Chapter 114: Academy Heroine's Right Diagonal Back Seat
Chapter 114
From the start, today’s special guest instructor, Martina Ivanova, seemed rather displeased. When she began class with a declaration that everyone was "dead meat," the students internally groaned.
*Oh no, we’re screwed today.*
They were the same students who had been subjected to harsh lessons under Natalia, who, despite her gentle exterior, had taught them brutally during the last special class. Given that the instructor already seemed in a bad mood, the students could only hope to survive today’s lesson.
With that tense atmosphere, they began the class and soon found themselves surprised:
“You idiot! Do you think the enemy is just a scarecrow? When attacking, you must always anticipate the opponent's counterattack! Use concise movements that won’t hinder your next move! Try again!”
“Oh... like this?”
“Yes! Better than before! But you still have room for improvement, so go practice over there!”
The lesson turned out to be much less intense than they had feared.
Martina’s teaching method was straightforward. She had the students attack her with all their strength and adjusted her responses to match their level. After each spar, she pointed out their weaknesses one by one, explaining them in detail—a very standard approach to teaching.
Of course, since the lessons were being taught by Martina, an exceptional hero, the students had to exert themselves fully, making it a challenging session. However, for those who had recently endured a lesson where faults were hammered into them physically, Martina’s class felt quite manageable.
Meanwhile, Martina herself was thinking,
*Haha, look at these kids, they seem overwhelmed! Maybe I should be a bit gentler.*
Martina thought of herself as quite strict, but in reality, she was rather lenient by nature. This was especially true when dealing with those weaker than herself.
If Natalia was the type to smile while telling plants to grow strong and then trampling on their sprouts, Martina was the kind to curse at them but still diligently water and provide nutrients.
Martina believed that heroes, whether they liked it or not, would inevitably face unpleasant experiences. She thought it was better to build a solid foundation rather than subject them to overly harsh training from the start.
“Can’t you stay focused? You only dodge incoming attacks without considering what’s behind you? If the demons see the back of your head, they’ll love it!”
“Ugh... I’m sorry!”
“Your reflexes to visible attacks are quick, so don’t be discouraged! Try using not just your sight but other senses as well. Next!”
When Martina had told the kids they were "dead meat" today, it was just her way of encouraging them to take the class seriously. Although, there was a bit of personal feeling mixed in.
After all, she was clearly upset seeing Yoon Si-woo occasionally stealing glances at the girl next to him, a dazed expression on his face.
But Martina was not someone who would let personal feelings interfere with her professional duties. She wouldn’t be leading a squad if she were that kind of person, no matter how strong she was.
In fact, aside from that incident, Martina was in a very good mood today.
“You have exceptional talent, but wasting mana like that, just because you’re good at magic, could put you in danger in real combat. For instance, with the fire magic you used to counter my attack earlier, if you modify the structure of the magic circle like this—”
“...Hmm, I see. That does reduce mana consumption. And by doing this, I can apply it to other spells as well.”
“...Oh, you understood that just by looking? You’re quick to grasp things. Let me show you how to apply it, so practice it.”
She had discovered many students with talent beyond her imagination.
Every student was shining in their own way, from those who could withstand attacks with barely a scratch to those who could absorb any magic they saw just once.
As someone who would eventually pass on her position, Martina was genuinely delighted to see the future generation thriving so splendidly.
Even though she didn’t outwardly show it, Martina was excitedly teaching the students when finally, the girl she had been waiting for appeared before her.
The girl with red hair and a name tag that read Scarlet Evande.
Seeing Yoon Si-woo unable to tear his eyes away from her with a vacant look, Martina was convinced this girl was her rival.
Of course, that didn’t mean she intended to give her any disadvantages. She simply planned to evaluate her a bit more rigorously.
With that thought, Martina sharpened her gaze and examined the girl, noticing an unusual feature on her body.
“Hey, your arm?”
“Oh... that happened while fighting a demon...”
Hearing that, Martina recalled the story she had heard briefly about a girl who lost her arm while protecting people from a demon.
*So this is that girl... Impressive. No, don’t let your heart soften over this, Martina.*
Realizing she had unintentionally been looking at the girl with a soft expression, Martina shook her head and refocused her sharp gaze on the girl.
“No matter your physical condition, I won’t go easy on you. You don’t have any complaints, right?”
The girl nodded, and Martina gestured for her to come at her whenever she was ready.
Without hesitation, the girl charged toward Martina.
Her agility was more impressive than expected, and the distance between them closed rapidly.
Martina cast a spell to block her path, intending to deter her.
A wide area of flaming arrows scattered, making it difficult to dodge.
However, the girl crouched low and nullified only the minimal spells obstructing her path using flames from her fists, maintaining her speed as she closed the gap.
An optimal decision for close combat.
Impressed by the girl’s outstanding skill, Martina prepared a magic circle before her.
Pre-prepared spells illuminated the air as they surged forth from the circle.
Yet, none of them slowed the girl’s advance.
As if she could see a path meant only for her, the girl navigated through the spells with thrilling precision, evading them all while continuing her advance.
Her movements were something only achievable through countless experiences and relentless effort.
But more than her movements, what captured Martina’s attention were the girl’s eyes as she charged forward.
The eyes that, despite the fierce activity, remained unwaveringly fixed on Martina, her target.
Eyes that were straight and unyielding, burning with intensity.
Martina felt a thrill run through her.
Eyes focused solely ahead.
No matter the talent or circumstances.
Those with such eyes would inevitably become strong.
Martina could tell from the girl’s movements that she hadn’t received much formal training in combat techniques.
Before discovering her talent, the girl might have thought of herself as nothing more than a mere bug.
But now, the girl was undoubtedly shining brightly.
If she was a bug, she would certainly be a firefly—a creature that burns brightly with the flame of effort and passion.
That’s why Martina couldn’t take her eyes off her.
The light that burns from within is so dazzling.
Martina murmured to herself,
“Impressive.”
The girl had closed the distance in just a few steps, and flames erupted from her fist.
The heat was enough to make the hearts of those watching race. Martina stopped casting her spell and instead infused the magic into her own body to ward off the flames.
Then she spoke,
“But your gaze is too straightforward.”
Martina turned her head slightly, evading the girl’s punch.
At the same time, she hooked her leg to destabilize the girl’s balance.
“Your attacks are too linear, as well.”
The girl, losing her balance, attempted to counter with a kick, but Martina was faster, pinning her to the ground.
Martina’s fist came crashing down towards the girl’s head.
“Come back after you’ve learned a bit more.”
*Bam,* the sound echoed loudly.
Martina withdrew her fist, dusting it off, then burst into laughter at the sight of the girl, who hadn’t even flinched as her fist slammed into the ground next to her head.
“Haha, you’re one brave kid. You can do anything you set your mind to. Where did a bold one like you come from? Come on, get up.”
Martina extended her hand and helped the fallen girl to her feet, then asked the dazed-looking girl who stared at her,
“What, are you amazed to see a magician using their fists?”
The girl, who hadn’t batted an eye at the attack, flinched at the question and nodded slowly.
Martina responded with a sly smile.
“Do you know what people call a magician? Someone who’s prepared. It means they’re thoroughly prepared for every situation—that’s what magicians are.”
Typically, this meant they were ready to handle any situation with magic, but Martina took it a step further.
“And I’m known as the best among magicians, right? So I prepared for even when I’d run out of mana. That’s why I learned weapon skills and martial arts. Because it’d suck to be helpless just because my mana’s depleted.”
Saying this, Martina patted the girl’s head.
“Although I see areas where you need improvement, you did really well. If you work on what I mentioned and put more intention behind each move, you’ll see good results. I can guarantee you’ll become stronger.”
As she praised the girl and watched her with pride, Martina felt a strange sensation.
*Oh, I think I forgot something.*
After tilting her head in thought for a moment, Martina suddenly flinched.
Her smiling face twisted into a frown as she remembered that this girl was her romantic rival.
Caught in an awkward situation after praising her love rival so much, Martina was startled when she heard the girl’s small voice.
“...You have it.”
“Huh? What did you just say to me?”
Martina wondered if the girl had just insulted her, but the girl’s response was unexpected.
“No... It’s just that, you’re cool...”
“...Cool? Who is?”
At that question, the girl gestured towards Martina with a slightly embarrassed expression and stammered,
“Well...I thought it was cool how you prepared because you didn’t want to be helpless...and I want to be like that, too.”
Cool? Want to be like me?
Martina slowly nodded as she processed the girl’s words and then spoke, trying to remain calm,
“I-is that so? Haha, you’ve got a good eye for people, kid. Haha!”
But it was impossible.
Martina couldn’t suppress the grin spreading across her face.
Though Martina was usually confident, matters of romance were different.
She had always been the subject of Natalia’s teasing and mockery, and she felt discouraged, wondering if she was hopeless.
However, hearing her supposed rival express admiration and a desire to emulate her rekindled her lost confidence.
*What...what is this? She’s a better kid than I thought.*
Amused by this revelation, Martina slowly turned her body and spotted Yoon Si-woo still staring blankly at the girl.
Her improved mood quickly plummeted again.
Just then, Martina saw the girl looking at her. On impulse, Martina called out to her.
“...Hey, come over here for a second. Remember what I told you earlier?”
She then pointed at Yoon Si-woo, who stood a distance away.
“Keep that in mind and fight him. Think of it as real combat.”
*Have a good, intense battle.*
This time, the request was filled with personal emotion.
Mega tsundere christmas cake heh
ReplyDeleteaside from having a questionable taste in men she's kinda nice
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, i like Martina more than Natalie.
ReplyDeleteYe, they gon have a good dynamic
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chapter
ReplyDelete