I Will Carry as an Academy Veteran

28

Fateful companion.

As can be inferred from the name, this was the companion system of the Selenium Saga, hence the ‘party system.’

Oh? Sir Adrian, didn’t you form a party to defeat Melwood Elian? I’m sorry, but that’s incorrect. That was merely a ‘strategy group,’ a completely different system.

Then, you might ask, what’s the difference between a strategy group and a party?

In the Selenium Saga, a ‘party’ signifies ‘companions to stay together until graduation.’

So, no matter what events you get involved in, or how mundane your everyday life might be, from now on, you’ll be with your ‘party’ through it all.

The ending also varies depending on the party. Thus, one must choose wisely more than ever.

“Party… is it.”

I pondered for a moment with my chin resting on my hand.

Party.

The Selenium Saga is an RPG game centered around parties.

And as such, naturally, when you form a party, it comes with ‘combination synergy.’

Each class and attribute has different synergy effects, all with different names and functions.

Given that the theme of the game is a youthful academy RPG with numerous characters, there are several party synergies that can be applied.

Trying each one out unlocks achievements.

If Act 1 was Erann’s academy adaptation phase.

Starting from Act 2 where the ‘party’ function opens, you recruit proper companions and steadily progress towards graduation.

By solving various events and gradually increasing the maximum companion slots to eight, that becomes a true ‘party.’

Hmm.

This raises a question.

“Why is this a system used by Erann in the first place?”

The functions I can use, which I shouldn’t as someone who should have died in the prologue and exited this world, are not normal.

However, it appeared in front of me as if to prove a point.

“Come to think of it, I didn’t get that Che Sunpal guy, did I?”

Is the system recognizing ‘me’ as the protagonist of this world?

But seeing Erann diligently following the original path, it seems unlikely.

Though I’m not entirely sure, if this is a bug, it’s actually fortunate.

Having access to party synergy or not is completely different.

Deciding whom to add as the first member of this fateful companion is a problem to ponder.

For now, setting aside this system, I opened the door to the classroom and walked in.

Ignoring the buzzing and gazes pouring down on me, I sat down.

It was a bit annoying at first, but after experiencing it several times, I became indifferent. What do I care about stares and words.

When you think about it, we’re playing a survival game where life is at stake in every single thing we do.

Thinking this, I took out my notebook and pen, and as I had them out, I heard the sound of a chair being pulled next to me.

Turning around, it was a familiar face.

“Hello, Adrian.”

“Is it Raina.”

“Yes, it’s me. Adrian, have you finished the assignment?”

Assignment?

…Wait, was there an assignment?

“There was an assignment to briefly present the essence of Elemental Magic Integration. Did you perhaps not know?”

Come to think of it, it seems like there was something like that.

I’ve been so busy.

But it’s not a big deal if I didn’t know.

“It’s about presenting the essence, isn’t it? I felt like there was no need to prepare a presentation on the academic theory of magic integrated with elements.”

At my words, Reyna looked at me with a surprised expression before covering her mouth.

“I’m sorry, your answer was so unexpected…”

“Unexpected?”

“If it was the Adrian from some time ago… well, he would have probably said something like, ‘Hah, not needed. Can some professor wannabe really chip away at my knowledge?’ Different words, same result. In the end, you didn’t do the assignment, Adrian, right?”

Saying that, the guy chuckled mischievously.

Such a naughty guy.

“Shall I show you?”

“It’s fine. I’m perfect.”

“If you ask me to show for 3 seconds, I can show with no conditions.”

“What happens after 3 seconds?”

“Conditions apply. Alright, 3 seconds just passed. Let’s start with the most basic condition. ‘Adrian must go with me to Central District on a holiday.’ There, one condition set. With each 5 seconds passing, a new condition will be added. What’s next? Meal? Shopping?”

The wicked witch chuckled mischievously.

That guy.

Why does such a simple and trivial chat seem so enjoyable?

“But it’s really not necessary. And as for shopping, I’m not sure, but don’t we usually have meals together?”

“Well…”

***

The class on Elemental Magic Integration was over.

I thought that was the end, but there was still something more.

“Here are the results of the previous pop quiz! Now! I’ve posted the total rankings of students taking my class on the wall, so check it out! If you have any questions, come to the lab, not my professor’s office!”

…Isn’t gathering around to check the grades posted on the wall a thing of the past?

Wearing a lab coat and with explosive hair, Professor Martin of ‘Elemental Magic Integration’ said that and swiftly flew back to his lab.

Wait, didn’t he say to come to the lab and not the professor’s office if there are any inquiries?

“Adrian, Adrian.”

“What is it?”

“Hey, my name is second on the list.”

Looking up, I nodded.

Reyna von Wolfgang, the Vice Head of the Department of Magic.

And this course is a mandatory subject for all second-year students majoring in Magic.

So, naturally, there should be a ‘Head’.

Raising my head, I read the name at the very top.

“…Daisy von Schloss.”

“I don’t want to mention that disgusting name.”

Daisy von Schkross.

Born into the Schkross family in the East, rivalling the Wolfgang family in the West, she is a senior in the second year of the School of Magic.

Using unique magic passed down through generations, she is Reyna’s eternal rival, whom she vowed to defeat.

Considering that being the top student in the School of Magic is a requirement for Reyna’s ‘First Breakthrough’, they are bound to clash in the future.

“I knew, but I lost again this time. But it’s okay. I’ll win next time for sure.”

Reyna clenched her fist and made that determination.

Following her will, magical energy surged and pulsed around her.

Not a metaphorical expression, but literally ‘on fire.’

So much so that the intense heat reached those nearby.

Reyna ignited the surrounding magical energy and enthusiasm as she left the lecture hall.

“Oh, by the way, Adrian. I heard something this morning.”

“Hmm.”

“They say a mysterious oasis suddenly appeared in the barren fields of the Southern Blaze. Do you know what it is?”

Oh.

I was wondering when it would come up, and finally, it did.

“It’s a dungeon. Looks like I need to check it out.”

“What? The oasis is a dungeon?”

Reyna asked with wide eyes, and I nodded.

But the Southern Blaze desert, though.

“Hmm… planning to tackle it today?”

“If we don’t do it today, it’ll disappear. We should hurry and tackle it. Interested?”

“I’d love to join, but unfortunately, I have classes in the afternoon. Please be careful on your own.”

I bid farewell to Reyna and headed elsewhere.

Well.

In fact.

From the moment I heard the keywords ‘Southern’ and ‘desert.’

I had already decided who to take with me.

***

The Knight Department.

The entrance to the second-year armory.

As outsiders couldn’t enter, I leaned against the entrance, looking into the armory.

Soon, someone in the corner caught my eye.

“Haap!”

Thud!

“Haat!”

The tip of the sword gleamed as sweat dripped down.

With light-colored hair swaying, and blue eyes never missing a single move of the opponent.

She deftly parried the flying sword, then swiftly swung back in attack.

If the opponent blocked, she immediately flipped the sword, changed direction, and advanced.

The time taken for the movement was short. Measuring the intervals accurately, above all, carefully observing the opponent’s sword position until the end.

It’s hard to even guess how much training it took to acquire such a sense.

“Hap!”

“Ha-ya!”

In just three moves, she brought the tip of her wooden sword to the opponent’s neck.

“The winner! Kalen Snowwhite!”

A clean and thorough victory.

After the ceremonial bow, I found myself clapping unconsciously while turning to look at the guy who had been watching.

“Ah, are you Adrian?”

“Kalen.”

As he approached, he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

“…?”

Then he wrinkled his nose, sniffing at me but didn’t move like ice.

“Kalen?”

“Oh, please don’t come closer. I, um…”

“It’s fine by me.”

“No, still… I’m in a bit of a predicament.”

“Alright then. Since I’m causing a bit of a blockage here, could you step outside the training field for a moment?”

“What? Yes, yes? Oh, okay.”

Kalen bowed her head deeply, following me as I led the way outside, keeping precisely three steps away from her as she explained the situation.

Kalen’s eyes widened.

“A dungeon in the desert field… Are you referring to that?”

“Well, if you have the time, I’d appreciate it if you could come along.”

“Just me… going? You won’t take anyone else?”

“That’s right.”

“Oh, then, would you mind waiting for a moment? I’ll go get my sword.”

She went inside, then came out with her sword, suddenly extending the hilt towards me.

“Kalen?”

“Please take it. Haven’t we held it together once before?”

Kalen smiled.

“This is a gesture of sharing swords. It’s a ritual we perform in our family before engaging in battle.”

If that’s the case.

I reached out and grasped the hilt, and she, in turn, grasped her sword over my hand.

In that moment, a light enveloped the both of us.

Perhaps it was a light visible only to me.

[“Kalen Snowwhite” has become your “Fateful Companion.”]

[Party Synergy, ＜Lord and Knight＞ activated. Within each other’s ‘sight,’ ‘Adrian’s’ health and strength increase by 1 within reach. This effect also applies to ‘Kalen Snowwhite,’ and additionally, all her defensive actions will receive a beneficial adjustment.]

[The Favorability Level is at 5! Kalen Snowwhite will prioritize your safety above all during battles!]

[Your first Fateful Companion! A special reward is granted! Until expanding the slot or recruiting another companion, the first Fateful Companion will gain an additional 2% Favorability Experience!]

[Fate’s colleague can be reselected after 30 days.]

[There are no empty slots. You can no longer recruit any more colleagues.]

Turning to the side, the lad had his eyes shut tight.

“Is it done?”

“Yes, it’s done. All finished.”

She lightly sheathed her sword at her waist and bowed her head.

“I’ll leave it to you.”

“Well, the distance is close. Well, it seems like the thing you were worried about won’t happen.”

“Oh.”

Blushing, he took three quick steps back and deeply bowed his head.

“…Is it gone?”

“It’s not there.”

“Really?”

“Really.”