The Genius Tamer of the Academy

Chapter 184

Everyone at Ardel Academy knew that the relationship between Grint and Ernst was notoriously bad.

But to Han Si-hyuk, their childish bickering seemed even more juvenile than his exchanges with Han Siha.

“What brings you here?”

“Do I need a reason?”

One was stiff like a robot, always serious, while the other was sly and mischievous, like a grinning lynx.

Neither of them was particularly pleasant in Han Si-hyuk’s view, but Ernst’s sudden appearance at least deflected the arrows aimed at him.

Adjusting his cuffs, Ernst answered with a feigned innocence.

“I came to watch my students. This spot has a good view.”

“There are plenty of good spots.”

“Did you reserve this one or something?”

“What a lack of manners.”

It looked like they’d start grabbing each other’s collars soon.

Han Si-hyuk frowned and turned his head away, irritated by the ongoing tension between Grint and Ernst.

“People say you have a good eye for spotting talent. So, tell me, who do you think will win from the third year?”

Ernst’s words were sharp and cutting.

Grint responded curtly.

“Lee Han.”

“It’s definitely Han Siha.”

“Lee Han is ranked first in the third year. His combat experience far surpasses everyone else’s.”

“It’s Han Siha, without a doubt.”

Professor Ernst, who took meticulous care of his students, clashed with Grint, who was rooted in realism.

Another professor chimed in.

“It’ll be Lee Han.”

“Definitely Lee Han.”

“Well, don’t regret it when you see the results.”

It was like watching a noisy betting circle rather than a professional meeting.

Caught in the middle, Han Si-hyuk grew more exhausted by the minute. Professor Ernst called out to him.

“Professor Han Si-hyuk, what do you think? Will it be Han Siha or Lee Han?”

“Well…”

“Oh, don’t answer! For heaven’s sake, it’s not something we should know!”

“Right, let’s make a proper bet here, gentlemen! Place your bets!”

The noisy banter made it hard to tell if they were teachers or rowdy students.

Han Si-hyuk was seriously considering leaving when another voice interrupted.

“No, it will be Marcel from the fifth year.”

Professor Levin of the Natural Sciences, who had been sitting quietly in the back, spoke up.

He sounded certain that Han Si-hyuk’s prediction was wrong.

Breaking the silence, Levin continued calmly.

“Who among them could possibly defeat the prince?”

It wasn’t just about skill; the implication behind his words was clear.

* * *

The day of the competition arrived, a regular annual event that didn’t affect grades or provide any substantial benefits.

There was nothing particularly special about it.

Having been selected just because he was among the top students, Han Siha intended to participate, have some fun, and leave.

In that sense, his first opponent was satisfactory.

That annoying royal brat.

He was easy to beat, making the first match a breeze.

The real challenge would come after that.

Frankly, there were too many monsters here.

Just standing nearby were some of them, like Lee Han and Adela.

There were also renowned individuals among the fifth and sixth years.

One of them was Marcel Sylvester Edwin… probably.

“That guy we saw in the library back then?”

“Y-yeah, that’s him.”

Adela motioned for Han Siha to keep his voice down.

Han Siha only realized who Marcel was after seeing Adela and Won’s shocked reactions.

That lanky guy was the prince of this country.

He seemed normal enough.

Just because the Emperor was a madman didn’t necessarily mean the prince was a monster too.

Though he didn’t recognize Marcel’s face, Han Siha did know a few things about him.

He had a somewhat messed-up personality but wasn’t a complete scumbag.

He had a sense of responsibility, leading him to die on the battlefield when war broke out.

He was also quite skilled.

If compared to Lee Han, though… Lee Han would probably win.

If Han Siha remembered correctly, Lee Han had thrown the match against Marcel in the third year’s first competition.

Either way, Marcel wasn’t Han Siha’s problem.

He planned to stay out of sight as much as possible.

The Imperial family was nothing but trouble; getting involved wouldn’t end well.

…Although here he was, considering how to beat up a royal.

Han Siha wasn’t exactly sane either.

It was then that the students gathered at the arena suddenly fell silent.

“Whoa!”

Step, step.

Dean Ernest, limping slightly, took his place at the podium.

Originally scheduled later, the competition had been moved up by a week.

This was likely in response to the tense atmosphere within the academy.

Recognizing familiar faces, Dean Ernest began his speech.

“Today is the day of my favorite annual event.”

“Woooo!”

“It’s a chance for our esteemed academy students to showcase their skills without restriction. Regardless of grade, age, or status, I hope everyone competes fairly.”

Dean Ernest adjusted the microphone and lowered his voice.

“With final exams approaching and recent incidents unsettling the school, I know things have been tense.”

Therefore,

“To lift everyone’s spirits, I’ve prepared something special.”

His words suggested they should look forward to it, but most students still wore bored expressions.

Even though Ernest always prepared something every year, it was usually nothing exciting.

In the past, winners would receive basic rewards like stationery sets or socks.

Expecting something similar, Han Siha stood there, unenthused.

But then—

“For the grade that produces the winner, we will provide a week of….”

Dean Ernest’s proposal was unexpectedly generous.

“Barbecue feasts!”

What?

Instead of the bland Fire Boar leg served in the dormitory…

Barbecue…? Barbecue…?

Barbecue?

Even Han Siha couldn’t resist the offer.

“Woooaaaah!”

“Dean! Dean! Dean!”

The crowd erupted in cheers.

“Wooooahhh!”

Dean Ernest heightened the students’ cheers.

“This is a special A-grade barbecue!”

“Wooooahhh!”

No way.

I can’t resist this.

* * *

In the past, Adela used to teach me.

Back when I was clueless about anything other than taming, it was Adela who helped me learn how to manage magic.

Now, I’m teaching Yoon Haul in the same way I was taught.

Yoon Haul learned how to use magic at a much faster pace than I did.

She even mastered wrapping magic around her fingertips in no time.

Thanks to that, we were able to participate in the tournament together.

Looking at Yoon Haul smiling brightly while holding her staff, I asked,

“Think you can do it?”

“Yeah, of course.”

Yoon Haul quickly responded with a cocky expression.

I have no idea where she got that confidence from, especially considering her opponent is the top student in the sixth grade.

“Even if I lose, I’ll make sure I lose in style!”

Claiming that her driving force for battle, Yoon Haul took a big bite of soboru bread and then grabbed her staff again.

She had already mastered basic-level magic.

She might not be as adept at using magic as the students from the Magic Academy, but Yoon Haul had one overwhelming advantage.

The ability to sense her opponent’s attack trajectory.

It’s not like the attacks appear slow or she can predict the exact outcome.

More like…

Uh… something feels off?

That gut feeling is far sharper than most people’s.

Thanks to that, Yoon Haul was pretty good at avoiding critical hits.

Our plan was to take full advantage of that strength.

“You have a good intuition, right?”

“Yeah, I definitely do.”

“Focus on defense as much as possible, and when they let their guard down, strike.”

“Not going all out from the start?”

“Even if you tried, it wouldn’t work. It’s better to make them drop their guard. Honestly, you’re an easy opponent.”

“Di… did you just insult me?”

The only contestant from the Theology Department, with a frame that obviously hasn’t seen much fighting.

No way the top student of the sixth grade would flinch when some soft-looking kid charges at them with a staff.

I wasn’t trying to mock her.

But Yoon Haul’s face flushed bright red, and it was pretty amusing.

Grinning, I teased her further.

“You’re just an easy target.”

“Wha… what…?”

“Hmm, maybe that was too much? How about two easy targets then?”

“I was stronger than you back then, you know?”

“Oh, you know? That’s in the past now, right?”

“Arghhh!”

Yoon Haul stomped her foot in frustration.

No, seriously, she really was stronger than me back then…

But somehow, I ended up ahead of her.

I laughed because it was fun.

“Hehehe.”

“Wh… why am I so angry?”

“I’m laughing because I want you to be angry.”

Beating the top student of the Theology Department with magic. Man, this is so much fun.

I dodged Yoon Haul’s heated punch with ease and leaned against the wall calmly.

“You’re slow.”

“Ack!”

“At this rate, you’ll be knocked out in 10 seconds.”

“I… I’ll get you!”

“Yeah, that’s never happening. You’ll end up getting caught by me instead.”

Smack.

I blocked Yoon Haul’s punch with one hand and nonchalantly shot back.

“Aaaah!”

Smack, smack.

We exchanged a few more moves. It was still a clumsy sparring session without even using staff…

Watching us quietly, Lee Han clicked his tongue.

“Wow, seriously. You two are having a blast.”

A comment like he’s watching a couple of kids fooling around.

Come to think of it, this isn’t the time for us to be fighting each other.

I jabbed Yoon Haul in the side and lowered my voice.

“Hey, that guy’s the real competitor.”

“Yeah, seriously, he’s annoying.”

Yoon Haul nodded vehemently in agreement, then added with a dissatisfied look.

“Look at him throwing his weight around just because he’s number one.”

“…When did I ever?”

“Siha will beat you, you know?”

Nice, nice.

“Siha’s improved a lot over the break… you’re nothing to her now!”

Perfectly on point.

“So you better be on your toes. One slip-up, and you’re done!”

“What?”

When Yoon Haul jerked her head up, Lee Han raised his hands as if baffled.

Then he turned to me and asked.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“Nope, nothing like that. You’re just always annoying. Don’t know why… maybe it’s because you have this inexplicable attitude.”

I shrugged my shoulders as I responded to Lee Han’s question, then looked back at Yoon Haul.

Teasing Lee Han was enough for now; it was time to cheer her on.

“Do your best out there.”

A proper match would only elevate Yoon Haul’s skills to the next level.

In that sense, facing off against the top student of the sixth grade was a big opportunity for her.

Just then, the assistant called out to Yoon Haul from the other side. I patted her shoulder and met her gaze.

The genius of Ardel, who learns ten things from one.

That’s Yoon Haul.

So…

“Think of it as an experience.”

“Yep!”

I smiled and sent Yoon Haul off.