Blades, Rumors, and Reluctant Rivals
The academy grounds are divided into three main areas: the academic district for classes, the training district for practical sessions, and the commercial district for buying supplies and food. The place we're heading to buy weapons is a weapon shop in the commercial district.
"To think I'm actually in the academy's commercial district... It's like a dream come true...! I gotta check out how these stack up against the stuff back home!"
Matty was still chattering away nonstop beside me, filling the air with his endless audio track, while I just marveled at the shops passing by one after another. Seeing things I'd only known from the game in real life—man, what was the word for it? Overwhelming nostalgia? Yeah, that hit the spot.
"Theo, you look totally moved to be here in the commercial district too, huh? Your face is screaming it!"
"Uh, yeah. Something like that."
I gave a vague reply and glanced at a student buying armor sized just for him from a defensive gear shop. It stirred up a weird mix of feelings—fresh, exciting... Could I ever end up buying stuff like that and wearing it on adventures? Anyone would feel the same. As a hardcore player who'd grinded this game to death, stepping into it and seeing the in-game world for real was an emotion too big for words, overflowing in the best way.
No matter the missions hanging over me—like saving the world or making those two heroines fall in love—I couldn't help savoring this thrill and excitement. It was inevitable for a vet like me.
"Bet one of those armors costs a fortune, right?"
"Obviously. That's upperclassman level—looks silver-made. Probably renting it for training, not buying."
Ermunt Academy is famous for lending out even custom-fit armor for practicals. For commoners, buying full adventure gear is insanely expensive, even for training purposes. But once you're enrolled, they provide it all for free. And if you graduate smoothly, you get to keep everything as a gift. Weapons and armor, all complimentary. No wonder commoners are dying to get in.
"Man, upperclassmen are about to graduate anyway, so it'll all be theirs soon. I'm jealous! Can't wait for practicals so I can snag free gear and weapons too!"
Listening to Matty's noisy ramble, we arrived at the weapon shop, where a gruff-looking old man rose from his seat to greet us with a stern expression.
"Welcome. Newbies, eh?"
"Yep! Freshmen here! We wanna check out some simple weapons. Recommendations for this guy and me! Oh, and our family's got a weapon shop too, so we're kinda curious about the academy's selection!"
"Loudmouth, huh. Shut it and listen."
Yeah, I figured he'd get scolded. The old man scowled hard at Matty, who finally clamped his mouth shut after his nonstop babble.
"You're that commoner kid who snagged a special award this time, right?"
The rumors had spread all the way to the commercial district already. I gave an awkward smile as the old man recognized me.
"Word's gotten around that fast?"
"Damn right. News flies in the academy."
Which means everyone knows I'm chummy with Iris and Estelle by now, huh.
"But you got the coin to buy? Even the cheap ones run a million silver apiece. Practical classes start soon anyway—the academy'll hook you up. What's the rush?"
A million silver. Pricey, sure, but that's the academy shop discount. Off-campus like Matty's family shop? A decent iron sword alone would cost that easy.
"What can a million silver get us? Iron swords? That's about what we charge at home!"
"Iron? Nah, I'll forge the best material for each of ya. Silver for one, adamantium for another—who knows. Tailored to perfection."
"Huh?! For just a million silver?! That's a steal!"
"It's the academy. We cater to students, not to turn a profit."
This was the kind of commoner-friendly policy that made the academy legendary. Tailored gear for anyone ready for practicals—huge perks you couldn't get elsewhere.
"So, your answer?"
The old man furrowed his brow, pressing for a response to his earlier question.
"If we didn't have the money, we wouldn't be here. And practical year is two years off—I can't let my skills rust waiting around doing nothing."
It was a ready-made answer. Even before I knew my own strength, I'd felt the same. Now that I did? No way I'd let it dull.
My talent's limits were unknown, but if it was top-tier, maybe I could overpower Iris or Estelle physically if flags went south? Not that I'd let it come to that, of course.
"Hmph. Fair enough. Getting a feel for a sword that fits your hand early is practice too. You're approved. Follow me."
"Huh?! What about me?!"
"You didn't answer."
"I just thought it'd look cool!"
"Rejected."
"Eeeeng?!"
I'd worried we'd both end up getting custom swords noisily, but phew—relief. Rejected was good. Wonder if this guy's extra picky, or if all commercial district folks are like this. Felt picky for something I was paying for myself.
"What? Theo went to the commercial district with his roommate?"
She hadn't brought her personal maid, but as crown princess, Iris had familiar faces stationed everywhere. They were volunteering intel on Theo—the guy she was most interested in—to curry favor.
"Hah, not how I wanted the info, but fine. Where'd he head?"
"Uh, the weapon shop. No movement after that."
"Got it. I'll reward you later. But no more reports like this. He might get uncomfortable."
Too late for this time, but she'd ensure no repeats, instructing the informant firmly.
"Yes, understood."
"Tell everyone else too. Anyone who makes Theo uneasy answers to me."
"Y-yes...!"
This just made her look like she was stalking him. She didn't want to creep him out.
Who'd like being watched, right?
Imagining herself under secret surveillance by planted academy insiders gave her chills. She wanted to know everything about Theo, but not like this.
"Whew... Better hurry before Estelle hears."
Glad she hadn't changed out of her uniform, Iris headed toward the commercial district's weapon shop.
"Oh my, fancy running into you here."
But she ended up bumping into someone she least wanted to see near the district.
"Hah, Estelle. What brings you here?"
"What else? Shopping in the commercial district. You think I came for a class?"
Estelle's snarky reply seemed oblivious to Theo's whereabouts.
"Fine, then be on your way."
"Was gonna, but since you're here, mind if I tag along?"
"I do mind."
"I don't."
Iris showed blatant displeasure, but Estelle just grinned like it was nothing.
"Why follow me? You've got your own destination."
"Nah, just browsing for snacks."
"Then go browse."
"Feels more fun with you."
Iris let out a deep sigh at the unyielding saintess.
"Hmmm, why so eager to ditch me? Oh, wait—is it Theo? Heading to meet him?"
Twitch! Iris wasn't good at hiding things. Estelle knew it well.
Seeing Iris flinch outright, Estelle smirked.
"Cute, Iris. Didn't think you'd show it that obviously. Anyway, if he's there, I definitely gotta join."
Iris just glared at the smirking, infuriating saintess.
That damn annoying holy girl.