30 Years After Reincarnating, It Turns Out This World Was A Rofan?! novel Chapter 47

A strange silence hung over the swordsmanship training grounds.

"Uh-hmm..." "Um..." "What... what is this?"

They wanted to say something, even just a greeting, but finding the right words was difficult now. These were the cadets who had returned after a grueling 29-day absence. In the swordsmanship department, camaraderie was more of a fleeting sentiment, but seeing familiar faces after so long sparked a hint of familiarity. Normally, they'd exchange a few words or polite greetings, but the sight before them made it hard to even think of what to say.

After all...

'Why are they wearing bearskins?' 'They look like they caught those themselves...' 'Their bodies are so much bigger... What on earth did they go through?'

Eighteen cadets, each wearing bearskins. They were once fragile beings, affectionately dubbed "sprout cadets."

If 29 days ago they were just another group of ordinary cadets, now they were anything but ordinary. The most noticeable change was their expressions—sharpened, no longer displaying the faintest hint of weakness, exuding an aura that seemed capable of slicing through the air.

Yet more captivating than their expressions were their physiques, which had grown at least threefold.

Riiip...!

Their academy uniforms looked as if they might burst at the seams. It wasn't a case of putting on weight; their muscles and bones had expanded, giving them a refined, agile build rather than just bulky mass. Their imposing presence, the way they held themselves—everything about them spoke of warriors, or rather, of fighters ready to enter battle.

And then...

"Lady Levi Folt? Is that really you?" asked Lady Luno, eyes wide, as she looked Levi Folt up and down.

"It’s me, Lady Luno. How have you been?" Levi replied.

"I... I’ve been well, but you’ve changed so much, Lady Folt."

Lady Luno’s eyes scanned Levi Folt from head to toe. It was rude, something a noblewoman was not supposed to do, yet she couldn’t help herself. It was hard to believe that someone could change so much in such a short time.

The other ladies felt the same way.

"Goodness, your hands have grown so rough!" "Oh, those calluses...! You should get them treated immediately!" "But why does your skin still look so smooth and lovely? Lady Irene as well...."

Levi Folt had always been a petite girl compared to her peers. Not fragile, per se, but certainly more slender. But not anymore.

Though still slim, her body had developed a toned, resilient look that defied any sense of fragility. Her height had also increased.

She had grown from about 150 cm to nearly 160 cm. Ten centimeters in less than a month—could that even happen?

‘How did this little chick turn into a swan so suddenly?’

In terms of their instructor's words, the "little chick" had transformed into a swan. There was a maturity about her now, an aura that made the other ladies glance at her with blushing admiration.

A woman’s beauty often inspired admiration even in other women.

"Your gazes... are a little overwhelming," Levi muttered, a bit embarrassed. She still retained her shyness, though she seemed much more assured now.

Compared to her fellow cadets, she was humble. "Compared to my seniors, I’m nothing," she added.

"Seniors?"

"We officially established a mentor-student relationship four days ago. I’m the youngest and most inexperienced, so I became the junior member."

"I see... And, forgive me for asking, but why are they wearing those ghastly hides?"

"Ah, those." Levi let out a dry laugh as though she had expected the question. The other cadets and even the "chicks" looked on, listening intently as she explained.

"They’re from magical creatures we encountered on the way back."

"Magical creatures!?"

"Yes, they seemed to be mutants. You know how it goes sometimes, right? Animals that consume monster flesh undergo mutations."

"Oh my...."

They knew well enough. When humans or animals consumed unrefined monster flesh or blood, it was akin to ingesting poison. Most died instantly. But occasionally, creatures with robust life forces survived, transforming into monstrous beings, full of violence and ferocity.

So, to encounter such creatures...

"The creatures seemed poised to head for a nearby village, so our instructor ordered my seniors to take them down."

"And the instructor? Didn’t he join the fight?"

Levi nodded, "You know how strict he is. Even Lord Roen and the other skilled fighters were made to stand by."

So... she was saying that these frail cadets had fought and defeated these creatures on their own?

"Yes. There were exactly eighteen creatures, and since there were eighteen of us, the numbers worked out perfectly. Our clothes and gear got shredded in the process, so we had no choice but to wear bearskins back. They’re not trying to intimidate anyone."

"Then why are they still wearing them with their uniforms now?"

"Our armor was destroyed too. The bearskins are thick and sturdy enough to substitute as armor."

"..."

"Is there something else you’re curious about?"

"No, no, nothing at all."

Yes, this girl had definitely changed. She seemed strange now, a little off-kilter.

"If you’re curious, those hides are exceptionally sturdy," Ihan interjected as he arrived.

"In fact, they’re twice as tough as the standard academy-issued armor. Even the Craft Guild can’t make gear of this quality."

"Instructor...."

The instructor, having returned from a meeting with the academy head over the "bearskin issue," continued his explanation.

"Those of you who are nobles should know. You’re aware of how much premium armor costs?"

"It’s quite expensive."

"Exactly. Even you admit it’s expensive. Do you think it’s easy for them to obtain good armor given their status?"

"Oh...."

"Good. I hope you understand now."

The explanation satisfied them, and they were amazed to realize the hides were of such high quality.

But simultaneously...

‘Then, doesn’t this mean they took down monsters as strong as premium armor?’

‘They fought them one-on-one? How?’

‘Those creatures must have been at least mid-tier in strength....’

The realization that these "chicks" had fought and won against such creatures was astounding. It was evident they had grown stronger, but to think they could now go toe-to-toe with mid-tier monsters was unbelievable.

It was truly a remarkable achievement for such a short period.

‘Should I have tagged along after all?’ freeweɓnøvel.com

‘I’m envious.’

Those who had remained behind for various reasons felt pangs of jealousy and admiration, seeing how much their peers had progressed.

However...

"Ah, but don’t wear the hides during class. You’re back now; no need for all that."