Terminally-Ill Genius Dark Knight-Chapter 218

218. Academy Swordsmanship Festival [2]

Cell von Stiliner.

The legitimate successor of the Stiliner family and a genius with talent surpassing Robert’s.

The trait [Genius of Swordsmanship and Combat] pushed her innate abilities to their absolute limits. Naturally, the swordsmanship she wielded was the Stiliner family’s unique form, the White Flame form, and the fact that she was an even harder worker than her prodigious talent suggested was terrifying in its own right.

‘To add, her power is absolutely essential in the fourth main episode. The villain is someone who cannot be killed without the White Flame Form after all’

This fourth episode, like the previous ones, boasts an extreme level of difficulty.

The most tragic aspect of it all is that it is one of the few stories across all episodes where someone must inevitably be lost.

The death of the older sister she had strived to surpass would inevitably come as a massive shock to Thalia, serving as the catalyst for her awakening, one of the main characters.

A sacrificial lamb for awakening.

That’s how players referred to her back when the game was being cleared. It couldn’t be helped. During the Inner Lunatic difficulty, that was the extent of the value players assigned to her.

A regrettable character, wasted and discarded, unable to be utilized for the sake of Thalia’s awakening.

In fact, even for me, that’s how I remember Cell von Stiliner too.

“I’ve heard much about you, Nox von Reinhaver. That you possess exceptional swordsmanship, turned over a new leaf, and resolved many incidents.”

In the reception room prepared within the Sidus Hall.

Cell, who had been idly toying with her teacup, offered a light, polite greeting.

I responded with equally measured courtesy.

“It’s nothing remarkable. The young lady of Stiliner is far more renowned, no? I hear you’ve already surpassed the current family head’s swordsmanship. The family head must be delighted.”

“No, not to that extent…”

We exchanged meaningless pleasantries.

But both of us knew this wasn’t our real objective. We were merely biding our time, deliberating on how to broach the actual subject.

Silence lingered.

Truthfully, I had agonized over this for quite a while.

What exactly should I say here? How should I say it?

Her death was predetermined.

But was there really anything I could do for her?

“I heard you were looking for me. Is the reason… perhaps related to Thalia?”

“Something similar”

Cell assumed I had called for her due to matters concerning the engagement between me and Thalia.

'Though that’s not the truth…’

I quickly used [Insight] to check Cell von Stiliner’s status window.

**********

[Basic Info]

[Skills]

Passive Skills: [White Flame] / [Mental Fortitude]

Active Skills: [White Flame Form (Advanced)] / [Basic Fire Magic]

**********

'Monster’

That judgment came swiftly.

Cell von Stiliner.

She truly lived up to the [Genius] trait. I drew a sharp breath, unconsciously fixing my gaze on one particular spot.

[Host of the Demon (Unawakened — Imminent)].

The meaning behind those words was clear.

'Cell von Stiliner will fully become a demon in this fourth episode. Her stats already surpass mine, but she’s destined to become even more monstrous.’ Ŗ𝘼ℕꝋВÈş

But I could neither save her nor prevent it in advance.

The demon Belial that would possess Cell von Stiliner’s body could not be slain unless this episode played out normally.

'Moreover… without killing that bastard, I’ve never once seen the end of this story. Belial was originally an angel who fell. A piece of trash who drags chaos in his wake.’

Besides, Belial stands at the pinnacle of demons. Infamous for his poor relationship with the Archduke Baal, he operates outside Pandemonium with his own faction—that’s his nature.

Predicting Belial’s actions is tantamount to courting disaster.

Depending on the situation, he might clash with Baal or do something entirely unpredictable.

Thus, there is only one optimal time to kill that bastard.

'When he possesses Cell von Stiliner’s body. If not right before that moment, he will corrupt the continent using the seven seeds to whom he gave stronger power and his sword’

Belial grants a named sword to each of his followers.

Jealousy, Destruction, Calamity, Restriction, Deprivation, Chaos, and finally, Desolation.

Those who obtain these swords grow immensely powerful, and Cell is one of them.

In a way, Belial is even more dangerous than Baal.

…This is precisely why I called for her.

I needed to check her status window as soon as possible to gauge how far her devilization had progressed.

'It's… already too late. There’s no turning back now.’

She likely doesn’t know.

That she’s dying… She probably thinks I summoned her solely regarding the engagement between Thalia and me.

The truth stings, but I don’t let it show.

Yoochan, Nox von Reinhaver.

The two of us are one and the same, weak.

But I know one thing. I must protect what’s precious to me.

“I heard you’re participating in the Eldain Academy Swordsmanship Festival this time.”

“That’s right. Nox… I might end up crossing blades with you.”

“Yes. You will. Because I’ll survive till the end.”

“Is Thalia doing well?”

“Yes. She’s doing fine, as always. She’s still a bit childish… but she’s working hard in her own way. To become a better knight—and to catch up to you.”

“I see.”

Her voice grew somber. A child who looked up to her. A younger sister…

What could that possibly mean?

I don’t really know.

Truthfully, there isn’t much I can add.

It just.

“She’s still afraid of spiders.”

is this it?

“She’s also scared of people. Still shy around strangers, utterly devoted to the sword but hates theory with a passion.”

That’s about it.

A dry, matter-of-fact story.

Yet, Cell seemed somewhat satisfied.

'To me, I’m just continuing to talk in order to progress the episode.’

But this is a major narrative thread. It must never be altered.

I keep reminding myself of that damned fact.

Some might ask.

Can’t you, now stronger, use the middle stage form of the Black Sword to slay the calamity Belial?’

Why insist on following the predetermined flow of the story?

But it’s impossible.

As I said, the crux of this episode is the White Flame Form.

The white-burning flames.

That is the one and only way to kill Belial.

Thus, I quietly urged her toward death. I cannot tell her she’s in danger. Even though I know it’s tantamount to standing by. For me, Thalia is someone precious.

And she must be to you as well.

As her older sister, Cell, you’ve watched over her far longer than I have.

This is pure selfishness on my part. A hollow justification wrapped in the pretense of caring for her younger sister.

But in the end, everything will turn out fine.

Because Thalia will awaken thanks to you and grow stronger.

Just as I was forcing myself to rationalize it. Cell’s lips curled into a faint smile.

Why is that?

“…I’m glad. It seems she’s doing well.”

My heart lurched.

For a moment, Cell smiled brightly, pure white and said those words.

For some reason,

I felt ashamed of myself

When the truth I’d denied despite knowing better reflected back at me like a mirror, my vision darkened. Thalia’s smile flashed across my mind. Only then did I realize.

Her smile resembles her older sister, Cell’s so much.

**********

“As you know, the Academy Swordsmanship Festival is a major event held only once a year. Merely earning the right to participate is difficult in itself.”

Instructor Vernon spoke while scanning the students seated around him. Standing at the platform in the classroom, he looked oddly out of place.

While holding a worn parchment with a list of names, Vernon continued.

“This year, three freshmen have earned the opportunity to participate in the festival. First. Nox von Reinhaver!”

Polite applause erupted. Vernon then called the second name.

“Second. Paracelsus!”

When the final name was announced, a small gasp was heard.

“Third. Thalia von Stiliner!”

“…Huh? M-Me…?”

“Correct. Thalia von Stiliner. Your total score has qualified you for the festival.”

Thalia looked around in disbelief, but there could be no mistake in the results.

The evaluation was based on comprehensive scoring across multiple categories.

'If anything, I was the one at risk… because of my physical strength.’

The recent physical test came to mind.

This is the point where the truly talented begin to rise. Meanwhile, I still haven’t even hit 10 in physical strength.

Due to that, rumors are already circulating that my growth has stagnated.

'Not long ago, those same guys were hyping me up as the best…’

The academy was cold.

As time went on, more and more people started thinking of me as just that of cocky bastard

'If only it weren’t for the [Terminal-illness] trait…’

Terminal-illness.

This damned trait not only hampers my physical strength growth but also caps the maximum at 15. Damn it. I can’t even complain about it.

Why must I suffer like this?

'…Well, whatever. This is just how Nox is.’

I convinced myself quickly.

Glancing over, I saw a flustered Thalia and the indifferent Paracelsus.

Their polar opposite reactions were almost amusing.

“The three of you will represent the freshmen and face upperclassmen in combat. Everyone, give them your support, and may you all learn much from this tournament! That concludes today’s class.”

With those words, Vernon dismissed the class.

He added that the festival would proceed as one-on-one duels from the Round of 32, with matches decided in a single bout. The bracket was posted on the bulletin board in the hallway.

As I walked out and glanced at the board, my steps froze involuntarily.

The issue wasn’t my match.

It was the one I’d dreaded most.

Eldain Academy Swordsmanship Festival: Round of 32 Bracket

.

.

[Thalia von Stiliner vs. Cell von Stiliner]

Damn it.

This shouldn’t be it, really.