Chapter 474
The inauguration ceremony for the new Student Council President ended successfully.
And finally, the last program. At the very end of the entrance ceremony, the student council had prepared a new segment—the “Department Introduction Corner”.
The response was nothing short of explosive.
“Hello, freshmen! I’m Jaime Victoria from the 2nd-year Katarology Department!”
Led by Jaime, the 2nd-year students stepped forward. They explained each subject, the pros and cons of choosing it as a major, and added in their own experiences from their 1st year.
“Look over there, Simon!”
Kamibarez shook Simon’s sleeve with an excited expression.
“Everyone’s paying so much attention!”
“Yeah.”
Simon was just as surprised.
Not a single student was dozing off or distracted.
Was it because the earlier speeches from the adults were so unbearably boring by comparison? Or maybe it was because the freshmen, about to face their very first classes, had their concentration at its peak.
Everyone listened to Jaime’s words as if they couldn’t afford to miss a single sentence. Some were even scribbling frantically in their notebooks.
The host, Seiyur, used his illusion abilities to reenact Jaime’s words, while Jaime demonstrated several powerful curses representing her department.
“That’s all! It was an honor to introduce Katarology to you all! I hope that when you become 2nd-years, you’ll consider joining us! Thank you!”
Jaime successfully wrapped up the first presentation, and an enthusiastic cheer erupted from the freshmen.
When she confidently returned backstage and passed through the curtain, she suddenly collapsed into a seat and let out a long, trembling breath.
“Ughh, I’m shaking! I was so nervous!”
“You did amazing, class rep! You’re the best!”
Maelyn squealed, grabbing her shoulders and shaking her wildly. Simon also approached.
“Good work. You spoke really well.”
“I practiced all day yesterday! And the host helped by responding at just the right moments.”
Jaime lifted her head and smiled at Simon.
“Thanks, everyone. For letting me stand up there. It was a really great experience.”
At that moment, Seiyur’s voice rang out again.
“Next, we’ll have the student who will introduce Darkness Dynamics! Please welcome, Maelyn Villene of the 2nd year!”
Now it was Maelyn’s turn.
She strode onto the stage with confidence, showing off her capability as the vice president.
“Don’t most of you think this is the ‘easiest’ department? The one you pick if you’re unsure of your talents, because it just feels safe?”
Hahahahaha!
The freshmen laughed, struck by her blunt but humorous remark. Maelyn spread her arms wide.
“I’ll shatter that misconception! What can you do once you study Darkness Dynamics? Take a look at the screen.”
She didn’t fumble a single word.
Without being swept away by the cheering crowd, she even took moments to interact with the audience. Confidently, she went through all her prepared material. The sight of her back on stage was dazzling.
Simon thought to himself again—it was a good choice to elect her as vice president.
Her presentation was also a resounding success.
“Next is the student representing the Summonology Department—Simon Follentia!”
WOOOOOOOOOOOH!
Backstage, even the minions covered their ears for a moment. Simon awkwardly smiled as he plugged his own ears too.
“Wow, you’ve really turned into a superstar now.”
Cindy Vivace chuckled.
Simon then stepped onto the podium, grabbed the amplification crystal, and began his explanation of Summonology. Most of what he said carried Aron’s influence.
He didn’t just exaggerate its merits. He admitted frankly that, realistically speaking, the department might not be in line with the current trends.
“But—”
Simon’s eyes gleamed.
“I’ve never heard of a necromancer who doesn’t summon.”
Laughter erupted across the hall. The ones who reacted most warmly were the adults watching from the 3rd floor.
Though it had fallen out of fashion somewhat, the older necromancers still loved Summonology.
“As necromancers, it’s only natural to hone our summoning skills. Having your own army, and never being truly alone no matter the situation, that’s what it means.”
Simon stretched his arm out toward the freshmen, his eyes shining.
“I admit there are risks. But I’m certain that, just like me, there will be those among you who love this field enough to embrace every one of those risks. That’s the end of my explanation. Thank you!”
The cheer that followed was louder than any before it.
The existence of an upperclassman like Simon Follentia.
It was clear that Summonology’s popularity would explode again next year.
After Simon, Cindy introduced Spiritology, followed by Kamibarez and Claudia.
Kamibarez, in particular, drew overwhelming support.
“Uh, our Haematology Department is uhhhhh……!”
It was her first time speaking in front of such a large crowd. She twisted her legs nervously as she continued.
“You might feel uncomfortable because it consumes blood, buuuut… in reality, it’s more useful than any other subject……!”
It wasn’t a perfect speech, but she still gathered her courage and did well. The freshmen listened with broad smiles.
“Go, Kami!”
“Kyaaaaa!”
“I’m going to cry!”
Backstage, Maelyn, Jaime, Cindy, and Claudia crouched side by side, peeking out through the curtain to watch.
“…What are those four even doing, all crouched down like that?”
Having just returned from greeting the VIPs, Dick chuckled wryly. Simon replied.
“Kami’s introducing Haematology right now.”
“Ah, I see.”
Dick snickered and waved a cue card.
“What’s that?”
“Hehehe! Kami dropped this while practicing! I bet soon……”
“Simoooon!”
Suddenly, Kami, who had been speaking fine on stage, came running to Simon with teary eyes.
“M-my notes! One of my pages is gone……!”
“Well, that’s when you ad-lib, Kami.”
Dick teased, but Simon quietly used Cloud to snatch the card from Dick and hand it back to Kamibarez. Realizing what had happened, she shrieked at Dick.
“Dick, I hate you!”
Whish!
She turned her head sharply and dashed back to the podium, leaving the girls backstage collapsing in fits.
“Haaaah.”
“I really miss Class A days.”
Dick scratched his head awkwardly.
“Guess that joke was too much for Kami.”
“Yeah. Make sure you apologize properly later.”
“Yessir~ I’ll start by bowing till my head hits the ground.”
After Kamibarez and Claudia, it was time for the Magical Combat presentation. Simon had been in charge of securing a student for that.
Seiyur raised his voice.
“It’s already our last corner! Freshmen, are you sad?”
“Yeeees!!”
“But now it’s time for your classes to begin! The broadcasting minions are glaring daggers at me, so let’s wrap this up. For the last presentation, please welcome—Kajan Edvalt of the Magical Combat Department!”
Kajan strode forward without the slightest hint of nervousness.
He accepted the amplification crystal from Seiyur and absentmindedly scratched the scar under his right eye.
His body was covered with scars, and the bandages visible beneath his uniform only made his appearance more striking. The freshmen stiffened slightly at the intimidating sight.
“I only came because the president asked me. Magical Combat doesn’t need any flashy introduction.”
The freshmen buzzed in surprise. Backstage, Maelyn grabbed Simon’s shoulders and shook him.
“Hey! What kind of recruitment is this?!”
At that moment, Kajan clenched his fist and lightly punched forward.
Whoooooooosh!
A tremendous gust of wind burst forth, sweeping across the hall. Freshmen’s hair went flying, and small belongings scattered into the air.
Kajan slowly lowered his fist after unleashing the shockwave.
“No need for trivial explanations. Magical Combat represents pure strength.”
After seizing their full attention with that display, his explanation continued.
“I know many of you have preconceived notions about Magical Combat. But it’s widely accepted that a major in this field offers the fastest and most straightforward responses in any situation, while maintaining balanced strength against any opponent.”
“According to Pentamonium statistics, the most sought-after allies among professional necromancers are Magical Combat majors. While others prepare their black magic, we protect them, and we can suppress powerful enemies with preemptive strikes.”
“That doesn’t mean we lack firepower afterward either. Instead of relying on magic circles……”
Not only the freshmen, but also the 2nd-years waiting backstage stared, jaws hanging open.
With his feet firmly planted and body barely moving, no flamboyant gestures—Kajan delivered a restrained yet utterly compelling speech.
“He… he’s good at speeches too. Senior Kajan.”
Maelyn let out a dazed smile.
“As expected of my former roommate!”
Dick spoke in excitement.
“Think about which department Kajan belongs to! No ordinary student’s presentation skills could ever compare to him!”
When Kajan finished his presentation and returned backstage, Simon and the students greeted him with enthusiastic applause.
* * *
The new Department Introduction Corner, an idea of the student council, ended in overwhelming success.
At the entrance, Maelyn had conducted a simple survey, and it showed that this segment had the highest satisfaction score of the entire entrance ceremony.
“At this rate, it might just become a permanent fixture of Keyzen’s entrance ceremonies!”
Maelyn spun her happy delusions. And of course, Dick’s VIP hospitality had also gone smoothly.
“Heh heh! You can expect a snowball effect with drinks later. The elders will probably give glowing reports about Keyzen to headquarters.”
It had been a ceremony that satisfied everyone, from the broadest audience to the highest elite. Even Professor Jane, the faculty advisor for the student council, visited the four of them afterward to praise their efforts.
With that, the freshmen went off to attend their classes, and Simon, along with the student council members and their direct servants, finished cleaning the auditorium before returning to the dormitory.
They rested well, and the next morning came.
Now, it was time for the 2nd-years to officially begin their first semester at Keyzen as 2nd-years.
Aron arrived at the classroom with his usual lazy gait.
The students had already neatly set out their textbooks and the materials for Skeleton Knight practice on their desks in the lab.
“Did everyone rest well?”
“Yes!!”
Aron nodded and stood at the podium.
“Looks like you’ve all prepared your books and materials. From today onward, throw away all the clumsy habits of your 1st year. Attend these classes as true majors of your field.”
Picking up a piece of chalk, Aron slowly wrote on the blackboard.
「Skeleton Knight」
Lowering his arm, he turned to the students.
“Can anyone explain the difference between a regular Skeleton and a Skeleton Knight?”
While the students glanced around uncertainly, one girl confidently raised her hand.
“Aseraz Mikel.”
Ranked 5th overall.
Her written exam scores were unrivaled, holding the top position across the entire year. She rose to her feet.
“There are differences in cost, speed, and armament. But the most distinct difference can be summarized in one phrase.”
With serious eyes, Aseraz continued.
“Strength that requires no control.”
Strength that requires no control.
What does that mean?
“Well done.”
Aron nodded and gestured for her to sit. Then he waved his arm through the air.
Clatterrrr!
The bones scattered throughout the classroom flew into the air, whirling and spinning, before forming three Skeletons and one Skeleton Knight in front of the students.
In mere seconds, the stage was set.
His clean, flawless control made the students let out involuntary gasps of admiration. Especially the students from the back class—seeing their surprise made Simon’s shoulders swell with pride.
“From here on, I will not interfere with my thoughts. This will be a pure fight.”
Tap tap tap!
The three Skeletons charged in with their swords. The Skeleton Knight, though undead, wore armor and wielded both sword and shield.
Clang! Clang!
In the opening of the battle, the skeletons used their superior numbers to mercilessly press the Skeleton Knight. The Knight took on a defensive stance, relying on its shield.
‘Interesting.’
While the other students were simply entertained by the fight, Simon’s eyes gleamed with curiosity.
‘Even without being controlled, it shows defensive tendencies.’
Undead were, after all, monsters made from corpses. They usually had no hesitation in throwing their bodies away recklessly. Violent, mindless, brutal—those were the words that came to mind when one thought of the undead.
But the Skeleton Knight displayed a defensive nature. And then—
Thud!
It began parrying the skeletons’ attacks, striking their legs and torsos with its shield and sword, knocking them down.
Thud! Thud!
It reduced three opponents to two.
Crunch!
Then it cut down the last remaining skeleton.
“As you can see, the Skeleton Knight possesses combat ability equivalent to three regular Skeletons.”
The Skeleton Knight raised its sword in triumph, and the Summonology students burst out laughing and cheering.
“If there had been four skeletons, the Knight would have been overwhelmed. Next—”
Clatter!
Another skeleton formed before the victorious Knight. Both sides now had identical swords and took identical stances.
“The difference lies in usable skills.”
Thoom!
The skeleton dashed forward with Dash. The Skeleton Knight, however, swung its sword without moving its feet.
Vwoom!
Simon’s eyes widened as he caught the flicker of black light shimmering over the Knight’s weapon.
Both blades swung almost simultaneously.
BOOM!!
The charging skeleton’s body exploded into hundreds of fragments, scattering through the air.
It had been utterly pulverized.
“The Skeleton Knight can use Bash, an offensive skill, instead of the Dash movement technique.”
WOOOOOOH!
The students clapped and cheered.
“This is fun!”
“This is what a real class should feel like!”
While the Summonology students, especially the back-class students, shouted in excitement, Aron calmly continued.
“Now, one more question. Aside from Aseraz, can anyone explain the meaning of ‘strength that requires no control’?”
Chak!
This time, Simon raised his hand, as if he had been waiting for the moment.
Aron nodded, while Aseraz shot him a wary look.
“Simon Follentia.”
Simon rose confidently to his feet.
Superb.
When are we getting more free chapters?
Thanks for the new chapters