Chapter 218: Dormitory Assignment!
"Besides a huge sum of money and various resources after graduating and returning home, there's also the enhancement of 'status'."
"During my study abroad period, I can request various forms of support from home. As long as the requests aren't too excessive, they'll generally be approved."
"After all, this is an official study abroad program, and since I'm supposedly a leading figure of the new generation, they won't be too stingy when it comes to matters of face."
"But in return, I can't do anything that would embarrass them."
"Well, simply put, it's a combination of 'you can't let others bully you, you can bully others but need an excuse' and 'you must show some achievements and not bring shame to the motherland'."
"As for the most important condition among these, it would be the 'preferential treatment' after graduating and returning home."
"After returning, I'll have one chance to challenge - as long as I'm confident enough, I can choose to challenge any 'Immortal', and after completing their requirements, I can become their direct disciple."
Principal Kurono hadn't paid much attention to his explanation at first, as those conditions were roughly what she had expected.
However, the moment Luke mentioned 'Immortal', her expression changed.
"...I see, no wonder you were tempted by such conditions."
'Immortal' was a unique title in China. Other countries had similar existences known as 'Desperado'.
'Desperados' were terrifying beings who transcended fate and destiny, strategic-level superweapons for each country.
Currently in Japan, there are only three living Desperados.
In China, there were four publicly known immortals known as the "Four Immortals."
Yet, no one knows how many hidden ones exist.
Principal Kurono took a deep drag from her lady's cigarette, then sighed helplessly.
"Now I'll have a hard time repaying this favor to Teacher Nangou."
"Well, let's move past this topic for now."
"Again, welcome to Hagun Academy, Luke Ashburn."
Hearing Principal Kurono's welcome, Luke first nodded in acknowledgment before asking:
"Though I appreciate your welcome, but... surely you didn't call me to your office just to welcome me?"
"Ah, about that..."
Principal Kurono seemed to have anticipated his question.
She pushed two files lying beside her towards the boy, gesturing for him to look them over.
As Luke took the files, she began explaining.
"As I mentioned earlier, I've implemented several reforms since taking office."
"And dormitory assignment is one of them."
"I'm implementing a thoroughly practical combat-oriented system."
"Hagun Academy's student dormitories are two-person rooms, so this year, to encourage students to spar and grow together, to spark their competitive spirit, I made some changes."
"Regardless of student number, seating, or gender, only those of similar strength will be arranged in the same room."
"When roommates are of similar level, it's natural for competition or comparison to arise..."
At this point, Principal Kurono shook her head helplessly.
"But your arrival was unexpected."
"The school's enrollment this year was planned for an even number, so rooms should have worked out perfectly with two per room."
"However, you weren't admitted through the entrance exam, and I wasn't notified in advance."
"Teacher Nangou kept it secret for the sake of a 'surprise', which has ultimately caused some small problems with dormitory assignments."
Principal Kurono pointed to the two files Luke was reviewing.
"Including you, there are three 'special' students this year."
"The other two students are described in those files you're holding, and I've clearly written out their unique circumstances."
"Since you have higher priority, I wanted to hear your opinion first."
"Between these two, do you have a preference for a roommate? Or would you prefer to live alone?"
The individuals shown in the two files were quite familiar to Luke.
Stella Vermillion and Kurogane Ikki.
The former, like Luke, was also a result of Principal Kurono's 'outside recruitment' effort.
As for the latter...
"Honestly, I'm more interested in Kurogane Ikki."
"Though becoming roommates doesn't matter much to me, having my own room would certainly be more convenient."
"Hmm... perhaps it's best to leave the decision to you, Principal."
"I'm quite looking forward to their future, but at their current student level... they probably can't spark my competitive spirit."
Luke's words weren't groundless.
Setting aside destructive power and combat techniques, just in terms of 'combat experience' alone, there was a threshold that neither Stella nor Ikki could currently cross.
For these two protagonists to compete on the same stage as him, they would need at least the strength they showed in the original story during the Seven Star Sword Art Festival.
"Hehe, this is quite surprising. I thought you'd be more interested in Stella, who's also an A-rank knight."
"Your interest in Kurogane must be because he's a 'swordsman'? I'm somewhat impressed that you can ignore the F-rank evaluation written in his file."
"As expected of a genius from a major nation, ignoring a fellow genius beauty in favor of a male repeating student..."
"Well... you're right though, those two can't contribute much to your growth at their current stage."
Principal Kurono held another file containing Luke's ability scores and background information in this world.
Looking at those 'abnormal' ability scores and combat experience that even professional Mage Knights couldn't compare to, Principal Kurono couldn't help but marvel at the major nation's strength.
This was no student knight - just looking at paper strength, there probably weren't many who could defeat him even in international competitions.
She had thought Stella was already beyond common sense, with only one such monster emerging from all the League's countries.
Unexpectedly, Union would have someone similar... this was really...
"Since you don't have any requirements for dormitory assignment, I'll decide for... Oh? Perfect timing..."
Principal Kurono stopped halfway through her sentence.
A hint of an interesting smile appeared at the corners of her mouth, and she changed her words:
"Since you don't have any requirements for dormitory assignment, let's ask the other two for their opinions."
Just as she finished speaking, there was a knock at the principal's office door.
Knock knock knock——!
"Principal, this is Kurogane Ikki. May I come in?"
"Also, I met Vermillion-san at the door, who I heard was also called here."
A male voice came from outside.
Hearing Ikki speak, Principal Kurono immediately responded:
"Yes, both of you may come in."