Chapter 32 : Instructor, the progress is too fast (3)

When a monster den is discovered, it typically falls under the ownership and jurisdiction of the state. However, there is a “grace period” upon the initial discovery.

A monster den is a place that provides clear rewards if the source is conquered.

Thus, a type of conquest right is granted to the heroes who first discover it.

The duration of this grace period varies according to the danger and difficulty of the monster den, and entering the den or hunting monsters during this period could be punishable as a crime within the kingdom.

And this, in fact, is one reason why hero explorers are quite popular on the continent.

• “Has the grace period already been granted?”
• “Already?”
• “Yes. That’s why I showed it to the instructor.”

Reese, who showed us the monster den known as the “Blue Marshlands,” had already applied for the grace period and secured the rights for it.

This meant that it was registered in the Kleppe Kingdom but had not yet been publicly disclosed, as it was still within the grace period.

This was why Ray and I were able to see this monster den for the first time.

“At least this makes the job easier.”

Once a place is registered, the work becomes much simpler.

The next day.

Ray and I headed to the administration office of the Swordsmanship Faculty.

There, at my request, Senior Instructor Akina was already waiting.

With wide-open eyes, she asked me in surprise.

“You want to apply for special practical training?”

“Yes. Here are the application form and the relevant report on the monster den.”

According to regulations, all practical training for faculty courses must be conducted in the “training grounds.”

The training ground assigned for my <Balut Swordsmanship> course was the “7th Training Ground in the 3rd Wing,” and typically, it is not permissible to conduct practical training outside this area.

However, exceptions can exist in any field.

A “special practical” can be created within a course with the administrative office’s approval, and if enough cadets volunteer, training can be conducted in an external location.

“Instructor Edgar, you know that special practicals don’t affect grades, right?”

Indeed, a special practical cannot impact the grade of the respective course.

Moreover, the related content cannot appear on midterms or finals.

Since it is an additional learning experience conducted as an exception within the course, it is challenging to integrate it into the course’s core content.

It’s merely a tool to help students learn more effectively.

Or it serves as a type of supplementary learning concept.

And naturally, it provides no advantage to the instructor either.

“It’s fine. As long as the cadets learn well, that’s enough.”

But I have no desire for wealth or fame as an instructor.

I had already enjoyed all of that before I returned.

Now, as an educator, I simply wish that the students in my course master the essence of <Balut Swordsmanship>.

Especially since <Balut Swordsmanship> was designed for battlefields, its effectiveness could be maximized when a real opponent was present.

Listening to me, Akina exclaimed in admiration with her mouth slightly open.

“Instructor Edgar seems to think of the cadets day and night.”

“Pardon? No, it’s not as grand as that…”

“I heard about the basic physical training during your first lecture, saying it was necessary for the course, right? I was already looking forward to your teaching during our preparations before the semester began, but Instructor Edgar continues to exceed expectations.”

Akina showered me with praise, leaving me silent.

Of course, the physical training was necessary for the course.

But honestly, I mostly wanted to correct the habits of those noble heroes…

Seeing Akina’s happy expression, I felt there was no need to correct her impression.

“Alright! I’ll directly appeal to the administration head for you.”

“…Is that possible?”

“From Rank 2 Distinguished Instructors onward, we can have private meetings with the school officials. Not that they grant every request, but since this is a course-related request, it should be approved. If we’re lucky, it could even be done by tomorrow.”

“Is this the power of Crowflin?”

What I thought would take at least a week was now being processed at lightning speed through my senior’s intervention.

Leaving the special practical request in Akina’s hands, we headed to Room 311 for our morning lecture preparation.

“Edgar, are you really planning to use the Blue Marshlands as the location for the special practical?”

As we walked, Ray asked a question.

It didn’t seem like a simple confirmation, so I stopped in my tracks.

“Why? Does it feel like things are progressing too fast?”

“More accurately, I find it hard to fully trust Cadet Reese. It’s understandable that she knows a lot about Gallid, but… claiming to have discovered the monster den by sensing the water’s energy, saying there might be another holy sword at its source—it all seems too questionable.”

“Hmm…”

“Even if all that is true, it’s strange. I don’t understand why she would share this with you, and her knowledge about the Venher Kingdom also feels oddly thorough. It’s almost as if…”

“She’s a spy from Venher?”

“……”

Ray fell silent at my pointed remark.

Silence was as good as confirmation.

I laughed lightly and replied.

“Well, I can’t imagine why Venher, a country not even hostile to Kleppe, would bother sending a spy. And to a hero academy, no less.”

“That’s true, but…”

“Plus, if she were a spy, she’s too sloppy. Didn’t she show a ridiculous side, using informal speech with us at first and getting scolded severely?”

Of course, I can’t entirely rule out her connection to Venher.

Her hero report does state that she’s a commoner from Sachsen, but her knowledge and ability to detect monster dens are anything but ordinary.

However, it didn’t seem like she approached us with any specific agenda.

Ray, listening, suddenly looked at me with a curious gaze.

“Edgar, you seem…”

With a peculiar glint in her eyes, she said,

“You seem to have quite a bit of faith in people, or rather, in heroes.”

“Hmm? Do I?”

“Yes. When you first met Cadet Kaela in Sachsen, and now with Cadet Reese. And even when dealing with the family head…”

For a moment, Ray’s words trailed off.

…Family head?

Is she referring to my father?

Before I could make any judgment on this, she quickly finished her sentence.

“Anyway, you seem to trust people quite a lot.”

“Do I?”

As we conversed, we arrived at the lecture room.

It was almost time for the second lecture on <Balut Swordsmanship> to begin.

I looked at Ray, whose face had hardened, and said.

“Ray, I’ve been hurt by people too. I’ve been betrayed by those I trusted, and I’ve seen people with unwavering faces reveal another side behind closed doors.”

In the span of ten years, it wasn’t just my swordsmanship that had changed.

“Sir Edgar, you…”

With a peculiar look in her eyes, she continued.

“You seem to trust people—no, heroes—quite well.”

“Hmm? Do I?”

“Yes. When you first met Cadet Kaela in Sachsen, and now with Cadet Reese. Even with the head of the family…”

For a moment, Ray trailed off.

…The head of the family?

Was she referring to my father?

Before I could figure that out, she quickly finished her thought.

“In any case, you seem to trust people quite easily.”

“Is that so?”

As we continued talking, we found ourselves at the lecture hall.

The second lecture on <Balut Swordsmanship> was about to begin.

I looked at Ray’s hardened expression and spoke.

“Ray, I, too, have been hurt by people. I’ve been betrayed by those I trusted, and I’ve seen people who seemed steadfast reveal different faces behind the scenes.”

Over those ten years, it wasn’t only my swordsmanship that had changed.

I had encountered countless people, clashed with many, and had experienced the unpleasant spectrum of human nature numerous times.

I had been broken by them repeatedly, and my vague understanding of humanity had shifted considerably.

But.

“Yet, even so, I realized that I had to trust. If we don’t, just because someone seems unfamiliar or dangerous… relationships can never truly form.”

“……”

“So, Ray, you’re welcome to betray me as much as you like. Until then, our connection continues. Until that moment, I’ll trust you, and you’ll trust me.”

In truth, betrayal is unacceptable.

Given the significant bond we had built since my return, if Ray were to betray me, the loss and anger would be immense.

However, putting aside that possible future, I genuinely trusted Ray now.

As she opened the lecture hall door, she murmured quietly.

“You sound as if you’re worried I’ll quit as your assistant. Understood.”

“…That’s a misunderstanding.”

That’s the problem with perceptive people.

Lucas Chadbell listened to the class with great interest.

<Balut Swordsmanship>.

This course, newly established by Edgar Mulick, a noble-born instructor, had caused quite a stir.

Most of the cadets who signed up were drawn by the “instructor,” but Lucas was one of the few who had enrolled based on the “course syllabus.”

Unlike other swordsmanship techniques, this one was uniquely specialized in “slashing.”

Additionally, it was a technique that excelled in battles against multiple opponents.

The contents of the technique itself were intriguing, but the course’s objective was even more compelling.

The goal was to offer young heroes who were just beginning their journey in swordsmanship a clear path by mastering this technique.

In other words, there was no unnecessary bravado, like claiming, “Master this technique and become invincible!”

It simply introduced a distinctive form of swordsmanship.

This was what set <Balut Swordsmanship> apart from other courses.

“Not only is the content fascinating, but the instructor is excellent.”

The appeal wasn’t solely in the course content.

Instructor Edgar Mulick’s teaching ability was remarkable.

After making a strong impression on the first day with physical training disguised as group discipline, on the second day, Instructor Edgar taught the core theory of the swordsmanship with meticulous detail.

The main techniques within the swordsmanship.

The optimal posture to effectively execute these moves.

Lastly, he demonstrated the technique with a sword in hand.

The explanations were clear, and his demonstrations greatly aided the cadets’ understanding.

It was a class that seemed flawless from an instructor’s perspective.

The level of instructional skill almost made it hard to believe he’d put the cadets through such grueling training on the first day.

‘I’m glad I took this course!’

As the second-day lecture concluded, Lucas felt a strong sense that he had made the right choice.

The Chadbell family, to which he belonged, was a prominent knightly family in the Kleppe Kingdom, known for its swordsmanship.

Though not as illustrious as the Crowflin family, it had produced many hero-knights over generations and even possessed a hero who had unlocked the “Fourth Crossroad.”

Despite coming from such a storied family, Lucas found <Balut Swordsmanship> much more captivating.

If he learned it well, it seemed worthy of being his primary technique, and Instructor Edgar Mulick appeared to have much to teach him.

“For the practical application of Balut Swordsmanship, I intend to conduct a special training session. The location will be the Blue Marshlands north of Tristan, and it will be held in the evening after the lecture. This session will not affect your grades or exams, so only those cadets who are interested should raise their hands.”

When Instructor Edgar announced the “special training” after the lecture ended, Lucas raised his hand without hesitation.

There was no reason to miss such a great opportunity for practical training directly with the instructor.

However…

‘Why are there so few?’

Did the first day’s group discipline have a big impact?

Only four cadets, including Lucas, raised their hands.

Of them, three were female cadets, leaving Lucas as the only male participant.

Though a small number wasn’t necessarily a problem, it did feel too few for practical training.

And then.

When Lucas looked straight ahead at Instructor Edgar, he noticed something.

‘W-What is that?’

He felt a chill as he saw Instructor Edgar smiling brightly at him.

“Cadet Lucas Chadbell. You’ve made a good choice. Welcome to the special training.”

It was as if he were announcing a direct train to hell.

“Sir Edgar, you…”

With a peculiar look in her eyes, she continued.

“You seem to trust people—no, heroes—quite well.”

“Hmm? Do I?”

“Yes. When you first met Cadet Kaela in Sachsen, and now with Cadet reese. Even with the head of the family…”

For a moment, Ray trailed off.

…The head of the family?

Was she referring to my father?

Before I could figure that out, she quickly finished her thought.

“In any case, you seem to trust people quite easily.”

“Is that so?”

As we continued talking, we found ourselves at the lecture hall.

The second lecture on <Balut Swordsmanship> was about to begin.

I looked at Ray’s hardened expression and spoke.

“Ray, I, too, have been hurt by people. I’ve been betrayed by those I trusted, and I’ve seen people who seemed steadfast reveal different faces behind the scenes.”

Over those ten years, it wasn’t only my swordsmanship that had changed.

I had encountered countless people, clashed with many, and had experienced the unpleasant spectrum of human nature numerous times.

I had been broken by them repeatedly, and my vague understanding of humanity had shifted considerably.

But.

“Yet, even so, I realized that I had to trust. If we don’t, just because someone seems unfamiliar or dangerous… relationships can never truly form.”

“……”

“So, Ray, you’re welcome to betray me as much as you like. Until then, our connection continues. Until that moment, I’ll trust you, and you’ll trust me.”

In truth, betrayal is unacceptable.

Given the significant bond we had built since my return, if Ray were to betray me, the loss and anger would be immense.

However, putting aside that possible future, I genuinely trusted Ray now.

As she opened the lecture hall door, she murmured quietly.

“You sound as if you’re worried I’ll quit as your assistant. Understood.”

“…That’s a misunderstanding.”

That’s the problem with perceptive people.

Lucas Chadbell listened to the class with great interest.

<Balut Swordsmanship>.

This course, newly established by Edgar Mulick, a noble-born instructor, had caused quite a stir.

Most of the cadets who signed up were drawn by the “instructor,” but Lucas was one of the few who had enrolled based on the “course syllabus.”

Unlike other swordsmanship techniques, this one was uniquely specialized in “slashing.”

Additionally, it was a technique that excelled in battles against multiple opponents.

The contents of the technique itself were intriguing, but the course’s objective was even more compelling.

The goal was to offer young heroes who were just beginning their journey in swordsmanship a clear path by mastering this technique.

In other words, there was no unnecessary bravado, like claiming, “Master this technique and become invincible!”

It simply introduced a distinctive form of swordsmanship.

This was what set <Balut Swordsmanship> apart from other courses.

“Not only is the content fascinating, but the instructor is excellent.”

The appeal wasn’t solely in the course content.

Instructor Edgar Mulick’s teaching ability was remarkable.

After making a strong impression on the first day with physical training disguised as group discipline, on the second day, Instructor Edgar taught the core theory of the swordsmanship with meticulous detail.

The main techniques within the swordsmanship.

The optimal posture to effectively execute these moves.

Lastly, he demonstrated the technique with a sword in hand.

The explanations were clear, and his demonstrations greatly aided the cadets’ understanding.

It was a class that seemed flawless from an instructor’s perspective.

The level of instructional skill almost made it hard to believe he’d put the cadets through such grueling training on the first day.

‘I’m glad I took this course!’

As the second-day lecture concluded, Lucas felt a strong sense that he had made the right choice.

The Chadbell family, to which he belonged, was a prominent knightly family in the Kleppe Kingdom, known for its swordsmanship.

Though not as illustrious as the Crowflin family, it had produced many hero-knights over generations and even possessed a hero who had unlocked the “Fourth Crossroad.”

Despite coming from such a storied family, Lucas found <Balut Swordsmanship> much more captivating.

If he learned it well, it seemed worthy of being his primary technique, and Instructor Edgar Mulick appeared to have much to teach him.

“For the practical application of Balut Swordsmanship, I intend to conduct a special training session. The location will be the Blue Marshlands north of Tristan, and it will be held in the evening after the lecture. This session will not affect your grades or exams, so only those cadets who are interested should raise their hands.”

When Instructor Edgar announced the “special training” after the lecture ended, Lucas raised his hand without hesitation.

There was no reason to miss such a great opportunity for practical training directly with the instructor.

However…

‘Why are there so few?’

Did the first day’s group discipline have a big impact?

Only four cadets, including Lucas, raised their hands.

Of them, three were female cadets, leaving Lucas as the only male participant.

Though a small number wasn’t necessarily a problem, it did feel too few for practical training.

And then.

When Lucas looked straight ahead at Instructor Edgar, he noticed something.

‘W-What is that?’

He felt a chill as he saw Instructor Edgar smiling brightly at him.

“Cadet Lucas Chadbell. You’ve made a good choice. Welcome to the special training.”

It was as if he were announcing a direct train to hell.