Breakthrough with the Forbidden Master Chapter 1 - The Wall of Genius

The Imperial Warrior Academy. Three years had already gone by since my enrollment, and the results of the end-of-year written exam were finally posted.

My designation was quite easy to locate.

– 1st place: Phianse Depaltia, [1] 2nd place: Earth Lagann

Ah, yes, second from the top. It stands out readily enough. For the entirety of these past three years, my academic performance consistently remained within the top ten, so this outcome was hardly surprising to me. However, the top spot had always eluded me.

This pattern wasn't confined to written assessments; it extended to practical examinations as well.

“Oooooooooooh”

“Naive... I can see through your every move, Earth.”

My personal capabilities were, in truth, superior to those of the average individual. Yet, the difference wasn't as pronounced as one might expect. “Thunder Spell 【Kilo Thunder!】”

“The potency of that spell has improved significantly since last week. It appears you've dedicated considerable effort in a brief span, but... it remains within my predictions.”

“What the?!”

I had come to the stark realization that a genuine prodigy existed in my immediate vicinity, one who far outshone my own talents. This was a genius I simply couldn't surmount, irrespective of how diligently I studied to the point of breaking my writing instruments, or how exhaustively I trained until my breath gave out.

“See, you're already losing your balance.”

“Whoa, whoa, damn it, whoa, who aarrrgh”

“With this... victory is mine.”

Today, despite confronting her directly, I found myself once again prone on the ground. “Mock battle concluded. Winner, Phianse!”

Then, as I remained lying on my back, gazing skyward, the clamor of cheers began anew. “Oooooh, it’s magnificent. An utterly dominant victory for Princess Phianse!”

“Three years and she remains undefeated... will this winning streak persist until graduation?”

“Lady Phianse... so enchanting.”

“Exquisite and sagacious... truly, she is a child prodigy, descended from His Majesty, Emperor Solja himself, who was reputed to be the most formidable spearman among the Seven Heroes.”

“Indeed. Earth possesses considerable skill, but he has never managed to best Phianse.”

Outdoors on the training grounds, I let out a sigh, absorbing the familiar pronouncements from my classmates under the open sky. Ultimately, I was only hearing the same sentiments as always.

“Are you unharmed, Earth?”

“NNngh?!”

“Your magical prowess and swordsmanship have clearly advanced in such a short timeframe; I acknowledge the dedication. However, you have yet to fully integrate these into a solidified 【Magic Sword】 technique.”

Her words, though delivered by the victor gazing down upon the vanquished, typically carried the weight of praise for a worthy adversary after a well-fought contest. “As you stand now, won't you be a source of disappointment to your father, the hero? Earth?”

“I, I lack, the proper decorum, princess...”

She was a woman graced with long, flowing golden hair that held a gentle wave. Her expression and eyes exuded dignity, and her hands and feet, immaculate and seemingly untouched by hardship, spoke of refined grace. Her physique was tall and slender, yet possessed curves that hinted at a nurturing warmth. Although clad in the same white short-sleeved attire and shorts as everyone else, her celestial aura and commanding presence set her distinctly apart.

“Listen, at the academy, we are all equals. We’ve even been childhood friends. Please, address me as Phianse. Such honorifics are an unnecessary burden!”

”Ha, yes....”

And so, the lecture began. Yet, despite her insistence on being treated ordinarily, it was an impossible feat. After all, she was the very princess of this nation.

“It is quite shameful. I never imagined you would be incapable of securing even a single victory. With this outcome, will the next champion in the [Graduation Commemorative Match] not be myself?”

“Ha ha ha, I suppose that’s true.”

“Do you find that amusing? Upon your graduation, you are destined to become a distinguished warrior, serving within the Royal Palace, and playing a pivotal role in defending the Imperial Capital alongside your esteemed father. It would be rather lamentable if you were to prove inferior to me, your princess.”

How many times had I endured this very lecture? If the recipient of her words were not a princess, I would undoubtedly retort with a furious, [SHUT THE # UP WOMAN]. Had she not been a childhood acquaintance, I might have even resorted to physical confrontation.

“As the offspring of the hero who delivered the world from peril, is this not a cause for embarrassment?”

Beyond my own presence, this academy was populated by the scions of nobles and other descendants of the heroes who had vanquished the Great Demon King. Nevertheless, not a single individual among them could surpass Princess Phianse, whether in academic pursuits or in martial combat. Yet, I alone seemed to be the recipient of her scolding on every occasion. It was, quite frankly, exasperating.

And it wasn’t solely the sermons that aggravated me.

“But... while the princess is truly remarkable,...... Earth is also quite formidable.”

“Indeed, though he can be a bit reserved, he possesses a certain wild and captivating aura.”

“Furthermore, his family background is quite affluent.”

Here they come! The young ladies of my class, their faces flushed with admiration, began to offer their praise. This situation filled me with a mixture of happiness and awkwardness. While I couldn't best the princess, my second-place standing in our year solidified my status as an honor student. Moreover, given my family's considerable wealth, the female students generally paid me little mind. However...

“...... Hey, you there!”

Oh no, this is not good! The princess, approaching the girls who had been observing from the sidelines with rapid strides, projected an expression of displeasure with a sharp turn of her head.

“There might be a slight misunderstanding. While he's undoubtedly talented, his looks aren't half bad, and he hails from a prominent family. However, there's a twisted aspect to him too. His nature is quite fiendish, and he's prone to defiance at times. Furthermore, when we were children, he impudently peeked at my undergarments, and he continues to hoard lewd books in his room. Just the other day, his maid confided in me that he'd concealed a false-bottomed drawer and even rigged a magical trap to keep them hidden. No, this isn't behavior befitting boys his age; he's concealing something obscene. His physical appearance itself is acceptable, but his eyes are quite problematic. No, I don't find them rugged and masculine; they're simply bad. His family is indeed affluent, and his parents are two highly respected heroes. Nevertheless, his upbringing has been far too permissive, and he was thoroughly spoiled during his formative years. You wouldn't want that, would you? No, it's not that he doesn't apply himself. He dedicates himself to both study and training with immense effort, solely for the purpose of surpassing me. Though he may appear indifferent to defeat, I've observed him toiling in the shadows, unnoticed by anyone. Still, th-that is, yes. He lacks any sense of propriety towards women. Yes, that's precisely why you must absolutely abandon any thoughts of him.”

She unleashed a torrent of such accusations towards me, directed endlessly at the other girls. How could anyone possibly speak so rapidly?

And the girls who listened responded with smiles.

“Ufufufu, oh, we understand, Princess.”

“Among us... No, I don’t believe any girl in the Imperial City harbors intentions towards Earth.”

“Right-?”

Damn it, are you mocking me?

Yes, when I consider it logically, there's no conceivable way I could be that popular.

However, over the past three years, I haven't managed to get a single girlfriend. Therefore, naturally, I've never... I have no experience with women whatsoever!

It's all thanks to that detestable princess who relentlessly slanders my reputation to the girls! Could she possibly despise me!

Hmm, but it truly doesn't matter. For me... generally, there's already someone who has captured my heart!

[S1] The name written here sounds precisely like the English word 'Fiancée.' You might notice similar naming conventions from the author throughout this novel. Be aware!

[S2] Wow! What an extensive rant! I detect a tsundere in denial. I took considerable liberties with this section, but I believe the essence of the scene remains intact. 艶本 (tsuyabon) literally translates to “glossy book,” and my research led me to some rather “cultural” websites, so I assume she's referring to his collection of adult material!