Chapter 102.1: Rumors (1) Part 1

Rumors (1)

I was in an extremely dangerous situation.

I didn't know where Pascal had heard the ridiculous rumors. He might have even come up with them himself.

"Sir, I can't use aura. Just look at the expressions on the students' faces."

All of the students watching me nodded in agreement with my heartfelt words. For a moment, they were my reliable allies.

"Hahaha."

Pascal laughed. It was a dry laugh.

And he stared at me and grinned.

"Lies."

There was something unsettling, even eerie about his words. Pascal's behavior and tone reminded me of someone I had met before.

Who was it?

"Then let's do it!"

Pascal shouted cheerfully, as if we were starting a game.

Then, the fearsome blade of his aura flew towards my face.

'This crazy teacher!'

I pulled out my 'Neil Jack's Short Sword.' It was the real thing.

Clang!

My sword and Pascal's aura collided. The sounds of clashing metal reverberated through the room.

"Wow! You have a nice sword, Frondier!"

Pascal said nonchalantly. Meanwhile, I was petrified from a single attack.

This dagger made of Viper Steel had greater resistance and strength compared to ordinary weapons. Additionally, it would not be damaged due to its attribute, 'Eternal Edge.'

However, it could still be destroyed if it takes damage beyond its limit.

Up until that point, the sword would perform optimally, but if the limit was exceeded, it would completely shatter.

Thinking of it in gaming terms, it's like a sword with 100 durability points. From 100 to 1, it performs exactly the same.

'What does this teacher think he knows about me!?'

Pascal's attacks don't have any killing intent. They are simply filled with playfulness.

Each attack concentrates on causing me trouble, making me pull out my sword and counter-attack quickly.

Just like a frog that got hit by a stone that was thrown as a joke.

Right now, I'm very much the frog.

"Ugh!"

Clang!

The dagger that was hit by the aura shook violently. Fortunately, I'm more accustomed to battles after my training with Azier.

However, this teacher doesn't seem to know his own strength, so if I don't respond properly, I'll end up dead.

"Come on! Hurry up and pull it out! Stop playing around, Frondier!"

Tang!

"......!"

Using force, Pascal shoved his aura inward, hitting my sword away.

My sword-wielding arm swung outward, opening up my chest. Pascal mercilessly sent his aura straight at the opening.

─Damn it.

Weaving

Rank - Unique

Neil Jack's dagger

Clang-!

I knitted the dagger with my other hand, using the technique to parry Pascal's aura.

The students who were watching gasped at the sight.

"F, Frondier actually deflected aura......!"

"I couldn't believe it, but it's real!"

No, you fools!

Well, I'd rather them think that than the truth!

"...... Huh, uhh?"

Pascal tilted his head, puzzled by the sight that was different from what he had thought.

Something invisible deflected his aura.

To the eyes of ordinary people, they both wouldn't be visible and thus look the same, but it must be different in Pascal's eyes. Pascal can see aura. In contrast, my knitted dagger is 'truly invisible.'

The students are a bit far away, and since my aura only appeared for a brief moment, it seems like they didn't see it, but Pascal must have felt a strong sense of discomfort.

"Hm, okay. Student Frondier student, return to your seat."

"...Yes."

I tried to look composed and turned around.

'What kind of mischievousness is that?'

No matter how much of a 'Mischievous' Pascal might be, he's not stupid or reckless. He's just overly motivated and curious.

In other words, there must be something that made Pascal act like that.

'I don't know who spread this rumor, but there must be some basis for it, which is why Pascal believes it. Someone who would believe that I use auras...'

As I got to that point, I realized something.

Grobel's story from Teiban came to mind.

-That little punk Gregory is the problem.

-Don't you know? Gregory went to Serf's residence without knowing that he was dead and got caught. Of course, it was the crow he was controlling that got caught. That's why we're looking for him, but we haven't caught him yet.

-You must not forget! My brother! My brother Rokbel! Don't forget! I tried my best!

Grobel was worried about his brother, Rokbel. He was worried that Gregory might get to him.

It was information I learned while talking to Grobel, but at the time of the hut incident, Serf thought I used 'aura.' That's because Gregory, who gave the information to Serf, had thought that from the beginning.

In other words, it's likely that Gregory gave the information to Pascal.

It's still just a hypothesis, though.

In order to verify it -

"Selena."

I whispered to Selena next to me. Selena was taking the same class as she was in the combat series.

"Yes."

"There was a young boy in the cabin incident. His name is Rokbel. Find out where he's living and if he's safe. If possible, find out if someone named Gregory has made contact."

Selena probably received most of the information about me from Manggot. She must also know about the 'cabin incident.'

"I understand."

As expected, Selena didn't ask anything more and just replied.

It looks like I'll be fulfilling my promise to Grobel sooner than expected.