The new academic year had begun, and we were now in the second year. Things didn’t go as I had planned. In the end, I did not gather the freshmen together again, and I ended up registering for courses with Ellen, thinking it would work out somehow.0

There were a few significant changes as we entered the second year. First of all, we would not continue taking swordsmanship classes with the rest of the general cohort. They were replaced by swordsmanship classes exclusively for the Royal Class, and the hours increased significantly. 0

The Royal Class cohort and the general cohort were separated for one simple reason.0

“The Temple will ensure your safety, but we must be prepared for any eventuality. If the Temple is attacked, the Royal Class is likely to be the first target.0

“From this academic year on, you will receive combat training that will be closer to a real battle.”0

The swordsmanship classes had transformed into combat training. Instead of teaching techniques, we began learning how to kill monsters, how to respond to magic, how to conduct urban warfare, and field combat tactics. It was both to prepare us to respond to attacks and to train us as soldiers or knights who could be deployed to the battlefield at any time. 0

The classes for our majors were mostly focused on practical training.0

Even the close combat majors were in this situation, so the magic majors would also start receiving practical lessons instead of just reading magic books. There was no need to mention that the intensity of the classes had increased significantly.0

And then…0

“…”0

“I’m Lucinil. Nice to meet you.”0

I was...0