48 – Attack 4
“Gileus Marion…!”
“You know my name? Well, I suppose it’s no surprise.”
The corner of Gileus’s mouth rose as he unleashed a thrust that appeared to be enveloped by wind.
“That sword art, the military style… Trained as a special unit?”
“!!”
“I would very much like to talk with you.”
In spite of the light-hearted tone, his spear moved like an inferno.
However, his opponents were also highly skilled. And so the two of them were dealing with his attacks with impressive moves.
Though, they were still on the defensive.
If they only had one more person, they would have a chance.
However, it was not to be. As the other one was gradually being pushed to the brink.
Gileus was not the only person who had emerged from the fog. Instructor Daniel had come as well.
And he was amazed by what was happening in front of him.
(I didn’t realize…!)
Iria Orlando was holding her own against the soldier.
As sparks flew in the air, Iria did not back down or crumble. It was as if she could read her opponent.
Her sword reminded him of Yukito.
(Without a doubt…she has surpassed me!)
Even though she was still undeveloped when it came to magic, when it came to just the sword, she was above him.
He had thought it while seeing her in the tournament. Her sword was complete. It was no longer at the student level.
Daniel chuckled, realizing that he was now in the support position.
Regardless, their advantage was set in stone.
However, there was no sign of distress in the expressions of the other men.
It almost looked like they were waiting for something.
(I knew it.)
Iria thought to herself.
“Reinforcements?”
She asked, but the man’s expression did not change.
And so she was sure. That was the only explanation.
In that case…
“I wouldn’t expect any help if I were you.”
“…What?”
His confidence suddenly crumbled, and Iria saw her chance.
◆ ◇ ◆
“…This hotel is the base of anti-government forces?”
Hours earlier. The Hotel Avanshiel.
In the large room that was usually used for dinner, instructor Daniel Lezeman said quietly.
There were nine people seated.
The five teachers that accompanied them to the capital, and Iria Orlando and Sherry Relei.
“Yes, I am sure of it.”
And then the two others. One of them, a man with brown skin, nodded at Daniel’s words. Gileus Marion. A girl in a military uniform stood quietly behind him.
“The size of the enemy force is unknown. However, it is possible that the whole hotel will become a battleground.”
“I see… That is alarming news.”
President Mileiyu frowned.
“In that case, should the students and civilians be evacuated?”
“That cannot be allowed.”
Replied the short girl who stood behind Gileus.
“This enemy has been completely hidden from us up until now. We know very little about them. If we lose this chance to lure them out, we may never get another one.”
“…You are using the students as bait!?”
“I did not say that. However, we cannot allow the enemy to detect our movements through the evacuation.”
The girl’s eyes peered out from under her hand, and intimidated the teachers.
Regardless of how they felt, they had no choice but to obey the military.
In the empire, everyone cooperated with the army. It was law.
Even if there were casualties, what was wanted was victory.
President Mileiyu turned to the two
…But if that was the case, why were they telling them now?
They should just act on their own then. The empire allowed them to work like that. And that is how they always worked.
It was one of the shadows of the empire. The Central Intelligence Investigation Office.
Their members and work was not made public, and even Mileiyu did not know much about them.
(But Yukito must have become involved with them.)
She let out a sigh.
He had brought many benefits to the academy. And so she knew that he was destined for more.
–The Sword Saint’s apprentice.
She and others had started to realize his identity. Count Orlando had likely figured it out around the summer.
“…Teacher.”
As silence ruled the room, one cool voice echoed.
“I would like to cooperate with the military.”
Everyone’s gaze turned to Iria.
“He is in trouble… I cannot just sit here and wait.”
“That is reckless, Ms. Orlando.”
Mileiyu said calmly.
“I know what you are capable of. But you are still a student. Surely he taught you what it means to fight. What actual killing is.”
Iria’s brows twitched.
She saw it. The presence of dense magic energy oozing from President Mileiyu.
It was said that elves were strong when it came to magic.
However, in the modern age, the number of magic arts you had was not as important. In real combat, speed was everything. It was better to make a small, quick hole in a person’s brain than fire a cannon.
But such things didn’t seem to matter when someone was as powerful as her.
She could make other teachers turn pale with a look, but Iria did not back down.
“I understand very well how dangerous it is.”
Yukito had taught her many times.
What a sword is. What it means to cut someone.
“It’s not just personal emotions. As students, we’ve been training for this. For when our friends and comrades are in danger.”
She was resolute.
She was not the person she was before. Back when she was ignorant and unsheathed her sword from emotion.
“Please let me fight, President Mileiyu.”
She said, her will showing in her eyes.
And then the magic energy dispersed.
“…Very well.”
“But…!”
“Our school is to raise students to defend the country. They are warriors in their own right. If there is a threat that will harm civilians, it is only right for them to take up arms.”
She said as she turned to the other teachers.
“And that means that we cannot lose one of them. We must also fight so they are not harmed. Are you prepared for that?”
The expressions of the teachers changed then.
The teachers of the Viskinel Academy were former soldiers or Hunters.
And so their faces turned from teachers to warriors, and they nodded.
“Now then. Since we are all in agreement…”
Gileus said as he sat in his chair.
“May I speak now? We cannot just fight blindly. In war, one must prepare in order to win.”
He said with a smile.