Arc 3 Chapter 4 : Field Practicum

[Brian PoV]

Where am I...?

How did the fight go...?

Opening my eyes, I found myself, for some reason, in a dark room, the sound of a fierce storm and heavy rain echoing around me.

Wait a moment... this place feels familiar.

Isn't this my Soul Room!? But why does it look so dark and unsettling now?

A flash of golden light suddenly appeared before me, brightening the space slightly.

Someone stepped out of that light — it was Master Pendragon, my Guide within this Soul Room.

"Hello, Brian," Master greeted, smiling at me. "What's wrong with you?"

"Master! Why does this place look so terrifying now?" I asked him. "What's actually going on?"

"I should be the one asking you that, Brian," Master answered, placing a hand on my shoulder. "The state of a Soul Room reflects the condition of one's own soul."

Master then explained to me how the Soul Room worked.

This place was a reflection of a person's inner self — the Soul Room would grow bright and comfortable when its owner's heart remained stable and at peace. But if the owner's soul was in turmoil, the Soul Room would become a terrifying place, making it far harder to advance one's Profound Codex.

"So, what exactly is troubling your heart right now?" Master asked.

I could only lower my head in response to his question.

That's right — I'd lost to him in that duel, a duel that had staked Ariel's safety on the outcome. How could I have lost to him? My magic was superior, my swordsmanship far more refined than his, and my spells were better.

Throughout the fight, I'd held the advantage the entire time. Yet at the very last moment, somehow he'd managed to turn the tables and unleash an attack that powerful.

"Brian, I can't help you if you don't tell me anything," Master coaxed gently. "It's my duty as your Guide to help you face whatever troubles come your way."

I then told Master about what had happened, about a woman named Ariel, my relationship with her, and the man I despised so much — Raul de Garcia.

"Hah... young people these days," Master said, sighing and shaking his head after hearing my story.

"Why are you reacting like that, Master? Have you gone through something similar yourself?" I asked him.

"If your resolve can already crumble over something like this, your journey as a hero will only grow far heavier than this!" Master scolded me sternly. "Still, this man you've described, Raul de Garcia, sounds rather intriguing."

"He's just an ordinary noble. He's never even used his Nature Mana in a fight. Everyone assumes he doesn't have one, since no one's ever seen him use it," I told Master.

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"And yet, he still managed to defeat you without ever using it," Master countered, gently ribbing me.

I had nothing to say in response — after all, he really had beaten me in this duel. I also recalled the final words he'd said to me.

"Never speak to Ariel again."

How could I possibly get through all this without ever speaking to Ariel again?

"Your face looks increasingly gloomy, like someone who's already given up, Brian," Master said, looking at me with concern. "A hero must always believe in himself. If a hero doubts himself, then who are the people he's meant to protect supposed to place their hope in?"

Master was right — there was no point wallowing in despair like this. I would train harder and challenge Raul again, so I could speak with Ariel once more.

"Your expression looks much better now," Master said, smiling at me.

Master's body suddenly began dissolving into particles of light.

"It seems our time in the Soul Room has come to an end, Brian," Master said, gripping both my shoulders. "Don't be afraid. Keep moving forward and face every obstacle with courage, to become a true hero."

Hearing Master's words, my heart burned with renewed fire, and the once-dark Soul Room around me began to brighten.

"Good. We'll work on developing your Profound Codex at our next meeting."

After saying those final words, Master's presence vanished instantly. My vision began to blur, then fade to black.

Slowly opening my eyes again, I found myself waking up somewhere different this time.

This was the infirmary...

Who had brought me here?

"You're finally awake."

I heard a voice from beside me.

Turning my head, I saw a blonde woman sitting there calmly.

"President Elena, did you bring me here?" I asked her.

"That's right. I've been waiting for you to wake up," she answered, standing up. "Now, you're not going to question the decision we made, are you?"

Why was she asking me that? Did President Elena know about my duel with Raul?

"If you understand now, good. I'll head back to the dorm to rest, since it's already quite late."

After saying that to me, she left, walking out of the room.

Now it was just me alone in this room, with no one else here to keep me company.

[Ariel PoV]

A few days after the duel, specifically on the third day of the second month, year 621 of the Frankian calendar, every third-year student at Grunbelt Academy would depart for their respective locations to begin their field practicum.

Brian still hadn't spoken to me at all since the duel — instead, he'd sent me an apology letter, explaining he wouldn't be accompanying me through this activity.

Why did he always insist on resolving things through duels? Now he had to face the consequences of losing to Raul, leaving us unable to speak with each other.

I supposed I needed to talk to him and try to convince him to call off that agreement.

Arriving at the field where dozens of carriages waited to carry the students, I immediately searched for the number of the carriage I'd be riding.

Once I found it, I saw several students already lined up in front of Raul.

"Ariel, come here," the black-haired man instructed. "I'm about to give the briefing."

I followed his instruction and joined the line of students here.

Looking around, weren't they all disciplinary committee members? But I also recognized two other Priestesses here, besides myself.

"I'll be leading the group of students assigned to the Margraviate of Cataluna," Raul said, opening his briefing. "This group consists of 20 people — three priests, four mages, and 13 fighters."

The Margraviate of Cataluna was territory ruled by Marquis Fran de Cataluna, one of the Aragon Empire's war generals. He also commanded the forces stationed along the Empire's northeastern border.

"There, we'll be assisting with patrol duties, monster extermination, and raids against bandit hideouts," Raul explained what we'd be doing there. "We'll be carrying out this activity there for three months. Any questions so far?"

No one said a single word in response to Raul's question.

"Alright then, everyone board these two carriages. The journey to the Margraviate of Cataluna will take roughly nine to ten days."

Everyone began boarding the carriages. I gathered up all my belongings and climbed aboard to begin the journey.

Ten days, huh? This was going to be quite a long journey.

I supposed that made sense, given we were heading toward the border, the farthest reaches of this nation from the capital.

I hoped our work there would go well and smoothly. I prayed everyone would return home safely, carrying with them a wealth of valuable experience.