After class, I took the five students who had disrupted my lesson to the Order’s outpost built on the school grounds, still restrained by telekinetic magic.
The outpost, which could also be called a branch of the General Academy, is staffed by Order members from the Memoria branch on a weekly rotation. They are responsible for patrols within the General Academy, guarding high-ranking students, apprehending students who cause trouble, and conducting interrogations.
Incidents within the academy might not normally warrant the Order’s attention, but with the Helios Orb, which grants levels and magic, there are students stronger than teachers. And these students, who tend to look down on teachers, could potentially render the academy meaningless.
In fact, the five students I brought in apparently had a parade of problematic behavior.
Normally, I would have expelled them, but so far, their disruption of class seemed less like a disruption and more like a lack of interest. Today, it felt more like their desire to become stronger had gone haywire, resulting in them getting in the way of other students.
Still, their problematic behavior during the autumn monster subjugation practical training and the fact that they threatened other students means that this time, we will issue a final warning with the Order. If they cause any trouble again, they will be expelled without question.
Ah, and for the threats and disruption of class this time, the penalty was settled at a fine of 5,000 El.
Since they live in dormitories on the academy grounds, punishments like confinement or suspension are difficult to implement.
There are many ways to sneak out of their rooms, and it’s hard for us to confirm their whereabouts.
Besides, once they reach their second year, they are expected to register with the Guild and earn a living by taking requests at the Guild’s branch office within the academy, so this penalty should be more effective.
“That is all for the penalties this time. As I said earlier, if you cause any more trouble, you will be expelled for real this time.”
“Yes…”
In case of expulsion, tuition fees will not be refunded, of course.
In addition, it will be difficult for those not registered with the Guild to register, and even for Guild registrants, the reason for expulsion will be noted in the special remarks section of their license, and they will be blacklisted.
Both would result in a loss of trust and, more importantly, would disrupt their lives, potentially leading them to become thieves. Therefore, we would prefer not to expel students if possible.
However, threats are a crime, so this is truly the last act of leniency.
“Also, regarding Raus, whom you have been hostile towards, his engagement to Princess Aurora of the Flug Beast Duchy was officially confirmed the other day. At the same time, his license will also be announced soon.”
“What!?”
Well, that would surprise them.
The academy is a kind of closed space, making it difficult to obtain external information. For this reason, the engagement between Raus and Princess Aurora is not widely known.
However, information is important, and to prevent information manipulation and indoctrination, both teachers and the Order, as well as Guild outposts, are able to obtain general information.
That said, since there are no TVs or newspapers, it’s unavoidable that information is conveyed orally.
Regarding this, I may need to consider something.
“That’s not to say anything else, but I’ll tell you first. He is an Ancient Ulfy of level 67. In addition, he participated in the Slume Lord subjugation, the Solemn Campaign, and the Linea Campaign, achieving great deeds and receiving the title of Jade Knight. That is why he is attending this academy as a guard for royalty.”
“…”
Even they are speechless.
The Linea Campaign was less than a year ago, and the Solemn Campaign and the Slume Lord subjugation were more than two years ago.
Furthermore, to participate and achieve deeds at that time, they would have needed to evolve to at least High Class by then.
In fact, during the Slume Lord subjugation, they were tasked with defeating G-N rank Icicle Tigers and P-R rank Friezas Tigers. During the latter half of the Solemn Campaign, they defeated S-I rank Antlion Princesses and G-C Antlion Queens at the Klagen battle. In the Linea Campaign, they also fought against A-rank Red Dragons and O-rank Burning Dragons.
This is why Raus became the youngest person to be registered as an outsider with the Order’s Guild and reached the rank of E-rank Order.
“Frankly, there was no need to publicize Raus’s license. On the contrary, it would only be a disadvantage, as one doesn’t know what nobles from other countries might do. Nevertheless, it was publicized this time because his engagement to Princess Aurora has been formally concluded, and to admonish your ignorance.”
“…”
The five students bowed their heads at my words, but given their past behavior, I don’t believe they are truly reflecting. They might even be thinking, “Even though Raus evolved into an Ancient Ulfy, why haven’t we even evolved to High Class yet?”
Given their attitude so far, their trustworthiness is extremely low.
“Furthermore, Rebecca and Carol have both evolved to Ancient Class, and Yuri and Aria are also High Class. Despite having so many high-ranking individuals close to you, you were unaware of this and, furthermore, looked down on them. Fundamentally, even if one is praised for being excellent as a minor, there are countless stories of their positions being reversed years later. If you cannot understand and recognize the abilities of others, in addition to your own, you will never become a great hunter.”
Opportunities for player-versus-player combat are rare, but fighting monsters is commonplace for hunters. Overconfidence in one’s own abilities and underestimating opponents can only lead to a swift death.
“But if that’s the case, there’s no point in creating the General Academy. That’s why we’re only fining you this time and prioritizing your correction. Also, let me tell you in advance that unnecessary contact with Raus and the others is also prohibited. This is also part of the penalty, and if you violate it, you will be subject to appropriate punishment.”
Along with the development of MARS, this is one of the reasons for opening the General Academy.
The number of hunters who die from reckless hunting is surprisingly high.
While unavoidable accidents are not uncommon, and statistically this seems to be the overwhelming majority, the next most common cause is overestimating one’s abilities and targeting monsters of a higher rank, only to be defeated.
Especially in the latter case, it often involves raids other than their own, and in the worst-case scenario, towns and villages can be attacked. In fact, several villages have suffered considerable damage because of it.
These five also have a previous offense: during the autumn monster subjugation practical training, they interfered with a goblin settlement deep in the western forest and angered the Goblin King.
Although it was a serious crime that could have been considered high treason, because we immediately subjugated them and there was no damage, and because they were still students, they were let off with a fine this time only.
Ah, and I need to convey this as well.
“Also, another thing. While it should have already been communicated to the other students, we are planning practical training in the Float Labyrinth next month. You may participate if you wish, but if you cause trouble like this time, you will be expelled immediately.”
The Float Labyrinth is a conquered labyrinth with 18 floors, located about a two-hour walk from Float.
Even in the deeper floors, only G-rank monsters appear, and the guardian is a P-rank monster, making the difficulty low. It is a beginner’s labyrinth, so a considerable number of hunters enter it.
From Memoria, the fastest way is to take a ship to Float and then travel on foot or by beast carriage. However, it is not a distance that can be covered in a day, and since it is practical training within a labyrinth, it would be meaningless if they didn’t stay for several days.
Therefore, the labyrinth practical training will be conducted over four days and three nights. Several hunters and Order members will accompany them as guards, and accommodation will be in the Order’s Guild’s multi-functional beast carriages.
While I wouldn’t mind them camping in the wilderness for practical training, it is expected that nearly all of the applicants for the Knight-Hunter Department will participate. Camping might not be possible in safe areas.
Considering that there were nearly 100 applicants for the Knight-Hunter Department, if they were outside a safe area, it would be impossible to protect them in case of an emergency, even if they were within a safe area.
Also, even though this is part of the curriculum, it could be a nuisance to hunters simply entering the labyrinth, and there might even be those who would try to attack them.
Therefore, to reduce such troubles, considering that they are not used to night watch duty, multi-functional beast carriages will be used, and they will be able to experience camping properly.
We will not be accompanying them, but Raus and the others, as students, will participate.
As for the selection of the Order members, I heard a rumor that Dart, the sub-Order’s Master, might be coming.
However, these five individuals do not seem very happy about it.
Well, they are all over level 30, and they can probably reach around the 10th floor of the Float Labyrinth without issue. Perhaps going in a large group wouldn’t be much of a learning experience for them.
Nevertheless, there are situations that require group action, and it is a common occurrence during marches. Therefore, it is an essential lesson for Ritters.
Of course, it is also necessary for hunters who wish to join an Alliance.
Hunters who can join an Alliance are generally High Class or above. Although the widespread use of alloys and the increase in Ancient Classes have reduced the number of Alliances being formed, it is still beneficial to learn about group activities.
“The target floor is not yet decided, but I believe it will be up to the 10th floor.”
Although the Float Labyrinth is said to be for beginners, in reality, only up to C-rank monsters appear up to the 10th floor, with occasional B-rank monsters appearing.
S-rank monsters are found from the 15th floor onwards, and G-rank monsters only appear on the 18th floor, which is the deepest layer.
Of course, monsters can evolve, so this is not absolute, but no such incident has been reported since it was conquered, so it is well-managed.
And that is precisely why it can be said to be the optimal labyrinth for students.
Of course, caution is advised. Even with I-rank monsters, higher-ranked ones can easily overwhelm a single individual, and there’s a high chance of being defeated.
Wolf species, in particular, tend to have individuals equivalent to C-rank.
The Float Labyrinth has designated habitats for such monsters, so countermeasures are in place, and unforeseen circumstances are unlikely to occur. This is why it is popular as a beginner’s labyrinth.
“The Float Labyrinth, and up to the 10th floor…”
“Do you have any complaints?”
“No, I have never entered a labyrinth before, so I don’t think so.”
Wisteria, the girl hunter from Tigari, had never entered a labyrinth before.
Well, labyrinths are not meant to be entered alone, and for them to have entered the academy means they are not part of a raid group either. So, it’s not impossible for the other four to have never entered one.
“I see. Ah, before the practical training, we will also have a lecture on labyrinths. We will cover what floors exist, the monsters inhabiting them, the characteristics of safe areas, and preparations for cases where you cannot reach a safe area, all of which are matters of life and death. Listen carefully. And of course, do so without disturbing other students.”
“Yes!”
Even though it’s part of the curriculum, the prospect of entering a labyrinth for the first time has made the five dejected students incredibly energetic.
Naturally, any monsters defeated become the property of the vanquisher.
I believe they can defeat T-rank, I-rank, and even C-rank monsters. If they work hard, they should be able to cover the cost of this fine.
However, these five are also on the brink, so they might rush and act on their own. I’ll have to ask the accompanying Order members and Raus’s group to keep a close eye on them.
