The Eldoria Academy, one of the most prestigious academies in the world—I still can't believe that Noah managed to get in.
The closer I got, the more amazed I became. There were so many students, and they were really attractive.
I was worried about my appearance, but since I am Noah, I am at least average.
I kept walking, and sooner than expected, I reached the entrance. The academy's door shone brightly.
It looks like it's made of pure gold!
…If I take a piece, would I have money for a few months?
It had crystals carefully embedded in it. They were mana stones and were purple in color. Could it be that they have a defense mechanism based on their position?
As I was about to cross the door, I bumped into an invisible wall.
…Ak! What—what's happening?!
Did my brain deceive me?
The wall was like a large glass panel. If this was related to the mana stones… this was a test!
With a slight smile, I prepared to overcome this obstacle. However, I heard a noise.
(Javier) Pfft… Hahaha!
Hearing Javier laughing his head off, along with the other students watching me, only made me want to disappear… or maybe bury that bastard somewhere.
(Luna) Noah! Come here and register.
Luna and Javier were standing next to the gatekeeper.
The gatekeeper looked at me with pity. What did those two say about me?
---
By the time I finished registering, Javier and Luna had already gone to their respective classes.
Before saying goodbye to the gatekeeper, he made a circle with his hand and whispered some words.
I was amazed because, since coming to this world, I hadn't seen magic up close despite knowing it existed.
…So this is magic.
The gatekeeper, with a face that showed he wasn't expecting such a reaction, looked at me.
Damn it, I messed up! I was sure I had caused a problem due to my ignorance.
(Gatekeeper) Yes, young man, it's magic, but this isn't very impressive. Though, I suppose it's understandable that you, a swordsman, wouldn't see much magic around.
Of course! Noah is a swordsman, so he must assume I'm an outsider. After all, those who follow the path of the sword don't see much magic.
But I have no intention of becoming one because, in the end, my mind isn't versatile enough to execute precise moves.
After all, what's the point of a trained body if it doesn't know how to fight?
…Haha, you're right. Anyway, have a nice day. I have to go in now.
This time, I entered through the door without any issues, though feeling slightly disappointed. I guess it was for the best, because I wouldn't have known how to enter if I didn't understand the process.
I suppose it wasn't a test or anything like that.
I glanced at the gatekeeper. He was waving goodbye.
(Gatekeeper) Good luck!
That made me happy. But I was sure that, since he was just a gatekeeper, students normally didn't talk to him except for registration.
All because most of the students at Eldoria Academy were nobles.
This world is truly sad in that regard.
---
As I ventured deeper into the academy, I looked around, and it was… fascinating.
The towers were so tall that I felt like I would dislocate my neck if I kept looking up.
The structures were worthy of a fantasy world, with some booths floating on large, light green mana stones.
There was a pond, and I couldn't resist getting closer to take a look. It was beautiful. It reflected the light, and I saw myself in it.
As I admired the beauty of the pond, someone approached me.
(???) Noah, it's been a while.
It was a boy with blonde hair and an average height—his appearance seemed familiar… This guy was a third-rate villain!
Now I remember! The last chapter I read of "The Reincarnation of the Sword Saint in the Academy" was the duel between the protagonist and this guy!
The son of a contemptible and arrogant noble—Lucian Drakar. And that duel started because Noah got into trouble, was found beaten up on the ground, and was seen by the protagonist.
If I want the story to follow its course, I'll have to recreate the scene… But how did Noah get into that mess? And more importantly, I don't want to end up on the ground looking like a discarded drunk.
To hell with it, I'll just say hi!
…H-Hello… L-Lucian.
Great! If I put a bit of fear in my voice, I'm sure he'll feel provoked.
(Lucian) Hahaha, you're still as pathetic as ever! It's almost endearing!
Ugh… Act, act!
…S-Sorry.
(Lucian) Even after a year, you still know your place, hehe.
He looked at me with complete superiority and an unpleasant smile.
I swallowed hard. I knew I had to endure it, but every word Lucian spoke made my blood boil. If I reacted poorly, the event would change… and that could be worse.
So, for now, I'll just behave as Noah would and get to class already.
…Young Lucian, please, I want to go to class.
(Lucian) Huh? You're more obedient than usual. Normally, you'd annoy me, but today I'm in a good mood. And do you know why?
…?
I didn't know the reason for his happiness, but the more I learned about this guy, the better decisions I could make!
(Lucian) Because your beloved Clarise agreed to be my girlfriend, muahaha!
…
W-What?! I didn't know Noah had a girlfriend!
(Lucian) How does it feel?! That Clarise rejected you and accepted me—someone of her level, instead of a filthy peasant!
I was stunned. For a moment, I thought I was about to get netorare'd! What a relief it was just unrequited love.
I held my face, trying to hide my frustration because I was sure Noah wouldn't react that way.
(Lucian) What's wrong~? Does it hurt? They say a broken heart hurts more than a cut on the hand.
This idiot really has a talent for provoking people.
Why am I getting even angrier? I don't even know this Clarise…
At that moment, a doubt entered my mind.
Could these be the feelings of the real Noah?
(Lucian) Why so quiet, Noah? Can't process it?
…S-Sorry, I was just surprised.
(Lucian) …That's it? I thought you'd cry and run back to your parents.
At that moment, my heart stopped. I didn't know if the pain was mine or Noah's, but I knew one thing… I wouldn't let this slide!
Clenching my right fist tightly, I aimed a direct punch at his face.
But Lucian moved his head to dodge it.
(Lucian) What are you tryi—
Lucian didn't expect it. I grabbed his throat with my left hand.
Just as I was about to hit him again—
(???) What do you two think you're doing?!
I turned toward the voice.
It was a girl, probably the same age as Luna. She had light blue hair and red eyes. She was beautiful.
But that was the least of my concerns.
I turned back to Lucian.
(Lucian) Clarise! This idiot tried to lay his hands on me!
(Clarise) Noah, let him go.
…Are you trying to order me?
Even though she had a chilling aura, for some reason, my body loosened up, and I let go of Lucian.
(Clarise) No matter how many times I say it, Noah—I don't want to go out with you! So leave!
I frowned but left anyway.
As I walked away, I felt more relaxed, and my anger slowly faded.
I stopped and exhaled deeply.
…What's happening to me…
The first day at Eldoria… I'll consider it the worst.
---
I see the door in front of me. On the other side lie the years I will spend in this world—my first course in this world. Because I'm sure I won't be able to return unless I finish the story.
I slowly open the door and carefully step inside.
I see my future classmates. They are wearing robes and look like mages.
I look at the professor, who is staring at me with a piercing gaze.
I break into a slight sweat.
…Sorry… Wrong classroom.