[4th Week of March, Thursday Afternoon.]
What stance does the Academy take regarding the repeated intrusion attempts by new and current students into the Old School Building?
– Trials make students stronger!
This is one perspective, though it is only possible because the Academy has invested the best resources to prepare for all scenarios.
It’s not like throwing someone onto a deserted island and saying, “Surviving means being strong“, but rather hiding a resort behind the island, complete with medical staff and field agents standing by, while imposing trials on them.
This has been the Academy’s approach to nurturing students’ growth so far.
Of course, some unexpected events arise, such as the appearance of “Angels” or incidents involving “Mana Drain”, which seem absurd and nonsensical from the perspective of the Academy staff and other adults.
Therefore, the Academy refrains from imposing severe punishments on students who attempt to steal or raid magical items like the Magic Pants from the Old School Building.
Why?
At its core lies the belief that “Even these trials serve as fuel for students’ growth”.
Moreover, such activities inherently serve as a way for students to gain practical experience.
In gaming terms, it’s akin to a perpetual “grinding for experience” scenario.
“So far, the four of you in the Vermilion Bird class have never once lost to students who tried to raid the Academy.”
Instructor Esta presented us with a battle report compiled by the Academy staff.
“Your teamwork and synergy are nearly flawless. It’s so outstanding that even the staff find it difficult to predict the outcome of a match against you.”
As Instructor Esta mentioned, the battle reports on the Special Class, compiled by various staff members, were filled with praise.
Against first-year students, senior students, and even “Angels”, the Vermilion Bird class had consistently maintained a clear upper hand.
Although only two Angels had appeared thus far, the fact that we subdued not only Angels but also other formidable students cemented our reputation.
“The students have started calling you not ‘Special Admissions’ but ‘Specially-Recruited Admissions.’”
“Is that how they perceive us?”
“As they say, words matter. There’s a distinct difference between someone admitted through special exceptions and a talent specifically sought after. That perception has firmly taken root among the students.”
As a result, as Instructor Esta stated, the students of the Old School Building had successfully established themselves as “special beings“ in the eyes of others.
Even if we didn’t attend the same classes, stories of students being defeated during nighttime raids on the Old School Building spread, making the Vermilion Bird class both admired and a subject of caution among the general student body.
“Previously, I mentioned that some students wished to join the Old School Building’s division.”
“You said some Special Admissions students were interested?”
“Yes. But so far, the staff have only cleaned and prepared the space without forming another class. That alone shows how popular this place is.”
Instructor Esta pointed at the four of us.
“First, Miss Yunia, a mage who has introduced new theories of mana through non-attribute magic and whose magic abilities surpass those of most graduating students.”
“Ehehe…”
“Ludmila, a spearman who already displayed exceptional skill and achievements during her active career and has shown rapid improvement since joining the Academy.”
“Thank you.”
“Evangeline, who, rather than being referred to as the ‘Princess of di Ercy,’ is now known as the ‘Puppeteer of the Old School Building’.”
“Th-that’s only natural.”
“And finally…”
Instructor Esta paused, staring at me before continuing.
“Why the hesitation?”
“…The Phoenix, the Hope of Men.”
“Hmm.”
“Does that term make you uncomfortable?”
“Not really. It’s just that being called only the Hope of Men feels a bit unfair. I’d like to think I could also be the Hope of Women.”
While it’s certainly nice to be admired by men, it would be even better to receive admiration evenly from both sides.
That would likely change once we returned from field training.
As our network of acquaintances grew, our activity range expanded, and we gained concrete achievements through practice, perhaps we would even earn access to the main Academy building.
Discussions within the Academy about reducing the proportion of remote classes after this field training had already begun.
Since it was proven that those wearing Magic Pants were unaffected by Mana Drain, some optimistic views emerged about holding more in-person classes.
Of course, practical reasons, such as the challenges instructors faced with fully remote teaching, also played a role.
In other words.
Now that Magic Pants have been sufficiently distributed, enabling male students to resist Mana Drain from female students.
– As long as the boys aren’t losing mana to the girls, it shouldn’t be an issue, right?
This field training would effectively lift the restrictions that had previously confined male students to certain areas of the Academy.
It marked the end of their curfew, which would, in turn, have a significant impact on the Old School Building.
“If this field training proceeds without any major issues, there’s a consensus among the staff that soon, even you all may freely roam the main Academy building.”
“Wow, really?”
Like Yunia, who holds a certain fascination for the main Academy building—or more accurately, a romantic longing for a place she’s never been—students of the Old School Building couldn’t help but be excited about gaining such freedom.
“I’ve always wanted to visit!”
“Where exactly are you talking about?”
“The central fountain and the bell tower!”
“…Both of those places are steeped in legends, aren’t they?”
Ludmila formed a heart shape with her hands and directed it toward me.
“Phoenix, do you know the legends about those two places?”
“Of course I do. One is where the [Emperor] and the [Saintess] kissed and professed their love in front of everyone. The other is where the [Sage] and the [Sword God] danced alone during the closing ceremony of the Academy Festival.”
(TLN: I think author forgot that the other two were Hero and Grand Mage lol)
The four Saints who founded the Academy—those who, deep beneath this Old School Building, are sealing away the Demon World’s power—were known to have shared their affections in these places during their lifetimes.
“But wait, wasn’t the main Academy building nonexistent back then?”
Evangeline raised a valid point.
“The structures in the Old School Building were magically transported, renovated, and rebuilt there. That’s why there’s no garden or bell tower left here.”
“Oh.”
Symbolic event sites from the Old School Building had been transferred to the main building, left as content to unlock in later stages of the Academy’s lore.
But for those unaware of such details, what does it matter?
What’s important is that certain couples found love there, and others officially became couples in those places.
“If we ever get regular access to the main Academy building, I absolutely want to visit those places.”
Yunia clenched her fists with determination, scanning everyone before beaming at me with a wide smile.
“Phoenix, you’ll come too, right?”
“Of course.”
One day, I’ll visit those places to become a new legend, to leave my mark in the Academy’s history.
But for that to happen, this field training must proceed smoothly.
Achieving excellent results is also necessary.
“Ahem. One thing to note—although field training sites vary, evaluations are conducted on a relative scale.”
“What?”
Yunia tilted her head, confused.
“How is that possible?”
“It’s simple. Your scores will set the benchmark, and others’ scores will fall in line based on that.”
“…”
Instructor Esta began sketching on the blackboard.
“The Vermilion Bird class score will be placed at the top. Other students’ scores will be ranked below, depending on their performance. As always, this will include scores from beast hunts conducted during the training.”
“Like 100 points for a C-rank beast and 2000 for a B-rank beast?”
“Exactly. The efficiency of hunting beasts within a set timeframe. Ultimately, the Academy’s goal is to nurture individuals capable of combating the impending [Apocalypse]. To be honest, beast hunting is the Academy’s main focus, which is why it’s always part of the training.”
Esta wrote “Vermilion Bird Class” at the top of a long line and drew circles below it.
“Most outstanding students will fall under this category. However, some groups might score higher than you. If that happens… they’ll have a strong case.”
“Like, ‘They scored higher than the Old School Building students. Shouldn’t we also be allowed to study there?’”
“Exactly. Essentially, a ‘four-person team’ formed during training could evolve into a new class.”
A solid justification.
“Even if the Vermilion Bird class defeats ten B-rank beasts, if another group takes down one A-rank beast, the narrative shifts immediately. Therefore…”
Esta began writing numbers to the side.
“We absolutely must subdue an A-rank beast.”
“Hmm…”
“Don’t worry. According to the instructors…”
She shrugged casually.
“An A-rank beast will be easier to handle than an Angel.”
“Oh, well, in that case…”
“Right. It shouldn’t be a big issue.”
The training site.
“Besides, there are no S-rank beasts there.”
The place where a certain S-rank beast once met its end.
“What could possibly go wrong?”
Habsderk.
To the very place where the incest curse demon, Rattatosk, died.
