Chapter 68
Chapter 68
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 68
Chapter Title: Eyes You Can't Trust
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The academy's classes were famous for being tailored to each student's level.
[Quality lectures tailored to talent.]
A slogan everyone now knew.
In keeping with this academy spirit, it was relatively common to see students from various years in a single classroom.
This was because students could choose classes that suited their understanding and knowledge, and if they proved their skill, they could even take the same subjects as their seniors.
“…Basically, the acquisition of magic consists of three stages. The first is to distinguish the form of prana one perceives. The second is to acquire knowledge of a magical system similar to the properties of the distinguished prana.”
Of course, first-years were an exception.
“Does anyone know what the final stage is? Hmm… let's see, the blue-haired student sitting near the window?”
The professor's eyes pointed to Allen.
Allen stood up, trying hard to hide his boredom. Seeing him, Vestla spoke.
「Why? Is it too difficult for you?」
A question like this? Don't be ridiculous.
「Then what is it?」
It's just… too easy.
“Can you tell us about the final stage of acquiring magic?”
“The knowledge accumulated in the second stage is built upon the caster's mental image. The caster can then use magic by twisting that knowledge according to their own creativity and understanding, releasing it into reality.”
The level of the class was so low that he couldn't bring himself to take it seriously.
“Correct. That's right! That is why the hand signs and incantations differ for each mage. Excellent! The student next to him?”
Allen sat back down.
「Then why are you here? What about the higher-level classes? You said you didn't come here for this.」
In his heart, he felt it would be more useful to be holed up in the library, poring over books, than to listen to a lecture of this level.
But Allen couldn't do that.
“Ye-yes! My name is Louis…”
“Yes, the student next to him. Do you know why, despite magic differing from mage to mage, there are still Magic Towers and schools of thought?”
“Well…”
It was because they needed to gauge the level of each individual student.
「Why is that?」
Every time a thought was transmitted, the round bracelet on his wrist vibrated slightly.
‘After all, the entrance exam assessed potential more than skill.’
To provide them with suitable classes, it was necessary to ascertain each student's individual level.
This class was part of that process.
“Hmm… You don't know? It's fine to say you don't know. Students are here to learn. It's nothing to be ashamed of.”
“…Yes, I don't know.”
Based on the grades measured this way, students would be able to choose their own subjects to take starting next month, through individual evaluations.
“The reason is simple. It's because of grimoires. They are the standard by which one is called a master, regardless of rank, and the benchmark for establishing a school of thought…”
After that, the class on basic magic theory continued.
The range of perception according to rank, the affinities of each element, the classification of magic by attribute…
The bell rang, signaling the end of the full two-hour class.
“There will be an evaluation test in the next class, so please be sure to review.”
The old professor in charge of Basic Magic Theory calmly organized his teaching materials and left the classroom.
“…Ah, seriously, we have to do this for a whole month? Can't we just skip class?”
“You'll end up in the remedial class with the commoners, like that guy just now.”
“Don't be ridiculous.”
As soon as the professor left, the students began to gather. Nobles with nobles, commoners with commoners.
Even there, races were divided. The elves moved aloofly with their own clans, and the beastkin formed packs.
Humans were more complicated.
Hierarchies were formed among the nobles of each country, and factions split within them.
‘If it's like this on the first day, what will tomorrow be like…’
Could the academy administration be unaware of the problems this would cause?
Allen glanced at them once and lost interest. His concern at the moment was not them.
The very corner of the tiered seating.
Black hair was resting against a desk.
Sleeping?
‘Bold one. The demerits wouldn't be light if he gets caught.’
Well, that's none of my business. Allen moved toward him.
Just then.
“Allen Reinhardt.”
Someone called his name.
He turned his head and saw a young man exuding a gloomy aura. Dark circles stood out starkly against his pale face.
The youngest son of the Dragias family, one of the three great families.
“Elnix Dragias.”
“This is the first time we've met since the entrance exam. Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Elnix Dragias of the Dragias family. Please call me Elnix.”
His voice, contrary to his appearance, was polite.
Which only made him feel more suspicious.
“A pleasure to meet you, Lord Elnix. I am Allen Reinhardt of the Reinhardt family. But is there something I can help you with…?”
He smiled brightly, revealing his white teeth.
“I wish to become friends with you, Lord Allen.”
For a reason like that? Allen hadn't forgotten the way Elnix had stared at him, as if trying to pierce through him.
Or the dragon's heart that had resonated in response.
‘He's unsettling, but it's too soon to make an enemy of him.’
From the moment Elnix spoke to him, no, from the moment he moved, all eyes had begun to focus on them.
As the youngest son of one of the three great families, that much attention was natural.
Allen had taken the second-place spot in the entrance exam, but he still couldn't compare to Elnix.
At least for now, the power held outside the academy resonated more with the other students.
“I appreciate the sentiment… but your reason for calling me?”
“May I invite you to lunch today?”
He approached Allen proactively.
Beside him was someone, perhaps a retainer or a follower, who scowled as if displeased with Elnix's treatment of Allen.
“I'm sorry, but I have a prior engagement.”
Allen refused flatly.
He had no intention of making contact before gathering more information about them.
“A prior engagement? If the other party doesn't mind…”
“Nah, I do mind.”
A lazy yet playful voice.
He turned his head to see that Haizel, who must have woken up at some point, was resting his chin on his hand with a look that said he was watching something interesting.
“You are… the top student from the entrance exam…”
“Haizel.”
“…So you are Lord Haizel. I would like to invite you to lunch along with Lord Allen. Would you care to join us?”
Hearing this, Haizel gave a sly smile and nodded as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“Nah, I don't want to.”
“Thank you for accepting the invita… what?”
“I said I don't want to. Eat with you.”
At his words, one of the followers, who had been holding back since Elnix was first cut off, shouted loudly.
“Do you have any idea who you're speaking to?! Just because you got first place, you think you're somebody…!”
“A dead ghost is clinging to him and making a fuss.”
At those words, the expression on Elnix's face vanished in an instant.
“Know your place! Have some sense…”
“Enough.”
“…can't even…”
“I said, that's enough, Matias.”
“…Yes.”
At his lowered voice, the man called Matias shut his mouth.
Elnix restrained his shouting follower and gave a small nod.
“It seems today is not a good day. I hope we can dine together some other time.”
As he raised his head again, a smile was barely hanging on his face.
Haizel's reply was simple.
“Don't wanna.”
His smile vanished again.
* * *
*Clack—*
“Was it necessary to refuse him like that?”
“Huh? Hmm… I thought you would know. Not yet, I guess.”
“…What is that supposed to mean?”
At Allen's words, Haizel gave a cryptic smile.
“Sorry, but I can't tell you that.”
Allen let out a disbelieving laugh, but Haizel's eyes were serious.
“It's because I don't want to get involved with those bastards any more than I have to.”
“Weren't you the one who told me to come if I was curious?”
“I said that because I didn't think you'd actually come. Ah, you can drop the formalities. I already have.”
Allen's grip tightened.
He wanted to scream at him to spit out everything he knew right then and there, but he refrained.
‘I can't gauge his strength.’
Even though he was right in front of him, not even the faintest ripple of power emanated from him. It meant he had complete control over his power.
Without a hint of concentration, as natural as breathing.
“Fine. I will. So… who are 'those bastards,' and can you tell me what you meant by what you said just now?”
“That friend next to you probably knows…”
He clearly gestured toward Vestla with his eyes as he spoke, but she hadn't opened her mouth since they had gotten near Haizel.
As if she were just an ordinary sword.
Seeing this, Haizel shrugged and cut into a thick steak.
“I wasn't expecting much, but this is better than I thought.”
Seeing him trying to change the subject, Allen played along.
“The students attending this place are of no ordinary status, so it's only right they'd be particular.”
The academy's dining hall was good enough to put most restaurants to shame.
The very fact that they maintained such high quality while serving thousands of people every mealtime was a testament to the chefs' excellence.
“And since its stated purpose is to raise the second Hero, this much should be expected.”
“…Hero.”
Haizel's face grew distant for a moment, but he quickly erased the expression.
Allen silently watched him.
‘Reincarnation…’
Centuries ago, his rival who killed him vanished, leaving only his sword behind. What would it feel like to be reborn in such a world?
Joy? Sadness? Satisfaction? Emptiness?
The world had changed.
No one remembered the Hero's name, and only the faded title of the 'First Hero' remained.
In such a world, what could he be feeling?
It was impossible to know, impossible to understand.
‘All I know is the [Original Story] through Julius's monologues.’
That single facet was not enough to understand the person named Haizel completely.
In the end, what little Allen knew about him was only information gleaned from the black book.
“By the way, why did you come here? Ah, or would you not know that either?”
Haizel asked as if the thought had just occurred to him. Was it pure curiosity? Or was there another reason?
‘He wouldn't believe me if I said I came here to build connections like other nobles.’
But, it didn't matter.
There was no reason not to tell him.
“Because of my brother.”
“Your brother?”
“Yes. I came for my brother, Julius.”
“Hmm…”
In response to his answer, Haizel tapped the table a couple of times with his finger as if deep in thought, then muttered quietly.
“Is he not ready yet? No, looking at his body, that doesn't seem to be it… Then is there a purpose for him here?”
After muttering to himself for a while, he hesitated several times before finally speaking.
“…Hah. Fine, I'll tell you just this. Don't trust your eyes. And one more thing, Ha■…”
The moment Haizel tried to continue.
*Flutter—*
『The book connected to ■■■■ detects the danger of ■■! ■■■■ is responding to ■■!』
『The book connected to ■■■■ detects the danger of ■■! ■■■■ is responding to ■■!!』
『The book connected to ■■■■ detects the danger of ■■! ■■■■ is responding to ■■!!!』
The white book flew open wildly, repeating the same warning.
At the same time, with a deafening roar that shook the earth, the floor vibrated violently for a moment.
*BOOM—*
“What the hell was that!”
“An ea-earthquake?”
“No, what's going on!”
The commotion began to die down in less than a few minutes.
Realizing the tremor wasn't that severe, the upperclassmen resumed their meals regardless of the disturbance. Only the first-years looked around with bewildered expressions.
‘What just happened?’
Something that could trigger the white book's reaction… has appeared?
Just as Allen was about to get up from his seat, someone slung an arm around his shoulder.
“Are you two the current top and second-ranked freshmen?”
Along with a challenge that held a strange resonance.