Chapter 69

September 1st.

It's still quite hot for autumn, but white sardine clouds float in the clear blue sky, gradually giving a sense of the approaching fall.

Since Guy Jakes, Sharon's father, left on August 12th, we've been going to the forest on sunny days and improving our living environment on rainy days.

We spent a total of twelve days in the forest, and my Swordsmanship level and Wind Attribute Magic both increased by one level, reaching level 18 and level 25, respectively. Sharon's Wind Attribute Magic also rose to level 18, and through repeated battles, she has become able to calmly handle most monsters.

As for improving the living environment, we did two major things.

The first was installing a bathtub.

We decided to set up the bathtub in a room on the first floor with drainage facilities. The bathtub is about 2 meters long, 80 centimeters wide, and 80 centimeters deep, making it a fairly large one. When we made a bathtub in Rasmoor Village in the past, it took about 20 days, but since my magic power has increased sixfold compared to when I was five, it took only about three days to complete the bathtub. Additionally, my magic skills have improved, allowing me to change the surface of the stone blocks created by the stone generation magic to a glass-like texture. Thanks to this, we were able to create a bathtub that looks more like tiled rather than stone.

To heat the water, since only we will use this bathtub, I decided to heat the water with magic, so we didn't install a boiler.

I also wanted a shower, so I placed a barrel above the bathtub, got the spout of a watering can from a hardware store, and made a simple shower. This shower also primarily uses magic, with the water generation magic to fill the barrel and the Peltier effect magic to heat the water.

However, filling the bathtub with water requires about one-third of my current magic power, and heating it consumes a considerable amount of magic power.

Lidi can create the water, and Sharon can heat it, so it's not too much of a burden, but it makes me realize how convenient life in Japan was.

Still, it's not too difficult now because the summer heat is still intense, and we can manage with just a shower. Taking a warm shower during this season is quite refreshing.

Both Lidi and Sharon like it, so it was worth the effort.

The second thing was a refrigerator.

This is an ice-cooled refrigerator, not one I made myself, but one made by a carpenter introduced by the real estate agent, McCloud. The carpenter who brought it was quite puzzled about what this thick wooden box-like furniture would be used for.

The ice refrigerator is about 1 meter tall with an internal volume of about 70 cm × 50 cm × 50 cm, and it has three shelves inside. There is a square container made of copper in which we place ice to cool the contents.

Since the airtightness is not great, the ice melts quite quickly, but it is still very useful for storing meat and fish.

Incidentally, the ice is also created using the Peltier effect magic, which consumes a considerable amount of magic power. I plan to combine it with heating the bathtub when winter comes.

And today is the enrollment ceremony.

I changed into a brand new uniform and headed to the academy with Lidi and Sharon.

On the way, we saw many new students in similar brand new uniforms, looking fresh and excited.

The enrollment ceremony takes place in the courtyard in front of the school building.

We new students lined up in front by class, and the second to fifth-year students lined up behind us.

I stood at the far end of the front row, waiting for the ceremony to begin.

The enrollment ceremony itself is similar to those in Japanese schools, starting with greetings from the principal, the board chairman, and a councilor of the Magic Guild, followed by welcoming words from the current students.

The last part is the new students' greeting, but I, who was supposed to give the greeting, honestly had no enthusiasm. I had prepared a half-hearted speech by piecing together previous generations' speeches.

The middle-aged man in charge of the ceremony called out,

"Representative of the new students, Mr. Rockheart."

I responded with a lively voice, trying to sound as childlike as possible, "Yes!" and stepped forward.

"From today, I am honored to be a part of the prestigious Tilia Magic Academy... This is the best thing that has happened in my life so far... I will aim to be a fine student like the seniors... I hereby declare that I will tighten my resolve and become a fine magician under the guidance of the teachers. Representative of the 281st term, Zacharias Rockheart."

After my one-minute speech, applause erupted.

I tightened my face, which was about to relax, and returned to my place.

After the enrollment ceremony, orientation was held in each classroom.

When we entered the classroom, our homeroom teacher, Mr. Alick Bennett, stood at the podium and loudly instructed us to sit in order.

Mr. Bennett is a human male in his late twenties with a slender build and narrow eyes.

We followed his instructions, looking at the numbers on the papers and taking our seats. My seat was the front one by the entrance, with Sharon next to me.

Once everyone was seated,

"Your number will be your attendance number for the year..."

In this elite class, the attendance numbers are assigned based on academic performance. The numbers will change based on the previous year's rankings from the second year onward, but I thought it was a very clear system.

Incidentally, for the second to fifth classes, the numbers are assigned alphabetically, further emphasizing the differentiation.

"From now on, I will be your homeroom teacher, Alick Bennett. I will handle all the lectures, so if you have any questions, please come to me. Now, let's start with self-introductions, starting from number one."

Mr. Bennett looked at me, so I immediately stood up and started my self-introduction.

"I'm Zacharias Rockheart. I'm from the countryside, so I may not know many things, but please take care of me."

After saying that, I quickly sat down.

Sharon stood up in my place and said in a small voice, "I'm Sharon Jakes... please take care of me," bowing her head. She seemed quite nervous, as if she hadn't anticipated this situation.

The self-introductions continued one after another.

Most of the students were around 12 or 13 years old, and many were taller than me. Sharon, who is only about 140 cm tall, was one of the shortest.

Once everyone had finished their self-introductions, Mr. Bennett was about to start the orientation.

However, a male student sitting next to Sharon stood up and began to ask the teacher a question. This was Quentin Wagman, who had placed third in the entrance exam, standing confidently with his chest puffed out.

"Sir, is there anyone who entered this school unfairly?"

The teacher responded, "Unfairly? What do you mean?"

I had a vague idea of what he was going to say.

"Rockheart and Jakes are only ten years old, I hear. This school is supposed to only accept students who are 12 years old or older. If they are indeed ten, they don't have the right to be here."

I almost burst out laughing at the predictable turn of events. I was interested in how the teacher would respond and decided to watch the situation unfold with a slightly mischievous attitude.

Mr. Bennett calmly replied, "I have also looked into it, and there is no age restriction in the school's regulations. Therefore, they do have the right to take the exam."

Quentin, who hadn't expected such an answer, his triumphant expression turned to a frustrated one, and his face gradually turned red.

(He boldly pointed it out but didn't even check the facts himself. Well, he is just a 12-year-old kid, but he must be quite embarrassed after being so confident.)

With a red face, he continued to accuse us.

"There's no way a ten-year-old can be the top and second in the class! They must have cheated!"

He almost sounded like a child throwing a tantrum, but Mr. Bennett responded with a gentle tone.

"I understand that you might feel frustrated for being outperformed by younger students. However, if you are going to point this out, I would like you to provide evidence."

Quentin's face turned even redder, but he couldn't say anything more and sat down with a loud thud.

(I can understand why he would say that. Without us, he would have been the top. But at the very least, he should apologize to us. Mr. Bennett doesn't seem to intend to say anything more. Well, it doesn't matter to me...)

"Everyone, from tomorrow, you will be studying at this academy. Some of you are nobles, and some are commoners. You come from various places, such as here in Doctus, the northern Sartus, and the southern Caerm. However, within this academy, there is no discrimination based on status or origin. This is something we all must adhere to. Regarding how to address each other, we prohibit the use of grandiose honorifics or calling each other by first names. Please address males as 'Mr.' and females as 'Miss.' Of course, treat each other with respect as adults..."

This magic academy attracts students from various countries, from the northern Sartus Kingdom to the northern Caerm Empire. Among them are those with royal connections, who sometimes act arrogantly based on their status.

To eliminate such differences, the academy has a rule that in formal settings, such as during class, everyone must be addressed as 'Mr.' or 'Miss.'

(It's like a magic school from some light novel. I doubt they summon familiars, though...)

I tried to suppress my laughter as I listened to Mr. Bennett.

"...Among you are those related to high-ranking officials of the Magic Guild and direct descendants of a baronial family. However, within this academy, the use of your status is prohibited. Please remember this..."

Mr. Bennett's explanation continued.

"...As you may already know, this academy has a day off every five days. Days ending in 5 or 0 are holidays..."

In this city, every 50th day is a holiday. Additionally, the first day of January, April, and October are holidays for festivals, and July and August are summer vacation.

"Is there any question? If not, we will dismiss for today. Mr. Rockheart, from now on, you will be responsible for the opening and closing greetings. Please stand!"

At Mr. Bennett's signal, everyone stood up.

He glanced at me and nodded.

(I guess he wants me to continue. It's a bit of a hassle, but I have no choice...)

I called out loudly, "Bow!" and bowed my head.

The other students followed suit, and he nodded in satisfaction before leaving the classroom.

As Mr. Bennett left, the students also began to leave the classroom.

When Sharon and I were about to leave, Quentin blocked our way.

I asked, "Mr. Wagman, is there something you need?" and he scowled, glaring at us.

Both Sharon and I have experienced real battles, so being glared at by a child didn't affect us at all. In fact, it was hard to suppress laughter at his desperation.

"I will definitely find out about your cheating! My father is a councilor of the Magic Guild, so within this academy..."

He tried to intimidate us by boasting about his father's power, but since we didn't show any fear or anger, he just got more worked up.

He said, "Just wait! I'll make you leave this city!" and stormed out of the classroom.

Sharon tilted her head, asking, "What does he want?"

"Probably just upset about not being the top. Let's try not to get involved with him."

Our first day at the academy ended on a somewhat sour note.

I'm not sure if the 50th day is still commonly used in Kansai, but it seems to be used in Kanto.

On a different note, my work has become incredibly busy, and I can't even secure a day off.

While frequent updates are my only strength, I can only manage twice a week until the end of October.

Therefore, updates will be on Tuesdays and Fridays starting next week.

I apologize to those who look forward to the updates, but I hope for your understanding.

When Mr. Bennett left, the students also began to leave the classroom.

As Sharon and I were about to leave, Quentin blocked our way.

I asked, "Mr. Wagman, is there something you need?" and he scowled, glaring at us.

Both Sharon and I have experienced real battles, so being glared at by a child didn't affect us at all. In fact, it was hard to suppress laughter at his desperation.

"I will definitely find out about your cheating! My father is a councilor of the Magic Guild, so within this academy..."

He tried to intimidate us by boasting about his father's power, but since we didn't show any fear or anger, he just got more worked up.

He said, "Just wait! I'll make you leave this city!" and stormed out of the classroom.

Sharon tilted her head, asking, "What does he want?"

"Probably just upset about not being the top. Let's try not to get involved with him."

Our first day at the academy ended on a somewhat sour note.