Tenjo Hikari and John stepped onto the stage together, and Professor Paladin divided the items on the podium into two groups, allowing them to pick up and inspect, and then wear them.
Tenjo Hikari checked them over, confirming that although they made crackling sounds, they were actually just costumes for performance.
They were just costumes.
Though heavy in the hands, they couldn't truly be called "armor."
"Alright, you two, go ahead and put these on." Professor Paladin clapped his hands, indicating for them to wear the outfits.
The two exchanged a glance, and John laughed heartily, saying loudly, "This is interesting, Professor! Are you having us duel in these?"
"Outstanding intuition, but we'll explain this in detail later." Professor Paladin indicated for them to dress up first.
Tenjo Hikari was a bit perplexed, but since it was part of their lessons, there was no harm in wearing it. Putting on the armor and helmet gave a feeling of transforming from Hikari to the Hunter Knight Sword.
"Alright—"
Seeing both had donned the armor, Professor Paladin signaled them to stand properly, and then began, "Everyone should be familiar with the traditional concepts of the 'Knightly Path' and 'Knightly Spirit.'
Such as protecting the weak, fighting for justice against injustice and evil, loving one's homeland, and risking one's life to protect the church.
Of course, the last one is no longer significant due to modern era factors, but the first three remain decisions made by just and righteous people even now."
"Among knights, there is also something rather traditional, which is—dueling."
The conversation finally turned to the main point.
All the students listened with curiosity for what the professor would say next.
"In the classes of previous professors, you should already understand that improving your Spirit Power, learning the stories of Spirits, increasing your interest and compatibility with certain things, or simply summoning powerful Spirits to gain strength are valid ways.
However, some of these require extensive knowledge accumulation, while others demand risk-taking.
So, is there a comparatively easier method to enhance one's abilities?"
Professor Paladin didn't keep them in suspense, stretching out his hands toward Tenjo Hikari and John: "Indeed, I discovered a completely different method in such a situation.
And that is... role-playing duels!"
Role-playing duels!?
Many students couldn't help but curiously repeat the phrase.
Professor Paladin chuckled, continuing the explanation: "Trying to adhere to the eight virtues of knights and practice the knightly spirit is very challenging in today's world due to a lack of opportunity and environment.
Thus, even if a student has an excellent gift and can receive praise for their righteousness, there is no way to execute it.
But—
I believe all students have experienced it, right?
When you were children, you must have role-played heroes or iconic figures with other kids, like characters from cartoons you watched, avatars from games, or historical figures.
I once played as the famously known Light's Son Cuchulain in my hometown."
Many students nodded.
Indeed.
They reminisced about childhood and recalled those unforgettable moments, born from idolizing heroes and characters.
Judai leaned slightly back, hands behind his head, feeling nostalgic yet frowning a bit.
He, too, had role-played as characters from favorite cartoons with other kids, getting into harmless scuffles, but those kids he "fought" often ended up hurt or even unconscious, so he stopped engaging in such entertainment.
"Professor, can this really strengthen our abilities?" a student eagerly raised a hand to ask.
Professor Paladin laughed heartily: "Students, you need to understand something—many things you do now stem from influences during your childhood, which shaped your pathways in life.
Your love for Monsters, enjoyment of certain Cards, they all come from that source.
Thus, this Knight Duel of role-playing I propose is intended to help you, apart from studies, rediscover your childhood innocence through role-playing, and this way, you can more easily uncover your preferences and slightly enhance your Spirit Power.
Of course, the enhancement is minor, and if you wish for significant improvements, you should take the courses taught by those two professors yesterday. This course primarily teaches how to relax through role-playing and indirectly enhance abilities, serving as a supplementary method."
Professor Paladin wasn't overly strict, nor had ulterior motives, encouraging students to attend more classes for balanced growth.
He took two Cards from a Deck, flipped them over, and displayed them to the students, "This time, the roles for you two students are straightforward and should be quite familiar characters."
He held up the two Cards, whose names appeared on the device's display screen behind him.
Noble Knight Artorigus, Ignoble Knight of Black Laundsallyn.
They indeed were Noble Knights.
"Oh! It's the legendary tale of the Knight King!" John recognized the Card characters, "So, Professor, does this mean Tenjo-san and I will be role-playing as these two individuals this time?
Then I definitely want to be the Knight King! I've always loved being a champion of justice since I was a child!"
He joked with a smile.
"Being the mightiest knight Lancelot? I suppose it wouldn't be too bad..." Tenjo Hikari's impression of Lancelot was mostly from FGO; his impression of the Duel Lancelot wasn't that deep.
"Hahaha, no need to rush, students. Since this is the first role-playing duel, it's fair and just to start randomly. Each person has a 50% chance of playing the hero and a 50% chance of playing the antagonist; that's the fun of role-playing games. Many students probably resented always playing the antagonist during their childhood, right?"
He spoke while adjusting the projection screen. Suddenly, a large scoreboard appeared, with the avatars of Tenjo Hikari and John on either side, and a coin rotated slowly on the screen as Professor Paladin said, "Once the duel begins, you may choose to support either the 'Knight King' or 'Lancelot,' becoming a righteous knight or the strongest knight who betrays the king—only one chance to choose, and the final results will be displayed on the screen.
Remember, once the duel begins, they are no longer Tenjo Hikari or John, but 'Artorigus' or 'Lancelot,' and whom you support is their faction!"
"Wow!" "Oh—"
After two days of intensive learning, many students were tired from absorbing vast amounts of new knowledge, and upon seeing this activity, they couldn't resist cheering and joining in the excitement.
This professor is so amusing!
Attending regular classes truly lacks the fun of such activities.
Ding—
The coin fell.
A Card suddenly flew out, landing in front of Tenjo Hikari.
Ignoble Knight of Black Laundsallyn—
So he really was playing as Lancelot?
Shaking his head, compared to lucky ones like John, he seemed destined to always play the antagonist in games.
"Duel!" As the projection screen displayed increasing support for both "knights," the united voice echoed in the conference room.
Both Duel Disks automatically opened, resembling swords at their arms' sides, and simultaneously, the two quickly drew 5 Cards from their Decks.
Artorigus - John, LP: 4000.
Lancelot - Tenjo Hikari, LP: 4000.