Chapter 56

Chapter 55

The Hero Never Studied - 3

At the Academy, all students are treated equally during their time of study. Regardless of whether they are from the royal family, nobility, commoners, or even the imperial family, they all receive the same education, foster camaraderie, and avoid prejudice. There are no hierarchical relationships; only the distinction between teachers and students exists. This is the ironclad rule of the Imperial Academy.

Synonyms include phrases like "I'll stay and work, so please go home first" and "I'm not angry, so tell me the truth." While they say one thing, in reality, it's completely different. In fact, even a cursory glance reveals the truth.

'At least Ainter is an exception.'

There are only four people who can make their sparring partners cry and forfeit. Even though Ainter has no real power, he is still of the royal family. Luthis and Lader, who have the impenetrable royal shield, and Tannian, who is called the son of God in the doctrine.

Among the four, Ainter does not take practical subjects. He focuses on pure academics rather than swords, magic, or divine power. After all, if the crown prince were to develop martial skills while juggling a dragon hammer and tap dancing, it would be recklessness, not courage.

'Tannian shouldn't be a concern either.'

Though he is a candidate, Tannian's divine power is a gift from God. According to the doctrine of the Dawn Order, no one can evaluate Tannian's divine power, so he gets a free pass on practical exams. In the end, only Luthis and Lader remain.

The Armain Royal Guard, led by Villar, will be stationed at Luthis' sparring ground, and the royal guard and mage corps of Yuben will monitor Lader's sparring ground. The Holy Kingdom's forces, which are relatively relaxed due to Tannian's free pass, will also be dispersed.

With overwhelming power surpassing the two princes, the likelihood of any trouble is extremely low. No matter how you think about it, the only real victims in this practical exam will be the sacrificial lambs who are the sparring partners of the two princes. It's unfortunate, but there's nothing to be done. If only two people suffer, everyone else will be happy.

'At least it will be over in a day.'

I sighed in relief while checking the sparring schedule given by the principal. There aren't many students taking the practical exam, and there are plenty of sparring grounds, so it should proceed quickly. If I just stay alert for one day, it should go smoothly.

Students taking the practical exam are divided into those who take it lightly as a formality and those who go all out. Naturally, I will be watching the latter. The former will take care of themselves, so there's no need to worry about them.

That's why I'm accompanying the principal to all the sparring grounds to prepare for any unexpected situations. The principal may look like an old man, but he is one of the most powerful mages in the empire, if not the continent. Mages only get more formidable with age.

"The future of the empire looks bright."

"I agree. Every year, such excellent students come in, and my heart races."

While I was primarily there to ensure safety, I didn't expect the students to be so skilled.

Some used techniques to toy with their opponents, others dominated with physical prowess, and some even crawled around stubbornly. Despite the variety, they all won in the end.

'Not bad.'

They are still students, so they haven't reached full maturity. However, if properly guided, they can become useful forces, like the student council president.

...Like the student council president?

'Oh.'

A sudden thought crossed my mind, and I quickly pulled out my notebook.

***

"The future of the empire looks bright."

The principal of the Imperial Academy, Bernhard Mursch, nodded at the inspector's words. The empire is vast, and talent is abundant. Every year, excellent students come in and surprise him, making his heart race.

"I agree. Every year, such excellent students come in, and my heart races."

These students will grow to become the pillars supporting the empire. Once, he fought alongside the Iron Blood Duke on the battlefield for the empire, but now he is an old man. However, if he can contribute to nurturing new pillars, how could he not be happy?

Bernhard was watching the students with satisfaction when a rustling sound caught his attention.

The inspector was already writing something in his notebook. While that wasn't a concern, it bothered him that the inspector, who had just been looking at the students with a warm gaze, was now scrutinizing them sharply.

"Inspector?"

"Ah, I apologize."

The inspector closed his notebook, but Bernhard couldn't shake off his unease. Since the inspector came to the academy, he had only helped, never hindered.

However, if the head of the inspection department was looking at the precious students with the eyes of a predator, he needed to know why. It was his duty as an educator and an old man supporting the next generation.

"Is there anything to apologize for? But as I grow older, my curiosity only increases. Could you tell me what you were writing?"

"It's nothing much."

The inspector's gaze remained on the students as he put the notebook away.

"I was writing down the talents who will serve the empire."

The inspector smiled slightly, looking quite satisfied.

"Good. The future of the empire is indeed bright."

Bernhard pondered his response. It would be a good thing if the students received recommendations from a high-ranking official. However, the official's gaze was unsettling.

But his contemplation was brief. The inspector was known for his patriotism despite his notorious reputation. He wouldn't do anything strange to students aspiring to be bureaucrats or soldiers.

"Yes, I look forward to seeing these children grow."

These children will surely have a bright future.

***

A sudden thought. Yes, the student council president. I had discovered a good gem and secured it faster than anyone else. The academy is a place where inexperienced gems like the student council president gather to be educated. And the one who discovers a gem first gets to claim it.

A good student can be pushed into the third or fifth department. If not, recommending them to the Special Affairs Bureau or the military is also fine. They always complain about a lack of manpower, so sending them a promising civil servant will make future requests easier.

'What a goldmine.'

With each sparring match I noted, my satisfaction grew. How did professors feel when they saw potential graduate students? If I can secure about ten here, my path will be much smoother. If I give three or so to other departments, they'll be overjoyed.

Thus, my personal and precious Pokédex writing continued until the principal called me.

'I need to check again next time.'

There might be new gems then. The future of the empire and my future look very bright.

Finally, Luthis' sparring match at the swordsmanship ground began. I could feel the change in the Armain royal guard's aura.

"I lost..."

It ended smoothly and anticlimactically. No matter how much it's a sparring match, the courage to wield a sword against royalty is hard to muster. Maybe a crazy republican could do it.

If Lader had chosen the knight path, I would have pitted him against Luthis, but he's a mage. They are always unhelpful.

"Great sparring!"

Only you found it enjoyable.

Luthis' cheerful handshake with his opponent made me feel even more sympathy for the other side. He didn't look bad, but his opponent was royalty. It's a pity.

'He's a good kid.'

The opponent, who only bowed his head but mentally bowed deeply, made me stroke my chin. Surrendering immediately would be too obvious, and not harming the royal body but earning the royal's displeasure is a tough spot. So, he endured the beating from Luthis.

Being hit, stabbed, and slashed while tanking the least painful areas was quite impressive. Winning by full power is easier than losing gracefully without the opponent noticing.

'There are many talents.'

I stored Luthis' opponent in my mind. I'm not sure if this academy is a golden batch or if this is the average level. Either way, it's a good thing for those who are recruiting.

"Hmm. What a coincidence. It seems Erih's sparring match is about to start."

"Erih, you say?"

While watching another sparring ground, the principal's voice caught my attention as I saw the limping Kaiser Soje student walking normally.

"Would you like to watch?"

"I'm not sure if I have the time."

"Now that Luthis' match is over, there's no rush. The magic department's match is still far off, so there's plenty of time."

I nodded, appreciating the principal's thoughtful reasoning. I was genuinely curious about Erih's growth.

"Then it's fine."

"Erih's skills are improving daily. I'm looking forward to seeing it for the first time."

"Your words make me even more proud."

"Feel free to say so; it's not flattery."

We exchanged pleasantries and moved to another sparring ground, where we saw Erih just entering.

Erih, who looked calm, suddenly showed a surge of determination when we appeared. His opponent's surprise was visible.

As soon as the match started, Erih charged with a fierce determination, which was quite impressive. His skills were commendable.

'Everything is good.'

Really, everything is good.

Why did he suddenly clench his teeth and charge at me?

Is it just my imagination? His gaze was definitely fixed on me.

I thought we were getting along, but maybe I'm still a totem of rage for Erih.

Author's Note:

The reason the principal felt uneasy under the inspector's gaze: The inspector had the eyes of a farmer looking for A+ grade slaves.

Tomorrow is the last day of the 50-day contest. The winners will be announced.

I will also transition from the contest to a plus, and I look forward to being with my readers. While the contest being free allowed me to meet more readers, that period is coming to an end. Thank you all for your support!

Lastly, I posted a new revision notice yesterday! This time, it's related to the content, so please check the notice for details.

Thank you for reading this chapter!