In the second month of spring, the academy held its regular mock knight dueling training. This is one of the most anticipated events by students each year, not only because it showcases individual strength, but also because many heart-racing romantic episodes often occur during these classic "hero rescuing the beauty" scenarios.

At least, that's how it is for those young ladies who still believe in fairy tales.


I stood in the training ground's spectator stands, coldly observing the bustling preparations below. Students gathered in small groups discussing tactics, while noble scions showed off their newly purchased protective gear. The entire scene was filled with youthful vigor and artificial friendliness.

"Lady Eliana!"

A sugary voice came from behind me. I turned around to see Lina Hartwell walking toward me, wearing that "innocent" smile I had grown tired of seeing.


Today she wore specially made light armor, with a silver-white breastplate that perfectly accentuated her petite figure. Her hair was carefully braided into a side ponytail, looking both cute and gallant. The entire outfit was obviously meticulously designed—meant to appear both "hardworking" yet maintain the charm of "delicate femininity."

A typical female protagonist appearance.


"Do you need something?" My tone was as calm as if I were asking about today's weather.

"Umm... I'd like to request your guidance!" Lina made a somewhat stiff bowing gesture. "As the daughter of the Ethelgard family, you must possess exceptional combat skills. I wish to improve myself by sparring with you!"

The surrounding students began to whisper among themselves. I could hear what they were discussing: "Lina is actually challenging the duke's daughter?" "She's so brave," "But will Miss Ethelgard go too far?"

These reactions were completely within Lina's expectations. What she wanted was precisely this "underdog challenging the strong" scenario, so that regardless of the outcome, she would gain sympathy and admiration. If she won unexpectedly, it would be a "miraculous comeback"; if she lost, it would be "courage in defeat."

And most importantly, in such situations, those male characters with strong "sense of justice" would not be able to resist the urge to "protect" her.

It was a perfect script.

"I see." I responded calmly, "Well then, let's begin now."

Lina didn't seem to expect that I would agree so readily; her expression showed momentary confusion. But she quickly composed herself and put back on that determined smile.

"Please go easy on me..."

"I refuse."

My words left her stunned, and the murmuring around us suddenly stopped.

"There's no such concept as 'going easy' on a battlefield," I continued, "Since you want to challenge me, you should be prepared to face the consequences."

Lina's face turned a bit pale, but she was already past the point of no return. In front of so many people, backing down would only make her lose even more face.

"I... I understand. Then, please guide me!"

Ten minutes later, we stood in the center of the training field.

The event was presided over by Knight Instructor Mars Davenport, a middle-aged robust man with thick beard. His son Robert Davenport was also in the audience, the son of the Knight Commander who would fall in love with Lina at first sight in the original plot.

「The rules are simple」, Instructor Mars announced loudly, 「Use wooden swords, touch scoring only. Victory goes to whoever knocks down their opponent first or forces them to surrender.」

He looked at both of us, his gaze lingering a bit longer on Lina. Clearly, even an experienced instructor thought this duel was somewhat mismatched.

「Are you ready?」

I nodded, gripping the wooden sword with my right hand. Lina also assumed a ready stance, but I could see obvious nervousness in her movements.

This was also part of her plan. Showing nervousness and fear would further evoke the protective instincts of the audience.

「Begin!」

As soon as Instructor Mars finished speaking, Lina began her "performance."

She slowly raised her wooden sword, assuming a defensive posture that looked effortful yet obviously amateur. Her eyes shone with "determination," lips tightly pressed together, as if mentally preparing herself for the impending impact.

This expression, this posture, was a perfect portrayal of the "weak but brave young girl."

I'd bet that at least half the male students in the audience were already worried about her.

But she made one fatal mistake—she assumed I would play along with her act.

Magic power flowed through my body, and "Enhancement Spell: Swift" activated silently. This was one of the Enhancement Spells I had practiced most proficiently over the past few months, capable of instantly boosting reaction speed and movement ability.

While Lina was still adjusting her "just right" nervous expression, I had already disappeared from my original position.

Basic application of space magic—short-distance teleportation.

In the next moment, I appeared right in front of Lina, with the tip of my wooden sword steadily pressing against her fair throat.

The entire process took less than three seconds.

The training ground fell into a deathly silence.

Lina maintained her previous "bravely facing battle" posture, but her eyes no longer held any "determination," only pure shock and fear. She probably still hadn't understood what had happened.

"The match is decided," Instructor Mars's voice broke the silence, but his tone also carried obvious shock.

I withdrew my wooden sword and stepped back. Only then did Lina come to her senses and lower her weapon, her body trembling slightly.

"On the battlefield, enemies won't give you time to perform."

My words cut through the silent air like a blade. This statement was not just for Lina, but a warning to everyone present.

Those young men and women still immersed in the fantasy of "hero rescuing the damsel" needed to face the cruel reality.

Whispers erupted from the audience, but this time, the focus of discussion was completely different.

"Too fast... I couldn't even see how she moved"

"Was that Teleportation Magic? Can a second-year academy student master that kind of spell?"

"Miss Ethelgard's power... is even greater than rumored"

I noticed that Robert Davenport's gaze remained fixed on me, his eyes gleaming with a light I was very familiar with—that of admiration and desire for true power.

In the original plot, he should have developed feelings for Lina at this point. But now, he was clearly more interested in me, who had demonstrated overwhelming strength.

Once again, I had completely subverted the plot.

"Lady Eliana..." Lina's voice was very soft, with a tearful tone, "You... you are really strong..."

She was still trying to salvage the situation, wanting to create an image of "glorious in defeat." But it was too late. The overwhelming defeat earlier had completely destroyed her carefully constructed persona of a "brave girl."

"A battle with such a vast difference in strength is meaningless," I responded calmly. "Before challenging others next time, make sure you have the appropriate strength first."

After saying that, I turned and left the training ground.

Behind me came Lina's suppressed sobbing, as well as various discussions among the other students. I knew this incident would soon spread throughout the entire academy, but I didn't care.

Compared to catering to others' expectations and going along with those boring scenarios, I'd rather prove my worth through strength.

Moreover, since I had already decided to take a path completely different from the original plot, breaking those stale patterns was imperative.

"Miss Ethelgard!"

A somewhat familiar voice came from behind. I turned my head to see Robert Davenport walking quickly toward me.

This brown-haired young man had the typical knightly demeanor and a tall, straight figure. In the original storyline, he was one of Lina's potential love interests. But now, the interest in his eyes was clearly directed at me.

"Is there something you need?" I stopped and asked.

"That battle just now... it was truly spectacular." Robert's tone carried undisguised excitement. "I have never seen such fluid integration of magic and swordsmanship. Could you tell me how you performed that teleportation technique?"

This was an unexpected development. In the original storyline, although Robert had considerable skill, he didn't have much interest in academic research. He was more passionate about traditional chivalry and the ideal of protecting the weak.

But now, he had developed a thirst for knowledge about my battle techniques.

"That's just a basic application of spatial magic." I answered truthfully, "Combined with physical enhancement magic, it allows for high-speed movement in a short period of time."

"Spatial magic..." Robert thoughtfully repeated the term, "I've heard it's an extremely advanced branch of spellcasting that ordinary students simply cannot master."

"That's correct." I nodded, "However, with sufficient theoretical foundation and practice time, anyone can learn it. The key is whether one is willing to put in the corresponding effort."

A glint of determination flashed in Robert's eyes: "Please guide me!"

Another person wanting to become my apprentice. Unlike Karen, however, Robert's request was more direct and impulsive.

"Guide you?" I raised an eyebrow slightly, "Are you sure you can afford the corresponding price?"

"Price?"

"Time, energy, and the courage to acknowledge your own ignorance." I looked directly into his eyes, "Learning true magic requires overturning most of what you currently believe to be common sense. Are you ready for that?"

Robert was silent for a moment, but his gaze remained firm: "I'm ready, Miss Ethelgard. Please give me this opportunity."

This answer surprised me somewhat. It seems that today's demonstration, besides exposing Lina's hypocritical performance, also unexpectedly attracted a potential... student?

"Very well," I made my decision, "Every Wednesday at eight in the evening, third floor of the library. If you can attend without missing a session for a month, I'll formally accept your request."

"Thank you!" Robert bowed excitedly.

Watching his departing figure, a strange feeling welled up inside me.

Since my rebirth, I've been focused on avoiding a tragic ending, concentrated on gaining enough power to protect myself. But I had never considered that perhaps I could also... teach others?

Imparting knowledge and nurturing the next generation was once one of the dreams of Eliana from her previous life. She hoped to become a respected and beloved noblewoman like her mother.

Although that dream ultimately shattered on the guillotine, perhaps... perhaps it could bloom again in an entirely new form?

Anyway, it's too early to consider these things now. It's still unknown whether Robert can persist for a month. Many people reveal their true nature once their initial enthusiasm fades.

I continued walking toward the library. Today's display of power was indeed satisfying, but more important matters awaited me—the research on "Stardust Weaving" had entered a critical stage, and I needed to verify several new theoretical hypotheses.

As for Lina and her outdated "romance strategy"...

Let her continue to struggle in the fantasy she has woven for herself. The cruelty of reality will be her best teacher.