Subscriber of the Gods Chapter 88 - Parent Observation Class (1)

With the help of a renowned blacksmith from the Marquis Rond territory, Yerica created a black ironwood golem.

It was a monumental first golem.

Clean and sleek body.

Oval-shaped head.

Arms and legs shaped like a doll, with no fingers or toes, but overall, it resembled a human.

The blacksmith praised Yerica for creating the golem quite well, especially for her first attempt.

Upon returning home with the newly created golem, Yerica began the finishing touches.

After creating the golem’s body, enchanting it with magic would complete Hecate’s special golem.

“Now it becomes Yerica’s special golem.”

With inscribed runes, Yerica completed the special golem, and at the same time, Ethan returned home.

“You came at just the right time.”

“Oh, you’ve completed it.”

Ethan looked at Yerica’s first special golem.

“How is it? Did it turn out as you expected?”

The created golem resembled the golems Ethan was familiar with. Of course, being a prototype, it had some awkward aspects, but overall, its appearance was quite satisfactory.

“You did well, Yerica.”

“It’s all thanks to you for unlocking the second-tier curse.”

Yerica was quite satisfied because Ethan had unlocked the second-tier curse.

“Now, how are you going to use this?”

“After the Parent Observation Class, I plan to use this black ironwood golem for classes.”

“Then, the most important thing would be its movement, right? To conduct practical lessons, this golem should demonstrate movements resembling real combat.”

“That’s why I plan to imprint my movements directly onto it. I’ll incorporate Whiskers swordsmanship as a base and mix in various swordsmanship techniques from the Revinade Swordsmanship Department.”

He intended to use it as the main base and include movements that could unveil each student’s swordsmanship within one or three moves.

Ethan already knew the commonalities and weaknesses of the swordsmanship techniques used by the students.

‘It’s important to make it so they can be completely unveiled.’

If it was going to break, it needed to break thoroughly.

To rise higher, you had to hit the ground.

‘Most of them probably haven’t experienced breaking to that extent.’

Most of the academy students came from noble families.

They might not have always come out victorious, but they probably hadn’t thoroughly experienced defeat to the point of tasting the ground.

“Yerica, can we imprint movements on this?”

“No.”

Saying so, Yerica subtly frowned.

“It’s an impossible task.”

Reading her expression, Ethan smoothly responded. 

“Indeed, it’s impossible. How can a golem like that replicate such complex movements? However,”

Ethan smirked subtly.

“Only the special golem magic left by Hecate is possible. Yerica, you’re the only one capable of achieving that.”

Yerica bit her lip, smiling with pride.

In fact, it was fascinating. Despite being a local noble, Ethan was also a noble. Yet, there was no condescending gaze directed toward her.

If she said the same words to another noble, would they accept it as easily as Ethan did now?

No matter how much she thought about it, it didn’t seem likely.

This was possible because Ethan saw Yerica as an individual, as a person.

Yerica liked that.

At the same time, she thought she made the right decision to shake hands with him back then.

-Survival probability is increasing!

“Hmm?”

Ethan was momentarily taken aback by the message that his survival probability had increased.

Of course, he didn’t reveal his surprise on his face.

‘What’s this? I just gave her a praise.’

Could it be an Easter egg where survival probability increases with praise alone?

“The best magic, the best mage!”

“Thank you, hahaha.”

“Let’s give you a name now. Since you’ll surpass Archmage, how about ‘Maximum Archmage’ or something like that?”

“It’s the worst, but thank you.”

Ethan continued to praise repeatedly. However, the survival probability no longer increased.

The only thing that went up was Yerica’s shoulders.

In the largest lecture hall at the academy, 75 students gathered.

They were all students taking the “Understanding the Sword Path” class.

“I thought he wasn’t doing it.”

“I was surprised because I didn’t expect him to go straight into the Parent Observation Class without any practice.”

For other classes, there was only one thing to match.

“But did the teachers plan it together?”

“It seems like they’ve already chosen who will present.”

“Teacher Claudie’s class is the same as last year. They say he only pushes talented students.”

As they discussed the Parent Observation Class, Ethan entered the classroom.

Unlike the usual classroom, the one borrowed for the Parent Observation Class could accommodate more than 200 people.

Despite the increased distance between them, the students felt that Ethan looked even more imposing.

“You’re all here.”

Ethan surveyed the classroom, and after activating the artifacts on the podium, the desks and chairs disappeared with a whooshing sound.

“Is everyone ready?”

“Yes!”

The students replied with various expressions—curiosity, concern, anticipation, and more.

Although most believed in Ethan, they couldn’t trust their recent declaration.

After all, they thought it was impossible for Ethan to spar with 75 people.

“The class duration is two hours. Considering there are 75 participants, the time for each of you to showcase your honed skills won’t be very long.”

Ethan spoke while surveying the students.

“But don’t worry. Even if we go slightly over the time, the parents will understand. Two hours will feel very short.”

After saying that, he drew his longsword.

“Equip your gear.”

Upon Ethan’s command, students simultaneously drew their respective weapons.

“I’ll determine the order. Each of you has a set time according to the order.”

Addressing the attentive students, Ethan continued, 

“But you don’t need to worry about the time. Just remember the order of the person in front of you. Flow with that order. Flow with it, and unleash the swordsmanship I’ve modified for you.”

Gulp.

Someone swallowed nervously.

“Now, for the first round.”

Ron Bears stepped forward.

“Show your swordsmanship. If you have anything you want to demonstrate, show it all. I’ll handle the interruptions.”

Wooong-.

Ron’s momentum increased.

Since receiving proper training from Ethan, Ron Bears tirelessly honed his body. During this process, he envisioned an image where mana was not dependent on, but assisted his body’s movements.

At some point, he understood what Ethan had said.

He realized that he had been exerting strength in futile places throughout this time.

Focusing on his body, Ron’s swordsmanship became more fierce. Although it was a simple swordsmanship, he could use his strength to unleash his own style.

Ron remembered Ethan’s words.

In this Understanding the Sword Path class, Ethan promised to bring out the individual swordsmanship of each student.

“No need to think about anything else. Just unfold your unique swordsmanship.”

With a determined posture, Ron swung his longsword.

The reason Ron was chosen first was to create an impact.

Swish-!

Ron’s swordsmanship was a blend of Revinade Swordsmanship with his rogue-like style, mainly emphasizing attacks.

Absorbing the improved posture Ethan had provided, Ron continued his fierce attacks.

Thunk-!

Ethan raised his sword. That was the signal.

“I won’t say the word ‘next.’ Read the signal naturally. We’re not engaging in a typical sparring. Consider it a kind of performance. Using me, you all become the protagonists. It’s a short time, but during that time, more than 100 people will be watching you.”

The students shivered at his words but couldn’t help but smile.

“Come.”

The day of the parents’ observation class.

Despite the earlier schedule, Marquis Rond promptly responded to the academy’s event.

“The carriages are coming!”

“Welcome them!”

Parents began to arrive at Ivecar Academy which was located at the Marquis Rond territory. This parents’ observation class was a significant event not only for the academy but also for the Marquis Rond territory.

“Ensure everything is under control!”

“Clear the way over there!”

“Quickly tell the count not to park the carriage there!”

The parents coming to the Marquis’s territory were numerous nobles gathered from across the continent. 

Starting from Barons, even among the Counts, there were many nobles with varying degrees of power and influence. Nobles who could not be casually treated, even if they were of the same Count rank, also attended. 

Since they were not nobles that Marquis Rond could handle internally, he had to be quite cautious as Marquis.

A few years ago, there had been actual fights among nobles, causing Marquis Rond much trouble.

Once a fight started, the mediation would inevitably fall on Marquis Rond. Since it was an incident within the Marquis’s territory, he had no choice but to handle it. 

That was why the Marquis took extensive measures and paid considerable attention to prevent such troublesome and risky situations.

Thus, the knights of Marquis Rond welcomed the nobles.

“Long time no see, Marquis.”

“Welcome. Your expression has improved a lot since last year! I heard your son is doing quite well at the academy. Is that the reason?”

“Hahaha! My son takes after me a bit, you know, so he has some skills!”

At the center of control was Marquis Rond.

Since it wasn’t always the same nobles visiting, revealing oneself to new nobles was a small benefit and amusement for the Marquis. Furthermore, when Marquis Rond personally came forward to greet or control, even nobles whose emotions could be easily disturbed by each other had to endure it at least once.

Observing the arriving parents, Marquis Rond sighed.

While it was advantageous for Marquis Rond to be active when they visited Marquis’s territory, there was always tension about what might happen.

“Many have come this time too. The love for their children is impressive.”

Marquis spoke as he observed the parents.

“You were the same, Marquis.”

A nearby aide responded with a subtle smile.

“Still, I didn’t bring such a golden carriage.”

Quite several parents had brought extremely extravagant carriages.

There were carriages with golden butterfly or undulating wave patterns, and there were carriages with golden wheels like Marquis had seen.

“Isn’t it like going to war the moment we enter the academy? Many eyes are watching. If you’re ignored here, you’ll be ignored at the academy, so deliberately making it more glamorous is to prevent the children from being intimidated. Isn’t that right?”

“But being too flashy might backfire.”

“Still better than being plain or ordinary.”

“That’s true. I understand it, but I might not like it if I were in their shoes.”

Marquis Rond moved to another entrance.

Since there were four entrances to enter the Marquis territory, the Marquis had to keep moving around to personally check the situation.

“I heard an extraordinary teacher has come this time?”

“Ah, yes. You’re talking about Ethan Whiskers, right? That’s correct. There’s quite a buzz about Teacher Ethan within the academy.”

“Hmm, I’m curious. If I have the time, I must visit at least once. Oh, of course, I’ll take a look at Claudie’s class first. I’m looking forward to seeing how much they’ve grown compared to last year!”