[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-i-became-the-academy-s-war-hero":3,"chapter-i-became-the-academy-s-war-hero-i-became-the-academy-s-war-hero-chapter-84":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","I Became the Academy’s War Hero",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1531691,1990,"Chapter 84 : Bad Blood and Fate (3)","i-became-the-academy-s-war-hero-chapter-84",84,"\u003Cp>Chapter 84: Bad Blood and Fate (3)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the intrusion of the Defense Force, the situation entered a new phase.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the colonel ranks, the only one who participated in the meeting, Special Task Force 3rd Battalion Commander Eric Belfor, maintained a poker face throughout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was busy covering his twitching mouth with his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If they’re laying the groundwork first, then from our commander’s standpoint, there’s no reason to pull out.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half the reason behind the strong sense of belonging and pride among the Special Task Force members lay in their current commander.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the regular army, the Task Force’s available manpower was significantly lacking, and their jurisdiction was much smaller and more limited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the moment the condition of beast extermination came into play, the Special Task Force became the strongest unit in the Empire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rampant outbreak of beasts had become such a severe problem that concrete countermeasures were now a matter of urgency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In that sense, the Special Task Force and Karbenna were originally meant to be complementary to each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though their relationship had become distant compared to the early days of their establishment—and lately, a subtle tension had been brewing due to the conflict between Michel Bernhardt and Edel Ribenia—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the grand cause of beast extermination, they were supposed to be allies, working together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘There’s no way the Defense Commander doesn’t know that.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, she appeared now, nitpicking over trivial matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Maybe she just wanted to make a point.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To say, “We’re also playing an important role in the Empire, so don’t only talk about the Task Force—mention the Defense Force too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway, from Belfor’s perspective, her decision was certainly puzzling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if she picked a fight like that, the Defense Force had nothing to gain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What on earth was she plotting?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While he pondered that thought—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two commanders at the front continued their heated exchange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I admit that the relationship between the Special Task Force and Karbenna has been somewhat distant lately. That was abnormal. Which is why we’re trying to bring it back to normal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After staying silent all this time, you suddenly decide to act right after the summit?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To be frank, yes. We’ve neglected our exchanges with Karbenna. Didn’t even bother to check what intentions they had. But then…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But then?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Colonel Eugene Carter took the initiative. Said he’d serve as the bridgehead himself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that, Natalie Siegmund’s expression twisted oddly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand what the Defense Commander is trying to say. You mean, what could a mere officer possibly do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“……”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was skeptical too. So I didn’t expect much. In fact, I even considered it a disgrace to the Task Force at one point.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But that was a misjudgment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Lieutenant General Alvin gestured toward Belfor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belfor hurriedly came forward, carrying a stack of documents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Waving the papers lightly, the Task Force commander raised his arm toward the podium.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the report from last week’s two-day beast extermination drill. There was a problem before commencement, so it was converted to a field training, but… you’ll understand when you read it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he spoke so confidently, there was no reason not to check.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Natalie received the report from Alvin and quickly skimmed through it, tilting her head in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…There was an advisor from the Task Force, wasn’t there?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Colonel Carter drafted it independently.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…He did all this by himself?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A hundred percent agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From afar, Belfor nodded repeatedly and sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even for him, who compiled and organized the data, it was incomprehensible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eugene Carter’s personal combat sense and judgment had always been beyond reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, he had never been rated above colonel, because that instinct and judgment couldn’t be systematized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s the curse of genius, damn it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body reacted before his mind could process, leaving him with no reason to study.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That made it nearly impossible to teach or train subordinates, which in turn made his subordinate evaluations a complete mess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, his grasp of tactics had changed completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if he had become a different person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Maybe because he can no longer fight like before.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, he had enough strength that strategy wasn’t necessary—but now, things were entirely different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Task Force commander delivered the final blow to the Defense Commander, who seemed too flustered to respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Above all, it hasn’t even been a month yet. But at this level, isn’t that enough of a result to warrant observation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Let’s say I can see traces of tactical growth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, she was practically being obstinate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But his physical capability hasn’t been proven.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Carter isn’t a front-line soldier. He’s a commander. There’s no need to prove physical capability.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That may be true if the opponent were human. But we’re talking about beasts. A commander who fights beasts must at least have the minimum level of physical ability.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If that’s the issue, then he’s already…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can prove it, can’t I?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Michel Bernhardt cut in from the opposite side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After glancing at both Eugene and Frederick Lake, he continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To verify the physical capabilities in question, I propose a special duel between Frederick Lake and Eugene Carter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Frederick Lake’s name was mentioned, cracks formed across Natalie’s expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Alvin looked rather surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Including the participants from the Imperial Army, many were visibly astonished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And understandably so—it was that Frederick Lake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In all Imperial history, only five people had ever earned the title “Ironblood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it was usually reserved for leaders or commanders, he had gained it purely as a weapon of war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since joining Karbenna, his infamously brutal reputation had gradually faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After shifting paths to become an educator and administrator, he had rarely set foot on the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A devout believer in order and structure—a fanatic of systems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was how the public currently viewed Frederick Lake, yet he remained one of the Empire’s top fighters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, he was to clash with Eugene Carter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the sudden announcement of this grand event, the audience began to stir.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Natalie scratched her chin as she looked at Michel, then at Eugene behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you’re willing to go that far, then I can only be grateful… but are you sure about this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Michel gave a small nod and turned his gaze toward the princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alix Ribenia looked between them, then asked the participants as if making a decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…We still have the Academy’s report to go through, but I assume it’s fine to proceed after the special duel?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once all the remaining speakers voiced their agreement, she looked toward the moderator and declared:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After a 20-minute recess, the special duel will commence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the stage had been built for duels from the start, it didn’t take long to adjust the arena structure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To prevent damage from reaching the audience seats, a barrier powered by mana stones was deployed in a wide ring around the perimeter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The platform was also moved inside the barrier, forming a spacious stage with a diameter of over two hundred meters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Returning to their seats, Natalie and Alvin resumed their quiet conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Was this what the Defense Commander had in mind from the start?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Well, whatever the case, I’m grateful. It’s been a while since I’ve seen something this entertaining.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Agreed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But who do you think will win? I’m curious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alvin glanced toward Belfor sitting behind him and continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you think, Belfor, as his old comrade?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Logically speaking, the Ironblood has the advantage. Even if he’s retired from the field, he’s not someone who would neglect his conditioning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about Carter in his prime? Would it have been the same result?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That would change things. I think he could’ve gone toe to toe with him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, it comes down to how much of his prime strength Carter has regained.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Frederick Lake was loosening up his body, keeping his sharp gaze fixed on Eugene across from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So it’s come to this after all, damn it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had thought the situation might fizzle out depending on how the mood shifted—but he had misjudged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Well, for the Chairwoman, there’s no better opportunity than this.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Karbenna had lost face due to the Hokma Incident, this duel was likely intended to reaffirm its strength and stability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps she also wanted to emphasize that Karbenna stood above the Special Task Force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood, and even sympathized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t fond of the current state of Karbenna, but that was a matter of factions and curriculum, not the Chairwoman herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And besides, it was something he could gradually work through together with Carter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe that was why this all felt so uneasy. Frederick let out a sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether Eugene knew how he felt or not, he was calmly checking the status of his artifact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Well, I gave him enough warning.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d take it easy for a bit, then end it with full force—just enough to knock him out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having reached that conclusion, Frederick was the first to step onto the center of the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He exchanged a brief greeting with Georg, who was serving as the temporary referee, and soon Eugene joined him at the center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the match began, the two exchanged a few words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How’s your condition, Carter?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Couldn’t be better.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really? You look rather worn out to me. You’ve had quite a few things going on before this, haven’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s true… but it wasn’t bad. Helped me warm up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the end of their small talk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Georg stepped back two paces and gave a final reminder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is a special duel meant for skill exchange. If things go too far, I’ll forcefully stop it. Understood, both of you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mhm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. Let’s get started already.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Georg gave a small nod, then raised his hand high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From this moment, we begin the Special Duel between Karbenna’s Dean Frederick Lake and Karbenna’s Third Combat Tactics Instructor Eugene Carter, held for the purpose of skill exchange!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Waa― Waaa―\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cheers that erupted from all sides quickly died down as they reached the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the near-silent stillness, the two men lightly shifted their stances, gauging the timing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frederick’s gaze went to the shield in Eugene’s hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Something I’ve never seen before.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t an ordinary shield, that much was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no way Carter would bring something so mundane to this match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frederick fitted the steel knuckles he had taken from his belt, testing them with a few light punches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crisp sound echoed pleasantly in his ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not bad.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alright then, let’s start with a little probing exchange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frederick’s body began to move in swift arcs from side to side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swaaak!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before anyone could blink, he had closed the distance, appearing right before Eugene Carter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eugene barely managed to block the body blow with his shield, but Frederick’s left hand didn’t miss the opening that followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A hook punch aimed straight for the temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the strike never landed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tiiing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Hm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From what should’ve been empty air, a translucent barrier suddenly flared to life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eugene immediately thrust his sword with his opposite hand, but Frederick narrowly avoided it with beastlike reflexes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He retreated several steps, focusing mana into his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did the full defensive radius of the shield come into view, and he let out a dry chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…It covers nearly his entire body, that shield.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d confirmed the durability with that first strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t an unbreakable barrier, but still too strong to pierce with standard attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had little to no aptitude for ranged magic; if he couldn’t break through in close combat, he had no chance of winning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t expect you to make me go all out this fast, Carter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no helping it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frederick shook his head and brought both hands to his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He inhaled deeply—then exhaled just as deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With each repetition of breath, the flow of mana within his body grew faster and faster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When that circulation swelled from a torrent to a roaring tide—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deep blue aura began to radiate from Frederick’s eyes and hands.\u003C\u002Fp>",2013,"2026-06-06T06:11:51.334Z",1,"novelbin.me","24427d4662ed0125f6c09d4caec08498e7b61034bf5f017c79b230cfe9b977e6","i-became-the-academy-s-war-hero-chapter-85","i-became-the-academy-s-war-hero-chapter-83",163,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fi-became-the-academy-s-war-hero-cover.jpg"]