BAM!
The only door leading to and out of the classroom was flung open as someone ventured in.
The sudden sound startled everyone— who had already given up on anyone showing up and were already engaged in conversation.
From the corner of their surprised eyes, they saw the one who entered the classroom. He had the usual causal air around him and his outfit was as radical as always. Walking in with a nonchalant stride, he walked to the center of the classroom stage where a lectern was erected.
A smile formed on my face as I followed the man’s movements, as though my eagerness had been quelled.
‘Where have you been? I’ve been waiting forever, Neron Kalied!’
While others were engaged in conversation— except for a few, I was bored out of my mind. It wasn’t my policy to sit around doing nothing, but that was all I did for over twenty minutes.
‘Next time, I’ll just bring a book along with me to class…’
The students slowly ceased their talks and those who were standing subtly returned to their seats. Despite the man’s appearance and tardiness, he was still a lecturer. No student dared to show defiance before him.
“I apologize for being late.” Neron began.
This came as a surprise to many since Lecturers weren’t known for their polite nature, especially one that looked rough like him.
“I was called by the Academic Supervisor as well as a few others concerning my outfit today…” His voice trailed.
This nearly drove a laugh out of me. All things considered, he was dressed inappropriately for a Lecturer. He must have received some chewing-out by his superiors.
“Now then, let’s begin!” His voice sparked and the air of unease seemed to drift away the moment a wide grin appeared on the man’s face.
To everyone’s surprise, as I noticed by looking around, the Lecturer we had wasn’t all bad. Not only had he apologized to us, but he also donned a bright and friendly smile to begin our time together.
“Alright, let’s get the troublesome stuff out of the way first. You should all introduce yourselves.”
He pointed to the back of the class, establishing the order for speaking. From the far right at the rear to the left at the forefront. Neron also mentioned what he expected us to say.
Name
Age
Department
Reason For Studying At Ainzlark.
There were no objections, so all 38 of us decided to speak.
One after the other, I heard the students introduce themselves. None of them were of any particular interest to me. After all, the ones who sat at the back were mostly the ones I knew from the Magic entrants. They weren’t really impressive— plus their personalities were trash.
As the introductions went on, I saw someone I became interested in.
“My name is Anabelle Frederick. I’m 12, and… um… I’m in the Scholar Department. My reason for coming to this Academy is… well…”
The few Scholars who had already introduced themselves all said the same things.
“The Grand Scholar, Lewis Griffith is an inspiration. I would like to walk down the path of a Scholar because of how awesome it is!”
“Knowledge is amazing! It’s only natural I want to further my knowledge.”
“A scholar understands the fundamentals and theories behind anything. Knowledge is power, and so I believe being a Scholar is the best option for me!”
All of them were bullshit!
‘How stupid!’ My mind rang the moment I heard their paltry excuse for a reason.
In the first place, most of these hypocrites would have become Magic-Users if they could. It was due to their lack of aptitude that they resorted to the next best option. Also, the common assumption of ‘knowledge is power’ was all rubbish!
Rather than having knowledge, the raw ability to pummel any opponent was what would truly be regarded as power. Besides, only fools were of the opinion that top Magic-Users didn’t have knowledge. To operate Magic properly, knowledge was required. In essence, Magic-Users had both knowledge and power. Scholars were nowhere near being the best in terms of departments.
The last one who said that being a Scholar was the best option for him nearly cracked him up. He didn’t really have an option, to begin with. They were all weak, both in mind and power.
I wasn’t condescending at all, they already disqualified themselves— that was all. As a true Scholar who reached the pinnacle and became a legend, I could say it with all honesty. If I had become a Magic-User in my past life… I would have been able to achieve way more!
The path of a scholar is merely a glorified loser’s road. No matter how grand their dreams were, as long as they existed in my shadow or used me as a standard, they were never really going to be fulfilled.
“… I want to surpass the greatest Scholar known in the Eastern Kingdom and become the best Grand Scholar to ever exist!”
I nearly coughed once she said that.
‘Is this girl an idiot?!’ Was the first thing that rang in my mind.
The look on her face showed how shy the little girl was. Her cheeks were flushed as she spoke and her short frame made her look fragile. I was certain I could break her easily without resorting to magic enhancement.
What first drew my attention to her was the fact that her name was the same as my mother’s. Why did this girl, Anabelle Frederick, have to spew such fantasies? I continued to listen to her.
“… People often believe Lewis Griffith is the best Scholar to have existed. However, though he propounded many amazing and groundbreaking theories, I have found several holes and inconsistencies in his thesis and books. It was almost as if… they were incomplete…”
Another cough nearly escaped from my lips, no, this time it did. My loud cough interrupted what Anabelle was saying, causing everyone to stare at me since I was seated at the forefront.
‘Welp… this is awkward…’