Sword, Magic and Academic Society

This world wasn’t much different from my previous world. It, too, was centered around academic achievements, and, similarly, your future employment and life success depended on where you graduated from— the Royal Academy, the Marquis-run Aristocratic Academies, or somewhere else.

Now, the same life-deciding exam was just around the corner for me, and in the situation where everything was hanging on a single thread, I reflexively set passing the Royal Academy as my goal.

But that was where I recalled the life lesson from my previous life. I didn't believe life would be as smooth sailing as others made it out to be even after graduating from the Royal Academy.

In this world, there were elementary schools that taught the basic stuff like reading, writing, arithmetic, history, and geopolitics to kids from ages 8 to 12.

Like any typical third son of a Viscount, I also used to attend one of these elementary schools in my hometown until last year but I stopped going there since then. Oh, and commoner kids could also attend elementary schools freely.

It all happened when my aptitude for magic was appraised to be quite high at the age of 11, which ignited my family's hope for me to enter the Royal Academy. Since then, I have been subjected to rigorous exam preparation by Gramps, our exclusive private tutor.

By the way, the country also held something like a mock exam twice a year to not miss out on any potential talent. The last one was held a month ago and according to the assessment, my probability of passing it was said to be 20% (there was a chance!).

They even provided a probability assessment for pass or fail. They're quite meticulous about it.

After completing elementary school, it was common for commoners to advance to higher education if they had a certain level of magical aptitude. It was because it was advantageous for employment. The enrollment rate, too, was surprisingly said to exceed 70%.

The main reason the age for the exam of the higher grade was set to be 12 was that the basic mana capacity of an individual started to develop from the age of 8 and stopped growing by the time they reached 12. It was the ripe age when the talent of kids became apparent.

For the higher studies, aside from the Royal Academy which was a given, there were also the Aristocratic Academies managed by the nine Marquises (open to commoners as well) and the private schools run by influential Count families.

On the other hand, if someone was unable to cover the tuition fees and living expenses, there was the Explorer Training School run by the Explorer Association where they taught the skills needed for combat free of charge.

Still, I really wondered if I was cursed by the god of exams to enroll me in another examination war even after reincarnation......

Wasn't I supposed to be reincarnated with a 'bam' and a 'whoomp' with magic then kick the butts of monsters in this world of sword and magic......?

In my previous life, I had struggled due to my lack of intellect. But if I truly dedicated myself to studying for the next 2 months, my dream of enrolling in a top-of-the-line school would no longer be a dream.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't fascinated by this prospect either.

However, if I managed to pass, was I just going to study at school like I did in my previous life, always focusing on the future? Then what would I do later if I, as a result, managed to join the knight order of the kingdom?

Once one doubt emerged, others quickly followed, burying me in them.

What was my future after enrollment? Would I just devote myself, yet again, to studying and training to get into the knight-managed school, competing for a promotion, having another round of stomach aches by being stuck between my superiors and subordinates, and then being ennobled as a baron or something if everything went well?

The same old routine even after reincarnation?

Given that it was me, I had no doubt that would be my life once I stepped into it.

It wasn't like I aspired to be someone somewhat important, nor would I mind living a frugal life.

I didn't have any strong ambition either in my previous life. All I did was vaguely chase after stability in that life...... And in the end, I died without achieving anything.

It was bitter coming out of myself, but my previous life was just like various shades of grey.

......No, wait. This was a new life for me, why was I thinking of living the same old pattern? This was an opportunity to chase after my heart’s desire. Alright, I've decided. I would chase after what I really wanted.

In this life, I want to immerse myself in what I love and pursue my passions to the fullest.

Success and stability could go to hell for all I care!

This was a world of sword and magic where explorers existed and a vast yet unknown world was waiting to be explored.

Free, just like the pure white cloud I had seen in the last moment of my previous life from the window of the hospital. Just like that cloud, I should have ridden on the wind, followed my whims, and searched for the things that I really wanted to do following my heart's desire...... My previous life was by no means an admirable one, for me, it was a life full of intense suffering.

There was no such thing as a correct way of life.

In this life, I would chase a life of my own where I could proudly proclaim "It was a fun life" in my last moments.

My motto in this life would be 'Let the wind decide'.

I inwardly swore this to myself after completing my morning running training at 5 in the morning and heading to the garden to start my daily practice.

'Allen' used to prioritize hands-on practice, often neglecting the basics as a result. Nevertheless, his progress was outstanding, at least in this countryside, so he definitely had talent.

However, the 'awakened' me knew the significance of mastering the 'form'. Accumulating repetitive practice was nice in itself as well.

So in the morning, I devoted myself to my physical fitness and the basics of swordsmanship, while at night, I dedicated my time to training my mana compression skill, which had been neglected so far.

Sure, I was blessed with the talent, but that was nothing compared to a cheat, which I didn't have, so this was a necessary investment if I wanted to enjoy my different world life to the fullest.

I had just stepped into the garden when I happened to see the gardener Oliver taking care of the shrubbery beneath a tree adorned with blooming flowers.

Then I remembered, didn't he used to be an explorer? He became a gardener in our family after retiring.

"You're up already as usual, huh?"

I raised my voice from behind.

"Oh, Young Master. Are you training right now?"

Hmm, did he see me training in the morning?

"Well, yeah. I have been studying all day long recently so my body was screaming to do some exercise. And you know, I wanted a change of pace."

"I heard Schord say how the Young Master has recently buried himself into studying, like a changed person."

In response to my strained smile, Oliver, too, replied with an understanding smile.

"What is this tree with the flowers called?"

A surprised expression appeared on Oliver's face. I guess my question came out as unexpected to him.

"Ah, they're called flowering dogwood."

"Hmm, thanks~. The light pink color sure is beautiful."

"Light pink, light pink...... certainly, it's different from pink and crimson. If I have to put it in words, light pink is indeed the best way to describe the color."

'You have a beautiful sensibility, Young Master,' Oliver said with an impressed tone. Well, any Japanese would have described the same though.

"Say, how many years will it take to rise as an explorer and become successful? Is it possible to enter into the knight order if someone managed to have some achievements under his belt?"

Oliver fell into silence at my sudden astounding question.

No surprise, I guess. He should have known how I hated exams and skipped studying at any given chance until a while ago.

'I can't be careless in my answer,' was literally written all over his face.

"Don't misunderstand me, I am not asking for it so that I can use it as an excuse to ditch studying or to avoid taking exams for the Royal Academy. An incentive works as a good motivation to put in more effort, no? I just want to know, even if I study, why is it necessary? It should be similar to an explorer or gardener."

I put up a smile and tried asking in as mild of a tone as possible.

Hearing my words, Oliver's misgiving seemed to have lessened — though a bit of doubt still lingered on his face — as he answered.

"About that, I heard commoners rarely have the luxury to take it easy in their life but there are instances where some have managed to enter into the knight order after working as explorers and piling up achievements."

Oh? It sounded more fascinating than just studying all day long.

Seeing my interest was piqued by his words, Oliver hurriedly continued.

"But if it's the Kingdom's knight order the Young Master is aiming for a half-hearted achievement is like a book with blank pages. Even by the minimum estimation, only a B-rank or higher explorer with special skills can qualify. Further considering treatment and other aspects, an achievement on the level of A-rank would be the safest bet."

It came! The legendary A or B or whatever alphabet soup rankings of the otherworldly template! It was something I really wanted to confirm as a fan of other world novels!

The past me before 'awakening' had equated explorers as paupers akin to day laborers so I didn't have a shred of interest before.

I acted as if it didn't interest me and continued.

"Hmph, how many ranks are there anyway?"

"Anyone registering themselves into the Explorer Association will first be granted G-rank, and from there are seven ranks up to A-rank. On top of that, there's also the S-rank, which is more like an honorary title awarded to distinguished members."

Hmm, I see, I see.

"Is it tough to rise through the ranks?"

"This depends on the rank. Promotion up to E-rank basically depends on the number of requests completed. So for instance, someone with talent in physical strengthening like Young Master would be able to rise to E-rank with 3 years of hard work."

Oliver paused there, his bearded yet somewhat gentle face transitioned into a stern expression.

"However, to be promoted from E-rank to D-rank, along with the set number of requests, they will have to complete a request assigned by the association which spans over several months. During this time, your character and views will be evaluated, so it will take approximately five years at the fastest."

"5 years just to get D-rank? That's quite a long commitment, isn't it?"

"It's quite a reasonable timeframe in my opinion. Becoming a D-rank explorer means you're considered a valuable professional in any place, especially with the stamp of approval from the Explorer Association. There are also instances where exceptionally capable D-rank explorers are called to join the private army of high-rank aristocrats. I, too, have accumulated achievements for 15 years before being promoted to D-rank and then being hired by the Master as a gardener."

"Sounds nice~, I reckon being a D-rank explorer must be profitable?"

"Err, I think it's not as profitable as Young Master thinks. If they have like 2 kids, unless the wife works as well, it would be rather tough to maintain a lifestyle."

Ahh, so kind of like an assistant manager in a somewhat medium-ish company, huh?

Ugh, it didn't seem to have much prospects......

"What about others who have assumed other professions, like you, our gardener, or the ones enrolled in a noble's private army? Don’t they earn well?"

"My earnings are on the lower end of the spectrum compared to the average earnings of a D-rank explorer. Well, it's riskless work so it makes sense. I'm unmarried, so, as long as I continue to receive stable income, I am content. The private army of nobles starts similarly in the beginning. If they work their way up afterward though, they can make a decent living."

"Hmm~, the world isn't exactly an easy place, eh? By the way, how tough is it to climb up to B or A-rank?"

"If one manages to crawl their way so far, to be honest, I, a country folk, can't accurately describe it well. We've had at most C-rank explorers around here, and they were already quite impressive in my eyes. They had been in this line of work for quite a long time, around 15 to 20 years. The road to A or B-rank is mostly for the talented ones."

"Oh, that sounds tough~. Does that mean it won't be possible to encounter people of that rank without visiting the royal capital?"

"Well, of course, the royal capital is one option. But you might also be able to see a few A-rank explorers by visiting the Dragreid, the capital of Dragoon Marquis' territory. The nearby ruins there are said to be a place with strong monsters and some of the best quality materials in the entire kingdom, so one of the reasons they are there is that."

After saying all that, Oliver chucked and put down his pruning shears.

"But, do you know? Even the best of the explorer folks of this kingdom are aiming to get a ticket for the Kingdom's knight order. Young Master, you, who might be able to achieve this, is honestly impressive."

"What!? A-rank explorer has so few prospects?!"

No way, I couldn't turn a deaf ear to what he just said.

I mean, it was just a while ago I had determined to "live freely and do what I wanted!".

The first thing that came to mind if I truly wanted to live freely after another world reincarnation was becoming an adventurer or explorer of sorts.

I couldn't deny I was kind of finding an outlaw-like life as an explorer after finding a perfect time to drop out of this rat race appealing......

"It can't be said that they don't make a profit even after reaching that height, furthermore, their social status is also quite high. It's just that the Kingdom's knight order is in a league of its own. I've heard they are just exceptional in all cases whether it's honor, position, treatment, or even ways to become stronger. There are barely one thousand of them in this vast Yulgria Kingdom as they are the trump card of the kingdom and the pinnacle of the army."

Oliver said, his expression saying it was pretty common knowledge before his face was shadowed with an odd look.

"Besides, there is not much work for A-rank explorers. Any subjugation requests to take down the formidable monsters are for the most part taken by the kingdom's knight order since they are more reliable and result in less damage. So, A-rank explorers, for example, often take on the role of clearing pests in the Knight's extermination missions and, if they prove their worth, receive treatment similar to a squad leader and are enlisted into the Kingdom's knight order. Of course, some individuals choose to remain explorers for life due to various reasons like not being suited for group life. Either way—"

With a smile, Oliver concluded while holding the pruning shears once again,

"The exam to enter the Royal Academy you have been dedicating yourself to is kind of like a magical ticket that may grant you entry to the fabled knight order. Please do your best."

I was never one to care about status, money, or honor.

But going out of my way to drop out just for the end goal to still be the same knight order that otherwise would take me decades of hard work to stand out just to join was putting the cart before the horse.

Oliver might have intentionally twisted his words to guide me to focus on the exam so I couldn't just trust his words completely, but he shouldn't be lying about facts that could be easily looked up.

If anything, this conversation shifted my perception of the kingdom's knight order upward and lowered the same for explorers.