Terminally-Ill Genius Dark Knight
Chapter 220

Chapter 220

220. Academy Swordsmanship Festival [4]

The days passed by in a flash.

Before anyone knew it, the Academy Swordsmanship Festival was right around the corner.

‘In just a few hours, the festival will finally begin.’.

Nox strolled through the academy grounds, organizing his thoughts for a while.

The occasional stares directed at him were annoying, but he didn’t particularly care. He figured they were probably just more disrespectful looks from the noble families anyway. By now, Nox had developed the mental fortitude to laugh off such gazes.

Would their perception of him change even if he said something?

'No way’

The Emperor’s Knight.

Even the grandiose title had only served as kindling for a brief blaze.

In the end, it didn’t fundamentally solve Nox’s ruffian tendencies. Nox himself found it more comfortable that way, but the red-haired girl walking beside him, Thalia von Stiliner thought differently.

'Why can’t anyone else see Nox’s good points?!’

Lately, hadn’t Nox even helped her with her swordsmanship training?

Of course, others wouldn’t know the details, but still…

'Has he just grown too accustomed to being hated?’

Thalia looked at Nox with renewed pity, but he was as indifferent as ever. No, to be precise, he was actually in a rather excited state.

'Finally, the Swordsmanship Festival… Even in the game, the atmosphere at this time was the best. It feels nostalgic. And there’s a lot of fun stuff to look forward to.’

Now, with the opening ceremony about to begin, he was busy inspecting the academy’s facilities. Some were newly established. For instance, equipment that is possible to be mass-produced made from magical beast materials, even if they weren’t custom-made.

These were now at the stage of commercialization, so it was important to check them.

While deviations from the main storyline were unavoidable, the worldbuilding being completely overturned was another matter entirely.

'Besides, during the festival, students who can’t participate in events have to prepare various facilities to cover the expensive tuition fees.’

For example…

Nox’s train of thought was cut off the next moment.

“…What is this?”

The place where Nox stopped was a shabby stall cluttered with goods.

There, he saw a familiar face, black hair and drowsy green eyes.

“Ah, hello, Nox von Reinhaver.”

“Leon. Don’t tell me…”

With a sinking feeling, Nox pressed a hand to his forehead.

Surely not. Even for Leon, this is..

His expression said it all, but Leon, as expected, did not disappoint.

“Yes. I heard business does quite well during the Academy Swordsmanship Festival.”

Internally reeling, Nox watched as Leon nodded with satisfaction.

“Even so, selling sausages and wine here… Isn’t that crossing a line? Especially for the head of one of the Three Dark Families?”

“The family doesn’t feed me. Besides, you know my circumstances. If I don’t do this, I can’t afford tuition, so I have no choice but to work.”

“…G, good luck!”

Thalia said encouragingly, but it seemed his stall was doomed to fail.

There were about ten chairs. Clearly an effort had been made, but there were some critical issues.

'In the first place, where is there even a shop where undead do the serving?? What about hygiene? There are too many problems here. This guy’s insane.’

Because right there, his undead minions were wearing aprons, ready to serve.

Nox understood the need to save on labor costs, but still…

“I don’t think I’d buy anything”

“Ah, that’s a bit hurtful…”

Leon genuinely looked dejected.

He added.

“Mr. Paracelsus and Ms. Eleanor also threw a fit telling me to shut this down.”

“Whatever. It’s your loss, not mine.”

Leon fell silent, pondering, then added.

“Maybe the sign needs to be brighter?”

“…That’s not the issue. No, never mind, figure it out yourself.”

With that, Nox walked away. It was a cold but rational decision, there was nothing to gain from further conversation.

A while later.

Pushing through the crowd, Nox arrived at the Colosseum where the Swordsmanship Festival would begin.

The hexagonal dueling arena. Incidentally, the Reinhaver family’s training hall, where Nox had his first duel, was modeled after this very facility.

“Looks like it’s about to start.”

A massive central platform was being adjusted, and a woman preparing to give a speech stood atop it.

A woman with her hair tied back neatly.

None other than three Sword Emperors, recently pardoned by the imperial family. Ulysses von Fritschel.

“Students, hear me. I am Ulysses von Fritschel. Having repented for my past sins, I now stand before you as a loyal knight of the imperial family, overseeing this Swordsmanship Festival.”

— Ulysses is already reinstated? What about the disrespect she showed the Emperor?

— This feels off no matter how you look at it.

— She pointed a sword at Empress Penelope’s throat, yet she dares to stand there so boldly…

— I object!

Voices of dissent rose, but Nox paid them no mind.

From the beginning, Ulysses had a reason to protect the legitimate royal bloodline.

That was why she had pointed her sword at the princess.

Now, rather, it could even be said that she maintains the closest relationship with Penelope

“I understand your dissatisfaction. As a knight, I am ashamed of my role in the imperial strife alongside the First Prince Louis. I caused harm to many. However.”

Ulysses stared straight ahead, her expression unshakably confident. She met the countless critical gazes head-on.

“If you wish to hold me accountable, then become stronger. In a continent of war and chaos, that is the only justice. Empress Penelope entrusted me with this festival for that very reason. Remember that.”

The crowd was overwhelmed.

Ulysses’ sheer presence left no room for opposition.

'As expected of three sword emperors.’

He couldn’t help but acknowledge it.

Nox recalled the times he had crossed swords with her.

Those dizzying moments, to the time when he had clashed swords with her alongside Paracelsus. Each and every one of those moments was worthy of becoming a heroic tale, but Nox and Paracelsus had no desire for their deeds to be sung.

Thus, Headmaster Noah had never publicly recognized their contributions.

“Then, from this moment. The flower of Eldain Academy’s knight training. the Swordsmanship Festival shall begin”.

The sound of reluctant clapping and cheering voices mixed together.

Thalia’s grip on Nox’s wrist tightened slightly.

Behind them, Cell expression hardened coldly. It’s because even now, Belial whispered incessantly in her ear.

— Kill that wretched sister of yours.

**********

“First match! Nox von Reinhaver, Veil! Both of you, step onto the arena!”

My first opponent was a regular knight named Veil.

He was one of the rising stars, a third-year who had recently achieved high marks in knight training. Even among the elite, he stood out.

His brown hair, slightly darker than my alter ego Shane’s, swayed softly.

“Third-year, Veil. I’ve heard your name. Let’s have a good match.”

Veil didn’t sneer like some third-rate villain.

I also returned the courtesy with a nod. It was the best I could do as the infamous ruffian, though it was a bit problem… it couldn’t be helped.

“Any form of mana technique is permitted, except magic! If a life-threatening situation arises, I and nine other imperial knights from Eldain will intervene, so fight without restraint! Then… Begin!”

Chaeng!

Cold.

The moment our swords clashed, such thoughts were irrelevant.

Expressions like 'Burning! or 'Sparks fly!’ might be more cliché, but they’d fit better. Yet, my mind was colder than ever.

There was only one reason.

Belial, the demon who would appear in this episode. He didn’t know I was aware of him or that I planned to stop him. I had already mapped out how this episode would end before even stepping into it.

I had to use this well. To do that, I needed to win every match in the festival flawlessly.

My ultimate goal is.

'I must grow stronger.’

The moment the thought crossed my mind, Veil thrust his sword at me repeatedly.

A technique made possible by his lightweight blade.

I parried calmly, thinking.

Chaeng——! Chaeng——!

The oppressive killing intent, the sparks flying from clashing steel.

All of it was familiar now.

“Haa….”

I reminded myself.

Focus on the present.

Even if there was a vast gap between my opponent and me.

Nox von Reinhaver. The current me was a unit with the [Genius] trait.

I repeated it to myself.

[The trait [Genius of Swordsmanship and Combat] is being pushed to its limits!]

[Your swordsmanship achievements are rapidly increasing!]

I close my ears.

Messages proving I was a player aren’t important now.

All that mattered was, I had to stake my life on this one duel.

Veil, too, was fighting me with everything he had.

Chaeng——!

Suddenly, Veil accelerated, thrusting deep.

But it didn’t leave a significant wound.

'A sword with shallow, rapid strikes, then a deep thrust when an opening appears.’

A common pattern among knights who favored lighter swords.

I calmly parried each of his strikes, then adjusted my grip.

The sword in my hand wasn’t Stormbringer.

Before leaving the family, Theo had told me.

— Stormbringer is a legendary sword beyond judgment. If you wield something like that and claim victory, it will only hinder your growth.

So I held an ordinary longsword instead.

But it was enough.

At least for this duel.

Chaeng.

It’s like a blunt sound, cutting off the opponent’s sword chain of strikes.

A kind of signal, announcing that I’ve broken their offense and now it’s my turn.

“I’ll get serious.”

“Come.”

Veil shifted to an aggressive stance, ready to receive my sword.

Our swords clashed, and I exploited the weakness in his technique.

First, the rapid shallow strikes.

Chaeng! Chaeng!

I deflected two thrusts precisely, using his momentum to close the distance.

Then came the deep strike.

'His movements are big.’

My eyes gleam.

The lavender color, the symbol of the Reinhaver family stands out here.

Distinguished Sword Family

Masters of the Black Sword, wielders of darkness.

But at the most fundamental level,

Knight.

Before Veil’s fallen sword could rise, I stepped on its back and slashed upward vertically.

Chaeng!

With a sharp sound, I swung my sword toward Veil’s neck.

A long, resonant clang marked the end of the first match.

Veil raised both hands above his head as Ulysses’ blade slid between us.

“Nox von Reinhaver. Were you really planning to kill your senior?”

“As always. If necessary, I would.”

I gave the same answer as before.

Just like when I had answered a question from a demon. Would you kill your father?

If necessary.

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