, they hadnt been able to find even a slight hint of who they could be, making it theirplete defeat.


    The only information they gained was the Nameless Heros strength, which the Spade Pdin witnessed with his own eyes.


    The Hero had been far stronger than what any of them had imagined. It was to the point where they questioned whether they would actually be able to defeat them.


    Alice did not criticize the Pdins, but that instead made the Pdins feel even guiltier.


    <b><i> They will not fail next time.</i></b>


    They must find clues to discern the identity of the ck Monster.


    After the Abyssal Sea Monster incident, each of the Pdins vowed as such.


    Just then, footsteps rang out through the room.


    A male student appeared from the darkness that reced one side of the wall.


    ck hair with a faint blue hue. It was the Spade Pdin.


    Captain!


    Youre here.


    Shera addressed him cheerfully, the Clover Pdin greeted him kindly, and Alexa remained silent.


    The Spade Pdin sat down on a fancy chair with his legs crossed.


    His posture reflected his desire to seem intelligent, with his back straight and body positioned with elegance.


    Why did you say to gather, Captain?


    Shera asked the Spade Pdin, dashing up to the chair he was sitting on and plopping down on the armrest.


    He fixed his sses before speaking.


    The duel evaluation will begin soon. They say that we will be able to select second-year students as opponents as well. In other words, that means we will be able to watch the duels of both first and second years.


    The Spade Pdin continued with a serious expression.


    Diamonds suspension should end by the time the duel evaluation begins. Four locations will be used for the duel arenas. Students will be divided into four groups and assigned to an arena. The Queen has said she will assign each of us to a different group, so


    Keep watch of every ice element user?


    Shera continued the sentence with a grin.


    The Spade Pdin responded with silence.


    With your skills, you should be able to recognize any suspicious behavior. Keep a careful watch on anyone with the ice element. They work under disguise using a high-quality camouge disguise, so it is unclear whether they are a male or female. It seems that the demon who had been cooperating with the Queenst year had been watching the duel evaluation in secret and foolishly nned to cause a massacre that failed.


    Because of the demon who had been working with Alicest year, Leafa the Illusive, the fact that the demons had an informant within the academy had been revealed.


    That caused the academy to add extra caution when revealing information to the administrative students.


    This meant that the information provided to Alice had also be limited.


    However, since we are students, there shouldnt be any problems. Of course As long as we refrain from doing something foolish to attract attention.


    The Spade Pdin red at Alexa. She was the biggest problem out of the Pdins, after all.


    Alexa shook her head.


    Ill keep quiet.


    Feeling pressured, Alexa answered as such.


    And I will remind you. Suspect and keep watch of not only the students but also the staff and the others.


    Their main goal was discovering the identity of the ck Monster, after all.


    Shera responded with an enthusiastic, Yeah! the Clover Pdin nodded his head, and Alexa showed no reaction.


    Ah, right. Captain. Can I ask you one thing?


    What is it, Shera?


    The person that the Queen is suspicious of, Isaac, was it? Can I challenge him to a duel?


    A second-year student of the Magic Department, Isaac.


    Alice suspected him to be the one disrupting her ns, and she said that she would be personally investigating whether he was the disrupter or not.


    However, because it was a mere suspicion, they could not concentrate their resources on just Isaac, so the four Pdins acted while leaving Isaac in their line of suspects.


    It doesnt matter if you have a valid reason, but I would not rmend it.


    Why?


    The Priestess has already challenged him to a duel. Why she has done that is a question forter. Do not forget that we are also often mentioned among the students because of our mana grade. The more Isaac bes known, the bigger the nuisance it would be for the Queen.


    Hmm


    Shera was disappointed.


    She liked to attract attention to herself, but she wanted to refrain from doing something that would anger Alice.


    Shera, remember that our task for the duel evaluation is to observe. Dont go around having the foolish idea of getting revenge on Luce Eltania, either. Our ns will go awry if you do so.


    Ergh! Fine, I wont, I wont! I hate you, Captain!


    What? Why so suddenly?


    Sherained, expressing discontent, and walked away from the Spade Pdin.


    He had hurt her pride by mentioning her defeat against Luce Eltania.


    Captain, you cant talk about losing and whatnot in front of Shera.


    The Clover Pdin addressed the problem with a small smile.


    Yeah, thats really mean!


    And Shera hid behind the Clover Pdins back, sticking out her tongue.


    The Spade Pdin let out a deep sigh as if he was utterly fed up.


    * * *


    S-s-s-senior Isaac? Youre dueling with whom?


    Miya.


    The Magic Department ssroom building, Orphin Hall. Inside of an empty research room.


    I had all sorts of books and parchmentsid out as I calcted the magic forms within them, which helped me use the 6-star ice magic [Frost Glitter] with greater efficiency.


    Thanks to my [Learning Efficiency] being maxed, it was easy to think. It felt like I could calcte any algorithm or form in my head no matter what someone threw my way.


    I already had all of the forms of magic circles I needed to use for each magic memorized. But it still took some time because using the magic circles with swift uracy was a different story.


    Still, I judged it wouldnt be long until Isaac, with [Hunter] deactivated, could use 6-star magic in battle.


    At thetest, I should be able to learn it before my duel with Miya.


    I felt that I had arrived at a new level of magical talent.


    The sun had begun to set at some point.


    Snow White hade to visit me while I had been taking a short break, so I was chatting with her.


    Today was one of the days I asked White to take a break from mentoring.


    However, it wasnt a mystery why she hade to see me regardless. We always had our schedules shared.


    White stood before the window, and I sat in a chair, leaning on the backrest.


    Whites pure white hair became dyed with the colors of the sunset. Following her nickname as the Snow White Princess, her outer appearance often absorbed the colors of her surroundings.


    I was shocked by her beauty, even though she was only in her academy uniform. Her shocked expression also reflected her wide variety of expressions.


    I know Senior Isaac is strong, but the Priestess is too strong!


    I couldnt really help it. She used both of her duel requests on me.


    Why is she going so far to duel with you? I havent seen the Priestess together with Senior Isaac once Has anything happened between the two of you that I dont know? Like youve run into her in the hallways or


    Im not sure either.


    It was probably because of Luce, but telling White that wouldnt change anything, so I kept the reason to myself.


    Well, its not like its anything new for the Priestess to try fighting someone random for a weird reason. She is quite the oddball, after all.


    She does seem a little strange.


    What is it, White?


    Oh, no. Its nothing


    With a listless smile, White turned her head and avoided my gaze. Tears seemed to be forming in her eyes.


    It looked like she thought about how she had to be friends with the Priestess and was reminded of her personality.


    A-anyway!


    White stole away her tears and turned back to me with clenched fists.


    Was that why you were practicing this magic? So you can fight against the Priestess?


    It isnt necessarily because of the duel, but the timings do happen to ovep. Its merely a lucky coincidence.


    I extended my finger and channeled a frigid chill through them. Cold air and ice crystals floated above my finger.


    I then spread my other fingers and repeated that process. It was a habitual magic mastery training I did.


    S-senior Isaac Arent you scared? If it were me, I would be scared


    Not really, no.


    Then, curling my fingers back in, I withdrew the ice.


    My goal is Luce, after all.


    What?


    Well, the Priestess is weaker than Luce. I dont have much to be scared about, right?


    W-wait. Senior Luce?!


    Whites jaw dropped once more in shock.


    Your goal is to surpass Senior Luce?!


    Why are you so surprised?


    Of course I am! Senior Luce is one of the most talented students in this academy! Shes really strong and elegant


    Ill definitely beat her during the duel evaluation next semester.


    <b><i> Grades. It was an impartial indicator of how much stronger Ive gotten.</i></b>


    I at least wanted to be the top student in my grade before facing the Evil God during my third year.


    But why Senior Luce?


    I want to win, its as simple as that.


    Of course, there was some personal ambition included in that goal.


    One could call it a primal instinct of wanting to be rewarded for their efforts.


    For some reason, White was gazing at me with an awestruck expression. It even looked like her eyes were sparkling.


    I read her psychology. She seemed inspired by what I said since she hadnt even considered fighting against the Priestess, much less beating her.


    It was the same for me too.


    I had set the goal to take the title of top seat from the beginning, but I couldnt help but feel overwhelmed once I saw Luce in person.


    It was impossible to imagine a future where I could win against her.


    Repeating countless duels and defeats against her, I even felt a wall standing between us.


    But now, I had entered the realm of geniuses and, even now, was improving at a frightening speed.


    So, saying that I would defeat Luce wasntpletely unrealistic.


    <b><i> Not to mention, small goals like these will help motivate me.</i></b>


    <b><i> Yeah.</i></b>


    By Semester 2 Year 2, I should be strong enough to fight against Luce, with her wearing the Ring of the Abyssal Queen. That was my goal.


    <b><i> Of course, surviving until then wille first.</i></b>


    Anyhow, thats my n. My break times over, so see you next time, White.


    Ah. A-alright!


    White scanned her surroundings awkwardly.


    Anyway, 6-star magic really seems to be on a different level. The magic Ive been practicing until now seems like childs y Saying youll beat Senior Luce and such, youre amazing, Senior Isaac. Eheheh.


    Really?


    <b><i> Thats sweet of her.</i></b>


    White and I looked at one another and grinned.


    See you tomorrow, Senior!


    Be safe. And dont forget to train.


    Yessir!


    White left the research room.


    After using [irvoyance] to check that she met with Merlin, who was waiting in front of Orphin Hall, I resumed my training.


    ***


    The next day, daytime.


    After ss, I was about to leave the second-year B ss ssroom within Orphin Hall. However, since the next ss was canceled, I nned to use that time to practice my 6-star magic.


    Just then. Amotion suddenly arose in the hallway for second years, and a female student began walking my way with everyones gazes concentrated on her.


    That orderly appearance. She was a member of the Student Council, Head Hall Monitor Erin.


    Youre Isaac, right?


    <b><i> Whys she here?</i></b>


    I stood straight, facing her.


    The Student Council President is calling for you. Follow me.


    ?


    <b><i> Huh?</i></b>