Once again, the morning dawned, and I found myself gazing up at the familiar sight of the ceiling above.
Rolling out of bed, I made my way to the bathroom, splashing water on my face to wake myself up.
It had been three days since the placement exam had concluded, yet I still struggled to settle into my daily routine.
Each morning began with theoretical classes on magic, a subject that seemed somewhat out of place for us aspiring knights. However, as we soon learned, understanding magic was essential for our future battles.
It wasn't just about clashing swords; we needed to be knowledgeable about spells and their practical applications on the battlefield.
Despite the importance of these lessons, I often found myself drifting off during class, the allure of sleep too strong to resist.
Following the theoretical sessions, we transitioned to practical training classes. Here, on the open training field where we had previously undergone our placement exams, we honed our skills.
Unlike the theoretical lectures, practical training felt more natural and immediately applicable to our future roles as knights.
The rhythmic clang of swords, the exertion of physical effort, it all felt like a more authentic preparation for the challenges ahead.
"Haaah!"
The metallic clang echoed as my wooden sword struck the dummy, leaving a mark but hardly making a dent.
'The fact that it's so thin as well…'
I couldn't help but admire its durability, even as frustration gnawed at me.
"You're working hard, Riley."
Seo's voice broke through my concentration as she approached, offering me a dry towel.
I accepted it with a nod of gratitude, wiping the sweat from my brow.
"Thanks," I replied, wiping away the sweat that had accumulated on my brow.
Seo had become a regular part of my morning routine over the past three days as well.
Every day, without fail, she would seek me out, breakfast, lunch, training and even occasionally even dinner, she would do it all with me if possible…
It struck me as odd; amidst a class of ten, she seemed to single me out for conversation, ignoring the others.
I had expected Seo to be a lot more friendly towards Lucas and the rest of our classmates just like in the game, but her reluctance to engage with them puzzled me.
While it mattered little whether Seo formed friendships or not—her dedication to training would see her progress regardless—there was a nagging concern that I couldn't shake.
Was I inadvertently isolating her by becoming her sole confidant?
For someone as socially vulnerable as Seo, my companionship might mean the world to her.
Perhaps the notion of us, as being best friends meant the world for her.
But if my presence hindered her from forging connections with others, then perhaps I had a responsibility to intervene.
'Should I reach out to her, encourage her to engage with our classmates? Or was I overstepping my bounds, meddling where I didn't belong?'
But who am I kidding, worrying about this innocent girl now wasn't really a problem to begin with. And I wasn't one to talk about making friends either.
For the past three days, except for Seo and Janica, and even sometimes Lucas, most of my classmates practically avoided me for reasons I didn't know myself.
Whether it was because of my imposing act or something else entirely, I didn't know.
Although it did make academy life quieter, it did make the overall academy vibe heavier….
"You've been striking the neck every time training starts, Riley," Seo commented innocently as she stared at my barely damaged metal dummy.
Which was true.
For the past three days, I did nothing but just strike the same strike all over again to try and learn a new skill.
But that obviously didn't work, as nothing came out during these past few days.
Not even a subtle increase in stat was given as well, even though it rained so hard for the past few days.
[Skill: Basic swordsmanship] [Proficiency (35%)]
[Skill: Piercing strike!] [Proficiency (1%)]
I couldn't even level up the proficiency of my skills no matter how hard I trained the basic moves or no matter how many times I've used it, it remained the same.
And here I thought my system was active, but it seemed that wasn't the case at all. There could be a couple of reasons as to why this was happening. Perhaps this situation wasn't considered an actual battle, or maybe I was simply executing my strikes incorrectly.
But if I had to hazard a guess, it likely had something to do with the act of killing or facing monsters themselves.
All signs seemed to point in that direction.
The only time I experienced a real level up was when I faced off against my first goblin. From my base level to my current skill proficiencies, everything skyrocketed.
If that was indeed the key, then it meant my path to growth lay in hunting down monsters, continuously challenging myself against increasingly formidable foes. The thought was daunting, yet exhilarating.
Humans might also serve as viable targets for skill advancement, but I pushed that notion aside for the time being, unless they were someone, I really had to kill I wasn't planning to kill anyone.
Hooh….
Calming the bubbling frustration that lingered within me, I closed my eyes briefly.
When I reopened them, I resumed practicing my swordsmanship.
'Haah—!'
There was no point dwelling on my current predicament; I couldn't afford to skip the basics.
Relying solely on skills without mastering the fundamentals could prove fatal, maybe I should've proceeded to continue with my training way back then, instead of giving up half way through.
I couldn't risk meeting my end at the hands of a random mob simply because I couldn't wield my sword properly.
"By the way, are you done with your training, Seo?" I inquired, glancing over at her.
"Yes," came her prompt reply.
Observing her surroundings littered with broken and sliced dummies, it was evident that this sort of practice exercise came easy to her.
But even still, the ease with which she effortlessly cut through magically reinforced steel with a mere wooden sword, without even tapping into her aura... Seo really is the cheat character of this game.
Looking around, it seemed that most of my classmates had finished their own training sessions as well, except for one notable exception.
There was Lucas, clearly radiating hostility as he relentlessly swung his sword at the multiple dummies surrounding him. The guy was as stubborn as they come.
As our eyes met, a glint of determination sparkled in his gaze, and with fluid grace, he executed a series of beautiful moves, effortlessly taking down all the dummies in his path.
A small smile tugged at his lips, his eyes silently pleading for acknowledgment.
It was as if he was saying, "Did you see that? Will you take me seriously now?"
But to me, his display was more endearing than impressive. His earnestness bordered on cute, and I struggled to suppress a laugh at the sight.
I had thought he would have let go of whatever had transpired between us during the placement exams, but it seemed he still harbored grudges.
Apparently, my failure to take him seriously then had left a lasting impression huh.
Ignoring Lucas, I focused intently on my sword strikes, the sound of metal clashing echoing around me.
In the distance, I could hear Janica chuckling softly, likely amused by the dynamic between Lucas and me.
Initially, I was worried that Lucas's dislike towards me would pose numerous challenges and headaches.
But I guess that wasn't the case, upon closer inspection I realized that his animosity could actually work in my favor in the long run.
As long as he viewed me as his rival, he would be driven to improve himself independently, constantly striving to earn my recognition.
This realization eased my concerns, allowing me to concentrate fully on my own growth without the distraction of his presence.
With the upcoming Duo exams looming ahead, I knew I needed to prepare diligently.
These exams marked the beginning of the second chapter in Lucas's main scenario, and I couldn't afford to be unprepared.
[Act 1, Chapter 2: The Forest of Monsters]
There were about five boss monsters lurking in the forest alone, and I needed to be ready to face them. To do that, I had to utilize my game knowledge to its fullest.
Remembering every last detail about the bosses was crucial.
That's why I needed to level up as early as possible before everything kicked off.
On the upcoming days, I planned to purchase items that would be essential in defeating these formidable bosses. And to accomplish all that, I might need a little help from a dear friend of mine.
"Seo, are you free this weekend?" I asked.
"Nn? Yes"
"Then, can you come with me to Skyhigh?"
"...Ok?"
At first, Seo seemed puzzled, but eventually, she nodded in agreement. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt.
I liked Seo, but I knew I might have to empty out her pockets for this endeavor.
'Sorry, Seo…. I truly am.'
'Skyhigh...'
The name alone conjured images of the most popular legal auction house in our academy-like city.
It was the place where I could find the legendary item I needed.
However, the price tag attached to such rare artifacts was astronomical, far beyond the means of a mere student like myself.
The auctioneers may have labeled it as a unique item only, unaware of its true worth, but it still commanded a price ranging from seventy to a hundred thousand Gems.
Even with the A class privileges' and allowance. For someone like me, that amount was simply unattainable.
Unaware of my internal turmoil, Seo continued to watch me innocently as I swung my sword back and forth, lost in my own thoughts.
…..
At first, Lucas was merely curious about Riley, intrigued by the tales Princess Snow shared of his heroism during the terrorist attack.
But as he delved deeper, that curiosity blossomed into genuine admiration. Princess Snow's accounts painted Riley as a true hero, and Lucas couldn't help but feel a swell of respect for him.
That respect also further solidified itself back when he saw Riley in class for the first time.
There was an undeniable air of nobility and knighthood about him, an effortless grace that commanded attention.
Every gesture, every word spoken, seemed to exude a sense of inherent dignity and strength.
So, when Lucas's carefully constructed image of Riley shattered that day, it felt like a betrayal.
He couldn't reconcile the noble hero he had admired would be so full of pride and disdain for those weaker than him.
It was a profound disappointment, one that gnawed at him incessantly.
For the first time in his life, Lucas found himself harboring intense dislike towards someone.
It was a foreign and unsettling feeling, one that left him grappling with frustration and confusion.
"Hahaha, he completely ignored you, Lol~!" Janica couldn't help but burst into hysterical laughter, her eyes fixed on Lucas's beet-red face.
"S-stop laughing, Janica…" Lucas muttered, frustration evident in his voice as he continued swinging his sword, his embarrassment palpable.
Lucas couldn't tear his gaze away from Riley, who was striking his training dummy with precision, the same position, over and over again.
For days now, ever since Riley had humiliated him, Lucas had been watching him closely, trying to understand his strength and strategy.
But Riley seemed unfazed, simply repeating the same motions with his sword.
It was clear to Lucas that Riley was formidable, a fact not only recognized by him but also by their professors.
So why was Riley acting so passively now? Why wasn't he challenging himself? He's clearly strong, yet he's just going through these singular repetitive motions.
It was like he's given up with the sword....
The discrepancy in their class rankings only added to Lucas's confusion and frustration.
Despite knowing Riley was stronger, a fact that the professors most likely knew as well, Lucas found himself in second place while Riley languished in third place, in their overall class rankings, it just didn't make sense for him at all.
....
As Janica gazed at her beloved childhood friend, a sigh of frustration escaped her lips. Over the past few days, Lucas had become increasingly fixated on Riley ever since the placement exam.
While Lucas's tendency to obsess over things wasn't entirely new to Janica, this time it felt different.
His preoccupation with Riley was becoming more pronounced, more consuming.
Everything that was happening now wasn't entirely Riley's fault, but Janica couldn't help but assign him a portion of the blame.
If only Riley had accepted Lucas's challenge earlier, perhaps things wouldn't have escalated to this point. Lucas wouldn't have spiraled into this headache-inducing obsession.
In recent days, Lucas had been either stalking Riley or relentlessly seeking out information about him, a behavior that deeply concerned Janica.
Even her rival, Princess Snow, had taken notice of Lucas's unsettling fixation.
Before they had entered the academy, Janica had made a promise to Lucas's grandparents to look after him, and she must see through with that promise.
As his cherished friend, she felt a sense of responsibility to intervene. It was clear that something needed to be done to address Lucas's unhealthy fixation on Riley.
That's why, as she looked at Riley, Janica made a silent vow to herself.
She resolved to ensure that the two of them would become friends. For Lucas's sake, she was determined to make it happen.
'I'm already acquainted with Riley, so it should be fairly easy to talk him into it right?'