NOVEL NEXT Chapter 24
Another week passed in the blink of an eye…
The event of the academy’s entrance ceremony was quickly approaching.
And so, on an ordinary Monday morning.
“Yawn…”
Feeling nervous and having barely slept the night before, Rudell let out a sleepy yawn as he looked out the window.
The wide road leading to the academy’s front gate.
That place, commonly referred to as the path of knowledge by people, was now filled with countless individuals.
There were all kinds of people, but their destination was the same.
The massive building that stood before him.
Its scale rivaled that of the royal castle, the centerpiece of the royal road and the kingdom’s largest architectural marvel, proudly showcasing its sturdy presence.
With a huge dome at its center, it was surrounded by four towering spires in the north, south, east, and west—this was none other than the primary backdrop of the original work.
At the same time, it was one of the colossal educational institutions on the continent.
“That’s… Philsberg Academy…”
It was none other than the Royal Philsberg Academy.
“Wow…”
The academy’s grandeur was on par with buildings from Earth in the 21st century.
For a moment, Rudell was left speechless, gazing at its majestic form.
“Haah…”
But that pause was short-lived. With a sigh, Rudell took on a serious expression.
He wasn’t here to enjoy his second school life.
No matter how much the academy symbolized the youth of its students, it was also entangled in the decay of matter.
By the time the story reached its midpoint…
An event occurred that marked the start of the dark developments in the plot.
That event was none other than the kingdom’s civil war.
Due to the church’s schemes, the entire kingdom plunged into civil strife, and the academy couldn’t escape the repercussions.
Accumulated grievances and conflicts erupted simultaneously, leading to a gruesome battle that entangled professors, students, and factions…
By the time the protagonist’s party managed to halt the civil war, most of the key figures in the academy had already perished, leading the narrative to unfold tragically.
Moreover, the church’s schemes dealt a finishing blow, drastically diminishing the academy’s strength.
In effect, barring a handful of individuals, the academy lost its significance within the story.
“Ugh…”
As he rummaged through his memories, a low groan escaped Rudell’s lips.
Despite all his preparations to prevent such events, he couldn’t shake off his unease.
And it was no wonder; the scale of the academy was simply too immense.
With countless professors, regular students, and the offspring of the nobility along with their intertwined political ties, considering each element was an impossible task for anyone.
“…”
I hope things go well.
While pondering this, Rudell pressed his forehead as he felt his head throb.
Meanwhile, a carriage that had just passed through the academy’s front gate began to slow down.
A moment later, as the carriage stopped, Rudell stood and set foot on the ground.
“Haah…”
After stepping out of the carriage, he lightly stretched before raising his head.
The grand sight of the academy.
If he were to fail, this majestic scene would transform into a desolate wasteland, not a blade of grass remaining.
“Let’s do our best.”
Recalling that fact once more, he set off with a determined face.
*
“Let’s see… Is the auditorium this way?”
Reading the guide he received at the entrance, Rudell lifted his head and scanned the surroundings.
Visibly, the academy boasted a massive scale, and stepping inside made that size feel even more overwhelming.
One wrong turn, and he’d definitely get lost.
Getting lost on the first day and being late for the entrance ceremony would be comedic on another level.
– Freshmen, this way please!
Just as a nervous Rudell was carefully observing his surroundings, a shout echoed from not too far away.
Turning his head toward the shout, he saw a huge door crowded with numerous people.
School staff, incoming students, event organizers.
The chaotic scene, with various individuals bustling about, could easily induce dizziness just by looking at it.
Of course, despite that, Rudell had no choice but to move in that direction.
“Are you a freshman? Please write your name here!”
“Write your name here and collect your badge! Freshmen must wear it!”
As people gathered in response to the event staff’s shouts, they received badges one by one and entered the auditorium, and Rudell managed to do the same.
“Wow…”
And in that moment, as he gazed upon the breathtaking scene unfolding before him, Rudell let out a low gasp.
With a ceiling made of glass letting in light, the auditorium was as vast as a soccer field.
At the end of the auditorium, a massive statue on the podium created a solemn atmosphere.
The overwhelming grandeur seemed to crush all who beheld it…
It was the first time Rudell had ever felt such a sensation, encompassing both his first and second lives.
Just as he was lost in admiration of that sight, suddenly…
[Ah, testing. Testing.]
A voice flowed from the magical tool installed in the ceiling.
[Ah, I would like to inform all freshmen. The entrance ceremony will soon begin, so all students who have not yet arrived should gather.]
As that announcement echoed, people waiting outside the auditorium poured in like a tide…
Fearing he might get swept into their ranks, Rudell hurriedly maneuvered to avoid them.
“Let’s see… Class 1-A… A Class…”
Checking his badge with his class information, Rudell quickly spotted a sign marked 1-A.
“Hello.”
“Ah, yes. Hello.”
He exchanged light greetings with a student holding the sign, then surveyed the area and settled into the designated space.
Meanwhile, the auditorium gradually filled with incoming students.
“I don’t seem to know anyone…”
He thought about whether any characters he recognized might be present, but no familiar faces met his gaze.
Could it be that differences from the original work emerged here, like in Leje’s personality?
“Hmm…”
Just as those thoughts crossed Rudell’s mind, a low groan escaped him.
– CLANK! WHOOSH!!!
“…?”
He turned to the source of an unknown noise coming from behind him.
And then…
“Whoa!?”
Startled by the huge shadow looming above him, he exclaimed.
[…]
And it was no wonder, as a massive suit of armor, effortlessly surpassing the build of an average adult man, stood right behind him.
It resembled oversized medieval knight armor, with mechanical parts visible between its armor plates.
Cogs turned within, releasing steam in bursts.
–Gears grinding.
The armor’s eyes seemed to shift towards him, and with a mechanical sound, the part presumed to be its mouth slowly opened.
Other students stepped back, their faces filled with anxiety at the sight…
– Tap. Tap. Tap.
Simultaneously, a sound reminiscent of typing emerged, and something began to stream out of the armor’s mouth.
Once the typewriter-like noise ceased, the armor ripped the paper it had spit out and presented it to Rudell.
[I apologize for startling you.]
“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it.”
Written in an incredibly cute handwriting, the short message elicited a polite response from Rudell.
[…]
Alongside that, the body of the armor shook slightly, and it soon averted its gaze from him.
‘Of course, it wouldn’t be absent.’
As Rudell gazed at the armor, he turned his head back, coming to that conclusion.
In terms of future events, having more allies is better.
The quicker he grasped their whereabouts, the smoother things will be going forward, which was an undeniable fact.
[Now, we will begin the entrance ceremony.]
Just then, the magical tool emitted another voice, and the previously noisy auditorium fell into silence.
In the next instant, an orchestra that had been waiting in one corner began to perform, and several figures ascended the podium amid the booming music.
The academy’s dean, along with other key figures in the kingdom.
Among them was a familiar-looking girl.
With her blue-and-white hair and eyes.
Her beautiful appearance and aura drew everyone’s attention.
It was none other than his childhood friend and the duchess of the Lagrind Dukedom, Leje.
“She looks so different that I hardly recognize her.”
Her usual relaxed demeanor was nowhere to be seen, replaced by a cold expression that felt like a chilling wind.
Unless someone was familiar with her usual self, they would never believe that the girl on the podium was the same as the duchess of the Lagrind Dukedom.
[Ahem… I welcome all students who will be entering the academy this year.]
Amplified by the magical device, the dean’s voice resonated throughout the auditorium as he began his speech.
And…
[Seeing all of you reminds me of when I entered the academy. Back then, I was just an ordinary boy who could be found anywhere…]
The dean’s speech…
[I recall an incident during my third year. I was so focused on studying for exams that I let my guard down for just a moment and completely flunked the test, but I persevered…]
It was mind-numbingly long.
[Finally, let me share a story from my youth while I was at the Magical Development Bureau…]
[Ahem…!! Due to time constraints, I will end the dean’s speech here. Next, this year’s freshman representative, Leje El Lagrind, will now take the oath on behalf of all incoming students.]
It was only when the speech dragged on for nearly three hours and students were nearing their limit of stamina and patience that the vice dean interrupted the dean’s words, finally allowing a collective sigh of relief to fill the auditorium.
Meanwhile, Leje stepped forward from her spot behind the podium, and once again, silence descended over the auditorium.
Standing before the podium, Leje turned and lightly bowed her head towards the dean…
[I will take the oath.]
From her mouth emerged a resolute voice that commanded attention.
And thus, the entrance ceremony of the academy was progressing towards its conclusion.