Chapter 115

I took Aru to the place where I was calling the new students. I also tried to bring Maria along, but since she’s a person of high standing, quite a lot of students tend to flock around her.

Well, if I were them and heard that the Saintess of the Holy Nation was coming, I’d probably strike up a conversation too.

Eden Academy is a place that aims for equality, but even so, once the students step outside the academy, equality doesn’t exist. Even with an academy diploma, commoners are still commoners, nobles are nobles, and slaves are just slaves.

Naturally, most lower-class students entering the academy harbor dreams of rising in status through connections with noble students. If the target is the Saintess herself, even nobles would bow down, not just commoners.

Anyway, because of this, Maria currently has a crowd surrounding her. Disliking the bustling atmosphere, I left the scene with Aru.

“New students! Over here! Over here!”

Clap clap!

The teacher with the real eye, whom I saw during my first entrance ceremony, was leading the new students while clapping his hands. Although Aru and I had already arrived, most of the other students were wandering around confusedly.

“Quiet down everyone! Why are the new students so chaotic this year?”

As the teacher with the real eye struggled to maintain order, a massive shout reverberated through the area. The students instantly became silent.

“Haha… Everyone, come over here! We have to conduct the class placement test now! And Teacher Beatrix, don’t scare the new students too much!”

“Hmph, discipline must be maintained or they’ll stray from the right path.”

The one who shouted stood beside the teacher with the real eye, someone Aru and I knew well.

Beatrix, the Iron-blooded Teacher. Though she entered the academy as a teacher under my orders, in reality, she’s my knight, a Swordmaster.

“That person is the Iron-blooded Teacher…”

“Beware. Last time, a royal guard acted rudely during class and supposedly received ‘education’ from her…”

The students murmured anxiously as they looked at Beatrix. Beatrix, what exactly have you been doing all this time?

“Especially during the freshman period when students are easily excited and prone to causing trouble… Hmm!?”

“Teacher Beatrix? Is something wrong?”

“It’s nothing. Since the students are gathering gradually, please start explaining the rules of the class placement test.”

Just then, our eyes met. Feeling glad, I subtly waved at her.

Upon spotting me, Beatrix immediately tried to rush over but stopped after realizing the students were watching. Then she glared fiercely at Aru and me standing side by side.

“Muu, long time no see, human.”

“Yeah, it’s been a while. Let’s catch up later though; there are eyes watching us right now.”

“Muu muu.”

After setting restrictions on Aru to prevent him from rushing out recklessly, I listened to what the teacher with the real eye was saying.

“I imagine the class placement test is what the new students are most looking forward to. It significantly impacts your future academy life here.”

The teacher with the real eye calmly explained the ‘class placement test’ while holding a microphone.

The students’ eyes gleamed. Most of them were indeed very interested in the class placement test, just as the teacher said.

I am, too.

Eden Academy has three grades, and within each grade, there are three classes.

We simply call them Class A, Class B, and Class C, dividing the students according to their levels.

Some might protest that this is discriminatory, but Merlin once answered that it’s about providing differentiated education—tailoring the best educational system to match each individual’s abilities.

I agree with Merlin’s thoughts. If a student with upper-level knight skills and another with lower-level knight skills receive the same lessons, the former will get bored, and the latter will struggle to keep up.

Of course, if misapplied, this could lead to the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer in education, where only the top students receive good teaching while the bottom ones get subpar education.

However, the Great Sage Merlin, being the principal who aimed to establish an academy based on equality, devised a system to provide the best possible educational services even to Class C students. In short, ‘customized education.’

That’s why Eden Academy became the continent’s top academy within less than a hundred years of its establishment.

“The class placement test consists of two parts: theory and practice. The theoretical part covers basic subjects like language, math, social studies, history, etc., and you can also choose special subjects like magic studies, alchemy, swordsmanship theory, monster hunting theory, and more! The practical part involves duels and team play!”

“As for objections?”

The teacher kindly asked. A student raised their hand to ask a question.

“How exactly do the duels and team play proceed?”

“Hmm, that’s a good question! The practical section instructor, Teacher Beatrix, will explain that.”

“Eh? Teacher Beatrix?”

“…Why, do you dislike it?”

The intimidating glare from Beatrix made the questioning student panic and nod furiously.

“N-no! It’s fine! I like it!”

Beatrix, what kind of image do people have of you in this world? After catching my subtle glance, Beatrix stroked the hilt of the sword hanging from her waist and muttered.

“There are two types of duels. One is sparring with the teacher to display your maximum skill level to determine which class you belong to. The other is dueling with fellow students to roughly assess your level and assign you to a class accordingly. Of course, there’s no need to feel ashamed if you’re placed in a lower class. It’s better than being placed in an upper class where you struggle because the level doesn’t suit you.”

Even after 18 years, Beatrix’s stiff tone remains unchanged. Like a general in the army, the students all nodded in unison.

“Team play won’t be part of this class placement test. Perhaps during midterms or finals in the future. The class placement starts this afternoon, so prepare by loosening up your bodies. First, there’s a written exam followed by the duel test, so you can review the academic subjects beforehand. And… those two students, come here.”

Her pointing finger indicated me and Aru.

Ah, it seems the time has come to explain after 18 years.

***

While the new students either reviewed their academic subjects or practiced swordplay in the open field, Aru and I were dragged to a secluded spot between the main buildings. My loyal knight, Beatrix, interrogated me.

“Master, where have you been all this time? Why did you tell me to enter the continent’s academy? Do you have nothing to say to me?”

“…Teacher Beatrix, were you hurt these past years? I’m sorry. From now on, I’ll pay more attention to you…”

“At least give an explanation! You just left without a word, leaving behind only a single letter! What were we supposed to do? Aru was the same!”

“…”

“Keee… Kuung!”

“Do you know how hard it was for me? Uriel left, Yohan didn’t know anything and caused trouble everywhere… I brought them to the academy, and then I had to cram and study long-forgotten subjects to become a teacher! How tough was that?”

It seemed a significant amount of resentment had built up over the years. Beatrix unloaded her tales of hardship in rapid-fire succession. The only useful information I could glean was that Uriel had indeed left. Thankfully, everything went according to plan. Uriel will likely go searching for the secret angel since he’s always been curious about me.

“I’m sorry, Teacher Beatrix. I had my own reasons. Anyway, I won’t leave you alone recklessly from now on.”

“Haa…”

“By the way, did you really study to become a teacher? Wow, truly remarkable, Teacher Beatrix! Giving up physical education for Yohan’s sake and choosing to study instead—really impressive! That’s why I trust you so much!”

“Kee, Kuung! Right! Human, you’re amazing!”

“See? Even Aru thinks you’re great! It’s almost the first time Aru has praised someone!”

“…”

Praise makes even whales dance. Beatrix is no exception. Especially when Aru joins in to help me, it works even better.

But the 18-year-old grudge seems pretty big, as Beatrix sighed while clutching her head.

“So, why did you come to the academy? And why did you tell Yohan and me to become teachers?”

“Well, that’s because I’m going to become a freshman at Eden Academy. I instructed you both to establish identities for that reason. Didn’t you catch on yet?”

“So… why are you becoming a freshman at an academy that fights against the Demon Realm while being a demon yourself? And why did Yohan and I have to become teachers?”

Spewing questions rapidly accumulated over the years, Beatrix waited for my response.

“Hmm… First, I want to experience academy life. There’s a friend I want to attend school with—Saintess Maria. You know, since you’ve probably heard about it already.”

“Saintess Maria? I saw her from afar earlier. But why would you want to…?”

“You don’t need to know that part. And you were curious why the two of you had to become teachers, right? It’s simple. While I enjoy my academy life, there will be times when accidents happen or events unfold, such as ‘external invasions into the academy.'”

At the word “invasion,” Beatrix’s eyes flickered. It was about time for certain figures like Duke King of the Demon Realm or soon-to-come Duke Jack to make appearances, information only I possessed.

Not only that, with the escalating continental war involving elves, dwarves, and possibly even dragons, Eden Academy couldn’t avoid being affected.

In my previous life, the war between the Demon Realm and the continent erupted when the fighting was intense within the continent itself.

Even if I personally traveled around as a diplomat to bring peace to the continent, I have no intention of doing so. Whether they bleed and suffer in their battles is none of my concern.

Rather, growing stronger by drinking the blood of those battles is my destiny—to face the final boss, the Demon King.

“You and Yohan must serve as my shields and cover up my actions. Do you understand now why I embedded you both as academy teachers?”

“…Honestly, I don’t fully understand, but I get the gist of it.”

“Good. Then, I look forward to a pleasant school life with your help, Teacher Beatrix.”

I extended my palm as if asking for a handshake. After a brief moment of contemplation, Beatrix reluctantly shook my hand with a sour expression.

“And… There are other things I’d like to inquire about, like your masks and such, but since the class placement test is about to begin shortly, I’ll save them for later. By any chance, do you have a preferred class?”

“Class?”

“Yes, you mentioned wanting to spend academy life with ‘Saintess Maria,’ didn’t you?”

“Oh, right. To do that, I need to be placed in the same class as Maria… Can you help with that, Teacher Beatrix?”

“If you wish it, Master, but be mindful that if the academic gap is too large, it may hinder the class assignment.”

“Don’t worry about that.”

Maria will definitely be in Class A. She was the epitome of diligence and perseverance, always striving for first place throughout her academy life.

What I should be careful about is not standing out too much. If rumors spread about a student named Evans being a genius among geniuses, I might become a major investigation target in the Demon Realm, and my news could reach the Demon King’s ears.

Unless I use all my powers of consumption and unleash my full strength, I currently have no way to confront Canos. That’s why I’ve pre-arranged shields like Yohan and Beatrix to stay inconspicuous.

“Alright, the class placement test will start soon, so let’s head to the examination room.”

“Yes, thank you always, Teacher Beatrix.”

“Not at all. It’s my duty as your knight.”

It seems Beatrix is working too hard because of me. Although it’s part of her destiny, I feel a little guilty since I haven’t paid enough attention to her.

With her capabilities, she could easily become the Empire’s First Knight Captain or a national-level power.

I should treat her to a delicious meal sometime or get her a fine sword as a gift.

While contemplating these thoughts, just as I was about to take Aru’s hand and move towards the examination room…

“Wait a moment, Master.”

Beatrix suddenly stopped me. Confused, I turned around.

“There’s a ‘magic-blocking magic’ set up by Principal Merlin himself in the examination room to prevent any possible cheating.”

“Uh… Don’t worry. I don’t cheat, but I might joke around.”

What does this person think I am? Cheating during students’ exams is disgraceful behavior I wouldn’t commit.

“No, I mean, the concealment magic on your face needs to be removed. Even if it wasn’t intentional, if it’s discovered that you used magic inside the examination room…”

“There seems to be some misunderstanding. I haven’t played around with my face. Wouldn’t it be terrible if the precious face given by my parents got ruined?”

---