NOVEL NEXT Chapter 85.1
The Dawn of Renslet (2)
“So, we don’t have to do the homework, right?”
“Yup! Just enough to follow the lessons later.”
“Phew, that’s a relief. I’ve got so much other homework!”
“Then does that mean we can just play?”
“Exactly! What should we do for fun?”
“Shouldn’t we finish the other assignments, though?”
“They’re not really mandatory either, are they?”
“…I guess not?”
Sigh.
Lulu, once known as the Clay Witch, let out a long breath of mana-infused smoke as she watched the children celebrate.
‘This is a problem.’
No matter how much she tried to explain, ideas like disappointing their parents or risking their future careers simply didn’t resonate with these kids.
‘Do they even realize how precious this opportunity is?’
Technically, Lulu only had to fulfill the minimum teaching requirements set out in her contract with Arad.
But it felt wrong to let things slide.
‘Their tuition, textbooks, meals, uniforms, and even dormitory costs are all free! No school like this exists anywhere else on the continent!’
The ungrateful attitudes of the children frustrated and saddened her.
‘At least that one seems promising.’
Lulu’s eyes settled on a girl named Daisy sitting in the front row, focused intently. A small smile crept onto Lulu’s lips.
If she had found Daisy earlier, she might have taken her as an apprentice. The girl was brimming with potential and sharpness.
‘I need at least ten kids in this class to follow Daisy’s example.’
With that, she could ensure at least four or five of them would advance to the Renslet Magus Society.
Lulu realized she needed to find a way to motivate the children.
“Ah! Did your homeroom teacher mention this?” Lulu said suddenly, her tone casual. “If you rank in the top five in the class, you’ll get a reward.”
The kids immediately perked up.
“Twice a year, before the breaks, we’ll tally up your grades. And for those in the top five, scholarships will be awarded!”
Clear, tangible rewards—much more effective than abstract future promises.
“First place gets two silver coins, second place one and a half, third place one, and fourth and fifth get half a silver coin each. And the best part? The money goes directly to you, not your parents.”
“Silver coins?!”
“Not only that, but you’ll get a fancy certificate to take home. Just imagine how proud your parents will be!”
“!!”
“Oh, and there’s also a special badge you can wear on your uniform. It’s a magical badge personally crafted by Sir Arad—very prestigious.”
“A magical badge?!”
“And here’s the thing: your grades in magic studies carry the most weight. Even if you flunk all the other subjects, getting a perfect score in magic studies will make up for it.”
The effects were immediate. The children’s eyes burned with renewed determination.
Daisy, in particular, began memorizing the rune letters on the spot.
***
Though Renslet Academy had just officially opened, my modern-day knowledge had already made it quite advanced and systematic.
We admitted talented students regardless of gender and structured the curriculum into a seven-year system: three years elementary, two years middle, and two years high school.
Advancing through middle school required no specific grades, but high school promotions were based on academic performance.
In a world where adulthood began at fifteen or sixteen, and with fewer advanced fields of study compared to Earth, this setup was more than sufficient—at least for minors.
“…Personally, I believe a matrix structure is most efficient. Operate by department during normal times, but form project-specific teams for special events or initiatives. It’s sometimes called a hybrid or task force organization. Of course, it does risk blurring the chain of command…”
Late Saturday evening, or as locals called it, Tela’s sixth day.
Normally, I’d be off-duty or tutoring Mary in private, but not these days.
I was standing at the lectern in a Renslet Academy classroom.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
As I was mid-lecture, the bell signaling the end of the session rang out.
I set down the magical chalk I had been using and, with a wave of my hand, erased the blackboard—a feature made possible by its enchanted design.
“And that concludes today’s lecture on administrative studies. Thank you all for your effort, despite the late hour.”
In the North, skilled professionals were scarce, particularly high-level ones.
Educating the children was important, but adults needed training too.
Yes, this was a night class—a program for adults.
“Thank you, Professor Arad Jin!”
“Since I know you’re all busy, there’ll be no assigned homework. Not that most of you would do it anyway.”
“Haha!”
“But please make time to review.”
Before Renslet Academy, there hadn’t been a proper educational institution in the North.
Most educated individuals had studied in the Empire’s major cities or received private tutoring from retired officials or scholars.
“Rest well this weekend. On Monday, we’ll cover management and accounting. Don’t forget your abacuses!”
“Yes, Professor!”
As the students filed out, I smiled with satisfaction.
Among them were young clergy in robes, middle-aged officials with thinning hair, and even female mages in their cloaks—all carrying textbooks I had personally written.
The printing press I’d developed for the medical kit manuals had been repurposed to mass-produce educational materials.
‘Teaching is actually fun, even if it’s tiring. It’s a different kind of satisfaction compared to private tutoring. Reminds me of the guest lectures I gave back at university.’
Initially, I’d considered asking Entir to bring in professors or scholars from the Empire.
But I quickly dismissed the idea.
For one, few would agree to move to such a cold region. Those who did would demand exorbitant compensation, and there was always the risk they might be spies.
Most importantly:
‘I’m glad I took that double major in business during college.’
Even the best scholars from the Empire wouldn’t have the same breadth of knowledge I possessed.
Back in university, I’d chosen to double major in business, thinking it would help me someday as an entrepreneur.
‘Who knew those theories would also come in handy for running an academy?’
I had also taken courses in administration, accounting, and taxation as electives, and my startup experience had honed those skills further.
I was, quite literally, an all-master of theory and practice.
If I had to pick someone to teach administration, accounting, or management, who better than myself?
‘I wonder how Jin Industries is doing back on Earth… and my body?’