Royal School, City of Lumen
....
"Where is that brat who asked me about Grade S artifacts yesterday?" the Master asked as soon as he entered the classroom, "Who is that brat?"
The disciples who were gossiping with each other quickly returned to their sits. Someone replied, "Master it's Yamiri, Yamiri Gonzages."
"I wonder what he did now..." some students started to talk among themselves.
"Why is he not here today?"
"Master, he told me he is sick."
"Sick..." Master took it as though that was the least believable thing he heard in the whole day, "Leave him then. Today we will learn about something different. Take it as a history class."
...
In the morning, Oisin ate a scrap of black bread that tasted like soil. Then he went to take a bath in a nearby pond. He wore his usual robe, fixed the red collars, and headed for the Royal School. This is the conclusion he reached last night. If to get strong he needs knowledge, he will have to go to a school, of course!
Unfortunately, to pay one month's salary to the school he would need to save up money for one year. Therefore, he will eavesdrop on the classes, hiding in bushes or whatever. The best-case scenario would be getting a job in the school, but that was extremely unlikely to happen.
It did not take him too much time to reach the Royal School. And he was always enviably good at bypassing guards. If someone is blocking your path to the gate, why not not use the gate?
Oisin just crossed the wall by using skillfully throwing ropes on the other side that was lying around. As that clung tightly with a pillar in the academy, he made a long jump climbing the stone wall.
He ran on the wall, actually - not minding the pain in his knee that was still present.
Soon he broke in the school, as he was close enough, he cut the rope and swiftly landed on the ground without being seen by anybody.
The school was really as majestic as everybody says. The apartments were huge. There was also a field inside, which was a battleground for the students. Once a year an event is held there, where outsiders can come as audience. Oisin thus came here a few times before. There was at least a twenty classrooms and many massive libraries. Not to mention the gigantic clock that stood high up in the tower of Royal School. It can be seen from even a mile away.
Oisin was momentarily amazed by the scenario, but he shook his head and sneaked in the shadow of trees inside. He made his way to the nearest classroom, while hiding in a bush.
"It would be embarrassing if someone found me like this," Oisin muttered, adjusting his collar, "But it's not like I have another choice. If I were rich, I'd be sitting inside with the rest of them..." He smirked to himself before pressing his ear against the window.
He focused, like a diligent student.
…
"Ehh! A history class again…"
"You shut up, history's fun."
The master held his hands backwards, posing an elegant stance and held his chin slightly upwards.
"Today is about the history of Vepera Kingdom, where we live."
"What is there to learn about it…"
"Oh foolish, you have no idea how great our heritage is. If we do not follow their footsteps, we cannot reach their status. So tie your mouths, everyone. Just listen to me for now."
Master waited until the classroom got quiet. And then he began -
"This Kingdom of Vepera was established five centuries ago, when King Magnus singlehandedly brought the ancient Halunian Empire to ruins. Of course, he was not alone but no one ever cares to mention his sub-ordinates... that's story for another day.
"As you know, the world is divided into seven seas. The one we are in is the very east of the world, namely the First Sea. After years of bloodshed, Vepera Kingdom eventually united the entirety of First Sea under a single authority. In fact, we invaded the Second Sea a couple of times. But after the International Alliance was formed last century, the Veperas showed respect to the treaty, and never invaded anybody again.
Ever since, we had an inclination towards development in science, artifacts, literature, and whatnot.
"So we boast today. Calling ourselves the most literate of all Kingdoms."
Then the Master paused for a while, expecting any question. As he wanted, one of the students blurted out, "What exactly does the Alliance even say? Can we never invade anyone ever again, or just the Second Sea?"
"All the major Kingdoms of all seven seas are included in this alliance. Nine Kingdoms, to be exact. The alliance is to keep peace between ourselves and assure political and economic support for each other."
"Master, is it true that King Magnus had a Mythical Sword? I have heard many stories." a blue-haired girl asked with enthusiasm, and this question piqued Oisin's interest who was still listening from outside the classroom.
The Master furrowed his eyes, "It's a famous story indeed, but there is no true record available to prove its authenticity. Perhaps he possessed another kind of sword, which people exaggerate about. But for him to possess a mythical sword, it's very unlikely to say the least."
Oisin frowned as he had no idea what a mythical sword is.
Thankfully, someone asked, "What is a mythical sword now... and that in a history.."
"You should hang yourself! How do you not know what a mythical sword is?" the student's classmate instantly raged as he heard the question.
"Hey, I don't read fantasy books all day like you. I have a life."
"You...!"
Master pretended to cough and said, "Stop you two. It's okay for him to not know. Others should have a clear idea as well.
"As we discussed in the previous class, there are different types of artifacts. One of them is weapon. And weapon artifacts are classified into five categories. Mundane, Rare, Heroic or Grand, Legendary and Mythical. Mythical are weapon artifacts generally only found in fables, stories or so. They are supposed to be Grade S artifacts. So, there existence is doubted. But theoretically, it's a thing.
"So alright. Back to Kingdom of Vepera...
...
The class went on for quite a while like this. Oisin actually enjoyed the class. Most of what he heard there were things he never knew before.
"How lucky, these people..." he made a tch sound. The class ended after discussing more about the International Alliance thing.
As Oisin wanted to take a change of space, as his back was hurting, he turned backwards, and nearly choked.
There was a boy standing there like a statue of the same age as him. He was wearing a grey uniform, and a dragon-shaped emblem drawn in it, which was one of the uniforms of Royal School. The boy looked Oisin in his eyes - if he wanted he could have the guards catch Oisin any moment then.
But he did not. The boy had sharp eyes, he saw something and mildly smiled.
"What is your name?"
"Oisin." He had no reason to hide anything.
"I'm Yamiri Gonzages. I'll see you soon."
Then the boy simply jumped over the window and entered the classroom that way.
"Hey Yamiri, you are late...! And weren't you sick as hell?" someone asked.
"I heard Master called me."
"...How exactly?"
Oisin got nervous for a second, but that Yamiri fellow did not seem like a threat to him. He took a breathe and stood up to walk around for a while. There seemed to have breaks between classes after all.