Chapter 17 - The Returner’s Promotion Battle (3)
Desir continued. “Even though we can manipulate it in various ways, we can’t
change the fundamental properties of the Shadow World, such as its historical
events or the clear objective. That’s why we have to study history.” This was
why the study of history in this world was so abnormally advanced, to the
extent where there were specialized teams of historians dedicated only to
studying the Shadow Worlds.
“So what you’re saying is...” said Romantica, “these books are references for the
Shadow World of the promotion battle?”
“Precisely,” answered Desir.
Romantica glared at the disgustingly large pile of paper before her. She didn’t
know if she would be able to get through it all even if she pulled three back-to-
back all-nighters. “You’re certain that this is relevant to our promotion battle?”
Romantica’s question was blunt, to the point.
Desir responded calmly. “No.”
“So...”
Desir spoke sternly. “No objections, Romantica.”
“Ugh.” Romantica threw her hands in the air in protest, but there was no way
Desir would change his mind.
“These are the historical events that I feel are most likely to appear in the
exam. If you don’t agree with my methods, you can instead try reading every
history book in this library.” It was a joke, but for Romantica it was no different
than a threat. Desir watched sympathetically as Romantica cringed and
shuddered.
‘I didn’t want to be this harsh, but...’ Desir sighed. He had no other choice. After
all, he couldn’t exactly tell them that he came from the future and knew exactly
which Shadow World would appear. Desir ordered them to get started. “Read
all the history books I picked out and write a short essay summarizing their
events.”
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“Aaaaargh!” Romantica slumped back on her chair, unable to prevent the cry of
agony from escaping her lips.
Romantica closed her eyes and whimpered. Then she focused, gathering
unpleasant memories together and releasing it all with a breath. Desir was truly
exceptional at tormenting people. This was no different than torture.
“That guy is definitely a sadist,” she muttered.
Pram turned a page. He looked up from his book, which was already read
halfway. “He’s doing this to help us.”
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Pram flinched and turned to focus on his book. “Hmm, so this happened in
1417. I should remember this.”
“Hey, don’t ignore me. I’m on to you.” Romantica’s tone was light as she
playfully reached over to tickle Pram.
Pram desperately tried not to make a sound, covering his mouth with hand
while trying to wriggle out of the way. As they messed around, Pram’s elbow
accidentally bumped the desk and a precariously placed book fell on the floor
loudly.
“Stop playing around and start studying.” Desir was stern as he spoke to his
party members.
“Sorry, Mr. Desir.”
“Sorry~”
Romantica bent down to pick up the book, but an elegant looking hand got to it
first. As her eyes looked up, she traced the hand back to its owner. Once she
saw who it was, she gasped in shock. Standing before her was a goddess of
beauty with eyes cold enough to shatter ice. Her platinum blonde hair swayed
gracefully by her waist.
“Ajest... Kingscrown.” Romantica’s eyes immediately fell upon the Blue Moon
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Art From Official Light Novel
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“It’s been a while.” She said, emotionless as always.
Desir answered her with his usual lackadaisical tone. “So it has.”
This was true—as the two had not met again since the entrance exam, this was
their first encounter in two months. Two months. For some, this was a long
time, whilst for others it was short. Regardless, it was long enough to decide
one’s affiliation.
“The Blue Moon party. You chose well. It’s very fitting for you.” complimented
Desir.
“What’s fitting?” Ajest responded with doubt.
“That you and the party both stand at the top.” Desir had nothing but praise for
Ajest.
“Not anymore, unfortunately.” Ajest paused for a moment before elaborating,
“After all, you’re here, Desir Arman.” Desir put his book down and rested his
chin on his hand. Ajest’s implication was clear: You brought me down.
“I heard you passed the tournament.” Her voice contained a tinge of
excitement, something unusual for Ajest.
“We did. We were lucky,” said Desir.
Ajest was dissatisfied with his answer. “You can hardly say that you were lucky
when your specialty is analysis. Well, no matter.”
By passing the tournament, Desir’s party moved into the top 30 of Hebrion
Academy, which meant that they had earned the right to participate in the
promotion battle.
“So when we next meet...” Desir’s question was abruptly cut short by Ajest. “It
will be on the battlefield. In the Shadow World.”
Desir followed Ajest’s train of thought. He was certain what was coming next.
There was only one reason for Ajest to visit them. “Have you come to declare
war?”
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an attempt to enter the Alpha Class, but Desir had already known that, as a
commoner, he would be assigned to the Beta Class.
No—the main reason was Ajest Kingscrown. By defeating her, his plan was to
make himself her target. The mighty spellsword. The woman standing at the
top in the Shadow Labyrinth. Desir would gladly become her rival if it meant
that she would become stronger. No, she absolutely had to. ‘Because you’re the
key to clearing the Shadow Labyrinth.’
Desir’s eyes were looking far into the future, as always. Looking at the big
The cheers were so loud that they could have blown apart the main building of
Hebrion Academy. There was a magic-strengthened metal frame supporting a
gigantic panel that covered the ceiling. The panel shone down on the main
building, over 10,000 spectators, around 200 professors and supervisors, and
the 30 participants of the promotion battle.
Spectator seating wrapped around the Shadow Gate like a coliseum. The
interior of the building was no different than an arena. This was intentional, as
the interior was recently remodelled to resemble an arena for this special day.
Many kinds of people gathered in the audience. Aside from the expected
students and professors, there were many visitors from all over the world.
Ticket prices were expensive, but just the name of Hebrion Academy’s
promotion battle was enough to sell out the seats.
It was a highly entertaining spectacle after all. In the safety of the modified
Shadow World, boys and girls would kill and be killed in order to move up in
the ranks. Additionally, these were the top students of Hebrion Academy. They
would surely display skills worthy of the greatest school in the world.
Spectators were looking forward to a high-level battle. The promotion battle
was one of the biggest money makers for Hebrion Academy.
“Let’s go over our roles,” Desir turned to Romantica first, “Romantica, you’re
our sniper. Use detection magic from long range and take out enemies one by
one.”
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“...I’m not sure if sniping will work on Alpha Class students,” she answered
nervously.
“Don’t worry. That’s why we practiced, right?” Desir gave her clear instructions
and helped her calm down. “Take as long as you need when using detection
magic, but as soon as you locate an enemy, immediately cast your sniping
magic. Even if they’re Alpha Class, they’ll go down if they can’t react fast
enough.”
“Okay, but I still have a problem.” Romantica said. “This is my first time using
long-range sniping magic. I don’t know how much power to use.”
Desir smiled, he had already expected her to get cold feet. “Remember the ball
you practiced with? It was about as tough as a person’s head.”
Romantica’s eyes widened. She had spent countless hours getting accustomed
to the level of power required to destroy those balls with her ranged attacks.
“Ah, so that’s why...”
Desir already had this in mind. He’d been set on her role from the beginning.
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