This academy was established with the purpose of nurturing and producing future talents of exceptional caliber from both the nation and its allied countries. True to its name as the "Academy of Magic and Swords," it focuses on cultivating knights, warriors, and future members of the Seven Peerless Swords, with its ethos built around "meritocracy above all."

Once enrolled, a student’s noble status or external societal power becomes meaningless within the academy walls. Status is determined solely by martial and intellectual prowess. In simple terms, it's a place where brute strength rules supreme.

—It gives off the same vibe as that obnoxious old man.

Or rather, it's exactly like that. As such, the admission criteria to this academy align with its proclaimed ethos: anyone with ability is welcome, and anyone can join. However, the entrance exam is notoriously difficult, and despite not having a fixed number of successful applicants, it's not uncommon for fewer than 100 people to pass in a given year—or so the rumors say.

—Not that I’d know since I didn’t take the exam.

Naturally, systems such as recommendations or scholarships exist. Although the academy champions meritocracy, those of noble lineage or with significant achievements can gain admission without taking the test. With enough money, many hurdles can be overcome—financial power is a type of strength, after all. That’s how Freesia and I got in.

—Well, given the circumstances, I’m sure people see me as someone who used underhanded means to get in.

For the record, I didn’t bribe my way in. Truthfully, I was admitted to the academy because of my past accomplishments—specifically, my duel with Gilflare. I had no desire to spend a fortune to join an academy full of traumatic memories.

"Hey, isn’t that guy over there?"

"Yeah, that’s him—the reclusive son of Bradley who almost never shows up at social events."

"You mean the one they used to call a prodigy?"

"That’s the one."

"How could a slacker like him even get into the academy?"

"He probably used connections or bribes. No way someone like that got in on merit."

"Agreed."

Because of this, I’m now the subject of constant gossip among the other students.

"What’s their problem? Should I shut them up—?"

"Hey, let’s not."

"Why not?!"

"Why not? Because they’re not entirely wrong."

Next to me, Freesia, who overheard the comments, was inexplicably outraged, so I had to calm her down.

Over the past six and a half years, she’s steadily gained strength to the point that her abilities are beyond reproach. On the other hand, I spent most of that time secluded, focusing solely on training. Unsurprisingly, I have no reputation to speak of, and exaggerated rumors have taken on a life of their own, leaving me as the target of ridicule.

There’s a reason for all this. Why I’m seen as someone who cheated my way into the academy, why I’ve attracted so much hostility, and why I’m here in the first place, even though I didn’t take the entrance exam. All of it traces back to the foolish assumptions of my past self.

In my first life, I took the entrance exam and was admitted to the academy. Naturally, I thought that by not taking the exam in this life, I wouldn’t have to attend. But my father—Zeke—had a determination that far surpassed my imagination. By the time I realized it, he had already pulled the necessary strings, and I was admitted to the academy through a recommendation based solely on my past achievements.

—I had worked so hard to stay under the radar and avoid standing out, yet it all fell apart.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that a single duel with Gilflare would earn me an academy recommendation. The fame of the Seven Peerless Swords is truly terrifying. Because of this, strange rumors spread, and now, I’m unintentionally attracting attention in the worst ways.

—Nothing ever goes as planned, huh?

Every well-intentioned action seems to backfire. It feels like the world is determined to cast me as the villain again, forcing me to endure harrowing trauma. The power of fate is truly frightening.

"Are you sure I can’t just punch them?!"

"Sigh... It’s fine. I don’t care. Now, go to your own seat."

Feeling exhausted, I finally arrived at the grand auditorium, relieved to part ways with the noisy battle maniac beside me.

"I can’t let this slide…!"

"Not my problem…"

"Fine! After the entrance ceremony, duel me! That’ll settle it!"

"Yeah, no. Go ahead and vent your frustration however you like."

"Why won’t you?!"

Do whatever you want. Assigned seating meant I quickly found my spot and settled in. I ignored the noise behind me. Ignored it completely.

The grand auditorium was filled with approximately a thousand students. Of those, five hundred were new entrants. According to the buzz, this year was considered "a fruitful harvest."

—So, some years fewer than a hundred pass, and other years over a thousand? That’s way too inconsistent.

"And thus—"

The grand entrance ceremony was in full swing. On stage, the academy’s headmaster—Guin Braysicle—was giving his address.

That decrepit old man is a former member of the Seven Peerless Swords and was a contemporary of my brainless mentor. He held the third seat—a formidable individual. In my first life, he called me to his office countless times for lectures.

—Another unpleasant memory…

This place is filled with trauma at every turn. It’s enough to make me wonder if falling into depression would be justified. While I was grumbling internally, another source of trauma stepped onto the stage.

"Representing the new students, Chronos Chronostaria."

"Yes, sir!"

A single student’s name was called, followed by a spirited response. Instantly, the auditorium buzzed with whispers. Meanwhile, I frowned.

—Of course, it’s him again.

I knew from the start that this particular person would deliver the representative’s speech. A familiar face—or rather, a person every citizen of this country knows—Chronos Chronostaria, the second prince of the kingdom.

I knew he would take the stage as the new student representative. Just seeing him—a figure tied to one of my top-tier traumas from my first life—sent chills down my spine.

—This time, I’ll stay far away.

In my first life, that prince frequently scolded me for my poor conduct and attitude. His nagging was unbearable, and I ended up despising him. Thinking back, it’s amazing I dared to act so insolent toward royalty.

—Even in a meritocracy, my past self didn’t even have the skills to back it up…

The thought of it was so mortifying that I almost fainted. Before I knew it, the prince’s speech was over, and the ceremony proceeded smoothly to its conclusion. The new students were then herded to the academy gates to check their class assignments.

Naturally, I had no choice but to participate in this soul-crushing event.