Academy's Extra (2)
The next Monday morning arrived.
"Nngh…."
I stretched, loosening my stiff body. A glance at my wristwatch showed 6 a.m. Lectures started at 9, so factoring in prep and travel time, this was when I needed to rise. I brushed off the dust and straightened the bedding. Then I headed to the communal showers.
Turning on the faucet brought a stream of cold water. Unlike other dorms, the lowest dorm didn't even have basic magic tools installed. Still, it wasn't like I couldn't wash at all. After finishing up, I returned to my room and donned my uniform. It was a bit wrinkled but didn't smell. Finally, I eyed the broken window and tidied my disheveled hair and clothes.
"Gotta get a mirror soon. And while I'm at it, fix the window and floor…."
In the corner of my vision, the hole-riddled wooden floor caught my eye.
"Yeah, definitely."
But that required money. Starting academy today meant I could patch it up within two weeks. I grabbed an apple from the desk and took a bite. Crunch—a refreshing sound echoed. My mouth filled with sweetness in an instant.
"Getting kinda sick of these."
Six fruit-based meals over the weekend had me burned out. I craved something with real chew now. Still, I'd have to make do for a while. No one was going to help a broke, hated wastrel like me. At least fruit was plentiful outside the dorm—no worries there. The outskirts saw no human touch. The downside? No rivers or animals nearby, so fruit was all there was.
After breakfast, I stepped out of the dorm. Elraim was waiting at the entrance, as expected. As my minder, she shadowed me everywhere. She'd watched intently even when I picked apples.
"……."
"……."
Our eyes met. Silence hung between us. Unlike the first day, she didn't speak first. Her focus was solely on the mission.
"…Sigh."
Her taciturn company drew a sigh from me. I liked her character enough to chat, but this body ruined that. Still, she was here against her will too—kinda pitiful.
…No telling when the mission ends.
Originally, it should've ended with my death. But I derailed that, making it indefinite.
Gotta write Dad a letter later.
Elraim was talented enough to lead the Arden knight order. Wasting her on this was a shame. Shaking off the thoughts, I started moving. Any later and I'd be late. She followed silently behind.
Two grueling hours later, we reached the Knight Department building.
"Huff… huff…."
Exhausted, I collapsed onto a nearby bench, catching my breath. Plenty of time left to rest. But as I sat, eyes started drawing toward me. Lots of them.
The voices were low, but clearly meant to be overheard. This was tame stuff. More brazen ones piled on:
The jeers and insults stabbed nonstop through break. I brushed them off and checked my watch.
"Time to head in."
I stood and walked. But barely two minutes in, I was winded.
"…Damn it."
Just sighs for this trash body. Kyle Arden wasn't some pig wastrel. Tall, decent build. But inside? Rotted. Muscles like they'd been neglected for five years.
Fitting for a wastrel, I guess.
A wastrel working out? That'd be the real joke.
"Gotta train."
Hundreds of these commutes ahead. Couldn't leave it like this. I was a training pro—stamina and muscle would build fast. Pushing on, I reached the lecture hall.
[A-1]
I eased the door open. Eyes locked on instantly; my neck prickled.
"……."
Hostility surged from all sides. The cramped space amplified it. But I played it cool, finding an empty seat casually. Some students scowled and muttered curses. Still, I waited calmly for class. Those glares? Adorably petty.
Drag.
The professor entered. He looked puzzled at the tense air, then nodded at me.
"Let's begin."
He opened his book. Thus, my first class in this world started amid the awkward vibe.
Kyle Arden had plenty of enemies. The nobles hated him most—his shitty attitude rubbed even fellow aristocrats wrong. No one liked his arrogance. Now fallen, he was easy prey for noble cliques. A perfect punching bag, like now.
Thud, thud—crumpled paper balls pelted me. Hits to the head drew giggles; unfolding revealed curses.
This is getting annoying.
I'd expected harassment. But during lecture? Ruined my focus. If they were victims, fine. But random nobles picking on me 'cause I'm easy? Infuriating.
Prof's not stopping it. Let it slide, and it'll escalate.
I subtly drew mana. Glanced at the prof—no notice. Concentrated power in my index finger. Under the desk, I traced quietly. Shapes in a circle, runes inside. A palm-sized magic circle complete, I whispered:
"Faint"
⟨ Knockout ⟩
Mana drained in a chunk. The spell slithered across the floor. Precise control hit two perps' soles.
"Urk…!"
"Eurk…!"
They groaned weirdly and slumped. Quiet enough—no uproar. Just nearby reactions.
"What the?"
"What's with them?"
No suspicion on me.
Finally quiet.
Peace returned sans pests. Kids needed naptime, after all. But…
Mana's pitifully low.
Basic spell emptied my core.
Just one sigh for this mess.
Steady mana cultivation would've prevented it. Talent unused is worthless.
One elixir would've stocked me up….
But the Arden family, spotting his lack of talent early, starved him of support. Hundreds of elixirs existed; he got none. His mana? Laughably low—noble kids dwarfed him; on par with commoners.
Gotta build mana too.
Not much needed. Graduation minimum. Leisurely pace: mid-upper rank in a year. I shelved it and focused on class.
Interesting stuff.
New world's knowledge hooked me.
Class ended smoothly. Homework assigned—my first ever. Kinda excited, I pocketed it and stood.
Rustle—rolling paper snagged my foot.
"Kyle Arden."
"Yes, Professor."
"Clean the classroom before you go."
Heavy tone. Even profs got his attitude before—no surprise.
"Understood."
I complied meekly. Odd looks followed, but they left. Alone, I tidied. No sadness—just novelty.
Took about ten minutes. Next class had a 20-minute gap—ample travel time. Destination: outdoor training ground for sparring.
My body resisted en route. Kyle hated these—talent exposed publicly. Former owner lacked shame for it. His record showed near-perfect skips for first-year spars.
Arrived at the main gate. Time left; few students. My entrance sparked murmurs. Then, amid the noise, someone approached from opposite.
Black hair and eyes denoting royal blood. Porcelain skin in stark contrast. A familiar face.
Ariel Tianis.
The one who doomed me—and this world's protagonist. Noticing her froze me briefly. I controlled it.
The princess, prim in uniform, chatted with peers, closing in. Spotting me, she halted.
"Kyle Arden…."
Her smile faded; a soft voice escaped. Silence fell. Students scattered; corridor emptied to us two.
"It's been three days. How's academy life treating you?"
The fourth princess asked amiably. But it was a jab—confirming my fall. How's rock bottom feel? Whatever. No bother.
"Better than Your Highness's concern suggests."
"Must be 'quite' uncomfortable, so different from your usual."
"Bed's the only issue. Lowest dorm's no place for rest. Adaptation'll take time."
"It's a temporary shack, after all. Uncomfortable for someone used to luxury. Yet… you're faring better than I expected."
"All thanks to Your Highness's merciful grace."
True—she spared my expulsion. Wanting my suffering, sure.
She eyed me steadily, displeased. Then stepped closer—one pace. Whispered near my ear:
"How long will that mask last? A month? Whatever, keep it up. Another slip-up like last time and…."
No need to finish; her smiling eyes said it. Chilling smile. Students wouldn't know this side. Only me and close ones did. Not her true nature—just wrath on defined villains.
"Understood."
I smiled through my facade.
"Use that talent for your house, at least."
"Such interest from you—Arden's honor."
"Liar."
She grimaced, stepping back. Seemed done, but:
"How long you gonna keep that stiff neck, anyway?"
"Pardon, Your Highness?"
"Forgot basic etiquette too? If you're snubbing me over last time…."
Odd at first, then it clicked. But no bow.
"Didn't expect Your Highness to fuss over such a 'minor' thing."
"Minor? Insolent—daring to slight imperial authority…!"
She bristled like greatly offended. But it looked so awkward, comical even. I cut in:
"Perhaps Your Highness should stop. Your acting's obvious."
Emperor's blood, pinnacle of the continent. Immense power. Yet in academy, she ignored background outside rules. No guards. Uniform only. Ate in cafeteria, studied library/training grounds like any student. Acted baseline student—as if natural. Model for upright living? Her.
Her pulling rank? Contradiction.
She halted, turning to stare.
"……."
"Above all, 'Upon entering Tianis Academy, all shed house, nation, status—equals as students.' Isn't it?"
Academy's sacred premise and rule. Even the emperor treated as common student—founder's decree. Princess included: mere student here, bound by rules.
She laughed incredulously.
"Not words from you. You violated it most."
I shrugged at her growl. Fair. But time fades meanings; things change. 400 years post-founding—rules lax now. Why I attended unscathed.
"Not just me—others do it too."
"So your actions till now were justified…!"
Angry voice. I bowed respectfully, calm:
"I'm advising you drop the ill-fitting mask, unlike me."
Didn't suit her temperament. Public like the trial fit better—no petty pranks.
"Plenty'll trash me without you. Leave it to them; focus on studies."
She was co-lead with protagonist. Already enemies—better no more ties. Distance for her sake, mine.
"……."
Her face hardened. Disbelieving stare. Lips twitched; then:
"Who are you…?"
Heavy dissonance for her. Too obvious? I feigned confusion:
"No idea what you mean."
"But the wastrel I know…."
"Studies wearing you out? Shall I tell the professor?"
"N-no, not that…."
Rare stutter from her. Ignoring, I checked my watch.
"Time's up. Farewell."
I wrapped hastily, hurrying off. She "Uh, wai—" but couldn't stop me. Passing, her face swirled with emotions.