Fortunately, it seems that not meeting the attendance requirements at the Academy won’t get you held back.
In this world, attending the Academy is equivalent to being a high school student in the human world, and it’s not uncommon for students to have jobs starting from high school, even if they’re not in my situation. While some might work to support their family, it’s more common to compare my case to an idol or similar entertainment activity.
If there are students striving for their dreams, their efforts shouldn’t be overlooked or denied because of academics. Sure, you can’t control the opinions around you, but institutional policies shouldn’t hinder a student’s future. Thus, while elementary and middle school students must meet a certain attendance record to advance, high school appears to be a bit more lenient.
Of course, not everyone gets this pass; it only applies in cases recognized as exceptions by the government. Luckily, it seems I fit into that exception.
So, attendance records aren’t a huge problem.
Phew!
When it comes to grades, though, that’s a different story.
Most high schools in this world require students to meet a certain performance level or they’ll be dragged off for supplementary classes during vacation, and if their grades don’t improve after that, they’ll end up being held back.
Someone might wonder why you don’t just show up to school for the exams and scrape by with minimal grades, but as mentioned before, this school doesn’t do regular exams. The teachers randomly show up one day with surprise tests, and the average score from those surprise quizzes becomes the grading method at St. Ariel Academy.
“Of course, the Academy isn’t heartless.”
Seated in front of me, Seo-A spoke in a soft, soothing voice.
“There are times when students can’t avoid taking tests. All tests at the Academy are surprise ones. There are many cases where a family emergency comes up, or something significant happens to the student, preventing them from taking an exam.”
Given that this is an Academy training heroes, many students have generations of heroes in their families.
“So generally, if it’s recognized as ‘unavoidable,’ you’ll receive a score equivalent to 80% of your previous test score.”
As she said this, Seo-A set white sheets of paper down in front of me. They were all blank test papers.
“But that can lead to problems. There could be days when a test is so difficult that most students fail, yet the student who didn’t take it still maintains an 80% score. So, for that 80% score to be preserved, the next exam they take must be equal to or better than the previous one they missed.”
In other words, to maintain the grades for a test you missed, you have to continually demonstrate a certain level of performance or keep improving. The Academy schedules tests more than twice a semester, so if you’re the type to consistently work hard and maintain your scores, the system allows you to make up for one missed exam.
“…The issue arises when there are two or more consecutive ‘missed exams.’”
In front of me lay three test papers.
And all three were devoid of any answers.
“…So…”
When I managed to croak that out, Seo-A nodded gravely.
“Yes, it’s all zeroed out.”
“……”
“Of course, we know very well what you’ve been doing outside. You’ve been saving the world. Honestly, even if you were to combine the achievements of everyone who graduated from here, they can’t hold a candle to what Clara has accomplished. There was talk in the teacher’s meeting about recognizing that as practice points, but…”
That still meant my written score was seriously lacking.
Hearing this, I cradled my head in my hands.
“Well, there’s still the supplementary classes. If I can maintain my score during those, I think I can avoid being held back. After all, supplementary classes are essentially another chance!”
But if that opportunity vanishes, there won’t be a second one, right, teacher?
Still, I managed to catch a witch, so as long as the demons don’t jump out in the meantime, I feel like I can somehow make it…
My past experiences warned me that things would never go as planned.
Because that’s how it’s always been.
*
When I relayed what Seo-A told me to my friends, Selena shrugged casually, as if it was obvious.
“Should I help you out then?”
Hmm, I appreciate the thought. Selena was one of the top students in our entire year, and she was so shocked by my grades last semester that she personally offered me supplementary lessons. So, her suggestion was genuinely out of goodwill.
And I knew from my last supplementary class that Selena was exceptionally skilled at teaching someone.
But why—why do I feel such a strong reluctance about this?
Is it because I remember how intense Selena’s last lesson was?
No, more than that—
“Why are you laughing there on the side?”
While I was seriously contemplating where my reluctance came from, Selena asked, glancing at Rina, who was ready to pounce on me.
“Eh?”
“You missed some exams too, didn’t you? Your grades are way down compared to last semester, right?”
“Ah…”
“Exactly. And so did Linea and Aurora. Comparing grades from last semester, you guys did better than Clara, but this semester will probably be no different, right? You’ve both missed quite a few tests. Clara’s the only one who has been warned so far, but your scores aren’t exactly safe either.”
“Ah…”
“That’s…”
Neither Aurora nor Linea had any strong rebuttals to Selena’s words. Because it was true.
…But that’s guilt talking. The reason the three of us missed tests was all because I was off gallivanting. Linea did return halfway, but Aurora and Linea were absent every time I ditched the academy.
“Alright, since it’s come to this, I’ll share everything I can with you all. No need to worry. I know I can teach you something.”
Seeing Selena clap her hands, I finally figured out why I had that strange aversion to her words.
Selena, who always takes grades seriously, doesn’t just mind her own scores but is also bothered by her friends’ scores hitting rock bottom.
And when it comes to studying, she has no retreat.
So, well.
I am grateful, but I can’t help but feel a strange sense of resistance.
You know how when you think you should study, but when someone tells you to, you actually want to do it even less.
“I’ll be out far again this weekend.”
Even though I wouldn’t have to stay hidden far away to catch a witch now, I still had plenty of things to do. I wanted to finish up the work in the Elven District quickly to relieve my mind. It seemed Satsuki and Ramihi were ready too.
“You’re only going to be gone for the weekend anyway, right?”
“Um… Yes?”
I’ve always had rotten luck getting caught up in all sorts of incidents when I travel around, but for now, my goal was to solve everything before returning this weekend.
“Then I’ll go with you. It’ll take hours of flying, so I might as well use that time wisely. Plus, I’ve always wanted to visit the Elven District.”
I felt like I was kicking and screaming as I made my final objection.
“Um… that airplane belongs to the Church, you know?”
“…You’re not being serious, are you?”
Selena squinted at me, trying to understand what I meant while keeping a straight face, as if she were struggling to grasp my words.
“No, well… I just meant that there’s plenty of room, that’s all.”
“Right?”
In the end, succumbing to her strange pressure, I said that, and Selena smiled cheerfully. The others seemed to glance at me with mixed feelings, but there was nothing I could do about it.
…Yeah, to be honest, my grades are at risk, so that part is a fact.
Looks like I’ll be busy again for a different reason.
I sighed quietly, thinking that.
*
And then it was Friday night, after school ended.
Looking at the assembled group, it felt more natural to see Selena included. I almost felt guilty making Rina and Aurora feel that way, which was the opposite of the guilt I felt toward the other two.
To explain why, the number of people headed to the Elven Village had significantly increased compared to what I expected.
“Please take care of this.”
“I’ll guard the Saint with my life.”
After awkwardly saying “Long time no see” to Paul, who I had seen just a few days ago, he replied with a smile.
“Well, there’s no need to go that far…I don’t think.”
“You always need to prepare for the worst.”
Still responding with a smile, Paul was playfully struck on the back by Grace, who was saying, “Stop making such grim jokes.”
Arlil had already proclaimed that I wasn’t the Sacred Tree, which had spread nationwide after a broadcast. Most of the ensuing articles talked about my true identity, but some cautiously speculated about the reactions from the Elves given the aftermath of my declaration.
So, it was said that some of the Saint Knights joined me to guard my journey to the heart of the Elven Village. Since, for formal purposes, I couldn’t bring all the Saint Knights along with me, it seemed like they’d follow me just as they did when I attended the Remihar conference.
“Nice to meet you, Saint. I’ve heard that my daughter always owes you the favor.”
“Um, n-no, it’s not like that…”
Satsuki and Ramihi were naturally part of the group, but I was surprised that Satsuki’s father decided to tag along.
Well, considering he had been expelled before, it would be concerning if his daughter went to the Elven District. I was initially a bit startled when I heard this two days before our departure, but I eventually accepted it and agreed.
“Honestly, I’m a little excited about the Elven District.”
And Jian, who smiled while saying that, would also serve as a contingency in case, against all odds, things didn’t go as planned.
“Just don’t expect too much; you might be disappointed. There’s a good chance I won’t understand most of what the Elves say, and the food will probably be all vegetarian.”
Of course, not understanding the language might allow appreciation for its beauty, and the fruits and vegetables crafted by the Elves had a surprisingly great taste when properly combined. But that sentiment of hospitality should have been different from the situation I was currently in. Back then, I hadn’t even shown basic courtesy, so I was uncertain how it would go now.
Even melodious voices could become unbearable when they’re angry, and vegetarian food can taste infinitely bland when poorly made.
“Isn’t that part of the fun of traveling through different regions?”
“Um, yes…”
However, the strongest person in the realm didn’t seem particularly worried.
Well, they say even a disguise has its limits. It’s not something for me to fret about.
“Do I seriously need to go with you?”
That was Rina asking something so obvious. Sighing heavily, I responded.
“The Holy Power I use is the Goddess’s Holy Power.”
“And?”
“And yours is the Demon Lord’s Holy Power. It’s a set, ain’t it?”
“What kind of nonsense is that?”
Furrowing her brows, Rina asked again, but I merely nodded with a serious expression.
How could you think you’d get to enjoy a break while I’m working?
If you’re going to complain, then become the Pope and grab the power. Then I’ll follow your orders.
Rina seemed to pick up on my stance, as she understood the underlying message just by looking at my expression.
At some level, she was part of the Church, and anyway, I was the highest-ranking official in the Church. Moving a mere Nun was child’s play for me. I didn’t think any Priest would try to stop me, considering Rina had confessed some kind of faith to that Priest.
Clenching her jaw and unable to say anything, Rina simply huffed and took her seat.
“That’s what you get for always teasing Clara.”
“Agreed. I support that!”
Linea and Aurora chimed in, adding a comment to Rina.
“Shut it.”
With a grumpy expression, Rina replied, and afterward, she kept staring out the window, even though it wasn’t yet beginning to rise into the sky.
“Whoa, this is bigger than I expected. Isn’t it huge for a private plane?”
Looking inside the aircraft, Selena commented. It was indeed fairly spacious for a place intended for four at most. Though the Knights would also be boarding, their seats were in the back.
“Since we’re on official business, we can’t just take a regular flight. The Church has its pride.”
“Whoa, that sounded so high status.”
“……”
When I fell silent at her words, Selena let out a giggle.
“Anyway, that aside, we need to get to work.”
With that, Selena set her hefty bag down, which seemed to contain a heavy load and didn’t change shape when placed on the floor.
“Please tell me it’s not clothes in there.”
Just in case, I asked, and she answered:
“Of course, it’s books. I packed my clothes in the travel bag.”
That girl is deeply invested in her studies…
“You said it takes about two hours to get there?”
Grin. Selena smiled while saying that, and I felt a little frightened.
*
“No, I can’t take it anymore… I can’t memorize anything else…”
“Usually, when you say something like that, you end up memorizing a few more.”
Seriously, it’s way too much. I studied nonstop for almost two hours without resting. But when I looked at the others who didn’t seem too troubled by it, it seemed I was the one with the least aptitude for it. Selena’s explanations were neatly organized, making them easy to learn, but the ability to memorize that was entirely up to me.
As I was thinking of how to refute Selena, the captain’s voice echoed through the cabin’s speaker.
[We are about to land at our destination. Please stow your personal belongings in the luggage compartment and fasten your seatbelts.]
“Oh, already? What a bummer. Looks like it’s time to land.”
After hearing the announcement, my expression lit up as I spoke, only for Selena to shrug her shoulders lightly.
“Well, we also have dinner time.”
Scary…
Given the way I reacted to Selena’s goodwill to help improve my grades, it seems I really dislike studying. After all, had I liked studying, I might have been able to enter a much better university.
“Well then, should we start packing things up?”
I felt thankful to finally have a brief respite.
I packed the books back into the bag with Selena, stowed it above in the luggage compartment, ensured the door was properly closed, and settled back into my seat, fastening my seatbelt as instructed.
“Oh.”
Anyone might have uttered that upon seeing Arlil shining brightly outside the darkening window. The bright light from Arlil, which had become a miracle of a power that grew immensely under my miraculous influence, essentially lit up the Elven Village, radiating a light so extraordinary it could almost be called a small sun. Even from far within the forests of the Elven District, one could estimate the surrounding areas due to the illuminating light piercing through the trees.
Seeing all this made me a bit more understanding of why the Elves cherished Arlil so much. They must have wanted to protect that miraculous sight at any cost. The light emitted by the trees even served as a precious energy source for the Elves.
No matter how you looked at it…
The problem is, their lives weren’t necessarily their own to stake.
I turned my gaze to Ramihi and Satsuki, who were seated nearby.
While Satsuki couldn’t tear her eyes away from the vista outside, Ramihi was different. Despite most people looking out the window, Ramihi was looking toward me.
There was a serious determination in her eyes.
After a brief moment of eye contact, we both turned our heads away.
The outside world remained forever painted in golden hues.
As though that dazzling light would last forever.
