The Imperial Academy.
A place where, regardless of one’s social status, simply gaining admission could change one’s life.
Though rumors circulated that it was merely a playground for the great noble families, even that was something to be grateful for.
For those who had never even spoken to or seen such people, it was an opportunity.
In that sense, Lawrence, who was entering the academy today, was extremely nervous.
To succeed.
To live a life different from the one he had now.
He had put in tremendous effort.
While others gave up, content to live ordinary lives, he gritted his teeth and persevered.
He was convinced that this was the only path to change his current life.
It didn’t matter what he became.
Just passing through those gates would make everything different!
As the old saying goes, his efforts did not betray him.
Despite being a commoner, not a noble, he had finally gained admission to the Imperial Academy.
He was part of that rare group of commoners, so few that they could be counted on one hand for each year’s intake!
‘It’s done. It’s done! Even though academy life is just beginning, half the battle is already won!’
Within the academy, nobles remained nobles and commoners remained commoners.
But there were also relationships of seniors, juniors, and peers.
Even though Lawrence was a commoner, if he could demonstrate his abilities to the nobles,
there was a chance, however slim, that he could become close to them or form future connections!
With his parents’ encouragement to not slack off even after entering the academy,
Lawrence headed to the academy, filled with equal parts excitement and nervousness.
The journey was long, requiring much walking and several carriage rides.
It would be a tough journey. But it didn’t matter.
He was so excited he felt like he could go mad!
*
…No. Scratch that.’
By the third day, Lawrence began to think this was a bit much.
He had taken the entrance exam, scored well, and received admission.
But was it really necessary to make him find his own way to the academy?
And with monsters potentially lurking about, what was he supposed to do?
While nobles traveled by carriage, he, a commoner, had no such luxury.
Now he understood why his peers had given up and disappeared, content to live as they were.
If things were this unfair from the start, how long could he last? He didn’t know.
“Hey there?”
Startled by the sudden voice behind him, Lawrence jumped.
There had been no sound of footsteps, no presence at all.
It was as if a ghost had appeared, sending shivers down his spine.
“Ahhh?!”
“Ah. I startled you. Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to.”
A strangely hooded figure, despite the lack of rain, gave an awkward smile.
From what little could be seen, the person was strikingly beautiful, almost mistaken for a woman if not for the voice.
“I’ve been watching you for a while now, always alone.”
“Huh? Uh, since when have you been watching me?”
“Our paths seem to be the same. Are you heading to the academy? It’s just before the new term, so perhaps?”
Could it be?
Was this person also a new academy student like himself?
As he pondered, the others waved their hands and spoke.
“I’m not a new student. Just heading to the same destination, as I said.”
“Then, are you a professor or something…?”
“That’s not it either. Just going to see some friends.”
Friends? Lawrence tilted his head in confusion, then noticed something.
A sword hung at the person’s waist, exuding an extraordinary aura.
“Anyway. Since we’re here, let’s go together. I usually have someone with me, but due to certain reasons, we’re temporarily apart. It’d be nice to have some company.”
“Ah, yes. I’d welcome that.”
For a moment, he wondered if he was being too trusting of a stranger.
There were stories of travelers being deceived and put in danger.
But as he glanced at the person, such thoughts vanished.
Somehow, they didn’t seem like the type to do such things.
“From here, it’s better to use a teleportation circle.”
“Huh? Oh, suddenly?”
“There are monsters nearby. They’ll be dealt with soon, but you never know.”
Monsters?
How did they know?
There had been no news.
As Lawrence stood there bewildered, ten minutes later, he heard astonishing news.
“Attention to all travelers using the road. A dungeon has appeared nearby, temporarily halting travel. The Imperial Army and Rangers will soon handle the situation…”
What?
How did this person know beforehand?
As he stared, the person smiled and handed something to Lawrence.
Reflexively, he reached out, and something heavy fell into his hand.
“This is the fee.”
“Suddenly? No, I can’t afford to repay this!”
“Consider it a bribe. Repay it by getting along well with the students at the academy. Hmm, let’s call it a bribe.”
“A bribe…?”
He wasn’t a professor, nor was he from a noble family.
What kind of bribe was this to a commoner like him?
One thing was certain: he didn’t want to walk for four more days.
Entering the academy looking like a beggar would be disastrous.
“I-I’ll repay you. Definitely.”
“Ah, no need. I told you, it’s a bribe.”
“But why bribe a commoner like me…?”
“You’ll understand later.”
With those cryptic words, Lawrence and the stranger stepped onto the teleportation circle.
In just seven seconds, they arrived at a place that would have taken a week to reach.
“This is the academy…!”
It was magnificent. Words like “grand” or “impressive” didn’t suffice.
Many imagined the academy as a single large building, but no.
The entire vast area, with its massive structures, was the Imperial Academy itself.
“Welcome to the academy.”
“Ah! Th-thank you! Thank you so much for your help!”
“I have some business to attend to. If you go straight ahead, there will be guides.”
Perhaps they were academy staff? That seemed likely.
Not a professor, but someone with reason to help students.
The “bribe” was probably a way to ensure he remembered them later.
After saying goodbye, Lawrence entered the academy.
There, guides were waiting to assist new students.
“Are you a new student?”
“Yes! Here’s my admission letter!”
“Hmm. Confirmed. The entrance ceremony is still five days away, but you’re quite early. It’s refreshing to see such a diligent new student.”
Actually, he had no choice but to arrive early, but luckily, he had met a kind stranger.
Lawrence gave an awkward smile and waited for the guide’s next words.
“Dorm assignments will be made shortly. Since you’re early, you might get a better spot. You have some time, so look around and get to know people. It’s essential for your academy life, not just with peers but also seniors.”
“Understood!”
Lawrence immediately set off.
He was also inwardly excited.
What kind of seniors would he meet?
What kind of academy life awaited him?
With such thoughts, he headed towards the garden, where a group of students caught his eye.
‘Wow.’
So students here tend to the gardens themselves. Amazing.
Being quite familiar with plants and flowers, he thought it was a good thing and approached the garden.
“Hello! I’m a new student… uh…”
Pointy. Their ears. They weren’t human.
‘Elves?!’
Right. He had heard there were elves at the academy!
The arrogant race that looked down on humans.
They treated people carelessly and insisted they were always right.
No wonder grandparents said, ‘Monsters and elves are no different!’
And here he was, a human, boldly standing before them.
They had been engrossed in something, and he had interrupted.
Given their notorious temper, a sharp reaction was expected.
“New junior, huh?” Oh.
“Hey, Tyure. You’re not the youngest anymore.”
“Finally! It didn’t make sense that I was the youngest just because I entered a year late!” Hahaha!
“That’s because, by human standards, a year isn’t much.”
Something was off.
This wasn’t what he had heard about them.
There was no condescending look, tone, or posture.
Nothing.
“Reactions are quite varied. We still have a long way to go.”
“But noble humans are better. There’s plenty of hope.”
“Human junior? Perfect timing. Join our flower-arranging club.”
“What are you talking about? He should join the Great Forest Academic Club. It’s only natural.”
They were… just ordinary academy students, weren’t they?
Thinking so, Lawrence was soon dragged by the elves to help tend the garden.