The atmosphere inside the academy had grown tense.
Security patrols were intensified, and random inspections were being carried out throughout the campus.
Students thought the tightened security was due to the upcoming exchange match, but in truth, it was an effort to root out the assassin who had infiltrated the academy.
“Gareth Trigger from the Obsidian Tower entered the academy today.”
“Gareth Trigger? Isn’t he the hunting dog of the Trigger family, that infamous assassin clan?”
“I heard he retired due to injuries. Whether that’s true or not, I’m not sure.”
“So he ended up as a staff member of the Obsidian Tower…”
“Since he just entered today, does that mean he’s not connected to Professor Aresisos’s death from a few days ago?”
“We can’t be certain. Keep observing him.”
After giving instructions to his subordinates in the Security Division, Professor Horizon frowned.
Horizon was also the overall head of academy security. That meant the fact an assassin had slipped in was, ultimately, his responsibility.
Still, it was also true that if a top-tier assassin from the Obsidian Tower was determined to infiltrate the academy, there was no real way to stop them.
‘If only we had some evidence proving the Obsidian Tower was behind this…’
If they could secure even a single piece of physical evidence, they could hold the Obsidian Tower accountable.
And if the tower denied involvement despite clear proof, a direct counterattack would be justified.
‘As things stand, we can’t even stop them from entering the academy…’
The exchange match was just around the corner.
More than ten students and staff from the Obsidian Tower would be arriving, and the academy had no grounds to block them.
‘No, but they’ll definitely slip up.’
There had to be a reason they chose this timing to provoke.
They needed to find out that reason as soon as possible.
‘Things won’t go your way, Tower scum.’
Incidents like this had long been common between Ars Magna Academy and the Obsidian Tower.
Although it was often the Tower—second in rank—that attacked the academy, there had been times when the academy struck first.
Judging by past patterns, the Tower was probably plotting something on a large scale this time.
In that case, they needed to unravel the plot and counterattack.
‘I’ll make sure you learn that the academy is no pushover.’
Horizon clenched his teeth.
“You are this year’s exchange match team.”
Professor Klein had summoned us to his office and spoke in a serious tone.
“From the top-tier class, we have Eriol Valencia, Senia Artian, and Monarch Orson. And from the upper class, Charlotte Strasbourg. Four members in total, selected based on overall ranking.”
“……”
“And as alternates: from the top-tier class, Cain Trigger. From the upper class, Helios Chanetis. If anything happens to a main team member, the alternates will step in.”
The current overall rankings were me, Charlotte, Senia, Monarch, Cain, and Helios.
Originally, Cain and Helios were ranked lower, but their high scores during the dungeon survival test had propelled them into the top six.
“For the exchange match, each of the four institutions will send four first-year students. It’s a single-elimination tournament—round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals.”
“So there’s a chance we’ll end up fighting each other?”
“That’s right, though the matchups are arranged to prevent that in the first round.”
Klein looked around at us and continued.
“It’ll be similar to the mock battles from the entrance tournament. With your skill levels, you won’t be outclassed by students from the other institutions. Prepare well and aim for good results.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Good. Then let me give you a rundown of our opponents. The final rosters haven’t been confirmed yet, but for now…”
Obsidian Tower.
Horus Magic Academy.
Holy Spirit Monastery.
Klein went on to describe the characteristics of each group participating in the exchange match.
But while he spoke, my thoughts were elsewhere.
‘Obsidian Tower… what are they really up to?’
It seemed likely they were responsible for assassinating Professor Aresisus.
But without concrete evidence, the academy couldn’t hold them accountable.
An investigation was ongoing, but so far, there had been no results.
‘Whoever managed to infiltrate the academy and kill a professor like Aresisus… they’re no ordinary assassin.’
Kaisel and the others believed the culprit was still hiding inside the academy.
It was a chilling thought—that such a dangerous person was roaming freely on campus.
‘Isn’t there something I can do?’
Honestly, I wanted to join the investigation team and help catch the killer.
Of course, it wasn’t something a student would be allowed to do.
“This exchange match is tied to the academy’s honor. I hope everyone performs well.”
After leaving the professor’s office, Monarch spoke in a serious voice.
“Especially against the Obsidian Tower. We can’t lose to those guys. They’re always looking for a chance to take us down.”
“The Obsidian Tower… In terms of history, it’s older than Ars Magna Academy, right?”
Helios muttered with a frown.
“They’re bitter that the academy now leads modern magical studies.”
“Exactly. That’s why they keep trying to provoke us. Not that the academy just takes it lying down.”
Monarch shrugged as he finished speaking.
“This time, too, let’s dominate the top ranks and put them in their place. Train hard, everyone.”
With that, he left.
Monarch was among the best of the first-years. He would handle his training well on his own.
“So, what should we do?” Senia asked. “I think it’d be a good idea to train together through sparring.”
“Not a bad idea,” Charlotte nodded in agreement.
But Helios scowled and shook his head.
“What for? Let’s just do our own thing.”
“Helios, come on—”
“I’m just a reserve. There’s no guarantee I’ll even get to fight. If you want to spar, do it without me.”
“Hey, Helios. Don’t be so prickly.”
Cain put a hand on Helios’ shoulder.
“Wouldn’t it be good to improve your skills while you have the chance?”
“Forget it. It’s not even a team match—I don’t feel like hanging out with you guys.”
“Stop acting all aloof.”
“I’m not!”
Helios slapped Cain’s hand away.
“Anyway, do what you want. I’ll handle things on my own.”
With that, Helios also walked off.
“So touchy.”
“Still, Helios has plenty of admirers in the upper class. He won’t have trouble finding sparring partners,” Charlotte said coolly.
“Anyway, if we’re going to spar, I’ll join. Since it’s for the exchange match, we can use the indoor training facility.”
“Indoor training facility?”
“Professor Inies took me there once. It’s in that building.”
Cain, Senia, and I followed Charlotte toward a large building.
“Didn’t know this place existed.”
“It’s meant for upperclassmen, originally.”
After checking in at the reception, we entered the assigned ‘dueling chamber.’
“It’s pretty spacious.”
“No matter how much magic we use, nothing in here will get damaged.”
“This is perfect for sparring.”
We’d been practicing by the seaside all this time, but this place didn’t seem bad either.
Since the exchange match would take place in a similar indoor setting, training here made sense.
“Then shall we get started? Eriol, you’re up first with me.”
“Go easy on me.”
“Haha, that’s my line, actually.”
Cain had incredible speed.
His bio-enhancement magic skills were improving every day, making it difficult to even land a hit.
And if he got in close, the fight was as good as over.
‘I really need more close-combat training.’
Lately, I’d been in several fights where victory or defeat was decided up close.
Charlotte in the freshman competition, the lich priest in the dungeon survival, even Professor Aresisos recently had lost in close quarters.
‘Cain should make a good sparring partner.’
With that in mind, I began the match with Cain.
“Hah!”
“Ugh, you really don’t hold back, Senia…!”
As Senia and Charlotte fought a fierce battle, Cain and I took a break.
“Want some water, Eriol?”
“Ah, thanks.”
The match had ended with Cain’s victory.
I’d tried to push him back with offensive magic, but in the end, he broke through.
He tripped me and sent me to the ground—match over.
‘He’s this good, yet he’s only a reserve…? That’s a shame.’
If the selections had been based on sparring instead of rankings, Cain definitely would’ve been in the main team.
It was kind of frustrating.
“I drank all the water. We should get some more for the others too.”
“Yeah? I’ll go get it then.”
Just as I started to get up to fetch more water—
Someone held out a bottle of water beside my head.
“It’s cold. Give it to the young ladies.”
“…?”
I turned my head to see a blond gentleman with sharp features looking at me.
Who…?
“Uncle Gareth.”
“Uncle?”
Cain frowned and stood up.
“You’re not supposed to be here.”
“I got permission. Our students will be warming up here soon too, so I came to check out the place in advance.”
“Then maybe go to an empty training room. Why here of all places…?”
“Anyway.”
The man called Gareth looked at me with a smile.
“You’re Eriol, right? Nice to meet you.”
“…”
“I’m Gareth Trigger, Cain’s uncle. I came from the Obsidian Tower.”
He gave off a strange vibe.
His tone was bright and friendly—just like Cain ’s—but unlike Cain, he didn’t come off as very likable.
“Haha. Actually, I asked Cain to introduce me to you, but he kept making excuses and putting it off.”
“Because I didn’t want to. Why would I introduce someone like you? You’re an assassin and a staff member of the Obsidian Tower.”
“Oh dear, look at this kid. And I told you—I’m retired.”
Gareth laughed and reached out a hand.
“Anyway, nice to meet you, Eriol.”
“Nice to meet you too.”
I answered calmly and shook his hand.
“Hmm? Is there something on my hand?”
“No, nothing.”
He tilted his head, having noticed my gaze, but I feigned ignorance.
“So, you’re from the Obsidian Tower. Are you a magic instructor, then?”
“Haha, my magic’s not really worth mentioning. I mostly teach martial arts. I’m also in charge of dueling practice.”
“Then… are you coaching the students for the exchange match?”
“That’s right. We’ve got some promising kids on our side. I’ll admit Ars Magna Academy is the world’s best magic school, but our Tower isn’t exactly a pushover either.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing it.”
After a few more meaningless pleasantries, Gareth left.
Said we’d probably meet again.
“Eriol, you should be careful around him.”
“Yeah?”
“That guy… he’s got an odd amount of interest in you. He might even be thinking about bringing you to the Tower.”
“You mean, like kidnapping?”
I recalled what Professor Klein had told me before.
That the Obsidian Tower might try to recruit me—or eliminate me.
‘Whether Gareth Trigger came specifically to see me or not…’
I thought back to the moment we shook hands.
Back then, I wasn’t focused on his handshake, but rather… his sleeve.
‘Right now, I can perceive photons clearly.’
Just like with elemental sensitivity, I could now freely adjust how attuned I was to photons.
Normally I saw the world like anyone else—but if I focused, I could sense even the photons of natural light.
And just now… I had looked closely at Gareth.
‘No doubt about it.’
The sleeve of Gareth’s suit—
It still held the faint afterglow of photons.
Sunlight or minor light-based spells wouldn’t leave a trace like that.
‘That man—Gareth Trigger, from the Trigger assassin family—is the Tower assassin who killed Professor Aresisos.’
