The showdown ended amidst thunderous cheers.

The boy, who delivered an awe-inspiring performance, was unanimously declared the winner after a lengthy discussion among the faculty. Within a short week, he became the hottest topic of conversation at the academy.

The students couldn’t stop talking about that day.

It was only natural.

After all, he had achieved a feat that had been deemed impossible throughout the long history of the academy.

Those who had witnessed the match firsthand knew the truth.

The miracle they saw that day transcended mere talent; it was a [power] capable of reaching the stars.

It was a glimpse of the future, hinting at someone who would lead the continent forward.

The hero who once touched the highest star.

The Crimson Swordmaster.

Three years after his death, another [star] had emerged.

It was only reasonable that all attention would fall upon him.

“I still can’t forget what I saw that day.”

“We knew he was beyond the level of a student, but… who could’ve imagined he’d win against a professor?”

“The moment he split that tidal wave—it gave me chills.”

“So, this is what it means to have a talent that will go down in history.”

“I hear every major institution is in an uproar right now. The imperial family, the Magic Tower, the knight orders, even the noble families—they’re all flooding the academy with letters trying to recruit him.”

“The assistants haven’t been able to sleep for a week handling the influx.”

Exceptional talent always earns admiration.

The students spoke with sparkling eyes.

Even the envy and jealousy that had once been directed at him had now transformed into pure reverence.

Proof had a way of demanding recognition from others.

“Isn’t he actually pretty decent?”

“For someone so talented, he doesn’t even seem arrogant… And the way he turned down all those recruitment offers? I kind of like him.”

“He said he wanted to focus on his studies right now. He was really firm about it.”

“I heard he gets along well with that commoner girl, too.”

“His expression might look a little ominous, but if you look closely, he’s got a surprisingly good face.”

“I’ll try talking to him later.”

The public opinion was turning positive.

But not everyone was convinced.

There were still some who harbored doubts.

“There’s no denying he has the talent to reach the stars, but… doesn’t it all seem a bit sudden?”

“Isn’t his family more famous for alchemy than magic?”

“Sure, talent doesn’t always follow bloodlines, but a magician emerging from a family that’s been dedicated to alchemy for generations?”

“I heard they’re a family with deep academic roots.”

“And for someone with such extraordinary talent, shouldn’t we have heard about him earlier? Why has there been no word until now?”

“It feels like there’s something they’re hiding.”

It was a reasonable question.

Why had this [star], dormant for so long, only now revealed itself to the world?

Such questions naturally arose.

But even those doubts eventually faded.

There was no one to provide an answer.

The questions simply drowned amidst the constant chatter and excitement.

And so, the mystery of the Snakeus family sank beneath the surface, scattered beyond anyone’s reach.

The answers, too, were forgotten.

 

***

A week had passed since the noisy event ended.

I spent my days leisurely.

The hectic schedule—filled with practical exams and various other tasks—had finally come to an end, granting me a brief reprieve until the holidays began.

Of course, the aftermath of the match still drew the academy’s attention.

But aside from such trivial matters, the past few days were relatively peaceful.

I spent time with those around me.

"Congratulations on your victory!"

"Miss Rezia."

"You were amazing, truly! I-I believed you would win from the very beginning…!"

"Such excessive faith makes my shoulders feel heavy."

I patted the protagonist's head as she bounced excitedly.

"It wasn’t all that surprising… but still, well done."

"Your words bring me joy."

I responded with a smile to the aloof villainess who offered her praise in her own way.

"Was it hard?"

"It wasn’t particularly difficult."

"…You really are incredible, Yuda."

I exchanged words with the little prince, who nodded to himself.

"You were more impressive than I expected."

"Fufu… I’m the one assisting His Highness, after all. If I faltered at something this minor, I would have no face to show you."

"Your problem is that you’re too good with words."

"And does that displease you?"

"…Not exactly."

I even teased the prickly rose.

Though the words we exchanged may have differed, they all shared the same underlying sentiment—concern and congratulations.

I was quietly grateful for their words.

Thus, the peaceful days at the academy continued.

Additionally, I had a conversation with Professor Cardel, my opponent in the match.

The event carried a long-standing tradition: the loser must fulfill one request made by the victor. Having secured my victory, I was entitled to make a demand of him.

My request was as follows:

"Step down from next year’s Head Professor selection."

"I plan to put my mentor in your place."

"In return, I’d appreciate it if you could lend your support to ensure our side secures the position."

It was a rather unreasonable request.

For something that was supposed to be a simple event, the price he had to pay was far too steep.

I thought he might refuse. However, to my surprise, Professor Cardel signed the contract without a word.

Humiliated so publicly in front of the entire student body, his pride left him with little room to reject.

Though his teeth were clenched so tightly it seemed his jaw might shatter, that wasn’t my concern.

I was merely returning the insult I had received.

"I will remember this."

With a line that sounded suspiciously like a flag for future conflict, the professor made his exit.

I responded with a meaningful smirk.

I had no intention of backing down in a battle of nerves.

Thinking of his crumbling expression brought a smile to my lips.

"Fufu."

"…I don’t understand."

Selena looked at me as though I were a peculiar creature.

Her deep purple eyes carried unspoken questions, and her lazily hanging violet hair exuded its usual fatigue.

Breaking the silence, she asked softly:

"May I ask why?"

"Hm?"

"I’m referring to the match. You responded to their provocation on my behalf. From your perspective, there was no need to do so."

"Did I overstep my bounds?"

"No. On the contrary, I’m grateful. I’m merely asking out of pure curiosity."

"Fufu… As I told you before."

I offered a gentle smile.

The curve of my lips carried warmth.

"I did it for my mentor."

"…"

"You’ve helped me many times before. I couldn’t overlook the insults directed at you. I felt it was my duty as your student."

"I thought you were joking when you said that."

"That’s rather disheartening to hear."

I replied playfully.

Taking a few steps, I moved to stand beside Selena.

A faint whiff of alcohol brushed my nose.

"It was solely for you."

"As I’ve mentioned before… ours is merely a contractual teacher-student relationship. You have no obligation to show loyalty to me."

"That’s fine. My actions weren’t driven by obligation."

"Then why?"

"It’s taming."

I lingered near her without reaching out.

If I did, the drunken woman would undoubtedly push me away. Taming was all about the right distance.

One had to start at a space where the other wouldn’t feel threatened, gradually allowing them to grow accustomed.

I was walking a delicate line.

Too close to push away, too far to ignore—just enough to stay on her mind.

Even if she wasn’t aware of it, the bond between us deepened slowly.

"You don’t need to feel burdened. I simply wished to repay the help you’ve given me."

I answered brightly.

After a moment of silence, Selena nodded.

"…Very well. If that’s the case, I’ll accept it gratefully."

Her lifeless eyes wavered slightly.

A ripple disturbed the calm surface.

Even the icy air around her seemed to crack ever so slightly.

Satisfied, I took a step back.

‘I can’t rush this.’

This was merely laying the groundwork for what was to come.

To approach an adult burdened by sorrow, I needed to proceed more cautiously than usual.

Standing at the edge of this precarious boundary, I continued my taming.

***

Two days later.

I headed to the main building to receive my reward for the showdown.

Aside from the tradition where the loser fulfills the winner’s request, the final champion is granted a separate benefit.

The academy, being mindful of how significant this event was, seemed to have put in quite the effort.

‘A reward, huh.’

If it was something trivial, I would’ve brushed it off. But this time, even I couldn’t be so sure.

Despite knowing the original story inside out, this was one of the parts I couldn’t predict.

Therefore, I needed to confirm it for myself.

"Excuse me."

Creaaak—.

I opened the antique door and stepped inside.

The scene that unfolded before me:

A desk stood amidst towering bookshelves that stretched out like a vast library. Beyond it sat an elderly man with white hair, leaning back in his chair.

His pale, almost colorless eyes fixed themselves on me.

"I’ve been waiting for you."

The old man motioned for me to come in.

It seemed he already knew I would be arriving, as two cups of freshly brewed tea were sitting on the table.

Pushing aside the flurry of thoughts running through my mind, I offered a greeting.

"This is the first time I’ve seen you up close."

Though he appeared at every academy event, he never directly interacted with the students.

This man was none other than the head of the academy.

"Headmaster."

The headmaster of Galimar Academy.

Gaston Galimar.

Since I transmigrated into this world, I had always wanted to meet him.

Up until now, there hadn’t been an opportunity to cross paths, but winning the showdown finally earned me the chance for a private audience.

I spoke calmly.

"Let me get straight to the point."

"Go ahead."

Information about the old man flashed through my mind.

A gentle-looking elder.

Here, everyone addressed him as the headmaster, but in the original story, there was another title that described him.

The sinner cursed by the world to see beyond.

The Prophet.

The Prophet of the Apocalypse.
(prophète de l'apocalypse)

"How much do you know?"

"…"

I didn’t mince words and cut straight to the chase.

His pale eyes reflected the faint image of a serpent, unwavering and calm.

After a moment of silence, the old man parted his lips.

"…What answer do you expect from me, betrayer?"

The Prophet was already looking right through me.