Chapter 58

Hikaru headed to the academy's enrollment procedures with Ravia.

The administrative building is a three-story structure standing in an open area. Its size, dedicated solely to "administration," speaks volumes about the academy's scale.

"Enrolling at this time of year... huh?"

At the counter on the first floor, an elderly woman with half her hair turned white stared rudely at Hikaru and Ravia.

"I heard that the academy accepts enrollment applications all year round?"

"Even so, there's a proper time. It's either in the spring after winter or in the fall before winter. Coming in the summer like this, you must be an outsider adventurer or a dilettante."

Sclazar, with its long winters, apparently places great importance on "how to spend the winter."

The part about being an "outsider adventurer" is spot on, though.

"So what? Isn't the academy's policy to not turn away those who come?"

"Only if they can pay the high tuition fees, though."

"Oh, you were worried about whether we have money? You could have just said that."

"Wha—"

The clerk's forehead veins bulged.

"What do you mean, being so cheeky! Where are you from?"

"Where am I from? Ponsonia."

"——"

When Hikaru mentioned Ponsonia, Roland's country of origin, not only the clerk but everyone behind the counter fell silent and stared at him.

"Hmm... So you're from that ambitious country, are you? And you, a kid, are full of confidence, I see."

Hikaru sighed.

"Does being full of confidence have anything to do with studying? Hurry up and process the paperwork. This is a waste of time."

"We won't process it."

"Huh?"

"We will test your aptitude for enrollment. This is in accordance with the academy's rules, and you have no right to refuse. Got it?"

Hikaru had heard that the academy accepts anyone who can pay the tuition. The high tuition means that regular students are either highly motivated or wealthy. Alternatively, those who have achieved notable accomplishments or promising adventurers are admitted as special students.

I haven't heard anything about a "test"...

"Hey, hey..."

"If you lack confidence, that's fine. Feel free to leave."

"...What's the test about?"

"That's—ah, perfect timing."

The clerk smiled slyly.

Just then, a tall man over 2 meters in height arrived at the administrative building.

"The test is simple. Win by landing a fatal blow. This uniform is a special magical device that absorbs impact, so you don't have to worry about your life. I am Mikhail, the academy's 'Great Sword' researcher and instructor."

In the square behind the administrative building, the tall man said.

His arms and exposed chest were covered in hair. His red hair was permed tightly, and he had a lot of beard from his mouth to his chin.

Based on Hikaru's knowledge, this man was from one of the seven countries, Jelazak.

Mikhail whispered to Hikaru.

"...That old lady is indeed a pain, but how do you manage to anger her so much?"

"Who knows. Maybe she just snaps when she hears the truth."

"..."

Mikhail shrugged and walked away, as if to say, "You seem to have issues too."

By now, a few spectators had gathered around the square, sitting in the shade and watching the spectacle.

—Wow, the demon instructor and that kid are going to fight? This is over before it starts.

—What is this?

—It seems the old lady got angry and this is a demonstration.

The onlookers were talking freely.

Mikhail, aside from the greatsword on his back, was dressed in loose, comfortable clothing. His cotton pants were tucked into his boots, giving him a military appearance.

"My weapon is this. What about yours?"

Mikhail pointed to the greatsword with his thumb.

"This."

Hikaru drew his "Short Dagger of Strength."

"Hmm, a small sword, that's rare?"

"More importantly, aren't you going to wear the uniform?"

Hikaru was wearing the navy jacket that had been provided to him.

Ravia had said something nice like, "That look suits you," but she didn't seem to care much about Hikaru taking the "test." She seemed to think, "You'll pass for sure."

"‘Aren't you going to wear the uniform?’... —Ha ha ha ha ha! You're funny, kid! You're worried about me?"

"Overconfidence can trip you up, you know?"

"Wow, I'm surprised. For a kid, you're quite talkative. I'm fine as I am. Even if I die in this test, as you say, I'll have been tripped up. ...Hehehe."

Mikhail couldn't stop laughing, finding it extremely amusing.

—Hey, that kid is provoking the demon instructor? Is he serious?

—He's dead.

—Naivety is scary.

(Does my height make me look weak? I...)

Hikaru, who still had some growth left, was a bit anxious.

However, he had no intention of losing the test—more like the match.

【Soul Board】Mikhail Jelazak

Age 32, Rank 21

30

【Life Force】

【Natural Recovery】2

【Stamina】3

【Immunity】

【Disease Immunity】1

【Strength】

【Strength Level】8

【Weapon Proficiency】

【Sword】1

【Great Sword】3

【Armor】1

(This level doesn't even reach the Ponsonia Knight Captain level... Is this a guide instructor?)

Hikaru thought, but he was slightly mistaken.

The Ponsonia Kingdom's knights were elite, trained by the knight captain known as the "Sword Saint" Lawrence. They were the best of the best in the country, so much so that the king thought, "With this, we can conquer other countries."

Mikhail, by adventurer standards, was certainly high-class.

Incidentally, the "Jelazak" in his name is because those without a family name often use their country of origin as a surname. It doesn't mean he's royalty or anything.

"Hurry up and start!"

One of the spectators, the clerk, said. Other clerks had also come to watch, and many were peering out of the windows.

"Ah, you don't need to beat me. If you show decent skills, you'll pass the test! Let's start then."

"What's the signal to start?"

"You can start anytime. Come at me from anywhere."

"...You haven't even drawn your sword?"

"I'm saying you can attack first. Without a handicap, there's no excitement."

Hikaru exhaled.

Being underestimated to this extent was almost refreshing.

"Got it. Just to be sure—Old man. Did you say you're prepared to die?"

"Huh? Ah, sure. Hurry up—"

Mikhail didn't get to finish his sentence.

As Hikaru crouched, he threw a stone he had picked up from the ground at an incredible speed.

The stone headed straight for Mikhail's forehead.

Mikhail hastily stopped it with his hand.

"Damn—huh?"

Mikhail couldn't believe his eyes.

For a moment, his vision was blocked by the hand that caught the stone.

In that instant, Hikaru had vanished.

"—Guh!?"

Then his consciousness faded to black.

He had been hit hard on the back of his head.

Thud, Mikhail fell forward.

"Ouch... That hurt."

Even with a cloth wrapped around his fist, Hikaru felt the pain.

In "Stealth" mode, a stab with the short dagger would probably have killed Mikhail instantly. That's why he used an unfamiliar punch to knock him out.

Still, a blow to the back of the head could be fatal. That's why Hikaru asked if he was prepared to die.

"I don't think he's dead... Well, even if his skull is cracked, it can be healed with magic, right?"

Hikaru confirmed that Mikhail's carotid artery was still pulsing and looked around.

"......"

"......"

"......"

"......"

"......"

The square fell into a deathly silence. A few small claps could be heard, but they were from Ravia.

"Did I win? Is the test over?"

"......"

"Hey, are you listening?"

Hikaru asked the clerk, but she was still staring with wide eyes, unresponsive.

"Hey, if you say it's invalid, I'll get angry too."

As Hikaru approached the clerk, her eyes widened in terror,

"——"

and she fell backward, foaming at the mouth.