Chương 16: The Dormitory

Imperia Academy's dormitories were spacious and well-equipped. In theory, every student was assigned a room, so most who lived far from home chose to stay on campus. However, for nobles with residences in the capital, like the Griffin family, the dormitory's amenities couldn't hold a candle to the luxury of home. Thus, they usually chose to return to their estates every evening. Typically, two students were assigned to a room, usually classmates.

However, those who valued their privacy could pay an extra fee to upgrade to a single. Jullius, of course, had no desire to share a room with anyone. He had upgraded to a private suite at the start of the school year, even though he knew he wouldn't actually be using it. In my first isekai life, I shared a room with a guy named Han Smiths, the son of one of Averula's wealthiest merchants. Despite his family's fortune, his lack of noble blood meant he was still relegated to Class F.

He was a sociable and savvy guy, his only flaw was that he talked a bit too much. It seemed that this time around, nothing had changed. By the time I finished packing a few days' worth of essentials for Jullius and arrived at my own room, classes had just ended. Just as I stepped inside, Han returned as well. He looked a bit startled to see someone else in the space. I extended my hand in greeting.

"Hello. I'm your roommate, Asher Griffin." Han grasped the situation immediately.

"Ah, you're the one who's always trailing behind the Griffin heir, aren't you? I've seen you in class, but since you're always stuck to his side like glue, it's been a bit hard to strike up a conversation."

"That's fair. I'll be in your care from now on."

"Same here! Oh, my name is Han, Han Smiths. Just Han is fine." Han shook my hand with just the right amount of enthusiasm, perfectly embodying the polished manner of a merchant's son. The double room was quite spacious, with each of us having our own bed, desk, and wardrobe. Since I didn't have many belongings, I finished unpacking in no time. I took the opportunity to strike up a conversation with Han.

"Some new students transferred in today, didn't they? Did any Hero candidates choose our class?"

"Actually, yes," Han replied. I was genuinely surprised.

"Who?" Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

"One guy and one girl. The girl's name is Lealia Castela, and the guy is Kale Derick. Neither of them are nobles, from what I gather." This was one of the things about Han that impressed me, he memorized names and faces incredibly fast. Back on Earth, this guy would have been a top-tier salesman. But wait. In my first isekai, no candidate had ever chosen Class F. Why was this time different? Han suddenly snapped his fingers.

"Oh! I think that Lealia girl was asking about you. Do you two know each other?"

"No... we just met once at the Debut Ceremony."

"I see." I couldn't recall which class Lealia had joined last time. To be honest, I barely remembered her existence among the candidates at all. Would it be a bit too conceited to think she chose Class F just because we had one conversation? As for the other person... Kale Derick? That name sounded vaguely familiar. I sifted through my foggy memories. Kale... Kale... Ah. Wasn't he the one who died before the Investiture ceremony even took place?

Becoming a Hero candidate wasn't all just glory and fame; it came with lethal stakes. From the moment the mark appeared on their bodies, they were default choices to be thrust onto the front lines whenever monsters attacked. Before being chosen, they were all just young men and women accustomed to a life of peace. Now, suddenly pushed into the mouth of danger, it was no surprise that some couldn't adapt. And the price for failing to adapt was paid in blood, and sometimes, with their lives.

"That Kale guy, apparently, he's the sole successor of the Sword Saint Felix." Han's casual remark successfully jolted my memory. Sword Saint Felix had been the only person to hold Sword Saint title over the past decade, and he was notoriously picky about choosing disciples. He was the first teacher to instruct Jullius in swordsmanship when the boy was six, but he retired into seclusion after only a year.

People had assumed Jullius was his final student, and Jullius himself boasted about it everywhere, until Kale Derick appeared. Word was that Kale had studied under Felix for the final ten years of the master's life; calling him a "true successor" was no exaggeration. One could guess that his swordsmanship might even surpass that of a so-called genius like Jullius Griffin. And yet, someone like that died before the Investiture ceremony even took place.

In the mission where it happened, if I recall correctly, both he and Jullius had been deployed to the same battlefield. Well, well. I smell something fishy here. I turned to Han.

"Which room is he in? Kale, I mean."

"Right next door. Why do you ask?" When I didn't answer, Han didn't press for details, but he did offer a warning: "If I were you, I wouldn't get too close to him. After all, his relationship with the Griffin heir..." I offered a smile at his well-meaning advice.

"Thanks. I know where to draw the line." Upon seeing me smile, Han suddenly stared at me intently.

"... What is it?"

"It's just... your personality is a bit different from what I imagined," Han admitted.

"I thought you'd be... more timid. Lacking in conviction, never daring to disobey an order, that sort of thing."

"Well," I shrugged.

"Everyone who gets to know me eventually says the same thing."