After the entrance ceremony ended, all freshmen had to confirm which class they were assigned to and move accordingly.
The assignment results were posted on the bulletin board outside the auditorium, and the crowd of freshmen rushing over right after the ceremony turned it into complete chaos.
Lower class, intermediate class, and upper class—depending on which class one was assigned to, their life at the academy would vary greatly.
For those unsure of their placement, they had no choice but to check with anticipation.
Of course, even those who were confident they’d make it to the upper class weren’t necessarily at ease.
After all, no matter how sure you are, it’s human nature to feel anxious until you see it with your own eyes.
Harold and Lilith were probably in the crowd, struggling to confirm their placements as well.
Seria, who hates crowds, just stood back, watching from afar with no intention of joining in.
As for Seria, well… she probably didn’t even need to check to know her placement. Although she had collapsed without doing much in the practical exam, her abilities were well-known, so nobody doubted her potential.
Moreover, the person who defeated her even went on to win against all the freshmen, so nobody could really hold it against her. And if anyone did, she’d just crush them with her skills later.
As for me, there’s no need to check either. If I’m not in the upper class, then who would be?
Unsurprisingly, when the crowd thinned, I took a quick glance and saw that both Seria and I were assigned to the upper class without any surprises.
Harold and Lilith, who had been eagerly checking the board, were also in the upper class. And Artes, the protagonist… there he was. Ranked high in the lower class—not too bad.
Anyway, despite the trouble I caused, there wasn’t much difference in the results. It was nearly identical to what I remembered, showing how fair and accurate the original evaluation process must have been.
Now that I’ve confirmed it, should I head out? By now, some students have likely already reached the classroom and settled in. I should hurry since I’ve spent too much time waiting for the crowd to clear.
“Rudion. Let’s go together.”
“Huh? Oh, sure.”
Unexpectedly, Seria joined me as I was about to leave. What’s this? I thought she would wait until nobody was around and go alone. Turns out, she was waiting for me.
“It was obvious you’d be in the upper class, so was there any reason to wait around just to confirm it?”
“Well, just because.”
I was actually curious about the others’ results, but saying that outright would make me sound like a stalker, so I just mumbled something vague.
Looks like she’s also just a regular student for her age. In the original work, she was a lone wolf who handled everything solo, so I didn’t realize she might want to hang out with friends now that she has some. Though I’m not sure if she considers me a friend…
Anyway, experiencing this “Seria companion mode,” which only comes much later in the story, is rare. I’ll do my best to maintain a good relationship.
I should make friends with the main characters, not just Seria. Since I know all their personalities, tastes, and secrets, it shouldn’t be too difficult.
“When we looked for the student council building last time, I felt it then too, but Rudion, you don’t seem like someone new to the academy.”
“I just did a bit of personal research. And I’m good at finding my way.”
That’s a lie. I’m actually terrible at directions and can only follow memorized routes.
But, since I understand the geography of this world, it seems like I’m good at it, right?
“But somehow… it feels like you’re moving through the academy like it’s your own home. Since I’m quite sensitive to people’s statuses, I usually notice when someone’s feeling tense or self-conscious, but you don’t show any of that.”
“It’s all about confidence, you know.”
“For someone saying that, you looked incredibly nervous during the speech in the auditorium earlier.”
“Hey, that was…”
Come on, Seria. I did that speech in your place. How can you bring it up like this?
And was she always this talkative? In the original, even when she appeared, she’d only solve incidents and disappear, and by the time she accompanied the protagonist later, the story had a darker tone, so she mostly fought in silence.
Seeing her talk so cheerfully at the beginning is oddly refreshing and a little strange.
If it weren’t for me, she’d probably have kept herself aloof, isolating everyone else.
I can’t let that happen; you’re making friends with me too. Later, when I start getting closer to the others, I’ll bring Seria along and introduce her, explaining that she’s a good person who just has a bit of social anxiety.
Thanks to Seria chatting away, we reached the first-year upper-class building without a dull moment. Its noticeably larger size compared to other buildings was due to the numerous training facilities it housed.
One might wonder if it’s unfair for only the upper class to have access to these facilities, as it could create a disparity with the other students. However, the equipment here isn’t something that students without the physical ability and skill of the upper class could even handle.
For instance, there are machines that fire magic bullets at high speeds, which are incredibly painful if hit directly, and magical devices that emit such a potent smell that you’d faint if you don’t release your mana circuits quickly enough…
Even upper-class students suffer miserably from repeated failures with these, so what good would it do to provide them to others?
Of course, similar tools are available in other classes. Even lower classes have machines that just shoot balls for basic training.
However, since the lower classes focus more on basic skills and proficiency, direct lectures are the mainstay there, as they’re more effective for improving abilities.
Some students get by purely with physical strength and talent, regardless of their basic skills and proficiency…
‘While I’m not worried about Seria, I am a bit concerned about Lilith.’
The two of them showed considerable shortcomings in terms of proficiency based on the results of their sparring sessions.
Seria has always relied on pushing forward with her magic, and that will continue to work, so it’s fine. However, Lilith is a different story. Although she’s a saintess who uses holy power, she fights as a brawler—even in the original story—so that part can be overlooked, but her basic skills were lacking.
‘Originally, she joined late during the first semester finals season, so she was way behind the others…
Back then, she at least realized she was lacking due to her late arrival, and she showed a determination to master the basics.
However, since she’s entered at the same time as the other freshmen now… something tells me she won’t act the same.
Despite her calm appearance, she’s like a hotheaded troublemaker.’
With her tendency to recklessly jump into things, if I leave her alone, she’ll probably end up getting pummeled by magic bullets, showing up to class with bruises all over and reeking of some horrible smell.
Maybe I should step in and guide her a bit before that happens. As I was pondering this, we reached the front of the classroom. From inside, I could hear the sounds of students chatting, probably already gathered and waiting.
“Looks like we’re the last ones here.”
“We are a bit late. Let’s go in.”
When I opened the door, the chattering students went silent in unison.
Did they think I was a professor? Sorry, just a fellow student.
I thought they’d go back to talking among themselves once they saw we were students, but… something felt off about the atmosphere.
“What took you two so long?”
“See? I told you there’s something between them!”
“Shut up. You’re making me see it that way too.”
“If it looks that way, then it is that way.”
“Oh, stop it already.”
Why are they whispering while looking at us? Do they have something to say?
“Hehe, it seems like they’re all having an amusing conversation.”
With Seria’s sharp ears, she probably heard every word, but judging by her lack of reaction, it must not be a big deal.
Ignoring it, I looked around the classroom and saw a decent seat in the back was still available. Nice. I headed straight over there…
“Hey! Rudion! Come sit here!”
…only to be diverted to the front seat next to Lilith.
Seria followed me and sat down in the seat beside mine. Surrounded by beauty on both sides—it’s incredible. Though it’d be better if it wasn’t in the very front row.
Lilith, who had pulled me to sit beside her, started speaking.
“Rudion. About yesterday… I’m sorry?”
Seems like she feels embarrassed about her behavior yesterday. For her to blush and apologize like this, even with her laidback personality, is saying something.
With her bright silver hair and innocent face, seeing her like this is oddly stimulating. But yeah, inside, she’s still Lilith, after all.
Sigh. Alright, a newbie who doesn’t know any better deserves a break.
“It’s fine. I didn’t really mind.”
“That’s a relief, but…”
Lilith looked like she wanted to say more, hesitating but not managing to get anything out in the end. Instead, Seria leaned over and spoke, drawing my attention.
“So, Rudion, are you and Lilith close?”
“Close? You saw her charging at me yesterday trying to hit me, didn’t you?”
“So, do you just listen to everything a pretty girl says?”
“What?”
“Oh, nothing. Never mind.”
She doesn’t look like it was “nothing,” though.
Did I do something wrong? I’m not really sure.