Chapter 81

As cherry blossoms danced in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there.

---

Lyle and Rina's names were mixed, so I unified them to Lyle.

The release of the Cheater Magic is on 12/28, just two days away! Early releases are already circulating!

In the afternoon, the whole class gathered in the examination hall we used during the entrance exam.

Today, there is the monthly [Rank] measurement.

The class is clearly divided into a group filled with expectation and confidence and a group that is not.

A few classmates walked over to me.

"Thanks to you, I can explore much better now."

"Our party can now go down to the third underground floor!"

"Next time, teach us more, okay?"

The classmates who came to me, one after another, were the ones who overflowed with expectation and confidence, and they were the ones I gave lectures to after class.

I regularly taught them practical knowledge about the underground labyrinth that wasn't covered in class, including "Tips for Lower Floors ~ Veteran Explorer's Trap ~" and more. From their reactions, it seemed to have been very helpful.

"I'm glad it helped."

I smiled in response. The words I just said were from the bottom of my heart. It's heartwarming to see my students gain confidence and strength.

"Soji, or rather, Mr. Soji, how about treating us to a meal next time?"

"We always get free lectures from you, so we want to do something to thank you!"

The classmates surrounding me said one after another.

"I'd be happy to accept your invitation. However, I'm busy for a while, so let's make it next month, okay?"

This is a good opportunity to deepen our bond with the classmates. There's no reason to refuse.

I'm focusing on Kuna now, but once that's settled, I'll go out for drinks and have a good time.

Suddenly, I felt a gaze and turned to see a group with stern faces watching us from a distance.

They are the ones who didn't attend my lectures.

Probably, their exploration of the underground labyrinth isn't going well.

Being preyed upon by veterans who stick to the shallow floors is a rite of passage for all newbies.

A few of them walked over to us.

"... Can you start teaching us from the next lecture? Until now, I was jealous and didn't want to be outdone, so I couldn't ask you. But if we keep this up, we'll be done for. ... I'm sorry. I'll do anything you ask!"

They all bowed their heads at once.

"No problem. It won't be much more work with a few more people."

"Thank you! I'll definitely repay this favor!"

These guys might have potential. They are competitive and have the capacity to accept reality.

At the very least, they are different from the group that can only watch from a distance.

I have no intention of helping those who just watch, but I want to lend a hand to those who bow their heads like this.

◇

After a while of chatting, the class started, and Instructor Nakita arrived.

She is our instructor, a young-looking female teacher.

"Alright, everyone. Today is the long-awaited [Rank] measurement! I'm sure you've all become much stronger since the last measurement! I'm looking forward to it!"

She said this with a cheerful voice, then paused and suddenly became serious.

"Let me warn you. If you haven't made any progress since the last measurement... you lack talent. You're not cut out to be an explorer. Situational awareness and action are the most important abilities for an explorer. If you lack these, it's fatal."

Some of the students immediately turned pale.

What Instructor Nakita said is a harsh truth.

A student who can't change their situation over a month won't survive in this knight school.

With Instructor Nakita's words, the atmosphere became tense, and the classmates started their [Rank] measurements one by one. As expected, the students I taught all steadily increased their [Rank]. They were proud and showed off their new [Rank].

On the other hand, most of the students I didn't teach showed no signs of growth and looked disappointed.

... There are exceptions, though.

"Amazing. Lyle, you're at the top of Rank 1. At this rate, you might reach Rank 2 by next year?"

"Of course! I must catch up to my princess, Kuna! I'll show you what I can do. ... Hehehe, from the increase in Kuna's last measurement, she should be at the top of Rank 1. But, according to my calculations, I'm slightly above her. Hehehe, this way, I can protect Kuna!"

One of the exceptions, the fourth person, was making a very annoying fuss.

While he was already in the upper ranks of Rank 1 before entering the school, his growth rate is abnormal. He must be pushing himself to the limit.

Without us, he would have been the envy of the entire school.

However, unfortunately for him, he doesn't know that we, the [Tail of the Magic Sword], have pushed ourselves even harder and are advancing at a pace that surpasses his.

Finally, the [Rank] measurements ended, and it was our turn.

"Please take care of me."

I bowed to Instructor Nakita.

"It's your turn, huh? I wouldn't be surprised if you've already reached the top of Rank 1."

"You'll see."

I smiled.

"Quite confident. From the looks of it, you've reached the top of Rank 1. That's the fastest pace in the history of this school."

Then, Instructor Nakita measured my [Rank].

"Lower Rank 2!? You haven't even been here for three months, right? This is too fast. I've never heard of such a speed."

Instructor Nakita exclaimed in surprise.

The surrounding students also buzzed with surprise.

When I first measured at the top of Rank 1, they were surprised, but this time it was in a different league. The barrier to advancing in [Rank] is much higher.

Typically, one in several years reaches Rank 2 by the end of the first year.

I've left that common knowledge far behind.

Even the other students, who might have expected something from me, didn't anticipate reaching Rank 2.

"By any chance, not just you... Kuna, Anne, can you both come here?"

Instructor Nakita called for Anne and Kuna.

Then, she measured their [Rank] with trembling hands.

"Kuna is at the same Lower Rank 2 as Soji, and Anne is... Middle Rank 2!? Unbelievable. Even considering the magic stone processing magic from before, this is unbelievable. How many enemies have you fought? How much despair have you experienced to absorb such power into your body!?"

It's no wonder Instructor Nakita was surprised.

After all, increasing [Rank] within the same level is just a matter of accumulating magic stones.

But to advance in [Rank], you need to either slowly adapt your body over a long period or engage in a life-or-death battle that feels like an eternity, with a strong desire that rises from the depths of your soul.

"We pushed ourselves a bit."

We advanced to Rank 2 during the battle with Tiran. It was truly difficult. We squeezed out every last bit of our strength to win that life-or-death battle.

And Anne reached Middle Rank 2 because we concentrated our magic stones on her for the duel with Clanel. This included Tiran's magic stone.

"I thought you wouldn't be surprised by much, but the fact that the entire party is at Rank 2 is truly astonishing."

Instructor Nakita held her heart and muttered.

Incidentally, the fourth person had turned to ash. He probably never imagined Kuna would be at Rank 2.

"Well, I can't say that everyone in this class should catch up to Soji and the others, but I think there's a lot to learn from them. I think it's good to talk to them. Having them in the same generation is fortunate."

As Instructor Nakita said, the students nodded, looking at us with admiration, jealousy, and ambition.

... I don't feel bad. As long as they don't interfere with us, I'll continue to help their growth.

"Alright, everyone. I've confirmed your current strength. Today, we'll focus on practical training! It will be tougher than usual, so be prepared!"

At these words, the classmates nodded strongly.

Most of the students, despite being told it would be tough training, didn't show any signs of discomfort and looked determined. They are indeed worthy of having passed that exam.

"Finally, I thought I caught up... but my princess is at Rank 2... no way..."

Among them, the fourth person was depressed for a completely different reason. I can understand his feelings. I felt a bit of sympathy for him.

"But! This Lyle won't give up! I will definitely become a knight worthy of Kuna and save her from the hands of the Demon King Soji!"

The fourth person shouted forcefully. I take back my sympathy. There's no need to feel sorry for this guy.

... I'm concerned about the strange setting he has in his head.

Thus, we honed our skills through practical training until the sun set.