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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 11
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"...That concludes my congratulatory address. Thank you to everyone who listened."
As Leonhardt's long, drawn-out address ended, the strange gazes directed at me also faded away.
Earlier, when my eyes met Glessia's, she had immediately looked away.
However, even after that, I occasionally felt Glessia's gaze. Once I became aware of it, it was clear she was watching me.
'Strange.'
I couldn't understand why Glessia was looking at me. Perhaps our few encounters yesterday and the day before had left an impression on her. Or maybe my comment about needing to spend time with me to understand had simply piqued her curiosity even further.
...
The rest of the entrance ceremony was dominated by concise speeches. Most of them focused on the mindset required of students.
Mostly common platitudes.
Things like, "We hope you use your power to help the weak, contribute to the Empire with your abilities, and shine in your own way..."
"Students here who have been admitted to the Grand Royal Academy! Each and every one of you is like a shining jewel, so hold immense pride in your hearts..."
And at the words that followed, I couldn't help but let out a small laugh.
'Everyone's a shining jewel, huh.'
Is that really true?
From what I knew, admission to the Academy was merely the first hurdle. After entering, countless individuals were crushed by the differences in their innate abilities and the harsh realities.
They were, in common terms, "weeded out."
The vast majority of students found themselves unable to advance further within the semester, and saw little hope even after graduation.
How many there were who simply remained in their classes, wasting their days.
The number of students currently in the vast auditorium was, to my knowledge, roughly a thousand. Each main class had an enrollment of about 250 students, and within those, sub-classes like A1 and A2 were further divided with approximately 50 students per sub-class.
This many students were admitted just for the 'Combat Class' this year alone.
Furthermore, in other segregated areas within the Academy, there were certainly multi-year upper-class students who had been admitted in previous years.
In addition, there were the Academy instructors who would teach us, facility staff managing various areas, and numerous knights and mages stationed at the Academy to prepare for any unforeseen dangers...
Truly, there were countless people in this Academy.
A place where it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say the Empire had poured all its resources.
Right here, at the Grand Royal Academy.
"...With that, I declare the entrance ceremony concluded."
The Dean's words ended, and the entrance ceremony came to its close.
"It's finally over. Do you know a cafe nearby? Their apple pie is amazing."
"Apple pie? I love apple pie!"
Had they already become friends during the ceremony? I watched a few groups gather and move, then rose from my seat as well.
'I really should make some friends.'
Even as I mumbled to myself, I felt a strange sense of unease.
Given my special ability, and considering this was an academy, I couldn't just stay by myself.
Being sociable and able to get along with everyone was crucial.
But there was something that bothered me, not without reason.
Even though I was assigned to Class C, the average special ability most students possessed would likely be a 'Rare' one. Since almost 99% of Common-grade abilities typically led to admission into Class D, there was something undeniably awkward about me, a Common-grade, initiating conversation.
Step.
As I was walking,
Tap, tap.
When I turned my head at a sudden tap on my shoulder, I saw a man with short orange hair.
He had a cheerful expression and was smiling brightly. For a moment, I wondered what he wanted.
"Having trouble adjusting to the Academy too?"
"Uh... yeah, I guess."
I was surprised by the sudden approach, but also curious.
"Then you and I are in the same boat. As you can see, I'm in Class C1 too. Let's see your name... Hancheon Seong...? That's quite an interesting name. My name's David. Call me whatever you like."
He spoke quite amiably while looking at the name on my tag, and I found myself nodding instinctively.
"Alright, David..."
"Hancheon Seong. You don't have any other plans after this, do you? I was thinking of looking around the Academy a bit before heading to the dorms. If you have time, it'd be great to explore together."
"No plans. I'd appreciate that."
As I replied, it felt like things were turning out easier than I expected.
Just when I thought I'd have to be alone until the first lecture, a seemingly good-natured kid approached me.
'Given I've never heard his name, he's probably an extra.'
Well, I wondered if that really mattered when it came to making friends.
"Wow. I'd heard about the Academy's reputation, but I never expected the entrance ceremony itself to be this grand and splendid. To be honest, I'm pretty amazed."
"Right. It's not often you see this many people gathered in one place."
"Nah, for all that, Hancheon Seong, you seemed pretty calm, didn't you? Honestly, I was looking for someone to befriend, and you immediately caught my eye. You were just calmly looking around the whole ceremony."
"Well, I guess... I'm just not easily scared."
As I casually played along and headed for the exit, I saw Luna and Millia walking a short distance away.
They looked like fish in water, eagerly chatting back and forth.
"?"
When our eyes accidentally met again.
*Whirl.*
Luna immediately turned her head, and just from that... I already felt that befriending her was out of the question.
"Whoa, Hancheon Seong."
Then David called out in a strange tone, and I returned my gaze to him.
"Huh?"
"You rascal. Are you already checking out the female students?"
"No. It's not like that..."
"Come on. Why hide it between us? You totally just looked at that pink-haired girl, didn't you? She seems to be in our Class C1, but I heard her talking earlier, and her personality seemed really fierce."
He asked with a sly tone, and for a moment, I was so dumbfounded I laughed.
'Me, *that* girl?'
Even if someone I liked appeared later, it would definitely not be Luna.
My ideal type was a kind, gentle woman.
"No. I just happened to glance over. I'm really not interested."
"Really? Honestly, I thought she was the prettiest in our class, so my eyes went to her. But then again, with a personality that fierce, I wonder who'd even approach her."
I completely agreed with David's somewhat regretful comment.
Luna Belmont.
Objectively, her rather pretty looks, along with her unmistakably eye-catching hair color and style, were quite popular.
Even now, people near her were glancing her way as they passed, though no one actually approached her...
In a way, she was the heroine who was bound to get entangled with the kind-hearted Leonhardt.
Luna's personality was the absolute worst of the worst.
'But for me to get involved with *that* woman...'
Even if we were in the same class from now on, I felt I should avoid Luna to prevent any unnecessary trouble.
"Anyway, Hancheon Seong. Now that I think about it, what's your special ability?"
When David asked the question I'd been expecting in our conversation, I flinched internally but maintained a calm exterior.
"...Spear mastery."
"...Spear mastery?"
"Yeah. It's a Common-grade ability."
I continued speaking as if it were nothing.
He had approached me first, seemingly good-natured, and I hoped we could be friends. But honestly, I didn't have too high expectations.
If he showed a strange attitude after hearing about my ability, that would be the end of it.
I naturally looked at David, and sure enough, he was blinking in surprise.
"It's a bit odd, isn't it?"
I smiled, thinking, 'Is this where it ends?', and spoke.
"Uh... honestly, it's really unexpected. I naturally assumed you'd have a Rare-grade ability. Common-grade spear mastery... and it's a close-range type too."
"Right. Because it's a close-range type."
As I answered his specific questions, I realized it again.
That in this world, there was a clear hierarchy among special abilities.
Not only were abilities divided into four grades—Legendary, Unique, Rare, and Common—but they were also categorized by close-range and long-range.
Typically, close-range types tended to be viewed as inferior compared to long-range abilities, and in that sense, my ability could certainly be considered insignificant.
'It's Common-grade, and a close-range ability on top of that.'
Meeting David's eyes, which still held a surprised look, I observed his reaction.
If he looked down on me after hearing my ability, then we couldn't possibly get along.
But.
David's reaction was a bit different from what I expected.
"Wow, Hancheon Seong. You're really something."
"Me... something?"
I looked at him, surprised by the compliment, and David calmly nodded.
"You said you're Common-grade and close-range, right? But you still got into Class C1? Just how strong are you, then?"
"Strong? What are you talking about... I just have a Common-grade ability."
"Exactly! That's why I think it's even more amazing. Common-grade abilities usually land you in Class D, right? But you got into Class C1, the highest among Class C, with a Common-grade ability. Doesn't that mean you're incredibly strong?"
Far from looking down on me, he was smiling brightly, even expressing admiration.
Even looking into his eyes, I didn't detect the slightest hint of him looking down on me.
Dumbfounded by a reaction I'd never seen from anyone who'd heard about my ability, I blankly asked in return.
"That's a really surprising thing to hear. So, David, what's your special ability?"
"My ability is... Concentration Enhancement."
"Concentration Enhancement?"
"To be specific, it's Rare-grade, and simply put, it's the power to enhance anything. From my own body parts like my arms and legs, to, with a bit more application, various tools I hold in my hand. Actually, I'm still not very proficient, so enhancing tools is a bit difficult for now..."
He trailed off with an awkward laugh at the end, and I was even more dumbfounded.
"Isn't that a really good ability?"
"Oh, me having a good ability? What are you talking about? Compared to kids with truly good abilities, I'm nothing."
David waved his hand dismissively and shook his head, and I understood him even less.
—Concentration Enhancement.
Unlike its name, as soon as I heard the explanation of its effects, I saw the boundless potential of that ability.
It could be seen as simple body enhancement, but compared to that, it was an ability several levels above.
He could enhance any weapon he wielded, or even tools.
That meant it was good for both direct combat and for providing support.
And...
'He has such an overpowered ability, and he's *not* looking down on me?'
Just as I couldn't understand his perspective.
*Thump.*
David's steps suddenly stopped.
"Hancheon Seong."
"Huh? What is it?"
"...It looks like that person came to see you, doesn't she?"