Special Resources exist in all shapes and forms.
Some can be found in flora, others are obtained from fauna. Large deposits of these resources make up resource points, of which the Randalorion Kingdom has two—the Green Shade Sand Regions and Purple Iron Ore Mines.
They are the most important parts of the Kingdom, save for the Capital. Even the Academy City is only secondary compared to those places.
However, even without these Resource Points, there are still ways to obtain Special Resources.
One sure method is by slaying Magivores.
Slaying a Cadre 2 Magivore promises at least one Rank 2 Special Resource. Naturally, the quantity is small, and its value is incomparable to the bulk that exists in Resource Points, but it is still a guaranteed method.
'My reward for killing this Magivore is its Screech Feather. Everything else is junk…' I smile, looking at the glistening feather shaped like a tongue.
This thing was the source of the Screech Owlbear's problematic ability.
With it, one could make Potions and Armaments that somewhat mimic the qualities that the Owlbear possessed when it was alive. Of course, there is a lot of Alchemy and Fabrication involved in processing Special Resources to make them usable by humans, but it remains a very useful base material.
'I even hear Shamans have special mystical powers that allow them to tap into the power of these Special Resources and use them without transforming them into Potions or Armaments…'
These are mere sayings, however, and I have yet to confirm the validity of those words.
Shamanism is shrouded in mystery, after all.
Once I retrieve the Screech Feather, I light the creature on fire and completely ignore the bedazzled gaze of the coachman before returning to the carriage. I give Uncle Damon the Special Resource to preserve for later, as I plan to sell it once we reach the Academy City, and he takes care of it.
I also return the blade to its hidden compartment.
'Armaments require a license for use. Even though I won't get in trouble for transporting one or even occasionally wielding one, since I am the Heir of a Knight Household, it probably isn't a good idea to parade it around.' I nod to myself and relax my head while smiling.
The trip continues smoothly, and we drive past the burning corpse of the Screech Owlbear.
As we move, I can't help but fall into deeper thought.
'I'm sure my father sent someone to watch my every move from a distance. The Minor Family must have also done the same. After all, they would have to confirm if their bold trap was successful…' I chuckle lightly and close my eyes. 'I wonder how surprised they were when I revealed the Armament and slew the Magivore within moments.'
It must have been shocking for them, no doubt.
To be honest, I was initially tempted to hide my strength and preserve it for a more effective surprise, but after considering it deeply, I believe this is for the best.
While there are secrets I plan to keep hidden, I have no intention to hide my strength too much.
In this world, the weak suffer all manner of injustice and are taken advantage of. Only by the display of strength can many escape certain hardships and clutch onto freedom.
Such is life.
While it is true that not all strong people are free…
To be free, one must be strong.
'The fact that these two sides are watching me from afar also means that they do not have sufficient information about me. They can estimate the Grade of my Armament, but nothing else.'
For example, they have no idea I have Potions with me as well.
The lack of proper information places them in a very awkward situation, and it makes me more dangerous and unpredictable in their eyes.
It would be easier for them if I were weak. It would also not be too bad if I were strong, but they knew the extent of my strength. However, my current abilities are shrouded in mystery, and the source of my wealth is obscured in several layers—preventing them from completely figuring me out.
Unlike them, I have my past life's knowledge, so I am privy to more information.
They don't stand a chance.
This is also why I didn't bring Leon with me. The fact that he works for my father means he would snitch on me, getting rid of some of my advantages. Instead, I made up excuses and had him stay behind to watch over the affairs of the Estate in my stead.
Of course, my father and I know this is bullshit.
After all, Leon works for him.
However, to everyone else, this should be a sensible move and an act of dominance by the Heir of the Household. Because of careful moves like this, my father doesn't have access to any of my private information.
He also won't be able to pry it out of my Uncle, who has now openly allied himself with me, since that would be dishonorable and an affront to the Heir.
Checks and Balances… so convenient.
**********
After five days, we finally arrive at the Academy City, Loria, and get settled into an Inn.
This Inn was specifically chosen by my uncle. It's the one he stayed in during all the times he visited the Royal Academy for my sake, so it was easy to get ourselves lodged in.
We actually arrived earlier than I estimated, but this is because there weren't any further obstacles in my path to the Academy City. I was right to use some of my strength, after all. The Minor Family probably got discouraged from using any further schemes, so they completely backed off.
In fact, I would have arrived even earlier, but I had to be on constant alert, so we took it slow for most of the trip and observed many precautions.
One can never be too careful with these people, honestly.
The exams don't start for another five days or so, which means I have a lot of time on my hands.
Not enough.
As tempted as I am to explore this vast city, which is several times larger than the local towns we passed through on our way here, I quickly realize that such activities are luxuries I can't afford.
The only thing I should be doing is studying.
And study I do.
Throughout the five days I spend in this Inn, I don't leave even once.
I do nothing but eat, sleep, and study—engrossing myself in countless revisions for the purpose of the imminent exam.
The days roll by in what seem like moments, and the promised day finally arrives.
At long last—the day of the Royal Academy Exams.
My Uncle takes me to the entrance, but only I am allowed beyond that barrier. I show them all my necessary documents, and I am given passage into the vast gates
… And it is beautiful.
I am greeted with the most amazing sight the moment I step into the outer court of the Academy. The unique architecture that makes up the large buildings, the clean streets, the lush and flowery atmosphere, and so much more.
This place is bustling with so much vibrancy, and the pure, refreshing air alone is enough to cause anyone to let out a sigh of satisfaction.
The moment I take in all of this, I am more assured of my choice.
I must attend this school!
Despite being initially engrossed in the awe-inspiring sights and taking in the grand ambiance of the place, I maintain focus and refuse to be distracted by them.
I quickly lock in all my thoughts and avoid checking out more views. Instead, I repeat the lines I had to memorize and go over everything I have learned in sequence. I can't help but feel nervous, as this is new territory for me, but I brave the storm regardless.
I, alongside the other examinees, am guided into the Examination Hall. It still exists in the Academy's outer court, but in a rather secluded region. Almost instantly, I notice how especially tight security is around this area.
The hall is massive, made to occupy thousands of people with ease..
It is called the General Hall.
I quickly learn, from side talks amongst the workers around, that this Hall is meant for examinees from the Clergy, Low Nobility, and Knight Households.
There appears to be a 'Special Hall' for the examinees who hail from the High Nobility.
'So, even in examination, bias and preferential treatment are already evident…' I sigh to myself and quietly shake my head.
This tells of the potential situation of the Academy itself.
Even after passing this exam, things aren't guaranteed to be any easier for me. As someone from a Mid-Rank Knight Household, it's already certain that I am one of the mediocre ones among this bunch of people.
If I didn't take extra care to purchase sophisticated clothes and dress in a polished manner, I would already be the center of attention—and not the good kind.
In order not to stand out too much, this is a necessary measure.
Soon, we are all arranged into the Examination Hall, and I find my seat placement with relative ease. Once I settle into the Hall, I shut off all my senses to the world around me and go over everything I memorized once more.
Some things have already escaped my mind, but I hold a tight grasp on certain key information that I cannot afford to forget.
I pray silently… seriously pray… for my success in this examination.
The papers are inevitably distributed among the students, and I am also presented with mine—both the question paper and the answer sheets.
I glance around and spot several supervising officers, as well as the Chief Proctor.
This tight countermeasure prevents cheating of any kind, not that I plan to resort to any of that.
I can't help but wonder if things are this strict in the Special Hall.
Somehow, I doubt it.
"You have three hours to answer as many questions as you can. Your time starts now."
At the sound of the Chief Proctor's voice, I shove all my irrelevant thoughts aside and focus on the only task worth my attention at the moment.
—Writing!