I Have been Reincarnated As a Lazy, Arrogant Noble, but When I Destroyed The Scenario Through Effort, I Became The Most Powerful With Extraordinary Magical Power - 59

059 – Test of Courage

We, the underclassmen, have overcome various challenges.

Entrance exams, tag tournaments, survival tests, Swordmaster Cup, and numerous classes.

Frankly, even the unnamed extras have shown exceptional mental and physical strength.

But now, these capable male students are displaying nervous expressions.

Of course, I’m not looking at them directly.

With my Observation Eye and Flash Time Lapse, I could slowly observe, or so I heard a devilish whisper.

“Phew, that was fun.”

Appearing while patting their clothes, it’s Olin.

By the way, just to let you know, Olin’s voice is practically feminine.

If you covered their eyes with your hands and said, “Who’s that?” you’d probably never guess.

Well, that’s the concept.

“Hey, hey, it’s Olin.”

“Don’t you dare look! I’m a guy!”

“I-I know that, geez.”

They’re nervous probably because this is—the changing room.

“We had a good time, Alan!”

“Yeah, it was quite enlightening. Milk-sensei is amazing, as expected.”

These two idiots don’t seem to care, but other students are different.

Of course, a changing room is where you change your clothes.

And we, having played in the sea and sweated, can pretty much guess what’s next.

That’s why everyone’s pondering what to do.

“Phew, it’s bath time, bath time~♡”

There seems to be a heart at the end of that sentence, but well, it’s probably just my imagination.

I possess a steel spirit.

I’ve been honing it to be ready for anything.

That’s why I quickly took off my clothes and left the scene.

This bath area only has indoor baths, but there’s an open-air bath on a different floor, which seems to be a hot spring.

There aren’t any showers, but something similar, utilizing magic, is installed.

By transmitting the hot water, warm water comes out from the tip of the staff.

I don’t quite understand the principle behind this magic, but I’ll let it slide as a noblesse oblige.

I like baths. The first thing I did in this world was renovate the Baths of the Fancent family.

For someone as particular as me, these baths are still quite tame.

When I eventually conquer this world and clear it, I’ll make the most intense bath—.

“No, no, my nose is—”

“Hey, are you alright!?”

“Don’t die, don’t you dare diiiiie!”

As I was about to wash my body and soak in the bath, I heard a scream from the changing area.

I don’t quite get it, but something seems to have happened.

Damn… it’s shaking my resolve.

“Wow, it’s spacious!”

Who entered was Olin, inexplicably wrapping a towel around their chest.

They’re a guy, but it must be embarrassing for them.

Following them were Duke and Alan.

Oh, they’ve got quite the chiseled abs.

“All right, let’s get in the bath and relax—”

However, that darn guy tried to jump right in.

I grabbed their leg with a magic-infused hand. After the ball match, I’ve improved my control of magic and become physically stronger.

“You, you, don’t you know the etiquette for entering the bath? And if you’ve sweated, you should wash yourself first— I’ll kill you.”

“Y-Yes, I’m, I’m sorry.”

“Weiss, you’re scary…”

Seeing my level of seriousness, Alan and the guy who realized, backed away.

Don’t mess with the path of bathing.

“Can I join you?”

After washing themselves, Olin arrived.

But… they’re so smooth.

“…Sure.”

“Ehehe, thanks.”

It seems the squirrel on top of their head isn’t with them this time.

“Come to think of it, I wanted to thank you. We lost the match, but it was a meaningful competition. I improved thanks to you.”

“R-Really!? But, um, being told that makes me happy. I don’t get praised that often.”

Well, I guess that might be true. For now…

But I truly was grateful.

I had trouble with handling the magic sword Dual Sword, the prize for winning.

Magic manipulation is probably effective. With this, I can become even stronger.

But hearing that, Olin opened their mouth with a somewhat solemn expression.

“I’m the one who wants to thank you.”

“…What do you mean?”

“They might have won in the ball game, but it’s been great sharing a room with you, Weiss. Of course, Duke and Alan too. They’ve been ridiculed and avoided just for being girls most of the time.”

I thought they were just naturally unaware, but maybe they were conscious of it.

Well, some things can’t be helped.

They emit an untouchable aura in various ways, after all.

However, that’s not the only reason.

Within the Noblesse Academy, titles may not mean much, but deep down, it’s not the same.

Even someone as good-natured as Alan, you never see them talking to anyone other than Duke and Shari. Discrimination won’t disappear anytime soon.

And besides, there’s the possibility of developing feelings for someone with special talents.

That would be… jealousy.

In my case, because I create an atmosphere that’s hard to approach, not many people casually strike up a conversation with me.

Since there’s a points system in place, we’re classmates and rivals.

Well, that has its merits too.

Olin may be friendly and hold a title, but they possess the unique ability of a Summoner Tamer.

Like Karta’s flying magic, a natural talent tends to be disliked.

It’s hard to accept that someone you can’t even reach despite your efforts is right next to you.

“Silence them with your strength.”

“Huh? Can I really do that? But, well, I’ll do my best!”

It might sound like encouragement, but it’s just a fact. It will happen eventually.

Well, I liked the Olin character quite a bit.

Honestly, I’m inclined to be a bit more lenient with them than with others.

After all, they’re human too, so a little understanding is necessary.

“I’ve cleaned my body well.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“…Wait here.”

Using my Observation Eye Dark Eye, I detected dirt on them. Alan is fine, but Shish is a problem with the soles of their feet.

“You have to do it over.”

“Are you kidding? I washed myself properly—”

“Do you want to die?”

“Yes.”

In a way, I don’t dislike Shish either, but the bath rules are strict.

“Hey… Alan, Weiss, you guys are really strict about baths.”

“Actually, there’s a rumor going around that Weiss is a Bath Baron behind the scenes. Oh, but don’t mention it.”

“I-I understand.”

It seems like they’re having a secretive conversation, but that’s not the issue now.

Those two… still have a long way to go.

“Hey, you guys are still dirty. Can’t you think about others? Wash yourselves again.”

“Yes, yes, sorry, sorry.”

▽

After the bath, when we stepped into the corridor, we saw Cynthia and Lillith.

Both of them still had wet hair, like me, they must have just come out of the bath.

“Oh, Weiss. How was the bath?”

“It was okay. It would’ve been better if the water was a bit warmer.”

“Hehehe, Weiss-sama really loves baths!”

Come to think of it, I hadn’t bathed here before.

…Well, maybe it’s alright once in a while?

No… my sense of euphoria ends here.

Up until this point today is the sweet part of the Noblesse Academy.

What lies ahead? – The whip.

Change your mindset. This is one of the most challenging events of the academy’s tests.

“Cynthia, Lillith, when you return to the room, change into your training clothes, unify your magic, and also put on the winning prize weapon. Prepare minimal medical equipment as well.”

At my sudden words, the two of them widened their eyes.

But I don’t usually joke around. Besides, we’ve built up quite a level of trust by now.

They seemed to realize whether I was serious or not right away.

Their expressions did a complete 180.

“Understood. Should we inform Karta-san and Cecil-san too?”

“I’ll leave that to you.”

“Understood, Weiss-sama!”

“Alright, see you later.”

After returning to the room, I finished preparing and waited for the time to come.

According to the pre-scheduled timetable, it’s supposed to be dinner time, but that’s a lie.

Tired bodies, relaxed minds; what awaits us after this is a very enjoyable event.

“I’m hungry! Is seafood on the menu for dinner?”

“Who knows? But there seem to be fewer people gathering than I expected.”

“True. By the way, Weiss, why are you changing into your training clothes?”

“It’s because it’s almost time.”

“Huh? What do you mea—”

Just at that moment, a magic bird released within the mansion started to screech.

“Gather at the central courtyard. Gather at the central courtyard.”

We’ve been training every day.

Magic birds were never used for enjoyable events.

Only once, during the exams.

Roommates Duke and Alan exchanged glances, and Olin hastily changed into their clothes too.

I slowly made my way outside and arrived at the central courtyard first.

This place is convenient for exams.

There’s no town nearby, and even if you shout loudly, no one will report it.

And today, as it’s written in the original story, the moon isn’t out.

In this world of darkness, it’s hard to see someone’s face unless they’re really close.

I looked up at the sky, but there were no stars either.

Ah, it’s the perfect weather for an exam.

Waiting there were Milch Sensei, Darius, and Chloe.

Darius still wore a somewhat apologetic expression, but we’re the ones who chose to be at this school.

That’s a phrase we hear a lot at Noblesse – always stay calm.

After a while, the students hurriedly came out from the mansion.

Everyone seemed scared. It was dark outside, and they couldn’t imagine what would happen next.

But they knew it was going to be a serious atmosphere.

Some were trying to stay calm and talk, while most were desperately remaining silent, trying to switch gears.

Magic is a world of imagination. Casting spells in a carefree state is difficult, and if your structure is flawed, your power decreases by half.

After everyone had gathered, Milch Sensei stepped forward.

“You smart and capable students probably already know. – This is a test.”

A sudden declaration after praising us; we might have held onto a tiny bit of hope.

We wished it would be some fun event.

But of course, that wasn’t the case. We quickly understood it would be a demanding test.

“…You all look ready. Faces of fear and determination.”

A typical nighttime event in a school story, there’s only one of those.

The answer is “Night Test.”

A boy and a girl pair up and pass through various checkpoints, going from entrance to exit.

Emotions may sprout, but at Noblesse, we don’t do anything so lighthearted.

“Look to the left.”

Everyone turned to the left as Milch Sensei instructed. I could barely see anything…

Well, I could see a faint outline, like a mountain.

“We’ve placed rings all over that mountain. Find them and keep them until the time limit. Simple, right? But don’t get complacent. Don’t assume the rings will be in safe places. And I have even better news for you. The more rings you have, the more points you’ll earn.”

With these words, the expressions of all the juniors changed.

They were surprised, but they were all determined. When it becomes a competition, it’s natural for blood to boil.

Of course, I knew about the event too.

“The time limit is until the date changes. Well, you have about five hours. Dinner will be your reward afterward.”

At the mention of dinner, the junior students’ expressions eased slightly.

But before they could relax, Milch Sensei continued.

“However, some of you may not make it to dinner. Because those who don’t have any rings by the end of the time limit… will be expelled.”

“You’re kidding…”

“Seriously…”

“Expelled…”

The quiet junior students who had been silent up until now let out voices of shock.

“I would have liked to say that, but the Academy Head stopped me. However, if you have zero rings, your points will drastically decrease. Naturally, some may end up being expelled. I won’t tell you how much it will decrease or increase.”

Our sense of relief was short-lived as Milch Sensei dropped us into despair.

Because we have a fair amount of points.

Even if we fail a test or two from now on, it’s impossible for us to be expelled.

But Noblesse capitalizes on this kind of luxury and presents us with despair.

However, it’s not always this harsh.

This is a warning, and a lesson.

No one wants to fail at this point. That’s only natural.

If we don’t know how much our points will decrease, then the strategy is the same.

Some will be desperately guarding a single ring.

But there are those among us who are like me.

Crush them all.

And there’s one more stage that will plunge us into despair.

Depending on the situation, we might even have to cooperate.

That is…

“This forest is commonly known as the Forest of Death. Some of you may have already realized. At night, monsters swarm this place. And—”

Milch Sensei said this, but in the original story, Chloe was the one who spoke. I remember.

This forest is the nest of undead monsters.