Academy’s Genius Swordmaster Chapter 49

< 49. Special Adventure Club (1) >

#49

[A group that provides additional training to gain practical experience through active external activities and to become talented individuals who contribute to the empire.]

That’s what was written in the ‘reasons for founding the club’ under Kratir’s signature. Varen tilted his head.

“Special adventure club…?”

“Surely you won’t turn a blind eye now right Varen? I asked you for it in return for saving that blue furball. “Please be my advisor.”

“no. “I remembered that but why is this the only information listed?”

Originally it was a document that should have contained much more. Phileon’s screening for club creation was famous for being strict.

Since the academy pays the entire activity fee the purpose and value of the club had to be described in as much detail as possible to be recognized as an official club.

However in the application form Ronan brought in all fields were blank except for the name of the club and the name of the professor who advised the reason for its creation. Ronan extended his index finger and pointed to the top of the paper.

“Hey don’t worry about the little things. “It’s signed by the principal.”

“That’s true but….”

The contradictory fact was that as Ronan said it was signed by Kratir the final inspector. Varen rubbed his eyes a couple of times and then looked at the signature. Surprisingly it wasn’t a forgery.

“Hmm that’s good. In fact it is a club that has already been established so nothing I say will change anything. But what exactly does this club do?”

“It’s hard to say exactly because I plan to try so many different things. “Still I plan to do my best to prevent the professor from getting arrested.”

“yes? arrest?”

Varen’s eyes widened. Ronan waved his hand as he saw his mane slowly rising.

“Haha just kidding. “Why would Varen be arrested?”

“…It’s hard to understand students’ jokes these days. “I guess I’m getting old.”

“I’m really curious. Do you know about a monster called Curse Eye?”

“Kus kid? “You mean the part about eating a curse?”

Ronan nodded his head. Indeed Varen knew about Curse Eye. Perhaps it was true that Karaka said that it was more valuable than any other phantom species but he seemed surprised that Ronan even knew about the existence of the monster.

“It looks like you’ve read a monster-related encyclopedia recently. “It is a species for which original information is rare.”

“Well that’s right. So Varen. Do you happen to know where they live? “If you don’t know exactly at least the characteristics of the habitat.”

Ronan asked again. Varen looked through his various books and explained the information he knew. Ronan nodded.

“thank you. As expected the first activity should go there.”

“hmm? “You mean there?”

“You’ll find out soon enough Varen. See you later.”

Ronan turned away with an ominous smile on his face. thud. The door to the office was closed.

Varen who had been standing still for a while raised his teacup. A drop of overflowed black tea fell on Marfez’s head.

-P-it?!

“Oh I’m sorry Marfez. Why am I like this….”

Even though he didn’t have chills his hands were shaking slightly. For some reason I didn’t feel good.

****

“hmm? “What is that?”

“Wow…look at the size of the font. “I can even read moles.”

That morning. A large poster was posted on the bulletin board in the Phileon Plaza. The letters were as large as the paper so students walking around the plaza looked at the poster at least once.

[Recruiting special adventure club members. Regardless of gender or grade. A brief interview was held at the first arena. / Author: Ronan]

That’s all it said on the poster. Even when I looked closer there was no detailed explanation. The students who saw the poster murmured.

“If it’s Ronan isn’t it him? “It is said that he defeated the Empire’s Morning Star in practical skills.”

“There was a rumor going around that he was a madman with no superiors or inferiority… They said that the reason Cardan dropped out was because of that child.”

“I heard that it is also related to the prisoner who was transported to Lodolan yesterday.”

“Hey… I wrote you a letter a few weeks ago but you didn’t reply. As expected there is an owner….”

For better or worse Ronan was the character most talked about by students. His unconventional behavior which continued from the entrance ceremony always became a major source of gossip in Phileon.

“But what is the Special Adventure Club? “I need you to explain.”

“Is it similar to a travel club? “I think it would be fun…?”

Naturally Ronan’s job posting attracted explosive interest. The students went to the location where the interview was held half with interest and half with anticipation.

A huge crowd of people had already gathered at the first arena where Nabirose’s classes were held. Ronan was conducting an interview with a chair and a desk in a corner of the arena.

“Then please demonstrate the technology.”

“yes. Fire Arrow!”

A boy from the magic department who came for an interview chanted a spell. He flew towards the magic engineering scarecrow who had prepared five arrows of fire in advance.

Quaaaang! The arrow that hit the scarecrow caused a small explosion. Ronan touched his chin and nodded.

“It’s definitely more convenient to have a fire attribute wizard but…then let me ask you a question. “Can you use the magic you just showed me to shoot people or monsters?”

“Yes yes?”

“Ah let’s assume that the person is a criminal who deserves to die. And would it be okay to wander around in a remote area for five days without being able to shower? “I might have to wipe my back with a leaf.”

The boy’s eyes wavered at the incomprehensible question. After waiting exactly ten seconds Ronan clicked his tongue as if he was disappointed. He said goodbye to the boy and called the next person in line.

“Whoa…be careful going in. Next time!”

Ronan’s interview was simple. He simply checked the skills of his applicants and asked them a few questions related to killing and grit. However if his eyes wavered or his answers stretched he immediately disqualified the application. The interview continued.

“I enjoyed it… If you sign up there are a lot of things you have to do as I tell you. Is that okay?”

“You can do it. But what should I believe and follow you? From what I heard they say he’s an inferior student who can’t even perceive mana properly yet.”

Of course there were students who absolutely disapproved of Ronan. This tendency was more common among upperclassmen who were less familiar with Ronan. Ronan responded consistently to all of his friends.

“It’s a duel. “Follow me.”

“What what? duel?!”

“okay. Why don’t you appoint a notary and make it a sacred duel?”

This was the reason why Ronan chose Arena 1 as the location for his interview. The example this time was a guy named Sanda a third-year martial arts student.

Ronan stood up first without waiting for Sanda’s answer. Ronan walked to the center of the arena and stood.

“I’m already so busy but you bastard… come quickly.”

“You think you can get away with doing this to your senior?!”

“I get along well with my real seniors so don’t worry.”

There was no trace of politeness in the changed tone of voice. In fact Ronan maintained very good relationships with most of the seniors he had contact with.

As long as he didn’t do something stupid like Cardan or Sanda by crossing the line first he was a more reliable and smart junior than anyone else. Ronan said spinning La Mancha around.

“Come out before it gets any uglier.”

“Shit…!”

Sanda’s complexion turned pale. He was planning to go back with only a moderate amount of threats but the situation changed. He couldn’t refuse because all the eyes around him were focused on him. he shouted putting his hands in his pockets.

“Do you think I’ll be scared if you come out like that?!”

Sanda walked with shaky legs and stood in front of Ronan. Pot! As soon as the duel began Ronan ran out and fired a sword strike at Sanda’s entire body.

The countless slashes coming at him without the slightest hesitation made him close his eyes tightly.

“Hey!”

It was a shame to even call it a duel. Sanda who was not as skilled in practical skills as Cardan could not even stand against Ronan.

Dozens of small lines appeared above the spot where La Mancha passed and Sanda’s school uniform and underwear scattered like an explosion.

“Aaaah!”

“Someone cover my eyes!”

The waiting students screamed. Sanda now naked sat down in her seat. The pieces of cloth that were once school uniforms were falling down like cherry blossoms announcing the arrival of spring. Ronan frowned when he saw the skinny body.

“It’s obscene.”

No one brought him a blanket to cover himself with. Tsk. Ronan spat on Sanda’s head and returned to his original position. With this there wouldn’t be any bastards among the people gathered here right away.

The faces of those waiting were completely white. Anyway Ronan continued with the interview.

“There’s a bit of a delay. Who’s next?”

“History.”

A freshman who was waiting for his next turn began to hiccup. The interview started at noon and continued until late at night.

Exactly 512 applicants were interviewed and it ended up being like Three Idiots Lives leaving me with heartache that will last forever. There was only one successful candidate on the first day.

****

“Umm….”

The girl got out of bed only after the sun had set. Outside the window of Netia Hall a dormitory for middle-ranking students the image of Phileon immersed in darkness unfolded. She stretched and muttered in her hazy voice.

“It’s finally night….”

As time passed I didn’t like the fact that the days were getting longer. The girl who opened her window spread her arms. Every time the cool night wind hit her face her half-closed eyelids were slowly lifting.

“I feel refreshed….”

Soon the girl with her eyes fully open jumped out of her window. Even though she was five stories high she landed without making a sound.

The girl began her night walk like she always did. Her favorite course was wandering aimlessly around the empty main square. As she always did she was walking through the main square when a huge poster on a bulletin board caught her eye.

[Recruiting special adventure club members. Regardless of gender or grade. A brief interview was held at the first arena. / Author: Ronan]

“Special…adventure club?”

The girl tilted her head. It was an unfriendly poster that piqued the interest of a woman who was indifferent to everything. Intrigued she went straight to the location written on the poster.

Even though she probably hasn’t been interviewed yet. It was the moment I stepped into the Gallerion pavilion where the first arena was located.

“Fuck you you crazy guy. “What does it mean that you can kill someone when you have to?”

“But he was really handsome… I was satisfied with that. “Our next team was last right?”

“huh. By the way what kind of animal is that sitting on her shoulder? “I don’t think I saw it in Professor Baren’s class either.”

The girl frowned as a buzz pierced her ears. Many students were still walking out of the hallway leading to the arena. What on earth? The girl headed to her interview location going against the waves of students.

“Thank you for your help. Adeshan.”

“what. “You really had a hard time.”

In an empty arena two boys and a girl were having a conversation. Both of them had hair as black as night but the girl was taller. Then the boy who was moving her desk turned his head towards the girl.

“hmm? “Are you here for the interview?”

“…!”

The girl’s body stiffened. It wasn’t just because she was talking to a stranger.

Her eyes were fixed on the elusive creature that was picking her feathers on her schoolboy’s shoulder. The fluffy-looking animal’s eyes were the same bright red as the girl’s. Sita tilted her head.

“Brother?”

“…later.”

The girl who had been looking at Sita for a long time turned her body. She walked out of the arena with gentle movements as if in the moonlight. Ronan frowned at her.

“…what? Do you know who it is?”

“Um…this is my first time seeing you too. “What grade are you in?”

The two people shrugged and started cleaning up again. Ronan so preoccupied with thoughts of her club didn’t notice that there was no sound coming from the girl’s walk.

****

Perhaps the biggest advantage of having a large site and many buildings was that all the necessary spaces were provided for students.

Moreover Phileon Academy which had strong financial resources demonstrated student welfare befitting its nickname of a small city with a hundred towers and a representative example of this was support for clubs.

Most of the clubs that existed in Phileon were gathered in an area called ‘Nest’. There were unique buildings lined up on both sides of the circular street. Asher was amazed when he heard that each one was a club building.

“Bo are all other academies like this?”

“Of course not. “Usually all you have to do is give me a dirty room.”

The day after we started recruiting new members. Ronan and Asher Marya were walking along the nest. The purpose was to find the building assigned to them.

According to rumors it was a building used by a ‘dungeon exploration club’ that existed in the past but it was said to be a club that disappeared when all the students who went on an expedition disappeared. Ronan grumbled.

“Damn it there is no talent. There is no talent. “How can there be only one person who is useful?”

Schlieffen has not yet returned from Grancia. Hergé Bet who had made a point snorted and refused. I don’t know about Ronan but there’s no reason to hang out with other sheep.

‘We’ll secure those two somehow…the rest is the question.’

Ronan sighed. In fact even if they weren’t geniuses like these two I tried to accept them if they showed some level of talent but they ended up being filtered out in the interview questions. Asher who was adjusting the bracelet Doron gave her opened her mouth.

“We just started recruiting yesterday so more and more people will come in. By the way Ronan. What kind of club suddenly…? “I didn’t hear anything…”

“that’s right. What are you doing this morning? “What is this club doing in the first place?”

“I’ll go in and let you know. And you are listed as the founding members so you can’t be removed anyway.”

Asher and Marya’s expressions hardened. It wasn’t until the morning of that day that Ronan gave the two people information about the club.

Before long the group stopped in front of a two-story wooden building. In front of the old door two or three bouquets of flowers were placed in memory of the missing people. Asher’s face turned pale.

“Hey!”

“Tsk you’re out of luck.”

Ronan kicked the bouquet away and opened the door. An interior reminiscent of an adventurer’s guild unfolded before my eyes.

Huge oak barrels stacked on top of bar tables covered in dust. The cork board covering one wall was covered with a huge map of the entire continent and requests for various dungeons. Ronan whistled.

“It’s quite useful.”

“Uh yeah….”

“Now all we have to do is for one person to come.”

Even though it hadn’t been in the hands of anyone for a long time it seemed like it had a lot of potential to become great with just a little bit of work. I was in the middle of looking around the club building. Suddenly the door burst open and a large young man walked in.

“Hahaha! Is this the club building? “It’s not bad!”

“Welcome Senior Braum.”

“Oh! They came first. “Nice to meet you all!”

2nd year martial arts major. Braum Biodan the only successful candidate waved his hand. Asher and Marya received his greeting with dumbfounded expressions. Braum who was looking around shouted at Ronan.

“But what exactly is this club doing? Of course I thought it would be fun no matter what I did so I came in!”

“Oh that’s right. I guess I should tell you soon. Would you all like to gather here and watch?”

Ronan took his men and moved in front of the huge map. As he was about to start explaining he suddenly looked at Braum and said.

“I forgot to mention something but it is a rule within the club that everyone uses informal language. “Is that okay?”

“This is my first time hearing this! But it doesn’t matter!”

“It’s nice to be treated well Braum. “That’s why I chose you.”

Using honorifics could be a nuisance during future training. Ronan made eye contact with each member and opened his mouth.

“Okay…let me explain. We are literally a super adventure club. “The goal is to gain practical experience through periodic life-threatening adventures and become stronger for the day that will come.”

“That day?”

“There is such a thing. “Everyone look here.”

Ronan pointed to the map to La Mancha. On the tip of his scabbard was an illustration of a row of mountains. It was the Baidian Mountains rising in the northwest of the empire.

“This is our first destination so know in advance.”

“Baidian Mountains? “What’s there?”

Ronan nodded his head. It was the location of a ley line he had discovered on his wandering path in his past life. At the time it had already been occupied but now there was a strong possibility that it was still unexplored.

-It’s the Curse Eye’s habitat… Well basically it’s a place where people don’t visit and is rich in mana. Because curses are ultimately a type of mana.

Ronan recalling the conversation he had with Varen the day before raised the corner of his mouth.

‘I have to try everything I can.’