DMHS 87

“The Academy… you say.”

Frederick’s face turned ashen.

“It’s a place I miss. I’d have liked to return if I’d had the chance.”

Daisy’s face softened with nostalgia. Resting her face in her cupped hands, she continued.

“But unfortunately, I won’t be able to join you on this journey. As of this morning, a recall order has been issued for the Southern Knights.”

The Southern Knights were the order Daisy belonged to. She was currently on a temporary assignment to serve as a witness for the coming-of-age journey.

“Do those on assignment have to return too?”

“Yes. Not only those on assignment, but everyone, including those on extended leave, has been recalled.”

“Do you have any idea what might be happening?”

“I wish I did. Knowing what it’s about would ease my mind… But since the Commander’s orders have been given, returning to the order comes first. The mobilization period won’t be long, so I’ll be back soon.”

Daisy sent a letter to the palace requesting understanding for her absence, then packed her belongings. She gave the princess, who couldn’t hide her disappointment, a tight hug before departing for the south via teleportation magic.

In the end, Kian, Lucien, Frederick, and the princess were the ones who went to the academy.

The academy transfer procedures were handled at the palace.

However, none of the four could enter the academy under their true identities. Lucien and Kian were dragon and mate belonging to the royal palace, Frederick was a graduate, and finally, the princess was a direct descendant of the royal family, the academy would never accept them.

The palace provided them with false names and identities.

The night before their departure for the academy, custom-made uniforms were delivered to their inn.

Kian, having changed into the uniform, exchanged a glance with Lucien.

“Infiltration… I’m nervous.”

“It’s fine. Since we’re going anyway, let’s enjoy ourselves and come back.”

“Agreed.”

A new adventure began.

***

A forest shrouded in mist. Four figures cloaked in robes forged their way through the path, advancing silently.

Finally, they arrived at a lake in the heart of the forest.

Shrouded in murky mist, the lake stretched endlessly wide. But the reason those who reached the lake were startled wasn’t simply its size.

A massive castle floated about a meter above the lake’s surface.

Defying gravity, the castle that rose and floated was the very building of the Academy shrouded in mystery.

Shortly after, as if sensing their presence, a circular ripple spread out from the center of the lake.

The ripple grew larger as it approached the shore, and from the spray, a woman emerged. Her skin, hair, and eyes were the same color as the lake’s water.

The figures of the four people took shape within her transparent eyes.

“So you are the transfer students who were supposed to arrive today.”

“You are the lake spirit. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

One of the four stepped forward and removed the hooded cloak covering his face.

It was Kian, a youth with a pale face and black hair.

”I am also pleased to meet you all. First, I will confirm that the transfer students have arrived properly. When I call your name, step forward and respond. Arkian.“

”Yes. “

Kian crinkled the corners of his eyes and smiled gently.

A smile spread across the spirit’s face too.

“What a lovely name. I’ll remember it. Arkian has transferred into the Department of Magical Agriculture. The spirit in charge of that class is a gnome. A gentle and kind friend. If you don’t neglect even the smallest seed, you won’t have any trouble.”

“Thank you for the advice.”

“You’re welcome. Next… Luci.”

”Yes.“

Lucien stepped forward, removing his robe. Seeing his golden hair shining brilliantly even through the mist, the spirit smiled faintly.

“What a truly beautiful friend. Luci has also transferred into the Department of Magical Agriculture. Since Arkian and Luci are now classmates, help each other and get along well.”

“Understood.”

“Good. But you’ve dried off already. Lately, I’ve been so drained without water… Please wait just a moment.”

With that, the spirit vanished into the lake.

Soon, a circular ripple spread from the lake’s center. As the gradually approaching wave reached the shore, the spirit reappeared.

“Let’s hurry. Next is Isabella.”

“Yes! Spirit!”

Princess Elizabeth answered cheerfully. The spirit looked at the princess with warm eyes and said.

“Isabella has transferred into the Magic Culinary Arts Department. The spirit in charge of her class is Ignus, a friend who handles flames well. Humans use fire to prepare food. I hope she can master the heat with finesse and create wonderful dishes.”

“Thanks for the support!”

“Now, only one friend remains. The last one is…”

The spirit’s voice, as calm as the lake, faltered.

”Barbarnos Sputl Kraknakar?”

“……Here I am.”

Frederick pulled back his robe, unable to hide his crumpled face. The spirit rummaged through its mind, recalling the strange pronunciation.

“At the Academy, human world status holds no meaning. Didn’t you hear we were told to discard the surnames used outside and bring only our given names?”

“I did. However, everything you just said is my name.”

“Bar-Bar-nos-sputl-kra-knakar, you say?”

The spirit pronounced Frederick’s name differently than before. Frederick stroked his flushed face and replied.

“It’s Barbarnos-sputl-kra-knakar.”

“Barbarnossputl… No good, Barbar. Barbar is also in the Magic Culinary Arts Department with Isabella. Anyway, do your best.”

As if tired of talking, the spirit offered a vague remark. Frederick bowed his head and stepped back.

“Since you joined later than the regular freshmen, you’ll start classes immediately today. Close your eyes and when you open them, you’ll be in the classroom where your department classmates study. I sincerely hope your time at the academy is filled with good things.”

Slowly closing and opening his eyes, Lucien found himself sitting in the back row of an unfamiliar classroom.

He could see the rounded backs of the students seated facing the blackboard.

Kian, wearing the same uniform, was seated right next to him. As their eyes met, the professor standing before the blackboard spotted them.

“Transfer students?”

“Yes.”

“That’s correct.”

Despite their answers, the students seated in front didn’t turn around. The atmosphere felt somehow cold.

The professor tilted his chin, staring at Kian and Lucien.

“This is the Department of Magical Agriculture. While we use magic to aid plant growth, the essence of this department lies in cultivating plants through the earth. I’m curious how much knowledge the new students possess on this subject.”

The professor glanced at the blackboard. It held drawings depicting tomatoes and cucumbers.

“When cultivating vegetables, you’ll encounter various physiological disorders. Shall I explain blossom-end rot, a common issue in tomato cultivation?”

Blossom-end… what?

It was a disease name he’d never heard before. Unlike the bewildered Lucien, a composed answer came from the seat beside him.

“It’s a phenomenon where the bottom of the tomato fruit rots, turning dark brown. It often occurs in hot, dry environments, so you must maintain cool nighttime temperatures and maintain drainage channels to supply consistent moisture.“

Kian’s expression showed no particular change. He was simply matter-of-fact, as if reciting common knowledge.

The professor fired off another question.

“What organisms live by parasitizing plants?”

“Aphids, scale insects, leafhopper larvae, and others. Parasitic organisms suck the sap from plants and trees, destroying tissues, so it’s best to eliminate them immediately upon discovery. Diluted vinegar can be sprayed, or natural predator insects can be utilized.”

“Are you familiar with the law of the minimum?”

“It’s the principle that a plant’s growth is limited by the nutrient supplied in the smallest amount among those required for the crop.”

“And the law of diminishing returns?”

“It’s the phenomenon where, when additional labor is applied to a given plot of land, the increase in yield doesn’t match the increase in labor input.”

Ding, ding, ding.

The bell signaling the end of class rang from the magic stone suspended from the ceiling.

The professor finished the class, neatly arranging the stack of papers on the lectern.

“It’s been a while since we had a suitable talent join our department. We’ll need to gradually assess the student next to them, but… Anyway, that’s all for today’s class. For the next session, submit a report outlining the specific causes and solutions for physiological disorders in plants before we begin.”

The professor left the classroom, his heels clicking on the floor.

The students hurriedly jotted down the assignment details in their notebooks, grabbed their bags, and headed out into the hallway.

Lucien asked Kian, who was rising leisurely.

“How did you know that? Have you ever farmed?”

“Did I only farm? When the time came, I cut down trees and caught plenty of fish from rivers and the sea.”

It was unclear whether the words he added with a smile were a joke or serious.

“So you’re saying you’re good at everything?”

“I’m good at everything except what I can’t do.”

Kian stretched his lips into a smile again. His playful grin naturally drew his gaze.

“Looks like it’s lunchtime. We should head to the cafeteria before it gets too late. If we miss the students going now, we’ll have trouble finding the cafeteria.”

Kian tugged Lucien’s wrist. Lucien was half-dragged along the hallway by him.

The cafeteria wasn’t far from the classroom building. Descending to the basement level, a space bustling with students in uniforms appeared. It seemed you lined up at the serving counter to get your food, then sat at the long, straight tables to eat.

Lucien, who had received rye bread, grilled salmon, and lentil salad on his tray, sat down at the seat in front of Kian. Kian, hands clasped, gave a brief meal greeting.

“Enjoy your meal.”

As they picked up their forks, the chair next to where they sat was pushed back.

A bespectacled male student set down his tray and spoke.

“Hi. I’m Kessler.”

“Nice to meet you. My name is Arkian.”

“Luci.”

After the introductions, Kessler pushed his glasses up with his middle finger.

“I’m the representative for our department this term. I’m here to tell you newcomers the basic rules of life.”