229 Episode
After the orientation ended and Ray returned to the Prislan Clan Fortress, he was called by Ernst and stood in front of his office wearing the uniform of the Izhise students.
Even though Ray didn’t knock, Ernst’s voice came from inside the office.
“Come in.”
Ray opened the door and entered the office.
“…”
“…”
A brief silence passed.
Ray moved his eyes around before finally speaking.
“Hello, Duke.”
“…”
Ernst realized that the boy in front of him had been engaged in a silent standoff over who would greet first. He seriously adjusted the sword at his waist.
However, with superhuman patience, Ernst relaxed his expression and turned his gaze to the artefacts aligned on one side of the office.
“These are the armaments bestowed upon you by His Majesty. They belong entirely to you, and if any problems arise, the royal family will offer assistance.”
Without declining, Ray approached the displayed artefacts and extended his hand.
There were four artefacts in total.
Ray first inspected the armor-shaped artefact.
Perhaps due to the influence of the Dragon Heart as its power source, even without being fully activated, a strong flow of mana could be felt.
Standing beside Ray, Ernst spoke.
“All these weapons use fragments of the Dragonheart as their power source.”
Fragments of the Dragonheart were nearly semi-permanent power sources. Due to their excellent output and ability to store large amounts of mana relative to their size, there was no material that could match the performance of the Dragonheart as an artefact power source.
Ernst handed Ray a stack of documents.
It was close to an instruction manual, recording the specifications and manuals of the artefacts.
Ray briefly glanced through the documents and placed them temporarily on top of the drawer.
The four artefacts all possessed optical camouflage functions and were among the top-tier artefacts in the Empire.
With the Dragonheart fragments serving as their power source, it was unlikely that many artefacts could match their performance.
Ray lightly tapped the armor-shaped artefact.
He wasn’t displeased.
“Well… I’ll accept them gratefully.”
Though somewhat arrogant in attitude, Ernst did not reprimand Ray.
Holding the single-edged artefact up with a smile, Ray said,
“It’s a shame I can’t bring this to Izhise.”
Ernst laughed along with Ray and then lightly clenched his hand.
The wind pressure generated by mana pulled out the medal hidden in Ray’s coat.
Taking hold of the medal, Ernst pinned it onto Ray’s left chest and said,
“If you wish, I can disclose your achievements anytime. The Empire is more than willing to praise your name.”
This situation arose because of Ray’s insistence.
While Ernst agreed with Ray’s reasons for wanting to keep his accomplishments hidden, it was also true that he wondered if it was really necessary to go this far.
After exchanging a few more words with Ernst, Ray exited with the documents in hand.
*
After leaving Ernst’s office,
Ray walked down the corridor and tried wearing the brooch Karen had given him over the medal.
The medal was completely hidden by the brooch.
This wasn’t because the medal was small but rather because the brooch was so large.
Ray chuckled to himself for no reason.
The reason the brooch was so large was because Karen’s insufficient skills made it impossible to properly bless a smaller brooch.
As a result, Karen had to choose a brooch that was perhaps overly large, and Ray couldn’t help but laugh imagining the struggles she went through making that choice.
Feeling the faint aura emanating from the brooch, Ray visited the training ground.
Before being called by Ernst, only Johanna and Delun were in the training ground, but by the time Ray returned from Ernst’s office, Speira had arrived.
“Miss Speira, have you come?”
“Ah, have you returned?”
“Yes. What were you all talking about?”
When Ray asked, Delun responded with a very serious face.
“Brother, what will you do for the talent show?”
“…Talent show?”
“Yes. We’re told we must perform something the night before the opening ceremony… Didn’t the seniors mention it during the welcome party?”
“Ah, is that so?”
Someone had indeed hinted that they should prepare a simple talent showcase for self-introductions.
Ray felt quite melancholic knowing he’d have to entertain the kids — although considering physical age alone, Ray was actually younger than the Izhise students — but nonetheless, he had to endure.
Ray had deliberately concealed his identity completely to experience life within Izhise authentically.
Although the chaos caused during the entrance exam somewhat diminished its purpose…
Regardless, while Ray was thinking about this, Delun was seriously pondering how to perform for the talent show.
As it was a chance to make a good impression on the seniors, the freshmen couldn’t afford to take it lightly.
Delun asked Ray again,
“Brother, what will you do?”
“Hmm? Should I show some magic?”
Ray ignited a small flame on his fingertip.
Seeing this, Delun, who couldn’t use magic, looked dejected as Speira interjected,
“Hmm… You might just get treated like an idiot…”
To put it mildly, knights who conjured magic circles were often mocked as fools.
Who would expect Ray to have mastered the Spatial Blade?
Nodding, Ray extinguished the flame and asked Delun,
“What about you? Haven’t decided yet?”
“Um… I was thinking of doing something normal…”
“Normal, like what?”
“Maybe dress up as a woman and dance…”
“…”
Ray immediately frowned.
“Delun, say that again and I’ll fold you in half.”
In Ray’s previous life, ‘cross-dressing’ was… well, something akin to the exclusive domain of older gentlemen who had seen better days.
Though popular among elders during festivals, Ray couldn’t understand how such a primitive culture persisted into the 21st century.
On the other hand, Delun felt aggrieved.
An appropriately shabby cross-dress act was excellent at eliciting reactions from the audience. At least, that’s what the seniors advised him.
Thinking of borrowing a skirt from Johanna temporarily, Delun asked Ray,
“So, what will you do, Brother?”
“Hmm? Maybe I’ll sing a song?”
Ray imagined himself singing on stage.
If… If I go up…
What’s that kid’s voice? Ugh, ruined my drink. Hey, pull that kid down quickly.
Anticipating his own future, Ray rubbed his forehead.
Unfortunately, Ray’s voice wasn’t particularly enchanting.
Deciding not to cause unnecessary trouble, Ray resolved to pick an upbeat song that anyone could sing.
“Uh… What about you, Johanna?”
Everyone turned to look at Johanna.
Blinking her eyes, Johanna revealed her uncertainty.
“I’m not sure…”
“Just do a simple dance.”
Johanna excelled in physical activities.
Though she hadn’t learned dancing formally, since she’d only perform once at the talent show, a crash course for a few days would suffice.
Speira nodded after catching Ray’s gaze.
“I’ll check if someone can teach you.”
Since it was a chance to leave a first impression on the seniors, there was no harm in preparing thoroughly.
Though slightly embarrassed, Johanna thanked Speira.
*
Two days before the opening ceremony,
All second-year and third-year students of Izhise gathered at a rented tavern.
Though not an official event, participation was semi-mandatory.
It was meant to allow juniors and seniors to familiarize themselves with each other, so there was little benefit in trying to avoid it.
Among the third-year students gathered at the tavern, there were some unfamiliar faces Ray hadn’t seen during the entrance exam.
They were special admissions, numbering five. Ray merely took a cursory glance at them.
Soon, the self-introduction session for the third-year students began.
The third-year students took turns stepping up to the podium to introduce themselves.
After each introduction, the second-year students applauded and requested a talent showcase.
Most third-year students rarely had opportunities to perform in front of others, so despite feeling extremely shy, they continued their performances.
The most common acts were dances or songs, but some students performed musical instruments or card tricks.
Whether done well or poorly, the second-year students giggled and clapped.
Initially awkward, the third-year students quickly adapted to the atmosphere.
Amidst the rising excitement, it was Delun’s turn.
After finishing his introduction, Delun briefly descended from the podium, donned a wig and skirt, and returned to the stage.
Covering his eyes with both hands, Ray muttered,
“Ah, that idiot…”
Regardless of Ray’s thoughts, the reaction was enthusiastic.
Everyone burst into laughter as Delun swayed his body cutely. The second-year students loved it.
Later, several more students dressed up or used costumes to liven up the mood, drawing especially loud cheers and toasts from the second-year students.
When it was Johanna’s turn and she stepped onto the podium, the applause grew louder.
Everyone knew she was the top student of this year’s intake.
After introducing herself, Johanna showcased a light dance she had practiced for a few days.
True to her natural talent for physical activities, even though the dance was short, it carried a distinct charm.
Given her young age and cute appearance, smiles naturally formed on everyone’s faces watching Johanna.
Finally, it was Josephin’s turn right before Ray.
Josephin shyly completed her portion, showcasing violin-like string instrument skills that impressed even Ray.
And then, finally, it was Ray’s turn.
“Please take care of me, esteemed seniors.”
Ray bowed respectfully, satisfying the second-year students.
After finishing his introduction, Ray announced from his spot,
“I’ll sing a song.”
Boos erupted immediately.
“Boo!”
“Hey, if you’re going to sing, at least wear a skirt!”
“Show some effort, show some effort!”
The second-year students teased and giggled.
The overall atmosphere was warm and friendly. Ray, however, was the only one unhappy in this setting.
Considering using a 30-meter sword aura but deciding against it, Ray started singing.
It was a melody famous in this world with lyrics from a song Ray remembered from his past life, cleverly overlaid.
“Led by the force of cosmic soul, I can-!”
“Oh~!”
The response was pretty good.
Not because Ray sang exceptionally well, but because the song fit perfectly for livening up the mood.
Had he started with “If only…” or something similar, he would’ve been dragged off the stage instantly.
Thus, after giving his best effort in performing for everyone, Ray descended from the podium, hiding his exhausted demeanor.
‘Shit…’
As Ray wallowed in self-pity,
One of the second-year students looking at Ray tilted his head in thought.
“Where have I seen this face before…?”
But the memory didn’t come back immediately.
The puzzled second-year student simply toasted his friend next to him.
As the exchange meeting progressed smoothly and enthusiastically without major incidents, nearing its end,
Second-year student Loen stepped forward, clapping his hands to draw attention.
“Alright rebels, enjoy tonight, but come prepared mentally and physically for the opening ceremony. Understand?”
“Yes!!! Understood!!!”
Satisfied with the loud response, Loen continued,
“The opening ceremony is important… And if you’ve committed any sins, repent beforehand.”
Loen’s lips curved upward.
“An impure person touching the Sacred Sword will incur divine punishment?”
A cheer filled with joy erupted among the third-year students.
Izhise (4)
