After our instructors debated among themselves for a while, they divided us into two groups: those who were suitable for combat and those who were not. The number of those who would not be receiving combat training was greater than half of the class. About a hundred of us, including myself, would be taking practice as well as theory classes. Three questions were asked of the students who would participate in the practice lessons.
The first question was about whether we had a class. I had thought that I would acquire a class in my fight with Viola but it didn't seem like having a class would be that easy. Viola and Zui were among those who raised their hands. At this point, attention turned to Alex. He had just defeated Sin of the Flower a few minutes earlier. Therefore, many of us, including myself, had thought he would have a class. Just like me, he didn't have a class, which made his victory even more impressive. After the question was asked, it was mentioned that we were required to choose the newly added course "Class Philosophy" this year.
The second question was simpler. They asked if anyone wanted to use a bow. A few people, including Stefan, raised their hands. They were asked if they would be taking archery lessons, and everyone who raised their hand said they wanted to take the class. The last question was the one I found most interesting.
Because some of us would be receiving special lesson.
While the instructors were discussing among themselves, they had determined the top ten individuals based on our combat performances. These ten would be given the opportunity for special training by an instructor. The nalia, the head of the instructors, stepped forward and began to announce the names.
"In the tenth place, we have Nell Warden. I will personally give you special lessons. Do you accept?"
Hearing my name really surprised me. Special training was quite important to me. I wasn't very knowledgeable about combat techniques. There was no reason for me to refuse the opportunity being presented. After I said I accepted, I didn't expect to hear the next name.
"In the ninth place, we have Ela Yoiwan. You will receive special lessons from Rwel. Do you accept?"
I hadn't had the chance to watch Ela's fight but I really didn't expect to hear her name. Ela seemed to be at a loss for words from the shock, just like me. She accepted the training opportunity as well. From that point on, even if I didn't recognize the names I heard, I was familiar with their last names. They were likely nobles and I had seen that they had rejected the training offers. This made sense to me. Nobles taught combat training to their children that even the Academy couldn't provide. To them, this special training would be unnecessary. The names continued to be announced until a familiar name reached my ears.
"In fifth place, we have Viola Scarple. You will receive special lessons from Rwel. Do you acc..."
"I accept!"
Viola had said this with great seriousness. I didn't know why she accepted. It was another knot had emerged regarding her, as if things weren't complicated enough already.
"In second place, we have Zui Amor. Two instructors have made you a special lesson offer. Do you accept?"
Sin of the Flower looked at that nalia with her usual emotionless face. Until now, I had never heard her speak, so I was curious about what her voice sounded like.
"I refuse."
Her voice was icy. It was devoid of emotion and very clear. After staring at her for a few seconds, the instructor announced the last name.
"In first place, we have Alex Grima. Three instructors have made you a special lesson offer. Do you accept?"
At this point, I couldn't even guess what the main character would say. He thought for a moment and after asking which instructors wanted to give him special lessons, he accepted one while rejecting the others. After a brief discussion among the instructors, they said everything was concluded. Thus, everything came to an end and we all left the building. Even as I walked out of the building, I was looking at my bracelet. I wanted to check my schedule one last time.
Theory Lessons:
Monday: Technology
Tuesday: History
Wednesday: Resources
Thursday: Technology
Friday: History
Practice Lessons:
Monday: Axe Usage Training
Tuesday: Secondary Weapon Training
Wednesday: Class Philosophy
Thursday: Special Lessons
Friday: Axe Usage Training
I had chosen everything. I had determined my routine like this until the written exams in two months. It wasn't too intense. I had never considered myself a hardworking person. At that moment, someone wrapped their arm around my shoulder. It was none other than Stefan. He was giving me tips on how to impress girls and chatting about how successful we were. In fact, we were like a complementary duo. I was the cool one, while Stefan was the entertaining one. At that point, Iris and Ela joined us.
"Hey girls. I was just telling Nell how successful I am. Shall we go to the café together?"
The area where the Academy was located was not just a place filled with educational buildings. There were shops for young people to shop, cafés to hang out together and a theater. In this world, there was no such thing as cinema yet but I felt that cinema would soon exist in this world as well. The four of us went to the nearest café. There, we talked about various topics and shared stories about our fights. All four of us would be taking practice lessons. Moreover, Ela and I would even be taking a special lesson.
"While it's on my mind, let me ask. Was there anything strange about your magic path?"
Iris's words had piqued all of our curiosity. After all, we were the first users of the latest version of the wallistics. It was inevitable that we would have questions on our minds.
"What kind of strange? If there's no problem, don't hesitate to show us."
The shy girl seemed like she would protest but without saying anything, she revealed her wallistics. After looking around, a three-dimensional screen formed in the middle of our table. The screen displayed Iris's magic path.
Magic Path
- No specialization has been determined for any type of magic.
- You have an affinity for healing.
- Act against your nature to unlock your potential.
This was quite strange. I needed to at least respect magic. Stefan was the first to speak.
"My magical path isn't like that. At least, it didn't give me strange directives."
"Neither does mine."
Ela agreed with her. What was bothering me was the last item. What did she mean by "act against your nature"? I thought to myself, 'Could it be related to personality?' while Stefan started telling a joke to lighten the mood again. It was about an old man trying to make yogurt by throwing a huge amount of ferment into a lake. We all laughed like crazy at that joke.
We talked for a while longer and then parted ways. Since I had nothing else to do, I returned to my room. I felt like I would never forget the events of the first day at the Academy. Making friends on the very first day, fighting with an irritating noble and all sorts of other things. As human beings, we live with our emotions. Even the behaviors we exhibit around logic are influenced by these feelings. I began to wonder what awaited me next and what emotions would come to the surface. One thing was certain: this Academy adventure was going to be amazing.