NOVEL NEXT Chapter 36
<36 - Prohibited Items Security Check>
The Gift Academy exists on a special ‘island.’
Access is only possible through the [Dimensional Gateways], which function similarly to spatial teleportation magic circles, with a semi-permanent effect.
There are many official reasons.
For the safety of the students, for example.
Or to prevent external intrusions.
It’s just excuses that only make players scoff.
‘Isn’t it laughable that the academy has seen one or two deaths? Every time you turn around, there’s an intruder! What kind of prevention is that?’
The real reason is much simpler.
Nobles and commoners, humans and demi-humans.
In a civilization that refuses to acknowledge even slight differences among sentient beings and tries to discriminate, they aim to tame the uncivilized.
Wealth and power enjoyed in society.
They intentionally create an environment where students can focus on developing their natural talents by thoroughly excluding external influences.
It all starts with a prohibition on bringing in magical equipment.
Except for medical devices that are essential for life or control equipment for emergencies, everything else gets confiscated.
“Prohibited items.”
“Oh dear.”
Of course, Jezel’s magical backpack was also included in the ban.
“Haha! So you took the coward’s path at the test, but they finally caught you after admission, huh, employer?”
“You can carry your large staff, but if you want to use it for anything other than personal training, you need special permission from within the academy. I’ll allow possession only.”
“That’s too extreme!”
Son Ohchun’s large staff became mere decoration.
Essentially, it was a half-hearted measure.
“Isabel’s luggage is the same.”
The security mages at the academy’s [Security Search Division] meticulously piled up all sorts of items into the baggage storage locker without a shred of mercy.
It was only natural that all the items I had packed diligently over the past few days would be confiscated.
“I’ve never seen such bizarre item requests when entering the academy.”
The security mage displayed items like a compass surrounded by fabric, a glowing stone in a case, a rescue mirror and metal rods, and knives.
The contents looked more adventurous than the baggage of Isabel, the former adventurer, being inspected nearby.
“Did you come to explore a dungeon or something?”
“Well, I am an adventurer after all.”
Why wouldn’t I wear the ruthless adventurer’s basic outfit that disregards style?
It’s for moments like this.
Just like it’s natural for a chef to have woks and cooking tools, it’s also normal for an adventurer to carry adventure gear.
Even if I get strange looks for being overly prepared, people would think, ‘Well, that’s expected of an adventurer.’
‘If I prepare, someday I’ll need it.’
If the academy is recognized as a dungeon, then [Super Huge][Living Hell][No Escape][High-level Zone] are guaranteed.
It’s only natural that the world’s finest talents gather in an institution that trains the best of the best.
Just the professors here are stronger than many dungeon bosses in the outside world.
Therefore, it is only expected that the education at such an academy is harsh.
It’s essential to be prepared for the distant future.
“Are you saying you’ll confiscate all of this?”
“It’s an unavoidable measure. Necessary items must be made within the academy, procured, or permission must be obtained by earning points.”
“Points?”
Suddenly, I noticed a strange function appearing.
Wasn’t that the points I received when I got to the entrance examination hall?
“The scores you earned during the entrance exam can also be converted into points.”
The point shop, which appears in the academy only a few times each month in games, has now become the currency used for bringing items into the academy with a reality patch.
“You can check your possession points using the magical watch issued to all new students.”
The magical watch.
It’s like a combination of a smart wristwatch that does everything: time-checking, possession point checking, class schedules, notifications, and so on.
[Point Summary]
━━━
Early Arrival Bonus +55200
Entrance Exam Group A First Gate Top Achievement Bonus +100000
Entrance Exam Group A Second Gate Early Admission Bonus +50000
Entrance Exam Held Score Exchange +12200
━━━
Total: 217400 points
Indeed, exams yield rewarding outcomes.
My points had amassed nicely.
[Point Usage]
┗[Possession and Usage Permission Application]
━━━
Compass -50 points
Backpack -500 points
……
…
Glowing Stone Wrapped in Fabric -2000 points
━━━
Total: -10250 points
Wow, I can’t let this slide.
Right in front of me, an unexpected, heavy despair crept in like the bitter taste of society arriving uninvited one day.
[New students cannot apply for possession permission.]
[New students cannot apply for usage permission.]
“???”
A feast for the eyes.
A pie in the sky.
A mirage.
It was crushing despair – something I could see but couldn’t use.
Hope torture tormented me.
“It’s so frustrating…”
“That’s unfortunate. More reasons to feel frustrated.”
The security mage placed the candy pouch and stone pouch on the list of prohibited items.
I was on the verge of tears when Isabel came over and patted my shoulder.
“Excuse me, Mage. Let’s have a chat.”
Unable to bear it, Jezel called the mage aside.
What could they be discussing?
After some time of serious conversation, in which it seemed like the mage would die if he didn’t toss everything into the pile of prohibited items, he retrieved the candy pouch and stone pouch.
“My apologies. It would have been better to mention it beforehand if that were the case… I’ll return these.”
“Circumstances?”
“Ms. Oknodie, in times like this, simply saying thank you would suffice.”
Well, what does it matter why?
I protected the cherished candies given by Reef and my little treasure, the stat stone pouch.
“Thank you!”
With heartfelt gratitude, I clasped my hands over my belly and bowed deeply.
Jezel received my bow with a warm smile.
She must really like this kind of greeting.
After all, Jezel is getting older.
But I held back from teasing her about being a late-bloomer for fear of having my pouch confiscated.
“How did the inspection go? I hope there are no terrorists bringing bombs or new students hiding communication devices like last year.”
“There is a peculiar report concerning Group A new student Oknodie.”
Myung So approached with an unfittingly innocent smile for his age.
“Oknodie? If it’s that new student, I have my eye on them too. They managed to gain early admission in the first test. What’s the report?”
“The child is undergoing poison tolerance training, and they are worried that if the poison candy is confiscated, serious physical imbalance may occur.”
“…Are you saying the child is eating such dangerous poison?”
The security mage broke out in a cold sweat.
While wearing a smile, the presence of Myung So was clearly unsettling.
It felt like facing a gigantic monster.
Just twitching a finger could mean life or death, and the looming tension was palpable.
After seeing their rigid demeanor, Myung So seemed to realize something and eased up.
“I still lack practice. To be shaken like this is rather embarrassing.”
“Oh, no. I was equally unsettled.”
The security mage finally caught their breath.
With just one breath, they can manipulate energy at will.
This monk from the Eastern Region was truly impressive.
To be under the spotlight of such a monk indicates that the new student Oknodie is exceptional as well.
“I’ve heard the child has a habit of eating stones.”
“Eating stones?”
“There was a report conjecturing that it’s due to a mental illness caused by harsh training breaking their spirit. If carelessly taken the stones from the child, their spirit might shatter…”
“Goodness.”
What a pitiful child.
“Relying on poison for the body and on mere stones for the mind, what a heavy burden of life and suffering for the child!”
Myung So felt a deep empathy.
They feel the pain and sorrow of sentient beings as if it were their own.
Druids who connect with nature.
Elementalists who bond with spirits.
Mages who commune with mana.
Swordsmen who engage with swords.
Just like all masters of various professions, they too share a connection of souls.
The subject of the monk’s connection is the worldly beings.
Worldly beings refer to all living things that experience life.
Thus, the monk’s level of empathy is deeper than any other class master.
“Can you keep this matter confidential from other instructors and professors, as well as the higher-ups?”
“I understand your heart, Myung So, but in principle, any peculiar information must be reported.”
“I will take responsibility and monitor it. If one is truly devoted, sincerity will resonate. If worldly beings do not empathize with each other in the spirit of mutual understanding, then what is the law and rules for?”
They prohibit and regulate those who do not meet the standards.
While they say they adhere to the elitist principle of the West, such a harsh law that does not tolerate even a little flaw only leads all beings into misfortune and hardship.
Feeling their genuine heart, the security mage wanted to support Myung So.
Their conscience wouldn’t allow them to stand against a true adult willing to take responsibility to help a pitiful child.
“I wish for your safety.”
“Be at peace.”
The two adults resolved silently with palms clasped together.
One decided to forget everything and remain silent.
The other chose to shoulder all burdens and take responsibility.