Chapter 21

Chapter 21

"First of all, low-intelligence bastards can't handle mana."

The meditation class professor spoke extremely decisively from the very first word.

Irritation was smeared on his face. He seemed unable to accept why he had to teach the class in the first place. Perhaps that was why his tone was quite aggressive.

There were quite a number of students in the terraced auditorium, and among them was Rickart, who didn't listen to classes very often.

The meditation class was held only a few times a year because the Academy knew from experience that those who felt mana would feel it naturally and quickly, while those who couldn't wouldn't feel it even if they died.

"In handling mana, whether you are male or female, noble or bastard, handsome or ugly, tall or short, such things don't matter at all. Instead, bastards who can't even understand basic human speech have no hope, so just don't listen to my class."

It was an era where the right to learn wasn't properly guaranteed, or rather, the education system itself was virtually non-existent, so there were many kids whose basic vocabulary was lacking.

So the kids were quite good at physical activities, but most couldn't endure sitting still and listening to a lecture unilaterally.

They would rather climb up and down the cliff stairs a hundred times a day than endure a 1-hour class sitting still, considering it more painful.

As expected, the 100 or so students listening to the class were making expressions that looked stupid to anyone. It was visible in their eyes that they wanted to leave right now.

Seeing that, the professor's impression, already frowning, crumpled further.

"Anyway, those who will succeed will succeed quickly, and those who won't won't even if they die, so there's no need to speak long, and no need to proceed with the class multiple times. So I will say it just once today. Do you understand?"

"Yes!"

The students' expressions were stupid, but their answers were vigorous. But what is this, there was no proper curriculum and it was up to the professor.

"First, be as comfortable as possible. You can sit or lie down. Spread out widely."

The students did as told, and Rickart and Bori-bori did the same. Rickart was in a half-lying posture leaning his back.

"Close your eyes. Absolutely must not sleep. Think that you are closing your eyes and closing all senses. Even surrounding sounds and smells. Focus only on my voice. Starting from now. Breathe in deeply and breathe out. Feel adding air to the body. And slowly, breathe evenly. Rest very comfortably."

As they did as told, sleep tried to pour out on the students quickly. Light came in from several windows shaped like arrow slits, and the weather was now quite warm, so they became drowsy automatically.

The professor knew that 80% of these guys would sleep anyway. So his pride was hurt every time he taught, but this was also a kind of request, so he just did it reluctantly.

"From now on, don't think anything. But it won't work. Thoughts will spring up constantly. Leave them alone. Then, observe where those thoughts start. Keep observing. Even so, you probably won't find that starting point. This needs practice. As you do it, you will know the starting point of thought is empty. There is nothing. Important from now. Think that you are filling breath into that empty place. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale...... Most breath goes in and out, but breathe with the thought of leaving a little behind. Make those remaining things move along your blood vessels, stay in muscles, accumulate in bones, and move through blood vessels again. Repeat this continuously."

It was that kind of meditation that was easy but didn't work well. What remains? Breath remains? Is that possible? In fact, understanding was also difficult.

Even if not understanding well, Rickart did as the professor told for now.

Tried to observe the starting point where thoughts bloom, or before that, tried to feel inhaling and exhaling as much as possible, and imagined that breath moving along blood vessels.

Then at some moment, the sound of the professor saying something became distant and didn't enter ears at all. And the sound of students snoring around wasn't heard either.

He felt like entering the water. Should I go deeper? How much more? Is there an end? What if I can't come out?

It was a fascinating experience where a comfortable feeling and fear were felt simultaneously.

Sinking. Sinking. No, falling slowly? Or rising? Where is up, and where is down.

Then suddenly, stars bloomed profusely in the middle of the abyss. Rickart was standing on the Heiden Fields before he knew it.

And a little distance away, he saw Ricky of his current age sitting in the field looking up at the night sky full of starlight.

Looking at that pitiful back figure, unknown emotions surged up and tears filled up.

A time when there was nothing particularly wished for, didn't know boredom, didn't know happiness, nor misfortune.

Right, I had such a time. Actually didn't need things like parents, right? Why is family affection necessary? Isn't love another name for the most terrible curse?

But how did I have to suffer such great pain, sadness, and betrayal. What did I do wrong? Who saves whom. Isn't that Ricky none other than the most pitiful being?

As thoughts like the devil's whisper continued, emotions escaping will began to fluctuate willfully. Injustice, resentment, disappointment mixed with curses, and despair.

Rickart was overwhelmed by all sorts of emotions and finally tears that filled up flowed down continuously.

Then the night sky moved, and stars fluctuated. And at the same time, a declaration of war towards the world and the most destructive spell came to mind.

......Now don't know what is what. Just die, everyone.

At that time, Ricky looking up at the night sky where star flowers bloomed looked back at Rickart. He spoke calmly.

"It's all in the past. Ricky. Pain isn't tormenting you, you are holding onto the pain."

Hearing those words, the emotions boiling up cooled down like a lie, and strength seemed to drain out. It was closer to emptiness than salvation.

And, someone pulled Rickart up from the abyss.

"Ricky. Ricky."

Rickart felt his body shaking, and felt hearing returning. Open eyes, it was a pitch-black auditorium. The sun had set before he knew it.

Surroundings were dark, but eyes were already adapted state, so saw surroundings relying on moonlight coming through the window.

"Ricky, if you sleep in a cold place your mouth turns. Let's go to the dorm and sleep."

Bori-bori said.

"I slept?"

It felt like only a very brief time passed, but in reality several hours passed quickly, so Rickart was confused for a moment.

"Yeah. You slept so soundly I waited until now but you didn't wake up at all so I woke you. Must have been very tired?"

"That's not it......"

At that time snoring sound was heard from behind. It was Bolka sleeping leaning back with arms crossed. He didn't take class today, but was here. When did he come?

"Kuuuuck! Pyuuuu...... Kuuuuck! Pyuuuu......"

"Seems the tired person is separate. By the way, what happened to the class?"

"Most kids slept. And explained Mana Drive a little, and that's end."

Rickart stayed blankly for a moment. Reality sense returned, and found stability.

Memories in Stormhertz, things experienced leaving the road, and things experienced coming here brushed past the head quickly and absorbed into identity.

"......So. Did you feel a bit? Something called mana."

"Yeah."

As Bori-bori answered easily to the point of absurdity, Rickart's eyes became round. I think I have nothing?

"Really? Not a lie?"

"Yeah. Just breathe and imagine, that's it. Professor also says it's first time seeing a kid feeling as fast as me."

If the professor acknowledged it, it means real. Rickart didn't feel anything right now. Do I need time? Although not particularly obsessed with something called mana, it was a little disappointing.

"Said meditate steadily, and don't neglect training. Feeling mana is just beginning, and accumulating and utilizing it is Mana Drive. Don't be conceited either."

Although the professor spoke somewhat fiercely, it seemed he taught properly.

"Did other kids except you feel mana?"

"High rank kids knew originally. Except them none. Only me. Does Ricky feel something?"

"I don't know well. Doesn't seem so."

Bori-bori smiled brightly and said.

"It's okay. Nothing urgent."

"Right, but......"

Rickart woke up Bolka still snoring and sleeping.

"Bolka, Bolka. Wake up."

"Kuuuck! Huck! Uck! Uh? Uh...... Chumble, chumble......"

Bolka flinched and woke up, then smacked his lips with half-opened eyes. Must have fallen into deep sleep even in that posture.

"Bolka, said you have something to say to Ricky."

Bori-bori said.

"Um...... Yeah. Right."

"What to say?"

"No, Mister Dunkel said he needs some kids. Useful kids. So tried to ask you Ricky."

"Why need?"

"Well, request came to guild but seems lacking heads. You didn't come to Academy long ago, but you are strongest. Have some money too."

Having money meant being able to prepare equipment. Because guild didn't provide equipment to adventurers or students. Should prepare own equipment with private expense, actually army was also so.

It was such an era. Going to fight risking life but had to buy equipment with own money. But social status was guaranteed that much.

Of course guild lent money to affiliated adventurer, but that wasn't very good choice. If borrowing wrong money life gets twisted. Guild wasn't charity organization.

"What is the request?"

"Think said something about deserter. Seems request came from mercenary corps. Seems not situation they handle themselves."

Desertion was one of the sins punished most severely in army regardless of time and place in any culture.

Nevertheless occurred very frequently. Life dangerous is one thing, but battlefield had many difficulties truly hard to endure as human besides that.

Especially when defeated, uncontrollably many desertions occurred, and cases Emperor or King couldn't settle often existed.

Rickart knew that well by experience.

"Is it dangerous?"

"Is there an unsafe request?"

Rickart recalled words Arno said before. Words that Academy students are mobilized in competition between guilds, and die.

"Reward is generous too, said will reflect in grade after graduation. If complete request regard as Mid Rank, if show outstanding activity handle as High Rank."

"If survive."

"Right. If survive. Will do?"

Rickart thought for a moment. Will do, or not. Without thinking long reached conclusion that should do.

Because, Ancient Text class didn't seem professor would come even if waited hundred days. Grabbed Mister Dunkel and begged but actually no way he has authority to appoint professor.

Among people connected to 'Real' Headquarters, only person Rickart knows is him, so as student status nothing can do.

Then only way is becoming Special Rank and taking final exam approaching Codex, still not so obsessed but thought raising rank isn't bad.

"Will do."

"I go too?"

Bori-bori asked as soon as Rickart's answer fell.

"No. You stay."

Rickart said cutting firmly. Mana or whatever, basic skill must be base to exert power. Bori-bori still had no rank. Going carry luggage, or what will do.

Even if having natural talent feeling mana, if can't fight what meaning is there. Eventually two must be paralleled to be useful.

Yet, it wasn't an era where technique handling mana developed so much. Point not long since taking baby steps towards star called Sword Master.

Bolka stroked sullen Bori-bori's head violently and said.

"Hey, why sullen again. I still can't feel mana either. How about listening to class a bit not learning from Ricky? First compete with similar kids skill increases."

"Okay."

"Let's go. Cold. Is this place cold, or is weather still cold. Ah, right. Ice Gang also participates. Know that."

Bolka said standing up. Rickart and Bori-bori also stood up, and left dim auditorium.

Rickart looked back suddenly before leaving auditorium. For some reason felt someone sitting. However only faint moonlight in thick darkness occupied, no one was there.

Rickart headed to city next day. Sky gloomy from morning, finally rained. Wearing hood attached to cloak walked getting hit by falling rain drop drop.

Fortunately road wasn't that muddy even though wet, and was on hard side.

Rain didn't come that much, but instead wind blew fiercely. Even if wearing hood attached to cloak peeled off repeatedly, just didn't wear.

Walked about 5 hours arrived at Guild Headquarters, dried wet hair and body a little by fireplace.

And headed to blacksmith. In blacksmith Molti working hard today too recognized Rickart and approached.

"Why?"

"To buy a sword."

Rickart took out money bag opened showed. One or two gold coins and dozen silver coins. Remaining after using this and that while living meanwhile.

"Wait a moment."

Molti left Rickart for now, approached blacksmith grinding sword on grindstone said something. Speaking pointing this side, seemed conveying Rickart's business.

Blacksmith with bushy bubbly beard turned head stared at Rickart blankly. Establishing from seat, indeed height was huge and shoulders broad, weight class itself looked just powerful weapon.

He didn't say anything, beckoned towards Rickart to follow. Rickart followed him entered warehouse building attached next to blacksmith.

It was cool place, and several long wooden cases were placed neatly. Sound of rain falling on roof thud, thud, was good to hear.

He opened lid of wooden cases one by one. Sleek swords without scabbard existed by width and length.

"Choose what you want."

Rickart looked at blacksmith and swords alternately, then examined swords all as told. Then stopped in front of Longsword looking somewhat long and big for him to use.

With Nordic unique refining skill, subtle wave pattern flowed on blade. And root part of blade called Ricasso was wrapped in leather. Made to utilize like short spear grabbing that side if necessary.

"This one. May I touch?"

Blacksmith nodded silently. Rickart held sword in hand examined center of gravity or thickness of blade, if edge stood straight.

Masterpiece with no flaw to catch. Only, as expected weight felt a bit heavy.

However maybe because used Greatsword in previous life, this side felt rather familiar to hand.

Blacksmith looked at Rickart examining sword nonchalantly, strangely looked well matched with sword strangely. Received similar feeling when famous master touches sword.

"Will take this. How much is it?"

Rickart said taking out money bag. However actually, ridiculously lacking money.

Weapon made by skilled Nordic blacksmith with good iron, was at least 5 gold coins or more, and if taken to other region item price jumped several times.

Especially sword Rickart chose was made of expensive meteor iron famous for most expensive among metals human can handle.

Meaning, not item can buy with few gold coins, but item should win bid in auction.

Fortunately blacksmith shook head.

"Hero needs weapon suitable for him. Price will be replaced by glorious achievements you will establish in future."

Rickart's eyes became round wondering what sound at word hero.

"Hero? Me?"

"Heard from Molti. That it was you who stepped up risking life and fought duel with those thugs."

Seemed talking about fighting high rank students due to tribute money.

Before Rickart subdued them, they were guys causing damage here and there secretly even if not acting violently openly.

Nordics are scary so tormenting iron ore supplier extortion money, ripping off pimps, drinking on credit in pub and not paying money such things.

Besides bullying kids taking money guys causing problems here and there.

But since such things disappeared entirely, not only Academy students but city's commerce and industry people also owed to Rickart to some extent consequently.

Isn't it hero since drove out such villains? But Rickart, the party concerned, was just awkward.

So smiled bashfully said.

"Too small fries, didn't particularly risk life."

Blacksmith received sword put in scabbard, adjusted leather strap then handed to Rickart again.

"Well anyway. Take it."

Like that Rickart obtained sword for free. Blacksmith thinks owed quite a bit so not free?

"Thank you."

Still Rickart didn't forget thank you greeting. Saids thanks to Molti too leaving blacksmith, sword difficult to wear on waist due to length and weight so slung on one shoulder.

By the way why word hero so awkward, was much shyer than thought.

Hometown people say I am gentle and kind, but actually I am not such kind person.

Rickart walked getting hit by falling rain drop drop. But feeling wasn't that bad even getting hit by rain.