Chapter 95

When Hikaru visited Mikhail's office, Mikhail was just in the middle of packing. A huge backpack, large enough to fit three people Hikaru's size, was already stuffed to the brim.

"Hmm, Hikaru?"

"What's that for? Are you going back to Jarazak? Running away in the night?"

"Who's in debt? Don't lump me in with Mirei. Ah, Hikaru, you just arrived this year, so you don't know. When summer comes, they start to appear."

"Professor's head...?"

"No! Monsters!"

"Huh?"

"After a long winter, monsters begin to breed in the lands beyond human reach. As they grow, they become larger and more savage, and by summer, they are at their peak. So, during the summer, we hunt the ones that have grown large."

"Is that... like culling the monsters? Wouldn't it be better to take them down before they grow?"

"If we did that, there would be too many. It's easier to fight them when they are somewhat 'matured.'"

"I see. But that seems like a job for the military."

"The military is busy with border patrols. Forestia borders the once chaotic Quinbrand Empire and the currently chaotic Pawnsonia Kingdom. Besides, it's a lucrative job, so it's popular among adventurers."

"Is the Adventurer's Guild in charge?"

"Yes. I'm an adventurer too, you know?"

On the guild card Mikhail showed, his rank "C" was visible. The "occupation" field was blank, however.

"Hehe. Is Hikaru curious about my 'occupation'? Unfortunately, I can't show you—"

"Anyway, when are you leaving?"

"Let me finish! Seriously... I plan to leave today."

"Do you have to go?"

"Huh? Not necessarily, but... hunting these monsters is an annual pleasure. Adventurers from Quinbrand and, unusually this year, from Pawnsonia are coming. It's a good chance to exchange information with them, and most importantly, to fight for our lives. So, asking this means you have something on your mind, right? Ha, maybe you want to join the greatsword lecture—"

"No, that's not it. There's someone I want to fight."

"Another rematch with Hikaru! No, if that's the case, you should have said so earlier. My arm is itching—"

"A student from Kiriharu."

"......"

"What's wrong?"

"......A student from Kiriharu means someone who isn't in my class. I don't want to. I'd rather go to the border and fight monsters."

"Battle freak. By the way, how long does it usually take to clear the monsters?"

"Normally, it takes about 10 to 20 days."

"Rejected."

"What gives you the right to reject my schedule!"

Hikaru had been optimistic that Mikhail would readily grant permission for a "mock battle," but the monster-hunting job was unexpected. However, this level of "unexpected" was manageable.

"That student from Kiriharu is going to Jarazak in about 10 days. And he plans to fight the king of Jarazak."

"......What do you mean?"

"Of course, he intends to win. I'm training him, after all."

Strictly speaking, Ivan is training him, and Hikaru is just tweaking the Soul Board.

"Is Hikaru going to fight directly?"

Interest flickered in Mikhail's eyes.

"He's training to defeat the boss of Jarazak, Alexei Jarazak. I want him to gain experience by fighting you as a prelude to that battle."

"Hmm... Defeating our boss... Indeed, if you can beat me, it seems possible."

Despite his words, Mikhail's face clearly said, "That's impossible."

"By the way, I fought 10 mock battles with Ivan yesterday and won all of them."

"!"

Mikhail knew that Ivan was the strongest among the students taking the greatsword lecture. That's why he was wide-eyed.

"Are you kidding? There's no student who can completely outmatch Ivan..."

"I'm not kidding."

Yesterday, Claude, who had changed his "occupation" to "One-Handed Sword Master: Technical Swordsman," deftly dodged Ivan's sword as if his previous struggles were a dream, winning all 10 battles. Afterward, the students from Jarazak swarmed him, demanding to fight, and he lost a few times due to fatigue but mostly won. It seemed that not using a shield made the battles easier, so he was training with a one-handed sword to see how far he could go.

"Is his weapon a greatsword?"

"No, it's a one-handed sword. He originally took the spear lecture, but he showed more aptitude with swords, so we're focusing on that."

"Hikaru... You can tell these things?"

"It's not that I'm good at telling. It's just a coincidence, a coincidence. —So, what do you say? Can you delay the monster hunt a bit and fight a student?"

"......You said the fight with the boss is in about 10 days. You want to keep me here and train as a stand-in for Alexei, right?"

"Caught on."

Hikaru thought this level of foresight was to be expected.

"Hmm. Well, as a professor, training students is part of my job... How about this?"

"What is it? A trade-off?"

"I'll have one mock battle with that student. If I judge that he can fight to some extent—meaning he can reach a level in 10 days—I'll train him for 10 days as you suggest. But if he lacks the talent—then you'll take over the greatsword lecture."

"Huh?"

"What, not forever. Just while I'm away on the monster hunt. Training with an opponent who dodges like you do is also necessary for the students."

With Claude's skills, Mikhail could enjoy the training, and if he lacked the skills, Hikaru could be used to give the students a challenge.

"Smart. No matter what, you won't lose."

"That's how conditions work."

Hikaru had thought that the men from Jarazak were all muscle, but it seemed Mikhail had some brains.

(Well, he wouldn't be a professor otherwise.)

"Alright."

"Great, thanks! I feel bad making you deal with our students!"

"Heh. Are you already giving up on Claude and going monster hunting?"

"There's no way a student can defeat Alexei—wait a minute. The student from Kiriharu is Claude Zehard Kiriharu?"

"Then the mock battle is tomorrow."

"Wait, Hikaru, hold on! You know, the Zehard family from Kiriharu is one of the most prestigious—"

"Thanks."

"What do you mean he's going to fight Alexei!? Hey, Hikaru, Hikaru!!"

Hikaru left Mikhail's office.

Someone was watching from behind a pillar.

Hikaru left without looking back.

Just who was watching from behind the pillar...?

Next time, their identity will be revealed! (No intention to hide)