"Why can't this be done?"
After class, I headed to the faculty building to try and resolve Yuri's situation.
I wasn't too thrilled about it—it felt like I was tattling—but it was one of the most straightforward solutions. Of course, depending on the situation, it might even make things worse.
But it seemed I'd misjudged things. The professor in charge of Yuri didn't even pretend to care about fixing her situation.
"The academy is an educational institution, not a daycare. Just because you come whining here doesn't mean we'll listen. You know this place isn't mandatory, right? If she doesn't want to be here, she can leave. She's weak? Then that's her problem. This academy is for training the continent's top talents. If she can't keep up, that's her fault. At least in my class."
"But...!"
"Enough. I'd recommend not overstepping. I've already indulged you enough, even though you're not in my class. If you have more to say, take it up with your own professor."
It wasn't going to change anything—
With that, the professor spun back around in his chair and began reviewing some papers, effectively shutting down the conversation.
A complete stonewall.
Seeing there was no point in arguing further, I turned to our own professor, Ferrent.
"Then at least help transfer Yuri to our class. That way, the bullying will stop. And even if it doesn't, I can keep an eye on her and make sure she's okay."
Ferrent, who had listened silently until now, paused before responding.
"I'm sorry, Elysia, but that's not possible. While your intentions are good, Professor Sellen is right. The matters of Class 2 fall under his authority. Even the headmaster cannot interfere with the rights of the professors here."
Griffin Academy is the most prestigious educational institution on the continent, and every professor here is a leading authority in their field. As such, they take immense pride in their own beliefs and methods. They won't tolerate anyone questioning or infringing on that.
"So, Professor, do you also believe it's right for someone to suffer just because they're weak? Do you think it's okay to disregard someone for being powerless?"
"Are you testing my chivalry, Elysia? A decent provocation."
Ferrent chuckled, stroking his short beard.
"My personal opinion aside, the answer is still no. If you want to help her, you'll need to give Professor Sellen a reason he can't ignore."
"A reason, huh? Fine. I'll bring you a reason so solid even Sellen can't reject it."
I bowed slightly, leaving the office as Ferrent's voice echoed behind me.
"I'll be looking forward to it."
* * * *
March 31st. It's been a month since I entered the academy.
Before heading to class, I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my room, taking a moment to check my appearance.
First, my silver hair caught my eye. I still wasn't fully used to drying and managing it, but it was worth the effort.
Next, I examined my face. As dead TS wizard Sem Mograh had promised, my appearance didn't require any makeup—convenient, if a bit unsettling.
Today, I wore my gym clothes under a light jacket. Usually, this would be against dress code, but I didn't have to worry about that today.
On my legs, I opted for gym pants rather than a skirt. No way I'm wearing a skirt today.
I grabbed a pair of white socks from my drawer and slipped them on. They matched my gloves.
It was a simple outfit, but unmistakably the attire of a girl.
Normally, I wouldn't dwell on my appearance, but today was different. Today, I needed to mentally prepare.
'Elysia Frenz.'
It was supposed to be a temporary identity for an assassination mission. A name that should have passed by without meaning. But now...
This was the name of a girl who died too young, someone whose life I was now living.
I didn't care about who she was before. And yet, because I had taken on her identity, I couldn't help but feel something... odd.
She hadn't been a head of her family—just a daughter of a noble house. Barely anyone remembered her now. But I could, at the very least, remember her.
The real Elysia Frenz, whose face I never knew.
I didn't get permission to take your name, but I'll live in your place.
In return, I'll make sure the price is paid.
So don't feel too cheated. I'd say you got a good deal.
"El~ If you're late, we're leaving without you!"
My thoughts were interrupted by Annie's voice from outside the door. Of course, I knew she wouldn't actually leave me behind.
"Three, two, one! We're leaving now!"
Right as she finished counting, her voice started to fade down the hallway. Wait—was she actually going to leave me behind?!
Crash
I fumbled to pull on my gloves and barely avoided tripping as I rushed to open the door, only to find Annie standing right outside.
Next to her was Cillian, who waved at me with a smile.
"You're out just in time. Let's go!"
Annie took the lead, unaware of how close I'd been to face-planting just moments ago. I couldn't help but laugh at how clueless she was.
I jabbed her in the side, and in return, she punched me in the arm.
As a large institution, Griffin Academy hosts many events throughout the year.
One such event is the monthly class battle held by the swordsmanship department.
This is a unique event, exclusive to the swordsmanship students. The administration, theology, and magic departments are too busy with their studies and research to participate.
Each class selects its top five students to compete in duels. It doesn't affect grades much—it's mostly for fun—but for students constantly buried in training and studying, it's a much-needed break.
The rules are simple: each team sends out a fighter, and the winner continues to face the next challenger. The best student from each class is the team's captain and must always go last to keep them from sweeping the competition too quickly.
Our class's fighters were myself, Cillian, Annie, Ian, and our class rep. Naturally, Cillian was our captain.
Class 2's participants consisted of four boys and one girl. I already knew that the leader of the group bullying Yuri was their captain.
"If you're okay with it, I'd like to go first," I suggested to my team.
Choosing the order was a strategic decision, so I couldn't just decide on my own. But today was important—today was the first step for Elysia Frenz.
If I wanted the scene to play out the way I envisioned, I had to take the lead.
"Are you sure you should go first? Shouldn't I go in and scout as the weakest?" the class rep asked, pushing up his glasses.
It wasn't a bad idea, but—
"It's fine. Let her go first if she wants to."
Luckily, I'd already discussed it with Annie, Ian, and Cillian beforehand.
I felt a bit guilty for overriding the rep, but it couldn't be helped.
"In that case, go ahead."
We worked together to decide the rest of the order, accommodating the rep's suggestions where possible.
"Alright, let's have the first fighters from each class step forward."
The match began.
I stood up and made my way to the sparring arena. My first opponent was the only girl in Class 2's lineup—the same one who had made Yuri buy her that chocolate bread.
I hadn't expected to face her again, but here we were.
After a brief greeting, the duel began.
I had no intention of dragging this out.
The moment the signal was given, I dashed forward.
She moved skillfully, stepping back to block my strike. After all, she was one of the top students in her class.
But what I planned to show her was overwhelming power.
While using aura was prohibited in the duels, strengthening your body was allowed. My physical strength might have decreased after becoming a girl, but my aura hadn't weakened.
As long as my opponent wasn't a monster like Annie or Cillian, I wouldn't lose in terms of sheer force.
Clang!
With one strike, her wooden sword flew out of her hands and skittered across the ground.
The most basic rule for any swordsman is to never let go of your sword.
You can be knocked back, but to lose your grip? That only happens when there's a massive gap in strength.
She stared in shock at her empty hands.
The duel wasn't over yet. She should have reacted—dodged, or rolled away, or tried some form of unarmed combat to buy time to retrieve her sword.
But she didn't. That hesitation was proof of her inexperience. It also showed her realization of the gap between us.
Satisfied, I stopped my wooden sword above her shoulder.
Ferrent, who had anticipated my move, declared the match over without intervening.
I lightly tapped her shoulder with the tip of my sword before stepping back with a smile.
"Shall we continue?" I asked Ferrent.
In the end, I went on to defeat three more opponents in quick succession, sending them all off the stage one by one.
Of course, I was never going to lose to them.
With Cillian in the same class, I might not seem like much, but I had been aiming to become the youngest Swordmaster once.
Finally, the captain of Class 2 stepped onto the stage. Despite me having defeated four of his classmates, he came up with a smug grin. Keep laughing.
"I wondered what made you act so high and mighty. Looks like you've got some tricks up your sleeve."
"Oh, you flatter me."
"Doesn't matter. At the end of the day, a commoner with a sword is still just a commoner."
"And I suppose you handle a sword well? You must, considering you don't even remember the academy's basic rule about treating everyone equally, but you're still the class captain."
A light jab.
"Hah. You really think anyone believes in those ridiculous rules? Girls like you will end up on your back with your legs spread open anyway."
His retort was harsh. Ferrent was about to step in and stop him, but I beat him to it.
I pulled off my gloves—the ones I had saved up to buy just for today—and hurled them straight at his face.
I never wore gloves while fighting, anyway.
Slap!
They hit him squarely in the face and fell to the ground.
I calmly walked off the stage to retrieve my sword from Annie, who was holding it for me.
Shing.
The cold steel slid out of its sheath, sharp and deadly. Its point was already directed at my opponent.
So you want a reason? A solid justification? Fine, I'll give you one—whether you like it or not.
"Elysia Frenz of the Frenz family challenges you to a duel in the name of family honor."
His face turned red with rage. Being slapped like that had clearly pushed him over the edge. Good.
"If you're so pissed off, then come at me, you piece of trash."