I didn't fall asleep at the Academy, thanks to Ellin casting a restore fatigue spell on me.

I should consider learning healing magic next time. I thought while attending the Magic Defense class.

Vallachio, the teacher, clapped his hands to catch our attention.

「Vallachio: Very well, my humble students! In preparation for the final test, we'll be performing a little simulation... with the aid of one of the academy's most illustrious instructors!」

He called out at the door.

「Vallachio: Please come in, madame Violet.」

Violet entered and faced the class with a curt nod. Her bosom as exposed as always. Her gaze as cold as ever. Ahh. Violet's the best, after all.

Everyone's face blanched. But not mine, I was just smiling stupidly.

「Vallachio: Alright! Follow me outside!」

I wonder what kind of test it will be? If it's anything like Vallachio, then it will be showy and over-the-top.

We followed our teacher outside and walked around the Academy until we reached the opposite side.

「Vallachio: Very well!」

Violet had set up a stage on the grounds surrounding the academy.

Vallachio turned to us, displaying his usual overly cheerful smile.

「Vallachio: Please walk to the center of the stage for the final preparations.

He clapped his hands and urged us inside. We walked toward the center of the stage.

「Do you know anything about this test?」

「I never heard of this.」

「Why weren't we warned?」

The other students were questioning and complaining in low voice, visible worry painted on their faces. I scoffed.

There was no need to worry, with Violet involved there was only the resignation that this would be a crucible.

How fun.

Then I remembered something slightly important. It's only temporary, try not to exert yourself or it will all come back, Ellin said. This is exactly the kind of stuff she had warned me against.

Oh shit! Can I do this? I began sweating cold. I stole a quick glance at Violet.

I didn't want to be seen failing. Only imagining her looking at me like the trash I am sent me chills down my spine.

No. Get your shit together Allen. You fucking soloed a giant troll, you can do this. Yes, I could do this. Confidence restored.

Once we all were inside the designated area, Violet announced.

「Violet: Stand still while we set up the arena.」

Arena?!

Walls of dirt sprang up with violence all around the stage.

「Waaaah?!?!」

「What in Anhelm's name!」

I shielded my eyes from the flying dirt and looked around. We were completely enclosed.

「Vallachio: I highly suggest to get moving! Ohohohohoho!」

He and Violet started glowing with mana. Then the slaughter began.

What no-

A stone flew an inch from my face. Gah! I began running.

In just a few seconds everyone was fumbling all over the place while being attacked randomly by magic arrows, stones or being thrown around by Violet telekinetic spells. I just knew it would turn like this.

Vallachio was in high spirits, coaching our efforts and pointing out our mistakes, while we panicked and tried to deflect, avoid or mitigate the damage.

「Vallachio: Very good! Keep that field up! To slow! Ohohoho!」

As I kept struggling I started feeling the fatigue seeping back in. Had I known there was a simulation test with Violet involved, I would NEVER have stayed up all night.

If I could at least catch my breath. I slowed down a little only to get hit by a stone on my leg. It fucking hurt!

「Allen: GAaaAaH!」

The pain jolted me back awake. Sweat was dripping from my brows. I just want to sleep, damn it! I jumped and rolled to avoid a barrage of magic arrows. I struggled to breathe mana in and reinforce my projectile-deflecting magic. It was hard to maintain the concentration with all the moving around and the mental fatigue.

「Vallachio: Ohoho! What a shame another one bit the dust! Violet please.」

I was too busy to pay attention. I deflected a couple of magic arrows aimed straight at me but then got hit right after by a flying stone coming from another direction.

「Vallachio: Remember to use your peripheral vision! Keep going! Haha!」

I so wanted to punch him in the face. Eighty percent of his "encouragements" sounded like mockery. I was very tired, my legs were no longer responding well. I felt like hell.

Please make it stop.

It didn't stop. It kept going for another good 15 minutes or so.

In the end, only half the students were still standing. The others who had succumbed and were unable to move had been removed by Violet with her telekinesis so they wouldn't get too hurt.

Surprisingly I wasn't in the downed group. If barely. I was only standing by sheer will and pain fueled rage. I wanted to complain but I could only pant.

Vallachio did another of his bodybuilding poses.

「Vallachio: Ah-ha! Excellent! Excellent!」

Said the teacher clapping his hands. I tried to insult him but the only sounds that came out of my throat were disconnected grunts.

I just want to sleep. Please. Please.

「Vallachio: Thank you madame Violet, as always your assistance has proved most valuable! Class dismissed!」

He said, dismantling the dirt walls around us. We stumbled away.

Next, I attended the alchemy lesson. Another challenge awaited me, keeping my eyes open. I kept being jolted awake the moment I was about to fall asleep. Over and over and over and over. I think I resisted until class was dismissed and everyone left, but I never left the desk. I just didn't any strength left. I passed out.

I was in for a rude awakening.

「You! Wake up! this is no place to sleep!」

I was roused awake by one of the Academy's personnel ordering me to get moving. He looked at me like trash. I apologized and finally dragged myself straight to the inn, where I slouched in the sweet embrace of the bed.

Sleep.

I fell in a dreamless sleep.

I felt a shaking sensation on my shoulders.

「Allen: Hrrmmmhnn...」

I grumbled still with my eyes closed.

「Ellin: Allen...」

I slowly opened my eyes. Ellin stood before me with a concerned face.

「Allen: Huh... what is it?」

Oh, I had forgotten to lock the door. I took a look at the window. it was already late morning.

「Ellin: There's some... bad news.」

Her face looked really worried. I felt a chill down my spine. I sobered up and made a serious face.

「Allen: What happened?」

I asked as I stood up.

「Ellin: Berel's village is under attack by a goblin horde!」

What? I stared at her in disbelief.

「Allen: ...」

A goblin horde?

「Ellin: A villager managed to run away and warn a group of soldiers that were patrolling the roads on horse. They sent for reinforcements.」

「Allen: The villagers? Erne? Berel?!」

She shook her head.

「Ellin: Nobody knows yet... the guild is preparing a subjugation party. Are you... coming?」

I clenched my fists.

Do I want to? This stuff would be better handled by the soldiers and people more capable than me.

But...

I thought back at Erne, Berel, and the kids. They were good people. They helped me when no one would. What would have happened to me if I hadn't met them?

I was clenching so hard my knuckles went white.

Shit.

I knew that if I didn't go and something bad happened to them, I would never stop regretting.

I have to go.

「Allen: Yes... give me a minute to prepare.」

She waited outside as I put on my equipment. I glanced at the silver cube and decided to bring it along. Alright.

I walked out, joining Ellin. She was looking downcast.

「Allen: Lead the way.」

She nodded and we got moving.

Grastel and Namrick were waiting outside with their horses. They silently nodded to us. Everyone had grim expressions.

I realized I needed to get myself a horse... and horse riding lessons as well. I couldn't keep just relying on my friends. I'm useless.

Namrick let me ride along on his sturdy mount.

「Namrick: Let's go.」

He had a serious expression. We got on the move, joining the other parties that had begun marching.

Staring ahead, a sense of dread overcame me... the village was four days away at a leisure pace.

Could we make it in time to help anyone?

My heart felt heavy.