Summoning Genius of Kizen - Chapter 63

Summoning Genius of Kizen - Chapter 63 Aaron strode forward, opened the research lab door, and went inside. Simon watched his retreating back with a slightly dumbfounded expression. 'Professor Aaron makes jokes too.' Simon didn't know it, but if other teaching assistants had seen this, they would have fainted. And so, Simon entered Aaron's research lab for the first time. Everywhere he looked, the room was filled with all sorts of unidentified undead materials. Just by being in this room, one could feel how much Aaron loved Summoning Studies. In particular, the dragon bones that coiled around the entire lab were incredibly impressive. They swayed as if alive, seeming to be in a skeleton state rather than mere decoration. “Just sit anywhere.” Aaron said, pulling off his pants. He then tossed them, hanging them on the neck of the dragon bones that coiled around the classroom. The dragon bones shook their neck as if disgusted, but didn't resist beyond that. Simon suppressed a laugh and looked for a place to sit. Valuable undead research materials were hung on the walls and scattered all over the floor, so Simon had to be careful with every step. He soon found a sofa, gently moved a ghoul model leaning against it, and sat down. “Alright, what did you want to ask?” Aaron, who had already stripped off his top and was wearing shorts and slippers, was clattering as he brewed tea. Simon took a light breath and said, “In the Duel Evaluation, I want to know how to win using only Summoning Studies.” Aaron's movements paused for a moment. But it was only for a moment; he then calmly poured tea into a cup. “Why do something so useless?” “Excuse me…?” “Simon Pollentia. I know you're excelling in Martial Arts and other subjects too.” Aaron approached and pushed a teacup towards Simon. “There’s an obvious way to easily pass this evaluation, so I don’t understand why you’d go through such trouble.” Simon swallowed dryly. He actually expected Aaron to say something like that. Even in the first Summoning Studies class, Aaron had made remarks that seemed to belittle Summoning Studies himself. That's why it was even stranger. Looking at this research lab, he could feel so much. Why would someone who loved Summoning Studies so much, someone who poured so much passion into his major, say such things to Kizen students? “Then, I’d like to ask you the opposite, Professor.” Simon’s eyes sharpened. “If a Summoning Studies major wants to win with Summoning Studies, do they need another reason?” “……” Aaron stopped his movements and stared at Simon. Simon didn't avoid his gaze either. After a moment of silence, Aaron picked up his teacup and drank the tea. Simon, whose throat was parched, also carefully took a sip. The first taste was bitter, but the lingering aftertaste in his mouth was sweet. “Do you want me to reveal the solution? Or…” As Aaron set down his teacup, an unbelievable smile appeared on his lips. “Do you want me to supplement the solution you’ve chosen?” At the same time, Simon also bared his teeth and grinned. “The latter, Professor.” *** Finally, the day of the Duel Evaluation. Kizen was operating five indoor arenas simultaneously for the Duel Evaluation. Dick, Mei-rin, and Kamibarez were in Arena 2. Only Simon from Group 7 was taking his test in the morning. Everyone had come to cheer him on. But. “Where in the world is he?!” Mei-rin stomped her foot in the stands. Kamibarez also fidgeted, constantly looking around. Simon’s turn was approaching soon, but there was no sign of him. “You two stay here.” Finally, Dick got up from his seat. “I’ll go out and look for him.” While Dick was out, another match ended. The victorious student raised both hands in joy, and the student whose barrier gauge reached 0 bowed their head in defeat. The Duel Evaluation rules were similar to the Cyclops practical evaluation. Students on both sides wore ‘Protective Suits’ with full-body barrier effects, and the one whose barrier gauge reached 0 lost. Students who won today’s duel would start in the Middle Squad, and those who lost would start in the Lower Squad. If they lost again in the Lower Squad next week, they would be demoted to the Lowest Squad based on their grades. In other words, ‘expulsion from Kizen’ would become a real possibility. Because of this fact, the pressure on all students was at its peak. The stands were filled with students who came to cheer on their friends, or students who came to gather information. Of course, besides Kizen students, there were also adults from various parts of the Dark Alliance who had received entry permits. Kizen students were the future talents who would lead the continent, so it was natural for various agencies and organizations to gather information. And right now, the scouts in Arena 2 had one main interest. “We’ll soon get to see this year’s Special Case No. 1.” “Simon Pollentia, I’ve never heard the name before.” “His origin is unclear. He’s a student suddenly selected by Lady Neptis.” “They say he’s specializing in Summoning Studies.” “Summoning Studies? What are the Kizen professors doing? They’re not really thinking of putting Special Case No. 1 into Summoning Studies, are they?” As the adults in the stands chatted and filled out their scout lists, Mei-rin and Kamibarez were the most anxious. The two couldn’t sit still and kept scanning the waiting room. Just then, an announcement came from the loudspeaker on the ceiling. -Student Simon Pollentia from Class A. Student Haren Koke from Class G. Please come to the arena. Haren Koke, his opponent, was entering the arena. Kamibarez trembled, clasping her hands together. “Please, Simon! Where in the world are you?!” *** Haren Koke walked into the arena and took a deep breath. The inspector who had collected Haren’s blood gave an OK sign. Just as Bahil had said, he didn’t fail the doping test. ‘Haaah, I’m really overflowing with power.’ This feeling right now… it was hard to describe. Haren had always lived chasing someone else’s back. But now it was different. It felt as if everything in the world was beneath his feet. He felt like he could crush anyone if he put his mind to it. ‘…Simon Pollentia.’ Special Case No. 1 from Class A. A special case among special cases. He already found all the special admission students annoying. The Special Case No. 8 in Haren’s Class G was like that too; they were all arrogant and violent. People who were born into good families, lived in luxury, never starved, received immense support, and were born with overflowing talent due to their genetics without much effort. ‘Just you wait.’ Haren knew that most of the scouts watching in the stands were here to see Simon. But after this Duel Evaluation, their minds would change. The entire continent would focus on him. And Haren’s gaze shifted to one side of the stands. At the far end of the stands, Bahil, dressed in a white suit, was also watching this match. ‘…He said not to kill him, right?’ Haren couldn’t give up this power. He wanted to continue receiving Bahil’s support, and for that, he intended to become Bahil’s direct disciple no matter what. ‘At the very least, I’ll thoroughly break an arm and a leg.’ He had painstakingly grasped this one tiny chance, which those born into wealthy families would enjoy their entire lives. It was probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He would never let it go now. He would use any means necessary. -Student Simon Pollentia from Class A. Please come to the arena. But his opponent was a little late. Now, not only the broadcast within Arena 2, but also the school-wide broadcast was echoing, searching for Simon. ‘…Late? Typical of these special case bastards.’ Haren crossed his arms. The referee overseeing the match looked at his wristwatch. “The schedule is delayed. If Student Simon Pollentia does not arrive in 5 minutes, he will be disqualified. This duel will be a victory for Student Haren Koke.” Disappointed gasps and clicks of tongues were heard from various places. Mei-rin and Kamibarez stomped their feet. No matter how they thought about it, something must have happened. If Dick couldn’t find him, no one could. And so, 5 minutes flew by in the blink of an eye, and the referee, checking his wristwatch, said, “Time’s up. This match is a victory for Student Haren Koke’s…” “Wait a minute!” Thump! At the dramatic moment, the waiting room door opened, and Simon, with a haggard face, walked out, supported by Dick. “Ohh!” “He’s here!” Both the waiting scout officials and students smiled at the fact that the big match wasn’t canceled. “Simon!” “You idiot!!” Kamibarez and Mei-rin waved, greatly relieved. Simon also spotted them and slightly raised his hand to indicate he was okay. “I can walk on my own, Dick.” “Honestly.” Dick, releasing his support, slapped Simon’s back. “Do well.” “Yeah.” Simon walked into the arena and bowed to the referee. “I apologize for being late.” “Well, it’s alright. Please prepare quickly.” The waiting assistants rushed over, dressed Simon in his Protective Suit, and collected his blood. The Duel Evaluation preparations were quickly finished. “Both contestants, shake hands.” At the referee’s instruction, Simon and Haren met in the middle and clasped hands. Simon smiled faintly. “Sorry I’m late.” “……” Haren said nothing, just observing Simon’s condition. Haggard face, deep dark circles. Uniform covered in dirt. ‘Clearly, his condition is a mess. This will be an easy win.’ The two finished their handshake and distanced themselves. A screen unfolded from the mana projector. [Simon Pollentia: 100%] [Haren Koke: 100%] “The match ends the moment one side loses consciousness or their barrier gauge reaches 0%.” The two nodded and took their stances. In an instant, a tense atmosphere filled the entire arena. Mei-rin and Kamibarez craned their necks, waiting, when Dick, who had come up to the stands, approached them, dripping with sweat. “Dick! You worked so hard!” “What’s wrong with you now? Where was Simon?” Dick’s uniform was covered in dirt in various places. Dick plopped down in his seat and brushed off the dirt. “Simon was behind the arena.” “Huh?” “I’ll explain later. For now, let’s just watch.” Simon in the arena closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Huuuuuuh.” And when he opened his eyes again, his original concentration had returned. ‘What a monster.’ Haren forced a wry smile and lowered his stance further. The referee, who had raised his arm high, dropped it. “Match start!”