10 - Between Logs and Lessons

The next morning...

"Another day, another struggle."

I woke up around 6 AM.

I immediately stood up and fixed my bed.

After that, I went outside, where Old Man Rey was waiting.

"Eat up, then get to chopping, brat."

He said, handing me a piece of bread with a faint smirk.

"Thanks."

I replied, taking it from him.

And from then on, the day unfolded just like yesterday...

I chopped logs to be used as firewood, then went with Old Man Rey to the forest to check the traps and hunt wild animals.

Later, I washed myself in the river again, and had lunch together with the old man.

After lunch...

"I'll be heading to the library."

I informed the old man that I'll be going to the library.

"Okay, just don't stay out too late."

He said.

"Got it."

And with that...

I made my way back to the main part of the academy, where all the facilities are.

...

*****

"Phew..."

It took me nearly an hour to reach the library from the cabin, and I was jogging most of the way!

I was exhausted, but it was manageable.

Then as I entered the library...

A few students glanced my way.

I ignored them.

I have something important to do, after all.

'I need to increase my theoretical knowledge.'

If I wanted to stay in the academy's magic course, I'll need to study hard.

So with that, I found a seat and settled down.

Then I started reading books about magical theories.

The fact that magic intrigued me kept me focused as I read, drowning out the noise around me.

And before I even knew it...

...

"Huh?"

The library was empty. I was the last one left.

'It's getting late.'

I thought as I stood up, returning the books to their shelves.

And after that, I left the building.

*****

Before heading back to the cabin, I went to check on Kyle...

His shop was open, but he had people with him, working on the place.

"I can't just sit around while the stall is getting renovated. That's wasted time and money."

Kyle said.

His words just confirmed that I did the right thing trusting him.

'I'm glad.'

Then we talked about his plans, which Kyle was eager to share.

And around 8 PM...

I headed back to the cabin.

...

...

Entering the cabin...

"Oh, you're finally here."

Old Man Rey greeted me.

"Let's eat."

He said, he already prepared dinner.

"..."

He's taking care of me like a family, and it made me really happy.

"Thank you."

I said, grateful.

"Meh."

Then Old Man Rey just shrugged, brushing off my thanks.

And with that...

We started eating dinner.

...

...

After dinner...

"I'm gonna sleep now."

The old man went straight to bed.

"Rest well."

I said to him.

Meanwhile, me, I still have some energy left.

So I went outside the cabin, and there...

"[Water Ball]!"

I practiced the spells I learned from the library earlier.

...

"[Wind Blade]!"

"[Ignition]!"

I also practiced the spells I already knew to increase my proficiency with them.

And when my mana was nearly depleted...

"Ugh, what a day."

I headed back inside and slept.

And so...

My fourth day in this world ended smoothly.

...

*****

The following morning...

"Ugh..."

Raye's routine remained the same.

Chopping wood, hunting with the old man, bathing, eating, studying at the library, checking on Kyle, practicing spells, and finally, sleeping.

And not just today, this pattern of his continued for a week!

He even began learning how to use the bow while hunting with Old Man Rey.

Raye also learned how to fish as when their traps were empty and there was nothing to hunt, they fish in the river.

And after nearly two weeks of this steady routine…

"This is getting easier."

Raye was finally adapting to his new life.

He started finishing his tasks faster, and at the end of the day, he'd still have energy to spare.

And so...

"I'm going to fix the cabin bit by bit."

Raye decided to add that in his daily routine.

Why did he think of that?

Well, that's because although the cabin was livable, it was far from comfortable...

The roof leaked even in light rain, the walls had gaps and holes that let in the cold at night, and the wooden floor creaked underfoot. The list could go on.

But above all reasons...

Raye was concerned about Old Man Rey living like this at his age.

So since he had enough money to buy the materials and tools he'd need for repairs...

Raye thought it would be a good way to repay the old man for letting him stay.

'I'm going to surprise that grumpy old man.'

A smug smile spread across Raye's face.

Then after that...

"[Gust]!"

Raye continued on practicing the spells he had learned.

SWOOSH—

He just summoned strong winds that knocked back everything around him.

'Not as strong as I'd hoped, but it's getting there.'

Raye thought, seeing the result of his magic.

It was already around 9 PM, but Raye still had energy left. His mana reserve also grew a little so he can still use magic.

So he practiced until his mana was almost gone.

And after exhausting himself...

"Tired."

Raye headed to bed.

...

*****

(Raye's POV)

The next morning...

I fixed my bed as soon as I woke up.

Then after that, I ate some bread and started chopping logs.

I was up early, even Old Man Rey was still sleeping!

...

After a few minutes of chopping logs ...

"Ugh… Getting used to this, huh?"

Old Man Rey stepped out of the cabin.

"Yeah, it's getting easier."

I replied to him, smiling with confidence.

"..."

And he just frowned at me.

...

After finishing with the firewood...

"Let's go to the forest."

It's time to go hunting with Old Man Rey.

"Ugh... Brats and their youthful energy."

The old man grumbled as he picked up his bow and quiver.

Then after that, we headed to the forest...

...

*****

After wrapping up my morning routine and eating with the old man...

I washed myself and headed to the library.

...

In the library, I still got the usual looks from the other students, but so far, nothing problematic has happened.

So I just continued on ignoring them to do my own thing.

That was my plan, at least...

...

...

"What are you doing here?"

An angelic voice asked, the question is directed at me.

I ran into someone unexpected.

"..."

I just frowned and ignored them.

"I asked you a question."

They followed.

"..."

But I'm set to ignoring them...

That's because standing in front of me was none other than Lena Dravenhart.

'One of the last people I wanted to see!'

She was one of the main characters.

And as if that wasn't enough...

She's also the second heroine of the protagonist, Leon Lightbringer!

'Fucking hell...'

I cursed in my head.

I'm having a headache...

I already know this won't go well for me.