I Will Carry as an Academy Veteran

90

As I mentioned before.

There will be numerous things prepared for us in the future, and there will be challenges and trials there.

We may crumble, we may falter. It will be sad, and also fearful.

That’s why we must move forward.

Summer ended, and the new school year began.

Despite the start of full-fledged academic activities, the atmosphere in the academy was more subdued than ever before.

No one showed it, but everyone felt it.

From the gloomy sky that still seemed like rain was imminent, even though the lingering heat had subsided.

It’s said that there have been an increasing number of people returning from expeditions with severe injuries recently.

Students who were seen in the previous semester are not present here.

Empty seats can be seen one after another in the once-full classrooms.

The infirmary is filled with groaning patients, and even the poor commoners take up arms and embark on expeditions.

Since the deadline for tuition submission is the last weekday based on the start of the school year, they have no choice but to go out.

“Hmm.”

Today, too, a group of commoners set off for expeditions, armed to the teeth.

In their expressions as they left the dormitory, holding their respective weapons, there was a hint of determination.

After watching their figures from the window, I turned away.

In a situation like this, it’s only natural to not stay still, even for trash among trash.

However, since the starting point of Act 3, Scene 1 is completely ‘random’ right after the start of the school year, I can’t even know when it will properly begin, even if I’ve been completely ruined.

The appearance of monsters appearing one by one is just a precursor indicating that Act 3 will start soon. It doesn’t provide any direct hints.

That’s why it’s best to open all the cards I have and be fully prepared to respond to any variables.

I properly conveyed the message to Reina, and after that, I had Pavella investigate, but we didn’t gain any significant information.

Above all.

“…Has time really come to this already?”

I have classes too.

I got up, put on my ‘uniform’ instead of ‘casual clothes,’ buttoned up my jacket, adjusted my tie, and grabbed my cane as I left the dorm room.

And then.

I could see it.

“Hmm?”

“…Se, Se, Senior? Huh? Why are you here now…?”

Beige hair, a slime cat on the shoulder. A girl with divided hair.

The only apprentice spirit user.

“…Millyce?”

“You, weren’t you supposed to be in class?”

“My class got moved to the afternoon. Anyway… what’s with that attire?”

“Oh, it’s nothing, really…”

Hmm.

It’s not nothing.

A robe over the uniform, a staff, potions at the waist, and even a dagger.

This isn’t the attire of someone going to class inside the academy.

“Se, senior….”

“Millyce. I want to hear the whole story. Why are you standing here dressed like that?”

“That….”

“If you don’t speak up soon, I might be disappointed in you.”

“Um… I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

He stuttered and bowed his head.

“M-My, tuition… is a bit short… so, I thought I could hunt goblins in the western forest. With Nero and the others, it should be possible, I thought…”

…Was it because of that?

“Millyce, if I clearly had to go out three days ago, didn’t I ask you to tell me in advance?”

“B-But I’ve already caused so much trouble…”

This guy, too.

I walked over, placed my hand on his head, and gently patted it.

“Millyce, the trouble you cause is nothing to me. Relying on a senior is also an obligation a junior should have. Isn’t that right?”

And above all, I was the one who decided to raise him.

So, I should take responsibility for that, too.

“For now, go back and change your clothes.”

“…Yes.”

Tuition, huh.

Do I have any money left?

* * *

And so, Millyce changed back into the uniform.

Without a word, I led the slumped figure to the underground student council office.

The second semester had started, and that week’s weekday was the deadline for tuition payment. Even if you had registered for classes in advance, if you didn’t pay the tuition, you couldn’t attend the classes.

They might overlook it if it’s just for one semester, but if it’s for two, you’re immediately expelled.

You’ll be kicked out of the dormitory and have to pack your bags and return to your hometown.

I drew a number and waited, then headed to the counter with the guy when our turn came.

“Alright, next person, who’s here to pay the tuition?”

“It’s this guy.”

“Understood. Mr. Millyce Halo… More than half is still outstanding. Can you pay it today?”

…More than half?

…Didn’t I clearly say it was a small amount?

Milije lowered his head when I looked at him.

“Milije.”

“I’m sorry….”

Sigh… Seriously.

“If it’s more than half, how much more do I have to pay?”

“You need to pay two-thirds more.”

Two-thirds… I see. So I could only pay one-third.

Alright.

“So, can I pay it now for next semester?”

“Uh, senior? Well, that…”

“Quiet.”

After giving a startled Milije a glance, I took out a few ‘Dragon Scales,’ a ‘Basilisk’s Fang,’ and three ‘Low-Grade Enhancement Stones’ from my inventory and placed them down one by one.

The current price of field boss materials, including enhancement stones, would be quite valuable.

Of course, tuition payment could be made not only with money but also with monster materials brought back from exploration.

The eyes of the student council guide widened briefly and then shook as they saw what I had placed down.

“If… If it’s these quality items, you can pay by next semester.”

“Alright, then make it so.”

“Understood. Milije Halo, your payment for the first semester of the second year has been completed. Since you have paid extra until the first semester of the second year, you can come back when you pay for the second semester of the second year.”

“Ah… Ah.”

“So be it. You can leave now, Milije.”

I half-dragged the trembling Milije, bowing his head, out of the student council building.

As we were coming out of the entrance…

“?”

A girl with purple hair brushed past me.

She had a badge on her arm. That means she’s from the student council.

It’s Daisy von Schkross from the Magic Department, whom I haven’t seen in a while.

However, she went through the first floor’s ‘student council’ and headed down to the underground towards the ‘tuition payment’ counter.

…What’s going on?

…Isn’t Daisy von Schkross the second-in-command noble of the East? Why does she have to pay tuition?

But soon, her figure was also lost in the crowd, so I had no choice but to look away.

* * *

Phew.

It’s tough.

Comforting a crying child is really…

“I-I’m sorry, senior…. I-I, I lied, and, and I handled all the materials from the monsters you hunted and brought… I’m… I’m incompetent.”

“Not at all.”

“I-I’m sorry. Senior, for causing so much trouble…”

“Milije, look at me properly.”

Milige with her freshly wet eyes looked up at me.

“When we first met, I told you. I need you. That sentiment hasn’t changed. I have my path to walk, and you must stand by my side there.”

“….Yes.”

“But if you’re in danger of being expelled from the academy due to unpaid tuition, then it’s only natural for me to rescue you. It’s the responsibility I’ve taken on, so you need not worry about it.”

If you’re bored, just go challenge the Basilisk yourself.

Because it’s a boss that keeps respawning no matter how many times you kill it.

It won’t dent my fortune just to take it down once.

“But….”

This guy, really.

“Right, then.”

“Yes, yes.”

“Improve your grades. Yes, aim to achieve the top or second position in your class by the first semester of your second year. The top two positions get full tuition exemption. If you’ve paid in advance, there will be a refund. Yes, then return the refund to me. Consider it as a repayment. How about that?”

“I will definitely work hard! I really….”

“First, stop crying. Is there something you want to eat? Let’s go get it.”

I did skip one class….

Well, it doesn’t matter anyway.

Caring for a junior and attending classes. This is incomparable, isn’t it?

* * *

During lunchtime, Milige and I wandered through the central district, enjoying some delicious food.

And after buying a large doll from a store, I reminded her to aim for the top two positions and to attend classes to avoid crying again.

I don’t mind the second year, but the first year should attend classes diligently.

After that, I also attended classes. The first class in the morning was a liberal arts class, so it didn’t matter, but skipping the major class would be risky.

As the evening approached on the way back.

I could see from a distance at the dormitory square.

A group of people came in, holding flyers resembling human faces, shouting to passersby.

“Excuse me! Have you seen this person by any chance?”

“We’re looking for someone! They haven’t returned so far!”

“If anyone has seen this person, we’ll offer a substantial reward….”

Three students missing.

Originally, it’s quite common in Salenium for students who went on an ‘exploration’ to disappear, and for those with connections to appeal like that.

But.

These three are different.

They are the ones truly pulling the trigger for Act 3, Scene 1.

It’s slowly starting, good. We’ve prepared, including the ‘Crystallization of Petrification.’

Wait.

“Why is that?”

It’s clear that the missing personnel from the original are a total of three, two men and one woman, to be precise.

Having memorized their names and faces, I had instructed Reina to keep an eye on them when they go on their ‘exploration.’

However, looking at the portraits of the missing individuals…. Those who had disappeared from the original weren’t these faces.

“….What.”

And.

“Adrian, is Adrian here! Adrian!”

The main gate of Merin Manor almost broke open, and she rushed in.

Black hair, eyes like precious stones.

She must have run a long distance as her uniform was disheveled, her hair a mess, and her forehead covered in sweat.

As soon as she saw me, she ran towards me and grabbed my arm.

“Adrian, something terrible has happened! …D-Daisy von Schkross has disappeared!”

What?

“What did you say?”

“All of today’s classes were skipped… She’s not even seen in the dormitory. And… according to the rumors, she’s gone to the eastern wilderness area with some trustworthy people for a short while…”

No way.

…That can’t be true.

I did see her at the tuition payment counter earlier… It can’t be true.

She is the second-in-command of the ‘East’ and also the eldest daughter and heir. There’s no way she would be short on tuition…

Ah.

I have been defeated by Wolfgang. The position of head student that I have been protecting will now belong to her. I, as a member of the family who lost to the enemy Wolfgang, will be left with a stain.

No way.

Has it really come to this?

I immediately grabbed her arm.

“Ah, Adrian?!”

“Reina, let’s go.”

“W-Where to?”

To the eastern wilderness area.

“What? What?”

Act 3, Scene 1.

The background finally emerged above the surface.