NOVEL NEXT chapter 87
87. Preparation for Practice (1)
I was on my way to class.
Everywhere I went, sharp gazes pierced my face.
The atmosphere among the students was far from pleasant.
I couldn’t understand it.
Isn’t the burden of gambling failure one that should be borne by the gambler?
“Everyone thinks they lost money because of me.”
“That doesn’t seem quite right…”
Limberton pointed at the skewered meat in my hand.
It seemed those who had lost money were too envious to indulge in such luxuries.
“Ah, so that’s why tears are spilling from your mouth.”
“…In moments like this, it’s clear how truly wretched people can be.”
I grinned and took a bite of the skewer.
The humans who had been watching swallowed hard, their gazes sharpening with intensity.
As I became a mere stick, I waved the untouched skewer.
“Hmm, looks like we have some trash. If you throw it away for me, I’ll give you this.”
They smiled wide, as if to say, “When did that happen?”
The competition was fierce.
“Me! Me! I’ll throw it away for you!”
“Step aside! I got here first!”
I offloaded the trash and skewer onto the one who arrived before me and made my way to the classroom.
The study of Monsters was a joint class for all first-year knights and mages, regardless of dormitory.
Everyone sat with haggard faces when the female professor stepped up to the podium.
“Today marks the end of classes for a while, doesn’t it?”
In two days, all first-year students would head to the Monster Realm.
“Nervous, are we? But don’t worry. The place you’re going to is classified as the entry point, so it shouldn’t be too dangerous.”
The professor, her hair braided, twirled a strand around her finger and let out a sigh.
“Well… it is still considered an uncharted territory, so keep your guard up. Now, shall we take a look at the maps circulating in the market?”
With a flick of her wrist, the professor conjured a holographic map, large and vivid.
Between the Realm of Transfer and the Monster Realm lay a long boundary, like a border.
If the entire line could be called an entryway, then it was indeed an entryway.
“As you can see, the path to the Monster Realm is quite wide.”
Along the boundary, there were occasional markers resembling buildings, which indicated well-trodden entrances for adventurers.
“These building markers signify maintained paths. There are even roads wide enough for carts to collect the remains of massive monsters. Nearby, facilities created by the Adventurer’s Guild are available. But what is our task?”
Rix shot his hand up, brimming with enthusiasm.
“It is to pave the way so that civilians can establish such foundations in the future!”
The professor clapped her hands, as if impressed.
“Exactly. A pathfinder is one who explores the unknown lands. Naturally, we won’t take those comfortable roads. We’ll traverse lands where no foot has ever tread. The destination, of course, is wild.”
The female professor fixed her gaze on the male professor standing before the black tent.
He was a knight department instructor.
“Please begin.”
No sooner had he finished speaking than the knight professor pulled back the tent.
Snap!
Hidden away was a wolf, tightly bound by chains.
One body, three heads.
A muzzle was strapped over its snout.
In the last class on monstrology, we had merely skimmed the theory, but this time, the danger was palpable, as a specimen had been brought forth.
“This is the three-headed wolf that dwells in the cursed forest you will soon traverse. I will teach you how to deal with it, so pay close attention and learn.”
The professor of the knight department stepped onto the platform, dragging the chained three-headed wolf behind him.
Limburton, standing nearby, scoffed.
“Hmph, what’s this? It looks weak compared to what we saw in the dungeon.”
“Don’t let appearances fool you. The third exam is set to a novice level by the professors.”
To safely capture a single three-headed wolf, at least two students would need to work together.
And that was based on the standards of the Adel department; in the Shulafe department, it would take five to even have a chance at subduing one.
There were several tricky conditions to contend with.
“Still, the Guardian was on a different level.”
“That’s something even the professors can’t handle.”
The Guardian is akin to the boss of the dungeon.
While the monsters are placed in manageable numbers, that particular entity remains untouched, no matter how much the dungeon is tamed.
“Excluding the Guardian, the quality of what you faced in the dungeon pales in comparison.”
If we were to use the dungeon monsters as an example, they moved like puppets.
Though there are variations depending on the dungeon, those encountered in the third exam fit this description.
In contrast, the creatures of the cursed forest relentlessly pursue their prey, biting and tearing, and if they sense danger, they retreat wisely or exploit any moment of weakness with cunning intelligence and self-awareness.
“Every day is a struggle for survival, so to endure there is no small feat.”
“Ugh…”
The professor gripped a wooden sword and removed the muzzle from the three-headed wolf.
In an instant, the wolf lunged forward, jaws wide open.
Thwack!
As the professor deftly dodged, the second head came barreling in right after.
With a swift strike, he hit the second head with the wooden sword, while the third head was pushed back with a kick, creating distance.
Then, he bound all three heads together with the chains, subduing them fluidly.
The professor’s skilled movements exuded the scent of professionalism, leaving Donathan in awe.
‘More capable than I expected.’
‘···You must be a professor to think that way.’
Though my perception had soured after being stripped bare by the end-spec Leana, wasn’t it only natural?
It wasn’t just a lack of skill; it was a creature of Akandric caliber, and it wasn’t about killing it—capturing it was the goal. Just holding out until Rockefeller arrived was no ordinary feat.
“The three-headed wolf is characterized by its rapid tempo of attack. Always remember that there’s a follow-up strike waiting for you.”
This time, the female professor took over from the knight department professor, demonstrating how to counter with magic.
Yet, all she showed was a brief display—electrifying it with lightning magic or silencing it with a curse.
It was merely a prelude to the wolf’s howling.
Auuu!
“This is howling. It’s a signal to summon the pack. If you don’t want to be surrounded and die, you must strike all three heads simultaneously. If even one remains conscious, it’ll be a real headache.”
With those words, the professor burst the wolf apart.
Bang!
Blood splattered across the faces of the students standing in front.
The students’ complexions turned pale.
Regardless, the professor spoke words to uplift their spirits.
“By the way, items obtained in the magic realm belong to the one who discovers them, you know? Even if it’s part of the field practice for the class. Of course, certain items are reclaimed by the Empire, but there’s no need to feel regret. His Majesty ensures that rewards are given generously.”
At the mention of rewards, the students’ eyes sparkled.
“Could it be coins?”
“Huh? Coins? Naturally, it’s gold coins. Usually…”
“Please, if we find something, let it be coins.”
Is it that they prefer coins over gold that they can’t even use here?
The students began to lose their minds with excitement.
* * *
After class, I stepped into Nille’s alchemy workshop.
The representative greeted me warmly.
In contrast, the woman stirring a pot with a ladle wore a troubled expression.
“Let’s see if you can guess. You placed your bet with me, and that woman over there bet against you, didn’t she?”
The representative chuckled good-naturedly.
“Haha, well, I’m an investor in our workshop, so shouldn’t I believe in you for support? But Melda, she just scoffed and bet the opposite.”
“Come on, don’t poke at my sore spots. I was starving yesterday!”
“And that’s why I treated you to a meal today.”
“…Well, that’s kind of you.”
The representative tore his gaze from her and spoke to me.
“Mind my head. We came here to find something, right? Just wait a moment.”
He placed the bag on the table with a thud.
Inside were the custom potions and several items I had requested weeks ago.
“So, it’s the Triune Wolf for this magic practice, huh?”
“Indeed.”
“You’re quite lucky. Of all things to order, it had to be this.”
From the representative’s perspective, it made sense to think that way.
It wasn’t a potion kept in stock, and it took about two weeks to brew.
Just yesterday, the monster we were to tackle was announced, so it could only be considered fortunate.
“Well then, I look forward to your help next time.”
Just as I was about to rise and take my leave, it happened.
“Eek!”
Silla, upon seeing my face, hurriedly hid behind Leana.
I tried to pass by, carrying the bag as if it were nothing.
Leana shot me a sharp glare, but it was only for a moment.
She turned her gaze away and addressed the representative.
“Do you have any medicine good for bones?”
“Hmm? We do, but if your friend is hurt, wouldn’t it be better to go to the infirmary?”
Silla shouted in a panic.
“But then she can’t participate in the magic practice!”
I paused for a moment, assessing Silla’s condition.
For some reason, one of her legs seemed to be in discomfort.
Had the representative noticed this and suggested the infirmary?
‘Please tell me she didn’t get hurt fighting with us.’
‘Perhaps she’s cracked her shin. It did connect when I kicked you.’
Ah, was it when I aimed a high kick at my neck back then?
Still, that was a month ago, so she should have healed quite a bit… No, that’s not right.
Recently, the first-year students of Adel Academy have been undergoing harsh training under Berndal’s leadership.
The body had likely not been granted a moment to recover from the relentless toil.
Thus, it was clear how far we had come.
For now, I decided to remember this and slipped out of the workshop.
* * *
Before the fortress stood Asley and Limberton, waiting.
The two had equipped themselves with quite fine gear from the money earned this time.
Asley bore a shield thicker than usual upon his back.
His hands were clad in gloves with a rough surface.
Limberton, following the instructor’s orders, brandished a bow crafted from special metal, boasting with pride.
“What do you think? The tension is no joke.”
The forearm of the one drawing the string certainly appeared sturdier than before.
“Your arms have improved quite a bit, haven’t they?”
“Still, I can only shoot three arrows. This bow will be saved for crucial moments.”
We exchanged trivial chatter as we made our way toward the Shulafe district.
“That’s surprising. The average ranking of the Shulafe folk has risen so much.”
“I heard there are even a few seniors who scored higher than those from the Adel district?”
“Bernald lost thirty thousand coins this time; the atmosphere in the Adel district must be quite tense.”
As we entered the dormitory, Limberton asked,
“Isn’t it the same for us? Lately, the seniors have been acting strange. They’re indifferent when spoken to, and today, one didn’t even respond! Could it be they’re sulking over lost money?”
“It’s unlikely.”
After stepping into the lobby, I surveyed the area.
I spotted a classmate attempting to engage a senior.
The classmate quickly grew awkward at the senior’s cold dismissal.
“Don’t bother me if you’re not going to teach me about the practicals.”
“·····.”
Beyond them, a professor was watching.
This was in accordance with Rockefeller’s orders to remain silent.
Moreover, the seniors likely didn’t wish to answer the questions of their juniors.
I tore my gaze away from them and turned to Limberton.
“If someone were to come seeking your life, would you boldly take theirs in return?”
“Hmm? I’ve never been in such a situation, but if it came to that, I suppose I would. I want to live, after all.”
“Even if your opponent is just a child?”
Limberton’s eyes trembled, and he could muster no words.
* * *
In the dim, shadowy cellar, a single candle flickered.
“I heard that Cires was killed by a man with dark hair.”
“No, then how will we procure the orphans?”
Two men wrapped in blankets.
They were instructors raising a band of young vagabonds.
“We’ll simply find another supply line. Has there ever been a time we lacked?”
“Ha, that’s true. Regardless of the era, there have always been plenty of abandoned street urchins.”
The vagabond troupe selects its students differently than Frost Heart.
At first, they gather the orphans strewn about, prioritizing quantity over quality, training them in the basics.
Then, only those who survive the practical magic exercises are chosen to be nurtured into a proper troupe.
“Indeed. Just as you and I once were.”
Knock, knock.
A sound at the door.
“Come in.”
The door opened, and a young lady, barely past her adolescence, cautiously spoke.
“Frost Heart has sent the location.”
The man accepted the documents she offered and grinned slyly.
“Ha, this is why I like Rockefeller.”
“Well, he knows it’s useless to refuse. We’ll find their training grounds one way or another.”
The man rose from his seat and exited the room.
Click, clack.
A long, echoing corridor.
Beyond the heavy iron bars lining the walls, a throng of youthful faces peered out.
Among them were children no taller than half a man.
Yet each pair of eyes glimmered with the ferocity of famished beasts.
The man surveyed the ragged urchins and shouted.
“Prepare yourselves. We shall venture into the realm of sorcery from this moment! If you wish to earn the favor of His Majesty, bring me their heads!!”
The eyes of the young vagabond gleamed with fervor.