“Entire squad, halt! We’ll rest here!”
The old man Kuruges gave the command.
And so it was.
Though it was a march, after a year of building stamina, none of the students had dropped out. Even that Drill Girl was managing to walk now.
Indeed, with a proper diet and exercise regimen, teenagers can build stamina quickly. After all, they’re young.
Man, before I was reincarnated, I was getting on in years, and if I didn’t go to the gym regularly, I couldn’t even maintain my stamina…
Of course, as a top-tier businessman, being overweight was out of the question. I maintained around 12% body fat. Plus, I liked exercising, so it wasn’t a problem.
But still, the fear of aging—losing the ability to push yourself year after year—is real.
Well, now I don’t have to worry about that anymore. So, I guess I’m pretty fortunate.
But now…
Even so, I continue to work and move efficiently.
Even though time may be infinite, I know all too well that it still passes.
I’m the type who finishes summer homework on the first day.
Fundamentally speaking, I believe things like studying, working, and managing assets are just normal.
“Reincarnated! A fresh start, time to finally make an effort!”
…Yeah, right.
If you were born as a human, especially in a good country like Japan, and you couldn’t get it together in your first life, there’s no way you’ll manage it in your second.
Someone who found excuses to avoid doing something the first time will always remain the same, even with a second chance.
In contrast, I’ve done it.
I studied, experienced the arts, played sports, enjoyed my hobbies, worked a lot, and earned plenty.
That’s why I can do it in this world too. My brilliant past gives me confidence.
“Do you get it, Ada?”
“Yes! It’s the accumulation of successful experiences that creates a healthy mindset, right?”
As we talked about that, I was moving by car.
Watching the regular students walking outside while sipping a cold cola in the cool interior of the car—it’s unbeatable!!!
“This is amazing… it’s like a moving luxury inn.”
“Seriously… Oh, look, there’s even water available!”
“Hmm, it’s not exactly training, but hey, nothing beats comfort, right?”
Yes.
I’ve got companions.
My squadmates?
I don’t care. They’re not my property…
But some of the students who studied my new magic theory were a little different.
“‘Gravitation’—Run!”
“‘Air Control’—Run!”
“Whoa, it moved!”
A group boarded a large metal platform, manipulated gravity to float in the air, and used wind magic to fly and travel.
“We brought a four-wheeled cart for this moment!”
“Alright, let’s enchant the wheels! ‘Rotation,’ ‘Speed: Slow’—Run!”
“…How do we steer this thing?”
“Uh… maybe lift the whole cart?”
“Isn’t that pointless?!”
“No, it’ll save on magic power…”
Another group enchanted a four-wheeled cart to move with magic.
“Alright, let’s use the summoned beast given to us by Lord Exas!”
“Let’s cast a shock-absorbing spell on the saddle!”
“No, there’s slime material between the layers, so let’s first check it out without any spells…”
And another group rode a large summoned beast.
Everyone was using all the knowledge and skills they currently possessed to come up with creative solutions.
This was impressive.
It’s proof that even the ignorant people of this world can apply knowledge if given the chance.
Ignorance is a sin, but it’s a forgivable one. What’s unforgivable is remaining ignorant and failing to progress.
“Hmmm…”
Seeing my students, old man Kuruges let out a thoughtful hum.
“Are you going to accuse me of cheating again or something?”
I said through the car window.
“No… You use whatever you can. That’s the law of the battlefield. It’s just that watching this, I feel like times are changing…”
He muttered to himself, “If only we had this back in my day, how much easier things would’ve been…”
Huh?
He’s not outright rejecting it?
Sure, it may look like cheating, but they’re just applying magic—the privilege of wizards. So compared to the fun gadgets I brought, they’re probably seen as much more legitimate.
Besides, Kuruges knows about the new magical theories I developed and understands them to some extent.
Which means he knows there’s nothing wrong with the theory.
That’s why he doesn’t stop them.
As expected of a teacher—he gets it.
I got rid of all the teachers who didn’t.
“Your M-language or whatever it’s called is incredible. It wouldn’t surprise me if it became the standard for the next thousand years… which is why it’s such a shame.”
“What’s a shame?”
“That it wasn’t spread earlier and that it hasn’t reached beyond the academy.”
Huh.
“What’s this, regret about the past?”
“Haha! I’m an old man! I have regrets in spades!”
I see.
Well, if you add my previous life’s age, I’m an old man too…
“I don’t have any. Not in the past, not in the future.”
“I figured. You’re a ‘monster,’ after all.”
“Calling a student a monster, huh?”
“What else would you be? A god? A devil?”
“I could be either, depending on how things go.”
“Haha… exactly, exactly. You’ll get everything you want without letting a single thing slip through your fingers. You’ll do whatever you please. I can already see it.”
“Hm?”
“Humans always ‘break’ somewhere. Eventually, they face harsh realities and adjust. We call that ‘growth’…”
“Oh, I see. In that case, I haven’t grown at all.”
“Exas, I envy you. Everyone does. But many won’t admit it because of their pride. Of course, no one wants to feel miserable acknowledging someone who has lost nothing and gained everything…”
“So what’s your point? Just say it clearly.”
“You’re going to meet people who can’t accept you, over and over. But I know this: You are stronger than anyone else.”
“…Um, okay?”
“Nothing major. I just wanted to let you know that there are a few people who do acknowledge you.”
Alright then.
I don’t really need validation, and if I wanted followers, I could easily get them, but fine.
It’s just another instance of an elder showing consideration, right?
As an adult who knows how to read the room, I’ll pretend to be grateful for now.
