"You mean... a Class-D cadet managed to subdue an instructor that even Class-S cadets couldn't?"
The question came from a woman with raven-black hair and piercing crimson eyes.
"...Yes..."
"....This is truly a unique development."
It was hard to believe for a Class-D cadet, but what had happened, had happened.
Sitting at a desk cluttered with documents, her hand never stopped writing, her eyes never ceased reading.
"Midiocre talent, basic magic... only wind element, appearance... unremarkable..."
The documents contained information about Edward, who had been taken to the infirmary a few hours ago. The data had been meticulously compiled by other student council members who immediately gathered information on Edward after witnessing him defeat Instructor Alaric.
Beside her, a beautiful secretary stood professionally, reciting Edward's track record from the day he entered the school until now.
"Cadet Edward, known for being arrogant and overconfident. Since entering the academy, he caused numerous commotions and was immediately defeated by Ronie, a Class-S cadet. After that, he became withdrawn and had no friends. His attitude shifted 180 degrees; he became quieter and studied diligently."
"...A sudden change, huh? It's as if he turned into a different person."
With various predictions and possibilities swirling in her head, she finished assessing what kind of person Edward was now.
"Investigate him further. Report any irregularities that might be related to demons or other deviant matters."
"Understood."
As the Student Council, they maintained order and dealt with intolerable student behavior. And the one who commanded it all was the Student Council President of Ardenfield, Carmilla Thorne.
_________________________________________________________________________________
"Do you think I look okay?"
[ YOU ARE PERFECT, HOST. ]
"....Maybe my tie should be a bit more to the right... yeah."
This morning was the start of my new day. Even though I was still covered in bandages, I could still attend classes. Last night, I asked Edith many questions, and now it was time to experiment with what she could do.
"Alright then, let's face that boring history lesson this morning!"
[ I WILL ASSIST TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY. ]
Just as I said those words... I didn't actually know why many people were whispering while looking at me as I walked.
'...No, actually, I do know.'
It was that crushing defeat in the arena. For the record, I lost in a humiliating way—extremely humiliating.
'No wonder they look at me like a bug now... how pathetic.'
From the moment I left the dormitory until I sat in class, the sound of people whispering never ceased. Gradually, it started to get on my nerves.
[ NEGATIVE EMOTION (ANGER) DETECTED INCREASING. ]
[ HOST, I SUGGEST YOU READ A BOOK OR REVIEW PREVIOUS MATERIAL. ]
"...You're right..."
It was useless to be angry at them. I didn't have the right to lash out; it would only cause more trouble later. Fortunately, our history lecturer, Instructor Dolorez, had arrived.
The instructor looked very old... I did write him to be a bit elderly, but this exceeded my imagination. Was this the effect of reality's realization?
'Maybe the reason he's different is because my imagination was lacking.'
"Edward? Can you hear me?"
The soft, raspy voice of Instructor Dolorez broke my reverie. I startled, realizing I had been staring at the same page of the history book for ten minutes without turning it.
"Ah, yes... My apologies, Instructor," I replied awkwardly.
The lesson continued boringly. Dolorez talked about the Great War and how humanity survived extinction, but my mind was constantly distracted by the whispers behind me.
"Look at his face, still bandaged but already dares to come to class."
"I heard he used forbidden potions to win against Alaric. How could a piece of trash like him win fairly?"
'...You guys whisper way too loudly..'
[ HOST, IGNORE THEM. FOCUS ON THE EXPLANATION ON PAGE 142. ]
[ DATA INDICATES THE NEXT QUESTION WILL BE TAKEN FROM THE THIRD PARAGRAPH. ]
'Thanks, Edith. You're a lifesaver... wait... I won? Against whom?'
As soon as the bell rang, I immediately packed my books. After one lesson, I had a new goal: Get back to my room and avoid everyone's gaze. Dodge the words and insults until you can't hear anything anymore!
However, as I stood up, a large shadow loomed over my desk.
"Edward."
"...?" I looked up.
Instructor Alaric stood there. His face no longer looked arrogant like in the arena. There was something different. Something that looked like... regret?
"Follow me to the instructor's office. Now," he commanded briefly.
I took a long breath, agreed, and followed him.
'Edith, is this a trap?'
[ ANALYZING EXPRESSION OF UNIT 'ALARIC'. ]
[ HOSTILITY LEVEL: LOW. ]
[ HIGH PROBABILITY THIS IS PERSONAL REGRET AND AN ORDER FROM A SUPERIOR. ]
'Hm... I see...'
I followed him down the long corridor of the academy until we reached his office, which smelled of sandalwood. Alaric sat in his chair and gestured for me to sit as well. He remained silent for quite a while before finally speaking.
"Regarding the incident in the arena yesterday..." Alaric cleared his throat, his voice sounding heavy.
"I admit that my actions exceeded the limits of a teacher. Attacking a cadet who was already helpless with intent to kill is a fatal mistake."
He stood up, then bowed his head slightly toward me.
"I apologize officially, Cadet Edward. I failed to control myself in front of everyone and ultimately caused you serious injury. As a teacher... I am deeply ashamed."
"..." I was stunned.
Alaric... apologizing to me? It felt strange receiving an apology from an instructor. But I knew. As someone who had lived in society, this was also to protect his own reputation. After all, Alaric and I... were both adults.
"I accept your apology, Instructor. I also want to apologize for displaying such a humiliating result of my training..." I replied as flatly as possible.
"You think... it was humiliating?" Alaric raised his eyebrows in confusion.
"Yes, I lost miserably and eventually fainted because I failed to withstand your attack."
"....Huff... I thought so..."
"...?"
I thought so?
"Cadet Edward.... you won."
"....?"
_____________________________________________________________________
For ten minutes, I listened to everything from Instructor Alaric.
The reason I was rumored to be using forbidden drugs was because I managed to win against an instructor. But the medical results said it was just excessive physical strain, making me look like I was in pain, like someone possessed.
But at least... now I knew why I won.
"..Edith..."
[ EDITH IS HERE, HOST. ]
"...At that time... it was you who controlled my body, right?"
[ CORRECT. ]
Just as I suspected. I didn't want to ask further about what that feature was, because I felt it would be better to learn about Edith through experience.
.
.
.
.
"Cadet Edward, you are requested to come to the Headmaster's office."
"....Eh?"
But I didn't expect that to happen so soon...