LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 49
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Chapter 49
After-Party (5)
Five days ago.
Squeak—.
Gilbert tossed and turned in bed, unknowingly grinding his teeth in frustration.
The night in Wilhelm was eerily silent, like a mouse had died. Despite having had a tiring day, he oddly found it difficult to sleep.
Whenever he closed his eyes, the events from the afternoon meal kept spiraling through his mind.
—”It’s an honor.”
—”I’m always open to a duel, Mr. Gilbert.”
Riley’s provocations.
And the chilling look she gave right after finishing her words.
Shudder—.
Remembering it sent Gilbert’s heart plummeting in his chest.
‘Me…?’
He mumbled internally.
‘…I was scared of a mere low-ranking kid?’
He was scared.
Of that girl.
In fact, Riley had simultaneously defeated Dorothy Grayard and Arpel Stingwood.
With such a girl saying, “I could beat someone like you any time in a duel,” it was natural for Gilbert’s heart to be shaken.
But the main reason he was frightened of Riley lay elsewhere.
‘That gaze…’
Her piercing, consuming stare seemed like it could devour him whole at any moment.
Without a doubt, even a murderer who had massacred hundreds wouldn’t have a look so fearsome.
Yeah.
Gilbert was, in plain terms, ‘chickening out’ in front of Riley.
He couldn’t hide his confused feelings, overwhelmed by a fear he had never experienced in his life.
Gilbert had spent his life cooped up with his master, studying magic.
The only emotions he could recognize were joy from successful research or sorrow from failures.
Thus, the sentiment of fear felt oddly foreign to him.
“…”
Why was it?
Clearly, the one of lower rank was Riley, so why was he the one feeling crushed?
‘…It’s an illusion.’
Gilbert desperately denied his feelings.
It was just a misunderstanding.
In a gathering with several pillars of the magic world, he had simply been overwhelmed by the magical power they exuded. He was only confusing that with the aura emitted by Riley.
Right.
It must be true.
‘…I wasn’t scared of that girl.’
Gilbert repeated the mantra to himself as if brainwashing himself.
Perhaps he felt a sting to his pride because he thought he was merely scared of a lowly magician?
He continued to rationalize.
Because…
‘…I’m a genius.’
Gilbert believed himself to be a genius.
Pamela von Haselfpart’s prized pupil.
A true prodigy who had never once hit a wall in his life.
The members of his school admired and revered his talent.
No one had ever spoken harshly to him.
Topping it all off, Gilbert had reached the final stage of the “Five Great Towers Selection Exam” on his very first try, firmly believing in his skills.
‘I passed the first exam with overwhelming results.’
Of course, there were exceptions like Riley and Rebecca Duncan, but those two cheated, so they didn’t count.
‘…And in the second exam, I found all the cores of the Golden Golem by myself.’
As Gilbert continued to think things through, a smirk broke out on his face.
‘Yeah. There’s no way I was scared of that girl.’
He hadn’t been scared of Riley.
Everything was just a misunderstanding.
Thinking so eased Gilbert’s mind.
With a sigh of relief, he buried himself in bed.
“…”
But still, that uncomfortable feeling lingered in his heart.
Gilbert knew too. This justification was merely an act of turning away from reality.
‘It’s okay.’
But fortunately, he also knew how to resolve this knot in his heart.
‘…I just have to win.’
He would go straight to Riley tomorrow and challenge her to a duel.
And then, he would win.
If he did that, this unpleasant feeling would vanish.
Defeat?
That couldn’t possibly happen.
‘Because I’m a genius……!’
…Or so he thought.
In truth, Gilbert Winifred was just a frog in a well.
A frog trapped in the well of academia, growing up through his life.
Only he remained unaware of that fact.
“I’m a genius…”
In the deep of night, a groggy mumble emanated from Gilbert’s room.
*
“She said she’s always open to a duel, right?”
The next day.
Having completed his self-justifications throughout the night, Gilbert eagerly searched for Riley.
“…Huh?”
However, a day passed.
Two days went by.
‘…Where could she be?’
He couldn’t find Riley anywhere in the hotel.
Had she perhaps gone outside?
That must be why he couldn’t see her?
Gilbert waited all day in the hotel lobby, where the front doors were visible, still hoping to spot her.
Yet, there was still no sign of her.
Eventually, Gilbert had no choice but to ask Garon Theobalt’s companions he ran into about Riley’s whereabouts.
“What? Riley?”
However, their answer wasn’t very helpful either.
“Well, I haven’t seen her. Hey, Arpel, have you seen her?”
“Nope.”
Dorothy Grayard shrugged in response.
It seemed Arpel Stingwood was also unaware of Riley’s whereabouts.
“But why are you looking for her?”
“Um, well…”
It was just then.
Garon Theobalt, who had been quietly pondering beside them, spoke up.
“Riley’s staying in the room opposite mine. However, she hasn’t come out for days.”
“…”
“She’s been getting her meals through room service and staying holed up in there for days. But, I don’t know the reason.”
Staying holed up for days.
Was she living in seclusion or something?
Well, at least he had gained some useful information amidst the silence regarding Riley.
Knock, knock—.
On the third day, after gathering all the information, Gilbert finally decided to visit Riley’s room.
He knocked, but after waiting for a long time, the door didn’t open.
Looking at the firmly shut door, Gilbert couldn’t help but smile, unknowingly mixing relief into it.
‘Indeed…!’
He thought to himself.
‘…She must be hiding because she’s scared of dueling me!’
Of course, that wasn’t true at all.
Riley was just deeply engrossed in her work on “Early Awakening.”
‘Ignoring the knock like this means she’s truly terrified of me!’
Naturally, that wasn’t it either.
Riley simply didn’t hear his knock because she was focused on her training.
‘That provocation must have just been a bluff! The fear I sensed in her gaze was merely a misunderstanding!’
That wasn’t true.
Absolutely not.
But with Gilbert’s mind already filled with self-defense thoughts, he would have been oblivious to such truths.
‘In the end, I’m the winner! Just hiding behind the door like a coward!’
Smiling, Gilbert returned to his room with a brave stride.
His previously deflated pride felt fully restored.
Plod, plod—.
On the fourth day.
Gilbert found himself passing by Riley’s door again, hopeful that something might happen.
‘…It’s still locked.’
He knocked again, but still received no response.
Chuckling to himself, Gilbert carried on with his business.
His concerns and worries about Riley had completely vanished from his mind.
So, five days had passed.
“…Huh?”
It was a complete coincidence.
Just after he passed by the hallway and was about to enter the dining room for breakfast.
At that moment…
Creek—.
The door swung open.
“…?”
The door that had been firmly closed for five days flew open wide.
Stop.
Hearing that sound, Gilbert froze in place. Creaking. He turned around like a puppet with a broken neck.
Flowing blonde hair.
Tired golden eyes.
And for some reason, her expression seemed more expressionless than ever today.
“…Ah.”
Riley.
The girl he had been desperately searching for stood right before him.
“…”
Their eyes met.
An ensuing silence.
After a moment, Riley let out a low sigh and murmured in a subdued voice.
“What is it?”
“Uh, um…”
Gilbert found himself unable to continue speaking.
He felt déjà vu. An unknown alarm started ringing in his head.
For some reason, the girl’s demeanor had completely changed.
‘…What’s going on?’
Just five days ago, Riley was nothing more than a typical low-ranking “Novice” magician.
She had seemed weak at first glance. Lacking the aura that comes from powerful individuals. Her magical prowess seemed insignificant, and she gave off no oppressive force.
But.
But now…
“…”
Gilbert felt like he would definitely lose.
No, he would absolutely lose.
If he faced off against that girl, he would definitely be defeated.
Gilbert’s instincts screamed that at him.
“If you have no business with me, I’ll be leaving.”
“Wait!”
“…?”
But why?
“…I challenge you to a duel,” Gilbert found himself declaring, unbeknownst to him.
“…”
“…”
Silence followed.
Gilbert thought to himself.
‘W-What did I just say…?’
Deep down, Gilbert knew.
He definitely couldn’t win against that girl.
Yet, the pride writhing within him forced this foolish challenge out of his mouth.
‘…S-She’ll refuse, right?’
Riley, you’ve been holed up in your room for five days because you were scared of me.
So…
…You’ll refuse, right?
No.
Please, refuse.
Just refuse.
“Alright.”
“…Huh?”
But contrary to Gilbert’s pathetic inner thoughts…
“I desperately needed an opponent for a duel. Let’s go fight.”
“…”
Riley accepted the challenge without hesitation.
*
News of the duel between Riley and Gilbert spread like wildfire.
It was unclear who started the rumors.
However, less than half a day later, all the participants who had passed the second exam began flocking to the hotel to see the duel.
Buzz, buzz—.
On the third floor of the Stingwood Grand Hotel, in the large auditorium.
Staff rushed about installing magical barriers. As time passed, the auditorium began transforming into a venue for the duel.
The audience was already filled with dozens of wizards.
All familiar faces.
Dorothy Grayard, Arpel Stingwood, his team member Darin Underblade, and even Rebecca Duncan, among others.
Even…
‘…The administrators?!’
Wizards sporting administrator badges were frequently seen.
Could it be that this rumor reached even the administrators? Or maybe it had even spread to the Five Great Towers.
‘It wouldn’t affect the final exam, would it…?’
Gilbert felt dizzy.
Why had this event blown up to such proportions? Who had spread the word so widely?
His head truly spun.
Gilbert did his best to regain his composure as he swallowed hard.
Whisper, whisper.
On the opposite side of the arena.
Through the magical curtain, Garon Theobalt and Riley were having a hushed conversation.
Since they were whispering with their hands cupped over their ears, Gilbert couldn’t see their lips moving clearly.
But judging by the sneaky glances they kept giving him, they seemed to be preparing strategies for the duel.
‘W-What should I do…?’
A wave of anxiety washed over him.
No matter how many rationalizations he had gone through these past five days, facing reality now left him trembling.
“Gilbert.”
“…Huh, yes!”
Just then.
His master’s voice broke through Gilbert’s stupor.
“Don’t be nervous. Anyway, that brat is just a low-ranking magician.”
“…”
“Not only is her magical power weak, but she hasn’t even awakened her attributes. It’s a duel that’s entirely in your favor.”
His master continued with advice.
“This duel is being observed by the powerful figures of the magic world and those from the Five Great Towers. But your opponent is weaker than you.”
“…”
“In other words, this is an opportunity for you to prove your abilities.”
“…Ah.”
—We shall commence the duel!
Just as the announcer’s voice echoed out.
At that moment, Gilbert and Riley made their entrance into the arena.
There was no fanfare.
The audience stared at Riley and Gilbert with blank expressions, as if measuring their true capabilities.
“…”
“…”
Gilbert turned his gaze forward.
He saw Riley.
For some reason?
Perhaps because he heeded his master’s advice at the last moment, she no longer seemed all that scary.
‘Right.’
Riley was just a low-ranking magician.
That meant she was still a rookie.
In contrast, he was a prestigious young wizard who had already reached the intermediate level. Now was the time to showcase the stark difference in their levels to everyone.
Crash—!
As the duel began, an incantation erupted from Riley’s hand.
“…So slow.”
But Gilbert merely wore a relaxed smile. Slowly, magical energy began to churn in his Mana Hearth.
Whrrr—!
His master was right.
This duel was incredibly favorable for Gilbert.
*
‘…I won!*
Two exchanges.
The duel ended in just two exchanges.
Of course, the victor was Gilbert Winifred, the greatest prodigy of this era.
Buzz, buzz—.
After the duel concluded, another celebratory gathering emerged.
“…No way, you beat Riley?”
Dorothy Grayard was aghast.
“I didn’t know Gilbert was this talented. The genius was not Riley but you. I apologize for my earlier remarks at the meal five days ago. My sincerest apologies.”
Arpel Stingwood bowed slightly, apologizing to him.
“You… truly are remarkable. It’s impressive how easily you defeated Riley.”
And even Garon Theobalt, the living legend and high-ranking magician of the Empire…
“Would you, by any chance, consider becoming my disciple?”
“…!”
He offered a request for him to become his disciple.
An extraordinary proposal!
But Gilbert shook his head vigorously.
“One cannot serve two masters under the same sky.”
“Oh…!”
“I, Gilbert Winifred, am solely a disciple of Lady Pamela.”
The deep bond between master and disciple!
Seeing this, Garon Theobalt exclaimed with admiration!
“You are a bold individual! I like that! Even if you aren’t my disciple, it’s fine! I shall support you in every way possible for the rest of your life!”
Garon Theobalt recognized his genius!
And with such full support from him!
“I congratulate you on your entry into our tower.”
Following that, having passed the final selection exam, Gilbert entered the Five Great Towers and continued to grow under the tutelage of outstanding wizards.
….
….
Time flows.
Ten years.
And twenty years.
“Whew, hahahaha!”
Thus, Gilbert achieved it!
He reached the ultimate level that all sorcerers dream of!
The realm of the Archmage…!
“G-Gilbert!”
In the Great Hall of the Empire.
In front of everyone, he was officially bestowed the title of Archmage by the Emperor.
“…I have liked you for a long time, Gilbert!”
The beautiful princess, who had secretly held a one-sided crush on him for ages, finally confessed her feelings.
“Will you marry me…?”
With flowers in hand, she asked him to marry her!
There was no reason to refuse.
It was a happy married life.
Two children!
One daughter!
One son!
“Whew, hahahaha!”
Every day was filled with joy.
“Daddy! Give me more meat!”
“Sure!”
Today, Gilbert continued the barbecue party with his family.
The party took place in the hillside behind their vacation home.
Whoosh—.
At that moment, shooting stars were raining down from the night sky.
“Honey, we should make a wish.”
“Okay!”
Gilbert quietly gazed at the falling stars, making a wish.
‘Please let this happy life continue…’
As he sincerely wished, a thought struck him.
‘…Wait a minute.’
At that moment.
A sudden realization dawned on him.
‘But isn’t this plot nonsensical…?’
Something was off.
Gilbert squinted, feeling the oddity, then closed and opened his eyes again.
‘Ah…’
Star.
The falling star, which had been drifting through the night sky, was now right in front of him.
No.
Upon closer inspection, it wasn’t a shooting star.
CRACKLE—!
An attack spell was hurtling right at him.
‘W-What…’
As he saw the spell, Gilbert shouted inwardly.
‘I need to block it…!’
But it was already far too late.
ZAP—!
“…Ughhhhhh!”
Hit directly by Riley’s lightning spell, Gilbert shuddered, every muscle in his body cried out in agony.
Thud.
Gilbert, completely charred black, collapsed, losing consciousness.
“…”
The frog in the well thus became an electric grilled frog.
*
[Hoo…]
We immediately spread the word upon receiving Gilbert’s duel challenge.
It was to promote that Riley had completed “Attribute Awakening.”
If word spread that a mere low-ranking girl had achieved attribute awakening, Riley’s market value would soar.
It was because this had never happened in the history of the Empire.
Naturally, the Five Great Towers couldn’t ignore this development either, as it would heavily impact the final evaluations of the selection exam.
And above all…
Word would undoubtedly reach Yan Irantes about Riley.
“The top guide, Pamela von Haselfpart’s secretly nurtured disciple: Gilbert Winifred
VS
The Empire’s top shield, acknowledged by high magician Garon Theobalt: Rising Star Riley”
Such titles were indeed enough to attract the attention of other participants.
Consequently, as intended, even the administrators of the Five Great Towers showed interest in this duel.
“…Ughhhhh!”
Well, looking at the results, the publicity was successful.
It was just a bit disappointing that we didn’t get to see the true power of “Lightning Magic.”
After all, Gilbert had been knocked out in one blow.
[……That was underwhelming.]
Though I had expected at least the strength of a training dummy.
How could this guy not even withstand one exchange?
It was unfortunate, but it seemed I would need to test “Lightning Magic’s” strength on another opponent.
“…Huh?”
Just as Riley was about to leave the arena after finishing the duel.
She paused.
Spotting something, she momentarily halted her steps.
‘Magician.’
[Why?]
‘Gilbert is… smiling?’
[What?]
Hearing Riley’s words, I looked at Gilbert, who was sprawled on the floor.
Zzap, zzz—.
The residual current caused him to sporadically convulse. A faint smile lingered at the corners of his mouth.
What the?
He’s actually smiling.
[Leave him be.]
Perhaps he’s dreaming a nice dream.