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Chapter 52
“Payment confirmed.”
The request I’d made to Professor Pellen had, surprisingly, been completed within a single day.
By that same evening, I heard from the dorm manager that the tuition and dorm fees for the next semester had all been processed under the scholarship support fund of the Flines Imperial Academy.
“See? I told you this would work. Still, that wrapped up faster than I expected…”
Of course, my relationship with Professor Pellen might get a little awkward because of this later on.
But whatever. As long as the results are good, who cares?
It’s not like that problem is coming up anytime soon!
“Whew… So the new semester starts tomorrow.”
More precisely, it would be the start of the third term of my first year—the last one as a freshman.
It felt like I’d been here for ages, but in reality, not that much time had passed.
It only felt long because of how much had happened since the moment I’d woken up in this world.
“But seriously, that bastard Karmon Bade… when you think about it, he’s kinda amazing. How do you rack up that kind of infamy in just two semesters?”
Actually, it wasn’t even two full semesters.
Halfway through his very first term, he’d already committed all kinds of atrocities—up to and including attacking the imperial princess—and gotten himself suspended.
Of course, that was just the author’s absurd plot device for the story’s sake, but now that the world had become real, Karmon Bade’s actions were treated as actual events.
“Well, whatever. A new semester means a new mindset. Let’s try actually enjoying life as a fantasy-world student for once.”
Ever since enrolling in Flines Imperial Academy, my life had been nothing but a desperate struggle to survive.
“But now… all I have to do is stay quiet and live peacefully until the story ends.”
If I just stayed out of trouble, the protagonist Kyle would take care of all the conspiracies, villains, and even the Demon King himself.
“…”
Probably?
Well, okay, maybe it’s a bit concerning that I ended up in this world before the novel’s ending was even written…
Nah, nothing bad’s gonna happen.
So yeah…
“All that’s left to do is lie down and get some sleep.”
And with that thought, I ended the final day of vacation.
* * *
“The weather’s amazing.”
Maybe it was because it was the first day of a new term, or maybe it was just my good mood—but somehow, the sky looked especially bright and beautiful that morning.
After quickly getting ready, I stepped into the dormitory hallway, where a crowd of students were already bustling about.
“Hey, did you guys hear the news?”
“Ugh, swordsmanship class on the first day?”
“I’m starving. Let’s go eat first.”
Groups of friends and classmates chatted noisily as they moved through the hall, full of youthful energy.
‘God, why do I sound like some middle-aged uncle right now?’
Smiling faintly at the sight, I shook my head and brushed off the thought.
When I reached the first floor—where the notice board was always the busiest—I found a fresh announcement posted there.
Notice:
During the first week of the semester, there will be a full dormitory cleaning session every afternoon and evening. A detailed schedule will be posted below.
All students are required to participate.
Please note that unexcused absences may result in penalties.
– Dormitory Manager –
“Huh? A full cleaning?”
I tilted my head, glancing around.
“Ah, not again.”
“They do this every semester. At least it’s just for one day.”
“Still, I hate it when people come into my room. They should let us clean our own spaces.”
“Then hide your weird stuff early, before someone finds it and starts rumors. Heh!”
“What? Shut up, I don’t have anything to hide!”
“Yeah, yeah, sure you don’t~.”
Listening to the noisy banter around me, I nodded slowly.
‘So it’s just a normal cleaning event, huh?’
Nothing special.
Wait a minute.
‘Other people… coming into my room?’
What about my mini-fridge? My food stash?
Should I hide those too?
I suddenly found myself agreeing with those joking students from earlier.
‘I mean, why should someone else be allowed in my room to clean?’
According to the schedule, my cleaning shift was Thursday evening.
Growl~
“Well, first things first—breakfast.”
Trying to stay positive, I headed to the cafeteria.
“What’s for breakfast today? Oh, meat? Not bad.”
Familiar with the place by now, I smiled as the savory smell hit my nose.
I quickly filled my tray and started looking for a seat.
“Hmm.”
Since it was the first day of the new semester, the cafeteria was packed.
But unlike when I’d first arrived here, not many people were staring at me anymore.
‘Well, I guess they’ve gotten used to me by now.’
Clack!
After setting my tray down at an empty table, I immediately noticed the nearby students glance my way.
‘All right, this table’s mine now. Time for everyone to clear out.’
Come on, move it. I like eating alone.
But—
“So, what’d you do over the break?”
“Wow, seriously? That sounds awesome.”
They didn’t move.
They just kept chatting among themselves.
‘…What the hell?’
For a moment, I was too stunned to react.
‘Okay, maybe they’re too used to me now?’
I muttered to myself but couldn’t exactly complain.
Actually, that was a good thing.
‘Yeah. No more feeling like a zoo exhibit. I’ll take it.’
Feeling weirdly conflicted, I sighed and lifted my utensils to start eating.
And then—
“Karmon.”
Clack.
“…You’ve gotta be kidding me.”
Just like the very first time I’d come to this cafeteria, Kyle sat right across from me with his usual bright grin.
“Mind if I sit here?”
“…”
“If I say no, will you actually leave?”
“Hahaha! You really are funny, Karmon.”
That stupidly cheerful smile made me want to scream.
‘Then why even ask, you idiot?!’
Suppressing my irritation, I exhaled deeply.
‘Ugh, calm down. It’s not worth getting mad over.’
“So, can I eat here, Karmon?”
I snapped.
“Do whatever you want.”
“Thanks! Then let’s enjoy our meal.”
Still smiling, Kyle dug into his food—and then said:
“Oh right, I heard about your crazy performance at the seminar! Everyone’s been talking about it.”
“What?”
“And that orb thing—what was that? It was wild! The way it sucked up all the mana the moment you touched it—”
“Hey, Kyle.”
“Yeah?”
I frowned.
“What exactly are you trying to do right now?”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“I mean, are we even on the kind of terms where we can just sit and chat like buddies?”
Kyle tilted his head, then smiled softly.
“Why? Can’t we be?”
“Because…”
“If this is about Diana, don’t worry. That was just a job I was hired for.”
Yeah, right.
You threatened to cut me in half, you psycho.
“That’s all over now, anyway. No reason to stay awkward or hostile, right?”
He spoke calmly, almost sheepishly avoiding my eyes as he added,
“Besides, that time was on me. I got careless and walked right into your trap. I’m not gonna hold that against you.”
“…What?”
“Careless, unlucky—whatever. My loss was my fault. So we’re even now, yeah?”
“Even?”
I couldn’t help but laugh under my breath.
Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night.
Honestly, I didn’t even want to fight with him.
“But seriously,” he went on, “can you really cast Nine Rings of Fire? That’s supposed to be an insanely hard spell.”
“…”
“Then again, with your skill level, I guess it makes sense. No wonder Diana—”
“Just shut up and eat.”
“Oh—sorry. Right. Food first.”
He nodded and resumed eating quietly—for about thirty seconds.
“By the way, Karmon. Our first class is the same, you know?”
“What?”
“Swordsmanship. Professor Serian’s class.”
I immediately pulled out my schedule.
Sure enough, the name Serian was printed there.
‘Damn it. Why the hell is a mage taking swordsmanship class—with him?!’
But it wasn’t like I could blame anyone but myself.
‘Ugh… This stupid snowball effect again.’
“Then let’s go together after breakfast, Karmon.”
“No.”
“Oh, come on. It’ll be fun.”
“…”
Yeah, sure. Fun.
* * *
“See? Coming together wasn’t so bad, right?”
Kyle beamed beside me, and I wanted to die.
‘This is hell.’
“All right,” said Professor Serian, the instructor, “today’s first lesson will be one-on-one sparring. Don’t hold back—show me your real skill.”
I covered my face with both hands.
‘You’ve got to be kidding me…’
Seriously, what cosmic joke was this?
“Let’s do our best, Karmon.”
I grit my teeth.
Just this morning, I’d thought the weather was beautiful.
Now?
“Too damn hot for this crap.”
And then—
“Begin—”
Whoosh!
“—Now!”
Before the professor even finished speaking, Kyle’s wooden sword was already resting on top of my head.
“I win, right?”
You… You maniac. I almost had a heart attack!
“P-Professor! I concede!”
I raised my hand, trying not to let my voice shake.
“Good. Kyle wins. Next pairs, continue!”
Completely unfazed, the professor moved on.
I glared at Kyle.
“Mind moving that thing now?”
“Oh—sorry!”
He hurriedly pulled the wooden sword back.
Meanwhile, the rest of the students continued their duels—
“Hyah!”
“Haap!”
Whish! Thud! Tap-tap-tap!
Among them, Chelsea, the top student again this term, moved like the wind.
‘She’s really something.’
After watching for a bit, I walked away to the benches and collapsed onto a seat.
Thud.
Of course, Kyle immediately followed and sat next to me.
Can’t you just leave me alone for five minutes?!
“Want some water, Karmon?”
“No.”
Of course not.
While I was silently complaining, Kyle spoke again.
“Still, I’m kinda surprised.”
“About what?”
“That you took swordsmanship as an elective. You didn’t last term.”
“Oh, that’s…”
‘Because the admin staff picked my classes for me.’
I couldn’t exactly admit that.
I’d been too busy chasing that orb to turn in my own course form.
‘Yep, karma’s a bitch.’
“But hey, it might be fun. Even if your talent’s in magic, you could find you’ve got a knack for swordsmanship too. Professor Serian’s a great teacher. Try to enjoy it this term.”
“…”
Yeah, sure. You enjoy it.
I stayed silent as the protagonist of this world kept spewing his endless optimism.
After that exhausting swordsmanship class ended—
“Well, well. Fancy seeing you again, Karmon. Everyone, take your seats. Let’s begin.”
It was none other than Professor Delon, teaching Dungeon Studies again.
“Since it’s been a few weeks, let’s start with a review. As you recall, a dungeon’s mana conversion formula is [SΩT±V㍶ψ].”
Once again, I found myself enduring an incomprehensible lecture that made my brain hurt.
And then came Imperial History class in the evening.
“Welcome, everyone. In this course, we’ll explore the founding, rise, crises, and triumphs of the Flines Empire to understand how it became what it is today…”
The moment the professor started, my eyelids nearly shut.
So damn boring.
Thud.
“Haah… finally done.”
Collapsing onto my bed, I let out a long sigh.
My body was tired, completely worn out—
but honestly, it felt kind of nice.
Being back in class, living like a normal student again… maybe that was a small miracle in itself.
“Living like this… isn’t so bad.”
It wasn’t a perfect life, or even a particularly fulfilling one.
But it was peaceful. Manageable.
I could live like this for a few years, I thought.
As I prepared to sleep, I looked out the window at the darkening sky.
“I hope the weather’s nice again tomorrow.”
