Vol. 1 - Ch. 84 - Summer Vacation

"Now then, two months long summer vacation starts for y'all from tomorrow onwards. Normally, I would have hammered into your heads to not slack off just because no one is there to supervise you and all that, but... you all have done wonderfully in the last four months compared to the starting point of the first orientation. The looks on your faces tell me everything. Truly a peculiar sight, fufufu! This sure has taken the worry off my shoulders.

Also, there will often be many chances to venture outside for field classes in the second term, testing the abilities that you’ve gained in the first term. I look forward to seeing how you're going to spend your holidays, and the look in your eyes right after. Nevertheless, do make sure to be careful about your health. That is all."

The last homeroom of the first year's first term had come to a close, and it signified the start of our summer vacation. We were also told the results of the top 20 students in the freshmen year as a whole. The whole list was dominated by Class A students.

Leo Zatsinger (Leo)

Daniel Sardos (Dan)

Feyrune Von Dragoon (Fey)

Bester Von Stocklaud (Bester)

Jeuri Levarance (Jeu)

Shalum Halloween (Shal)

Kate Salkanp (Kate)

Allen Rovenne

Rudolf Austin (Dol)

Margrait Stea (Magi)

Aldol Engraver (Al)

Coconial Canardia (Coco)

Regina Sanhurt (Regi)

Visques Lawyunkurl (Viz)

Elena Iskandar (Elena)

Parry Abenil (Parry)

Sophia Bransh (Sophie)

Berd Yuniwance (Berd)

Lala Von Liancool (Lala)

My ranking had dropped by 2 from my entrance examination's 7th rank. Overall, I stood 4th in the knight course.

Well, I was taking classes seriously, but I just couldn't bring myself to study for the exam, and this was just the start that could continue to drop me to a new low. Though I had definitely snagged the top spot in magic theory. Magic was everything that I wanted to pursue and was the only subject where I had put actual bone-breaking effort... However, it seemed like I was the sole precedent in the knight course to exhibit such contrasting scores.

Not that I care. To be honest, I was more pumped up about the summer vacation!... Ah, what a lovely sound it had, summer vacation.

That said, I don't know why Godorfun was assuming that everyone would be taking their study and training seriously for sure. I mean, like hell I was going to let my summer days rot over the desk. I had even stayed up so many nights to consolidate my long-term plan. I was going to take this chance and go on a long wolf's journey!

Everything from the destination to what I’ll be doing has been confirmed... Well, I couldn't stay out of the Royal Capital for long with the knight order matters that I couldn't skip on, but that was all. I’ll definitely make this the best summer vacation of my life!

However, there was something verrrrry important that I needed to tackle before that—

"Hmm, fighting several strong monsters sounds interesting. I’ll come along as well. I’ll have my family arrange ten trustworthy couriers. Who can take down more monsters, huh?... I guess we’ll be having a contest."

Would you look at this? Fey and Jeu were giving perfect textbook examples of daydreaming.

"Hey there, Senpai and I are currently discussing explorers’ business. This line of work isn't something amateurs like you can handle! Am I right, senpai?"

"Huh, ah, if they can protect themselves, I don't really min—"

"But I do! A professional isn't without a license and we need to have the integrity to uphold the contract through the association!"

"Fufufu. So it seems, Fey-san. But fear not, I, a D-rank license holder, shall spare no effort to prepare a sleeping bag for Allen-san. But then again, I don't have one with soundproofing like you do, so do pardon me if some strange sounds come out."

Jeu prattled off her idiotic delusions with a triumphant expression.

"......When the heck did you register? It's not good manners to get a headstart, you know?"

"My, what sour words. But I think those who let themselves fall behind are the ones at fault though. I had a genuine interest in explorer's work and so I registered myself to experience it. So I hope you can teach me the ropes down to every nook and cranny, Allen-san."

"When is the departure? I’ll get my license prepared within 3 hours. You shouldn't have anything to complain about then, right?"

What happened to all that 'busy schedule'? I was cursed, truly.

"There's a problem, you morons. You can register just in name only but that doesn't change the fact that you're amateurs. This is not a kiddy make-believe game, alright?"

I had just retorted when Coco, who was also there — well, we were still in the classroom — raised his hand nervously.

"Can I accompany you as well? I can fend for myself and it's also a chance to test out that magical tool."

"Nice idea! I was thinking of visiting my family but that doesn't sound bad either. How many days will this trip take?"

"Ah. Both Al and Coco are also working as explorers, and I think they have good enough experience. So I don't mind, but what do you think, Senpai?"

I glanced at Senpai's way.

"I don't mind if they have your approval. It will be a four-day return trip, but it might extend by one or two days, so about five or six days at max. But the problem is the reward. Embarrassingly, I honestly don't think I have the budget to support three people."

"We can just work with the previous condition. My reward can be divided between the three of us."

"Ehh... but that's honestly a bit low of a reward. Alright, let's do it this way then. The fixed reward would be at 60,000 rea, as I told you, but we can divide the rest of the materials we get our hands on — except the mana moss — between ourselves equally. What do you think? Having more skilled members is less dangerous in my opinion, and we would also be able to carry more materials."

I nodded to the condition Senpai proposed.

"Great. So, we’ll meet at—"

"Hold on, senpai. The pros talk should remain within us professionals! Please look at their gazes filled with such avarice! It's clear that they’re going to sell out the information when they learn about it!"

I hurriedly stopped Senpai who was about to spill the location of the mana moss.

"Huh, it can't be, right? I don't think students of the Royal Academy Class A would do such—"

"Unceasing prudence is what makes us professionals among rookies, Senpai! C'mon, let's go somewhere else. And you lot, don't even think about tagging along. I can already see your plan to eavesdrop and learn the location! Well then, I pray your summer vacation is as bright as the clear sky!"

I pushed the back of Senpai and successfully managed to break through the class siege.

Kukuku. After striking down the nail in the way, they surely wouldn't be following even if they wanted to.