Chapter 95: Extreme Life-Trade, One for One
[You have activated "A Knight Does Not Die with Empty Hands EX".]
[You have obtained "Dick Sword Merlin"!]
[You use "Hero Creation" to increase Merlin's power — equivalent to strengthening a weapon.]
Eikou tightly gripped the "Dick Sword Merlin" in his hand, and without a trace of hesitation, charged straight toward Siegfried.
"Let's go, this is the strike I gave up my Crown to unleash!"
He shouted loudly, pouring all his strength into the slash.
Siegfried immediately raised his Balmung, using the flat of his sword to block the blow.
Pang!
At that instant, the two weapons collided violently.
"!"
In terms of physical strength, Eikou was not weaker than Siegfried. Even while suffering from the Dragon Slayer's suppression effect, he still managed to withstand it.
However, what couldn't withstand it was the "weapon" in his hand — it began to tremble, emitting faint cracking sounds, completely overwhelmed by Siegfried's greatsword Balmung.
Wait a second… Merlin is a Grand Caster after all, isn't he? His Spirit Origin durability is only this low?
No way! Why does it feel so soft in my hand… like I'm holding some kind of inflatable doll!?
Eikou's eyes widened.
[The moment you clashed with Siegfried, you suddenly realized something was very wrong with the feel of the "Dick Sword Merlin."]
[You look carefully — and discover that what you're holding isn't Merlin at all...]
[It's just a stuffed animal — Fou!]
"Fou?!"
Eikou froze completely.
Perfect — turns out that bastard Merlin… never even came to the exam room in the first place!
He had merely used a stuffed Fou to disguise himself, using illusion arts to deceive everyone.
That bastard didn't intend to perform his duty as proctor at all?!
And on top of that, he chose this exact critical moment to reveal the truth — isn't this just screwing Eikou over big time?!
"Daring to pull a switch like that, this bastard Merlin really has no humanity left…!"
Eikou said furiously, his anger reaching its limit.
"Someone who used their teacher as a weapon has no right to say that…" Melusine murmured beside him.
Right then, Siegfried-sensei was already closing in step by step.
"I'm sorry, but this is where you must leave the field!" Siegfried shouted.
"No…"
Eikou hurriedly twisted his wrist, trying to use the Fou doll in his hand to block the opponent's strike. But Siegfried's swordsmanship was a tier above, and his weapon was a genuine NP. With just a casual swing, he easily knocked the doll out of Eikou's hand, then tightened his grip on his sword and struck directly at him with its powerful blade.
Eikou immediately retreated, taking a defensive stance.
"Wait!"
At that exact moment, Roland, from the front of the exam room, suddenly shouted and charged into their battle.
The front of the exam room — which was also behind Siegfried.
"!"
Hearing that, Siegfried was startled, feeling a sudden sense of danger.
Careless — focused on dealing with Eikou and Melusine, he had left his most vital area, his back, completely exposed to another attacker.
In other words…
His back was currently completely undefended!
No matter how strong Siegfried's Spirit Origin was, the fact remained that "his back is his weakness." If he got hit there, he would take massive damage.
No matter how powerful a Servant may be, if their weakness is exploited, they will lose combat capability instantly.
"So you finally showed an opening!" Roland shouted.
At that instant, Eikou's heart leapt — both excited and tense — feeling like there was finally a chance to turn the tables.
Whether they could win or not, everything now depended on whether Roland's kick would land!
"Forgive me, Sumanai-sensei——"
Roland put all his strength into it, swinging his leg to kick Siegfried square in the back.
Eikou saw a die roll above his head.
[Roland attacks Siegfried's back, performing an Agility contest check.]
[Contest successful — Roland wins!]
[Before Siegfried could react, Roland's kick struck his weak point!]
[Siegfried, OUT!]
[The invincible hero – "Sumanai" has fallen.]
We won!
"Good job, Roland, you're the real hero here!"
Everyone present cheered joyfully.
But before the cheers could even fade, a die suddenly fell from above Roland's head.
[Luck EX, great failure!]
[Siegfried's weakness is his back, and Roland's weakness is the soles of his feet.]
[The instant he kicked Siegfried, the sole of his foot was accidentally struck.]
[Roland, OUT!]
[Both of them fall together!]
"Uwooooaahhhhhhh——!"
Roland screamed in agony.
"???"
What the hell is this idiot doing—why the hell did he choose to trade one-for-one in this situation?!
"Nooooooo!!"
Eikou immediately rushed over, catching Roland whose face was twisted in pain.
"Roland! Why aren't you wearing shoes?! Why are you fighting barefoot?!"
"Because, think about it…"
Roland struggled to explain through the pain,
"If I were naked… but only wearing shoes, wouldn't that look kind of gross?"
"Then wear clothes! Do you seriously think being completely naked doesn't look gross?!"
"If Charlemagne were here, he'd definitely say: 'Being naked but still wearing shoes… that's not cool. But being completely naked, now that's a little cool!'"
"What nonsense are you spouting! In his voice line, he clearly told you not to strip! He said it right from the start!" Eikou shouted.
"Cough… cough…"
Roland coughed violently, his face visibly growing weaker.
A golden light began to emanate from his body — a sign that he was about to return to the Throne of Heroes.
"Roland, you…" Eikou looked at him in horror.
"I really wanted… to run around naked with you guys one more time…"
Roland sighed regretfully.
"I've never done that even once! Don't make up nonsense just because you're about to die! Why do you Servants always fabricate fake memories every time you leave the field…?!"
Seeing Roland truly about to fade, Eikou frantically shouted,
"Don't die, Roland! We'll still invite you to the party later!"
"Got it."
[Roland has decided not to return to the Throne of Heroes.]
[A while later, Siegfried and Roland were sent to Head Nurse Nightingale for treatment.]
[Siegfried was defeated, Merlin ditched his duty, and with no proctor left in the exam room — you can finally cheat in peace.]
[This time, you're filled with confidence that you can score high marks!]
[For justice's sake, you even fill out Roland's answer sheet for him — a small reward for his great contribution.]
[...]
[At last, you all finish everything just before submission time!]
[In the afternoon of May 30th, your midterm exam officially comes to an end!]
[Despite suffering a massive disadvantage due to the dragon and student traits, through flawless coordination, you still managed to defeat the "Dragon Slayer" Siegfried — earning three Encouragement Dice as a reward!]
[Although in the exam room everyone relies on their own abilities, and as long as you get high marks, any method is acceptable…]
[Because Siegfried-sensei is a genuinely good person, you felt somewhat guilty, so after the exam you honestly went to apologize, explained your reasons, and received his forgiveness and understanding.]
[As for your test results — whether you'll enjoy a wonderful break, or perhaps get to go on a date with Baobhan Sith — that will be revealed tomorrow when the scores are announced.]
[Anyway, the exam is over — time to have some fun!]
[Before the grades come out, at least enjoy tonight's celebration to the fullest!]
[Everyone cheered, congratulated, and laughed loudly…]
[You sighed in relief, finally freed from the ten-day hell of studying, breathing in the air of freedom.]
[After some discussion, everyone decided to hold a grand celebration party tonight at Gawain's house — which is also Morgan's place!]
...