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Chapter 13. Future Activity Guidelines

“This might be really late to ask, but... what's the point of forming factions? Only the best students become Magic Knights regardless of factions, so making one just seems like a way to create unnecessary enemies.”

“It’s to avoid making enemies, actually.”

“I don't get it.”

Wouldn’t having more people in a faction just increase the number of rivals? Even if a talented student not in a faction stands out, the mediocre ones won’t matter. Honestly, I can’t see any benefits.

“Not everyone is as clueless as you. Even if there’s no class distinction in Chronos Magic Knight Academy, you can’t be rude to someone your family is on good terms with. Being in a faction means having that backing.”

“A knight’s skill doesn’t need backing. In the Magic Knights, strength is everything.”

“That’s just in the Knight Order. In the academy, it’s different. Being factionless can mean constantly being challenged to duels.”

Hmm... isn’t that just licking each other’s wounds? And the key figures, like the Duke’s heir, the Marquis’ daughter, and the second princess, aren’t even interested in factions. So the faction leaders could scatter them easily, right?

“Anyway, it’s better not to mess with faction students. If you challenge and win a duel... once they realize you’re unaffiliated, you’ll face duels every day!”

“That sounds fun, but constantly rising in rank isn’t ideal.”

“Are you that confident?”

Of course, I don’t plan to lose to people who just lick each other’s wounds. It's pointless to think about people who are better with words than swords. 

Still, the faction leaders are strong. Even Princess Elissa, whom I’ve beaten before, would come at me seriously next time. And Jeremiah’ elegant swordplay is likely more than just beautiful.

I don't plan to lose, but I’m not saying I won’t struggle. You never know until you actually fight, but it won’t be a total cakewalk.

“Anyway, by the end of the first year, we should aim for around rank 250. If Elixira reaches that too, it should be fine.”

“Well... can you do it?”

“I can. As for you, who knows.”

If you're a Magic Knight, handle it yourself.

“By the way, be careful if you deal with this Nina Violet person.”

“Why?”

It’s marked in red on the ranking list, so Elixira must’ve noticed my interest. She nervously pointed at Nina Violet’s name.

“They say she beat up a noble boy right after enrolling, is always bloodthirsty, excels as an adventurer despite being a student, and might’ve even killed someone.”

“As a Magic Knight, killing isn’t unusual. Adventurers do that too.”

“They don’t! Such requests don’t come to adventurers! Magic Knights might fight evildoers, but killing is generally forbidden.”

I heard Magic Knights maintain order in the capital and sometimes kill criminals on the spot. Adventurers did similar things. In fantasy novels, that’s common. So, what do adventurers actually do?

“Just avoid getting involved too much.”

“Huh, I’ll try talking to her.”

“Were you listening!?”

Yes, but it seemed too trivial. I’d rather avoid people who form factions.

An unaffiliated commoner adventurer? I’m definitely interested. I dislike nobles in factions.

“If you insist, meet her. Knowing her personality might make her less scary. Besides, with Elixira’s rank, no faction would invite you. Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize after saying that!”

It’s harsh, but forced kindness hurts more, so I apologize too.

“What if she draws her sword on you? Will you fight?”

“No, I’ll grovel on the ground and apologize.”

“Wow...”

If I upset her, groveling is the best solution. Being prideful and defensive would only make things worse. Better to lower my head from the start.

“So, our immediate goal is to meet Nina Violet. If she seems nice, befriend her. If not, avoid her. Gradually raise our rank without making enemies, aiming for rank 250 by year’s end. Lastly, earn money.”

The end!

“Is the last part necessary?”

“It’s crucial. Student life needs money. Even festivals require travel funds and spending money.”

“Festivals? The Founding Festival is held at Chronos Magic Knight Academy every year, so no travel cost.”

“Oh, right.”

The kingdom’s main festival, the Founding Festival, is held at the academy. I came here as a child but forgot.

“...Romance!”

“R-Romance? I don’t really.”

“What are you saying? You’d be cute if you stayed quiet.”

“W-What!? Suddenly? If I stayed quiet!?”

You tend to nag a lot. You’re a noble and beautiful, and your uniform hides it, but your figure is impressive. Guys would flock to you if you weren’t rank 983rd.