I Will Carry as an Academy Veteran chapter 2

2

Well then.

I managed to survive for now.

I stood on the path far from the mansion, gazing ahead with my bag on the ground.

Thrown out of my family overnight, stuck in this body as an extra vagabond.

The only stroke of luck is perhaps the money I secretly stashed away, ensuring I won’t starve to death anytime soon.

“It’s spring.”

Reality is relentlessly cold, but the wind is warm.

Judging from the weather, it doesn’t seem like it’s mid-semester yet.

So, should I call myself a second-year student?

I looked around before stretching.

What should I do now?

Actually, there was only one answer without needing to ponder.

“Now that it’s like this, I’m going to the academy.”

The main setting of the Salenium Saga is undoubtedly the Salenium Academy.

In other words, it’s the place where I can fully utilize the 10,000 hours of knowledge in my head.

There are reasons for that, but the most important one is separate.

When playing the Salenium Saga, the protagonist’s name is fixed as ‘Eran’.

‘A youthful academy RPG where you solve incidents with the heroine.’

The theme and motto that penetrate the Salenium Saga.

That’s how this game has numerous heroines, endings, and branching points.

So, what happens if you fail to conquer this Salenium Saga?

Although the branching points, bosses, and endings given in each route are all different, if the protagonist, ‘Erhan,’ dies during gameplay, the outcome that is displayed is only one.

World destruction.

Yes.

It may sound cliché, but it’s the most certain bad ending.

Because of this, a user once asked during a gathering.

─ PD, does the world have to end just because the protagonist dies?

The production team’s response to the question was very simple.

─ Brave (user alias), let me ask you the opposite. Does a world without a protagonist have any meaning?

─ ······Oh!

The user fell silent, and the production team received applause.

Truly, the answer is clear and simple.

A world without players has no value to play, so it would perish long ago.

Even though the body I’ve possessed is Adrian.

The fact that Erhan is the ‘hero’ of this world remains unchanged.

Therefore, while I carry out my duties, I must ensure that Erhan doesn’t die.

“It seems I’m playing a role that doesn’t even exist in the script.”

There is a long way to go.

Build my support base while attending the academy.

Ensure that Erhan doesn’t die.

Win the succession competition with Ebnis.

Even if just to prepare for the chaotic days, I must quickly return to the academy.

The moment I said that, I felt like I was going crazy.

Is there a way to get to the academy?

Of course, I have saved up some money, but not knowing how much I’ll need in the future, I can’t spend recklessly.

From the Repelheight Mansion to the academy, you have to ride a carriage for a few hours and then take the warp gate leading to the island to enter.

After a brief contemplation, I made a decision.

“Spending is absolutely necessary.”

Even if I have to spend the money I have on hand, I will return to the academy.

Right now, returning to the academy is more crucial than money.

“I should first look around for any passing northbound carriages or other carts.”

Saying that, I walked towards the main road.

Just then.

─ Squeak.

A carriage that looked elegant came rushing from the other side and stopped by the roadside.

······What’s this?

As I stood there quietly, the carriage’s door suddenly creaked open.

“Why are you standing there like that? Get in.”

Who are you?

Excuse me?

* * *

The carriage slid along the road.

Not a single usual jolt.

“Thank you for the ride.”

“What are you talking about? I was supposed to pick you up today, remember?”

“······I see.”

I don’t have the details, but it seems to be the case for now.

Sitting next to me was a girl with long hair.

She sat neatly, hands folded, leaning against the backrest, gazing out the window.

Jet-black hair and emerald eyes.

I know who she is.

Rayna Von Wolfgang, one of the playable characters and heroines.

The daughter of the Western Change Baron Wolfgang and the main heroine you can meet on the magic school route.

Moreover.

Oddly enough, there seemed to be a promise to ‘pick up’ Adrian at ‘this time’ today.

······In the original work, I would be talking about the ‘day of death.’

“Are you going back to the academy right away? Adrian.”

“Mm.”

Adrian’s ‘fiancé.’

······Of course, even if they were engaged, it was already a futile setting since Adrian had died by the original timeline.

And being a strategic engagement, it’s unlikely that they had any affection for each other.

At least that’s what I know.

Even if they did······.

“Is the first semester starting now?”

“Yes, the vacation ends in three days. I’ve already finished preparing for the semester.”

“You’ve been working hard.”

“I have to work hard. My goal is to be the top student in my grade.”

······It’s over now.

By the original setting, Baron Wolfgang is incredibly ambitious.

Before, he had the title of ‘Repelheight’s Heir,’ but now, to me, who has become nothing, he no longer holds any merit.

From Noble mtl dot com

Naturally, the engagement will be broken.

“······Was there something good?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You seem a bit different than usual. The usual Adrian wouldn’t respond to my words like this.”

“······Is that so.”

“He was like that. Oh, come to think of it, didn’t Adrian attend the entrance exam inspection?”

“I have nothing to gain from doing that.”

“Well, that’s true. The Wolfgang family is always short of talent, so we have to do these things. As you already know, congratulations are in order. Admission to the top knight department of Ebonysse. It’s different seeing and speaking in person.”

“I have no interest in that guy.”

“Adrian, do you know that you said the same thing two weeks ago?”

Reyna chuckled softly, and I turned my head to see her.

Seeing the news of Evnis’ senior admission, it seemed like the story was progressing smoothly for now.

There had been significant changes, but considering the circumstances, it was natural since the main story hadn’t even properly begun yet.

“Oh my.”

Reyna, who had been gazing out the window, suddenly let out a sigh.

In no time, the carriage passed through the warp portal, swiftly crossing a long stretch of road connecting the Empire’s west to the south, entering the island.

“I saw it last year too… It’s amazing every time we come.”

Structures resembling castles faintly visible in the distance.

Artificial natural environments surrounding the island, such as forests, deserts, tundras, and volcanoes.

The Reben Island in the southern part of the Empire.

The Salenium Academy stands on it.

The cradle of learning where the essence of all education on the continent gathers.

A world within a world full of various fields, artificial natural environments, and monsters. A created greenhouse.

Quietly, I gazed at the large castle appearing outside the window.

That, right there, is the stage of this game.

***

“It was nice to meet after so long. I’ll report this meeting to Father. It’s my duty.”

Reyna said with a wide smile.

I met her gaze quietly.

The carriage came to a stop, and although I should get off…

There was something I needed to tell her.

“Reyna.”

“Yes?”

“Find another fiancé, not me.”

“…What?”

Reyna looked at me as if finding it hard to understand.

Whether she understood or not, I quietly reached for my bag and got off the carriage.

“Wait, Adrian!”

“You’ll soon find out without me saying it, so make sure to properly read the letter coming from Count Wolfgang.”

– Thud.

After saying that, I quickly closed the door.

“Driver, let’s depart.”

As soon as I took a step, the carriage set off.

In the original work, the relationship between Reyna von Wolfgang and Adrian had already been broken due to my death.

However, now that I, Adrian, have not died, if I get involved with her, it might mess up the original setting that I can utilize in the future.

So, at least for now, I need to keep my distance from her.

“Let’s head to the dormitory for now.”

The Adel Manor where Adrian stayed was the top-class dormitory where only the offspring of high noble families could stay.

“It must be nearby.”

I fumbled through my memories as I walked.

After crossing several roads and rivers, a grand building resembling a mansion soon appeared.

······Then.

“Adrian Rothschild de Repelheight? Oh, the procedures were already completed yesterday, weren’t they?”

“······What?”

“For details, please inquire at the Merin Hall. Goodbye then.”

─Bang!

I was chased away.

The large doors shut, and silence quickly descended.

Only the chirping of birds around me could be heard.

After standing there for a while, I ran my hand through my hair and muttered.

“······Bloody hell.”

Shouldn’t I get my act together a bit?

* * *

It’s fine.

Isn’t it said that even if the sky falls, there is a hole to escape through?

“Actually, it’s better this way.”

As the Adele Hall was a dormitory only for the offspring of high nobility, one had to pay a hefty sum to stay there.

And now, my procedures had been transferred to the Merin Hall, a common dormitory for commoners.

‘Considering his haughty nature, he probably handled the dormitory checkout promptly.’

It was a predetermined fate.

Should I be thankful for them handling the checkout on my behalf?

‘Besides.’

The Merin Hall was the stage for Main Quest 1, Act 1.

Of course, the incidents occur in the first-year building, and I am in the second year, a bit away.

But where I need to go remains unchanged.

Approaching the Merin Hall, the maid in charge of the dormitory was visibly surprised to see me.

“Oh, Adrian?”

“Where is my luggage?”

“Oh, yes. The procedures were completed yesterday. It’s Room 103 in the East Wing. Here is the key…….”

“Thank you.”

No need for further words, it’s obvious.

Without waiting for any more responses, I walked away.

Upon entering the room, I first unpacked my luggage.

The room was simple in structure.

A loft bed, two desks, a personal bookshelf, a wardrobe, and a bathroom.

As I opened the first suitcase, books and papers spilled out.

Among them were five magical books and talismans that would accompany my soul in the future.

〈Basic Elemental Theory and Elemental Application〉

＜Basic Elemental Magic Theory / Part 1＞

＜Introduction to Basic Swordsmanship＞

＜General Imperial History＞

＜General Herbology＞

As far as I can remember, the curriculum consists of basics for the first year, general studies for the second year, advanced studies for the third year, and high-level courses for the fourth year.

“Theory and Application of General Elements” and “Basic Elemental Magic Theory / Part 1” are mandatory majors for second-year students in the Department of Magic.

“Introduction to Basic Swordsmanship” is an elective course for second-year students.

Why is it labeled ‘basic’? Well, because Adrian is part of the Department of Magic.

A magician doesn’t really need to specialize in swordsmanship, right?

If that were the case, he would have joined the Department of Knighthood.

The remaining two courses are also electives.

I roughly gathered the scattered papers on the floor as if they were bombs exploding, then neatly organized them.

Glancing through the dozens of papers, most of them were related to the basic major subjects from the first year.

“These grades are disastrous…”

Even test papers with an ‘F’ from the first-year course “Basic Elemental Theory” were sporadically mixed in…

There were even two official warnings, commonly known as the “Principal’s Letter.”

I stood there, holding the official warning like a statue.

─ As a result, the Repelheight family is hereby informed of the academic warning to encourage dedication to studies…

“This is unbelievable.”

Has this lunatic received academic warnings twice during his first year?

How on earth?

At Salenium Academy, three academic warnings lead straight to expulsion.

Given my precarious situation due to other incidents, I must be more cautious; otherwise, I might end up in trouble.

…For now, let’s survive the first semester.

I must prevent expulsion at all costs.

Lastly, what I retrieved from the bottom of the carrier was a wooden stick.

“What is this?”

At the end was a small white stick with a tiny sprout blooming on it. I gave it a brief shake, but found nothing significant.

It was surprisingly light, which amazed me, but I felt like my arm might fall off if I continued, so I leaned it diagonally next to the desk.

Clunk…

From the second carrier, clothes spilled out.

Three school uniforms and about two casual outfits.

As an experiment, I changed into one of the school uniforms and stood in front of the mirror.

…I do look quite handsome.

Golden hair and cold eyes reminiscent of a third-rate villain.

Arms like withered branches and moderately broad shoulders. Long, stretched-out legs.

They say clothes make the man, but in this case, the model itself seemed angelic.

“If only I could check character info from now on, it would be easier.”

That’s when I thought…

Thud…

In front of me, a blue light swirled, and faint letters appeared in my ‘vision.’

“Huh?”

〈Adrian Rothschild de Repelhite〉

Former Repelhite’s successor, aged 18.

Currently a second-year student at the Royal Selenium Academy.

Due to numerous misdeeds committed under the authority of Repelhite’s successor, his reputation within the academy is extremely poor.

With two academic warnings accumulated, expulsion is highly likely at present.

▶ Abilities

【Strength: 3】

【Magic: 4】

【Stamina: 5】

【Intelligence: 13】

【Willpower: 6】

▶ Possessed Skills

【Dignity of Bloodline】

– A product of aristocratic family indoctrination. ‘Irreproachable dignity’ imbued in all speech and actions.

【Martial God Sovereign – Descendant of Primordial (Unique)】

– The body cannot withstand the bloodline. All abilities drastically decrease, and a unique name is attached to the skill.

During an attack with a weapon in hand, only once. It can bypass ‘all conditions’ and ensure success.

Can be used ‘1 time’ per day. The power increases significantly upon use. (*Resets at midnight.)

【????(???)】

-???, can see and observe everything.

“Found it.”

So, to see something, do I have to say ‘character information’?

The revealed abilities were almost trash, just as I had thought.

In this world, Strength, Magic, and Stamina are 3, 4, 5. Willpower is 6.

······.

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Does this make any sense?

Except for one, there wasn’t anything particularly useful among the skills.

Well, even that one had a restriction of ‘once a day.’

I’m not sure about the last part filled with question marks, but… whether it’s there or not, it was seriously dismal.

“hahahaha.”

‘Live with such abilities.’

…It’s okay.

Let’s stay strong, me.

Recall the feeling of rushing to the ending with just one basic dagger and all stats at 1.

Trials and despair?

Not a chance.

Barely at this level, they can’t break me.

While I was lost in thought, I felt a presence at the door.

Not rushing in, but hesitatingly lingering.

“A roommate, perhaps.”

─Creak.

“Hello, are you there?”

Soon, the door opened······.

I momentarily stiffened my expression.

“Oh, hello… Re, Repelheight Sofujak-nim?”

An androgynous figure whose gender was not easily discernible.

My roommate was a playable character.

Moreover······.

“Come in. There’s no need for formalities since you’ve been expelled anyway.”

······A female character.

Of course, dorm roommates are not assigned based on gender.

Men and women even have separate floors.

So, becoming roommates with a woman was purely due to my, no, the knowledge of this world.

Everyone, except me, believed that person to be a man.

Well, with that short light blue hair and a firm body peeking from under the uniform.

Looking at the scar-covered hands, anyone would think of a very handsome youth.

Even I was fooled until the end at first.

No, even after finishing the game, I kept believing it was a man until I was heavily spoiled on a walkthrough site and sat blankly for 30 minutes in disbelief.

Her name is Calen Snowhite.

A 2nd-year student in the Knight Department.

Upon completing the character-exclusive quest ＜Embracing the Secret Alone＞, her real name revealed is Hyrinn Snowhite.

In short.

Disguised in gender, she is the ‘darling’ of the Snowhite Marquis family who entered the academy… ‘Yeonae’.

As she tripped in front of the door, trying to give me an example, she said.

“For now… sit.”