Benjamin, taken aback by Greisman's sudden question, just looked at me.
Unable to understand the meaning of that question myself, I ended up asking back.
"What do you mean, 'what the heck are you?'"
"When I started this work at the age of 14, I've met countless people. But this feeling, it's the first time."
"A feeling?"
"Yeah, a feeling! It's hard to put into words, but it's like receiving the love of the swords."
I inwardly swallowed my astonishment at Greisman's words.
Indeed, he wasn't an ordinary blacksmith.
Having played games myself, I could tell his attributes just by touching his hand, even though I didn't know the significance of it.
"Did you come here to buy a sword?"
"Yes, that's right."
"I can't just give an ordinary sword to someone like you. Follow me."
Greisman led the way towards the forge, and I followed him for now.
Could it be a hidden quest?
When I played as Benjamin, there was no connection to the academy, so I had never encountered Greisman before.
Besides, in the game, he had Rubens, so he wielded the Dark Sword without any hesitation.
The only surprising thing was that this hadn't happened when I played as Louis.
'Perhaps Benjamin's talent as a swordsman is superior to Louis's.'
On the other hand, Louis had a talent for mana, so if you looked at it closely, they were evenly matched.
Greisman took us deep into the interior of the forge, to a warehouse-like space that was locked with various locks.
"This is the place I've been collecting things since my great-grandfather's time. It's as good as a treasure trove!"
Unfortunately, we couldn't go inside.
Instead, Greisman came out holding a sword, and when he pulled it out of the scabbard, the sight of the pristine white blade was impressive.
"This is a work created by my great-grandfather. It's called 'White Nightmare.' It's made from white steel, a one-piece construction masterpiece."
Greisman handed the sword to Benjamin.
Benjamin cautiously accepted the sword with a dazed expression.
'It's made of white steel and has a one-piece construction.'
It was known that the White Nightmare sword cost two to three times more than the same weight of gold.
So, was he pressuring Benjamin to buy the sword?
'Well, it's not like he's selling it just because he has money.'
As I examined the sword closely, the item information appeared.
[White Nightmare]
[Mana Conductivity Rate: 110%]
'It's really good. A renowned sword, isn't it?'
Although it couldn't compare to named items, it boasted exceptional performance compared to ordinary swords, possibly due to the materials used.
It was difficult to find a mana conductivity rate above 80%, but this one was a whopping 110%, so there was no need for further explanation.
'My Galakshur is only at 73%. Of course, that's before unlocking its seal.'
Even at 73%, it still qualified as a renowned sword. Well, enough said.
Benjamin, holding the White Nightmare, inspected the sword as if possessed and swung it lightly.
Even with a light swing, the depth could be felt. Indeed, his talent for swords was exceptional.
"As I thought, I saw it right. This sword has been looking for its owner all this time. Now my grandfather can finally rest peacefully."
"May I accept this?"
"Of course. Every renowned sword must have an owner. Honestly, I feel like the sword might be lacking compared to your talent."
No matter how good the White Nightmare was, it couldn't compare to the cursed Dark Sword Rubens.
Rubens not only had a high mana conductivity rate but also amplified the wearer's mana and enhanced their physical abilities. It was a cheat-level item.
"Thank you."
"Well, I'm glad that it has found its owner. If you have time, visit again. It might be my greed, but next time, I'd like to hand you a sword I personally made."
Heartwarming.
But do I have anything?
Unfortunately, that seemed to be all, as Greisman waved his hand, indicating that our business was done.
As we came out, the counter attendant, who had been observing us, extended his hand when he saw Benjamin with the White Nightmare.
"It's 55 million Will."
'Ouch.'
'Wasn't it just given to me?'
When is the moment to rejoice for finding its owner?
Of course, it was much cheaper than I had anticipated.
55 million Will should be enough to cover the material costs.
"Well, let's go with a 12-month installment..."
In the end, it felt like I was being coerced.
.
.
.
.
Though it was still chilly to be called spring, the atmosphere at the academy was livelier than ever.
Today was finally the day when fresh new students would enter.
'Benjamin must be doing well.'
Monas Academy had already held its entrance ceremony the previous day.
Even from a distance, Benjamin seemed to be doing fine, exuding his characteristic mature aura even without me by his side.
Although he was still noticeable with Rubens on his back and the White Nightmare at his waist, he didn't seem as sensitive as before, which was a relief.
"Hey, did you hear? It's said that the one who broke all the previous records and entered Monas Academy this time is from the Knight Department."
"Of course I heard. Who wouldn't know? But isn't that only about the Knight Department?"
"Well, you're right. It doesn't concern us much. But still, it's impressive."
As I arrived early at the auditorium where the freshmen would gather, I was surprised to see a larger crowd of spectators than I had expected.
Since attending the entrance ceremony was voluntary, this was my first time participating, and I didn't realize so many people would gather.
'By the way, it seems like everyone is talking about Louis.'
Louis was a lively character from the moment he entered the academy.
He truly embodied the qualities of a protagonist.
If we were asked to choose only one playable character in this world, Louis would undoubtedly take that position.
'As for me, it's the complete opposite.'
I felt like I was standing at the opposite end of the spectrum.
Of course, it was just my own delusion, and Louis probably didn't even know of my existence.
Finally, the freshmen began entering the auditorium.
As it was an entrance ceremony, both the Knight Department and the Magic Department freshmen entered together, and I could sense a strange tension from their expressions.
'They seem quite nervous.'
Indeed, unlike the Magic Department, the Knight Department had a peculiar culture of discipline between upperclassmen and underclassmen.
Although I didn't pay much attention to it in the game and acted freely, now that it had become a reality, it seemed to have some influence on the playable characters.
"Will the freshman representative please come forward?"
Was it finally to confirm Louis' appearance?
I saw a young man with brown hair ascending the stage.
With his sharp features, a physique suitable for combat, and striking blue eyes, he was an impressive man.
'Like other playable characters, he looks really handsome when you see him in person.'
As I laid my eyes on Louis, memories of playing him for a year flooded back.
It was during a time when I was feeling confused, having been forcibly discharged from the military without any preparation and still burdened by the debts of fallen comrades.
Perhaps it could be called an escape from reality, but playing as Louis allowed me to freely indulge in another world.
In the game, there were quests and missions given, much like the military, so it felt like another form of reality to me.
'It brings back memories.'
To me, Louis had a presence that surpassed that of the protagonist.
Seeing him now, taking an oath on stage, felt familiar yet awkward at the same time.
The game truly started from the entrance ceremony.
So, this was a past that I didn't know yet.
"...will uphold the honor of Rodren and strive for excellence as freshmen."
Applause filled the auditorium.
After Louis finished his oath as the freshman representative, he descended from the stage.
At that moment, our gazes met as if by chance.
My gaze was directed towards the area where the magic department students were gathered.
It was unexpected for him to meet my eyes here.
'You, I'll make sure to nurture you no matter what.'
A deep smile formed on my lips.
It felt like the real beginning was finally here.
.
.
.
.
Next to the Maple Dormitory, the free dormitory for the Knight Department, there was a training ground for the students.
The training ground boasted an enormous size, as it required students to move their bodies and engage in training activities. Several students were already practicing there.
And someone had just arrived at the training ground.
"So, this is the training ground..."
Louis was inspecting the place where he would spend the next five years. Although he had been given a tour of various locations in the Knight Department throughout the afternoon, he hadn't been introduced to the training ground located next to the dormitory.
Unlike the practice grounds near the lecture hall, this training ground had proper exercise equipment, all of which seemed to be high-quality products.'"Indeed, Rodren Academy.'
Since he was here, Louis thought it would be a good idea to stretch his body before leaving. As he was contemplating this, he noticed a familiar face.
With a joyful heart, Louis approached a female student who was focusing on upper body training.
The agile figure of the student, with her golden short hair dampened with sweat, exuded a great deal of health and beauty.
"Serena, working hard from the first day of school?"
At Louis' greeting, Serena turned her head to look at him.
"Louis? You're still the same. Take a break on a day like this. Otherwise, I won't be able to catch up with you."
"Haha, sorry. It's just that there's someone chasing closely behind me, so I can't afford to take a break."
After exchanging a laugh, they reminisced about their days at Monas Academy, where they were both rivals and comrades.
Louis, the top student, Chris in second place, and Serena, who was closely following behind them—the three sacred figures of Monas Academy.
While Louis and Serena had a healthy rivalry, Chris was different.
As the son of the renowned Earl Eunor, who held the title of Empire's Aura Master, Chris always clashed with Louis due to his aristocratic supremacy.
Serena, also from a noble background, found Chris's behavior pathetic, as she prioritized skill above all else.
As they immersed themselves in their training, momentarily forgetting their conversation, Louis and Serena finally took a break, replenishing their fluids. It was during this break that Louis began to speak.
"Oh, by the way, Serena."
"What?"
"Did you happen to see the senior students from the Magic Department during the entrance ceremony?"
"No, why?"
"I saw a rather peculiar senior there."
Lewis recalled the man whose gaze had met his as he descended from the stage after the student representative oath. The man with dark, wavy black hair mixed with hints of green. Honestly, he didn't leave a particularly good impression, but there was something unusual about his gaze, posture, and expression.
Moreover...
"What was peculiar about him?"
"He was holding a sword. At first, I thought I saw it wrong, but I didn't."
"A sword? Ah! I know that senior."
Serena clapped her hands together and spoke.
"It's probably Adrias Cromwell, the senior from the Magic Department who wields a sword. There's no other senior who fits that description, so I'm pretty sure."
"Adrias Cromwell."
Louis quietly repeated his name.
Observing Louis's reaction, Serena continued.
"That senior made a big splash recently. You've probably heard of it, right? The Everlast Potion."
"I've heard of it."
"He's the one who created it. But rumors say that he wakes up every morning and trains like a Knight Department student. Of course, it's probably an exaggerated rumor, but it's still amusing to think that a mage would focus on physical training instead of research."
"Serena."
Suddenly, Louis called out her name with a serious tone, causing Serena to raise an eyebrow.
"Why are you suddenly using my name?"
"Don't underestimate that person."
"What?"
"He might be stronger than me."
Taken aback by Louis's sudden words, Serena smirked and playfully tapped his shoulder.
"Why are you talking nonsense out of the blue? Are you feeling insecure on the first day of school?"
"It's not a joke."
Louis spoke with a serious expression.
"I felt that he is inherently strong. I couldn't be sure whether I would win if we were to fight, whether he uses magic or any other means."
As Louis spoke with utmost seriousness, Serena looked at him with an expression of annoyance and shook her head.
"You need to fix that habit of yours. Always thinking about fighting. No matter how senior he is or how skilled he is as a mage, how could he defeat you, the top-ranked student? Let's move on to the next set already."
"Fine."
Louis tried to focus on the training, but it was difficult to erase the image of Adrias Cromwell that had come to mind. His breathing, calm expression, and even his stance. The illusion of Adrias calmly wielding his sword even in the most extreme situations flickered in Lewis's imagination.
'What am I even thinking...'
Adrias Cromwell is a mage. Even if he carries a sword, it's just a quirk of his, without any significant meaning. Louis realized that he had been overly sensitive due to Serena's words and continued with his training.