Overwhelming Firepower

Three days had passed by more quickly than Lucen expected. Right now, he was standing in front of Principal Aldren Nikon’s office.

Lucen knocked on the door a single time, and the person behind the door responded immediately.

”Come in.”

Lucen pushed the door open and stepped inside without hesitation.

The office was simple and orderly, with shelves lined with neatly arranged documents and books. Behind the desk sat a tall man in a formal suit, his posture straight and composed.

This was, of course, none other than Principal Aldren Nikon.

The moment Lucen entered, Aldren’s gaze fell on him. It was not sharp, nor was it oppressive, yet it carried a quiet weight that made it clear nothing within the room would escape his notice.

Lucen closed the door behind him and walked forward. He stopped a few steps from the desk.

”So what can I do for you, Lucen Thornehart?”

”Sir Aldren, I wish to teach a class.”

Aldren was momentarily stunned by the request. Lucen Thornehart, a name almost all from Norvaegard would know of.

The Dragon-slayer, the one who had won the Royal Academy Tournament in a time when all children of the Dukes were present, and defeated even the genius Eisen Terre, who had a mana supply that dwarfed all others.

Not to mention one who has survived several monster waves and even a Styrhord. The ever-victorious was a moniker fit for someone like him. Someone like that wanted to be an instructor of the Royal Academy and teach a class.

It was not so surprising that someone of Lucen’s stature would teach in the Royal Academy, since even Thelwin, the strongest mage, has a few classes he teaches.

What was surprising was that a young person like Lucen wanted to teach in the Royal Academy, especially since when he was younger, he did not even want to attend.

There were many young people who disliked the idea of teaching others, especially since the students were near their age.

Aldren leaned back slightly in his chair, his gaze remaining on Lucen.

”For someone who once refused to attend this Academy, that is quite an unexpected request,” Aldren said calmly. ”So what is it you wish to teach?”

”I want to teach them how to use guns.” Lucen took out the revolver hidden in his trench coat and twirled it around a little before placing it back.

”I see... So you wish to teach your new way of combat. Many are quite interested in learning from you, especially regarding that invention of yours.”

Aldren stared at Lucen, who was standing upright for a few seconds before continuing.

”This might cause quite the stir. I can even imagine a few nobles and merchants who would complain about wanting their guards and knights to learn as well.”

When Lucen heard what Aldren said, he frowned. It was okay for the protagonist group to learn his way of combat, basically his martial art with guns, but he could not allow others whose alignment was unknown.

”Maybe I can do my own test to see which one is worth teaching and decide who I want to teach from that, is that alright?”

Aldren did not answer immediately. His fingers stopped tapping against the table. ”Hm... I guess that could work, as Sir Thelwin and Duchess Seraphina do a similar thing when they hold classes.”

Aldren’s gaze remained on Lucen for a moment longer before he gave a slight nod. ”Very well, I will allow it,” he said.

”So how many students do you plan to have in your class?” Aldren quickly shifted gears and started asking questions about Lucen’s supposed class.

”At least five students, and at most ten.”

Aldren gave a small nod at Lucen’s answer, his expression unchanged as he considered the number. ”A small group that should be manageable.”

His fingers tapped lightly against the table once more before coming to a stop.

”And how do you intend to conduct this class?” Aldren asked. ”This is not something that can be taught in the same manner as swordsmanship or spellcasting, I would assume.”

”I already have a plan in mind. It should be all right to be a little rough with them, right?”

”As long as you don’t intentionally kill them, most training is acceptable. The Academy is known to have a rather high mortality rate.”

Aldren’s eyes turned serious as he continued. ”To those who need to protect our kingdom, to those who wish to be knights, to become mages in Norvaegard, death is always close. Better they die early than die later, making more die with them.”

A brief silence followed after Aldren’s words. Lucen understood that this world was truly like that, and he had read a similar line said by Aldren in the game.

Still hearing it outright was something else. Lucen let out a slow breath and gave a slight nod.

”I understand. That is exactly why I want to teach them properly. If they are going to learn how to use guns, then I cannot let them treat it like some toy or some shortcut to power,” Lucen replied with an equally serious expression as Aldren’s expression.

Lucen continued calmly, ”This class will not simply be about how to fire a gun. I intend to teach them how to move with it, how to think with it, and how to fight while using it. If they only learn how to pull the trigger, then they will only become fools who die the moment the situation changes.”

Of course, the true reason for this class was to be able to witness the story of Alexander up close.

One would question how Lucen was sure that Alexander would even take his class, but Lucen knew that Alexander was the type of person who would want to learn everything he could to be able to protect those he wanted to protect better.

Not to mention, if his younger brother Cael decides to join the class as his new friend, Alexander will think that he needs to join as well, which will then pull Mina, Nina, and the unassuming Ryan, which would complete the set of the starting party.

’Heh, even not as a classmate, I can become their instructor. This is actually better for me, now I can guide the story the way I want a little bit better.’

Unaware of Lucen’s true thoughts, Aldren nodded his head, very impressed by Lucen’s dedication to teaching.

’As expected of a Thornehart, disciplined and full of honor and wanting to better protect Norvaegard by personally training the students.’ Aldren thought to himself. Aldren gave a small nod, his expression calm yet firm as he looked at Lucen.

”I, Aldren Nikon, Principal of the Royal Academy, formally grant you permission to hold this class within the Academy.”

His voice was steady, carrying a quiet authority that left no room for doubt.

”From this moment onward, you will be recognized as an instructor of the Royal Academy.”

Lucen remained still as he listened, his gaze steady. He knew that Aldren was not yet done speaking, and he was one who liked people with discipline, which was why Lucen was standing up straight like a soldier at attention.

Aldren was truly impressed by Lucen’s attitude as he continued, his tone unchanged.

”You will be given access to the necessary facilities and resources required to conduct your lessons. You will be given payment at the end of each month. Welcome, instructor Lucen Thornehart.”

Lucen inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment, accepting the title without any visible change in his expression.

”Understood,” he replied calmly.

Aldren observed him for a brief moment longer, as if measuring whether those words carried proper weight, before giving a small nod.

”There will be an announcement made,” Aldren continued. ”Your class will be listed as a limited course. Those interested will be required to present themselves for your evaluation.”

”Thank you, Principal Aldren.”

***

After a few more formalities, Lucen was finally able to get out of the Principal’s office. Once he was a distance away from the Principal’s office and no one was looking, he sighed.

”Damn, who knew that the Principal was that talkative?”

After they were done speaking about school stuff, Aldren suddenly started talking about the battle he had been in. Not wanting to look rude, especially to his new boss, Lucen listened to everything and reacted at the appropriate times.

’If not for Acting Adept, that would have been so much worse.’

Once again, Acting Adept has proven to be the best trait he has gained. He was able to act as if he was interested, and even sounded sincere as he spoke in praise of Aldren.

’Anyway, now that’s over with. I now have a better spot to watch Alexander’s adventures. Still, I’d better prepare now for some of the future events. Even though I’m not sure what new events will pop up in this route, I can prepare for those I already know about.’

Lucen’s lips curved faintly as he looked ahead, his next steps already decided. Whatever changes this route brought, he would be ready for them.