Chapter 34

Episode 29: Healer Selection Part II

When we arrived at the arena, the third-year S-class students were already lined up for their mock battle lesson.

「We appreciate the opportunity to observe today. For anyone who gets injured during the mock battle, the eight of us here will provide healing. Although we are just first-years and may still have a lot to learn, we ask for your cooperation to help us grow.」

「We kindly ask for your support!」

After the teacher’s words, we followed suit and gave our greetings.

One of the third-years stepped forward with a request of their own.

「We have a request as well. Would it be possible for you to consider it?」

「What kind of request?」

「During the duel with the fourth-years, there was a student who performed remarkably. We’d like to ask for a mock battle with that student.」

They were requesting a mock battle with me…

The teacher hesitated for a moment but, since we had made a request of our own, couldn’t refuse. As a result, it was decided that at the end of the lesson, I would have a mock battle with the strongest third-year student.

The third-year mock battle began. As expected, their years of training together made for a much more intense and exciting match compared to what we, as first-years, were used to.

As the mock battle progressed, the healing began for those who got injured.

Lady Selen seemed to be the meticulous type, taking her time with the healing magic. She would probably be best suited for post-battle treatment.

Nigel-kun was a bit rough around the edges but quick and efficient. He seemed like someone who would excel right in the heat of battle.

Harry-kun and Davis-kun, however, were struggling due to nerves, which made their healing a bit awkward… They’ll need more experience to improve (sweat).

As for Novak-kun, Michael-kun, and Dominic-kun, they clearly lacked the proper knowledge for healing, resulting in inadequate treatment.
In this formation, they might be best suited as healing assistants.

With that, the mock battle concluded.

「Ren, have you been working as a healer before? You were so efficient, it surprised me!」

「I think it’s because I did a bit of Hunter work before enrolling. That experience probably helped.」

「I see! So actual combat experience really does make a difference. I can’t wait to get out into the field myself♪」

As I was chatting with Lady Selen, I was called out.

「Are you ready for the final mock battle?」

「Yes, I’ll head up to the arena now.」

The third-year teacher called me, and I headed to the stage.

「I’m Gordon. After seeing your duel, I’ve wanted to fight you at least once. Don’t hold back!」

「I’m Selen. Please be gentle with me (smile).」

「O-oh…」

After exchanging greetings, I noticed Gordon-senpai’s face turning slightly red.
Did I say something rude? I’ll have to ask Lady Selen about it later.

Chapter 30: Selection of Healers

The final mock battle for the day began during our observation session.

Gordon-senpai and I stood in the arena. I held a spear, while senpai wielded dual swords. We both waited for the signal to start.

「Now then, we will begin the mock battle between Gordon and Selen. Begin!」

At the sound of the teacher’s signal, senpai dashed toward me, crossing his arms low and slashing upward.

「Cross Slash!」

「That’s too easy. Ha!」

I timed my move perfectly, using my spear to intercept where the dual swords crossed.
The Cross Slash technique relies on the snapping motion of the wrists as the swords cross, but by stopping it right at that moment, the force of the impact was transmitted to senpai’s wrists, causing him severe pain.

「Ouch! I can’t swing my swords… I give up.」

Barely able to hold onto his swords, senpai had no choice but to accept his defeat.
If he had continued, his wrist injury would have only worsened.

「That’s it. The winner is Selen!」

「Thank you, senpai. Let me heal your wrists; show them to me, please!」

After bowing in thanks, I approached senpai and inspected his wrists before healing him. As I treated him, he spoke to me.

「You’re truly amazing. Not only are you skilled in combat, but you can also heal on top of that. Impressive.」

「Thank you! I do have one piece of advice though. When fighting in close combat, it’s better not to shout your technique names. If I know what you’re going to use, I can easily counter it!」

「Thanks for the tip. I’ll keep that in mind from now on.」

Once I finished healing him, we first-year students expressed our gratitude for allowing us to observe before returning to our classroom.

There, we discussed the healer selection process.
Lady Selen, Nigel-kun, Harry-kun, and Davis-kun were chosen as the four main healers. The others were assigned to various parties as secondary healers. I was placed in Lady Selen’s party. The reasoning was simple: since there were only two girls in the class, separating us would be inconvenient.

Thus, the first stage of the party formation was complete, and four parties were officially created.

Episode 31: Cantera’s Request

With the healers selected, four extermination teams were formed.

【Team A】: Lady Selen and Selen
【Team B】: Nigel and Dominic
【Team C】: Harry and Michael
【Team D】: Davis and Novak

Once three more members joined each team, the party formations would be complete.
By the way, those assigned as secondary healers took on rear-line roles.

This was to avoid having the healers engage too directly in battle. After all, if the healer gets injured and can no longer heal, it defeats the purpose.

Ideally, each team would have one scout and two front-line fighters, but we had to remain flexible in our party arrangements.

With the healer selection process finished, class ended. Lady Selen and I were about to head back to the girls’ dorm when Cantera called out to me.

「Ren! Could I have a moment of your time?」

「Hm? Sure, but no mock battles, alright?」

「No, it’s not that… I want to be on the same team as you! I know I can’t compete with Slaine-sama or Stratos for a front-line spot, but… I just…」

It seemed like Cantera had put aside his pride and was genuinely seeking advice from me.

「I see. You want to be on my team, and you’re asking for my advice, right?」

「Yeah, can I count on you?」

「Of course! We’re friends, aren’t we? I’m happy you came to me for help. (smile)」

「O-Oh…」

When I smiled at him, Cantera’s face turned a bit red. I always wonder—why do people’s faces go red when I smile?

「Cantera, I think you’d be better suited as a scout rather than a front-line fighter. You’re quick on your feet, and you could really make use of that agility. As for weapons, I think dual swords would suit you better than a spear.」

「Really? I’ll go back to the dorms and ask some upperclassmen about being a scout! Thanks, Ren!」

「You’re welcome! I’ll even write up a report on scouting and give it to you.」

「W-What? Really? That would be a huge help!」

「Well then, I’d better go. Lady Selen is waiting for me!」

「Ah, sorry for taking up your time. Please apologize to Lady Selen for me.」

After finishing my conversation with Cantera, I returned to Lady Selen, apologized for keeping her waiting, and we headed back to the girls’ dorm.

Episode 32: The Natural Girl

After returning to the girls’ dorm and changing into casual clothes, Lady Selen and I usually spend the time before dinner chatting in her room.
Today, I had something I’d been curious about, so I decided to ask.

「Hey, there’s something I’ve been wondering about. It happened again today during the mock battle with Gordon-senpai. After we exchanged a few words before the start, his face turned red. Did I say something offensive?」

「Hmm… Ren, you often smile when you’re talking, right? Do you do that on purpose?」

「Not really. It’s just how I normally am when I talk with my Mom. It feels natural to me—does it seem strange?」

「Ren, you probably don’t realize it since it’s about yourself, but you have an incredibly beautiful face. When a girl like you smiles while talking to someone, it can make them blush.」

「I see… I still don’t fully understand, but as long as I didn’t offend anyone, that’s a relief!」

「That! That expression you just made—it even made my heart skip a beat. For guys, it’s game over when you do that. (laugh)」

「Then maybe I should stop smiling and talk with a neutral expression?」

「No, no, you’re fine just the way you are! If you suddenly stopped smiling, people would start wondering what’s wrong.」

「Got it. I’ll just keep doing what I’ve been doing then♪」

After that, the two of us headed to the dining hall for dinner, and later, we enjoyed a long soak in the large communal bath, chatting with some of the older girls and having a great time. That was how the day ended.

『Click… 〘Light Earrings〙 SR Rank』

*These earrings allow communication between the wearers through a magical link.*

I finally got a high-performance item again!
Someday, I’d love to give these earrings to Lady Selen so that we can stay in touch even after we graduate♪

➖➖➖➖ Lady Selen’s Perspective ➖➖➖➖

As I suspected, Ren is a *natural girl*. From now on, she’ll probably keep stealing the hearts of male students with that killer smile. (laugh)

I’ll be the one to judge any guy who tries to get close to her, and until someone truly worthy shows up, I’ll protect Ren!

Slaine would be perfect for her… but if she ends up becoming the Emperor’s wife, it would be so hard for me to see her, so that’s out. (laugh)

Sorry, Slaine. As long as I don’t approve, you’ll never be with the girl of your dreams!

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