Swordplay Orientation and the Black Adder Berry
As befitting the first class, today's swordsmanship lesson was a simple orientation. The other classes would probably be the same. It was time to learn the outlines rather than anything physical.
Bernehardt leaned on the wooden sword in her hand like a cane, flashing a confident smile. Her body was like armor itself—a textbook combat demon. The scars adorning her bronze skin looked like badges of time etched into an ancient tree trunk. And to her, they probably were no different from medals.
That sly vixen had no idea how many men's hearts she stirred every time she shook that rock-solid ass of hers. Her leggings, soaked with sweat from recent training, made her buttocks stand out even more. From the right angle, you could probably spot the outline of her axe wound.
"You'll spend a year toughening up those frail bodies of yours and learning just what the hell swordsmanship really is."
Everyone's eyes locked onto Bernehardt's red lips. They looked like they were etching every word she said into their brains with intense focus.
But unlike the other students, I couldn't tear my gaze from her leggings. I wanted to rip those bulging things apart right then and devour what was inside.
"Mastering perfect swordsmanship is an impossible feat that even long-lived species can't achieve in a lifetime. If any idiot thinks they'll grasp its pinnacle through this class or the academy's short curriculum, go submit your withdrawal to the admin office right now!"
Bernehardt's beast-like gaze stopped on me. Had she caught me peeking at her ass and pussy?
I quickly looked away, playing it cool. Fortunately, she didn't seem to realize I'd been ogling her rear.
"This class has a clear goal. We'll teach you how to stay afloat in the vast ocean of swordsmanship without drowning. Remember: don't try to conquer the ocean. That's the fastest way to plunge into demonic obsession yourself. Got it?"
""""Yes!"""
A resounding response came from the students, boys and girls alike.
"Good. Assemble here bare-bodied next time too. No special preparations needed. Any questions?"
Bernehardt scanned the room with a sharp glare, a smile on her lips. No student dared to raise their hand.
"Dismissed for today!"
The first-period class ended quicker than expected. While other students with empty schedules chatted or toured the academy to bond, I headed toward the Student Council Hall. To see Scarlett's face.
"Halt. This is the Student Council Hall. Only staff allowed."
Unlike yesterday, a student guarded the entrance. Yesterday had been special because of the entrance ceremony; normally, one stood watch.
Skipping class for guard duty—ridiculous, but standard at the academy. To council members, the council mattered more than most classes.
Judging by his uniform, the guard was an Ibis dorm extra. Obviously a senior, since no freshmen had joined yet.
Door guard at the Student Council Hall is grunt work even among the grunts.
But that's the reality—lines form just for that. Learning takes a backseat to sniffing around the big shots' turf.
For those without backing, council lackey duty is the easiest path to success. No different from the real world.
"I'm here to see someone I have an appointment with."
"Huh? Who?"
"Senior Scarlett."
I lied without batting an eye. The guard eyed me up and down, his whole body screaming, Where'd this punk crawl from?
"The secretary made an appointment with a freshman like you? For real?"
"Of course. You think she'd get duped?"
My confident tone planted doubt on his face—Maybe?
The secretary was top-five in council power. Even a lowly door grunt groveled before her guests.
"Ugh. Let me pass the word."
He pulled a small magic communicator from his pocket. Standard issue for council members—like a cell phone in the real world.
"Yes, Secretary. Ralph here. There's a guy outside claiming an appointment with you. Oracle dorm freshman, looks like. Yes. Yes. Oh, send him in? Got it."
He hung up and looked at me. From suspicious drifter to welcoming superior in seconds. People sure switch gears fast.
"Secretary approved. Take this."
He even spoke formally to me, a junior. He handed me a necklace with a blue gem—proof of a council hall visitor.
Fuck, getting into the Student Council Hall felt like storming a military base. But that just showed their power. Sneaking in yesterday like I did was a big deal.
I slipped the blue-gem necklace on and entered. I'd been here yesterday, so I knew the layout. The secretary's office was at the end of the third-floor hall. Easy to find.
Knock knock!
A crystal-clear voice came from inside.
"It's open. Come in."
I opened the door. Books everywhere—first thing that hit me. The office was about 20 pyeong, huge for a personal space. Bigger than my old one-room.
But it felt cramped with all the shelves. Thick hardcovers of bound parchment stacks, thin paperbacks of council docs—every kind imaginable.
Scarlett sat at the center chair. Her lacquered dark-brown desk overflowed with dozens of papers. Three ink pots in different colors lined the corner, each with a fancy quill.
Anyone would know this was the secretary's office.
Scarlett paused her signing, set down the quill. Her jewel-like eyes fixed on me.
"Hello, Senior Scarlett."
"It was you after all. Are we already close enough to chat so casually?"
"Nyaaong~!"
Nero, sunbathing by the window, leaped into Scarlett's lap with a cute mew. She stroked him with her right hand.
"They say even brushing sleeves is fate. Isn't that a bit cold? I want to get closer to you, Senior Scarlett."
"I have no such desire."
"Let's get to know each other bit by bit. Wow! Are all those docs you have to process?"
I shifted the topic to the thick stack on her desk. Council execs had power—and mountains of work. Per the novel, the academy secretary spent all day buried at that desk.
You might ask when she studies, but Scarlett was a genius who mocked mortals. Half the time, and she aced everything. Most execs were overpowered prodigies.
"I can finish that in two or three hours. More importantly, why are you here?"
"I don't want things too stiff between us."
"Freshman. I'm only meeting you to make sure you don't cause trouble. Looks like you're here for idle chat, so I'll tell the guards to stonewall you next time."
"Haha, don't do that. You'd be shocked at the news I brought."
Normally, getting close to Scarlett took more time—around midterms.
But I lacked the patience. My goal: conquer her from day one. Easy with the攻略 guide.
"I hope it's not some boring prank. I could've reviewed nine more docs without your interruption."
"I found out where the Black Adder Berry is."
I dropped the bait. Scarlett's hair practically stood on end. Her stiffened face screamed bewilderment.
She slammed the desk and shot up.
"What!? What!? What!? For real!?"
Uncharacteristic fluster—just like the original. Her wide, sparkling eyes matched Nero's.
"Would I lie to you when it'd blow up in my face instantly?"
"W-wait! How do you know I was looking for the Black Adder Berry!?"
"From seeing that cat yesterday. I raised strays back home. He's got vitiligo, right?"
Time to bare my teeth.