30 Years After Reincarnating, It Turns Out This World Was A Rofan?! novel Chapter 16

The Royal Academy, attended by young talents between the ages of 18 and 25.

More commonly known as Pendragon Academy, it was somewhat similar to a military academy. Social status didn’t matter; within its walls, everyone was simply a student or a cadet. Whatever someone had been outside didn’t matter.

...except for criminals, of course.

Because of these characteristics, the Academy attracted countless different types of people. Many students enrolled hoping to break through the limitations of their social status.

However, the entrance exam was extremely difficult, and even if someone succeeded in gaining admission, graduating was no easy feat. Besides fulfilling credit requirements, failing to achieve a passing score in certain specialized subjects or falling below the standards could easily lead to expulsion.

The average graduation rate was just 10%.

Out of a thousand students who entered, only a hundred would graduate—an exceptionally rare sight. However, graduating from the Academy meant opening doors to high-ranking positions in the kingdom, which is why even nobles rarely quit.

Despite how difficult it was, the new students weren’t intimidated; in fact, they were filled with confidence. They believed in themselves, with the firm conviction that they would definitely graduate.

And why wouldn’t they? These were individuals who had been recognized for their talent. Simply gaining admission meant they had been hailed as prodigies and geniuses since childhood.

So, they arrogantly dismissed the fear of being expelled.

...However, the confidence to become the best was sorely lacking.

That was because this semester, there were several geniuses who could only be described as legendary.

For example...

“Is that the mage over there?”

“They say she opened the magic realm on her own.”

“A genius indeed.”

A strikingly beautiful woman with blonde hair.

Her beauty was reminiscent of a mystical being, like a fairy, but what stood out even more than her appearance was the faint blue glow surrounding her.

Mana.

A talent bestowed upon only a few humans—the gift of a mage.

Simply being born with it was an incredibly rare blessing, as if nature itself had favored them.

Her name was Irene Windler.

A commoner by birth, she was one of only ten mages in this year’s incoming class.

However, her talent stood out even among the ten, which was why everyone’s attention was drawn to her.

According to the newspaper article published the previous day, the Duke of Galahad had even taken her in as his ward...

With such news, it was only natural that people’s eyes would be on her.

“...Ugh.”

However, Irene Windler didn’t seem to enjoy the attention. She blushed and turned her head shyly, as if uncomfortable with all the stares.

As she did, the crowd’s attention shifted to others.

The disciple of the Mercenary King.

The eldest son of the Sword Saint family.

The second daughter of the Chancellor’s house.

The son of a merchant.

The descendants of mystical races.

Without a doubt, these were the big names of this semester.

“To be fair to past classes, this year's group is truly extraordinary, isn’t it?”

“Who could disagree?”

“There are already people in the royal family keeping an eye on some of them.”

“Hm, yes.”

“Even among such prestigious talents, I’d say that man is the most likely to become the top student this year.”

“Indeed...”

“I agree.”

Among the countless prodigies, there was one who shone especially brightly.

A man with a noble and dignified aura, exuding an overwhelming presence that made him look like a sculpture.

His name was Roen Dmitri de Lionel.

The illegitimate son of a grand duke. But his status as a bastard was overshadowed by his overwhelming talent.

It was said that his skills were already on par with many seasoned knights, and that he had pioneered new ground in the field of aura techniques.

While the gazes directed at Irene Windler were filled with wonder and amazement, the looks sent toward Roen were a mixture of envy and awe.

Many, driven by their jealousy of his illegitimate status, were determined to surpass him somehow.

“-----.”

Yet, his expression showed not the slightest hint of emotion.

His cold, inhuman face made him appear as though he was proclaiming, I am different from you.

That probably contributed to making him more unlikable, but ordinary people could only admire him.

With his noble lineage, overwhelming talent, and the distinction of being the top student, both commoners and nobles alike sent looks of admiration his way.

[We will now begin the entrance ceremony. Cadets, please take your seats, and guests and guardians, please be seated as well. Once again, the entrance ceremony will now begin, so we ask the guests and guardians to please take their seats.]

With the promising and brilliant cadets in the background, the entrance ceremony finally began.

Irene Windler.

She was trembling slightly, though she was trying hard to hide it.

And with good reason—attention made her extremely uncomfortable.

In truth, she would much rather skip the Academy altogether and spend her days lounging comfortably at home. Like a pet squirrel, she wanted nothing more than to relax in a cozy place without a care in the world.

That was the kind of person Irene Windler was.

But Irene had to attend the Academy.

And the reason for that was none other than...

[Wow, Arin! Look at all these people! There are so many!]

‘Stop talking. I’m so nervous I could throw up.’

[You’re just too timid, Arin. You should try enjoying the moment.]

‘Do you think I’m someone like you?’

[What’s an insan?]

‘Someone just like you.’

[...You always say things I don’t understand.]

A loud voice rang out in Irene Windler’s mind. It belonged to a woman who had been with her for the past seven years, and who, at the same time, was the original owner of this body.

If anyone saw this, they might suspect schizophrenia, but Irene wasn’t schizophrenic. She retained memories of the world she originally lived in.

That’s why she had to return.

And she had an obligation to return this body to its original owner.

[But, Arin, just to clarify—are you sure that the angel you’re looking for is really at this Academy?]

Roen.

Swish.