Chapter 64

"Ahem.

From what I can see, it's all self-taught.

But you're drawing the bow from the core of your body.

How long have you been practicing archery?"

"Um, since a little over a month ago."

"...Impressive...

If you can refine the finer techniques and hone your senses, you'll be able to see a whole new level.

Specifically, if you can improve your 'hand position,' 'draw,' and 'tension,' your accuracy and speed will improve even more."

Saying that, Kiana taught me the finer techniques.

This was an unexpected bonus.

Despite having such a well-equipped training facility, there were no proper archery specialists among the faculty of the Royal Academy.

In this world of magic, where the academy aims to produce excellent knights, archery, a ranged weapon, is considered a side discipline.

I had no choice but to train on my own, but I was feeling the limits.

I thanked Kiana politely and asked if she could teach me again in the future.

Kiana smiled and agreed.

Maybe she's actually quite approachable once you get to know her?

It takes only five minutes to hear and understand, but to master it and internalize it as a 'form,' it requires only repetitive training.

"By the way, Allen, you came to become a disciple of Due, right?

Do you have any specific purpose for coming?"

Huh?

Didn't Godolphin tell you?

I had completely strayed from my original purpose, but my goal for today is to learn external magic, which has been my main focus since my awakening.

From Godolphin's tone, I don't expect a clear answer, but I want at least a hint.

I wiped the business smile from my face and looked straight at Due.

With a determined bow, I asked to become his disciple.

"Commander Due!

I have no talent for property change.

But I want to learn external magic at all costs.

The reason is, it looks cool.

There are no other rational reasons.

But I am willing to sacrifice anything to master external magic.

Mr. Godolphin told me that you hold the key to this.

Please take me as your disciple!"

Due frowned.

After a moment of silence, he replied.

"Hmm... No."

...Well, this was within my expectations.

Godolphin had said he would only introduce me and not guarantee my acceptance as a disciple.

But I'm not the type to give up just because I was rejected once.

I counted the cards I had and started negotiating.

"Commander Due, I know you're busy!

I'll train in a way that doesn't burden your work as much as possible.

Additionally!

I will assist you with administrative tasks within my capabilities!

I have been thoroughly trained in the 'Bainforce Administrative Work Method' as a tutor, and I am confident I can be of great help!

So please, I beg you!"

I used Zold's name conveniently and bowed deeply again.

I used my experience of being forced to do tedious administrative work in my previous life as my first card in the negotiation.

In my previous life, I was called 'AI-kun' with derision and contempt.

If you give me a job that requires no creativity, that anyone could do if they wanted to, but that everyone hates, I'm the best at it.

Due smiled.

Is this a good sign?

"That's indeed very helpful!

I've been thinking, 'What the hell is that old man thinking?'

But you're the old man's choice!

I'll give you plenty of work starting today!

Why don't you move in here?"

The grumpy section chief, who only shows a very happy face when pushing tedious work onto subordinates, said this.

Wow!

Feeling a better-than-expected response, Due continued.

"The only problem is, I have no talent for property change, and I've never studied, heard of, or even considered methods to acquire it after birth.

But I'm sure we'll figure something out!"

...

Well, this pattern wasn't entirely unexpected.

My current feeling is, 'Godolphin, you're being so casual, I'll make you cry someday!'

But it won't do to curse Godolphin here.

So, I played my second card, which I had prepared for this scenario.

"Can I go home because my stomach hurts?"

◆

"Ah, the external magic Allen is talking about is, in other words, a type of magic that involves property change and attacks enemies, right?"

I nodded vigorously in response to Dante's question.

"Hmm...

Given how Godolphin thinks, it wouldn't be surprising if he had multiple aims.

I can't accurately gauge his intentions, but the fact that he specifically introduced you to Due..."

Saying that, Dante folded his arms.

What?

Does this lazy-bearded guy have some secret?

As I waited with a hint of expectation, Justin took over.

"Is it the detection magic through external magic circulation?

Even if you successfully acquire property change, you still need to train your magic circulation.

Additionally, showing Allen the knights early and having him assist with the work seems to be part of the plan."

Hearing this, I was disappointed again.

Is it that?

Well, I do feel the need to train in external magic circulation, and if I can't make progress with this introduction, I was considering training this time.

But do I really need to beg this grumpy section chief for lessons, using my precious time to help with trivial administrative tasks?

I decided to live freely in this life because I didn't want to do such labor-intensive work, and it feels like putting the cart before the horse.

I can learn from the faculty of the Royal Academy, including Godolphin, to some extent, and I have confidence that I can shape it through self-study, just like archery...

"Is Commander Due's detection magic that amazing?"

I decided to confirm just in case.

"Yeah.

It's so amazing that it's one of the best in the Ygralian Kingdom.

If he puts his mind to it, he can probably grasp all the conversations and movements within this vast garrison from here."

Hearing Dante's response, I couldn't help but interject.

"...Peeping is a crime, you know?"

A vein popped on Due's forehead.

"Who's a peeping tom, you brat!

Of course, anti-detection magic items are installed in each necessary area!

You can't use it indoors unless you're in a very rural area!

It's for outdoor use, outdoor use!

I'll beat you up right now, brat!"

Justin laughed at my interjection and followed up.

"Well, well, since Due has received official orders to train this provisional member, he can't just send him away, right?

Besides...

Godolphin must have seen potential in Allen to use detection magic like Due.

If he can, it will be a great help to the country in the future.

Having two people with Due's unique detection magic has immense strategic value.

This also means that Due, who handles this type of work, will have half the burden."

It's hard to believe, but is Due really that amazing, being the only one in the elite knight corps?