The Summoning Genius of the Necromancer School
Basic black magic, necromancy, and even the first class on blood flow.
The professors at Kijen seemed to have put a lot of thought into the curriculum for the duel evaluation.
Of course, today’s last class on curses was no exception.
"I always look into the students' eyes as soon as they enter the classroom," said Bahil, dressed in his usual elegant white suit, as he placed his felt fedora on the podium.
"Oh dear, today there is a lot of anguish in your eyes. It seems you won't be able to focus on the class. Shall we take a peek into what you are all thinking? Ah, it's the duel evaluation, isn't it? Right now, your minds are completely filled with thoughts of the duel evaluation!"
A light laughter erupted from various corners of the room at Bahil's playful words.
"I graduated from Kijen myself, so I understand well. It must be unsettling and nerve-wracking to fight against fellow Kijen students. But don’t worry. I will guide you."
Bahil flashed a smile that radiated trust.
"In this class, I will teach you how to quickly and safely subdue your opponent. You just need to trust me and follow along."
The students' eyes sparkled with excitement.
After all, the name Bahil carried an aura so lofty that it was not something a seventeen-year-old boy or girl could look up to casually.
"By now, I believe your black magic styles have been somewhat established. This class will be divided into two parts."
Bahil looked around the room.
"Students who have clearly decided on the black magic they will use in this duel evaluation will need a curse specialized for support. I will teach you a speedy spell called 'Leg Down' that can pressure your opponent quickly and effortlessly."
The students murmured.
It was a spell not found in their textbooks.
"Humans are creatures that can only rise on their hind legs, walking with a very unstable balance while keeping their backs straight. Just falling can render most actions impossible. Leg Down places exhaustion on a specific area, including the opponent's feet, restricting their movement. If it hits strongly or if the opponent moves recklessly, they will fall over. Of course, its advantage is that it is faster and lighter than Exhaust."
Bahil smiled brightly.
"And for those students flipping through their textbooks right now, it’s only natural that you won’t find it. It’s a curse I personally improved."
"Ooh!" The students gasped in awe.
"Next, for those aspiring in curse studies or students who will primarily use curses in the duel evaluation, as well as those who have not yet decided on which black magic to use, I will introduce an improved version of the Paralysis curse."
Remake Paralysis! Once again, it was a spell not found in the textbooks.
"It may be less effective than Paralysis, but through practical improvements, it can be completed more quickly. I’ve arranged it so that it can produce effects using basic runes and formula combinations available to first-year students. If you stack it during combat, you should be able to replicate the effects of the original spell."
The students were given two choices: the light yet effective Leg Down, or the heavy but certain Remake Paralysis.
"Now, let’s split up."
Bahil clapped his hands.
"Students on the left will learn Leg Down, and those on the right will learn Remake Paralysis."
The students began to murmur and divide themselves left and right.
At that moment, Bahil's gaze was fixed on just one spot. '...
Ah, Simon Polentia.' Madness gleamed in his eyes. 'A genius like you must wear the right clothes for yourself.
Curses are the best path to bring out your darkness by 200%! Throw away that old and outdated summoning study.
Using summoning as your main focus in the duel evaluation is something even a fool wouldn’t do! You know that, don’t you?'
Bahil, unusually tense, bit his lip.
Simon, who had been talking with Dick and Maylin, soon turned in a different direction. 'Which way will you go? Of course, to the right...!' Simon entered on the left with Maylin.
Dick and Kamibarez went to the right.
Seeing Simon's choice, Bahil bit his lip tightly.
Once again, he had chosen curses not as his 'main' but as a 'sub.'
"Professor Bahil."
At that moment, he felt a hand on his shoulder, calming his anger.
When he turned around with eyes filled with madness, he saw the gray-eyed assistant with a finger on her lips.
"That expression, that expression is familiar to me."
"......"
Bahil's expression sank as if it were a lie, soon replaced by the usual soft smile.
"Oh dear, I seem to have gotten a bit too excited. Thank you, Chehekl."
"It’s alright. That’s my role. Now, about the instructions."
Bahil adjusted his tie.
The assistants were seen flipping through the design drafts for Leg Down, preparing for the lesson.
"Send all the assistants to the right. I will personally teach Leg Down."
"...... Yes? But last week, you said you would teach Remake Paralysis...!"
"I’ve changed my mind."
This was troublesome.
The assistants had stayed up all night preparing materials to teach Leg Down.
Chehekl considered persuading him, but there was no sign of wavering on Bahil's face. 'He has no intention of changing his mind.'
The assistant bowed her head.
"Understood."
Chehekl approached the assistants preparing for class.
They were setting up mana projectors and distributing materials to the students.
"Wait a moment, all assistants gather."
The sudden assembly order puzzled the assistants as they gathered.
"What’s going on? It’s a two-hour class, and we need to start right away."
"The professor has changed his mind. He will teach Leg Down himself."
"Eh?!" The assistants of Bahil murmured in surprise.
"No way! We’ve only prepared for Leg Down, and now he changes it on the day of...!"
"Oh, this is just not right! Senior, please persuade him!"
Chehekl crossed her arms.
"We all know he’s not the type to listen to persuasion."
"......."
"Professor Bahil's whims are not a rare occurrence. Stop whining and get ready. I’ll handle the Paralysis class somehow."
The assistants, with drooping shoulders, put down their materials and moved.
Chehekl, encouraging her juniors by patting their backs, shifted her gaze to a boy sitting quietly. 'The professor's actions... must be because of that boy, right?' Thinking that both he and she would be tired in the future, Chehekl turned away.
And so, with the curse studies finished, all classes for the day came to an end.
Dick went down to Rochester, while Maylin and Kamibarez headed to the girls' dormitory.
Simon sat alone on an empty bench, staring blankly at the sky.
A beautiful sunset was unfolding above.
[What thoughts are you lost in, boy?] As he sat there in a daze, Pier approached him.
Simon gazed at the sky and said, "Pier, does the Legion Commander have to major in summoning studies?"
Pier chuckled. [There’s no rule that says so! If you choose martial studies, I can run the legion myself! It’s entirely your choice to have the legion support you while maximizing your own power! The legion will respect that will.]
"......"
When Simon fell silent for a moment, Pier raised the corners of his mouth. [Why? Did you expect me to stop you?]
Simon felt a jolt. [Tell me, what is shaking you so?]
"Nothing, just..."
Simon sighed deeply.
"Everyone says summoning studies are weak. They’re outdated. Not just other professors and students, but even Professor Aaron, who teaches summoning studies."
[So.] Pier said. [Are you going to quit summoning studies?]
"......"
Quitting summoning studies.
Simon felt a strong sense of rebellion rising within him. [Perhaps that feeling is your true intention.]
Pier chuckled. [I think, boy, you like summoning studies! You have a natural inclination for learning new things and feeling a sense of achievement, but your feelings toward summoning studies are different.
Is there really a need to find a reason to continue summoning studies within the legion?]
"......"
Simon couldn’t deny a single word. [But! What you’re struggling with isn’t that, is it?]
"Huh?"
[Boy.
Your thoughts and values are established.
Just because of what others say, it’s not like you to hesitate now and consider giving up summoning studies! It’s something smaller, something trivial!]
Pier’s smile widened. [Isn’t it the desire to win this duel evaluation using only summoning studies?]
"......!"
Simon looked down at Pier’s avatar with a shocked expression.
Then he sighed softly and chuckled.
"Wow, you really can’t be deceived, can you?"
[Hehe!]
"Isn’t it foolish? I don’t know when I’ll grow up. Even though there are better ways, I keep wanting to win with summoning studies..."
[What do you think is the reason?]
"Just, it makes me angry," Simon said.
"Summoning studies are weak. They need time. They need support from other studies. You can’t win with just summoning studies. I heard that all day today. The assistants, Dick, the professors, even Toto, who is also an aspiring summoner."
Simon crossed his arms.
"It’s not even my major yet, but it makes me a bit angry. That summoning studies are treated that way."
[But you’ve always chosen the most efficient means.
You were struggling with the clash of those two ideas.]
"Yes."
Simon stood up and dusted off his pants. [So what was the result of your struggle?]
"This time, it’s a romantic notion."
Simon smiled broadly.
"Imagine it, Pier."
People, everyone is denying it.
In front of those who look down on summoning studies, if I really win the duel evaluation using only summoning studies...
Wouldn’t it feel amazing? Wouldn’t it feel like my heart is bursting with joy?
[Hahaha! Yes! That’s it!] Pier laughed loudly. [Willingly walking the path that others do not take! That act itself is special and valuable! You even have the ability and talent to do so, so there’s no reason not to! Remember this, boy!]
Blue flames erupted from Pier’s avatar. [You are none other than the legion commander I chose! Do not hesitate to cross the line drawn by sardines with the body of a shark! Do whatever you desire!]
"Yes, Pier."
A light smile finally appeared on Simon’s face.
"I have finally made up my mind."