The day after the Practical Training Exercise. Our party was the talk of the school since we were the first to finish... though, as expected, most of the praise was directed toward Amelia.
"Haaa... I'm already sick of this."
"You look exhausted."
"I am..."
Currently, the four of us—Ray, Amelia, Evi, and Elisa—were eating in the school cafeteria. Amelia had apparently sought us out because she was tired of the exhausting social expectations of the nobility.
"I mean, all they ever say is, 'As expected of Lady Rose!' We only cleared it because everyone worked together, so it's a bit frustrating."
"Well... let them say what they want. As long as the four of us know what we accomplished, that's enough, right?"
"He's right! I'm used to people saying all sorts of things about me! Mostly thanks to Ray!"
"Hahaha... that's definitely true, Evi."
"Hehe, see?"
"I... I was also... happy that we cleared it together... and I was glad... to know that I could be useful...!"
"Aww. Oh, Elisa, you're just so cute!"
"Whoa!"
Amelia pulled Elisa, who was sitting next to her, into a crushing hug.
She must have been under a lot of pressure. I didn't know much about the internal politics of the nobility, but I understood well enough that it wasn't something Amelia enjoyed.
And so, we savored our brief moment of respite.
◇
"Phew... phew... Ray, are you really sure about this?"
"Yeah. Now is the right time... phew... hnngh!"
"I see... phew... phew..."
Night. we were grunting through a conversation in our dorm room. Naturally, we were wearing nothing but our boxer pants. What were we doing in this near-naked state? The answer was simple...
Muscle training.
Believe in muscle, worship muscle, and thou shalt be saved.
This was one of the many teachings of my Master. Though she had withered now, back then, Master possessed an extraordinary amount of muscle for a woman. I continued to put that teaching into practice even now that I was a student.
I was honing my physique for a very specific purpose.
"You've been scouting out different groups, right?"
"Yeah. But in the end, if I have to choose... it’s the Environmental Research Club and the Gardening Club."
"That's an unexpected combination, but I think it suits you."
We finished our joint workout and began replenishing ourselves with protein while still mostly naked. For muscles, nothing is more important than protein.
The topic at hand was club activities.
Not just at Arnold Magic Academy, but at magic academies in general, club activities are a staple. I hadn't known anything about them before coming here, but while they weren't mandatory, most students apparently poured their energy into them after enrollment. They ranged from purely recreational to highly practical.
For the past two months, I had spent my after-school hours observing various clubs. Sometimes I wasn't welcomed with the friendliest faces, but I had finally reached a decision.
Since being a member of multiple clubs was permitted, I decided to join both the Environmental Research Club and the Gardening Club.
"I was able to join normally, but you might have a hard time, Ray."
"Leave it to me. I do... have this, after all."
I smoothly retrieved a certain card from the desk. At first glance, it looked like an ordinary card, but anyone with the right eyes would recognize it for what it truly was.
"Wha—!? Are you serious!?"
"Yeah. I actually obtained it a year ago."
"...Haha. Well, that's incredible. I'm sure the Club President will be happy, but you should probably save that for later."
"Why?"
"It'll be more interesting that way, wouldn't it?"
"Heh, true."
We shared a knowing grin.
Then, we quickly went to sleep. Rest is vital for muscle growth. Staying up late was out of the question.
◇
"Alright, Ray. I'm not going to introduce you."
"Yeah, I understand."
"You'll carve your own path, right?"
"It's what I decided. To wipe away the prejudices of being an Ordinary or a Withered Wizard, I have to open that door myself."
"Then I'll be waiting inside."
"Understood."
After school.
After speaking with Evi, I watched him walk away.
"Alright... let's do this."
There were several hurdles to clear before joining the Environmental Research Club. Besides, it involved dealing with people. I didn't want to start off on the wrong foot. That was why I had been preparing. Along with Evi, for these past two months...
"Heh... it seems my pectorals are smiling too."
I headed toward the clubroom, flexing my chest muscles as I walked.
"Pardon the intrusion!"
I announced my arrival with a sharp knock. I stood before the door labeled "Environmental Research Club" in the club building.
"...Who is it?" a man asked, pulling the door open.
"My name is Ray White."
"...The Ordinary everyone's talking about? So, what do you want?"
"I wish to join the club, Club President."
"Ho... so you know who I am."
"Yes. Since I intend to join, I did my research."
"...Fine. I'll hear you out."
"Excuse me."
I bowed and was led into the room.
Inside, there was a whiteboard and several lockers used by the members.
The current members were gathered there. Not very many in total—including Evi and the Club President, there were seven. Including me, that made eight.
"Listen up, everyone. We have an applicant. At this time of year... no less," the Club President announced. Every man there, except for Evi, glared at me with sharp eyes.
They were all sturdy, muscular men.
The Environmental Research Club. It was a club that went on expeditions to forests, mountains, rivers, and even glacial regions. To fulfill their objective of investigating all kinds of environments, they battled against nature day and night. Those who conduct such surveys are known as Hunters. Some aimed to become Hunters professionally after graduation, and this club was a gathering of such individuals.
As a side note, it seemed there were currently no female members.
"Ho..."
"He looks thin."
"Even without considering the fact that he's an Ordinary, this bulk is a bit lacking..."
"He certainly has a slender frame..."
The members reacted predictably. Evi, of course, remained silent.
"Now then, strip. Let's see what you're made of."
The tallest student, sporting a black undercut and the thickest muscles in the room—that was the Club President. He was a fourth-year and held a Gold Rank Hunter License. In other words, he was a Gold Rank Hunter. Just like sorcerers, Hunters were divided into ranks.
I had heard that the top-ranked Hunters spent their days and nights traveling across the world.
"Understood."
I had expected the order to strip. Evi had already gone through it. That was exactly why I had been honing my physique.
Without hesitation, I stripped off everything except for my boxer pants.
Then, I put my body on full display—an overwhelming frame layered with muscle.
"...What!?"
"Look at that bulk...!"
"He's huge! Was he the type who looks slim in clothes!?"
"Ho... I see."
The Club President didn't shout in surprise; he simply stared at me intently.
"Ray, was it...?"
"Yes, Club President."
"Good muscles. Pectorals, biceps, quadriceps, trapezius... the balance is excellent, but... you're one of those who actually uses them, aren't you?"
"...You can tell?"
"Who do you think I am? I'm a Gold Rank Hunter. Those are practical muscles, not just for show. They were built through genuine physical labor."
"I'm impressed you noticed. Actually, my home is near the Dogma Forest. I spent a lot of time running through those woods."
When I grinned, the other members reacted even more strongly.
"What...!? Did he say Dogma Forest?"
"That's an S-Rank difficulty forest, isn't it!?"
"I... I see... So that's how he got that bulk...!"
The Club President also grinned and delivered his verdict.
"Fine. You've passed the first test. Now... let's see your practical skills."
"Yes. Understood!"
"We're all heading to the Kafka Forest. Everyone, get ready."
"Roger!"
And so, we headed to the Kafka Forest.
◇
The eight of us arrived at the Kafka Forest. I still hadn't spoken to Evi. We had promised not to celebrate until the very moment I was officially accepted.
"Ray."
"Yes, Club President."
"Look over there."
"...A Huge Snake. Danger level B-Rank."
"Take care of it."
"By myself?"
"Yes. You'll need that level of skill to keep up. Evi was the only decent recruit we got this year. I have high expectations for you. Show me that your bulk isn't just for show."
"...By your command."
I immediately channeled Inside Code through my body and closed the distance in a single bound. I had brought a broadsword, a standard type of blade. I rushed forward before the Huge Snake could even sense me... and with one flash...
I lopped off its head.
But I wasn't finished. I immediately crushed the severed head and moved on to processing the remaining body. A characteristic of the Huge Snake is that it continues to move even after decapitation. Careless Hunters have been known to be crushed to death by the thrashing body.
"Alright... will this be sufficient?"
I immediately skewered the body as well, completing the kill.
Head and body. I was confident that I had handled the processing appropriately.
"Ho... I see. It seems your experience in the Dogma Forest was the real deal."
"Yes. And while I'm at it, I have a treat for everyone."
"What’s that?"
"It's the Ainsworth-style secret sauce."
I grinned and had the other members start a fire while I began the butchery. I sliced open the body with a knife, peeled back the skin, and harvested the thick meat. I prepared eight portions, skewered them in a glazed kabayaki style, and began grilling them over the fire.
That was when I added Ainsworth's secret sauce.
Master couldn't cook to save her life. However, she was a genius at creating seasonings. I would do the cooking, and Master would provide the flavor. That experience was paying off now.
"It's ready."
"Ho..."
"Ohh!"
"Amazing! It looks delicious!!"
Since they were all aspiring Hunters, none of them had any qualms about eating snake.
"Mm...!"
"D... Delicious!!?"
"What is this...!? It's diabolical...!!"
Their reactions were exactly as I had predicted.
"Ray."
"Yes, Club President."
"Could it be that you... already have one?"
"A keen eye, as expected. Actually, I do..."
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a gold... Hunter License.
"What...!!?"
"A Gold Rank... the same as the President!?"
"No way!? An Ordinary is a Gold Rank!? But that makes sense... those skills are no joke! This guy has the aura of a veteran...!"
When I grinned, the Club President grinned right back at me.
"I see. So you've cleared that curriculum as well, Ray."
"Yes. It was quite grueling."
"I reached Gold Rank last year. When did you get yours?"
"Last year as well."
"...You're a prodigy. At this point, no one should have any complaints. Right... everyone!?"
When the Club President raised his voice, the members—still mid-bite—cheered.
"Of course not!"
"Yeah! Being an Ordinary doesn't matter!"
"That's right! Besides, there aren't any nobles in our club anyway! We don't care about that Ordinary stuff here!"
"Ray... was it? Looking forward to working with you!!"
It seemed I had been officially granted permission to join.
"Heh... Make sure you become a pillar of this Environmental Research Club."
"Yes. I humbly accept the responsibility..."
I bowed respectfully, and when I caught a glimpse of Evi, he gave me a firm thumbs-up.
For now, it looked like I was successfully enrolled in the Environmental Research Club.
Now then, next... shall I head to that floral sanctuary, the Gardening Club?