Chapter 29

It has been two weeks since I enrolled in the academy.

I was already at a loss for what to do with my free time.

Until now, I had a clear goal: the entrance exam. I used to fill my free time with exam preparation, eliminating any waste.

But now that I've been accepted, if I continue to study as hard as I did in my previous life, the three years of academy life will pass in the blink of an eye.

After the afternoon lectures, during the first two weeks, I spent my time at the royal library in the capital, which boasts the largest collection of books in the country, reading everything I could find about external magic.

While books in this world are more valuable than in my previous life, as a student of the royal academy, I can use the royal library for free, which is quite large even by the standards of my previous life. I am also allowed to borrow up to three books, except for a few special ones.

Every day, I headed straight to the library to research the clues for using external magic...

I kept telling myself that this wasn't studying but a hobby, while following the same routine I had in my student days: going straight to the library after school, reading until closing time, borrowing necessary books, eating soba quickly on the way home, and studying until I went to bed. I was growing increasingly anxious about whether this lifestyle was sustainable.

After two weeks of investigating all the relevant books and confirming that there were no significant results, I became even more anxious.

If this continues, I'll end up either studying or practicing sword swings...

Originally, I had thought about joining a fun club activity casually.

But after enrolling, I found that there weren't many active clubs.

The Hillside Club, which I started on Godolphen's recommendation, meets before the morning classes.

I can't use the Hillside Club to fill my free time in the evenings or on weekends.

By the way, I had already observed each member running individually, heard their 'goals,' and formulated a detailed training strategy, which I then communicated to all the club members, i.e., all my classmates.

To put it simply, I divided them into two groups: the second team, which runs from the back gate to the main gate, and the first team, which runs a full lap from the main gate. I gave them the start times, the number of hill sprints, and the specific challenges for each runner, and then let them start their morning training.

The rest is up to them. I believe they will think for themselves and adapt to the optimal form.

The only strict rule I set is this: anyone who can't complete a 40km circuit, including at least three hill sprints, within 1 hour and 45 minutes is in the second team and must take the half-lap course (even the half-lap course is about 30km).

Most of my classmates, who are elite among elites, were assigned to the second team.

Proud as they are, they were told by me, "You are in the second team because you lack the strength to be a member of the Hillside Club. If you want to move up to the first team, improve your strength, or quit if you can't."

Some of them even had tears in their eyes.

It's pitiful, but there's nothing I can do.

Why did I set up such a system? Of course, it's to prioritize my own convenience, to clear Godolphen's task.

If they have any complaints, they should take it up with Godolphen.

If they work hard and move up to the first team, even if they start running at 5 AM, they should recover their magic power to some extent before the morning classes.

Even if they don't make it, with the half-lap course, they should grow enough to recover by the start of the morning classes in about two months.

If they get tired and quit, they are automatically excluded from the task, with no risk.

Hehehe.

That's right.

This scheme guarantees victory no matter what.

The excuse is perfect.

The half-lap course is not a way to let those who are motivated slack off and clear the task, as Godolphen suggested.

I just set a training method suitable for their current strength, which I believe is appropriate for their growth. Therefore, I have no reason to be criticized.

To create the fact that I am putting in my best effort, I adjust the start times of my classmates so that I can overtake everyone every morning, confirm their running, and give them a pep talk.

"Stop thinking! I said the same thing yesterday! Go home!"

"Relying too much on physical strength! Go home!"

"Don't look with your eyes! Talk to your feet with your heart! Quit!"

I say random things that I don't even understand, with the intention of making everyone quit, but so far, no one has.

But I expect some will drop out soon.

I know from my previous life how much such unreasonable power harassment words from a superior can demotivate someone who is putting in their best effort.

By the way, once they move up from the second team to the first team, they can suddenly change the course, but that's none of my business.

I don't change my own routine and successfully complete the task.

That's what's important.

I digress, but the Hillside Club's activities are already out of my hands.

After the second weekend of enrollment, I suddenly had nothing to do.

I want to study and practice sword swings, but without a clear purpose, if I call it a 'hobby,' I feel like I can't go down the outlaw path...

It's no different from studying for qualifications without a purpose in my previous life.

So, after breakfast, I was practicing the 'Fireball' spell in the courtyard, which I still can't cast.

Then, a man who seemed to be a resident of the general dormitory of this royal academy, carrying a basket made of plants on his back, appeared.

He looked like he was about to go cut firewood in the mountains.

Out of curiosity, I decided to call out to him.

"Nice to meet you.

I'm Allen Lovain.

Where are you headed, senior?"

I don't know his year, but with that outfit, he can't be a classmate.

The man seemed surprised to hear my name and answered.

"Are you Allen Lovain from 1-A class?

I'm Rio Gofush, from 3-B class.

There were all sorts of rumors about you, like being a complete eccentric, a schizophrenic, or a sex fiend, but you seem quite normal."

Senior Rio laughed as if remembering the various rumors.

"Hehehe.

Those are just baseless rumors."

I laughed and brushed it off.

However, Gofush... I don't have that name in my mental database.

He must be from a baron's family with no particular features or a commoner.

"What are you doing here?"

Senior Rio asked curiously.

"Well, I live here.

I just had breakfast in the dorm and was passing the time with some training."

Senior Rio looked at me as if I were a complete eccentric.

"Hmm... breakfast...

...You were accepted into the A class, right?

Aren't you going to move to the noble dormitory?"

"I don't feel the need to.

Senior, why are you in this dorm even though you're in the B class?"

"In my case, my family runs a pharmacy.

I go to the nearby mountains to collect herbs and mushrooms for my family's business whenever I have time, and the general dormitory is closer to the back gate, which is more convenient."

"I'm not a noble, so I can take care of my own life to some extent," Senior Rio laughed without a care.

My impression of Senior Rio improved dramatically.

It goes without saying, but graduating from the B class of this royal academy is almost a guarantee of a bright future, making you an incredible elite.

Despite that, there's no trace of arrogance in him.

It's also great that he doesn't care about the noble dormitory and focuses on what he wants to do.

"Are you going to collect herbs now?

If you don't mind, can I come with you?"

I asked naturally, but Senior Rio seemed quite surprised.

"Sure, no problem, but to be honest, it's a rather dull task and not very interesting.

I don't think it will be useful for your future.

I've never heard of a kingdom knight collecting herbs."

"I haven't decided to join the kingdom knights.

I might become an explorer.

For a new explorer, collecting herbs is a common job.

I don't know what might be useful, so I'd like to come with you."

That's right.

For a new explorer, the first job is often collecting herbs.

If I come back with an unexpectedly large amount of herbs, the receptionist girl, who thought I was a naive and arrogant newbie, will be shocked...

This is the classic scenario of a protagonist in an isekai story.

It's a bit sad that it's not a cheat but a secret practice, but it's not a bad idea to practice herb collection here to follow this template.

Since I have nothing else to do anyway.

As I was thinking this, Senior Rio quickly dismissed my dream.

"Hehehe.

I understand that you're very different, but I don't think you'll be doing herb collection tasks.

If a royal academy student registers as an explorer, they are rated D rank. Graduates are automatically C rank.

There are no profitable herb collection tasks for D rank explorers in the capital area."

...I don't need such privileges...

I had already obtained the rights of a D rank explorer, which the gardener Oliver had worked hard to get.

But it's fine.

I am genuinely interested in the materials in this world.

While I have read books to gain some knowledge, it's a valuable opportunity to practice with the guidance of an expert.

I insisted on going with him and bowed 45 degrees.

Senior Rio kindly agreed.