Chapter 44 (1/2)

Chapter 44

The Lecture Building was the part of the Dragon Academy that saw the most use.

That was where we would have classes.

“This building isn’t very large.”

Like the dormitory, most of the buildings were on the small side, as there were not many students.

The town of Sol had many large structures, so it was difficult not to compare them.

Ark heard me and chuckled.

“Well, Dragon Masters need energy, not knowledge. This classroom learning can be kept to a minimum.”

“Minimum? That seems like a terrible idea.”

I couldn’t help but answer, as Ark looked very smug.

“Not at all. Most Dragon Masters have one job. And that is to ride their dragon and kill Moon Beasts. And it’s our stamina that is likely to fail before the dragon. In other words, it is up to us to determine how long a dragon can stay on the battlefield.”

As he talked, I could see the tiredness on his face.

Ark always liked to be around other people. He had been like that during the opening ceremony.

Well, he just liked to talk, I guess.

The female students of the Royal Academy were good listeners.

And that was most stimulating to him.

“You shouldn’t push yourself too hard, though.”

“What do you mean?”

“Our first class of the year is about to start, but you look like you just got off of work.”

“I’ll be fine. After all, I’m trying to get into the military.”

Ark said stubbornly. And so I headed to the classroom ahead of him.

Knowing Ark, if more female students approached him and wanted to hear his stories, he would go with them without question.

I doubted any of the students that attended the Royal Academy had ill intentions, but I did feel bad, seeing my friend being tricked. He just wanted to talk, that’s all.

“Good morning. My name is Kisa Shioni. And I’ll be your instructor during the first year.”

The woman who introduced herself to us was in her late twenties.

Apparently, she was not a Dragon Master. So she would be in charge of us while in the classroom alone.

Instructors were allowed to wear what they wanted. And both her clothes and way of carrying herself had the sophistication of a noble.

As they would be teaching Dragon Masters, the selection process was likely very severe, so it would be no surprise if she really was a noble.

Nobles in Ryukoku were generally split into two categories. Those who owned land and those who did not. Land was almost always gained through inheritance.

So if your family owned land, you had a bright future.

On the other hand, nobles who didn’t own land would usually be hired by other nobles or work in castles. Such people were not too different from commoners like us.

“Every year, there are students who insist that Dragon Masters do not need to study. But that is false. Your education is most important. And there is a lot that you must learn within the next year, so be prepared.”

She had seemed like such a pleasant person at first, but the wind was immediately taken out of those sails.

I could see the disappointment in Ark’s eyes.

“To be precise, there will be four evaluation tests every year. Those who do not pass them, will require supplementary lessons until they do, even if it takes them forever. So I would be very careful if I were you. Now, I’m sure you’re all aware of the long break at the end of July?”

I didn’t know. Several people nodded.

“But please don’t expect to take things easy during this break. It’s quite the opposite.”