The Academy's Barbarian-Chapter 49
(3)
6.
By the time lunchtime is almost over.
After leaving the restaurant, Ulan headed to the forest near the training ground. It was because Noah, who came to see him in the first place, spit out these words..
「Ulan, Ibela's condition is a little strange..」
words that came out of nowhere.
Ulan had a puzzled expression at the sudden remark. So I asked what was going on, but no detailed answer came back..
「I don't know what's going on either, but my expression got really bad when I was talking to someone. As if something serious had happened.」
After a brief explanation.
Noah told me where Ibela was..
This is why Ulan visited the forest.
As he looked around the forest and expanded his senses, he soon sensed a familiar presence..
‘found.’
It was Ybela's sign.
Sitting on a rock, she blankly stares into space. Definitely different than usual.
It seems like what Noah said happened. Ulan immediately showed signs of.
“Ibella.”
Called my name but no response.
Still staring into space with a half-bewildered face. Seemingly unaware of her presence, Ulan spoke a little louder..
“what are you doing here?”
“······uh?”
I seem to have noticed this time.
That was just enough to cause a shock wave..
With the dust rising from the floor, light returned to the blurry turquoise eyes..
“ah.”
After exhaling a short exclamation, she smiled faintly as if she had found Ulan..
“It's Ulan.”
Definitely a different reaction than usual.
It's like having a conversation with your mind somewhere else. Like I heard from Noah, things looked bad.
So I immediately asked.
“do you have any worries?”
“Yes? that's why?”
“Because of that face.”
Ibella's eyes widened slightly..
Then he quietly laughed.
“Ahaha, I hid it, but I can't hide it from you..”
At the end of the subtle expression.
she got up.
“Ulan.”
With a very serious expression.
Ibella burst into laughter..
“I'm about to give up.”
“abstention?”
“huh. I've got some circumstances.”
A bitter smile spreads across your lips.
Ulan frowned..
“hehe, it's okay it's not serious.”
Ibella shrugged lightly..
as if it's no big deal.
Ulan, on the other hand, stared blankly at the sword in Ybela's hand, not her expression..
whether you know this or not.
she gave an elongated reply.
“Are you really okay? It's just that something happened. I was also not feeling well..”
“······.”
Maybe Ibela herself, I don't know..
Ulan knows a little about her manners.
First of all, when you feel anxious.
Ibela hides her feelings thoroughly. She and she try to keep her composure, she regards everything as nothing..
‘but······.’
Whenever that happens, she holds onto the sword tightly..
As if only the sword could be relied upon. As if this is the only way you can calm your mind.
“It's okay even if I'm not alone anyway?”
The next time you say something different from what you mean.
That is, when you lie.
You just can't tell by looking at the face. Isabella is good at hiding her expression, her eyes, her breath, and her voice..
but only one.
There is a part that cannot be hidden.
‘sword).’
When you say something different from your true intentions.
The tightly gripped sword trembled minutely. Nine times out of ten, it is said that you are lying..
yeah like right now.
“If it's Ulan, it's enough to make it into the top 10, and there's also Dylia Arpen.······.”
“Still bad at lying.”
A word from Ulan that came right off the bat.
Isabella immediately shuts her mouth..
A bit of a bewildered look. Looking at the trembling eyes as if shaken, Ulan gave the answer..
“I know by looking at your face.”
“······.”
“Because it was an unpleasant expression.”
Scared to end the answer.
She bit her lip slightly. But even for a while, he tried to smile.
“Aye, of course I don't like it. But, as I said before, circumstances arise.······.”
“what's the matter?”
“It's just a simple family affair.”
Originally I was not going to tell you.
However, I thought Ulan would not be convinced if I kept my mouth shut, so I decided to explain the reason only slightly..
“It's because if I don't abstain, my family might get in trouble. But it's okay. If I just abstain, everything will be fine······.”
“Wrong.”
“uh what?”
“you are not okay.”
Words that stab me like a dagger.
Ibella closed her mouth. At one sharp word, as if digging into her heart, her emotions, which she had managed to hold on to, fluctuated wildly..
one more here.
Ulan's sudden words hurled her lightly off the mask of composure she was barely holding on to..
“······I can't help it.”
Beyond the mask, the emotions I held tight.
Emotions that had roared like a raging sea leaked out. And she couldn't afford to stop this Bella.
“If I go to the finals, my mom will hurt me, what should I do?······!”
“Did your mother tell you?”
“what, what?”
Ulan's question pops up.
When he was taken aback by the sudden question, Ulan quickly bombarded him with questions like a rapid-fire cannon..
“Have I ever asked you directly to protect me, to protect me from others??”
“that······.”
“Since you're in trouble, have you ever been told not to act recklessly??”
“······.”
couldn't answer.
Because it never happened.
“Do you really think it's for your mother to interpret and judge on your own terms without asking her directly??”
“······then what should i do?”
While listening to the pouring words.
Ibella gritted her teeth..
The mask has already come off. The torrent of her emotions that she was carrying raged wildly..
“Even though I know that I am hurting my mother, can I ignore it and just go to the finals? Then will my heart really be at ease??!”
“Of course you won't feel comfortable.”
“then why······!”
“I never said not to abstain.”
Isabella shuts her mouth..
I heard and saw it.
Ulan just told me to be honest with myself. She did not try to hold back or reverse her choices or decisions..
“Whatever you choose, I have no right to deny you. Just as a friend, I hope you make a choice with no regrets.”
Crimson eyes looked at her..
Seriously sparkling eyes. I felt a heart that only thought of Ibella..
Maybe that's why?
The moment I met Ulan's eyes, the emotions that had been swirling like a torrent gradually subsided. Her feverish head grew cold little by little..
When I felt my heart calm down.
“ask again.”
Ulan has spoken.
It was the same question as before.
“Your mother wants you to protect her?”
“······.”
“If so, you may as well abstain. But if you're not sure, think about what your mother really wants from you..”
All I have to say is this.
Now, the rest is up to Ibela to choose..
So Ulan shut his mouth.
Meanwhile around that time.
Ibella suddenly remembered the old days..
no, not that long ago.
just a few months ago.
It was the time when I left Count Deorg to take the entrance exam for Arsene Academy..
The weather was just as gloomy as now.
After saying goodbye to her mother, she immediately turned around. But she soon stopped her feet again. I felt like crying all of a sudden.
really last.
Let's go see mom one more time. The moment I tried to avert her gaze with this thought.
「don't look back!」
I heard a sharp voice.
Surprised, Ibella stiffened. She deserved it. She couldn't believe that her mother, who was always gentle and kind, was her voice..
「Don't stop, just look ahead and walk.」
Ibela's mother, Idelin Elead.
Unlike usual, she shouted resolutely with a strong voice..
「Because behind you are only things that don't help you in the slightest.」
At the time, I couldn't understand what my mother was saying. she didn't try to understand.
It was because I felt sad and sad at the completely different and cold tone of voice. So when I couldn't move my feet.
「are you okay. Isabella. no need to worry.」
I heard a warm voice again..
It was her mother's voice that Ibella remembered..
「Mom will watch you from behind. From now on, throw away your past and family, and live only for you. That's all her mom wants.」
The memories buried in the sadness of parting.
Recalling the resurrected mother's message, Ibella's turquoise eyes quickly became moist..
‘right, it was.’
what mom really wants.
It wasn't to protect her from family persecution. Just this Bella living a life for her own. that was all.
the moment I remembered this.
A new emotion welled up. It was a slightly different feeling from the emotions I had been swirling before..
then.
“Ibella.”
Ulan spoke again.
In a serious voice as usual.
“We are friends.”
Leaving the relationship in the past life.
Ulan and Ybela shared a common name, and fought together in the Trial of a Hero. So the two became friends. At least Ulan thought so..
“Friends do their best to help each other when trouble arises. Might not be here, but in the meadow it is.”
The sound of footsteps approaching.
Soon a large hand reached out.
“So tell me if you're having trouble.”
holding an ax in one hand.
Ulan said with sincerity.
“i will help.”
Simple words without much rhetoric.
But that word of help comforted me more than any other words..
Are you feeling relieved about this? Moist water from Ibella's eyes turned into dew..
“······thank you.”
Filled with honest feelings and sincerity.
Ibella barely answered. That was all. She rose from her seat on her own, not holding the hand that Ulan held out to her..
“It's okay though. because this is my problem.”
What I grabbed instead was her sword.
After wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, Ybela bowed her head towards Ulan..
“Sorry. Ulan.”
Because I look ugly.
I get angry at you for doing nothing wrong.
Ulan accepted the sincere apology without a word. Then, a bell sounded in the distance. It was a notification that the finals would start soon..
the moment I heard this.
Ibela made a decision.
“I'll do it as if there was no abstention.”
Eyes engraved with resolute light.
Ulan grinned at the look in the eyes of the one who decided to be honest with himself..
Because now the eyes he used to know.
So the two went to the arena..
Ibela walking with Ulan. The sword in her hand didn't tremble anymore.
7.
2 p.m. sharp.
The final match of the qualifying round has begun.
While many students and faculty watched.
Martell Bornus, the eldest son of Count Bornus, who participated in the first game, was going crazy and crazy..
Caang! kagagagak!
there is only one reason.
It is because of the girl who wields the sword ferociously opposite him..
‘what? what the hell?!’
A sword attack that rages like a storm.
A stab aimed only at a vital point, Mattel's expression was in a hurry to defend, let alone counterattack..
‘Eh, this is different from a promise!’
When the final match schedule was released.
There was a person who suddenly approached Mattel..
My friend in the same class, Himel Deorg. Known for his swordsmanship genius, he immediately made this offer to Martel..
「I'll let your opponent Ybela Elead withdraw. Instead, help me become a leader when I'm later selected in the top 10..」
It was an offer with no reason to refuse..
At least that was the case with Mattel. Because he had just reached the end of a beginner's level..
Ibella, on the other hand, was different..
She had already crossed the wall of a beginner and reached the level of a low-ranking knight. Besides, the swordsmanship was sophisticated and perfect..
In other words, if we fight like this, Mattel will lose.
So I immediately accepted the offer..
Contrary to what was heard, however, Ybela did not abstain. Rather, he swung his sword with all his might, as if determined to defeat Mattel..
‘Holy shit! Himel!’
Eyes bloodshot with anger.
The moment Mattel stared at the crowd.
kaaang!
With a sharp impact, Martel's sword shot into the air..
“Meow!”
Hands shaking from the shock of missing the sword.
Mattel gritted his teeth..
Even so, his gaze was directed not to Ybela, but to the crowd where Himel would be. It was anger at Himel for not keeping his promise..
“stop! until there!”
“Game 1, winner! Isabella Elead!”
When the battle was over, Ybela drew her sword..
A sword neatly sheathed.
With a slight bow to Mattel, she headed straight out of the arena. Around that time, there were eyes watching Ibella..
“Was there a student like that in our department??”
“You fought better than I thought?”
“Iknow, right. The swordsmanship is very stable, and the sense is quite good..”
“It seems that the beginner's wall has already been crossed..”
“Haha, this is why every year's preliminaries are worth watching. Sometimes talent like that pops up..”
Professors of the Military Faculty.
Each of them watched Ibella with twinkling eyes. It was a mixture of interest, curiosity, and anticipation..
and that time.
Like the professors, there was a figure staring at Ibella. Of course, the emotions in their eyes were different from them..
‘this fucking bitch!’
A young man with a distorted face.
It was Himel Deorg. He glared deadly at Ybela as she left the arena..
‘Yes, that's how it comes out?’
Then I have thoughts on this too.
Himel bit his lip and managed to swallow his anger. With the thought that sooner or later Ibela will hit the ground and make her regret it.
Meanwhile, there was another gaze looking at him. A girl with finely braided black hair.
It was Noah.
‘I can tell what you're thinking just by looking in your eyes.’
Probably to retaliate in some way against Ybela for ignoring the order to abstain..
‘but don't let it.’
Noah's eyes darkened..
As long as I decided to help, I thought I would definitely help.
‘Should I put a curse on it for now??’
She is a shaman who specializes in curses..
So I tried to get out my nails and hammer, but unfortunately I didn't get what I wanted..
“I'll start the second game soon!”
“Noah Darshen! Dillia Arpen! from now on!”
Because my name was called out of the blue.
Because the first game ended earlier than expected, it was Noah's turn already. In response, Noah drooped his shoulders..
‘ugh, i really hate it.’
Why do I have to fight Dillia??
And that, of course, with a monster who plans to become the strongest wizard in the world! The time when I sighed in succession as I let out hateful tidbits.
tuk tuk!
A huge hand patted the back..
it was uhlan.
“cheer up.”
A word of encouragement soon to be heard. Noah widened his eyes at the unexpected cheering..
“Uh, I'm a little surprised.”
“what?”
“Ulan knew he would cheer for Dillia..”
but you will support me.
So when I looked at him curiously, Ulan replied with a tone that it was not a big deal..
“I told that guy too.”
“what?”
Noah frowned..
Supporting both of you, what do you think??
Noah, who was looking at him with a sullen face, suddenly spoke with a mischievous smile..
“Ulan, let me ask you one thing..”
“what?”
“Between me and Dylia, who would you like to win in Ulan? I'm really honest.”
Noah gave a sneaky glance..
Eyes filled with strange anticipation.
Uhlan, on the other hand, reacted indifferently..
“no matter who.”
“······yes?”
“The stronger guy will win.”
an insincere answer.
Noah pursed his lips. But he didn't object. Because it wasn't wrong.
“Phew, I get it. I'll be there then.”
after getting up.
Noah went to the stadium.
Looking at Dillia in the distance, I mumbled over Ulan's words I just heard..
‘The stronger guy wins.’
That's right.
And in that sense, Noah Darshen can't beat Dillia Arpen. Although the two have similar talents, everything else is different.
Even simply looking at the amount of mana possessed, Dillia had twice as much. No matter how many times I ran the calculator, there was no chance of winning..
‘Also, the penalty isn't too severe over there..’
‘Unlike Noah, who has 'Weakness' and 'Low Stamina', Dillia's penalties are of a kind that have nothing to do with combat..
if this was a game.
Noah must have lost to Dillia..
‘but······.’
this is not a game.
The reality of breathing and feeling the pain. That's why Noah has a slim chance of winning..
and one more.
Noah had 'information'.
‘they don't know me.’
A barbaric shaman, like Ulan..
You probably only know this much.
Noah, on the other hand, was different. She has a lot of information about Dillia..
‘because······.’
Back when she was a gamer.
Although it's a short time, I've played as Dilia Arpen once..
So I know everything about Dillia.
Characteristics, habits, magic, fighting style, etc..
Even why I usually use such a frustratingly choppy tone, everything.
‘finally.’
may be a spleen.
This is a skill that only Noah can do.
Also, while skipping lunch, he prepared an effective tactic against Dillia..
‘Anyway, I have no intention of losing easily.’
Noah must participate in a mock battle.
Because there is a hidden peace there.
With twinkling eyes, she finally stepped onto the field. Soon after, she exchanged her gaze with Dillia opposite her..
“battle begins!”
The curtain rises for the second game.
14page. what does it matter?
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