Chapter 4

This world is quite a meritocracy based on academic credentials, where there is said to be a significant difference in future employment and advancement depending on whether one graduates from the Royal Academy or a noble school run by a marquis, or something else.

With such an important exam just around the corner, and in a situation where hard work might just do the trick, I ended up reflexively aiming for a passing grade.

But upon deeper reflection, given the lessons from my previous life, I can't bring myself to believe that just graduating from the Royal Academy will guarantee a comfortable life...

In this world, there are elementary schools for children aged 8 to 12, where they learn basic reading, writing, arithmetic, and general knowledge such as geography and history.

I, like a typical third son of a viscount, attended an elementary school in my hometown, which also admitted commoners, until last year, but I haven't been going this year.

At the age of 11, it was determined that I had a considerable aptitude for magic, and with the possibility of attending the Royal Academy, I was assigned intensive exam preparation by a private tutor.

Incidentally, there are even mock exams held twice a year by the state to identify talented individuals.

According to the results of the last mock exam a month ago, my probability of passing was said to be less than 20% (possible).

They even provide a judgment on the likelihood of passing or failing.

After completing elementary school, it is common for commoners to advance to higher education if they have a certain level of magical aptitude, as it is advantageous for employment.

The advancement rate is said to be over 70%.

Incidentally, the reason why the entrance exam for higher schools is set at age 12 is that the basic capacity for magic, which begins to grow around age 8, stops growing by age 12 at the latest.

In other words, by age 12, a child's general talent is visible.

For higher education, there is, of course, the Royal Academy, as well as nine noble schools run by marquises (which also admit commoners) and private schools run by influential earls.

For those who cannot afford tuition and living expenses, the Explorer's Association runs an explorer training school where one can receive free combat and other skill training.

Still, I never thought I would be fighting the exam wars even after reincarnation...

Especially since I was reincarnated into a world of swords and magic...

In my previous life, I struggled due to my poor academic performance.

The opportunity to pass the "prestigious school" exam, which I once longed for, is within reach if I seriously work on it for the next two months.

It would be a lie to say I'm not at all tempted.

But even if I manage to pass, will I end up studying hard and only looking ahead, just like in my previous life?

And what if I manage to join the Royal Knights after that? What then?

Will I spend my life studying and training to aim for a position in the Knight Command School, competing for promotions, suffering from stomachaches due to the pressure from superiors and subordinates, and aiming for a barony as the ultimate goal, even after reincarnation?

If I just go with the flow, that's exactly what will happen.

I don't particularly want to be a big shot.

I don't mind being poor.

In my previous life, I had no particular desire for advancement in my company. I just vaguely sought stability... and died without gaining anything.

To be honest, it wasn't a happy life.

...Yeah.

I'll do what I want to do!

In this life, I want to focus on what I truly want to do and live passionately for what I love.

Titles and stability can go to hell.

This world has swords, magic, explorers, and a vast unknown world.

I remembered the white clouds floating in the sky that I used to look at from the hospital window in my previous life's final moments.

That's right, at that time.

I regretted strongly that I should have lived my life like those clouds, drifting with the wind, following my heart, and focusing on what I truly wanted to do...

There is no right answer.

In this life, I want to live in a way that I can say, "I had a fun life" at the end.

My motto for this life is "go with the wind."

I woke up at 5 in the morning and, while doing running training, secretly resolved to do so, and then went out to the garden to start my daily practice.

Allen tends to prefer practical sparring and neglect the basics.

Still, his growth in strength is head and shoulders above anyone else in this rural area, so he must have talent.

However... now that I have awakened, I understand the significance of mastering "forms" and the joy of repetitive, mundane practice.

So, in the morning, I focus on improving my physical strength and practicing the basics of sword techniques, and at night, I take time for the magic compression training I used to skip.

Even with some talent, without finding any cheat elements, a low base ability means there's no bright and fun life in this other world.

As I stepped into the garden with a wooden sword in hand, I noticed Oliver, the gardener, trimming the bushes under a tree in full bloom.

He used to be an explorer and became our gardener after retiring.

"You're up early as usual."

I called out to him from behind.

"Ah, young master. Are you doing your morning training again?"

Has he been noticing my recent morning training?

"Yeah, I've been studying a lot lately, and my body has gotten really stiff.

It's a change of pace."

"Zold said you've been studying like a different person lately."

I answered with a wry smile, and Oliver laughed as if he understood how I felt.

"What kind of tree is this one with the flowers?"

He looked surprised, probably not expecting such a question.

"Ah, this is a dogwood tree."

"Wow, I see. The flowers are a light pink."

"Light pink...

Indeed, it's not quite pink or red.

Now that you mention it, light red is the most fitting description."

Oliver was impressed, saying, "Young master has a fresh and sensitive nature," but any Japanese person would probably say the same thing.

"Hey, how long does it take to rise through the ranks as an explorer and eventually join the Royal Knights?

If you accumulate enough achievements, you can join the Royal Knights, right?"

Caught off guard by the sudden question, Oliver fell silent.

He must know that I used to hate studying and skipped it a lot.

His face clearly showed that he was worried about saying something that might cause trouble.

"Don't misunderstand. I'm not saying I hate studying or that I want to give up on the Royal Academy exam.

But having a clear reason for why studying is necessary is directly linked to the results.

It's the same for explorers and gardeners, right?"

I asked with a smile, trying to keep the tone light.

Oliver seemed to understand and, with a slightly suspicious look, began to speak.

"Indeed, there are cases where commoners with no financial cushion work as explorers, accumulate achievements, and join the Royal Knights."

Hmm, that sounds much more appealing than just studying all the time.

Seeing my interest, Oliver hurriedly continued.

"However, if you're aiming for the Royal Knights, a half-hearted record won't cut it.

At the very least, you need a B-class qualification with a special skill.

If you want better treatment, you should aim for an A-class qualification."

A and B! As an otherworld enthusiast, I have to check these settings!

Before my awakening, I thought explorers were just poor day laborers and had no interest in them.

I continued, pretending to be uninterested.

"Hmm. By the way, how many ranks are there?"

"Once you register with the Explorer's Association, you start at G-class, so there are seven ranks up to A-class. There is also an S-class above that, but it's more of an honorary rank for those who have been awarded a medal."

I see, I see.

"Is it hard to advance in rank?"

"Yes, up to E-class, you can advance just by completing a set number of quests, so with your talent for physical enhancement, you might be able to reach it in about two years if you work hard."

At this point, Oliver's bearded, round face turned serious.

"However, to advance from E to D-class, you need to complete a set number of quests over several months, and your character and judgment are also evaluated. So, it takes at least about five years, even with good luck."

"Five years to D-class, that's quite a long time."

"That's reasonable. D-class explorers are recognized by the Explorer's Association as professionals who can work anywhere. D-class explorers with proven skills can even be hired as private soldiers by high-ranking nobles. I spent 15 years building a solid record and was promoted to D-class, which is why I'm now employed as a gardener by the master."

"Wow, are D-class explorers well-paid?"

"Hmm, from your perspective, they're not well-paid. If you have two children, your wife would have to work too to make ends meet."

I thought of a middle manager in a small to medium-sized company in my previous life.

Hmm, not very promising...

"By the way, are gardeners or private soldiers for nobles better paid?"

"My salary is less than the average D-class explorer, as it's a safer job.

I'm single, so a stable income is enough for me.

Private soldiers for nobles are similar at first, but they can advance and do better over time."

"Hmm. The world isn't so easy. By the way, how hard is it to advance to B or A-class?"

"Hmm. At that level, it's hard for me to say exactly. The highest rank around here is C-class, and they are already impressive.

They are at least 15 to 20-year veterans.

A and B-class explorers are mostly those with not only experience but also special talents."

"I see, so you have to go to the capital or somewhere to find that level?"

"Hmm, certainly the capital, and places like Dragoon Marquisate's capital, Drayg, have a few A-class explorers.

The ruins near there are said to have one of the highest concentrations of monsters and materials in the kingdom."

Oliver smiled and put down his pruning shears.

"However, many of the top explorers in this country aim to join the Royal Knights.

It's really impressive that you, who might join, are working so hard."

"Wait! A-class explorers aren't that promising?!"

This was a surprising revelation.

I had just reached the conclusion that I wanted to live freely and do what I wanted in this other world.

When you think of living freely in an other world, the first thing that comes to mind is adventurers or explorers.

The idea of dropping out of the competitive society and living an outlaw life as an explorer also seemed appealing.

"At that level, they are certainly well-paid and have high social status.

After all, the Royal Knights are in a class of their own.

They are the kingdom's trump card, the pinnacle of the military, with only about 1,000 in the vast Ygrith Kingdom."

Oliver looked puzzled, as if to say, "Isn't this common knowledge?"

"Also, there aren't many A-class jobs.

The Royal Knights are the best for tackling powerful monsters, with the least risk and damage.

So, A-class explorers often do the groundwork for the Royal Knights' missions, and if their work is recognized, they can be hired as squad leaders in the Royal Knights. Some choose to remain explorers for life, but that's the goal for A-class explorers.

In any case—"

Oliver, holding his pruning shears again, concluded with a smile.

"Your efforts to get into the Royal Academy will greatly increase your chances of joining the Royal Knights. Please do your best on the exam."

I have no particular interest in status, honor, or money.

But if I drop out and spend decades building a record as an explorer, only to have the ultimate goal be joining the Royal Knights, it would be a huge waste of time.

While it seems like they are trying to guide me to focus on the exam, I don't think they would lie in a way that would be immediately obvious.

My evaluation of the Royal Knights has improved, while my evaluation of explorers has been revised downward.