"Now… What should I do…"
In the middle of a small lake in the southeastern part of the forest is a rocky island where 'The Guardian Tree of Merilda' stands, I found the Elementalist Yennekar lost in thought there, concentrating while leaning against the tree.
Before I knew it, the start of classes was only a day away.
I needed to prepare a lot of things. First of which was my unsightly appearance.
Spending ten days in the wild, I looked more like a commoner than I did a noble. Although I did wash in the stream every day, I still needed to shave off my sparsely growing beard.
I sharpened the edge of a hinge I removed from my suitcase, scared of actually using it. If I accidentally cut myself with a rusty blade, I could get an infection like tetanus.
However, to maintain a lowkey academic life at Silvenia, maintaining my dignity was the most basic of basics. My goal was to graduate and remain unnoticed as much as possible. There would be nothing worse than catching the attention of the academic staff for looking like a beggar.
I would need to find a way to get a clean razor blade.
I got dressed and finished my other preparations for classes before finally picking up my bow.
[ Combat Skills Details
Grade: Combat Beginner
Specialized Fields: Bow
Bow Proficiency: Level 1 ]
Without hesitation, I decided to specialize in bow mastery for my Combat Skills.
There are four skill categories in 'Silvenia's Failed Swordmaster':
Combat, Magic, Life, and Alchemy.
It was a system that decides one's profession by combining two skill categories.
Specializing in combat and magic would enable a student to become a magic swordsman or a magic fighter.
Specializing in magic and alchemy would enable a student to become an alchemist or a spiritualist.
For a player that was in a position to freely choose their profession, it would be wise to consider their options. But in my case, I was left with no choice for my two skill categories.
I had to train my Life Skills in order to survive.
I was also in possession of a student's body from the Magic Department, making magic training inevitable.
In other words, specializing in Magic and Life Skills wasn't an option, but a necessity.
These two categories weren't a good combination, but there was a possibility of becoming a magic engineer or an enchanter.
As I said, there was no weapon I was as compatible with as the bow.
It would be hard for me to engage in close combat because I lack endurance, muscle strength, and fast reflexes. Attacking enemies from a distance would be the most ideal strategy.
When my proficiency with production skills improved, I would be able to craft high-quality arrows and enchant them with magic.
Due to that, the best course of action was for me to specialize in bow mastery for my Combat Skills and specialize in elementalism for my Alchemy Skills.
"Elementalism…"
However, Elementalists were born with an innate ability called spirit resonance.
There was a limit to what one can train to interact with spirits. Therefore, historically great Elementalists had all been born with this innate ability.
"I guess it can't be helped if it doesn't work… but that would be a bummer."
There weren't many good specializations for Alchemy Skills. The most I could think of was specializing in herbal medicines.
Even then, it would be impossible to force Spirit Resonance if I didn't have it. If it were not to work out, I would just have to find another way.
"Anyway, I need to try out this bow I made all night."
I was overjoyed when I finished crafting a bow with a production difficulty level as high as level 2, but I was still skeptical if it would work or not.
I sharpened the hinges of my suitcases and attached them to wooden sticks to make an arrow.
I used all the hinges to make four. But if I were to be honest, I wasn't sure if I would be able to kill anything with them.
They might be useless against large beasts like wild boars, but they might work against smaller animals like squirrels and rabbits.
With the bow on my back, I went out to hunt.
Two hours later, after having achieved the result of two squirrels, I found Yennekar at 'The Guardian Tree of Merilda'.
At the youngest age, she was able to sign a contract with Takan, a high-ranking fire spirit. She was a talented Elementalist currently attending Silvenia Academy as a second year student.
She would later on be controlled by the high-ranking dark spirit Velosper, the right hand of the highest-ranking dark spirit Glasskan. She would then take over the entire student center.
She was 'Silvenia's Failed Swordmaster's' final boss in the first act.
****
Without any ambition, I just wanted to graduate from this academy. That was my best course of action.
But truth be told, it wasn't like I didn't have any dreams.
It wasn't like I didn't want to be the hero of this world and walk a path of praise from everyone.
However, the path a hero would walk on was usually a thorny one.
There was a reason they received praises. It was because they silently pressed forward on the thorny path where blood flowed, just as if it was a flower road.
The same went for this word's hero, Taylee. No one knew who he was yet, or where he was or what he's doing.
But I've played countless times as Taylee, so I knew it all too well.
With a total of 5 acts and 43 chapters, the story was similar to that of an epic novel. The ordeal that the main character Taylee would go through was not something a weak feeble mind could endure.
What awaited him at the end of his romantic and youthful academy life was the countless suffering of death and formidable and overwhelming enemies.
His last semester would be where the scale of his ordeals would increase drastically, with constant threats and pressure on Taylee's personal affairs.
The pleasure and triumph of overcoming them might be sweet, but I didn't want to go through all of those. Above all, overcoming them didn't always mean that a great reward was waiting.
Honor and glory were valuable things, but they never came for free. Instead, a lot of sacrifices had to be made in the process.
To know that the path in front was a thorny one, it would be stupid to willingly walk on it.
That was my conclusion.
Whatever it may be, I would follow the 'authentic path.'
The path of 'Silvenia's Failed Swordmaster' that I knew.
One way or another, Taylee, who had been through all kinds of ordeals and tests, would solve all the crises on his own.
I would just tell him he was doing a good job and clap for him while I focus on taking care of myself and getting my diploma.
And besides, I was one year his senior.
The storyline of 'Silvenia's Failed Swordmaster' would get fiercer around the last year, when Taylee was about to graduate. That was also the climax of the storyline.
It was when all kinds of forces outside the academy were in full swing, students were threatened and the atmosphere became desolate. All the students were met with various hardships.
The year before that, I just needed to get my diploma and leave.
My strategy was to take all the benefits and go find my own life while I left all the difficulties to the protagonist.
Wasn't that the perfect plan?
As for this situation…
One of the most important characters in the game and the first person to take Taylee down— Yennekar Palerover.
I didn't want to get involved so I should just go on my way.
That was the reasonable course of action.
But just as I was about to leave,
"Oh my, isn't that the funny friend Merilda mentioned?"
Yennekar opened her eyes and spoke to me.
Of course, this was my life, where rarely anything ever goes the way I wanted.
****
"The entirety of this forest is Merilda's territory. And although she's not a very high-ranking spirit, she talks about everything on her mind."
She talked as if the old high-ranking wind spirit that had been protecting this forest even before Silvenia Academy was established was her friend.
Her plentiful light pink hair was brushed down well, and both sides of her hair were neatly braided, giving off a warm impression.
She was dressed in the standard uniform at Silvenia Academy, a red coat and navy blue skirt. But perhaps, since it was cold, she had a fluffy shawl wrapped around her shoulders.
Spread around her were a couple of magic books. She must have been reading while being surrounded by the trees in the forest.
"I just arrived back at the dorm after the break, but why do I have so many things to say… I'm admired for having a high-ranking spirit, but I guess I've been lonely without someone to talk to. I don't know how I survived the break, being so bored."
She smiled and kept chatting, but from my point of view, this was a dilemma.
Because I didn't want to get involved with her.
I had to do something when it was with Princess Penia as she was directly related to my situation, but this is a completely different story.
"I guess it can be lonely for anyone, not having someone to talk to."
She looked so cozy and sweet with her bright smile, which is why it came as a big shock to players in the first act when she was revealed as the main antagonist.
A reliable and warm second-year senior, and yet she took over the student center with the cursed seal of Glasskan all over her body.
It was a slap to the back of the head for players, who were just starting to adapt to the rules of the world.
In fact, it was the point where I got immersed in the story. I couldn't help but say 'What the shit—'
when I played through that part.
So…
Why was she talking to me?
Somehow, I felt like I could answer that question myself.
"I heard you were living in this forest? After being excommunicated?"
"The owner of this forest told you that?"
"Merilda is a bit nosy. She loves this forest after all."
With a smile on her face, it seemed like blooming flowers were flying around her. She looked like someone who was always positive no matter how bad the situation may be.
The gap in appearance from how she looked now to when she would take over the student hall made me feel uncomfortable.
"She loves this forest very much, isn't it only natural for her to know about one uninvited guest?"
"Uhm…"
I became worried about the two squirrel bodies hanging behind my back. I had also cut down a lot of trees.
"Don't worry about those useless things~ It's the providence of nature that the living is to catch and eat each other. Would Merilda be uncomfortable with just that?"
"I guess even a scary-looking giant wolf has a soft heart."
"It's unexpected, right? Hahaha!"
Merilda, who protects the forest, was a high-ranking wind spirit in the form of a giant wolf. From what I could remember, she didn't usually appear in front of humans. I guess she was more tolerant than I had originally thought.
Then it wasn't as strange that I had been setting up camp, hunting, and gathering in her forest thus far.
"Your appearance changed a lot. Hmm… The Ed from last semester was more… We haven't talked a lot, but how should I say this… Your voice sounded a bit more 'whiny,' but now it's more serious. Was it an image change?"
"Something like that."
"Aha! I feel the same. The Ophelis Hall maid braided both sides of my hair. What do you think? Do I look more tomboyish?"
I couldn't respond as she twisted her hair.
I wanted to commend her for cheerfully talking with Ed Rothstaylor, who was known as the biggest jerk in the world, but…
Knowing her future, I couldn't respond with a cheerful smile.
Well, if I wanted to keep my distance, that would be easy.
I know a 'magic spell' that would make anyone nervous and suspicious of me, no matter their saintly personality or how nice of a person they may be.
"Yennekar, it must have been fate that we met the day before classes started. May I ask you for a favor?"
"A favor?"
"Recently, I'm in urgent need of money, so I have been looking for a place where I can borrow."
I naturally cast the magic spell.
"Can you give me a guarantee?"
And cut—
-x-X-x-
Thanks to how my parents educated and raised me when I was young, just hearing the word 'guarantee' always sent a shiver down my spine and caused my blood pressure to rise.
But that was just me.
Either way, the desperation of a human being cornered was more burdensome than one can imagine.
"After getting disowned and becoming penniless, I guess I needed some emergency funds."
It could only be burdensome to suddenly hear such words from a classmate she wasn't even close with. But it wasn't like I didn't know that. Rather, that was exactly why I said that.
"Or could you lend me some money?"
I asked her.
"I see…!"
But Yennekar's kindness was more incredible than I had imagined.
"That must have been difficult…!"
From her kindness to her 'sympathy', I couldn't help but admire her.
"There must have been a lot of hardships that I was unaware of… I'm not sure what I can say to help you feel better but… I hope you can cheer up!"
Her cheerfulness without a lick of malice made me suspicious. Did she not know who Ed Rothstaylor was?
He was a person not even worthy of empty compliments. However, Yennekar's kindness even went above that.
"But… I'm also not in a good position myself… If I could, I would definitely help you, but my family doesn't have the best circumstances either…"
Yennekar was the daughter of a small ranch in the eastern part of the kingdom of Sparde. She wasn't born into a rich family. Rather, she grew up playing in the fields as a commoner.
The only reason she was able to attend such a prestigious academy was due to her incredible spirit resonance. Due to her capabilities, she had good grades and received a scholarship.
"But cheer up! I'll be cheering for you!"
Her beautiful smile was her trademark. Seeing it had the ability to warm one's heart.
But knowing what was in store for her… it wasn't pleasant.
****
At the place where Ed Rothstaylor had just left, sat a girl still reaching out towards the air.
"It's just as you said Merilda, he's such a strange person."
There were only three people at Silvenia Academy with a high enough spirit resonance that allowed them to see the high-ranking wind spirit Merilda.
The second year student, Yennekar Palerover.
'Lazy Lucy', who was talented in all different fields of magic, and Melina, a senior professor of Spiritual Studies.
"It didn't feel like this last year."
A gust of wind blew as she stretched her arms out. Suddenly, there stood a giant wolf entwined with the wind.
The wolf opened her mouth with a large amount of pressure and rubbed her face against Yennekar's hand while letting out a soft growl.
Yennekar grinned as she stroked the wolf's jaw, which was several dozen times bigger than herself.
"I hope I can sign a contract with you one day, Merilda."
Even though they were already like family, Yennekar's magic power was still too weak to sign a contract with Merilda. Although she was able to recently succeed in signing a contract with the high-ranking fire spirit Takan, Yennekar had to lie down for ten days and ten nights right after, suffering from a high fever.
"You're even a wolf now… you're starting to look like the owner of the forest more and more."
As a high-ranking wind spirit, Merilda's form changed every time they met. Sometimes as a giant eagle, sometimes as a creepy crocodile, and sometimes, even as a crude wild boar.
Merilda appeared as a variety of animals, but this was the first time she appeared in the shape of a wolf.
Yennekar buried her face in Merilda's fluffy fur and giggled while rubbing her face.
"No matter how much I think about it, I don't think he could see you."
Holding onto Merilda, Yennekar began thinking.
She thought of Ed Rothstaylor who was disowned for doing something disgraceful. He didn't really have a large amount of talent or magic power.
Nevertheless, there was something he said that bothered her.
"I guess even a scary-looking giant wolf has a soft heart."
He definitely said that.
He was referring to Merilda's wolf form, which Yennekar only saw for the first time after returning from her break. He mentioned it so casually and matter-of-factly.
"Who is he?"
And the intention of his following words was clear.
Acting desperate and asking to borrow some money with such a calm tone and way of speaking. It was nothing like the desperation of a person stuck in a corner.
Even Yennekar, who was approachable and always seemed to only smile stupidly, had as much sense like everyone else.
When Yennekar tried to get closer to him, he indirectly avoided it.
"Well, there are people like that too but… I'm only human."
In anger, she kicked Merilda's fur who did nothing wrong. Of course, there was no way a girl's cute kick would be able to make a scratch on Merilda's skin, which was as hard as steel.
"I treated you as nicely as I could, but if you hit me like that, it breaks my heart… geez."
She didn't have any particular feelings like that of a confession, but it somehow felt like she got dumped for no reason, making her grumpy.
"Well, we will keep seeing each other in the future, so we should become closer."
Rubbing her face against the wolf's soft fur and tightly hugging Merilda, Yennekar smiled brightly.
After all, the relationship between people was something unpredictable. She remembered when she became close to many of her classmates last year, but there seemed to be a lot more interesting students this year.
Among the more interesting ones was Ed Rothstaylor. Even Merilda went so far as to refer to him as a 'fun person.'
For Yennekar, the world was always kind, like a flower field that was always full of the scent of flowers.
No matter who it was, greeting someone with her bright smile would warm their heart and enable them to laugh together.
No matter how nice a person was, there was always a bit of darkness somewhere in their heart. Merilda understood that.
Nevertheless, she had no doubt that if she smiled brightly, their hearts would eventually open up.
"Classes start tomorrow, I need to study hard again."
And so a fellow student that caught her interest had appeared. Even that fact alone was a source of joy for Yennekar.
****
"She should stop paying attention to me now, right?"
I sat in front of the campfire and started cleaning up my outfit, putting in a last-minute effort to create a neat but inconspicuous style.
The first thing I did was comb back my golden hair as much as possible to tidy it up. Then I removed all the useless accessories from my clothes.
Trimming my growing beard also made a huge difference in my appearance.
The problem of tuition fees would become a reality at the end of this semester. If I were not to receive a scholarship, I would have to leave the academy immediately.
This meant that I had to train as much as I could during this semester.
The Magic Department's curriculum had more free time than one would think, but training would still constantly occupy my time.
My magic resonance and direct elemental magic proficiency had considerably progressed over the past few days. I used them every day, after all—to cut down trees, to make a fire—I continuously used them for the sake of my survival to raise my mastery through repeated use.
[ Magic Skills Details
✦ Fast Casting Level 2
✦ Mana Sense Level 5
Common Magic:
Fire Element Magic:
✦ Ignite Level 5
Wind Element Magic:
✦ Wind Blade Level 4
My main magic level increased quite a bit. Granted, it wasn't all that hard climbing to level 10, but this was still quite fast.
There was a limit to learning magic by myself. But with classes starting, the types of magic I could learn and use would become quite diverse.
My proficiency in my production skills would also naturally increase, which should significantly affect my Dexterity.
My problem was combat. I had hopelessly low physical and muscle strength.
I had been doing all sorts of physical work these past few days, but my stats remained unchanged. This cursed body seemed like it wasn't born with any talent for physical abilities.
But I was not the type to give up when the going got tough.
"There's nothing like aerobic exercise to train your physical strength."
Although, at that point—when every day was like a series of aerobic exercises—it might be nonsense to actually schedule a time to exercise.
However, that was my environment. The northern forest where I lived was quite far from the academic district located in the southern part of the island.
The day I was disowned, I walked aimlessly and took about half a day to get to the forest. At that time, I walked deep in thought, took a break in the middle, and then walked around the streets here and there.
Even then, the distance from here to the academic district couldn't be close. What was even worse was that I had to go to class every day. In other words, I would have to run to attend classes in the early hours of the morning, every day.
"I can think of it as physical training."
Physical strength was the foundation for all actions. No matter how much one may technically excel or train their magic, physical strength was ultimately needed to support it.
I heard that combat students had to run this much every morning, so it shouldn't be impossible for me. Even though I was from the Magic Department, I had no choice but to act as a student from the Combat Department would. This was something I didn't have the time to even protest about.
Running to the academy every morning, gaining stats for my Combat Skills through hunting, woodworking, and other means to survive.
As for my Magic Skills, I needed to constantly train my mana-sense and basic elemental magic.
At the same time, crafting various things necessary for my survival would take care of my Life Skills. My increasing Dexterity and various production skills should be of great help in the future.
But my Alchemy Skill… I wasn't sure yet. I didn't have any useful magic tools or alchemy supplies right now.
"Anyway, I need to focus on training this semester."
Oh please! It would be great if I could avoid attracting any useless attention. Even without that, I already had so much work to do.
Please…
-x-X-x-
There was a question niggling at the back of my mind.
But because I had been barely surviving, it was something I didn't have the luxury to think about. However, as the new semester was just about to begin, I naturally thought of it again.
Just where in the world was the protagonist Taylee and just what the hell had he been doing?
****
An atmosphere of excitement was bound to form at the start of a new semester.
Most of the students had already returned to their dorms as the break had ended.
Even friends who hadn't seen each other in a long time had probably already caught up with each other.
But it's still human nature to feel excited at the newness of attending the yearly opening ceremony.
The Student Center was located at the center of the academic district. It comprised three buildings and was more commonly referred to as the Student Center.
Among them was Kate Hall, which was located on the west side. It was often used for such large academy-wide events.
There were dozens of large tables spread out in the huge auditorium, all of which were big enough to seat ten people comfortably. Each table was laden with a banquet feast. For someone that had been living on fish and plants those past few days, it looked like heaven on earth.
I woke up at six in the morning and walked from the northern forest all the way south to the academic district. To endure such a feast in front of me was an ordeal at a level beyond what mere human patience could endure.
If I could take the leftovers, I wouldn't have to worry about food for a while. Was there a bag or a bowl somewhere where I could put some? That was what I thought, but I didn't dare do anything more.
I hated the academy's culture of nobility. Silvenia Academy liked to overly emphasize the need to 'maintain dignity'.
It would've been great if they ignored me were I to pick up the leftovers and take them with me. But I would lose points from my behavioral conduct grade if I were to get caught.
"It's great to see students who are growing even more with each semester. Also, what we discussed at Silvenia's academic affairs meeting was…"
It was a given that regardless of the generation and time, the academy headmaster's speech was bound to be boring.
Although because of this strange thing they call 'dignity', the Silvenia students were all sitting straight and listening in silence. All thousands of them.
It was a ridiculous sight.
It was moments like these when I realized the worth of Silvenia's name.
"Look over there… Isn't that Ed Rothstaylor?"
"What? The 2nd year student who behaved indecently at the freshman entrance exam?"
"Oh my, looking closely, his appearance is a bit strange… But it's definitely him…"
"How could he shamelessly come to the entrance ceremony? No way, is he planning on continuing to attend classes? Even though he had been disowned by his family?"
Of course, the all too friendly chatter about me didn't disappear at all. I sat amidst the students, hearing their honorable whispers of warm hospitality very clearly.
"Look at him. Look at how much he's fallen. He's completely ruined. Ruined."
"Shhh, he'll hear you!"
"So what if he hears? That person is no longer a noble."
They didn't have to say all those things.
As slowly and as gracefully as I could, I lifted some grilled turkey and potato salad into my mouth. I shouldn't miss out on the opportunity to recharge the energy my morning run drained from me.
"Hello!"
Just as I was focusing on recharging my energy, I was greeted by a lively greeting to my face.
"We meet again!"
There weren't many people who would brightly say hello to a fallen noble like Ed Rothstaylor.
When I looked up, just as I expected, it was Yennekar Palerover, smiling and greeting me.
"I finished moving in with my friend at Ophelis Hall, but I couldn't say hi to you, Ed. You weren't in your room."
For a moment, I resisted the urge to frown. An alarm was ringing in my head.
Be careful of her approach!
Keep your distance!
"Nothing good would come out of you talking to me."
"Hmm? Why?"
I spoke with my eyes instead of my mouth. I swept my eyes around the hall to tell her to look around.
There were already people gossiping about us.
Yennekar Palerover was treated somewhat like a mascot amongst the second years. There was no one that didn't know who she was, being the top student of our class. And because she was always lively and gave off a warm feeling towards others, she was well cherished by her friends.
In addition to that, she also recently signed a contract with Takan, a high-ranking fire spirit. She was like a beacon of hope to the second years of the Magic Department.
On the outside, it looked as if the innocent top student was talking to a piece of shit punk dropout. Naturally, the people around us began to look on with worry-filled eyes.
In the end, there were some who urgently came and tried to rescue her.
A short-haired girl with freckles and a redhead girl with long hair jumped from the crowd.
"Wow! Yennekar! It's been a while!"
"Yennekar! Did you have a good time in your hometown?!"
Anyone could tell the girls were forcing the most awkward smiles as they greeted Yennekar and grabbed her arms.
…Nice!
Good work! My classmates whose names I didn't know…!
"Wait a minute…"
However, Yennekar miraculously escaped their hands and came back.
"I want to brag about this first before I go!"
"What?"
I looked at her in disbelief as she reached out her hands toward my face.
"What do you think?"
"...?"
I sat still, staring at her. Yennekar had her hands clasped together, turning them here and there as she looked at them. It was as if she was stretching her hands at all sorts of angles to brag about how pale and white they were which left me confused.
"After you left yesterday, it seems to have climbed out from the lake. Isn't he so cute and adorable? I signed the contract right away. He's my new friend. Here, why don't you try touching him?"
I was wondering what the hell she was talking about, but hearing the word contract made me realize what she was saying.
In short, it was a spirit. I couldn't tell what kind of shape it had, so I didn't know why she was bragging about it being cute. She was constantly changing the angle of her arms, as if there was something swirling around it. Anyways, I couldn't see it.
Well, even though I couldn't see it, I could roughly infer how it was. After hearing all this fuss, he must be cute.
If I wanted to become closer with Yennekar, maybe I could say, 'He's so cute' or 'He's so adorable'. Or maybe something like, 'I also want to sign a contract with a spirit like him. I'm so jealous!' or other such things.
In terms of friendliness, she was the best in the class. In terms of social life, she was someone who was always comfortable to be with.
There was no need to force conversations or struggle to find a topic that suited you.
She was someone who would continue conversations cheerfully even if she was just listening to a story. She was someone that everyone in the second-year class loved.
But because of that, I had to be more careful if I wanted to keep my distance. She was someone I could easily become close to. Therefore, I needed to make conscious efforts not to.
The way to do so was not difficult to answer.
"I don't get what you're saying."
All I had to do was block the flow of conversation.
"I can't see anything. I can't see spirits because I don't have spiritual resonance."
I got rid of all our common interests in one stroke. There would be nothing more for the other person to say if I quickly cut things like this. It would be awkward to try and search for another topic to talk about.
And because Yennekar was no fool, she would notice that I didn't want to become close with her.
Having lived surrounded by kind people, it must be difficult for her to handle such hostility,
"…Is that so?"
Yennekar answered, tilting her head as she faced me.
"You can't see spirits?"
This was nothing unusual. Not all students in the Magic Department could see spirits.
Nevertheless, Yennekar tilted her head a few times.
"Yennekar! Quickly! Let's go!"
"They're going to run out of desserts!"
Her rescue team came back. They quickly hugged onto Yennekar and took her back into the crowd.
"Alright! I'll see you again later!"
It was a spectacle seeing her smiling widely and waving at me.
Well, her rescuers would warn her while eating dessert.
Do not approach Ed Rothstaylor carelessly.
She would slowly start to lose interest in me then.
It wasn't so bad, if you ask me.
****
"Finally, the top students of each grade will award the 'Sage's Seal' to the freshman representative. Students whose names are called, please come up to the podium.
The second-year representative Yennekar Palerover, the third-year representative Daike Elpelan, the fourth-year representative Amy Innis… and the representative of the freshman, the respectable Princess Penia Elias Kroel."
The princess was still treated as part of the royal family. Calling her name in public always required addressing her as 'respectable'.
It wasn't strange that Princess Penia was selected as the freshmen representative. 'Lazy Lucy' might have unbeatable grades and talents, but she didn't have the personality for it. Besides, there was no other person who fit the role of representative better than Princess Penia in the first place.
The first-year students this year were full of jewels. The gap between them and our class was ridiculous.
It couldn't be helped. After all, the protagonist of this world was a freshman himself.
There were some things players noticed when playing 'Silvenia's Failed Swordmaster'.
Why were the first-year students the only ones who were doing well?
'The Benevolent Princess Penia' took control of the student council in her second year as the de facto student body president, becoming an influential figure who controlled academic affairs and rooted out injustice within the academy.
On the contrary, 'The Golden Daughter, Lortel' encroached on the darkness of Silvenia and took control of the flow and distribution of money, coordinating interests between the students to make large amounts of money.
Meanwhile, 'Lazy Lucy', who was born with talent and blessed by the stars of Glockt, became an archmage who came out in history books.
There were more but it would be difficult to mention every single important character. The important thing was they were all gathered among the first-year students.
The semester hadn't even started yet, but thanks to the first years who shone like gems, the atmosphere among the faculty must have already been exciting.
The 'Sage's Seal' was a record left behind by the founder of Silvenia Academy, Silvenia Robester. There was always a ceremony to award the seal to the freshmen for them to inherit the will of Silvenia who emphasized the virtue of learning.
People tried to give it various meanings, but it was just all ceremonial.
I kept looking around as I watched the ceremony come to its final stages.
Right now, everyone was sitting here in Kate Hall regardless of their batch. There weren't many opportunities for students from different classes and majors to sit together.
The auditorium was filled with freshmen who had varied talents and backgrounds. But these people are nothing more than just 'characters.'
What was really important was to find this world's protagonist, Taylee.
Thank you for running around on your own and solving all the hardships that would happen to Silvenia Academy without me having to lift a finger, you pushover–
No, I meant, you troubleshooter of a nobleman.
There was no one I would be more thankful for because he understood all my hardships and would take care of them for me.
Also, the surest way to check that the world was going in the way that I knew was to check on Taylee. His actions would soon determine the history of this world.
I should walk around and check where Taylee might be.
Either way, Ed Rothstaylor had already been completely ruined so I could even walk out if I wanted to. After all, no one would care whether I was alone or not at such a grand entrance ceremony.
No, it would actually attract more attention if I just stay put here.
Since I was already quite full, now would be the perfect time to get up and look around.
"This is an announcement. Can the student 'Ed Rothstaylor' visit Dean McDowell's office? Thank you."
I suddenly heard my name from the platform.
McDowell. That was a name that I knew.
He was the chief dean of Silvenia's Magic Department. In fact, he was a figure influential enough to have the authority to appoint professors.
And he was looking for me?
"Don't tell me… Am I getting expelled…?"
These days, did the highest academic authority directly notify students of their expulsion from the academy? To bid me goodbye so earnestly on my way out?
"…have my chances already been ruined?"
I wiped my face.
No, let's stay calm.
...
But what's this?
Just what was going on?
-x-X-x-
There was a question niggling at the back of my mind.
But because I had been barely surviving, it was something I didn't have the luxury to think about. However, as the new semester was just about to begin, I naturally thought of it again.
Just where in the world was the protagonist Taylee and just what the hell had he been doing?
****
An atmosphere of excitement was bound to form at the start of a new semester.
Most of the students had already returned to their dorms as the break had ended.
Even friends who hadn't seen each other in a long time had probably already caught up with each other.
But it's still human nature to feel excited at the newness of attending the yearly opening ceremony.
The Student Center was located at the center of the academic district. It comprised three buildings and was more commonly referred to as the Student Center.
Among them was Kate Hall, which was located on the west side. It was often used for such large academy-wide events.
There were dozens of large tables spread out in the huge auditorium, all of which were big enough to seat ten people comfortably. Each table was laden with a banquet feast. For someone that had been living on fish and plants those past few days, it looked like heaven on earth.
I woke up at six in the morning and walked from the northern forest all the way south to the academic district. To endure such a feast in front of me was an ordeal at a level beyond what mere human patience could endure.
If I could take the leftovers, I wouldn't have to worry about food for a while. Was there a bag or a bowl somewhere where I could put some? That was what I thought, but I didn't dare do anything more.
I hated the academy's culture of nobility. Silvenia Academy liked to overly emphasize the need to 'maintain dignity'.
It would've been great if they ignored me were I to pick up the leftovers and take them with me. But I would lose points from my behavioral conduct grade if I were to get caught.
"It's great to see students who are growing even more with each semester. Also, what we discussed at Silvenia's academic affairs meeting was…"
It was a given that regardless of the generation and time, the academy headmaster's speech was bound to be boring.
Although because of this strange thing they call 'dignity', the Silvenia students were all sitting straight and listening in silence. All thousands of them.
It was a ridiculous sight.
It was moments like these when I realized the worth of Silvenia's name.
"Look over there… Isn't that Ed Rothstaylor?"
"What? The 2nd year student who behaved indecently at the freshman entrance exam?"
"Oh my, looking closely, his appearance is a bit strange… But it's definitely him…"
"How could he shamelessly come to the entrance ceremony? No way, is he planning on continuing to attend classes? Even though he had been disowned by his family?"
Of course, the all too friendly chatter about me didn't disappear at all. I sat amidst the students, hearing their honorable whispers of warm hospitality very clearly.
"Look at him. Look at how much he's fallen. He's completely ruined. Ruined."
"Shhh, he'll hear you!"
"So what if he hears? That person is no longer a noble."
They didn't have to say all those things.
As slowly and as gracefully as I could, I lifted some grilled turkey and potato salad into my mouth. I shouldn't miss out on the opportunity to recharge the energy my morning run drained from me.
"Hello!"
Just as I was focusing on recharging my energy, I was greeted by a lively greeting to my face.
"We meet again!"
There weren't many people who would brightly say hello to a fallen noble like Ed Rothstaylor.
When I looked up, just as I expected, it was Yennekar Palerover, smiling and greeting me.
"I finished moving in with my friend at Ophelis Hall, but I couldn't say hi to you, Ed. You weren't in your room."
For a moment, I resisted the urge to frown. An alarm was ringing in my head.
Be careful of her approach!
Keep your distance!
"Nothing good would come out of you talking to me."
"Hmm? Why?"
I spoke with my eyes instead of my mouth. I swept my eyes around the hall to tell her to look around.
There were already people gossiping about us.
Yennekar Palerover was treated somewhat like a mascot amongst the second years. There was no one that didn't know who she was, being the top student of our class. And because she was always lively and gave off a warm feeling towards others, she was well cherished by her friends.
In addition to that, she also recently signed a contract with Takan, a high-ranking fire spirit. She was like a beacon of hope to the second years of the Magic Department.
On the outside, it looked as if the innocent top student was talking to a piece of shit punk dropout. Naturally, the people around us began to look on with worry-filled eyes.
In the end, there were some who urgently came and tried to rescue her.
A short-haired girl with freckles and a redhead girl with long hair jumped from the crowd.
"Wow! Yennekar! It's been a while!"
"Yennekar! Did you have a good time in your hometown?!"
Anyone could tell the girls were forcing the most awkward smiles as they greeted Yennekar and grabbed her arms.
…Nice!
Good work! My classmates whose names I didn't know…!
"Wait a minute…"
However, Yennekar miraculously escaped their hands and came back.
"I want to brag about this first before I go!"
"What?"
I looked at her in disbelief as she reached out her hands toward my face.
"What do you think?"
"...?"
I sat still, staring at her. Yennekar had her hands clasped together, turning them here and there as she looked at them. It was as if she was stretching her hands at all sorts of angles to brag about how pale and white they were which left me confused.
"After you left yesterday, it seems to have climbed out from the lake. Isn't he so cute and adorable? I signed the contract right away. He's my new friend. Here, why don't you try touching him?"
I was wondering what the hell she was talking about, but hearing the word contract made me realize what she was saying.
In short, it was a spirit. I couldn't tell what kind of shape it had, so I didn't know why she was bragging about it being cute. She was constantly changing the angle of her arms, as if there was something swirling around it. Anyways, I couldn't see it.
Well, even though I couldn't see it, I could roughly infer how it was. After hearing all this fuss, he must be cute.
If I wanted to become closer with Yennekar, maybe I could say, 'He's so cute' or 'He's so adorable'. Or maybe something like, 'I also want to sign a contract with a spirit like him. I'm so jealous!' or other such things.
In terms of friendliness, she was the best in the class. In terms of social life, she was someone who was always comfortable to be with.
There was no need to force conversations or struggle to find a topic that suited you.
She was someone who would continue conversations cheerfully even if she was just listening to a story. She was someone that everyone in the second-year class loved.
But because of that, I had to be more careful if I wanted to keep my distance. She was someone I could easily become close to. Therefore, I needed to make conscious efforts not to.
The way to do so was not difficult to answer.
"I don't get what you're saying."
All I had to do was block the flow of conversation.
"I can't see anything. I can't see spirits because I don't have spiritual resonance."
I got rid of all our common interests in one stroke. There would be nothing more for the other person to say if I quickly cut things like this. It would be awkward to try and search for another topic to talk about.
And because Yennekar was no fool, she would notice that I didn't want to become close with her.
Having lived surrounded by kind people, it must be difficult for her to handle such hostility,
"…Is that so?"
Yennekar answered, tilting her head as she faced me.
"You can't see spirits?"
This was nothing unusual. Not all students in the Magic Department could see spirits.
Nevertheless, Yennekar tilted her head a few times.
"Yennekar! Quickly! Let's go!"
"They're going to run out of desserts!"
Her rescue team came back. They quickly hugged onto Yennekar and took her back into the crowd.
"Alright! I'll see you again later!"
It was a spectacle seeing her smiling widely and waving at me.
Well, her rescuers would warn her while eating dessert.
Do not approach Ed Rothstaylor carelessly.
She would slowly start to lose interest in me then.
It wasn't so bad, if you ask me.
****
"Finally, the top students of each grade will award the 'Sage's Seal' to the freshman representative. Students whose names are called, please come up to the podium.
The second-year representative Yennekar Palerover, the third-year representative Daike Elpelan, the fourth-year representative Amy Innis… and the representative of the freshman, the respectable Princess Penia Elias Kroel."
The princess was still treated as part of the royal family. Calling her name in public always required addressing her as 'respectable'.
It wasn't strange that Princess Penia was selected as the freshmen representative. 'Lazy Lucy' might have unbeatable grades and talents, but she didn't have the personality for it. Besides, there was no other person who fit the role of representative better than Princess Penia in the first place.
The first-year students this year were full of jewels. The gap between them and our class was ridiculous.
It couldn't be helped. After all, the protagonist of this world was a freshman himself.
There were some things players noticed when playing 'Silvenia's Failed Swordmaster'.
Why were the first-year students the only ones who were doing well?
'The Benevolent Princess Penia' took control of the student council in her second year as the de facto student body president, becoming an influential figure who controlled academic affairs and rooted out injustice within the academy.
On the contrary, 'The Golden Daughter, Lortel' encroached on the darkness of Silvenia and took control of the flow and distribution of money, coordinating interests between the students to make large amounts of money.
Meanwhile, 'Lazy Lucy', who was born with talent and blessed by the stars of Glockt, became an archmage who came out in history books.
There were more but it would be difficult to mention every single important character. The important thing was they were all gathered among the first-year students.
The semester hadn't even started yet, but thanks to the first years who shone like gems, the atmosphere among the faculty must have already been exciting.
The 'Sage's Seal' was a record left behind by the founder of Silvenia Academy, Silvenia Robester. There was always a ceremony to award the seal to the freshmen for them to inherit the will of Silvenia who emphasized the virtue of learning.
People tried to give it various meanings, but it was just all ceremonial.
I kept looking around as I watched the ceremony come to its final stages.
Right now, everyone was sitting here in Kate Hall regardless of their batch. There weren't many opportunities for students from different classes and majors to sit together.
The auditorium was filled with freshmen who had varied talents and backgrounds. But these people are nothing more than just 'characters.'
What was really important was to find this world's protagonist, Taylee.
Thank you for running around on your own and solving all the hardships that would happen to Silvenia Academy without me having to lift a finger, you pushover–
No, I meant, you troubleshooter of a nobleman.
There was no one I would be more thankful for because he understood all my hardships and would take care of them for me.
Also, the surest way to check that the world was going in the way that I knew was to check on Taylee. His actions would soon determine the history of this world.
I should walk around and check where Taylee might be.
Either way, Ed Rothstaylor had already been completely ruined so I could even walk out if I wanted to. After all, no one would care whether I was alone or not at such a grand entrance ceremony.
No, it would actually attract more attention if I just stay put here.
Since I was already quite full, now would be the perfect time to get up and look around.
"This is an announcement. Can the student 'Ed Rothstaylor' visit Dean McDowell's office? Thank you."
I suddenly heard my name from the platform.
McDowell. That was a name that I knew.
He was the chief dean of Silvenia's Magic Department. In fact, he was a figure influential enough to have the authority to appoint professors.
And he was looking for me?
"Don't tell me… Am I getting expelled…?"
These days, did the highest academic authority directly notify students of their expulsion from the academy? To bid me goodbye so earnestly on my way out?
"…have my chances already been ruined?"
I wiped my face.
No, let's stay calm.
...
But what's this?
Just what was going on?
-x-X-x-
As large as Silvenia's campus was, the administrative chart was equally as complicated.
Even though it might look like a spider web, those kinds of charts would usually become quite simple towards the top.
Dean McDowell of Silvenia's Magic Department had the highest authority among the three deans of the academy. He was also part of that simple section of the administrative chart.
From the top, his name stemmed from the second branch, right after the Assistant Headmaster.
"The Academic Affairs staff didn't go through with your expulsion process. Well, I guess they figured there wasn't a need for it."
At first glance, he seemed like an easy-going person with his bushy beard and worn-out glasses. But his attitude towards me was anything but.
I didn't touch the tea his secretary served me, knowing I wasn't in a friendly atmosphere.
"Do you want us to have to go through the academic regulations and invoke the disciplinary committee to sentence you to leave the academy?"
Dean McDowell said with a firm face as he sat across from me.
Even though it was an unexpected truth spoken with power and attitude that held weight, this was just a superficial appearance from the dean.
An act to cover up his compassionate and weak-hearted personality.
It was a fact only revealed through completing the sub-quests. So as someone who had gone through the hardships of completing every story branch of Silvenia's Failed Swordmaster, this wasn't surprising.
After all, in order to serve as the dean in a place full of strong characters like the Magic Department, it was inevitable for him to take on a rather coercive attitude.
That's just the nature of academic politics, to take advantage of pushovers. It's why it was admirable that he was able to maintain his true character.
"If it's too difficult to go through all that process, the Academic Affairs will just expel you."
This was why I couldn't help but be puzzled for two reasons.
First, just as I mentioned, Dean McDowell was not the kind of person to confront his students. So to act in such a threatening manner didn't suit him.
Second was his position as the dean. Not only was he a dean, he also held the highest authority over the other deans. He was in a position where he didn't have to be involved in expelling a student. Rather, he was someone who reviewed and approved implementation plans.
His position didn't match this kind of grunt work.
Calling a student over and sitting him down to discuss whether to expel them or not… It was strange. It would be similar to going to the district office to get a copy of a document only to see the head of the office was the one reviewing complaints.
"Do you have any excuse for this?"
If I were a regular student, I wouldn't have been able to think this far. I probably would've panicked that a high-ranking noble called me to declare I was expelled from the academy.
After giving it this much thought, I saw his true intentions.
He was only trying to get me flustered.
"That is a reasonable thing to say."
I decided to respond with something simple to allow me more time to think.
I was in a luxurious and elegant reception room, put in the unusual situation of suddenly having to leave such a public event like the opening ceremony. Having dressed up well, I was now in a private meeting with someone of high authority, his intense and threatening attitude compounded with the gloomy possibility of being expelled right before my eyes.
The higher your rank was, the better you were at creating these kinds of situational pressures.
He was just trying to see my reaction to this situation.
But then, the question followed…
Just why?
Ed Rothstaylor was just an ordinary student from a noble family. He didn't have any prominent magical talent, nor did he stand out in terms of writing.
And one's nobility was nothing more than a business card in Silvenia. There were so many students from either noble or rich families. Even the princess herself was a student.
So how was Ed Rothstaylor considered important enough for a private conversation, taking up the dean's precious time?
There were only a few possibilities.
I sighed deeply.
"I'd like to thank Princess Penia for looking out for people, even in the academy. She always paid careful attention, no matter how insignificant."
I said without obvious reason.
Suddenly mentioning the princess while talking about my possible expulsion… it would be ridiculous to say something unrelated to the conversation.
What are you talking about?
Why are we talking about that now?
These reactions should follow.
But…
"What did you say?"
And in that short moment, I saw the dean's forehead narrow. It was very brief, but I caught his reaction.
"Just what are you talking about now?"
Nevertheless, he was able to maintain his position as Chief Dean for over five years. It took him less than a second to school his face back into a poker face.
But that brief moment was enough for me to realize the truth.
Just as I thought.
There were only three people in the academy who were of higher authority than Dean McDowell: Headmaster Obel, Deputy Headmaster Rachel, and Princess Penia.
Since I didn't have any connection to either the headmaster nor the assistant headmaster, there was no reason for them to care about me. This made the possibility of it being the princess much higher.
No matter how the virtue of learning takes precedence over nobility in the academy, it wouldn't have been possible to just ignore the princess's words.
In a way, this was very much like Princess Penia.
Why didn't she just gather up her soldiers to tie me up and blackmail me to reveal all my secrets in detail to want to get expelled?
Did she not think that would've made me confess everything?
Or were such barbaric and coercive means not her style? Or perhaps she found them meaningless?
It was probably both.
But looking at the results, it was a correct judgment.
Even if they tied me up and blackmailed me, I wouldn't have been able to confess that I merely possessed this body, and that Ed Rothstaylor was a separate person from me.
There was no way they would've believed it. I would've been treated like a mad man.
That's why she came up with something else.
"Nothing, it was just something I blurted out. I apologize. Haha… What am I talking about… Must be because I'm nervous… Hahahahaha…"
I mumbled and scratched the back of my head, as if I was embarrassed.
I laughed like an idiot, but Dean McDowell's eyes sharply looked at me.
He was already used to those kinds of situations.
I already figured that out a while ago.
But the… push and pull had gone too far.
"I was just… thinking about what the 'correct answer' might be."
I decided to go with confidence.
"I was just wondering what could be the reason for calling me out to sit here while you measure my potential… and what I should say to get the 'correct answer'."
I knew that sentencing someone with an expulsion was just to make an example for others.
That was just a fact based on the natural circumstances. 'I am trying to figure you out, to some extent,' was what he really meant.
If this was someone overbearing and oppressive, this kind of approach would've been counterproductive, since they might view it as me trying to be on par with them, hurting their ego.
But I already knew that Dean McDowell was surprisingly not authoritative like that.
"I know what I did was wrong… But I don't think it was a mistake deserving of expulsion."
"If you look through the academy's bylaws, there is enough reason to expel you."
"Weren't bylaws and regulations always vague and ambiguous? There's a lot of room for interpretation. That's why there's a disciplinary committee, giving students the chance to speak."
I decided to go with a basic answer.
"That said, I think I have no choice but to take advantage of all the opportunities available to me—persuading the disciplinary committee members as much as possible, putting up posters on the academic affairs wall, and persuading my classmates. I'm going to file an appeal that I was treated unfairly."
It would become troublesome for the academy.
"Are you threatening me?"
"Not at all. This is just what I believe."
I spoke with confidence.
It wasn't like I was in a position to give out threats. What kind of threat could a student on the verge of expulsion give against the head dean?
If they really wanted to expel me, they could simply ignore such trivial words. It might've been annoying and irritating for a bit, but it would've just ended there. After all, there was no way the other students would sympathize with Ed Rothstaylor.
"I'm just doing everything that I can. If I get expelled… There's nothing I can do. But I think I will regret it later if I just leave the academy without doing anything."
I took a sip of the tea they gave me.
"Is this much… good enough for a 'correct answer'?"
I feel like I was talking to him while wearing a mask. I'm sure it was the very same for him.
For a while, there was silence.
McDowell looked at me for a long time, his hand resting on his chin. After a moment, he finally said something.
"Princess Penia said there was something a bit difficult about you. At this point, I kind of agree with what she said."
The blessing of Insightful Eyes that judges humans, and the dean's secret conversation with the princess who was born with it.
The fact that Princess Penia was destined to always pay attention to me… without any mention, we already both knew.
"You are cunning like a fox, but I don't feel any ill intent inside of you."
"If you say that, wouldn't it seem like I'm trying to trick you?"
"You are calmer than the other students who tremble just by sitting in this office."
Did I act too calmly? That's what I thought. But there was nothing I could do about it now.
"Anyways, let's end it here. I'll hold off on answering whether you gave the correct answer or not."
"Then about my expulsion… what will happen to it?"
Dean McDowell laughed out loud, smiling widely. It was my first time seeing the dean like this.
"You're also quite sly."
Didn't you already know I had no intention to expel you? Didn't you already notice from the very beginning?
To say that in such a roundabout but sophisticated way… now that was the Dean McDowell that I knew.
****
I almost got fucked…!
I threw firewood into the campfire and sighed in relief.
I didn't know what it was, but it felt like a very important turning point for my future plans.
Even though I said all that, I knew I might've lost everything had I answered wrong.
I took a peek at McDowell when I closed the door and left, but his relaxed and laughing face had gone. He looked agonized and serious once again.
He was seriously evaluating me.
I shouldn't let my guard down around him.
Anyway, since the dice had already been rolled, I would just do what I had to do.
[ Newly Crafted Product
Simple Drying Rack
A simple wooden dryer capable of drying laundry, food, and other things.
The support is not strong enough to bear a lot of weight.
Production Difficulty Level: ●○○○○ ]
[ Production completed. Production skills have increased. ]
Wiping my sweat off, I was delighted by the good news of my simple drying rack.
I felt like checking my daily life production skills.
Since I had been so busy, I hadn't had the time to check my skills in detail.
[ Life Skills Details
Grade: Beginner Craftsman
Specialized Fields: Woodworking
∗ Handicraft Level 10
∗ Design Level 2
∗ Gathering Level 3
∗ Woodworking Level 7
∗Fishing Level 3
∗Cooking Level 4 ]
My Handicraft skill had already reached 10.
It was a skill that served as the foundation for the other skills. It was also the skill directly connected to my Dexterity stat.
In other words, as my proficiency level for this skill rises, so will my proficiency with my other skills.
In addition to that, there was a huge significance for having reached the level 10 of a skill. It meant I had fully learned the basics of that skill.
After reaching this level, the required experience for each subsequent level rises significantly. This meant that a proper investment needed to be made.
I flopped down on the flat rock, staying near the heat of the campfire.
Compared to the sofa in the dean's office, this was too hard and cold. But ever since coming into this world, I had been indebted to this rock, so much so that it felt like it was now perfectly molded into the shape of my butt.
Sitting in my camp that had truly become like my own home, I opened and closed the palms of my hands in front of my eyes.
"As expected… this guy shouldn't have been born a noble."
My daily life production skills are leveling dramatically faster than my combat or magic skills.
Even with natural-born talent, no one could thrive unless there was support from the environment. Since Ed grew up as a pampered noble, he lived his life ruining his talents in production.
He probably thought cooking and fixing things were acts too lowly for his status. Well, it couldn't be helped. He was a noble, after all.
"Nevertheless, I was able to create a somewhat livable space for myself through my hard work."
My living circumstances might make me seem like a homeless person when compared to that of Ophelis Hall, Silvenia's dormitory which had the best facilities on campus. But I have already grown attached to this camp which I built with my own hands.
And because I indulged in the feast at the opening ceremony, I didn't feel the slightest bit of hunger at all. I might just fall asleep like this…
"But I can't fall asleep quite yet."
I had a lot of spare time because today was only the opening ceremony. And because I still didn't have any classes to be late to, there was no need to rush this morning. This enabled me to take a leisurely walk to the academy, leaving me with a lot of energy.
I picked up a few books I had on the grass. I didn't want to sleep just yet as I was planning to read before it got any darker. I borrowed a book from the library about various edible plants and wild herbs.
Knowledge was a survival skill. I could expand my diet if I were able to distinguish the edible plant life in the forest.
"Maybe I should try making a workbench or a reading table. I could give it a try over the weekend."
With that in mind, I laid down in my simple wooden shelter and opened the book.
And fell asleep within seconds.
Like I had fainted.
Well, honestly, I was a bit tired…
****
Tucked in a corner of the academic district was the dean of the Magic Department's office.
Dean McDowell was sitting on the couch, holding his chin, thinking. It had been a while since Ed Rothstaylor left.
"Hmm…"
He was still sitting there despite having a lot of work left, deep in thought without moving an inch.
The dean's secretary sighed at the sight as she organized documents.
It had been a while since the dean had become so deeply immersed in his thoughts, to the point that he would end up doing nothing.
This caused his work to get delayed, which meant the secretary also couldn't leave on time.
She decided to clean her desk, as it looked like she wouldn't be able to go home on time anyway. She had been putting it off for a while, after all.
"It seems like he might be out of it for a while… I wonder what he's thinking about so deeply like that…"
The secretary looked at Dean McDowell, who looked like a statue lost in thought, and then looked out the window full of stars.
The starry sky was very beautiful today, thanks to the clear sky. She opened the window to let some air in.
"Secretary Agnes."
Dean McDowell suddenly called her.
"Was my acting that obvious?"
"Excuse me?"
The dean was usually so perfect that sometimes, Agnes herself wonders if he had a dual personality. At the very least, as the dean's secretary, she should know as she was always there.
Agnes stuttered that that wasn't the case to answer the dean's strange question.
And just like that, the night over the academic district grew darker.
-x-X-x-
As was common knowledge, games were usually played from the protagonist's point of view. That meant there weren't a lot of things I could do since I'd already had my downfall, played my part, and essentially left the stage.
However, the great news was that since I'd already played the game several times from the protagonist's point of view, I could roughly guess what event was currently happening, just based on the timing and the academy's schedule.
That meant there was no reason for me to feel frustrated from not knowing the state the academy was in or what was going on. I felt comforted by that fact.
On the contrary, I was surprised by how many things I didn't know because the game progressed from Taylee's point of view.
An example would be the Magic Department's curriculum.
As the main character, Taylee was a student of the Combat Department, hence the game's title, 'Failed Swordmaster'. That meant there was no way for the player to know what kind of life the Magic Department students had.
Another example was the things that happened outside of Taylee's activities.
Like the new buildings and statues being built under the sponsorship of 'The Golden Daughter, Lortel'. As well as the royal knights stationed at the entrance of the academic district to escort 'The Benevolent Princess Penia.'
Even though those things were not part of the main story, they made the world look and feel alive.
In fact, I had quite a few stories I was curious about that were never revealed in the game.
There were countless of them, but if I had to pick just one… it would have to be Yennekar Palerover.
As the final boss of Act 1, the story of her being possessed by the high-ranking dark spirit Velosper was not seriously fleshed out.
She might have been considered the final boss on paper, but the real boss was Velosper, whom she summoned, the right-hand man of the highest-ranking dark spirit Glasskan.
But high-ranking dark spirits descended through an Elementalist's pessimistic thoughts or the darkness in their heart.
And while there was darkness in everyone, no matter how big or small… wasn't Yennekar someone who was completely removed from such darkness?
She had a bright personality by nature, born with such liveliness and joy.
Just what in the world happened to Yennekar that she would fall under the influence of a high-ranking dark spirit?
…Not like I had the time to pay attention to that.
Whatever it may be, Taylee would take care of Velosper and save the student center.
****
"This is too hard…"
It had been ten days since classes had started.
"Won't I die at this rate? Like, seriously…?"
I was resting on a bench in the academic district, the sun setting over the horizon, when I was hit with a moment of clarity out of nowhere.
My daily routine every day was as follows:
I would wake up before sunrise and thoroughly wash myself in the stream, making sure to clean every nook and cranny as I was afraid of smelling.
I would then run to the academic district through the northern forest wearing casual clothes that I could wash every day.
I would always be covered in sweat by the time I arrived, so I would secretly wash up in the bathroom of Glokt Hall.
Then I would change into my school uniform, and hide my casual clothes in the grass in the Rose Garden to take with me after classes.
After all of that, I would head to the hall where my classes took place. It was where I met and mingled with children from noble families and top students alike, so I had to be careful of maintaining an upright behavior.
My reputation was already rock bottom in the academy, so I had to deal with all sorts of gossip whenever I passed by. I even started feeling empty when I didn't hear such gossip around me these days.
I also got used to being invisible in my classes.
After focusing on my studies, it was lunchtime.
I would eat lunch boxes because I couldn't afford the expensive and luxurious cafeteria at Ophelis Hall, nor the cafeteria in the student union building. My lunch boxes were my usual wild meals I brought from my camp.
I had been using rock salts to make beef jerky lately. I would hang the cured meat for about three days in the simple drying rack I crafted. This, somehow, enabled me to make decent beef jerky.
There was no better and simpler food than a jerky as it was a portable meal that also satisfied my hunger. My cooking proficiency also increased due to it, which was a bonus!
After filling up with lunch, I would finish the afternoon lectures like an invisible ghost, all the way to the end of classes.
I would then take the casual clothes I hid and head back into the northern forest. Leaving around sunset allowed me to arrive at my camp just as it was getting dark.
I tried training my Vitality stat in the beginning by running back home as much as possible. But ever since we started magic practical classes, the use of magic power left me without much energy so I've had to walk back home slowly.
The first thing I would do when I returned to camp was wash the sweaty casual clothes I wore that morning. I always had to dry it in advance so I could wear it again the next day.
I would also inspect my school uniform to make sure it was kept elegant and neat at all times. I had to make sure there was no dirt on it, nor any tears. And if any was found, I would immediately repair it using thread I took from other fabrics.
After dealing with my clothes, I would then do everything else I needed to do for the day, which differed from day to day.
I would check if I was running out of any herbs or medicinal plants, and if I was, I would then go out and collect some. I also always checked the condition of the pile of wood I had trimmed.
I would also check the cave for my meat supply. If I noticed I had started to run out, I would take my bow and go out to hunt. It was actually more convenient to hunt using the harpoon and spear I previously made. But with my future in mind, I forced myself to hunt using the bow because I knew I had to level up my proficiency for it.
But if the results for that day's hunt were too abysmal, of course, I would use a different weapon. I needed to eat to live, after all.
And after the sun had fully set, I would light up the campfire so I had a secure light source. Then it was time to do my homework.
I would go over the practice assignments on a wide stone plate I had fashioned into a workbench. My strong suits were areas where writing was an important factor like Magic History and Elemental Studies. Thankfully, I was still a quick thinker.
It had been a while since I held a pen, but there was also a time when I was a test-taker, going through the rough period of studying to pass Korea's college entrance exam. It was as if my body still remembered all my study habits from that time. Hurray for South Korea's private education craze…?!
I used a small poker to write on the stone slab with ashes. I had also borrowed books from the student library since there was no way I could afford my own personal books, nor a quill pen and ink.
And as the moon rose high in the sky, I would practice magic alone.
My first goal was to get my elemental beginner magic proficiency to level 10. The second-year curriculum already introduced intermediate magic, so there would be nothing I could do if I was stuck struggling with beginner magic.
I trained my magic practically by using Wind Blade to trim trees and controlling the campfire using my fire-type magic.
I would start feeling sleepy at this point, but I knew it wasn't time to sleep quite yet. I still had a lot of work to do before I could go to bed.
I would inspect my simple shelter and check for any problems, then I would replenish the firewood in the campfire to make sure it had enough through the night. After that, I would check the beef jerky I brought to class the next day, as well as my water container, which I refill as needed.
I would then go over tomorrow's timetable and organize my thoughts on how I will spend the next day. After that, I would fill the shelter with campfire smoke to drive the bugs away. Then I ventilate it and finally go to bed where I would get about four hours or so of good sleep.
Thankfully, I never overslept no matter how tired I was. Owing to having gone to the military, I got used to this routine pretty quickly.
That was the life I led for the last ten days.
My whole body had been screaming from the muscle pains.
I looked up at the sunset sky as I sat on the bench, taking a short break from my current situation. When I go back to camp, there would be a mountain of work I needed to do.
"At the very least, I should move the camp a little closer…"
I thought about it for a moment and shook my head no. Nothing good would come out of living among the other students' living areas. Plus, the long-distance I travel to and fro every day helped with my vitality. No, don't be weak!
"Aghhhkk!"
I could barely get my creaky body up from the wooden bench to get back on the road again. But what more could I do when I possessed a body like this?
I had to accept this much.
Surely, better days were bound to come.
****
But a fortunate thought came to mind as I traversed through the northern forest.
That the past ten days had given me confidence in my ability to sustain this lifestyle.
I had somehow managed to keep at it, no matter how fucking difficult and tiring it had been.
It was probably because my student life had been calmer and more peaceful than I had imagined.
Everyone would gossip and look at me with contempt wherever I went. In the end, I didn't really care anymore.
What could I even do about it? It wasn't even me who did those things. And besides, Ed Rothstaylor was just unlikable, to begin with.
It was a much better situation than with the first-years, where chaos would break loose left and right, always out for an adventure.
As it was early in the first semester, 'Spear from Nature Ziggs' must have already blown up the Research Building, and 'Lazy Lucy' had already electrocuted the dean's cat with lightning magic. Their year already had a lot of events happening.
Additionally, the first-year students of the Combat, Magic and Alchemy Department must have already had their first hands-on class against monsters. Soon enough, the main character Taylee would start meeting the other main characters and getting acquainted with them.
Taking a step backstage, my surprisingly calm and regular life continued. Yeah… it wasn't so bad when I thought about it this way.
After all, if one were to keep reliving a hard and tiring day by day, they would eventually get used to it.
All I had to do was stay away from the main characters and continue on with my life. Then, I would earn my diploma, and when the academy goes into chaos…
Bye bye!
Well, not that the academy would collapse. It was an ordeal that would resolve on its own, so not like there was a reason for me to deal with it.
When I thought of things like this, I couldn't help but think I've been doing a good job thus far.
Yeah, there was no reason to feel frustrated over anything.
Except for one variable.
Yennekar Palerover.
"Hello!"
"What are you eating?! Dried meat?"
"Good Morning!"
"What's your next class? Elemental Studies?"
"Do you want to eat at the student cafeteria with me?"
Those past ten days, whenever Yennekar saw me around the academic district, she would always give me an unchanging lively greeting.
Of course, her two best friends would always appear and drag her away soon after.
"Hmmm…"
This wasn't part of my plan. There shouldn't be a reason for her to be this interested in me… Did I make some type of mistake? Or was there an aspect I hadn't realized?
"Well… it should be fine."
Through the forest, the sun had begun to set. And across the branches, I began to see my camp that had now comfortably become my home.
But it was still a long way home.
I had said this before, but I was a foreign entity in this world who would follow its authentic story.
If I were to become a variable that could change the flow of the world, then I would have lost my advantage of knowing the future.
Therefore, it was only right that I maintained a certain distance from the important people of this world. Well, it might have been awkward to forcefully try to become close, but it was easy to keep my distance.
I could do this!
The clarity from a while ago had begun to fade to some extent. And the hope that I would be able to do well took its spot.
Yes, one way or another, everything would work out!
I had been keeping my distance from other people, so much so that it had become so boring, but that's okay! I could do this!
With my heart filled with hope and the drive to live today to the fullest, I took a step into my camp.
"Zzz… Zzz…"
It was then that I found a girl curled up and sleeping in my simple shelter.
Her neck was covered by the brim of her witch's hat, so wide that it could cover the entirety of her face. And her breathing… that breathing that sounded as if everything was bothering her… I was able to figure out her identity as soon as I heard it.
I sat down on a rock.
"Haah…"
It was a sigh from the depths of my heart.
"Just why… why is this girl sleeping here?!"
It was the first time meeting her, but how could I not know her? She would play an active part from the beginning till the end of 'Silvenia's Failed Swordmaster'.
She was such an important person that she could be considered on the same level as the other four heroines. She was someone with an important presence in the main story.
It might be hard to judge by her appearance, with how she seemed lazy and uninterested, but she was overwhelmingly one of the most important characters.
So why the fuck was she sleeping here?
"..."
I looked around my camp.
We were in the northern forest of Acken Island. A faraway place where nobody went. But to a student who was as genius as she was, to use her magic power to traverse through space so quickly was as easy as breathing. This forest wouldn't have been that far for her.
First of all, her behavior could be likened to that of a street cat.
Due to her small body and her talent to bounce around using magic swiftly, she could go to the top of the clock tower, or the rooftop of Glokt Hall, or any great place for naps where she would get the perfect amount of sunlight… she could literally go anywhere.
So why the hell was she there?!
In a place where there were no people, was far away from the academic buildings, where a shelter with a roof was, where you could hear the cool wind and the pleasant sound of the stream…
There was no better place to skip classes and take a nap.
...
"Fuck! It was my own fault!"
I shouted out too late, my monologue meaningless.
I could hear 'Lazy Lucy' gently exhale as she slept, as if in a whisper.
I covered my eyes with one hand in exasperation.
I had no choice but to sit still for a while.