The First Year

Eh? Examinations?

Yeah, nope. I didnt even know those existed.

That topic brought up at the dinner table, Serge looked over the papers in a hurry.

Moreover, the they were less than a month away.

Using his social status along with a recommendation to enter, hed be disgracing Carlas name if he failed.

Moreover, this exam.

Students will be expelled if it is found that they have cheated on their written examinations.

It had that very clear stipulation.

As he was scrambling to prepare in his room, Chris came to visit him.

He was getting worried that he might have come all this way just to fail.

Fueh?

If you dont mind, do you want to study together? Only a few of our classes are the same though

Serge jumped up and fell into a dogeza right then and there.

With that, he somehow managed to sort out half of his courseworks lessons.

Save me, Azelemon~! [1]

I dont mind, but it wont be ordinary.

Well, the original was a development in a huge private school, but this might be fine too. [2]

Seeing the thing Azel tapped on, Serge tilted his head.

He didnt know why written tests were necessary for actual combat, but he was here, so there was no helping it.

The masters take pupils with them to battle actual monsters during the vacation, so Id like you to go with them.

Other than the standard holidays, the magic academy had three consecutive months as a vacation.

Among those lessons were practical training for practical magic study.

There were no obligations to participate if one were to get good grades in their tests. Conversely however, if one were not confident in their tests, they should choose to go.

Serge, somehow managing to make it through his examinations by dizzily studying until the day before, prepared to participate in the following days practical training.

Even so, there was something he didnt expect.

It appeared that Serge had definitely wanted to participate in the training, so as her father was heavy-handed, he recommended her to participate as well.

Serge muttered to himself.

The practical training was held in the forests between Sacred Mountain Cyrus and the Northern Permafrost.

Therefore, even though there were things such as last testaments prepared beforehand in the contract

I have a staff and magic bag, what else would I need?

However, people would know how prepared he was if they looked at how firm his stance was or how even his robe was made from sturdy mithril fibers.

Alright, everyone ready? Lets head out!

The commanding master calling out to everyone, their mock-adventure began.

And the first day finished without anything really happening.

Her glasses sliding down, Chris was the youngest there along with Serge. It was no wonder why she had practically no endurance.

They were in a forest, but it wasnt like it was that dense of a forest. Additionally, they had a beastkin scout as their guide.

When a great tusk boar actually came to attack them and the upperclassmen all wore themselves out on it, Serge just defeated it in one shot with a wind ball.

Yep, everyone was big-headed.

This might unexpectedly be an amusing exam.

Alright, lets set up camp here for today.

Well, he knew what the man wanted to say, he probably just thought that saying it wouldnt do any do.

But Serge was different. He wanted to avoid as much danger as possible.

Knowing about Serges career, the master didnt reject Serges opinion outright.

He decided that they would return there to avoid enemy attacks and looked towards Scout-san.

Even though everyone was eating their rations on the riverbed, Serge was the only one that went out to catch his own food.

He wasnt expecting too much for the taste since he wasnt too versed in bleeding animals out, but thats because Ria was the dungeon food person.

Itd be better if I left it to mature for few days

What he finished making was a stew made from potatoes, vegetables, and roasted meat.

So good!

Thats because they were eating something caught nearby and in a place with such good natural beauty.

Thinking about it now, Maals food tasted so much better

Hearing him, Chris spoon stopped moving.

An old co no, a comrade. We went into the labyrinth together, but shes married with a husband now.

Shes a black cat beastkin, she was the scout for our party. More personally, I was happy whenever she made meals for us all.

There werent many beastkin that could use mana, so there were naturally less of them in the magic city as students. There were a few special people that had Fairy Eyes like Maal though.

As Ria had once done, Serge also wanted to travel the world.

However, before he could do that, there was the Millennium. He couldnt forget that.

The Millennium? Is it really coming?

Besides, how many more years will it be even if it comes

Within three years.

Seeing Chris look at him, Serge realized he made a slip.

Are you certain!?

The normally quiet Chris shouted, drawing the attention of their surroundings.

She hushed herself in a hurry, drawing her face closer to Serges.

Well, if were talking about people in the upper tiers of countries, I guess everyone?

The previous Millennium was a war that had decreased mankinds population to a tenth of its former amount. If it was truly about to happen, these northern lands were very likely going to be submerged in war.

Chris said it in an unusually stern voice, so Serge reluctantly nodded.

But

Understood.

In the end, there was nothing worth special note during the three days and two nights they were out.

Serge gained a new nickname, [Snakeslayer], but thats an inconsequential tale.

Serge had told Chris practically everything in the end.

I see, so the Demon King himself

If you want, you can come together with Earl-sama to Ogress. Its not a place that the demon tribe will be able to easily attack.

However, Chris was mumbling something and didnt seem to hear what Serge said.

However, the conclusion Chris arrived at wasnt one that Serge expected.

I decided! Ill also study offensive magic next year and become the Hero-samas comrade!

Whyd it turn out like this!?