My Second Chance in Life in Another World-Chapter 53: SINISTER GAZE

The sharp ring of the morning bell jolted me awake. The faint light of dawn streamed through the small dorm window, casting golden rays over the room’s wooden floor. I stretched, feeling the slight stiffness in my back from the hard dorm bed. Today marked the beginning of the second week at the academy, and I wasn’t sure if I felt excitement or dread.

Yesterday, Crestia and I had agreed to keep a low profile, only leaving our dorms to grab meals at the cafeteria. It seemed like a sound plan to avoid Alad’s scheming, but today, that strategy wouldn’t work. Classes were unavoidable, and so was the risk of running into him.

Sighing, I glanced over at my three dormmates. Tork, Raiden, and Tyiyn were still snoring peacefully, oblivious to the passing time. I shook my head, walking to Tork’s bed first.

"Hey! Wake up, everyone! There are classes today!" I said loudly, clapping my hands for emphasis. My voice echoed through the small room, startling Tyiyn, who mumbled something incoherent and turned over.

Tork cracked one eye open, his disheveled hair sticking up in every direction. "Will? It’s unusual for you to be so eager. Normally you wouldn’t stand up unless someone forced you to. Did something happen?" His tone was groggy but laced with curiosity.

"No, I just got a good night’s sleep, that’s all," I replied casually, though I wasn’t sure he believed me.

Tork gave me a knowing look but didn’t press further. Instead, he groaned, pushing himself upright. I moved on to Raiden, who was cocooned in his blanket like a stubborn child refusing to face the day.

"Raiden! Up!" I said, yanking the blanket off him. He groaned dramatically, his black hair a mess.

"Why are mornings so cruel?" he muttered, rubbing his eyes as he finally sat up.

Once everyone was awake, we dressed quickly and headed to the cafeteria. Raiden, still half-asleep, stumbled behind us like a zombie. I couldn’t help but wonder if he’d stayed up late last night practicing swordsmanship or what.

The cafeteria was bustling with energy when we arrived. The aroma of freshly baked bread and the sizzle of fried eggs filled the air, mingling with the chatter of students. Long tables stretched across the room, each one packed with groups of friends eating and laughing.

As we entered, my eyes instinctively scanned the crowd, landing on Chris’s group sitting at their usual table near the window. I glanced at Tork, who nodded, understanding my unspoken request.

"Go greet them," Tork said, clapping a hand on my shoulder. "We’ll find a table for us."

"Thanks," I said, grateful for his support.

Walking toward Chris’s group, I tried to shake off the nervous flutter in my chest. Crestia was there, of course, and after everything that had happened recently, I wasn’t sure how she’d react to me today.

"Good morning, everyone!" I greeted cheerfully, stopping by their table.

The four of them looked up at me in unison. Chris, ever the lively one, was the first to respond.

"Will! Good morning!" she said, her smile as bright as the sunlight streaming through the window.

"Good morning, Will!" Lana and Lucia chimed in at the same time, their synchronized greeting followed by a fit of giggles.

Then there was Crestia. She looked up briefly, her red hair catching the light. "Good morning," she said in a reserved tone before turning her attention back to her food.

The table fell silent for a moment, the other three staring at her as if she’d just grown a second head.

"What?" Crestia asked, frowning as she noticed their stunned expressions. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No," Lana said, shaking her head. "But you... returned Will’s greeting. Normally, you’d just ignore him."

Lucia leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Did something happen between you two that we don’t know?"

"Huh? Nothing happened at all!" Crestia replied, her voice sharp with irritation. She quickly took a bite of her bread, as if hoping to end the conversation there.

Lucia, however, wasn’t so easily deterred. "Stop saying nonsense things and just finish your food before the bell rings," Crestia added, shooting her a pointed glare.

"Yeah, that’s the Crestia we know," Lucia teased with a grin.

"Huh?!" Crestia said, her tone rising as her cheeks flushed slightly.

Lucia waved her hands defensively. "No, nothing," she said quickly, stuffing a piece of bread into her mouth to avoid further wrath.

"Maybe Crestia wants to be friends with Will now," Chris said suddenly, her tone light but thoughtful. It was the first time she’d spoken since her initial greeting, and her words hung in the air, drawing everyone’s attention.

"Huh? What are you saying? I said stop saying nonsense things and just finish your food," Crestia said to Chris, her tone sharper than usual, though a faint pink lingered on her cheeks.

"And you? How long are you going to stay here?" she added, turning to me with an annoyed expression, though her voice lacked its usual edge.

"Ah! That’s right," I said, snapping out of my thoughts. "Then I’ll take my leave. See you guys." I gave a small wave before walking away from their table.

As I turned my back, I heard Chris’s voice, soft yet teasing. "You didn’t deny it."

"Huh?" Crestia’s voice followed, tinged with confusion.

"You didn’t deny that you want to be friends with Will," Chris said, her tone laced with mischief.

"Shut up," Crestia muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

I couldn’t hear what followed as the noise of the cafeteria drowned out their conversation, but I could feel their eyes on me as I walked away. I didn’t need to look back to know Chris was probably smiling at Crestia, and Crestia... well, I wasn’t sure what she was feeling, but she wasn’t the type to let her guard down easily.

Crestia and I had decided not to tell Chris and the others about our situation. It wasn’t because we didn’t trust them—it was because we didn’t want them to get involved. The less they knew about Alad and his schemes, the safer they would be. That’s why everyone had been so surprised when Crestia suddenly returned my greeting earlier. It was a small gesture, but for her, it was significant.

***

After breakfast, my friends and I headed toward the training field. Tork had left earlier, mentioning something about discussing an issue with his classmates. That left me with Raiden and Tyiyn, who were both unusually quiet this morning.

The training field was alive with activity when we arrived. Students from different grades were scattered across the area, practicing their swordsmanship or engaged in matches. The clang of steel against steel echoed in the air, accompanied by the occasional shout of encouragement or frustration.

Just as we were settling in, Instructor Gord appeared, his imposing figure instantly commanding everyone’s attention. The murmurs of the group died down as he walked to the center of the field, his boots crunching against the gravel.

The 16 of us braced ourselves, expecting him to announce the usual 50-lap warm-up. My muscles already tensed at the thought of the grueling run, but what he said next left us all stunned.

"Everyone, your task for this morning is to run 20 laps," Instructor Gord announced, his voice calm but firm.

For a moment, there was complete silence as we exchanged disbelieving glances. Did he just say 20 laps?

Famir, the ever-curious one, couldn’t hold back. "Did I hear it right, sir? 20 laps?" he asked, his tone filled with disbelief, mirroring what we all felt.

"Yes, 20 laps. Is there a problem?" Instructor Gord replied, his steely gaze narrowing slightly.

"No, nothing, sir," Famir said quickly, realizing he might have overstepped.

As the realization sank in, an almost palpable wave of relief and excitement swept through the group. Whispers of "This is easy" and "Finally, a break" passed between us as we lined up at the starting point.

"Now start!" Instructor Gord barked, his voice cutting through our chatter like a blade.

We took off, the 16 of us moving in a loose formation around the field. The rhythm of our footsteps blended with the lively sounds of the training grounds.

As we ran, my gaze wandered to the different sections of the field. To my left, a group of second-year students practiced intermediate sword skill, their movements rigid but determined. On the far side, third-years sparred in pairs, their strikes faster and more refined.

When I reached the part of the field where the fifth-year students were practicing, my pace slowed slightly as I caught sight of two familiar figures. Hans the Joker and Leonardo the Ace were locked in an intense match. Even from a distance, their skill was undeniable.

Hans moved with a fluid, almost playful grace, his sword weaving intricate patterns through the air. His movements were deceptive, like a predator toying with its prey. Leonardo, on the other hand, was a picture of precision and control. Every swing of his blade was calculated, his footwork impeccable.

The clash of their swords was mesmerizing. Sparks flew as steel met steel, their strikes so fast that it was hard to follow. I found myself momentarily captivated, my own running forgotten for a split second.

"Keep moving, Will!" Raiden’s voice snapped me back to reality, and I quickly picked up my pace.

As I rejoined the group, I couldn’t help but reflect on what I’d seen. Hans and Leonardo weren’t just above average—they were on a completely different level. Their movements were so refined that it felt like watching a dance, each step and swing perfectly synchronized. I had no doubt that either of them could defeat Ruel, the strongest swordsman I’ve ever faced while battling to death, without breaking a sweat.

As I continue running, a strange sensation creeps over me—a feeling of being watched. My instincts kick in, and I glance around the training field, scanning the crowd of students. When my eyes finally land on the source, my heart skips a beat.

Standing at the edge of the field, his arms crossed and an unsettling smirk on his face, is none other than Crestia’s bully, Alad. His piercing gaze is locked directly on me, and for a moment, I freeze in place.

When he notices that I’ve caught him staring, his smirk deepens. At first glance, it might look like a casual exchange—one person acknowledging another—but the intensity in his eyes tells a different story. His gaze is filled with malice, a burning hatred that sends a chill down my spine. It’s as if his very presence is screaming, You’ll pay for what you did.

His expression, calm yet menacing, radiates an unmistakable warning. It’s not the look of someone who simply holds a grudge. No, this is the face of a man plotting something sinister, something calculated. I can feel the chill spread through my body, my instincts screaming at me to stay alert.

I underestimated him. I thought that standing up to him would be enough to deter him, to make him think twice before trying anything again. But I was wrong. His hatred isn’t just a fleeting emotion—it’s a driving force. That face he’s making right now tells me that he’ll stop at nothing to take his revenge on Crestia and me.

"Will, why did you stop running?" Tyiyn’s voice cuts through my thoughts, jolting me back to reality. He jogs up beside me, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Ah! Nothing," I reply quickly, forcing a smile to mask my unease. I point toward the match between Hans and Leonardo in an attempt to redirect his attention. "I just saw their match and got captivated by their moves."

Tyiyn follows my gaze and nods in agreement, his eyes lighting up as he watches the duel. "You’re right. Even from here, I can tell they’re on a completely different level than us. Their movements are so smooth, so precise."

I nod absentmindedly, barely processing his words. My thoughts are still preoccupied with Alad and the danger he poses.

"Watching their match is fun, and you can definitely learn a lot," Tyiyn continues, "but if we don’t get moving, we’re going to get left behind." He gestures toward the rest of our group, who are steadily making their way around the field.

"You’re right," I say, shaking off the lingering dread. "Let’s go." Together, we pick up the pace and rejoin the others.

The remaining laps pass in a blur. My legs move automatically, but my mind is racing. I keep replaying the look on Alad’s face, analyzing it from every angle. The more I think about it, the more certain I am that he’s planning something big.

By the time we finish our 20 laps and are given a break, I’ve already started forming a plan. Sitting on the grass, I lean back on my hands and stare up at the sky, trying to think of a way to keep Crestia safe.

I know one thing for sure—I can’t leave her alone. Not even for a second. Alad’s hatred is too intense, his determination too strong. If I give him even the smallest opportunity, he’ll strike.

But how can I stay close to her without drawing suspicion? Our classmates might start to notice if I stick by her side too often, and I don’t want to give Alad any reason to escalate his plans.

The answer comes to me slowly, piece by piece, as I sift through my options. Finally, a solution begins to take shape.

The best way to protect Crestia is to switch classes. If I transfer from swordsmanship to magic, I’ll have a legitimate reason to be near her. I know she’s in the Water magic class, which is known for being one of the most basic classes at the academy. I won’t learn much there, but that’s not the point. What matters is being close enough to intervene if Alad tries anything.

Still, I need to think this through carefully. If I switch to Water magic, people might suspect that I’m following Crestia, and that could lead to unwanted attention. Instead, I decided to choose a different element—one that’s challenging enough to justify my lack of experience while still keeping me near Crestia’s class.

After some consideration, the answer becomes clear. I’ll choose the most difficult element to learn, the Earth element. That way, no one will expect too much from me, and I can focus on keeping an eye on Crestia. Conveniently, her classroom is located right next to the room where this element’s lessons are held.

Satisfied with my plan, I let out a small sigh of relief. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s the best one I can think of under the circumstances.

After coming to the decision to switch classes, I knew the next step was to inform Instructor Gord. Although I wasn’t certain how he’d react, I hoped he’d understand my reasoning.

When I approached him after our break, I noticed how he stood with his arms crossed, surveying the field. His expression was stern as always, a mixture of authority and sharp calculation. The kind of face you’d expect from a man who’s spent decades mastering his craft.

"Instructor Gord," I began hesitantly, trying to sound as composed as possible despite the nerves buzzing in my chest. "I have a request."

He turned to me, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What is it, Will?"

"I’d like to switch from swordsmanship to magic classes," I said, doing my best to keep my tone firm and resolute.

For a moment, he didn’t say anything, just stared at me with those piercing eyes of his, as if trying to read the very depths of my soul. The weight of his silence was almost unbearable, and I found myself bracing for a sharp refusal.

But when he finally spoke, his response wasn’t what I expected.

"Are you really sure about this?" he asked, his voice carrying a tone of genuine surprise. "You do realize that the 11th swordsmanship tournament is coming up, don’t you?"

His words caught me off guard. "Swordsmanship tournament?" I echoed, confused.

He raised an eyebrow. "You haven’t heard about it yet?" He uncrossed his arms and gestured broadly as if the announcement had been common knowledge. "Next month, the academy will host its 11th swordsmanship tournament. It’s a big deal—students from every grade level will be competing. The winner will walk away with ten gold coins and a sword forged by the head of the Tranche blacksmith company."

I blinked in surprise. Ten gold coins? And a sword crafted by Tranche, the most prestigious blacksmith company in the kingdom? It was an opportunity most swordsmen would dream of.

"And you’re considering me to take part in it?" I asked, my voice a mixture of disbelief and excitement.

"Don’t get ahead of yourself," Instructor Gord said with a sharp look, though there was a faint hint of approval in his tone. "I haven’t chosen anyone yet. Before the tournament, we’ll hold an internal competition within this class. The winner of that will get the single slot available for first-years. I’ve been watching you, Will, and I can tell you’ve got potential. That’s why I was thinking of putting you forward."

Hearing those words from someone as strict as Gord made my chest swell with pride. For a brief moment, I felt a flicker of doubt about my decision to switch classes. Competing in the tournament would be a rare chance to prove myself—to show that all the training and hard work had been worth it.

But then, the image of Crestia’s worried face flashed through my mind. The memory of Alad’s malicious grin resurfaced, sending another chill down my spine. No, protecting Crestia was more important. She was relying on me, whether she realized it or not.

"I’m honored that you think so highly of me," I said after a pause, trying to sound as earnest as I felt. "But right now, I have some personal reasons for wanting to focus on magic. I hope you can understand."

Instructor Gord regarded me with a thoughtful expression. I could tell he was trying to figure out what was going on, but thankfully, he didn’t press me for details. Instead, he surprised me yet again.

"Then how about this?" he said after a moment, his tone turning practical. "In the mornings, you’ll continue to attend swordsmanship classes. In the afternoons, you’ll be free to take your magic lessons. That way, you can work on both without neglecting either."

I stared at him, taken aback by the proposal. "You’d really let me do that?"

He snorted, crossing his arms again. "You’re one of the more promising students in this class. It would be a waste to lose you entirely. Besides, the morning sessions are when we cover most of the critical techniques. You’ll still be able to prepare for the tournament, even with a split schedule."

For a moment, I was speechless. I hadn’t expected him to go to such lengths just to keep me in his class. His belief in my potential was almost overwhelming. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Thank you, Instructor Gord," I said finally, bowing my head slightly in gratitude. "I’ll do my best to meet your expectations."

"See that you do," he replied gruffly. But as I turned to leave, I thought I saw the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

As I walked away, a sense of relief washed over me. The arrangement was perfect. I’d be able to stick to my original plan while still honing my skills as a swordsman. And with mornings dedicated to swordsmanship and afternoons spent in Earth magic classes, I’d have an excuse to stay close to Crestia without drawing too much attention.

Of course, it wouldn’t be easy. Balancing two disciplines would mean twice the workload and twice the exhaustion. But I didn’t mind. If it meant keeping my promise to protect Crestia, I was willing to put in the effort.

That night, as I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling of my dorm room, I couldn’t help but feel a strange mix of emotions. Pride, for being recognized by Instructor Gord. Determination, for the challenges that lay ahead. And most of all, a renewed sense of purpose.

From tomorrow onward, my schedule would be more demanding than ever. But that was okay. Because no matter how hard things got, I wouldn’t forget the reason I was doing all of this.

I closed my eyes, letting out a slow, steady breath.

I will protect her. No matter what.