Chapter 85 - First Classes

The headmaster stepped onto the dais.

“This year’s entrance exam differed from previous years in many respects.”

His voice, tinged with a rueful smile, rang through the auditorium.

“As headmaster, I owe you an apology for that. There is no denying that you, our incoming students, were subjected to excessive trials.”

No one answered. The hundred new students looked up at him with all manner of expressions. Some were angry, some expressionless, and some still afraid.

“But you passed the exam. One hundred out of a thousand. Through somewhat harsh means, you have proven yourselves superior to those who failed.”

As the headmaster’s gaze swept the auditorium, it met Yuto’s. Yuto returned his look without expression.

“Welcome to Maria Academy.”

The headmaster’s smile changed a little. It was no longer rueful, but sincere. His eyes lingered on Yuto for a moment before sweeping across the auditorium once more.

“Starting today, you will receive your education as first-year students of Maria Academy. As you all know, Maria Academy offers a broad and varied curriculum.”

The headmaster raised a hand. A magical screen appeared on the wall behind the dais.

“The faculty and I are well aware that you are the hundred most gifted fifteen-year-olds in Callisto. But innate talents come in many forms. Even skill with weapons branches into the sword, the spear, and many others. Magic is no different. Some of you will have a particular aptitude for fire magic, others for wind magic, and still others for healing magic.”

Maria Academy’s many courses appeared on the screen.

“Maria Academy operates on a credit system.”

The headmaster pointed to the screen and continued.

“You will select courses suited to your individual talents. There is a minimum number of credits you must earn each semester. If you fail to meet that requirement, you will be held back.”

A quiet groan came from somewhere in the auditorium. The prospect of being held back seemed to have sunk in.

“Courses fall into two broad categories: required courses and electives.”

At the headmaster’s gesture, the screen changed. Required courses were listed on the left, electives on the right.

“First, the required courses. Every student must complete these, regardless of aptitude.”

The left side of the screen brightened.

“Aether Fundamentals. This course teaches the principles of aether and how to manipulate it. Whether or not you have a constellation’s blessing, you must master the basics of handling aether. The focus of this course is to increase your total aether reserves and improve the efficiency with which you use them.”

The headmaster’s eyes briefly lingered on Yuto again. He was the only student without a contract with a constellation, but he had also demonstrated more powerful aether than anyone else in the entrance exam. The headmaster looked away and continued.

“Combat Practice. This is a practical training course taken by all students, regardless of their weapon of choice. Being a noble does not mean merely sipping tea with elegance. You possess power, and you must know how to wield it.”

Nobles were those who ruled over others. To rule, they needed power to match.

“The course includes sparring, mock battles, team combat, and dungeon expeditions. Combat Practice takes place every Tuesday, with a practical assessment once a month.”

It was also a course in which Yuto had always ranked first in his previous life.

“Constellation Studies.”

When the headmaster named the third course, the atmosphere in the auditorium changed. Constellations. The very word should have inspired reverence, yet a palpable fear hung among the new students standing there.

“This course covers the history and types of constellations, as well as the system of their divine authorities. Most of you have contracted with constellations and receive their blessings. Yet surprisingly few students have a deep understanding of the constellation they serve. To understand the constellations’ will and properly use the blessings they bestow—that is the goal of Constellation Studies.”

Yuto’s expression did not change. Understand the constellations’ will and properly use their blessings. To Yuto, who knew the truth about the constellations, those words were utterly revolting.

‘An education founded on worshipping the constellations.’

It was only natural, given that Maria Academy itself had been established under their blessing. Nothing in its curriculum ever questioned the constellations.

Yuto glanced at Shiro. His expression was gentle, the very picture of a model student. Yuto wondered what Shiro was truly thinking at that moment. He still did not know Shiro’s real objective.

“Magic Theory. This course provides a theoretical understanding of the principles and systems of magic.”

The headmaster moved on to the fourth course.

“While Aether Fundamentals is a practical course in handling aether, Magic Theory is a theoretical course in understanding the principles of magic. It is required even for aspiring warriors. Unless you understand the principles behind an enemy’s magic, you cannot counter it.”

Yuto had no concerns about this course. He had fought many mages across countless battlefields in his previous life. Though he could not use magic himself, he knew more about its principles and weaknesses than most mages.

“The final required course is General Studies. It covers history, politics, diplomacy, management, etiquette, and more. You are the future leaders of the continent of Callisto. You must develop not only your swordsmanship and magic, but also an eye for understanding the world.”

The headmaster lowered his hand. The left side of the screen dimmed, and the right side brightened.

“Next are the electives. These are courses you will choose according to your individual aptitudes and goals.”

Far more electives were listed on the screen than required courses.

“For those who wield weapons, we offer Swordsmanship, Spearmanship, Archery, and courses in a variety of other weapons.”

There was nothing to consider. Yuto would choose Swordsmanship. However, he had to conceal the Belkain royal family’s secret swordsmanship, so he would need to decide carefully how much to reveal in class.

“In the magical disciplines, we offer Offensive Magic, Support Magic, and Healing Magic. Offensive Magic covers combat spells involving fire, ice, lightning, wind, and the like. Support Magic covers barriers, detection, analysis, enhancement, and other support spells.”

Yuto glanced at Calipha. She had been watching the screen and fidgeting with her fingers, but turned her head, perhaps sensing his gaze.

“Hehehe...”

She gave Yuto a gentle wave from a short distance away.

“Healing Magic covers healing, detoxification, and pharmacology. Saving your comrades on the front lines is no less important than defeating the enemy.”

This was the field in which Levian had never lost the top spot.

The mention of the “front lines” sent a ripple of tension through the students. Everyone standing in the auditorium was a noble, but they did not all belong to the same nation. Some came from hostile countries. They might study together as classmates at Maria Academy, but once they graduated and returned home, they could one day become enemies.

“Evomon Studies and Dungeon Studies are also offered as electives. Evomon Studies covers raising and evolving Evomon, as well as using them in battle. Dungeon Studies covers the structure and conquest of dungeons—which might be called gifts bestowed upon Callisto by the constellations—as well as Beasts. Both courses include practical work, so students wishing to enroll should take care to maintain their physical fitness.”

The headmaster paused, then brought up the final electives on the screen.

“Other offerings include Strategy, Alchemy, and electives branching off from General Studies. These subjects are highly specialized and difficult, so choose with care.”

Strategy was primarily taken by territorial lords and royalty. In his previous life, Yuto had taken it with Shiro and Shirin. Not once had he scored higher than Shiro.

“Now I will explain how classes are scheduled.”

The headmaster changed the screen to display a weekly timetable.

“Classes run from Monday through Friday. Each morning is assigned one required course, while the afternoons are devoted to electives.”

Monday morning: Constellation Studies.

Tuesday morning: Aether Fundamentals.

Wednesday morning: Combat Practice.

Thursday morning: Magic Theory.

Friday morning: General Studies.

“You will arrange your afternoon electives yourselves. You must complete at least two electives each semester and may take up to three. However, you cannot take courses whose class times overlap, so plan your schedules carefully.”

The headmaster turned from the screen to the students.

“Grades are awarded on a scale of S, A, B, C, D, and F. An F means you receive no credit for that course. If you fail to earn the minimum credits required for a semester, you will be held back.”

Once again, the prospect of being held back settled heavily over the auditorium.

“And one more thing.”

The headmaster’s tone changed.

“At the end of each semester, the overall academic rankings will be made public.”

A stir ran through the students.

“More than mere prestige is at stake in these rankings.”

The headmaster paused. As he had intended, the auditorium fell silent.

“Once a year, a special dungeon opens at Maria Academy. It opens in accordance with the will of Saint Maria, who founded this academy. It is known as Maria’s Labyrinth.”

Maria’s Labyrinth. The look in the students’ eyes changed.

“Only the top five students in each year may enter. And the first student to reach the end of the labyrinth...”

The headmaster smiled.

“May make one wish.”

A murmur swept through the auditorium.

“The specifics and limitations of that wish will be explained only to students who qualify. For now, I can tell you just one thing: you may enter Maria’s Labyrinth only once in your lifetime.”

The screen behind the headmaster vanished.

“Which of you will earn the right to enter depends on the efforts you make from this day forward.”

Yuto looked at Shiro.

Shiro was looking back at him. Their eyes met briefly.

‘I don’t know what you wished for in our previous life.’

Yuto had asked him many times, but Shiro had never revealed his wish.

[“I made a wish to further our shared goal.”]

He had only repeated that answer. Since it seemed he would never say more, Yuto had stopped asking after they graduated from the academy.

After all, their “goal” had indeed been coming to fruition. As they defeated the members of Eclipse who wreaked havoc on the world and gained renown as heroes, Yuto had believed they could change this world ruled by the constellations.

That was what he had believed.

“Please register for your electives today using the application forms provided in your dormitories. Classes will begin tomorrow.”

The headmaster gave them a sincere smile.

“Once again, welcome to Maria Academy. I hope your time here will change your lives.”

With those final words, the headmaster stepped down from the dais. Yuto remained in the auditorium for a moment, gathering his thoughts.

‘To enter Maria’s Labyrinth, I have to place among the top five first-years.’

He had done it in his previous life, so he did not expect it to be particularly difficult. But the changed entrance exam had altered the first-year roster. Calipha, who was approaching him now with a giggle, had never attended the academy in his previous life.

‘Five required courses and three electives. I should aim for an S in all eight.’

As he was thinking this, Calipha spoke.

“Which courses will you choose, Lord Yuto? I’m planning to take Support Magic, Alchemy... aaand Dungeon Studies.”

“I’m planning to take Swordsmanship, Evomon Studies... and Dungeon Studies.”

In his previous life, he had chosen Strategy rather than Dungeon Studies, but he had no intention of taking Strategy this time.

The Yuto of his previous life had been the king of Belkain. Now, he was an adventurer from the slums. If he distinguished himself in the military operations and tactics taught in Strategy, he would very likely arouse Shiro’s suspicions.

‘Could I beat Shiro and take first place in Strategy as I am now?’

His many experiences in his previous life had made him well versed in strategy and tactics, so he was honestly curious.

Of course, he had no intention of letting that curiosity sway him into choosing Strategy.

His goal was to get close to Shiro—but not so close that suspicion became unavoidable.