Chapter 12
"Everyone's dying to chew you up, huh?" Milo grumbled.
Ian didn't pay much attention, but his two roommates kept stealing glances toward the gathered martial arts students. Unable to watch any longer, Ian simultaneously tapped Milo and Edel's shoulders.
"Stop worrying about them. Let's focus on ourselves. Those are knight aspirants too - people pursuing chivalry. They won't hold petty grudges."
"What part of ganging up on someone counts as chivalry?"
"That was half sarcasm."
"Hahaha. Classic Ian. Don't over-sympathize. You'll just get backstabbed."
Milo had ample reason to dislike knights. His family had forced knight training on him despite his desire to study magic.
But Ian held no prejudice against knights. If anything, mages bore society's harsher judgments - particularly among higher ranks.
Knights trained relentlessly to forge sound bodies and minds. Mages tended toward single-minded obsessions, earning distrust for their inscrutable motives.
In truth, knights with exemplary martial skills and integrity commanded greater respect. The very concept of 'chivalry' originated from martial artists.
For now, they could only rely on the martial arts department's self-policing. Though the delinquent prince had enrolled, upperclassmen wouldn't remain passive.
They'd lucked out with Isella's intervention this time, but future assurances were nonexistent.
"Without proper cause, we can't claim advantage. If provoked, we'll respond then. So long as we don't overstep, public sentiment will favor us."
"If only it were that simple..." Edel muttered.
Ian understood his anxiety. Their commoner status undoubtedly magnified the unease.
"Don't overthink it, Edel. You should worry more about repaying those 20,000 shillings first."
"That's cruel."
Ian stood at the magic department line's rear. The sparse new student count spoke volumes - few could sense and manipulate mana.
The martial arts freshmen appear nearly double in number.
Magic demanded innate talent above all. Martial arts differed - though natural aptitude helped, many achieved mastery through sheer training. It came down to manipulating natural laws versus honing human potential.
The general studies department also boasted substantial numbers, offering the swiftest path to royal bureaucracy. Not frontline roles like knights or mages, yet still prestigious administrative positions.
"You're Ian Oracle, correct?"
"Everyone's talking. They say you properly put that delinquent freshman in his place?"
Students behind them spoke amiably.
'Delinquent freshman' rather than 'prince'? His reputation's worse than I imagined.
Rumors had spread alarmingly fast - unsurprising in the Academy's closed ecosystem where gossip traveled at light speed.
"I did nothing. Senior Isella handled everything."
"Still impressive! Standing firm before royalty? I'd have pissed myself in your shoes!"
"The Oracle family head truly differs. I've read Baron Lefebvre's works myself - profoundly insightful."
Peers' eyes sparkled with anticipation. Ian remained impassive, though Milo and Edel gazed proudly.
An unnamed classmate inquired: "So you're pursuing theoretical magic, naturally?"
"For now."
The expected follow-up came: "The Oracles are theoretical mages, but your mana reserves must still be substantial?"
Ian answered dismissively: "Nothing remarkable."
Excitement erupted:
"I can't wait for mana assessment day! To rebuke Helios, you must have astronomical levels!"
"Right! This is thrilling!"
"Nobody knows Ian's true capabilities since he's been low-key!"
"Could break all-time records!"
Ian chuckled wryly. By simple comparison, his mana didn't reach half of Milo's. Yet dissuading their expectations felt discourteous.
High mana alone doesn't define a great mage.
His parents had always emphasized this - true mastery lay not in raw power, but understanding and applying nature's principles. This upbringing spared him despair over his mediocre mana.
Yet society's measures differed.
I'd likely rank lowest if tested now.
Ian needed no assessment to gauge his level.
Prioritize the Hamel Merchant Guild matter first. Mana enhancement can wait.
He retrieved glasses from his coat. Milo eyed them curiously.
"Where'd you get those? Look ancient."
"Family heirloom."
"Heirloom? That shabby pair's the Oracle treasure?"
Ian nodded. Movement stirred on the podium - the King's entrance imminent.
"Must you judge? Our family's treasure concepts differ."
"Not judging... but what's their power?"
"X-ray vision."
"Gasp! You can see through girls' clothes?!"
"Obviously a lie. Get a grip."
"Damn!"
Ian smirked. Nothing unusual appeared yet, but he resolved to explore the glasses' potential thoroughly.
If Father insisted I wear these now, there must be purpose. Perhaps they'll help break my limits?
A trumpet blast reverberated.
Bwoooooo!
As the military band's majestic fanfare began, Academy officials rose from the podium. Students tensed simultaneously.
The King emerged resplendent - Conquest King Isaac, victor of the prolonged war against neighboring Roland Kingdom.
Yet time had transformed the once-vigorous monarch past his sixtieth year. The triumphant general welcomed by cheering crowds had dwindled into a fading sunset.
"Present respects to His Majesty!"
The mana-amplified command forced every student to kneel - right knee grounded, left arm bent in vassal's salute. Academy enrollment meant swearing fealty to crown and country.
"Pledge loyalty to His Majesty!"
The students' roar echoed. Academy members essentially served as officers' aides - magic students assisted the Royal Mage Corps in research and occasional combat; martial arts students fought as cadets, though monster hunts comprised most action in peacetime; general studies students became bureaucrats.
Standout performers sometimes skipped grades or graduated early.
The aged King reached the podium.
"Rise."
Students stood proudly as commanded. The King's subsequent coughs made Ian frown.
Has His Majesty weakened so severely? Strange.
Though past sixty, the monarch's legendary vigor had vanished entirely. Ian remembered glimpsing that piercing gaze during childhood parades, now extinguished.
Prince Helios must be anxious.
The King wouldn't last long. Yet with the prince already crowned, Helios needed his father's sustained health to maintain legitimacy.
But depositions rarely occur... Succession will proceed naturally.
The King's speech commenced haltingly:
"Your loyal bearing illuminates the kingdom's future. As Academy students - my faithful vassals - you must devote your lives to nation and people."
Another coughing fit interrupted. Ian observed guards and officials exchanging grim looks - clear evidence of the monarch's decline.
"...May glorious light grace your paths."
Attendants supported the retreating King as the speech concluded.
Milo jabbed Ian's side.
"Things might get turbulent soon, eh?"
"Quiet. Eavesdroppers."
"I named no names."
Ian remained unconcerned. Throne changes affected only high nobles and officials. The minor Oracle family would escape notice - no lands to manage, nothing to lose.
"Next, the student representative's address. Martial Arts Department representative Helios, step forward."
At the headmaster's command, Helios mounted the podium with swagger. Selection criteria remained unclear, but the prince's position was obvious - this was his father's academy.
"The audacity! After causing that scene earlier!" Milo marveled. Ian silently observed.
"Oath. I, Helios of Martial Arts First Year, alongside all freshmen, solemnly swear to serve kingdom and crown through faithful Academy service per His Majesty's decree."
Post-oath, Helios scanned the crowd arrogantly. His subsequent ramblings deserved no attention.
"As representative, my final words: heed well."
Helios' gaze instantly pinpointed Ian's location. Their eyes clashed midair.
So much for chivalry.
Helios' mouth twisted into the same smirk from their earlier confrontation.
"The weak get weeded out. I adore this saying. Why? Because weaklings are useless. This Academy's no different. Only the strong survive. Pray you don't get culled."
The warning hung pointedly. Ian remained impassive - their concerns simply didn't align.
This indifference aggravated Helios further. The prince maintained eye contact until descending, sparks practically flying between them.
