Ch.10Tutoring (1)

The foreign entity handed me a caliper about two inches long.

By this era’s standards, it was an outdated measuring tool. People here would look at it like medieval vandals looking at stone knives.

I adjusted the caliper’s blade and examined its appearance.

It wasn’t iron or aluminum. I couldn’t tell what material it was made of. Judging by the color, it seemed close to lead, but given the slight reddish glow it emitted, it was likely an extraterrestrial substance.

[— Caliper of Wisdom / C-Grade / Destruction, Measurement, Binding attributes]

The artifact grade was C. The lowest grade. Yet despite that, it had “Destruction” and “Binding” attributes attached.

Perhaps it had a structure where the rank would increase if certain conditions were met. It seemed to have potential.

However….

“What exactly is this used for?”

I had no idea about its purpose. It couldn’t have been given to me just for measuring length. There must be a hidden intention.

[— Information: Can be used for normal measurements.]

[— Information: At current grade, measurements up to 10^-9m units are possible.]

I couldn’t believe what I was reading in the information window.

A mere caliper capable of measurements precise enough to calculate semiconductor circuit widths?

And the surprises didn’t end there.

[— Information: Besides its original purpose, it can also be used for combat.]

I was dumbfounded.

Combat?

It’s already absurd for someone like me to fight monsters, but to fight with this caliper?

In this world where rail gun beams fly around and Plasma Swords exist?

That’s basically telling me to go die.

I guess this can’t be used for anything beyond measurement purposes.

Well, that’s enough.

If I raise its grade, its performance might improve to the point where it could measure gaps between subatomic particles. At that point, discovering gravitons wouldn’t be difficult.

When I placed the caliper on the desk, it disappeared into thin air. Seems like it gets recalled when not in use.

As I was getting used to it by repeatedly summoning and unsummoning it, a notification sound rang out and my status window updated.

[— The God of Wisdom and Curiosity has begun to take a serious interest in you. She is hostile to other foreign entities’ forces outside her own. Stand against monsters from other dimensions as her apostle.]

[— Now is the time to lay the foundation. Get accepted into Stellarium Academy.]

[— Success: SAN parameter unlocked]

[— Failure: Impregnated by Cartesia’s child XD]

My mouth fell open when I saw the failure condition.

“What the hell-!!”

***

Stellarium’s entrance exam is divided into three stages.

Written test, practical test, and interview.

Among these, the biggest problem is neither the written test nor the interview, but the practical test.

“The practical test subject changes every year. And it’s announced a month in advance. You need to check as soon as it’s announced.”

I nodded at Sonia’s words.

Despite having read the novel to its conclusion, I don’t know what will be on this year’s Stellarium practical test.

That’s because the protagonist doesn’t enroll at this time.

Well, having only seen things from the protagonist’s perspective, I wouldn’t know.

In other words, I need to figure out the hidden background setting.

“If there’s any hint, it’s that being a practical test, it involves a lot of physical activity.”

That’s also correct.

It’s similar to the physical fitness tests that existed in college entrance exams long ago. Since the country is under attack, students who will eventually become reservists should have at least minimal physical abilities.

Someone like Rustila would probably score perfectly without any issues.

The problem is, I’m not like her.

“To be honest, young master’s physical condition is a bit…”

“A bit what?”

“…lacking, isn’t it?”

Sonia’s sudden fact-bombing. It was logically correct, so I couldn’t refute it. I gave a thumbs up in response.

“I think I need to get tutoring for the practical test.”

“I recommend tutoring for the written test and interview as well if necessary.”

“Why are you saying that all of a sudden?”

“Because I see potential. From my perspective, your chances of getting into Stellarium are considerable.”

“How much?”

“Approximately 0.142857%.”

“Thanks.”

The average competition ratio for Stellarium is 700 to 1.

“Four months is too short to build core muscles. Rather, why not focus on showing strength in the written test and interview? If you do that, you have a decent chance.”

“That was my plan. But I still need to pass the minimum score.”

Stellarium’s entrance exam has a minimum passing score. Even if you do well in everything else, you won’t be accepted if you fail one part.

“Sonia, help me out.”

“Please tell me.”

“You take charge of my practical tutoring.”

Sonia pointed at herself and tilted her head.

“…Me?”

“You’re a multi-purpose android, right? Can’t you be used for education too? Be my exercise coach.”

“Understood.”

Contrary to expectations, Sonia agreed quickly.

She told me to wait a moment and went somewhere. When she returned, she was holding two wooden swords. She threw one to me and said:

“Based on big data analysis, there’s a high possibility of mock combat this year. I’ll teach you basic swordsmanship for handling a Plasma Sword, so please follow me.”

Sonia adjusted her grip on the wooden sword. Whoosh! There was a sound like the air being torn.

Wait a minute.

I have a bad feeling about this.

***

For the past month, there hasn’t been a peaceful day in the main house of the Rheinland family.

The cause was Eidel.

Ever since he was carried back after being beaten up at the Harcus Casino, he became even stranger. Seti felt this keenly.

Studying, cursing less, not going out to gamble.

He even encouraged her to study hard.

It was ridiculous.

Still, he occasionally showed his true nature. Like when he assaulted the Kersil family’s androids recently. That was more like his usual self, which was somewhat reassuring.

“So,” Seti frowned and said.

“Why is he doing that again?”

She pointed across the field. A small field of about 300 pyeong. Owned by the Rheinland family, it also exists within the estate. Anyway, on that field, Eidel was crossing wooden swords with Sonia.

“He says it’s training.”

“Training?”

Dona, Seti’s exclusive android, nodded.

“Yes, he’s training with Sonia like that to prepare for the practical test.”

“……”

“I heard the young master said something about eating chicken if he could knock away Sonia’s sword even once…”

“Ha, ridiculous.”

Eidel was being one-sidedly beaten by Sonia. It was such severe beating that it was hard to tell if it was training or punishment. The sound of livestock being slaughtered echoed throughout the dome.

Seeing him getting beaten up gave her a sense of satisfaction.

“Pick up your sword again. We’re not done yet.”

Sonia forcibly lifted Eidel up. His legs were trembling.

“What can you do with such a weak person?”

Eidel is physically weak. He hasn’t exercised for the past few years. But he’s not overweight either. His body is too thin and frail to be carrying something like a Plasma Sword.

“No matter how well he does on the written test, that won’t work. His motor skills are terrible.”

Seti snorted and got up. It was time for her to go to academy.

By the time she returned home, Eidel was still getting beaten by Sonia.

And it was the same the next day.

“Aagh! Ack!”

“Keep your spine straight. For stability, place both legs diagonally. Can someone who can calculate the center of mass not consider their own center of gravity?”

“Wait, you hit my bone!”

“When your opponent strikes like this, don’t hesitate to counter-attack. Always keep your eyes on your opponent’s hands, not the blade. Only then will you gain confidence in blocking.”

“Aaaaargh!”

A maid beating up her master.

Such an absurd scene repeated like a panorama every morning.

How much time had passed?

Over the course of three calendar months, Seti watched Eidel getting beaten up.

At first, she thought she’d just watch a little, but it had a strange appeal.

Today was no different. Seti, munching on bacon toast for breakfast, couldn’t help but smile.

“Won’t he die like that?”

“Miss, you should be careful with your words. He’s still of Rheinland blood. What if something happens to him?”

“That would just be bad luck. No, wait. Would that just make Sonia pitiful?”

Seti chuckled.

On the other hand, it was quite admirable.

Not anything else, but Eidel’s tenacity.

He came to the field every day without fail. Jogging, eating breakfast, and then spilling that breakfast while sparring with Sonia. He moved his body rigorously for the entrance exam.

Seeing this, she couldn’t help but feel a chill.

What if, really, he gets in?

‘No way.’

Seti brushed off the thought that had risen like a cloud. Meanwhile, Eidel was knocked down by Sonia’s sword strike. Thwack! With a sound that shouldn’t come from a human body.

“Wow, that looks a bit dangerous.”

Dona covered her mouth with both hands, looking shocked. Seti was also startled by the sound, but soon regained her composure as she saw Eidel getting up again.

“…Does getting beaten up like that every day without fail change anything?”

“Still, it seems like he’s developed some lean muscle compared to before.”

“That’s probably just lumps from being hit. Or calluses.”

“That might be why he’s become tougher.”

“…No.”

Seti shook her head.

“I’ve practiced swordsmanship too, so I know. After taking a sword strike like that, you can’t get up right away.”

In an era where ancient swordsmanship is being revived to combat monsters, Seti recalled the memory of being thoroughly beaten when she first registered at the dojo.

“Sonia just hit his wrist, right? That’s where the radius bone is. It’s where qi passes through when you train in Aether. Even skilled practitioners can’t properly grip a sword for several minutes after being hit there.”

But Eidel was different.

He got up despite taking hits that could easily cause fractures, and he got up even after direct hits to his skull.

In the past three months, he hadn’t fainted even once.

“…Is he human?”

Seti uttered those words after a long time. It’s what she always says after fighting with Eidel.

But today, it wasn’t meant as criticism.

Strangeness.

Absurdity.

And fear.

Like the monsters of “Darwin’s Legion” that regenerate stubbornly no matter how many times they’re stabbed or slashed, Eidel got up time and time again. That physique seemed to transcend human durability.

Is this even possible with a human body?

Could he have become an apostle of a foreign entity?

If so, regardless of personal feelings, Eidel must be expelled unconditionally. Otherwise, the entire family would face ruin.

Of course.

“Aaaaargh!”

“Get up. We’re doing it again.”

A charmless guy like that wouldn’t attract a foreign entity. Even foreign entities have standards.

“Ugh!”

“Again.”

“Ack!”

“Again.”

“Urgh!”

“Again!”

Sonia raised her voice. There was no mercy in her hands. She avoided vital points but struck other areas persistently. Eidel swung his sword without a chance to compose himself.

Eidel was breathing heavily. Sonia adjusted her grip on the sword. Her white eyes gleamed brightly.

“Young master, how do you feel right now?”

“Ah, so good. Hit me more.”

Seti’s expression turned dumb.

“…Is he crazy?”

She seems to be saying this a lot lately. Eidel has done many crazy things, but such bizarre madness hasn’t been seen except in the last three months.

Ding!

“Oh, Miss. The practical schedule seems to be out. Shall I show you right away?”

Seti nodded, and Dona handed her a tablet.

[— Practical Evaluation: ‘Mock Combat with Golem’]

[— Evaluation Content: All first-round successful candidates will engage in mock combat against golems modeled after C-grade monsters. All equipment needed for the test, including Plasma Swords, will be provided equally by the school. Personal equipment is prohibited.]

Below that, the evaluation criteria were detailed. Seti read that far and broke into a cold sweat.

‘Mock combat… The academy said they would only do strength tests and long-distance running this year?’

The information from the academy was completely wrong.

‘It’s been a year since I practiced swordsmanship!’

The remaining time is one month. She needs to rearrange her curriculum now.

She must hurry. Seti shook her head and stood up, thinking of going to the academy.

At that moment.

Clack, clack, clack.

Thwack—!!

The sound of wooden swords clashing rang out four times in succession. Seti’s gaze followed the sound.

There, Eidel was smiling, having knocked away Sonia’s sword.

“…Tonight, it’s Gold Shrimp Chicken.”