The Rules of Saint Laurent and the Missing Students

“Saint Roland Academy is a magic academy, quite unlike ordinary schools. It doesn’t have many rules; in fact, most of its regulations are merely for show. In reality, only a few school rules truly need to be followed diligently.”

Thomson continued walking, introducing the academy to Ai Ou as they went.

“First, students must not harm one another, nor may they kill another student without cause. Should conflicts arise, they can apply for a duel to resolve the disagreement, or even enter a life-and-death pact for an unrelenting duel until one falls. Secondly, the study of forbidden magic is strictly prohibited. Any student discovered engaging in such research will be expelled and banished from the academy.”

Ai Ou, whose understanding of magic was still limited to simple fireballs and similar spells, visibly reacted upon hearing the term “forbidden magic.” He inquired, his expression shifting, “What exactly is this forbidden magic?”

“The magic we currently use is essentially a type of elemental magic, or rather, what we call fundamental magic. However, elemental magic is merely one category, and magic encompasses far more than just the elements. Forbidden magic refers to those spells that inflict terrible harm and defy natural order.

For instance, there’s necromancy, which banishes the undead, or dark arts that require the sacrifice of many lives for immense power, and even spells that control souls. Some truly sinister forbidden magic can even cast remote curses, causing people to drop dead instantly, slaying them invisibly. A mage who researches forbidden magic is considered an enemy of all mages.

However, the magical world banned the research of forbidden magic a long time ago, and most of the relevant information has been destroyed. So, there’s no need to worry too much; ordinary mages generally won’t come into contact with it. Thus, junior, you have nothing to fear.”

Ai Ou nodded slowly.

Magic was truly wondrous, encompassing even curses. It felt incredibly dangerous to live in a world of magic; fortunately, related knowledge had been destroyed, or one might suddenly perish without warning.

Since classes hadn’t officially started, the academy was relatively quiet. Thomson, with his characteristic enthusiasm, gave Ai Ou a tour of the campus. The academy was vast, featuring many unique architectural styles. Its sprawling grounds were no smaller than a university town from Ai Ou’s previous life, exuding a distinct European aristocratic charm.

“The academy boasts numerous clubs. Some are founded based on personal interests, while others are officially established by the academy, such as the Magic Potion Association or the Magical Pet Association. Private clubs have various names. In short, any club with ‘Association’ in its name falls under the purview of the Academy Student Union. All associations are managed by the Student Union, with instructors merely lending their names as advisors at most.”

As Ai Ou listened, a surge of excitement welled within him. Just hearing about it made it sound incredibly interesting. Compared to the affairs of Allen’s territory, the academy was undoubtedly far more engaging, feeling much closer to the life he had known in his previous world.

“Alright…”

Thomson paused, stopping before a building. He smiled at Ai Ou and said, “This building ahead is where second-year students study. Each year group has its own dedicated building. This one is exclusively for first-years, and that one over there is for third-years. Admissions will close in two days. The night after tomorrow, Saint Roland will host its annual Freshmen Assembly to welcome all new first-year students. Then, the day after that, classes officially begin. Don’t forget to attend, junior.”

As he spoke, Thomson patted Ai Ou’s shoulder, then winked.

“Junior, if you ever have any problems in the future, feel free to come find me. I’m quite eager to cling to a powerful patron, and you, junior, are the most promising patron I’ve ever seen.”

“Really? I’m afraid my ‘patronage’ might be too thin for you to hold onto.”

Ai Ou chuckled playfully. Thomson seemed like a decent and rather amusing person.

“Haha, I’m very light! You can definitely hold onto me!”

****

Two days passed swiftly, and Saint Roland Academy ceased its admissions. Those with talent smoothly entered the academy, while those without, despite their cries, were ignored. After all, magic was a profession heavily reliant on talent, especially at Saint Roland Academy, which, as the Holy Empire’s foremost magic academy, placed particular emphasis on innate ability.

Before evening arrived, Ai Ou, with Elena’s help, had already changed into his formal attire. Dressed in a handsome black suit and draped in the cape the academy had given him earlier, he appeared exceptionally distinguished and dignified.

“Young Master, you look so handsome today! I feel like you’ll be the most dazzling among the new students.”

Having lived with Ai Ou for a while, Elena had picked up many phrases. Although she didn’t always know their exact meanings, hearing Ai Ou use them often allowed her to instinctively know when to use which words.

Ai Ou looked at his reflection in the mirror, thoroughly satisfied.

“Alright, that’s great, Elena. Stay safely at home. I’ll be back soon after the Freshmen Assembly.”

“Young Master! Go and return swiftly.”

Upon arriving at the room in front of the auditorium, Ai Ou found that many students had already gathered, chattering incessantly. There were no teachers in the room, as the Freshmen Assembly was about to begin, and the instructors were busy with other preparations.

As soon as Ai Ou entered the waiting lounge, the sharp-eyed Karen spotted him. She called out to him, “Ai Ou! Over here!”

Seeing a familiar face, it was certainly better to join them. Although everyone in the room was a freshman from this cohort, it was evident that the room had already fractured into countless small groups: those who knew each other, those who had registered together, and two or three groups who simply got along. These hundreds of newcomers had already splintered into dozens of factions.

Karen’s group clearly belonged to a larger faction. While not everyone in the group was particularly fond of Ai Ou, choosing to join acquaintances was better than being among strangers, especially since they had lived together for quite some time. Moreover, Ai Ou had only been a *little* greedy… probably.

Upon reaching Karen’s spot, Ai Ou noticed that her group had significantly shrunk. Compared to when they parted ways a few days prior, it seemed to have lost over a dozen people. What was once a group of fifty or so now numbered closer to thirty.

“Yo, Karen, you’re here too! Long time no see. But, it feels like some people are missing? Where are they?”

At Ai Ou’s words, the expressions of some in Karen’s small group soured, but Karen herself remained unfazed, speaking nonchalantly, “Those people? They were eliminated, of course. Their talent wasn’t enough, so they didn’t pass the academy’s entrance test. Some went home, while others stayed in the capital to see if they could find a way to enroll or attend other magic academies.”

As Karen spoke, the faces of those in the small group who already looked downcast grew even more sullen. Yet, no one uttered a word; only silence remained.