Chapter 76: A Moderate Comeuppance for the Foolish Prince
The classroom of Class D was enveloped in a smoke screen conjured by magic. Caught off guard by the sudden turn of events, the perpetrator of the incident, the Third Prince Rodel, shouted in alarm.
“What is happening?!”
“The smoke… it came out of nowhere…?!”
“Is it the enemy?!”
A small man, one of the retainers whose name was unknown, voiced his panic, while a large figure—Dora—gripped a female student’s hand, scanning the surroundings warily. Amidst the chaos of their reactions, Rest moved stealthily through the smoke, keeping a low profile.
(Life Search, Material Search)
Using magic to sharpen his senses, Rest could perceive the layout of the classroom, even with his vision obscured by the smoke. It was as if he were a bat, navigating through the airwaves of his surroundings.
“Ha!”
“Ugh…?!”
From his low stance, Rest unleashed a high kick. The strike, delivered almost directly from below, caught Dora under the chin, lifting his hefty frame slightly off the ground. Though he appeared to be a brawler by build, it seemed he lacked substantial combat experience.
“Ah…”
The female student’s hand was released. Confused by the smoke, she frantically glanced around.
“Crouch down and protect your head. Stay close to the man.”
“Who are you…?”
“Just hurry!”
Whispering urgently into her ear, she quickly crouched beside her fallen boyfriend. Shielding her head with one arm, she leaned against him, casting healing magic to mend his wounds.
“I don’t know who you are, but I will not tolerate this insolence directed at me!”
Rodel bellowed, thrusting his right hand forward. He was preparing to unleash magic in response to the faint sounds of their conversation.
“Bind!“
“Yikes?!”
Rest activated another spell. A rope of magical energy extended, ensnaring the small retainer and pulling him closer.
“Firebolt!“
“GYAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!”
A fierce blaze erupted from Rodel’s hand. The small man, used as a shield, was engulfed in flames, his screams echoing throughout the room.
“That voice… could it be… Tony?!”
Rodel exclaimed in shock. It seemed this small man was indeed named Tony.
“…Guh, ugh…”
Tony fell to the ground, emitting wisps of smoke. It was crucial not to let anyone die within the academy, so Rest quickly cast healing magic on him.
“Damn it… Who are you?! Do you know that I am Prince Rodel Aiwood?!”
Rodel shouted towards the curtain of smoke. Frankly, Rest had no interest in who this man was.
(I have no intention of respecting someone who uses their power and magical talent solely to oppress the weak…!)
From within the smoke, Rest launched a punch toward Rodel.
“Ugh…!”
His fist connected squarely with Rodel’s face. Seizing the moment of hesitation, Rest swept Rodel’s legs out from under him, pinning him face down to the ground.
“You insolent—”
“Shock!“
Rodel seemed poised to shout something in protest. While still holding him down, Rest unleashed a jolt of electricity. The sound crackled like a stun gun, causing Rodel’s body to convulse several times before going limp.
(I feel like it might be better for the world if I just killed him right here…)
Rest understood that such an act would be problematic. Up to this point, he could justify his actions as suppressing violence, but going further would lead to serious consequences.
(Even if he is the century’s foolish prince, killing a member of the royal family is a different matter… It seems he has been spared.)
It could also cause trouble for the Rosemary Marquis House. Rest carefully opened a window in the classroom and leaped outside. A gust of wind rushed in, dispersing the magical smoke screen. He decided to leave the aftermath to the teachers, taking care to avoid being seen as he slipped away from the scene.