Chapter 19

"Alright. Allen Lovain.

I will take it back for deliberation.

If it is determined that there is no evidence of cheating, I will allow your enrollment in 'Class E.'"

Godorphen declared.

...Phew.

Though there was a noble sacrifice, it somehow worked out.

Even though I had decided not to be attached to this academy, being expelled after just one hour of enrollment would be hard to face my family...

Thank you, Zold. I won't forget you...

I gritted my teeth, closed my eyes, and prayed for my friend's soul.

"...Not even a single protest.

It seems that the teachings of Zold Bainforce have taken root in you."

Well, my mother said she would hurry back, so it probably won't be that bad.

...I thought she was in a hurry to come back, but did she foresee this development?

It's scary to think that it might be possible...

...Huh? What?

I wasn't really listening...

"Being suddenly told to be in Class E, you must have something you want to say.

However, overturning this cheating judgment is a matter of great significance.

It questions the very traditional academic assessment system of this Ygralian Kingdom.

Moreover, in your case, it involves four subjects... To say that there is absolutely no trace of cheating... frankly, it is unprecedented.

Even in past cases where a lack of clear evidence of cheating was determined, all were assigned to Class E.

If there are no doubts about your academic ability after enrollment, you can be promoted to a higher class.

Unfortunately, there have been no such cases..."

Class E?!

...

Well, I don't really care about the class.

In fact, if I want to live a free and outlaw student life, it might be more convenient.

I didn't cheat, but that academic assessment system is, in a way, correct.

It can't account for reincarnation.

"I see."

I nodded, looking somewhat resigned.

"Normally, that would be the end of the matter.

However, there are some circumstances now."

Godorphen scanned the class with a sharp gaze, tightening the atmosphere before continuing.

"There is a very high possibility that a war will break out within a few years, at the latest within ten years."

The class gasped at the shocking words.

◆

"Just now, the boy interrupted the conversation.

The order I received from His Majesty is related to this.

To put it bluntly, the students of the Royal Academy, especially the top 20 among them, are expected to be a force for the country.

The task I received from His Majesty is to raise the level of the Royal Academy students."

At that, Godorphen glanced at Allen.

"I don't expect all of you to join the military.

You are free to choose how you live.

However, considering the abilities and authority of Royal Academy graduates, they will be an important force supporting the country.

War is a contest of comprehensive strength."

At that, Ryeo raised his hand.

"May I ask a question, old man?"

"What is it, Ryeo?"

"Specifically, which country do you think we will be at war with?"

"Hmm.

This information is still being gathered by the intelligence department.

It's not the right time to tell the students... but rumors will start flying soon.

I'll tell you before that, but don't spread it.

Based on the information, the first to move will likely be the northern Rozamoor Empire."

"Of course."

Ryeo clenched his teeth.

The Rozamoor Empire has been a rival to the Ygralian Kingdom for the hegemony of this continent for a long time.

A few decades ago, it even invaded once, and at one point, the kingdom was prepared to redraw its borders.

However, with the assassination of the enemy's supreme commander by elite forces led by Godorphen, the royal knights pushed back and eventually reached a truce.

"Furthermore, the western superpower, Justeria, may also join in."

"What?!"

The class was thrown into confusion by the unexpected name.

"Justeria has been a friendly nation since its founding. Why would it now ally with Rozamoor and declare war on our country?!"

"It hasn't been decided yet, but there are suspicious signs, such as frequent exchanges of military supplies with the empire.

We need to prepare for the worst."

Godorphen pressed his hand down to calm the class and looked at Allen.

"Given that, if your claim is true, and you have worked hard with the mindset of 'always being on the battlefield' and have been suspected of cheating, this country cannot afford to let your talent go to waste.

However, I cannot make special arrangements on my own in this prestigious academy...

Therefore, I want you to win recommendations from all the students in this class within one week, stating that you are worthy of being in Class A.

With the recommendations from all the students in this class and all the examiners, I will directly petition His Majesty and seek permission through an imperial decree.

Understood?"

◆

"Understood?"

There's no way I can accept that. What is this old man thinking...

I have no intention of participating in a war, and to begin with, I see no benefit in going around bowing to everyone to stay in Class A.

...Is there some special benefit to being in Class A?

"Let me confirm...

Is there any special benefit to being in Class A?

For example, exclusive facilities or special documents that only Class A students can access?"

Godorphen answered with a puzzled look.

"There are no such special privileges.

All students in the academy are equal, regardless of class.

However... though I don't like to say it, Class A graduates of the Royal Academy receive exceptional treatment after graduation.

They have almost a free pass to any job, including the royal knights, and their advancement is almost guaranteed.

By the way..."

At that, Godorphen raised an eyebrow and exuded a killing aura.

The class gasped again.

"Surely, as a disciple of Zold Bainforce, you don't think that being in Class E is fine, do you?"

...How much does this old man trust Zold?

Have they faced death together...?

"Don't be ridiculous!

I don't think being in Class E is 'fine'!"

I want to be in Class E!

You're listing benefits like employment, further education, and promotions, which are not even worth considering!

"Your class assignment is worth 30 million reals... the effort of your family who raised you, and Zold's trust.

And my pride in recommending you.

If you deliberately hold back...

Even if you manage to stay in this academy, I will tear you to pieces!"

"Ah!"

...30 million reals?

Reals?

30 million reals is equivalent to the annual tax revenue of our viscount's territory...

After expenses, our viscount family's income is about 3 million reals.

By the way, 1 real is roughly equivalent to 1 dollar.

◆

To begin with, if I calmly analyze the current situation, it is impossible to win recommendations from all my classmates in one week.

First, I am suspected of cheating in the academic test.

Moreover, in four out of five subjects, and in magic theory, it is 99.9% suspected to be cheating.

Additionally, the exchange with Ryeo.

In a time of national crisis, would a classmate who declares no attachment to the country be necessary?

I wouldn't want one.

At the very least, it would be impossible to persuade Ryeo.

Then there's Fay's bombshell.

It's infuriating, but my evaluation by the girls is at rock bottom.

Recommendations from all those gray-eyed girls who look at me like trash?

In one week?

Absolutely impossible.

Furthermore, after that, when I thought I had applied to be his disciple, this arrogant old man declared he would crush me, and my erratic behavior was terrible.

It's also been revealed that I have a sister who is dangerously unstable...

Heh heh heh.

Mission impossible.

No matter how anyone looks at it, it's impossible.

I was trying to enter as smoothly as possible, but I can't help but wonder why it ended up like this, in such a hopeless situation.

I just did my best with the wind at that time.

Why is it impossible?

The main reason is that I have no motivation.

If there was a reason I absolutely had to win admission to Class A, I would have done whatever it took to achieve it.

But there isn't.

There is absolutely no reason.

I decided to pretend to try hard and aim for Class E.

○2022/08/02

I added a bit about the assignment to Class E.

There has been no change in the flow.