Subscriber of the Gods - Chapter 90: Parent Observation Class (3)

“Count Garcia.”

“Oh, isn’t it Count Spencer? Did you find some time this time?”

“I couldn’t attend the previous observation classes consecutively, so I made time for it.”

“Hahaha, you’ve come at a good time.”

The gaze of numerous nobles was focused on Ethan, including Count Spencer.

“I heard that this teacher ranked first among the new teachers this time. He defeated Ciron Ramsdale and took the top spot, right? From what I saw, I don’t think he earned it through skill.”

“Hmm? Then why do you think he got the top spot?”

“Well, wouldn’t it be to restrain the Principal, the Sword Saint? No, rather than restraint, you could say it’s a battle of pride. Weren’t they rivals back in the day? Giving the top spot to the grandson of that Sword Saint…”

“Doesn’t his pride allow that?”

“That’s right. I think he got the top spot because he was lucky.”

“Hmm, I heard that Paqueta’s granddaughter is also here. If she’s the Archmage’s granddaughter, she should be considered for the top spot, right? Their relationship isn’t that bad, and her skill is outstanding.”

“What’s the Principal’s reputation? Isn’t it the Ghost Sword, not a mage? It’s natural for a swordsman to be attracted to a swordsman rather than a mage. Anyway, a teacher pushed by the Principal must have the skill, but I don’t think it’s that remarkable.”

Count Garcia looked at Count Spencer.

Actually, this wasn’t just Count Spencer’s own thoughts. Among the nobles gathered here, no one didn’t know how the academy worked.

A new teacher leading 75 students until the end of the semester? That’s an impossible task.

Moreover, Ethan, being a newcomer, was said to be in charge of other classes as well.

Leading one class was not an ordinary task, and he was handling two classes shortly after becoming a teacher.

No matter how one looked at it, it was not a normal situation. It could only be thought of as receiving preferential treatment.

Other parents were looking at Ethan, but they didn’t seem particularly focused.

There weren’t high expectations like the previous observation class.

Of course, some parents were still observing how well Ethan was doing.

“The content of the class is vaguely conveyed, so it’s hard to tell whether he’s doing well or not.”

“Then Count Spencer must think that Teacher Ethan Whiskers is an unremarkable teacher.”

“It’s not that he’s unremarkable; he must have some ability. It’s just that it’s been exaggerated. If he were a real genius teacher, he should be at least on the level of Teacher Claudie Hyde, right?”

Count Spencer shrugged his shoulders and replied.

Count Garcia nodded slightly in response.

From what he had seen, Ethan was definitely not on that level.

“That makes sense. However, I believe Teacher Ethan Whiskers will show something.”

“Oh, then…”

Count Spencer chuckled.

“How about a bet, Count?”

“A bet?”

“Yes, a bet. If I win… well, how about Count giving me one of those cherished swords of yours?”

Count Garcia’s sword was a famous masterpiece crafted by a renowned blacksmith.

Although it was a highly valuable item for such a bet, Count Garcia revealed a smile, seemingly pleased by the proposal.

“A substantial wager. Well, if I win, how about you giving me that dagger you favor, Count Spencer?”

Count Spencer’s dagger had a rare gem embedded in its handle, said to be exclusive to the Magic Empire. It was a high-priced dagger with no practical combat use but was remarkably beautiful.

Count Spencer nodded confidently as if he thought he would undoubtedly win the bet.

“Agreed. I’m looking forward to it! Hm!”

He then clenched his fist and exhaled forcefully.

In his mind, the elegant sword of Count Garcia was already there. Imagining himself proudly showcasing the sword while visiting the territories of various nobles seemed to bring him great joy.

Count Garcia was also in a good mood, much like Count Spencer.

While harboring different intentions, Ethan spoke as the atmosphere unfolded.

Some students were breathless in this situation.

It was a lecture that attracted attention not only from ordinary nobles but also from high-ranking nobles of the Holy Empire.

If they were in Ethan’s place, they might have fainted at the thought. With such reflections, the students focused on Ethan’s words.

“This class will be conducted in a sparring format. The students will demonstrate what they’ve learned from me in a short time through training during this class.”

As Ethan activated the artifacts, all obstacles disappeared except for the parent seats.

In response, students stepped forward.

Ethan stood in the center, and the students surrounded him.

Despite some nervousness, their eyes were alive.

“Swords.”

Swish!

75 students simultaneously raised their swords. It was perfectly timed. With their convincing postures and sound, the parents showed expressions of admiration.

“Considering how well they timed that, it seems like he taught them well.”

“But is something like that important? It seems more like a showy gesture.”

“If they join the Imperial Army, such formalities are crucial. Hm.”

“At least to this extent, he might be worthy of the top rank.”

“Hahaha, still a bit amusing. They’re just students. Don’t they look like knights?”

Some parents chuckled, finding it amusing.

“Well, Ivecar’s teachers should naturally be able to do this much. It doesn’t look particularly special, though.”

Karlson Yeld murmured next to Duke Yeld. Indeed, the control just displayed was a teacher-like aspect of Ivecar.

The accompanying students were precisely pointing their swords at Ethan, presenting a plausible appearance. Although looking impressive was important, substance mattered most. Smirking with one side of his mouth, Karlson clenched his fist.

Now, Karlson was curious about how Ethan would conduct the sparring.

“Pathetic. Can’t even stand out among 75 students. Shouldn’t you at least stand out among the students?”

Suddenly, seeing Mason naturally mixed among the students, a harsh remark escaped Karlson.

Mason, as a Duke Yeld’s descendant, was seemingly quiet, even to the point where he didn’t stand out among the 75 students.

If he were truly of Duke blood, he should have a commanding presence among those students.

“Even Max Jurod seems to be absent?”

“Probably attending Claudie’s class. Originally, there’s no reason for him to attend this new teacher’s class, right?”

Duke Yeld was also not pleased with the situation unfolding before him. He initially thought of making a quick observation and leaving.

There was a thought of leaving midway, but he decided not to do so for the sake of the other parents.

“Hmm.”

“There doesn’t seem to be much more to see, Father.”

“It might be better to watch a little more to see how Teacher Ethan conducts the class.”

Like DukeYeld, other parents also didn’t have high expectations.

Some even ridiculed the situation. Perhaps because he was a new teacher, they thought he was given too much credit for the first parent observation class.

“Why is he standing there so meekly?”

“Did he teach them wrong? If they’re supposed to spar, why is he killing the students’ spirit?”

Some wore uncomfortable expressions, and some laughed in disbelief.

It seemed like they didn’t appreciate their children extinguishing their spirit and blending in like ordinary students.

Ethan glanced at the parents who were observing him.

‘Laugh as much as you want now.’

No one would be laughing from now on.

A thump, a small sound of a rolling foot, and Ron Bears rushed towards Ethan.

Crash!

The clash of the neck swords created a sound akin to an explosion.

“Huh!”

With the first collision, the noise from the parents disappeared. This was because the force emanating from Ron Bears was tremendous.

Until just now, there was no noticeable force from the students.

Starting with Ron, the students moved naturally.

Thunk! Thunk!

Ron Bears displayed his characteristic intense swordsmanship.

Ethan, in response, met him with a force almost as powerful.

Crash! Crash!

A powerful blow, to the extent that shockwaves spread around them, unfolded between their wooden swords.

The wooden swords that withstood such force looked impressive, highlighting the extraordinary strength of both Ethan and Ron.

“Why is the strength so immense?”

“Rough but powerful enough to cover that drawback.”

The sparring that showcased Ron Bears’ powerful strength, which could be considered his strength, stood out.

Parents who had quickly become immersed in the sparring after just a few clashes of swords now shifted their focus to the students who followed Ron, as they leaped forward in quick, almost invisible strikes.

It was a rapier so swift that it seemed exhilaratingly quick.

A rapier with every ounce of force poured into a single strike showered upon Ethan.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Ethan’s sword, which had been withstanding the force, had somehow become faster.

“!”

This time, it was about speed.

Slash! Slash!

Ethan’s sword, which had been solid in response to the student’s swordsmanship, gradually increased its speed. Light and fast. Although the sound seemed to repeat several times, there were only two visible movements.

However, everyone present was highly skilled. They were clearly witnessing Ethan and the student engage in a battle of significant speed.

They found the sparring quite enjoyable due to its high level.

Meanwhile, kwak-! Ethan suddenly swung his sword, and at the same time, a new student attacked him.

The third participant was Yuna Garnet.

Ethan intended to reveal the meaning of this sparring through the initial three students.

In the third sparring, Yuna Garnet demonstrated a swordsmanship that was unparalleled in the Swordsmanship Department.

As Yuna Garnet assumed a stance, she effortlessly swung her sword.

Immediately, as if Yuna’s hands had multiplied, five swords simultaneously targeted Ethan.

Among them, only one was real.

However, it was challenging to distinguish which one was real because all five appeared identical.

It was not a level of swordsmanship that a student could normally display. To create five swords that looked identical, one would need to spend at least twenty years honing the Illusion Sword.

Exceptional talent.

Against Yuna’s five illusions, five illusions also unfolded from Ethan’s sword.

Crash!

And soon after, the real and the real collided.

Yuna’s displayed swordsmanship was a spectacle in itself. Concealing illusions within brilliance and concealing brilliance within illusions, Yuna’s swordsmanship left a significant impression on the observing parents.

Yuna Garnet exited as she collapsed with the last illusionary sword. Subsequently, students continued to step forward, showcasing their own swordsmanship.

Initially, parents focused on the students’ swordsmanship, but as the performances continued, they became increasingly astonished by different aspects.

“Is that even possible?”

“This is already the fifteenth one.”

“He’s parrying all the students’ swordsmanship with the same technique. It’s unbelievable. Even if the skill is good, to withstand to this extent, you would need two bodies, at the very least.”

Engaging in consecutive sparring with fifteen students, even for an accomplished swordsman, was a challenging feat.

Simultaneously, it went without saying that it accentuated the students’ swordsmanship.

“This is unbelievable.”

Similar discussions were taking place on the Yeld side, just like with other nobles. They observed Ethan Whiskers with a dignified posture, wondering how exactly he would conduct the class.

By the time they went through the three stages of power, speed, and variability, starting with Ron Bears, they were already deeply engrossed in the sparring.

The students poured out all their strength as if they were willing to die at this moment. They demonstrated passion for the short duration they had, swinging their swords until they could no longer.

Observing them, Jason, who was close in age to the students, continued to shake his shoulders and legs. Watching them wield their swords with all their might, he felt a strong desire to do the same.

Similarly, the spectators couldn’t look away, shaking their legs while trying to contain their excitement.

The immersion was that intense.

But suddenly, Jason snapped out of it.

He didn’t come here to play.

He came to check on Ethan and witnessed the pathetic sight of his youngest sibling. It was to confirm Mason’s complete withdrawal from the succession battle and officially begin competing with his older brother.

However, an unexpected turn of events was unfolding.

“This is amusing, quite amusing.”

At that moment, the Duke’s voice echoed.

Duke Yeld, who always wore a composed expression, was showing an intriguing look.

“!”

“!”

Both sons showed expressions of surprise.

“The world is vast indeed. Who would have thought that such talent was hidden in the nobility of a mere countryside? Was he hiding behind frailty? Growing such untold talent secretly, perhaps because the world couldn’t handle it?”

The Duke observed every move of Ethan.

Ethan, who constantly adapted to the changing students, seemed easy at first glance, but he was executing highly challenging maneuvers.

Because Ethan was fundamentally on a higher level, any exertion of force toward the students would redirect the focus back to Ethan instead of the students.

It seemed like the Duke was well aware of this.

“He thoroughly directs the audience’s attention to the students.”

“Yes…”

“Indeed.”

Finally realizing this, both sons nodded.

To concentrate the audience’s attention on the students, Ethan had to perfectly control his strength and display swordsmanship tailored to each student. This way, the students’ swordsmanship would stand out even more.

In other words, Ethan remembered and was familiar with every swordsmanship the students used.

If he responded after the student swung the sword, the first move would inevitably make Ethan stand out momentarily.

“Those steps, nothing has been overlooked.”

With the appearance of the student, Ethan made himself the protagonist of this sparring.

At that moment, Duke Yeld’s expression changed drastically.

“Karlson.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Watch closely. Haven’t I always said something about your swordsmanship while watching you?”

Duke Yeld spoke as he observed Ethan’s downward cut.

“That right there is the downward cut I’ve been expecting from you.”

Author’s Thoughts

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