Chapter 46: Practice Week Part 1

Since the purpose of the academy was education, not just ranking students, some subjects required off-campus practical training.

However, since the classes were scheduled for a strict 6-hour daily routine, it was not possible to do that regularly.

Thus, there was a designated week specifically for intensive practical training.

It took place between the midterm and final exams.

On Monday morning of the first week of November, Ellie was standing with about 25 other students because of that practical training week.

Since around 100 first-year students couldn’t just wander around carelessly, they were split into 4 groups.

“Is everyone ready~?”

The instructor of the group Ellie belonged to, Professor Blanc Malanya, who taught magical biology (plants), shouted in her usual laid-back voice.

“Yes~”

“Don’t copy me~”

“Yes~”

“I said, don’t copy me.”

Except for some minor things, everything seemed fine.

“Now, everyone~ Do you remember we are Group 1? Keep it in mind~”

Just like them, the instructors of Groups 2, 3, and 4 were checking the students as they lined up.

Professor Claude, who taught magical phenomenology, Professor Nidpeak, who taught magical biology (animals), and Professor Teleman, who taught magical combat.

And, in charge of everything, was a familiar face to Ellie—Melrit, with dark circles under her eyes.

“Is everyone in their group ready?”

It was Melrit.

She looked like the youngest had been stuck with the tedious task, and, in fact, that was true.

Sir Flor, who replaced Rachel Vermi’s vacancy, was confirmed to become a professor within the academy, but due to political issues, his appointment had been delayed.

‘The youngest life… I thought it would end soon, but…’

It was unfortunate, but it couldn’t be helped.

Anyway, she had to take all the new students to the practical training ground, located about 20 km away from the academy.

Most of the work would be done by the group leaders, but even so, managing 100 students was exhausting.

Once there, she had to check if the necessary supplies and food were being properly provided, if the subject-specific practice areas were being conducted well by each group, mediate any conflicts between students, and if anyone decided to impulsively run away in the middle of the night…

Sigh.

It couldn’t be helped.

That was the job.

“Alright, if everyone is ready, let’s depart!”

***

The first-year students cheered, “Yes~ Yes!”

In the meantime, Melrit glanced over to see how Ellie was doing.

As usual, she was laughing, surrounded by her friends.

Noticing Melrit’s gaze, Ellie waved her hand slightly.

‘I love the academy.’

The large chalkboard in the lecture hall, the five-story dormitory, the administration building with professors and the dean, the workshops, and even the combat training rooms.

The vast lawn that covered the campus, and the trees offering shade in between.

I loved the mountains surrounding the academy, and the cool breeze blowing through them.

In fact, before coming here, I never thought I’d like it this much.

In my past life, I wasn’t particularly patriotic.

But now I know.

It was because I hadn’t met a school worth loving before.

Walking towards the practical training ground while chatting with my friends, Philia suddenly spoke up.

“By the way, have you heard? We’re supposed to cook our own meals there.”

“I heard. I guess it’s time to show off my skills again.”

“Ellie…?”

“Hey, I’m way better than you guys.”

I’ve lived on my own for a long time.

In modern-day Korea, orphans are kicked out of the orphanage once they turn 18.

Isabel asked.

“But why do we have to cook ourselves? Was there an explanation?”

“Isn’t it just an experience?”

“Actually, it wasn’t just a fun experience. In a world where magicians are also warriors, it was likely a form of combat preparation training, but I just said it was an experience. I didn’t want to ruin the festive mood like a field trip.”

“But we have to cook all five days?”

“Yep. And we also have to do things like laundry and other necessary chores.”

“…Really?”

Although situations vary by family, the idea of a hundred noble children doing their own cooking, cleaning, and laundry…

‘Hmm.’

‘Maybe it’s a bigger deal than I thought?’

In fact, it was a big deal.

Every semester during practical training week, students would accidentally burn food or laundry, or even set the hunting grounds on fire.

The last one was especially troublesome because some students, not understanding that animals needed to be slaughtered to become meat, would attempt to cook a whole animal, which was even more of a headache than a mistake.

Of course, there were other problems too, like students misplacing essential items, or getting into fights due to the tension of the unfamiliar environment.

Professors accompanying students during practical training week, whether they were the main in-charge or not, had to prepare for headaches.

But.

…The kids are surprisingly calm?’

Professor Blanc, the instructor of Group 1, wondered, though she didn’t show it outwardly.

Students’ tendencies change by year, but when you gather about 100 students, they tend to end up somewhat similar.

Some are shy, others are clumsy and cause trouble, and some give up because things get too hard.

The exact ratio may differ, but whether it’s 5 or 10, it never becomes zero.

But.

The new students this time didn’t cause any problems at all.

Feeling intrigued, Blanc decided to observe the students.

***

After arriving at the practice area, they split into groups to begin their exercises.

In the evening, they cooked, then made a big bonfire, and after that, they did laundry and took baths before going to sleep.

Later, in the professors’ quarters, Blanc presented the results of the observations to the other four adults.

“From what I can tell, it seems like it’s because of Ellie, doesn’t it?”

“Agreed.”

“I think so too.”

“Hm.”

It was truly a strange phenomenon.

Just by not being part of the group, it became far easier to observe it correctly.

Even though the professor was standing on flat ground just like the students, only hearing the conversations around them, it was obvious to them.

The reason why the new students weren’t causing trouble was because of Ellie.

And professors were creatures who liked to analyze things.

“Well, first of all, she’s setting a good example herself. Given that she has a reputation since the beginning of the semester, when she suggests something, even the hot-tempered kids tend to follow her easily.”

First and foremost, Ellie had power.

“She knows how to do various household chores, and she’s sharing that knowledge with those around her, which is spreading to other kids. Did you see it when they were cooking today? She was leading everything on her own.”

Ellie also had knowledge.

The aristocratic children weren’t deliberately ruining the cooking or laundry, so when someone showed them the correct way to do things, they followed.

“I think some students were holding back from doing weird things, possibly because they were aware of Ellie’s gaze. Especially the boys…”

Her external beauty, or simply put, her good looks, couldn’t be ignored either.

Moreover, Ellie’s ‘development’ was ahead of her age, and it was clear she was going to ‘go far’ in the future.

Teenage boys, in many ways, found it hard to stand tall in front of her.

“Ellie’s friends are also quite mature. And that seems to spread as well.”

When many people exert their influence, it becomes even more solid, and Ellie had friends who played this role for her.

After everyone presented their analysis, the professors suddenly became quiet, lost in thought.

‘Was she perhaps a little too competent?’

It wasn’t just that she did her job well; she was managing around 100 aristocratic children.

With her personal strength, knowledge, and charm.

“…If it were a time of chaos, she might have started a warlord faction.”

“Hahaha…”

Blanc’s words caused the other professor to burst into laughter.

He thought so too, after all.

It seemed there were no professors who disagreed.

***

Screech.

“What are you all talking about…?”

The person who asked the question was Melrit, the head of the program, who had just entered after completing the final checks.

She was tired, her voice lacking energy, and the dark circles under her eyes had deepened since before their departure, almost as if she had deliberately applied makeup under her eyes.

At this point, she even had a strange, decadent beauty to her.

“It’s nothing much, just talking about Ellie.”

“Ellie?”

Melrit’s voice suddenly gained energy.

“Yes, yes. Ellie.”

“Isn’t she amazing!?”

“Right?”

For a moment, the word ‘favoritism’ flashed through Blanc’s mind, but.

‘This kind of reaction is within the normal range, right?’

As a teacher, it was impossible not to feel some affection for an outstanding student, and Ellie had been the top student in the last midterm exams.

Moreover, just like the other professors, Melrit must have seen Ellie manage the children firsthand, and, in fact, Melrit was the one who discovered Ellie.

It would be unreasonable to ask her not to feel some affection.

However.

‘Huh…’

Blanc, who had been talking about Ellie with Melrit, suddenly felt a slight sense of discomfort.

‘Was that really pride in a student, who was clearly her subordinate?’

‘Wasn’t it more of an attitude like she admired someone superior to her?’

‘Ah, no way.’

‘It must just be because she’s tired, so her behavior is strange.’