I stood in the middle of the room, holding a suitable length of branch that I had picked up from outside.
The exclusive free dormitory for students at the Imperial Academy provided spacious rooms for each individual, so it didn't hinder my training, despite being free.
Speaking of the dormitory, while there were dormitories provided free of charge like this one, there were also dormitories where you had to pay to enter.
Most of those dormitories were occupied by noble students or the children of influential families.
I heard that the quality of the rooms didn't differ much from here, but it felt like they were there to show off their wealth and status.
"If Adrias had money back then, he would have done anything to live there."
There's a saying that goes, "Birds of a feather flock together."
It was natural for students in the same dormitory to become close and hold gatherings. The connections I made like that often continued even after graduating from the academy. Of course, graduates who had graduated from Rodren Academy were welcomed anywhere just based on that fact alone.
However, it couldn't be denied that the efficiency of forming connections was overwhelming in the paid dormitories.
"What's the use of connections? I should be worrying about graduating first."
I muttered to myself, and Nickel looked at me with a strange gaze.
Was it an overreaction? Nickel, who doesn't even have eyeballs, shouldn't be looking at me like that.
Focus!
Nickel wrote something with a strong finger.
"Yes, teacher."
I didn't know how much sense of self Nickel had, but he seemed to have a rather unique personality.
Who would start practicing swordsmanship as soon as they come out after being reincarnated as a skeleton?
Nickel seemed to know that thought or maybe not, as he tapped my body with the stick, I had rescued for him, following the basic posture.
"Like this?"
I roughly followed the basic posture, and Nickel tapped my body with the stick. But unexpectedly, there was strength behind it.
"Aren't you a skeleton? Why are you so strong?"
After that, I learned the basics under Nickel's guidance. It was the guidance of a Aura Master. Perhaps not many people in this world would enjoy such luxury.
No, maybe I'm the only one.
"They don't have time to waste on their nonsense even if they're busy with their own rubbish. They wouldn't have time to train disciples."
Of course, it was just speculation.
At least, the guys I met in the game were all abnormal. It wasn't limited to Aura Master. Most of the named NPCs who were a little stronger were like that.
Just look at Bahart from last time.
Even his inspiration was a concept that blinded his eyes to thousands. Perhaps the next time I meet him, he'll be doing something else with a different bizarre disguise or behaviour.
"Sigh, am I in a position to talk about others?"
Strong was the best. If you're strong enough, you could do whatever you want.
Thwack!
"Ah!"
Nickel's stick struck my forehead. But it hurt more than I imagined.
Focus!
I immediately picked up the stick and wrote something. Looking at it now, it seemed like my skull wasn't normal, as if I were Aura Master myself.
.
.
.
.
Mana in this world doesn't just increase by staying still.
Of course, as you age and your body grows, mana naturally increases. But the moment growth stops and aging begins, mana decreases. The only way to increase mana was through consistent use. Just like with the muscles of the body, if you use and recover mana continuously, the amount gradually increases.
However, using mana without any meaning or purpose was inefficient. It would increase, but the growth would be slow. That's why, without any need for magic or swordsmanship, training was done alongside practical experience.
"Hoo, hoo."
Hot breath came from my mouth.
Sweat poured down like rain, and my arms were already trembling miserably, reaching their limits. However, I never lowered my arms or let go of the stick.
Swish!
Nickel swung his sword. I followed suit standing beside him. But there was no sound of wind splitting like Nickel's, and I shook weakly without any strength. When I lifted the arm that I had swung back, my shoulders tingled as if they were about to dislocate.
"Hoo!"
I barely raised my arms, feeling like they would drop to the ground at any moment. But I still took a deep breath and didn't let go.
That's enough.
Nickel drew something in the air.
"I can still do it."
I tried to provoke him for no reason, but my arms fell quickly. Tremendous pain spread from both shoulders to the muscles of my back.
"Did I overdo it?"
But there was a good reason to overdo it. Unlike wizards who can manipulate mana with innate talent, swordsmen awaken the use of mana through constant physical training.
Of course, those who have talent close to zero won't awaken mana no matter how much they train, but generally, this method works for about 50% to 60% of them. That's why most nobles who don't have talent as a mage immediately start knight training.
'In other words, if the talent of a mage is 90%, then a knight is only about 60%.'
While talent was an extremely important factor, it wasn't comparable to magic, so it was worth a try. On the other hand, there were plenty of weak people who had talent but didn't make an effort.
That's how important effort was for swordsmen.
"Effort? Exercising was like eat when I was Kim Jin-hwan."
On the contrary, I might have done more than just eating.
I had some confidence in my athletic ability.
After finishing my training with empty thoughts, I decided to test my skill level.
―Black Magic: Basic Command (22/100) 〉〉 Summon Skeleton LV3
"Wow."
I increased my skill level by a whopping 2 in just five hours. It's amazing that my skill level went up without consuming any mana, right?
They say that if you summon for about 200 hours, you can reach the beginner level of command.
'Of course, once I reach the beginner level, the skill level will increase much slower. Plus, it's meaningless without mastering beginner magic.'
I admired my increased skill level and took a break when Nickel approached me and patted my shoulder. It felt like the touch of a grandfather saying I did well, and it made me feel peculiarly good. He then immediately started swinging his staff again.
Even though it's my real skull, it's jingling.
In a way, it can be seen as an advantage as a skull. Skulls don't get tired.
"You might have been better off becoming a skull."
How great is it that I get to train endlessly without getting tired?
As I absentmindedly watched Nickel's movements, a sudden thought occurred to me. If I continue training without any instructions, my skills would improve rapidly under Nickel's guidance.
How can I avoid getting tired?
In the game, I used potions as a trick whenever my stamina was low. I would drink potions and continue training.
'Can't I do the same?'
Fortunately, I have Bahart's card. It grants an unlimited use of potion ingredients. Of course, using only stamina-increasing potions is not meaningful.
What I need right now is...
'Recovery and regeneration potions.'
Recovery potions and regeneration potions are different. Recovery potions restore you to your original state, mainly used for healing wounds and recovering from fatigue. Regeneration potions, on the other hand, increase the speed of healing, literally accelerating the regeneration process.
In the game, I used simple health potions and recovery potions as tricks, but this is reality.
'With regeneration potions, I can shorten the time it takes for muscles to be destroyed and regenerated, and recover from fatigue with stamina-increasing and recovery potions.'
In theory, with just potions, infinite training is possible with determination and effort. Of course, drinking a regeneration potion won't immediately heal torn muscles, but at least it will significantly speed up the training cycle.
But that's not the case here.
"I need to make them right away. This year is the only chance to suck up honey."
While I have Bahart's card, I need to make as many as possible!
It's time to create new potions.
.
.
.
.
On the continent of Ludereon, there were numerous countries and powers. Among them, there was an empire called Rodren that exerted a significant influence in the center of the continent. Apart from beyond the northern mountains, there was hardly any place unaffected by their influence. Their might was beyond measure.
As a place like that, leading the trend and being most sensitive to information, the capital of the empire was bustling with its daily affairs.
"Lord Gajunim, I have updated the list of incoming freshmen for next year and the reports of current students."
Lord Gajunim nodded in response to the butler's words as he checked the tablet.
"Good. You've done well."
With his intense red hair reminiscent of a lion's mane, Lord Gajunim was the owner of a powerful family that vied for power even within the grand empire. He himself was a masterful warrior.
Having visited the capital temporarily due to official business, Lord Gajunim skimmed through the tablet.
"These newcomers are promising."
The students of Rodren Academy were talents closely observed even by countries around the world. Although the interest was mainly focused on graduates, there were a few incoming freshmen next year with notable backgrounds, which piqued Lord Gajunim's interest.
"I never expected to have someone recommended by Deshun Inspiration."
"According to the intelligence report, it was partly anticipated."
"But there's a world of difference between anticipation and actual occurrence. Do you understand what I mean?"
"Yes, Your Excellency."
"Anyway, considering he's the one who surpassed the records of previous top students at the Monas Academy, it's not surprising no matter what happens."
Around the age of 8 or 9, noble children and recognized commoner offspring can apply to the Monas Academy.
The Monas Academy is a subsidiary concept of the Rodren Academy, and the top 50% of the Monas Academy automatically qualify for admission to the Rodren Academy.
There is an exception for high-ranking noble children of the Empire, as they could enter the Rodren Academy regardless of their grades or aptitude. Since graduation is impossible without talent, admission itself didn't hold much significance.
"There were quite a few students who stood out."
"Yeah, we should start checking on the other students too. They are the ones who will enter Rodren now."
As Lord Gajunim examined the tablet, he soon stopped at a certain point.
"This... They say a new potion has been invented."
"I prepared it in advance."
"Bring it."
A potion that had passed the assessment but hadn't been officially registered yet ended up in Lord Gajunim 's hands through his influence.
He stared at the potion with a yellow glow and spoke.
"Lucia Everlast?"
"Yes, she is a daughter of the Everlast family. It's not exact, but according to secretly acquired information, she seems to have an innate incurable disease."
"That's unfortunate. To create something that even most wizards couldn't at such a young age."
After licking his lips a few times, he consumed the potion. As he savoured the taste for a moment, he looked at his own hand, gripping and releasing it repeatedly.
"This is on a different level. Have you tried it?"
"I haven't experienced it yet."
"It's truly remarkable. The comparison with existing potions is impossible due to the clear sensations. And there don't seem to be any side effects either."
"For now, that's correct."
"If it gets officially registered and commercialized, it will create quite a stir."
"I didn't realize it would have such an impact. Should I raise its priority level?"
"Yes."
Lord Gajunim moved his body to feel the potion's ability.
Given his experience in dealing with the body, he could quickly sense the changes in his body.
'Perhaps this would suit those who lack stamina rather than people like us.'
As he reached that thought, Lord Gajunim suddenly recalled his own subordinate, McKane, who hadn't seen his children even after turning 50.
As a gesture of his gratitude for enduring all this time, he came up with a brilliant idea to give him this potion.
"Your Highness, there is one more peculiar matter related to the potion."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"It's mentioned in the report, but there is a co-creator."
At the butler's words, Lord Gajunim checked the tablet again.
"Adrias Cromwell? Ah, the son of Cain Cromwell."
He briefly recalled the Cromwell viscount. If his memory served him right, the Cromwell viscount was a family in crisis that would face demotion in the year-end nobility conference.
"There is almost no report about that fellow. Did he have talent in this field?"
"According to the investigation, despite being a third-year this year, he is only now taking intermediate herbology. There is a record of completing basic alchemy last year."
"So, you're saying he lacked talent?"
"That's how the information team judged it."
"I see. Still, take a closer look this time. This potion is worth such investigation."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The butler immediately revised the importance level written in Adrias Cromwell's report.
"Adrias Cromwell, importance level upgraded from none to lower."