Chapter 39. Backstab
Bernit recalled the scene from earlier that had astonished him. That girl had actually managed to perform Elven Swordsmanship.
He himself had studied for an entire lifetime and had only been able to claim mastery after becoming a formal mage.
Judging from the girl’s performance, the angle at which she could change direction was not as wide as his, but Fulan had only just learned Elven Swordsmanship.
He could clearly see that she had not known the technique before. Yet after only a few attempts, it was as if she had suddenly grasped it and learned it on the spot.
“Can you tell me something? Do you perhaps have elven blood?”
That was the most reasonable explanation he could think of. How could a human compete with elves in their own swordsmanship?
If she possessed some elven ancestry—without displaying the physical traits but retaining the key characteristics related to learning their techniques—then it would explain why she could master Elven Swordsmanship so quickly.
“Uh… I am not sure…”
Fulan herself did not know who the parents of this body were. She had grown up in an orphanage and had no related information.
However, she also knew that when she had practiced Elven Swordsmanship earlier, she had been just like everyone else. She had not felt any special inspiration.
It was only after the skill level increased that she suddenly learned it. It most likely had nothing to do with elven blood.
Still, if someone was giving you a graceful explanation, it was better to accept it. Was she supposed to insist that it was due to her unmatched talent, something that appeared once in a thousand years?
“Did you feel as though you could sense something… but could not quite describe it?”
“Yes, that feeling appeared suddenly just now.”
“Then that must be it. That is also one of the characteristics of the elves.”
After that, Bernit said:
“I know you have refused before, but I will ask again. Do you wish to join the Sword Chant School now? I can personally guide you in Elven Swordsmanship.”
Fulan replied as she had before.
“I am sorry, Instructor Bernit. I would like to look at the other schools first before making a decision.”
Bernit showed a trace of displeasure and said with slight regret:
“That is unfortunate. I thought I might train another apprentice who could reach the top ten this year.”
“Thank you for your kindness, but I have made up my mind. I apologize.”
Fulan handled the situation tactfully, and the smile slowly returned to Bernit’s face.
Bernit then helped Abeyo to his feet and said to both of them:
“Now that you have determined the winner, I hope your conflict ends just like this match. Do you understand?”
Abeyo lowered his head, still holding his waist where he had been struck. His expression was extremely unpleasant.
He knew he had lost.
He had also lost in the competition for Bernit’s personal guidance.
When the other person was stronger and had a better relationship with the teacher, what could he possibly use to compete?
In the past, he had never even dared to refuse Bernit’s guidance.
Yet Fulan had refused directly and decisively, and Bernit had shown no displeasure.
He had lost. Completely and utterly.
As long as Fulan joined the Sword Chant School, the one who received Bernit’s focused training would definitely not be him.
At this point, no scheme could possibly succeed. Fulan and he were no longer standing on the same starting line.
“Yes… I… I am sorry… that we had… a conflict.”
His voice trembled with pain as he spoke haltingly.
“I am sorry as well. I should not have struck so heavily.”
Although Abeyo spoke with difficulty, Bernit accepted his attitude, considering that he might not be speaking clearly due to his injury.
Fulan maintained a neutral expression but also offered an apology.
“Very good. I hope there will be no more disputes between you…”
Bernit’s tone gradually became stern. This was the experience he had gained from many years of teaching.
Conflicts between apprentices were usually nothing more than small frictions and disagreements.
Private fights often happened because young people were full of energy and unwilling to yield to one another. At such times, he would personally step in to stop the conflict, and it usually produced good results.
Afterward, Bernit dismissed everyone and told them to wait for the next lesson.
“That Fulan defeated Instructor John, and now she defeated Abeyo. I think our Sword Chant School might produce another ranked apprentice this year.”
“But she still has not joined the Sword Chant School, right?”
“What nonsense are you talking about? With her swordsmanship and that Physique, plus a few spells, where else could she go besides the Sword Chant School?”
“What if she really goes somewhere else?”
“If that happens, I will run three laps around the dormitory area upside down.”
…
With the matter resolved, the apprentices began leaving one after another, discussing the battle as they walked out.
Meanwhile, Abeyo endured the pain and sat on a chair, waiting for it to subside before leaving.
He knew that his only remaining chance was to gamble on the possibility that Fulan truly would not join the Sword Chant School.
Although he knew it was unlikely, he sincerely hoped she would join another school.
Only then would he still have a chance to receive Bernit’s guidance, obtain more resources, and achieve a better result in the assessments.
“Hm?”
He suddenly noticed something that puzzled him.
Raine walked over to Bernit, who was still organizing his things, and spoke to him quietly.
Then Abeyo saw Bernit’s expression change. Bernit began scolding Raine. After Raine said a few more words, Bernit walked toward Abeyo with him.
A bad feeling rose in Abeyo’s heart.
Sure enough, Bernit’s first sentence made him feel as if he had fallen into an icy abyss.
“Abeyo… you have greatly disappointed me. You will not attend this class again. Leave.”
Abeyo looked at Raine in disbelief and struggled to protest.
“I did not… Instructor, I did nothing!”
But Bernit clearly did not believe him.
“You need not say anything more. I will not keep someone who schemes against his peers. Raine has already told me everything.”
Abeyo clenched his teeth and endured the pain as he walked out.
He knew his final chance was gone, even if Fulan did not join the Sword Chant School.
If Raine had spoken earlier, Bernit might never have believed him.
But now the situation was different.
Abeyo had been the one who created the conflict with Fulan, and after Fulan gained Bernit’s appreciation, Bernit was far more likely to believe Raine’s account.
Raine watched Abeyo’s departing back, a faint smile appearing on his lips.
The reason he had stabbed Abeyo in the back was simple.
He suspected that after Abeyo’s scheme failed, Abeyo might not give him the reward he had promised.
But if he betrayed Abeyo now, then without Abeyo—the greatest obstacle—he could admit a small mistake, obtain Bernit’s forgiveness, and still have a chance to compete for Bernit’s attention.
As for Abeyo, the greatest obstacle had now been completely removed.
He had both disappointed Bernit and earned his disgust.
Abeyo turned back and saw the faint smile on Raine’s face.
His lips seemed to form silent words:
“If you want to become a formal mage, you must be like this—use every possible method.”