This World Needs a Hero - Chapter 150
Chapter 150
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10 minutes ago.
Iveta, with a big smile, approached the Hero who had just finished his commentary, and began to express his thoughts on the non-combat event.
However, anyone with a bit of observation would have noticed immediately that his smile was slightly different from a few hours ago.
As the non-combat event unexpectedly gained popularity, the judging seemed somewhat biased.
In fact, some professors in the department of mysticism harbored a chronic sense of inferiority towards the combat department.
In recent decades, the output of the combat department had far surpassed that of the mysticism department.
Rosenstark, founded by Zero Requiem, the greatest sorcerer of all time, was the reason for this.
From their perspective, the situation was nothing short of unsettling.
‘Even this year, I thought it would be different….’
When Beatrice’s admission was confirmed last winter, it was believed that this year would mark the era of the mysticism department.
To elevate the status of a group, one must have a mascot.
Beatrice was a ‘genius’ who entered for the first time after the graduation of Larze.
‘But then the Hero was suddenly appointed.’
Thanks to him, top talents flocked to the combat department, and naturally, all attention from society shifted to the combat department.
As Iveta, there was no choice but to harbor resentment, not out of spite.
And today.
He seized the opportunity to assert the dominance of the combat department.
“Haha, it seems there are quite a few talents in the combat department as well.”
“……”
“In particular, Professor Redymer’s disciples showed remarkable abilities, and I am quite excited about it.”
Of course, the Hero didn’t necessarily take his praise at face value.
If he hadn’t needed the help of the mysticism department in the second semester, he would have brushed it off.
Just when he was about to ignore it altogether.
Iveta threw a topic that couldn’t be ignored.
“Do you happen to like bets?”
“What did you say?”
“I said bets. I happen to like them very much.”
With a confident expression, Iveta brought up the main topic.
“In fact, my disciples will be forming a team and participating in a 2v2 battle soon. Benedict and Fiona, the children I have been diligently teaching.”
The Hero nodded.
“So?”
“Coincidentally, they were matched against Professor Redymer’s disciples as the 14th team.”
The Hero narrowed his eyes.
He understood Iveta’s intention.
“When our disciples coincidentally meet in the battle arena, wouldn’t a simple bet be appropriate?”
Kasim intervened with a frown.
“Iveta, betting so suddenly. Don’t you think it’s a bit rude?”
“Haha, Kasim, you are as quick to intervene as always. But isn’t it you who disrupts the conversation that’s rude, not me? What do you think?”
“Well….”
Before Kasim could retort, Iveta shrugged and concluded the conversation.
“After all, isn’t this a festival? Even we commentators should enjoy some fun. Do we really need to be so serious….”
…The Hero faced Iveta, who was speaking carelessly, with a tilted head.
His eyes were filled with unwavering confidence in victory.
“Bets… I don’t think I have much to gain from you.”
Iveta’s face momentarily turned red.
But he quickly composed himself and shrugged.
“Haha, you never know. I am quite a competent professor.”
It wasn’t a lie.
Iveta was quite respected within the mysticism department for his skills.
Thanks to reaching the level of Calidus, his position among the professors was solid.
It was evident from Kasim being unable to offer Unir lectures yet.
Thanks to that, the Hero could figure out what to demand from Iveta.
“A bet, then. That’s fine.”
“…Are you interested?”
As if intrigued, his eyes sparkled.
The Hero calmly continued.
“First, let me hear my conditions.”
…Moments later.
Upon hearing the Hero’s conditions, Iveta eagerly nodded.
For him, who wanted to prove the superiority of the mysticism department at all costs, it was a very appealing offer.
“Very, very good!”
It seemed like he didn’t even consider the possibility of losing the bet.
In fact, Iveta’s confidence in his disciples’ victory was natural.
This was a magical battle.
The participants had to use magic in the battle without exception.
Moreover, flying and other aids, as well as the use of weapons, were strictly prohibited, and they had to fight only with magic tools.
‘Even if the Hero’s disciples are excellent fighters, they can’t fully demonstrate their skills in this situation.’
Try drawing a star with one hand and a circle with the other.
Combining magic and combat was a much more difficult simultaneous task.
It wasn’t for no reason that the swordsmen of the combat department rarely participated.
‘The arena is spacious enough. This is an absolutely advantageous condition for us.’
Iveta said excitedly.
“In that case, may I make a suggestion as well?”
“Of course.”
“How about having the commentary for the 13th team, including my disciples, with me? Well, Kasim can join us if he wants.”
Iveta strongly hoped that the Hero would accept his proposal.
This was an opportunity to greatly enhance his reputation.
It’s much easier to take someone else’s reputation than to build it from scratch.
With the Hero, who was perplexed by his disciples’ lackluster performance, by his side, and himself continuing the eloquent commentary!
He could surely engrave his and his disciples’ names firmly in everyone’s minds here.
Whether the Hero knew Iveta’s true intentions or not.
The Hero looked at him silently for a moment, then nodded lightly.
“Let it be so.”
Having achieved what he wanted, Iveta left with a broad smile to commentate on the 2v2 battle.
It was right after they were alone in the waiting room that Kasim cautiously whispered.
“To be honest, I’m a little worried.”
“…I see.”
The Hero slowly shook his head.
He trusted his disciples whom he had seen all along.
Luke had a cunning nature surpassing anyone at the extreme.
There was no way he would recklessly participate in a magical 2v2 battle without any plans.
Moreover, isn’t he the type who values ‘coolness’ above all else?
He wouldn’t make a fool of himself.
Ban was also smart enough to be disappointed at being second in extreme cases.
He must have had a clever plan.
‘Felson also had a rare affinity for magic.’
…The Hero, holding onto that belief, gazed down at the slowly filling arena.
.
.
.
Time passed.
The entry of the 13th team was imminent.
“Welcome, professors.”
The Hero entered the commentary room where Iveta was waiting, accompanied by Kasim.
Without delay, Iveta grabbed the voice amplification device and exclaimed in an excited voice.
[Welcome, everyone. You’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. Today’s highlight of the Battle Arena is finally here! Let’s get started!]
Clang!
The giant doors of the arena opened.
[Team 13! Ban Dietrich! Luke Selsood! What will the disciples of the Hero show in the magical battle…]
Dozens of video artifacts in the arena instantly captured the children’s appearance.
Luke entered confidently, followed by Ban with awkward steps.
… Both of them were empty-handed.
They only had backpacks slung over their shoulders.
The Hero’s eyebrows slightly furrowed.
[Opposing them is Team 14! I, Iveta Jamvelo, proudly present my disciples with infinite affection! They are prodigies who reached the Elegancia hierarchy at a young age. Welcome! Benedict Yurel and Fiona Yurel from the Department of Mysticism! The future of our discipline!]
Two silhouettes in robes suddenly emerged from the opposite door.
Their stature was so diminutive that it was questionable if they would even reach Ban and Luke’s chests.
However, their appearance was quite threatening, thanks to their attire.
‘They really look like proper wizards.’
No, they probably were real wizards.
Having reached the Elegancia hierarchy, they would be esteemed even if they were only at the Ars level.
Considering their age, one could guess how exceptional they were.
Robes tightly wrapped around them.
Staves and magical orbs radiating powerful energy.
They appeared quite formidable, despite wearing only robes.
Iveta declared triumphantly.
[Let the 7th match begin!]
At that moment, blinding light emitted from the twins’ magical orbs.
Whether Iveta had prompted it or not, they seemed to go all out from the beginning.
[It seems they specialize in water attribute mana! We might witness a quick match!]
Wooooom!
Mana coalesced in an instant.
But the two prodigies from the extreme department just watched as magical preparations seemed to go awry without taking any action.
Well, Luke did step forward just a single pace ahead of Ban.
This action, seemingly disregarding everyone’s expectation of a close-range fight disrupting magic implementation, completely missed everyone’s anticipation.
[…Are they giving up already? Team 13 seems to show no signs of movement!]
Ironically, the twins, appearing desperate, shouted with renewed vigor, perhaps irritated by Ban and Luke’s calm demeanor.
“You ignorant fools who don’t understand the greatness of magic!”
“Kneel before the power that brings imagination to reality!”
Swooosh!
The elemental orbs fired by the twins emitted blade-like streams in all directions.
A mere touch could cause wounds akin to being cut by a blade.
It was the attack magic of the Ars hierarchy, ‘Starlight Water Droplets.’
“Ack!”
“W-what do we do!”
Brief exclamations and screams echoed throughout the arena.
Among those voices were those of someone rolling their feet nervously in the participant waiting room, observing.
And….
Swoosh-
Luke stood still in the same spot.
He just murmured quietly, reaching into his backpack.
“Enhance.”
Zing!
Right after that.
The reinforced ‘Iron Staff’ swung.
Crunch!
The sound of the collision between the starlight water droplets and the iron staff reverberated throughout the arena.
The spectators’ attention was drawn to the blue orb streaking through the sky with a powerful spin.
It was a moment that seemed to freeze time itself.
The Hero was speechless.
Iveta was no different.
[This…this is absurd….]
In the face of scenes beyond common sense, Iveta stuttered instead of presenting eloquence as before.
Of course, the Hero was just as dumbfounded.
However, the audience was waiting for commentary.
Iveta needed to strike first.
[Excellent….]
The Hero tightly shut his eyes.
[It’s great magic.]
Only then did cheers erupt from the stands.
Indeed, highly developed muscles are indistinguishable from magic.
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