The Hero In The Military academy Suit

Chapter 09

(Part:04 )  The Noble Flower in My Clumsy Writing

“It could be different under normal circumstances, but I think it’ll be fine this time. The instructor, Lady Alexa, who was sent as a training officer, was personally recommended by the Grand General. She wouldn’t just dismiss someone who has such a recommendation. She strongly supports the Grand General and will try to conduct the tests fairly.”

I nodded as if I understood.

Alexa Lovelace.

She was like a jack-of-all-trades, constantly being called to wherever an extra hand was needed.

A knight of Izera, a swordsmanship instructor at the military academy.

And if my memory serves me right, the reason she had been called to be an instructor here was because…

“Originally, the instructor for this year was supposed to be Sir Jacks, but he was dismissed for harassing trainees, so Lady Alexa was called in last minute. I heard some trainees even challenged him to a duel.”

Etterange said this with a faint smile, as if telling a funny joke.

“It’s surprising that a knight of sacred Izera would dare harass a trainee, but even more so that the trainees actually fought back and even wounded him… It’s going to be recorded as the worst incident in the training center’s history. There’s already a rumor going around that this generation will be the worst.”

That’s true.

The Class of 21 is both the strongest and the most troublesome generation in history.

On the first week of training, when an instructor harassed a trainee, the ‘protagonist’ and others immediately banded together and beat him up.

Of course, there will be more incidents to come.

“I heard there are some incredibly talented trainees this year. Do you really think you can be the top among them?”

Her tone wasn’t mocking or dismissive.

It was just a genuine question.

“Of course. I will.”

Though, in terms of pure talent, I might be second to none—assuming I don’t get lazy.

“Senior, you should aim for the top again. Being second doesn’t suit you.”

“Haha, I’ll do that. I’ll be cheering for you, junior.”

Etterange said that with a smile.

Why is it that a bad feeling is always right?

“Go back, trainee. How dare you think of entering this sacred training center through tricks?”

As expected, the entrance to the training center hit a snag right from the start.

I had anticipated it.

The training center director, Conrad.

The magic training officer, Creik, who was dispatched from the military academy.

The physical training officer, Alexa, also sent from the academy.

All three of these people were sticklers for principles.

With three strict, principle-driven officers, it was no surprise they’d refuse any shortcuts.

“Get lost. Go through the proper channels next year. If you do, we’ll also train that rotten mentality of yours.”

“Wait a minute, Director Conrad. This trainee has a recommendation letter from the Grand General. We can’t just send him back.”

It was Alexa who stopped Conrad from saying more.

Though she was a principled person, she respected the hero, Viltred, as a comrade.

“The rules of the training center are important, but you also have to consider the Grand General’s reputation.”

“Heh. If that’s the case, why not just make you the head of the training center? I’ll happily give up the position if you want.”

“Director Conrad…”

“Don’t argue with me, Lady Alexa. I’m the one in charge here.”

Alexa’s gaze shifted to the other instructor, Creik.

But he just shrugged his shoulders.

“I’ll remain neutral.”

That was his way of saying he didn’t want to get involved in this argument.

The Grand General and the director had to deal with each other frequently, so he didn’t want to upset either.

Alexa seemed deep in thought, unsure if she should go against the director’s wishes to help me join midway through.

After all, she was just an interim instructor.

But after a moment, it seemed like she made up her mind and nodded slightly, before speaking.

“The reason for the recommendation letter says it’s because the boy’s talent would be wasted if he spent a year doing nothing. If that’s true, missing the first two weeks of physical training shouldn’t be a big issue, Director.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“Let’s test him.”

“Test him?”

“Like the Grand General said, we should decide if he’s an outstanding talent worth admitting midway or if he can catch up even after missing the initial training.”

“…”

“Not giving him a chance would make it look like you’re intentionally disrespecting the Grand General. Technically, the principle hasn’t been broken. There’s never been a case where someone with a recommendation letter joined midway, but there’s no rule against it either.”

Alexa laid out her points one by one, and Conrad’s expression kept changing.

After a while, as if he had made a decision, he called me with an annoyed expression.

“Russell Ashgreen.”

“Yes, sir.”

He didn’t even call me a trainee.

“Will you take the test?”

“If it’s necessary, I’ll take it.”

“But if you fail this test, even if you reapply next year, you’ll be permanently banned from entering the academy.”

“You’re not even telling me what the test is?”

“That’s not your concern. Just decide if you’re taking it or not.”

His almost threatening tone made me take a deep breath to calm myself down.

Keep a straight face. Keep a straight face.

“Is the test fair?”

The atmosphere changed instantly.

Alexa and Creik looked surprised, while Conrad’s face turned red and blue.

A mere trainee candidate daring to…

Just from his blinking eyes, I could hear his thoughts.

I didn’t intend to be this arrogant from the start.

But my goal is to stop the apocalypse in the final episode.

In the end, it’s for the good of the entire continent, including that guy.

So, yeah, I was being a bit stubborn.

And I also figured making it clear would prevent them from messing with the test.

That was a bigger reason.

“Are you insulting the holy Izera training center?”

“If you’re planning to intentionally fail me, then it’s better for me to take the recommendation letter and go to another training center or academy. Maybe somewhere like Reingar. You deal with the fallout.”

“How dare you threaten me… so arrogant.”

It was a sort of threat, just as he said.

A talent personally recommended by the Grand General.

Could he really afford to let such talent slip away to another country?

I was forcing him to gamble his reputation and achievements.

Conrad’s face kept changing.

The one who intervened was Alexa.

“Enough. Trainee Russell, control yourself. Your actions are only tarnishing the Grand General’s reputation, who recommended you.”

“…Yes, I’m sorry.”

I backed down immediately.

She wasn’t just someone I had to deal with at this training center, but also at the academy.

I didn’t want to create trouble with her.

Besides, she was a reasonable and likable person.

“We’ll discuss it among the instructors. Please wait outside for a moment.”

Following Alexa’s words, I calmly stepped outside the instructor’s office.

Before I knew it, a bunch of trainees had gathered around the entrance, sneaking glances at me.

“What are you looking at? Is there a show going on?”

I ended up snapping at the young trainees.

I was still feeling a bit sour.

If this goes on, I might really end up with a bad reputation…

After quite a long meeting, Creik was the first to step out of the office.

He glanced at Conrad and Alexa before scratching his head in annoyance.

It seemed he was the one to oversee the test after initially staying neutral.

“The test is simple. The trainees here have been undergoing physical training for two weeks. They took fitness tests three times: at the end of the first week, at the end of the second week, and upon entry.”

“Yes.”

“You’ll take those three tests all at once. However, you’ll be given enough time. If you complete the course within the given time, you’ll be allowed to join.”

“Simple enough.”

“Simple, my ass. You’re quite the annoying type, aren’t you?”

“No need to say hurtful things…”

Conrad looked at me with displeasure, Alexa had a complex expression, and Creik seemed indifferent.

Alexa slowly spoke up, observing the situation.

“It won’t be easy. Even when taken separately, many trainees failed. This might feel like a subtle way of telling you to go back. But I promise, even if you fail the test, there won’t be any disadvantage next year as the director said.”

“Wow, really? That’s good news.”

“I swear on the honor of the Sacred Sword Knights of Izera.”

“Well, that’s reassuring.”

I nodded and studied the map of the course Creik handed me.

The test was simply running—a fitness test.

It was about 150 kilometers. The time given was one day.

Running continuously at 6.2 km/h for 24 hours would barely complete the distance.

It was close to running four marathons in a row.

Even with a body exceeding normal human limits, without significant training, it was an impossible task.

But they claimed fairness.

Since I hadn’t taken the three fitness tests, I had to complete them all at once. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be allowed to join.

This way, they had a valid excuse even for the person who gave me the recommendation letter.

If I refused, I’d just be someone who tried to get in through tricks but fled from a legitimate test.

“I’ll do it.”

So, I had to. No other choice.

As long as I didn’t stop running, it was technically doable.

Creik handed me a backpack and attached a small circular device to my shoulder.

The firmly secured device blinked red.

“It’s a tracker. If you leave the course or exceed 24 hours, it’ll notify the control room. Of course, if you forcefully remove the device or are caught cheating, you’ll be disqualified.”

Good thing I came with a full stomach.

If I had come on an empty stomach, I wouldn’t have had the energy to run and would’ve failed.

Thanks, senior Etterange.

“It seems difficult and impossible, but you can do it. This test is about verifying your will.”

“Lady Alexa, don’t get too involved. Hey, if you’re ready, start.”

“I’m ready. Let’s begin.”

I answered without hesitation.

There was no reason to delay.

Creik nodded and started the timer on the device on his shoulder.

Then, he gave me a firm pat on the back as if to signal me to go.

The force of his push sent me flying forward.

The crowd surrounding the building parted like the Red Sea.

As I ran through the countless gazes, familiar faces flashed by.

The characters I had created through commissioned illustrations.

The ones who would become my companions.

The eyes were curious rather than negative.

‘Just wait a bit longer.’

The creator above the landowner above the deity is going to give you a comfy ride soon.