Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Contrary to the misconceptions of many, Ivan is not particularly fixated on axes. (Dmitri, his immediate successor, did not agree with this statement.)

However, in Ivan’s opinion, the axe was a tool with many advantages.

When chopping or cleaving, it has a stronger center of gravity than a sword.

It can be utilized as a hammer when striking from the back, and along the curved edge of the axe, it can entangle an opponent’s weapon like a hook.

Besides its advantages as a military weapon, there are many other uses; at some point, Ivan had compiled a list of various uses for an axe.

It’s useful for opening bottles, cans, doors, cracking nuts, and anything else that can be tackled.

-*Slrrk.*

So, the reason for Ivan’s thoughts was rather simple.

He was currently drawing his sword. Personally, he didn’t particularly like swords, but it was necessary.

He planned to respond to the on-site practical assault with his best efforts. One could feel his sincerity from the fact that he had armed himself with an axe.

“Veolgrin.”The origin of this chapter's debut can be traced to N0v3l--B1n.

Every time he thought of that arrogant elf, it was enough to make his teeth grind. Prepared with all sorts of attack spells, and what for? A test?

On the other hand, he was not bothering to take out most of his weapons, more like going for a casual walk. At most, he had a pistol and an axe!

To justify, that was how it was. Ivan knew he was making excuses, but anyway, he learned an important lesson.

-*Be prepared for the armed state in case a warrior party-level power emerges and becomes hostile at any time.*

Basically, he didn’t care about the type of weapon as long as he could wield it. While there might be more familiar weapons, there was no such thing as an unfamiliar military weapon.

After all, he had been on the front lines for 20 years. Supply weapons often broke, so everything at hand on the front line had to be utilized.

Ivan strapped a dagger to his waist, slung a sword over his shoulder, tied an axe to his lower back, and stuffed a pistol, magazines, and a few explosive grenades into his pouch.

***

“Isn’t this year’s candidate amazing, Miss Enrique?” (Robert)

“Oh, indeed.” (Enrique)

“I have high expectations. It’s a test personally supervised by Miss Enrique! All the nobles of Frechenkaya wanted to watch together.”

“Is it to make students a spectacle?” (Enrique)

“Oh, no! It doesn’t mean that!” (Robert)

Enrique shook her head with an expressionless face. The guy blabbering beside him was a 2nd-year knight majoring in knighthood. His name... she doesn’t remember.

She had lived for a long time. (She doesn’t admit it.) It meant that she had faced and sent off as many people as her years.

The way undead look at the world is as follows: those who have nothing to remember try not to remember. If you don’t want to spend your life mourning every acquaintance you’re going to say goodbye to, you have to do that.

For this guy, it wasn’t worth it. Enrique didn’t bother to remember the name of this ‘professor’.

“They say Sir Oscar’s skills have improved a lot. I have great expectations.” (Robert)

“Ah, you’re from Tylesse, aren’t you?” (Enrique)

“Yes, you remembered me!” (Robert)

I vaguely remembered. I think he was from some kind of royal guard in Tylesse....

Enrique lowered her head.

“Isabella is also a talented individual. Yuri Frank, that kid is excellent too.” (Enrique)

“Isabella, maybe, but Yuri Frank. I did look at the file for that student, but well... for a commoner, she’s quite something.” (Robert)

“A commoner... you say?” (Enrique)

Enrique chuckled. Well, coming from a war orphan, you could say she’s a commoner.

Would this sleek-looking guy really know? Half of the warrior party were commoners.

Maximilian, Ainar, and her. Enrique.

But what can you do? Nobles want to think that way. Now, with youthful vigor a thing of the past, Enrique shrugged.

“Enrique.” (Ivan)

At that moment, Ivan was approaching from a distance. Ignoring the chattering professor, Enrique raised her hand.

“Oh, Ivan! What’s up?” (Enrique)

“Can I watch?” (Ivan)

That alone was strange enough for an exam, but in a different sense, this method was also ‘familiar.’

‘It’s such a favorable environment for external hostile forces to intervene.’

This forest is within the Frechenkaya territory. Moreover, if you go a little further from the outskirts of the forest, there is a military base stationed there.

In other words, it’s a perfectly safe space. So, planning such an intense exam and getting approval from the university would be understandable.

However, this is an academy field exercise. Therefore, there will definitely be an external attack.

Then, let’s think about ‘how’ excluding ‘why.’

‘I can’t lurk in the forest. Enrique’s subordinates have probably already searched it.’

So where would the attack start?

It wouldn’t be from the sky. After the incident with the elven aerial battleship, Krasilov was sincerely committed to air defense.

It’s almost impossible for a ground attack. Even if there was a way to reach it, the Situation Command is now very sensitive due to the recent train terrorist attack in this area.

Then....

‘Underground.’

According to the elimination method, the only place where attackers could appear is underground.

You should be sure that an attack will happen for this to be possible, but Ivan was a sensible person, so he didn’t doubt it.

‘Those average guys.’

Assuming that attackers would come through the underground tunnels, the only race that came to mind was Dwarves.

Those communist shorties. If those guys were planning an underground attack, it would be almost impossible to prepare in advance. It’s because it’s unpredictable where they would emerge.

Considering their tactical goals, deduction was possible. Assuming that Dwarves were attacking, if the Demon Army deliberately targeted the entrance exam of the academy, the target was already decided.

‘Isabelle or Oscar.’

The members of the hero party are targets of hatred for the Demon Army. A party that slaughtered most of the Seven Dragons and even defeated the Demon King. Although they themselves are now integrated into various social strata and it’s difficult for them to be directly hit, it’s not the case for their children.

Seeing those who drove the entire demon race into a pit happily raising their children, it would be a twisted situation from the demon’s perspective.

From that point of view, from Ivan’s perspective, this incident is very transparent.

If the motives, methods, and goals of the terror are specified, it’s no longer terrorism. It’s just a riot.

Ivan looked at Isabelle, who was holding the bead, from a distance. She was giggling, seemingly lost in thought.

-Clang.

Ivan, sidestepping his hips, placed his hand on the sword.

To deal with Dwarves, he drew his sword. Dwarves were a race difficult to handle with axes.

So, it means preparations are complete.

***

“What is it... really, Uncle.”

Isabelle looked at Ivan, who was standing in a corner of the platform, sidestepping an ill-suited sword like a knight. It looked quite sturdy and confident.

Ivan is a gardener. Strictly speaking, he is a national secret agent, but at least on the surface, he is a gardener.

So, if this Ivan, who is a gardener, is here to witness this exam, there must be a reason.

“You worry too much. Really.”

Isabelle turned her gaze, carefully managing her expression. Deep down, the old man is worrying about her. And probably, he wants to confirm the education he provided.

Yeah, let’s show him.

Isabelle shrugged her shoulders, firmly gripping the hilt of the sword.

Let’s proudly show the results of the dreadful training over the past few days and snatch the top spot.

And then, thank him for helping with the training, naturally leading to a meal, well... or even coffee. Hmm... or maybe a play.

After all, Krasilov is a country renowned for its cultural arts.

Isabelle, for a moment, imagined Ivan watching an opera and laughed, thinking how terribly mismatched it would be.

“....”

At that moment,

Ivan, being an extremely efficient person, was preparing to shave the Dwarves.

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