Chapter 40: An unpleasant encounter for Draven.

Chapter 40: Chapter 40: An unpleasant encounter for Draven.

Draven entered the classroom that had been assigned to him and immediately noticed something strange, as several students were watching him.

Some whispered among themselves, others turned their heads to follow his movements, and a few didn’t even try to hide their curiosity.

Draven continued walking with a calm expression.

’Finally.’

After so many years of training, hardships, and unexpected events, the moment had arrived.

The first day at the academy, and he was already drawing everyone’s attention.

’So this is what it feels like to be the protagonist of a story, and I don’t even need to do anything for everyone to notice my presence...’

Draven smiled slightly.

’How I wish I could say that.’

He turned his head, and Taliah was walking beside him.

’But obviously they’re not looking at me.’

Most of the students were watching the blonde young woman accompanying him, and it was no surprise.

She was the descendant of one of the heroes who had defeated the God of Destruction, an extraordinarily talented swordswoman, and of course, one of the most important young women among Aster’s nobility.

Draven overheard a few comments.

"Is that Taliah Valdegrim?"

"Yes, I’m sure."

"I heard she managed to defeat a legendary creature in Fernus."

"And who’s the guy with her?"

"I don’t know him."

"Could he be some relative?"

Draven sighed.

’They don’t even recognize me as the one who took part in the hunt.’

Though he couldn’t really blame them, since the Valdegrim family was famous and his was not.

Draven found two available seats near a window and headed toward them. Taliah followed, and they ended up sitting next to each other.

Draven set his belongings on the desk and looked at his companion.

"Taliah."

"Yes?"

"Do you plan on staying by my side the entire day?"

"That’s right."

The answer came immediately, and Draven blinked.

"You didn’t even think about it."

"I don’t need to think about it."

"We’re at an academy, not in Nerathis."

"I know."

"Then you don’t have to watch over me all the time."

Taliah looked at him.

"Draven, after last time I don’t plan on leaving you alone."

Draven glanced down at his reconstructed limb.

"I’ve already recovered."

"After several weeks of treatment."

"Those are details."

"A pretty important detail."

Draven sighed.

"And if our classes are different?"

"Then we’ll see each other when they end."

"And during breaks?"

"We’ll be together."

"And when I have to go to the bathroom?"

Taliah frowned.

"Don’t be ridiculous."

Draven smiled.

"I just wanted to know the limits."

"My limits are quite reasonable."

’That’s debatable.’

Taliah arranged her things.

"Besides... I like being with you."

Draven stayed silent for a moment, and she continued as if she hadn’t said anything special.

"That way I can make sure you don’t go and do something stupid again."

"How romantic."

"Thank you."

"It wasn’t a compliment."

"I’ll take it as one."

Draven decided to give up, and a short while later the classroom door opened.

A middle-aged man entered with several documents under his arm. He had brown hair with some gray strands and a serious expression.

The students began to fall silent, and the man set the documents on the desk.

"Good morning."

"Good morning."

Several of them replied.

"My name is Jorvan Tormel, and I am a professor from the Department of Magical Fundamentals."

He picked up one of the documents.

"Before we begin, I must inform you that your assigned professor will not be able to attend today due to a minor inconvenience."

Some students exchanged glances while Jorvan continued.

"For that reason, I will be in charge of teaching the corresponding classes for today."

Draven showed no surprise.

’So we have her as a professor as well.’

He glanced briefly toward the window.

’Interesting.’

Jorvan began writing on the board.

"We will start with the fundamentals of mana usage and the differences between specializations."

Draven adjusted his posture, since at least this could serve as a review, and the following hours passed without major issues.

The professor explained basic concepts about mana circulation, the use of spells, and the differences between mages and swordsmen.

Some students seemed to already know almost everything, while others paid close attention and took notes constantly.

Draven listened while comparing the explanations with what he had learned during his training.

Most of the concepts were familiar to him, but there were small details that did not appear in the video game, especially those related to mana control.

’This could be useful.’

After the battle against Greydarn, Draven had understood how much he still needed to improve. His knowledge of the game was an advantage, but it did not replace real experience.

Finally, a bell announced the break, so Jorvan gathered his documents.

"We will reconvene after recess, so don’t be late."

The professor left the classroom, and the students began to stand up.

Taliah closed her notebook and looked at Draven.

"Do you want to go to...?"

But before she could finish speaking, several girls approached.

"Lady Taliah!"

"May we speak with you?"

"I’m a huge admirer of your family."

"Is it true you’ve been training with swords since you were little?"

Taliah blinked, and Draven observed the scene.

’Wow.’

One of the girls smiled.

"My name is Serel, and my father knows some members of your family."

Another interjected.

"I’m Alira, and I’ve wanted to introduce myself since you arrived."

A third one stepped closer.

"May we accompany you during the break?"

Taliah looked toward Draven.

"Actually, I was going to go out with my friend."

"Your friend?"

"Yes, him."

Taliah pointed to the seat beside her, but one of the girls asked.

"Do you mean the boy who just left?"

Taliah turned her head.

The seat was empty. Draven had disappeared, and for several seconds she said nothing.

Then she looked toward the door.

"Draven..."

Meanwhile, Draven walked calmly down one of the hallways.

’Sorry, Taliah.’

He had taken advantage of the moment when the students surrounded his friend to leave the classroom.

He hadn’t done it out of malice. He simply needed to investigate something, and he knew perfectly well that Taliah would insist on accompanying him.

’Afterwards I’ll buy her her favorite dessert.’

That should be enough, since Draven knew her tastes well.

’Maybe I should buy two.’

He continued walking.

The campus was enormous, and he was still familiarizing himself with the actual facilities.

There were staircases, hallways connecting different buildings, and open areas where students could rest.

Draven checked one of the maps placed on the wall.

He was looking for Lansholt Calenne, the most outstanding student among the new arrivals and a future villainess.

During the welcome speech he had recognized her appearance immediately, but there was something he needed to confirm.

’If I remember correctly, during the first few weeks a certain incident should occur.’

He wasn’t sure it would happen the same way, but Calenne was important, and the sooner he could verify some details about her behavior, the better.

He didn’t plan on approaching her directly yet, since he first wanted to observe her.

Draven headed toward an area that connected several academic buildings and where there were fewer students than in the main hallways.

’If she follows the same routine as in the game, she should pass through here during the break.’

He turned a corner and then heard a voice.

"Wait."

Draven kept walking.

"Hey, you!"

He stopped, turned slowly, and three students were behind him, all wearing the academy uniform.

The first had light brown hair carefully combed back and an arrogant expression.

To his right stood a tall young man with dark hair and a sturdy build.

The third was a bit shorter, with blond hair and an unpleasant smile.

Draven looked at them.

"Are you talking to me?"

The first one smiled.

"Finally you get it."

Draven looked around.

"Do you need something?"

"Yes..."

The young man stepped closer.

"I want to know who you are."

Draven blinked.

"Why?"

The young man frowned.

"Because I’m asking you."

Draven remained silent.

’Excellent start.’

The tall student intervened.

"You should answer when Selmar speaks to you."

The blond one nodded.

"It’s the least you can do."

Draven observed them.

’Selmar.’

He didn’t remember that name, and the leader took another step.

"I’m Selmar Velgrimm."

He pronounced his last name with clear pride, and Draven waited. Selmar raised an eyebrow.

"And?"

"And what?"

"Don’t you have anything to say?"

Draven thought for a second.

"Nice to meet you."

The tall young man let out a small laugh while the blond one brought a hand to his face, and Selmar stood frozen.

"You don’t know the Velgrimms?"

Draven shook his head.

"No."

"Are you kidding?"

"No, I’m serious."

Selmar looked at him with disbelief.

"The Velgrimms are one of the most influential families in Aster."

"I see."

"My father maintains direct relations with several important members of the nobility."

"Good for him."

"He also owns properties, businesses, and contacts within the kingdom’s administration."

"Congratulations."

The blond student took a step forward.

"Show some respect!"

Draven looked at him.

"Why?"

The young man opened his mouth, then looked at Selmar, whose expression was growing more and more irritated.