"I hope that you can investigate this matter properly so you can verify that I am telling the truth. I am confident that my innocence will be proven."
He studied me for briefly, then gave a quiet sigh.
He withdrew his hand and stepped back.
"Alright, I will try my best to investigate the matter personally so it can be resolved swiftly. Since you have already agreed to it, you should prepare for your duel against Ivory."
"Don't underestimate her strength; she secured the 1st place in the Magical Swordsman Path rankings, which is far higher than the 20th place you secured."
"Regardless, I will do my best to ensure that no one gets hurt or is irreversibly harmed." He waved for me to leave his office.
"Thank you for your support, instructor." I nodded.
If there is ever a chance, I will ensure that you are heavily repaid in the future.
I sneered in my heart.
Just wait until I become a capable hero.
At this moment, time was my only ally.
I turned around and walked out of the office.
Back in the boy's dormitory, I ignored the glances cast my way as I walked through the corridor.
I placed my ID key into the scanner.
Beep.
Identity verified.
I walked into my room and shut the door behind me.
My bedroom was around 300 square feet. It had a desk table and a table right beside the window. On the opposite side was a king-sized bed.
It also served as my living room.
On the other side was a corridor leading to the kitchen. There was also a door leading to the bathroom and toilet, both of which were around 150 square feet.
Like every room within the dorm, it was cooled through a magic-powered AC.
The room was impossible to open without the registered ID. Due to emergencies, the door was made to break down easily, but that was it.
I was already dressed in my combat uniform—a black military jacket, navy blue undershirt, reinforced trousers, armoured boots, and gloves. My belt was lined with empty slots.
My iron sword was sheathed beside my waist.
The only difference between combat uniforms and ordinary uniforms was that combat uniforms were made to be used within the dungeon, so they were more durable and provided extra layered protection for safety.
I looked into the mirror and adjusted my collar.
It's showtime.
...
The sky was still dark.
The training ground was a wide open field made of a mixture of hardened earth and reinforced stone. It was designed to endure the relentless clashes of awakeners during training and allow them to hone their crafts.
Stationed at the edges of the training ground were enchanted dummies capable of aiding awakeners in their training due to their ability to adapt to various attacks.
Beyond this training ground were several similar training grounds, including specialised training grounds, spread out in the area, which included landscapes like a densely forested area.
I stood alone at one end of the central platform.
Ivory stood opposite me, still strangely dressed in her standard uniform. Except for this time, her attire was properly arranged modestly.
Her nonchalant expression told me she was confident about emerging victorious in this duel.
Unfortunately, her conniving plot was going to be unsuccessful.
Off to the side were her lackeys, still barking like a dog without bites.
I loosened my shoulders, breathing low and steady.
Then, the instructors arrived.
Fredric was accompanied by a woman.
She had mocha skin tone and thick braided hair wrapped in a black scarf embroidered with crimson roses. She wore a loose, off-shoulder top tucked into high-waisted combat leather pants and an ankle-length black boot. Around her waist was a leather belt with daggers strapped to her thigh and belt.
The woman exuded a fierce and deadly aura.
A heavy scent of blood drifted into my nose upon her arrival.
A Berserker! Just the word sent a shiver down my spine.
My nose twitched
Everyone stilled upon noticing her.
They arrived at the centre of the training field.
Fredric motioned for us to come closer with his finger.
We arrived before them.
"This is miss Sarafina, instructor of the First Year Student Berserker Path," Fredric introduced her.
Sarafina looked straight at me.
"So, are you the one that requested my presence?" She asked.
I bowed slightly and introduced myself. "I am Ezekiel Zahara of the First Year Magical Swordsman Path."
My posture and speech were refined and respected as one from a noble lineage.
Then I responded to her question: "I asked for another instructor to supervise the duel. I didn't specifically ask for you. But since you have decided to accept my request, I hope that you will observe everything until the end, and we will be impartial in your decisions."
Before I could lift my head, she lunged forward, grabbed me by the collar, and yanked me up.
I made no attempt to resist because I didn't possess the strength to do so.
Besides, if the rumours about the First Year Instructor of the Berserker Path resiting would only end me in the infirmary or worse.
I gazed into her eyes. Deep crimson, like the shade of blood. Sharp. Filled with killing intent.
Yeah, it would be useless to resist.
"Fredric has informed me about everything that had transpired. I want to ask you a question, and you have only two options. First, answer truthfully, and I will accompany your instructor to the disciplinary committee to arrange a fitting punishment for your actions."
She paused as though giving me the opportunity to ponder briefly.
"Or second, you choose to lie, and when the official investigation is completed and you are proven guilty, I will ensure that you regret stepping into this academy," Sarafina said, her tone cold and threatening.
"Did you attempt to assault Ivory?" She asked, her grip tightening around my collar.
It seems that she had already formed her decision prior to her arrival.