Life at the Academy(2)

Some students were gathered in one of the big buildings that was provided for the top 6 students.

They were all sitting in an arrogant delinquent-like manner, laughing loudly at even the smallest things. Occasionally, they stole stealthy glances at the one who called them over. But the person in question remained silent as though he couldn't care less.

"Oh right, Babel, isn't there someone in your class who chose multiple weapons? and I heard he even picked gun?"

One man asked him. He was a generic good-looking guy with an amiable smile. Babel von Agnus opened his eyes narrowly and stared back at him.

"... Um, I just heard it from somewhere. Did I hear wrong?"

Babel Von Agnus was the 2nd ranked student in the entrance exam, with zephyr taking the first place with his monstrous talent.

He was rather uninterested in other's matter and he disliked talking about people behind their back the most.

"I don't know. I'm not interested in trash."

But still, he looked down on all other except himself.

"R-Right. I'm not really interested either, but I was just curious to know who that fool was, haha."

"Raymond, you sure are curious about the strangest things~"

A captivating voice cut through.

Raymond Penin turned his head and saw a long-haired girl smiling charmingly.

It was Luna Primrose. Feeling his heart beating, the flustered Raymond blurted out.

"O-Oh, Luna. Y-You know, I was always like that."

"What was his name? Pen? Eren? Anyways, don't pay too much attention to him."

"But he sure was pathetic. Trying to attract attention on the first day of Academy?"

The foul language came from Chris Paramond.

Bulky muscles, an intimidating expression, and a large physique. Even with just one glance, it was easy to see that he specialized in close ranged combat.

Raymond Penin asked Chris, "You know him?"

"I'm in the same class as Babel, idiot. I'm going to destroy him in monthly combat training. I'll disable him and chase him out."

Everyone knew Freljord's schedule.

There were theory classes five days a week and normal combat training about 2 days a week.

However at the end of the month, there will be Ranking duels, which will change the ranking based on who wins.

Theory classes referred to the study in class, which included five subjects among which two can selected from students and Three are compulsory.

Introduction to Magic Theory and it's applications - by Instructor Joshua Sanders.

Basics of Combat - by Instructor Keating.

The History of Mauryan Empire - by Professor Welton.

The other two can be chosen based on student's interests, there were six subjects to chose from -

Deep learning of Mana, Poison arts and it's usage, Alchemy and it's applications, Close combat lessons, Dark Arts and Curses, and Divine arts.

They were the six subjects that the students could chose from in the first year.

The subjects were chosen based on the individual's interest and talent in that field and once chosen they can not change the subject for the year and had to successfully pass in that subject to be promoted to second year.

The two days combat training referred to battles, monster hunts, rescue missions, and more.

Leaving those things aside, Chris seemed to have some deep hatred for Eren.

"I'll destroy that son of a..."

"Don't waste your time."

With a single sentence, Babel Von Agnus cut down the talk.

Chris Paramond, who was growling just a moment ago, fell silent.

"Even if you win against someone so low rank, you'll be the one losing points."

Chris's current rank was 19, which was very high compared to Eren who just barely qualified to be in the Kshatriya class, so even if Chris challenges Eren for a duel in monthly battles, he would be the one who would lose points and drop from rankings.

"It's better to challenge higher ranked cadets who you can win against for sure. For example..."

"Julia Rozental, try fighting her. I'm sure you'll win."

Luna Primrose cut in. Babel narrowed his eyes and glared at her, but Luna continued unfazed.

"Fist against a mage. It's easy."

"... Huh? Ah, yeah, I can win. But..."

Challenging Julia, who was currently ranked 4th overall and 2nd in female ranking was difficult.

However, he swallowed his words, wanting to look good in front of Luna.

"But?"

"... It would be too pitiful, fighting against a mage that too a girl is not my style. You know my opponents often end up half-dead."

"There's nothing wrong with that."

"... Huh?"

"Stop."

Babel von Agnus stopped their conversation.

Though Luna was displeased, she feigned indifference. She quietly suppressed the unpleasant feeling rising from the corner of her heart.

'Babel was in love with Julia. I'm not so stupid as to be jealous. I just....'

It was during their childhood, Babel was in love with Julia, as both were the Heirs of Duke family, they interacted with each other frequently and Babel had developed feelings for her.

He even proposed to her before entering Freljord, it is just that....

'That b*tch! she rejected him....well, it's good for me.'

Luna consoled herself.

"I'm leaving now. It's almost ten."

At Freljord, male and female students were only allowed to interact until 22:00. After giving a bright smile to mask her hurt feelings, Luna Primrose stood up.

"Oh, good night."

"Good night, Luna!"

"See you later!"

All the male cadets other than Babel saw her off to the door.

---***---