Chapter 5 School Story, The End!
"A knight is, in essence, the unwavering sword and shield of the Garland Royal Family. They fight enemies that threaten the royal family and protect the nation from those who pose a danger. Knights, along with the 'Einherjar Knights,' exist for this purpose."
"Indeed. You understand well, Perannige. Now, continue and tell me, who are the enemies that threaten us?"
"Yes! The enemies are, of course, the beasts. They are a threat to humanity, with many unclear aspects about their origins and motives. They endanger the safety of the people. That is the enemy for us knights!"
"...Not bad, but you have some misunderstandings, Perannige."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Here, at 'Valkyrie Academy,' all students are equally knights in training. You are not knights yet. The responsibilities on a knight and a trainee are very different. I appreciate your spirit, though."
"Ugh, yes."
Feeling down, the student in front of me slumped his shoulders, and the student next to him patted him on the back to comfort him.
In the window seat, the wind from outside flipped the pages of the textbook in my hands.
This was truly a page from a school story. Amazing. I was a student before I died, but...
The excitement in my heart was different before and after death.
The main reason for that was probably the surreal nature of the world I was in now.
(This is incredible. This world is like a fantasy.)
As I looked through the textbook, I saw a map of the continent on the open page.
The round continent surrounded by oceans looked completely different from the modern world I lived in.
A vast land called 'Yumillion' and various foreign countries marked in different colors.
And the Holy Western Country Asgardam, which occupies about a quarter of the Yumillion continent.
The royal family of Garland, the Einherjar Knights, Valkyrie Academy.
Each name written in the textbook was just a place name. But thinking that my story would begin from here, that I would leave my mark as the protagonist, made my heart race with excitement.
"The Holy Western Country Asgardam began in the year 1500 of the human calendar, about 500 years ago. It was founded by the legendary hero king Sigmund, who put an end to a long national war, along with 4 heroes who followed him and the people who crowned him as their king."
So I eagerly followed the words about the founding of Asgardam on the turned page.
Hero king. Four heroes. Wow, that's amazing.
I wondered if I would be called a hero king someday, and that thought made me feel like I was floating in the sky.
"...You seem quite enthusiastic, Hiiro Merifar."
"Huh?"
"I'm impressed that you, who usually doesn't study, are unusually opening a textbook. However, I can't say I'm impressed that you're not listening to the teacher as usual."
"...Uh-oh."
Oh no!
I got so caught up in my thoughts that I completely stopped paying attention. This is bad.
"Honestly, even at this point, you as a student... you will run around the academy ten times right now. No arguments allowed."
"...Are you just tryna mess with me?"
I wanted to apologize quickly, but it was too late.
With the teacher pointing firmly to the classroom exit, there was no way to make excuses.
"Haha."
"Serves you right."
"This is just the right punishment for a brown-noser."
Suddenly, I felt like I was kicked out by the cold whispers, and I had no choice but to leave the classroom.
* * *
"Tch."
My worries about the future turned out to be true.
As I ran around the wide perimeter of the academy, my thoughts turned into a frustrated click of my tongue that melted away in the spring breeze.
(Sigh. What a way to start my day.)
Each lap took about 20 minutes.
So, finishing ten laps would take 3 hours.
At this rate, I wouldn't be able to join the practical training I was looking forward to.
Even though it was my own fault, it made me sad.
The excitement I felt for this new world cooled down like I had been splashed with water.
But sulking wasn't really my style.
(Oh well. I'll just switch gears. Seven more laps, right?)
Ah, but it's been a while since I ran.
I never thought I would be doing this so soon after coming here, considering I used to run every day.
It's not so bad. I like to train my body.
Still, I feel like I have no stamina in this body.
I've only done three laps and I'm already out of breath.
(But still... I seem to be disliked.)
I remember the malicious whispers I heard as I was leaving the classroom.
Hanger-on. Dirty. Serves you right.
From the many insults that don't have a joking tone, it seems that the old Hiiro wasn't liked very much.
(Well, this is where it starts)
That said, starting school life from a negative point isn't so bad.
I'll gradually create my own moments and surprise those around me while I follow my own path.
Through hardships, I'll gain effort, friendship, and victory.
Isn't that a classic story?
Even I, who hates math, want to remember that equation.
(I'm going to do it! I'm really going to do it!)
As I run, a vision of the future flashes in my mind.
I couldn't help but feel excited about the challenges, rewards, and expectations of my upcoming school life.
"Well then, tomorrow is graduation day. As proud students of Valkyrie, let's hold your heads high and embark on your new journey."
By the way, the school life part wrapped up in 2 days.
Dear Goddess, can I cry?
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