Chapter 16: Fighting Chicken, Isabel (1)

[Your presence has increased.]

[EXP +577]

“Oh, that’s quite a lot.”

After sparring with Kairak, I returned to my daily routine.

There was no particular reaction from either Rasmuth or Arcane.

I thought for sure the Marquis of Rasmuth would make some fuss, even if Arcane didn’t.

“Well, maybe they’re embarrassed too.”

A 5th-tier noble was defeated by a mere 3rd-tier commoner.

And that, even after using a high-grade artifact.

This place is quicker to spread rumors than anywhere else.

It’s a hub of information exchange, rivaling high society.

In a few days, the news will spread throughout the empire.

As for anything else noteworthy…

“Hmm, not bad-looking at all. I see why those kids are so worked up. Haha, youth is wonderful.”

“…Excuse me?”

“Never mind. Keep focusing on your studies. Many professors have high expectations of you.”

Other than a meeting with the headmaster of Arcane, there wasn’t much.

And he didn’t seem inclined to nitpick either.

‘Still, professors having high expectations… gives me chills.’

Lately, there’s been an odd rumor floating around Arcane.

That women are drawn to intelligent men—a baseless, absurd rumor.

‘Honestly, isn’t that taking it too far?’

One of the reasons for the rumor was probably me.

The fact that I ranked first in theory, combined with the ridiculous gossip that I was two-timing between the saintess and Sylvia, seems to have triggered it.

‘No wonder the professors handling theoretical subjects are all so friendly.’

After that, the number of students diving into theoretical studies began to increase exponentially.

There was even talk that, thanks to this, many graduates had willingly become slaves to the faculty.

‘It’s unfortunate, but that’s none of my business.’

***

As the new semester progressed, a month and a half passed.

The flowers decorating Arcane began to bloom in brilliant splendor.

“Wow, look at that!”

“It’s so pretty…”

“Like me?”

“Haha, of course, not as pretty as my sweetheart!”

The heartwarming “new semester buff.”

New encounters, new connections.

It’s the season when many become couples and just as many break up.

With the warmer weather, outdoor activities increased, and even in non-combat classes, there was more interaction outside.

Like the couples openly flaunting their affection by the fountain.

I wanted to do something too, but…

“Ah, damn it. Exams at this age…”

Thinking about the upcoming midterms, everything else seemed like a luxury.

“Why don’t novels ever include exam problems?”

Maybe it’s because this is a novel disguised as a romance fantasy?

Key events were described in detail, but boring periods like exam weeks were skipped entirely.

“Not even a single shortcut to be found.”

Even if the major flow was accurate, the minor details were all wrong.

And the most important thing for me right now—exam questions—wasn’t mentioned in the novel at all.

On top of that, the protagonist and heroines were acting strange.

‘Ian seems normal enough for now.’

But the other characters were the problem.

Their actions were completely unpredictable.

“Ugh, other people seem to enjoy an easy ride when they possess someone.”

Why am I the one suffering so much?

“Sigh, no choice but to do it.”

It’s depressing that my only strong point is studying theory.

But it’s better than nothing.

Without it, I wouldn’t be ranked 975th but shoved into the four-digit range.

‘Midterms are less than a week away, so I’ll have to focus on this for now.’

But just as I resolved myself…

“Theo, what’s this?”

“Oh, I see. Then what about this?”

“I don’t get it.”

“This isn’t working out either. Explain it to me.”

After a brief lunch break, I returned to the lecture hall. 

Sylvia, who had seemingly embodied the spirit of a “question mark killer,” was waiting for me.

Explaining things to her wasn’t hard. 

I had already finished my review while preparing in advance. 

But…

‘If she had fully understood the relationship between magic and magical artifacts last time, there’s no way she wouldn’t know this.’

Sylvia, who had previously asked questions that went beyond the midterm exam scope and delved into more advanced topics, wasn’t lacking in intelligence. 

Although she found theories tiresome, her sharp mind excelled once she grasped the concepts.

For some reason, however, she clung to me and wouldn’t let go.

“Theo, that thing on the next page too… and, there’s something I’m curious about in Volume 2… Oh, what else was it…?”

It felt like she was asking me random questions, but…

‘I can’t refuse.’

Sylvia had always been a reliable presence, helping me accumulate points consistently. 

Even though something seemed off about her, I couldn’t easily turn her away.

Her barrage of questions didn’t stop until the afternoon classes began.

I carefully answered each one.

“That’s it for today’s class. You’re aware that midterms are coming up soon, right? Practical skills are important, but make sure you master the essential theories as well. Dismissed.”

Right after the two-hour-long afternoon class ended—

Tap, tap, tap!

I saw Sylvia, clutching her books, running briskly toward me. 

Without hesitation, I turned around and bolted out of there.

‘If I get stuck with her, I won’t be able to get my own work done.’

Judging by her bright, sparkling eyes and the subtle tension I felt, she seemed ready to keep asking questions until sunset.

“Hoo…”

After running hard and leaving the building, I sighed in relief.

“Thankfully, she’s not following me.”

It seemed she had turned back after briefly chasing me.

“Time to start preparing for the practical exams.”

I was already done with the theoretical portions. 

The only thing left was the practical exams.

Moreover, an important event signaling the beginning of the main storyline was set to occur during the latter half of the midterms.

I needed to quickly prepare for the practical exams and delve into the main story.

“But why hasn’t Gray contacted me yet?”

The organization I’d invested in early on was supposed to become a significant source of information later.

Had I overestimated its potential?

Sigh. 

“Whatever, he’ll manage.”

It wasn’t something I could control anymore. 

Rushing wouldn’t change anything, so I needed to focus on my own tasks.

“Let’s head over there.”

Arcane was a place for honing both martial and scholarly skills. 

Naturally, it had a training ground that students could use. 

Though it wasn’t the same as the sparring hall, its setup was similar.

***

“Since it’s an off day, I’ll make full use of it.”

This particular training ground was often empty. 

Despite its excellent facilities, people rarely came here.

Why?

“Because that ‘rockhead’ uses this place.”

Aldania Isabel.

One of the heroines, destined to inherit the legacy of martial champions and become one of the continent’s strongest warriors.

Her beautiful appearance and extraordinary talent always drew attention. 

But the reason she stood out was different.

“How can someone have over 4 digits sparring in just three years?”

It was as if she couldn’t sit still; if she wasn’t moving, something seemed to bother her. 

She would grab anyone she could and spar with them at every opportunity.

Because of this, she earned the nickname “Battle Chicken.”

Her short, fiery red hair and matching eyes enhanced the image. 

The sight of her wild, bouncing hair resembled a rooster’s comb, which became a popular topic of conversation.

“…Did someone come here? I thought dust would’ve accumulated after not being here for a few days.”

Only she and I used this place. 

If it wasn’t me, then…

Bang!

“Hey, you—… No, never mind.”

Isabel stormed out of the supply room, where training equipment was stored.

Her face was flushed red, as if it might explode at any moment.

“…Isabel, senior?”

“If you said you’d do it, shouldn’t you come by often? What’s with this mess of a cleaning job?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I’ve been a bit busy lately.”

“And what’s with calling me ‘senior’? So formal. Just call me…you know, ‘sister’ between us.”

“Huh? Suddenly, why—”

“Shut up. Just call me that if I tell you to.”

What on earth is this situation?

Isabel suddenly showing up.

Fine, maybe she changed her mind and decided to come on a day she usually doesn’t.

But the cleaning is already done, so what’s the deal with scraping up invisible dust to show me?

And what’s with this absurd demand to call her ‘sister’?

‘Did this blockhead eat something weird?’

Isabel, with eyes rolling wildly,

Breathing heavily, showing a sinister smile,

“Call me. Right now. Here and now.”

Was it medicine she was supposed to take but didn’t?

Or something she shouldn’t have taken but did?

It was hard to tell.

“Why are you acting so scary again, huh?”