When I was working as a civil servant, I was found out to be a muscle-brained knight by the princess knight and got sent to the front lines - Episode 66

Episode 66

Transitioning from the Royal Academy’s Grand Lecture Hall to the Academy’s Great Arena.

The Colosseum-style arena, utilized for various school events and occasionally open to the public for tournaments, symbolizes the Tashman Kingdom’s Royal Academy. With a capacity of around 10,000 people, it’s a full-fledged arena. However, unlike usual, this day was different.

Despite the usual quietness that falls over the campus after the evening hours, the arena was filled with an intense excitement, even as the clock passed 6 p.m.

In addition to the students who had listened to René and Maria’s lecture in the Grand Lecture Hall, many more students had flocked to the arena. With around 1,000 students per grade and a total of about 3,000 students, the majority of them seemed to have gathered at the arena.

Not only students but also faculty members from the Academy and even people who had heard rumors from the Academy were in attendance. Additionally, the school had swiftly transitioned this event to open to the public. Truth be told, the citizens of the Tashman Kingdom loved events like tournaments and arena battles.

Just a few days ago, there had been a thrilling battle between the king and the civil official in the Royal Capital Square. As a result, the common folk were determined not to miss this event and hurried to finish their work to attend the stadium.

Food stalls were already set up, and the atmosphere was lively. But it was just a mock battle between students. So why had it attracted such a large audience?

The answer was simple. Everyone wanted to know if the new peak of martial prowess in the country was worthy of it.

Even the members of the 1st Legion, suddenly called in for security, couldn’t help but smile wryly as they calmly watched over the arena, almost as if they were appraising it.

In the center of it all, standing before the fully prepared Nicholas Crane, was Maria Valenti, the new Legion Commander, still in her knight’s attire from the lecture, wearing a daring smile.

About an hour had passed since Nicholas had requested a mock battle with Maria in the Grand Lecture Hall, including preparation time. And finally, the battle was about to begin.

While somewhat astonished by the large crowd that had gathered in the arena, Maria addressed Nicholas.

“The people of the capital sure love festivals. Are you okay with all this commotion?”

Though slightly nervous, Nicholas responded with a confident smile.

“These crowds are nothing to worry about. We get similar numbers for the Student Combat Tournament.”

“True.”

The Student Combat Tournament was a renowned event held once a year at the Royal Academy, spanning an entire day to determine the strongest student of the year. Maria herself had participated during her student days.

Feeling nostalgic, Maria smiled at the bravery of the young man before her and mentally prepared herself.

And finally, the announcer and referee, confirming that the venue was ready, began to introduce Nicholas and Maria.

When Nicholas was introduced, Elliot Crane’s honor was praised once again, and he received a thunderous applause and cheers from the audience.

Hearing this, both Nicholas and Maria were deeply moved. And furthermore…

When Maria Valenti was introduced as the Legion Commander, the arena erupted with thunderous applause and cheers. Maria hadn’t expected such a reaction and felt an even deeper sense of responsibility.

Maria’s actions during the Battle of Bastiona had echoed throughout the capital. This was a clear manifestation of the expectations placed upon her.

There were no restrictions in this mock battle. Both swordsmanship and magic were allowed. However, using lethal force was prohibited. It was more of a real battle in the guise of a mock battle, a testament to the trust in the Legion Commander’s abilities.

Both opponents took their stances, and the arena fell silent. And finally…

“Haaaaaaaah!!!”

At the signal from the referee, Nicholas Crane activated a full-body enhancement spell with all his might and lunged forward with lightning speed, aiming for a decisive blow.

His speed and technique were already far beyond that of a student. It was a strike so fast that the general populace seemed to lose sight of it. Among the members of the 1st Legion serving as security, some even whistled in admiration of his skill.

Nicholas himself was convinced that it was the greatest strike of his life. Could it have reached his father? That’s what he thought as he unleashed the blow.

“Too slow.”

With a disheartening ease, she dodged his attack. Then, in return, as they passed each other, she struck him in the abdomen with the hilt of her sword, causing him to stagger back in agony.

After a moment of silence, the atmosphere in the arena surged. Cheers filled the air so much that it seemed to tremble, and the stomping of the spectators created a thunderous roar.

Both Nicholas, displaying his strength, and Maria, who surpassed him by far, received thunderous applause. In this situation, Nicholas, who had been knocked back, relied on his sword as a crutch to somehow stand up.

“Is it over already?! Nicholas Crane!”

Maria, who had been calmly waiting for him to rise, called out across the arena. And in response to her voice,

“Not even close!!!”

With a burst of energy, Nicholas activated another enhancement spell on himself and simultaneously unleashed multiple attack spells, facing Maria head-on.

For the next few minutes, Nicholas literally threw himself into the battle, using every attack method at his disposal against Maria. Slashing, dodging counterattacks, getting blown back, punching, dodging and getting punched back, casting spells only to have them sliced apart by her practice sword.

Hopelessly outmatched. Nothing he did seemed to work. He had never felt such overwhelming despair, not even against his father. This was the Legion Commander’s true strength. It was an unjustifiable level of power.

The barrier seemed impossibly distant. This wasn’t working. But what could he do? Once again knocked back, Nicholas lay on the ground, unable to get up.

Had the match reached its conclusion, the anxious crowd wondered as they watched. It hurts. It’s terrifying. It’s hopeless. It was impossible for me.

Just as Nicholas’ spirit was about to break and he was about to surrender, he heard it.

“Legion Commander Elliot Crane of the 9th Legion!!”

In the center of the arena, Maria, standing tall, declared loudly enough for everyone in the arena to hear.

“He never gave up in any hopeless situation!!”

Hearing her voice, a small but intense flame ignited deep within Nicholas’ heart.

“During the fall of Bastiona, he never gave up and continued to search for the best solution!!”

Empowered by Maria’s overwhelming spirit, the flame in his heart burned even brighter.

“He didn’t give up even when facing the Orc King,”

Despite his injured body, Nicholas struggled to stand up.

“He didn’t give up even when facing the Orc Emperor!!!”

And then, with his tattered body, Nicholas directed a strong gaze at Maria.

“Come at me, Nicholas Crane!!! Show me your determination!!!!”

All the emotions hidden in his heart. The future hero, fueled by the flames of his passion,

“Uooooohhh!!!”

Let your heart burn.

The quality of his magic power exceeded its limits. Unaware of it himself, he poured all his strength into a single blow.

He swung his sword.