I Was Reborn in Another World, but Hold On – No Parents? Was I Abandoned? - Chapter 12

Chapter 12: Troubles After the Entrance Ceremony

“Now, for the new student greetings. Representative of the new students, Arus Reynard, please step forward.”

Upon being called, I hurriedly stepped forward.

Navigating through the crowd of about a hundred new students along with their parents, the faculty, guests, and the multitude of existing students, I headed towards the platform.

As I ascended to the designated spot, a unique kind of nervousness I had never felt before caused my mind to go blank.

The silent pressure of everyone’s curious gaze weighed heavily on me.

Yet, when I glanced towards the back, there was the familiar sight of my family, as always.

A comforting sense of reassurance gently settled in my heart.

Take a deep breath…

It’s alright.

Even if I make a mistake here, it’s not the end of the world.

Just focus on what I can do. I took a deep breath.

And with determination, I breathed in and out.

“Today, we express our heartfelt gratitude for hosting such a grand ceremony for us new students.

In the midst of fierce competition, we have worked hard since childhood to reach this day, the day of enrollment into the prestigious Royal Officer Academy.

As aspiring officers set to support this country in the future, we acknowledge our inexperience and we may rely on the guidance of teachers and seniors.

However, as individuals aspiring to be officers, we humbly request strict guidance when that time comes. Thank you very much in advance.

In conclusion, to my fellow classmates, let us collectively strive for the next six years, motivating, challenging, sharing, and investing unwavering effort to tread the path of glorious success together.

Representative of the new students, Arus Reynard.”

I somehow managed not to stumble…

I surveyed the silent auditorium.

W- Was something off??

I stayed up all night thinking about it!

” ” “Ooooooh!!!” ” ”

A wave of thunderous applause and cheers erupted!

A sigh of relief escaped me. I somehow pulled it off!

On the platform, a white-haired boy observed.

“That’s Arus Reynard. He topped the academic studies, sent an examiner to the infirmary during the combat test, and literally turned all the wooden targets into ashes in the magic exam… Finally, I’ve found a good rival.”

A short-haired, menacing blond boy also gazed at Arus.

“So, he’s the eldest son of the Reynard family that my old man was talking about. Excelling in academics, combat, and magic! Is that even possible? Damn, let me in on the secret; there has to be something! There must be!”

A red-haired girl, also applauding Arus, looked at him.

“I heard the rumors, but that’s the top student. I never thought someone would surpass me in academics! And his magic and combat skills are amazing; seriously, what’s his deal? The son of the former commander-in-chief and the former chief court mage? Does that even happen? Well, at least having someone reliable is reassuring! Watch me; I’ll surpass you.”

Arus never thought he would evoke such emotions from others.

As the ceremony concluded, the new students exited first.

“Hey, you! Whether you’re the top student or something, it’s probably just your parents’ connections, right? Sending an examiner to the infirmary during the combat test? You probably arranged for some weakling, didn’t you? Duel me! If I win, I’ll be the top student, right!?”

A green-haired boy stood before him.

With a malicious look in his eyes, he gripped a spear, clearly not intended for training.

Enough with the problems already…

Can you stop?

I’m exhausted.

“What are you talking about? Dueling among new students is not allowed, you know? Besides, the Royal Officer Academy is managed directly by His Majesty! There are no connections or anything!”

A young, beautiful girl with flowing black hair unexpectedly defended me.

No, perhaps she’s just irritated.

“What! You, step aside, girl!”

The green-haired boy shouted.

The girl glared at him, she seemed like a powder keg about to explode.

“Hohoho, very well! It’s quite interesting. I, as the principal, shall permit this duel… However, Arus, would you mind fighting bare-handed as a handicap?”

The principal, who appeared from somewhere, said so without any intention of stopping us.

Certainly, this guy is not much of a threat.

Even with bare hands, I can handle him, but is it okay?

“I don’t mind. I won’t use magic either.”

“What!? Are you underestimating me? There’s no way you can beat me with bare hands when I have a weapon!”

“Hohoho, then let it be. By the way, Torus, it seems that Arus is quite skilled in military hand-to-hand combat, boxing, and martial arts.”

The principal smirked provocatively, and Torus, the boy in question, tightened his cheeks.

“Is that so! Then I won’t hold back! Regret it after you’re dead!”

Torus ran straight towards me.

But is this guy an idiot?

Is he not planning to utilize the length of his spear?

This is the definition of recklessness.

I gestured for the girl to step back and took on a military hand-to-hand combat stance.

It’s a stance that lies somewhere between boxing and jujitsu.

Both have the advantage of versatility, but the drawback is that they’re a bit cumbersome to move in.

However, I don’t intend to initiate the attack.

I’ll counter his moves.

That’s the best strategy.

Efficiently dodging the slashing spear attack with minimal movements, I entered well inside the effective range of the spear.

Now the spear was useless.

I grabbed Torus’s arm, rotated, and slammed him onto the ground, carrying the momentum of the spin.

Torus spasmed and foamed at the mouth.

However, having fought against my father and Trident, he feels remarkably weak.

It’s not wise to let my guard down, but he’s so feeble that it’s genuinely exhausting to restrain myself.

I cast a spell, dropping water from above Torus’s head as he lay unconscious.

“What the… When did I…?”

Torus, who hurriedly got up, once again took a stance with his spear and charged towards me.

Dealing with him is still a nuisance even after just waking up.

Just give up…

I’m already exhausted.

Easily twisting my body to dodge Torus’s thrust, I then rotated my axis foot and body while delivering a front kick to his chest.

Torus went flying backward, along with a signboard that read “Welcome New Students”…

It’s strange, but I feel a bit sorry for him.

If I were him, losing in such a humiliating way would make it almost impossible to show up at school again.

Picking a fight, challenging to a duel, being spared by the opponent, being defeated effortlessly while unarmed, waking up to challenge again, only to be casually handled and blown away.

Yeah, I’m starting to sympathize with Torus.

Maybe I should just let him win.

However, Torus lost consciousness again…

The principal arrived, signaling the end of the duel.

“That’s enough! The winner is Arus!”

” ” “Ooooooh!!!” ” ”

The cheering crowd, and for some reason, that proud black-haired girl.

Sigh, I just want to go to sleep.

Today has been exhausting, seriously.

The black-haired girl approached me.

“As expected of the top student! Your strength is undeniable! Well, most of us were watching you in either the combat or magic test, so we didn’t doubt it. But Torus didn’t see you, such a pity… Oh, I’m Maria Reistov, the daughter of Count Reistov! Nice to meet you!”

“Well, I appreciate the compliment. I think you know, but I’m Arus Reynard, the eldest son of the Reynard family. Nice to meet you, Maria.”

“Just call me Maria! I’ve been told about having connections with your parents for so long, so hearing that feels refreshing! I feel like we could get along well.”

Maria extended her hand towards me.

I shook her hand, exchanging a handshake.

Count Reistov…

I’ve heard that name somewhere.

Oh, right!

He’s one of the generals, just like my father.

Certainly, a renowned strategist and military tactician.

Yeah, Maria’s situation might indeed be similar to mine.

Well, I’m not his real child, though…

At this point, hardly anyone knows about that.

Moreover, I am undoubtedly part of the Count’s family now.

I guess there’ll be more envy and resentment in the future.