The Third-Rate Academy Villain Who Refuses to Become a Beggar

Secretly watching another's sword training was almost taboo. The reason he could enter so boldly was because he had the permission and invitation of the person concerned.

"But why suddenly ask for a sparring match?"

"Since you came here, can I assume you're willing to spar?"

"Of course, since it's your request, Senior... but..."

<He's gone completely crazy. He'd give up his liver and gallbladder without hesitation if asked.>

Aint deliberately ignored Gardner's muttering.

"I'm sorry to treat you like this, but..."

Gerhard held Aint in high regard. He had been showing an attitude as if he was certain that Aint would become the adversary of demons.

Even without that, she too had seen it. The way magic beasts lose their strength against his sword.

"Since you are the adversary of demons, I think you can tell me how effective my sword would be against demons."

That's why she was curious.

That's why he was the most suitable.

"Would that be rude?"

To check whether she would be a burden or could remain a sharp blade.

"...Honestly, I didn't come with such grand intentions."

Aint also became serious in response to her atmosphere.

"But I also welcome a duel with a skilled knight. Though I'm not sure if I can evaluate you, Senior."

"That doesn't matter."

"Is there any reward, by chance?"

"Reward?"

"I think I'd be more motivated if there was a reward for victory. Like a wish, for instance?"

<Tsk, I can clearly see your indecent ulterior motives.>

Luina rather liked Aint's overflowing fighting spirit.

She was a knight, and she admired strong knights. She also liked knights who had fighting spirit and pride to become stronger.

Because that's what she wanted to be.

"No."

But despite that, she couldn't meet Aint's expectations.

"What? Why?"

"Gerhard once said this. Promises should not be made carelessly. You never know when they might become poison that strangles your neck."

That thorough contractualist never let anything slide, no matter how trivial.

"Especially rewards that are so comprehensive and seem to have no limits, absolutely not."

"T-then if I lose, I'll grant you one wish too! Honestly, you have a much higher chance of winning, Senior!"

Luina shook her head again.

"He said that since nothing in this world is perfect, such contracts shouldn't be made no matter how high the probability seems."

After finishing her words, she chuckled. Since when did I start listening to Gerhard's words so well? Just last year, I didn't even want to associate with him.

No, I'm just taking his proper advice into consideration, that's all.

"So."

Luina, shaking her head to clear her thoughts, gripped her sword.

"Come at me, Aint."

"...Here I come."

———!

The pure white light and the blue lion collided.

***

"..."

A man who was cutting branches off a bonsai displayed by the window put down his scissors.

The man checked the quiet bookstore with no customers and pulled down the curtains. The sign was flipped to 'close'.

"I told you not to come during business hours."

He picked up the bonsai scissors again. A shadow rose from behind.

"Comentas has been defeated."

"By whom."

Snap, a branch fell.

"No, there's no point in asking."

Comentas had been guarding the artifact left by the adversary.

He was exploring and trying to break through the artifact's defense mechanisms while also setting a trap for Aint Armian who might come.

But it hadn't been long since they discovered it, and there wasn't any significant trap yet.

"I told him not to act rashly if Aint Armian arrived earlier than expected..."

"I'm sorry..."

"The apology should come from Comentas, who disobeyed my orders and got himself killed, not you."

If he had been in front of him, he would have extracted his soul before it disappeared and made him pay the price.

Contrary to human belief, demons couldn't unconditionally manipulate souls either.

"But even if he dared to do so, it's unexpected. Was Aint Armian's growth rate that significant?"

"Most traces of the battle were erased, but there is something suspicious."

"Speak."

"There was a test for second-year students during the day. A cavity was revealed when the ground collapsed, and after they disappeared, there was a concealment magic on the entrance."

"Who?"

"Gerhard Goldenheim."

The man's hand paused very briefly before moving again.

"Yes, of course. Naturally, it would be him."

No matter how much Aint Armian absorbed the first emperor's artifact, it would be unreasonable for him to defeat Comentas right away.

"Aint Armian knows about the demon species."

That was obvious. He had seen through the first emperor's artifact and had fought with the demon species and magic beasts sent from this side.

"Gerhard Goldenheim knows too."

Gerhard had been swept up in Aint's affairs.

"Yet the matter hasn't been made public."

Gerhard had the power to make it public if he wanted to. The fact that he wasn't doing so meant...

"They're suspicious. That demon species have infiltrated the academy."

A faint smile formed.

"It seems certain that Aint Armian and Gerhard Goldenheim have joined hands."

"...Isn't that a big problem?"

"It is a big problem. But not immediately."

They seemed to intend to move in the shadows until they caught solid evidence. If so, there was time until they found that evidence.

"And that's why they're using the Dragon Faith Order..."

After being lost in thought for a while, the man finally spoke.

"Have you found where the branch of the World Tree was planted?"

"Yes."

"Make contact."

"But..."

"Don't make me say it twice."

Snap, another branch fell off.

"There's no choice but to break through an encirclement that's slowly closing in and will certainly strangle your neck someday, even if it means taking a loss."

If it was that persistent nouveau riche Goldenheim, he would surely reach him eventually.

"If it's just a matter of time, it's right to make the first move. We'll kill both of them, accepting that our existence will be revealed to the world."

The adversary of demons arranged by the first emperor.

And his wealthy helper.

With the most certain method currently available.

"But summoning is the worst backup plan, so it would be better to end it before that. The vacation is coming soon. If a gap appears, step in yourself."

"...I receive your command."

The shadow disappeared.

Snap—

Another branch was cut off.