Chapter 2: Diamond (2)

Diamond was the world's greatest training institute that boasted state-of-the-art magic, science, and engineering. It was located in the East Sea on a huge artificial island twice the size of most islands. This massive area contained 5000 hero cadets, of which 1300 were first years. Although 2000 non-combatants graduated 2 weeks ago, elite cadets from all over the world would replace them and further increase the competition. In a sense, this place could be considered too harsh to be a proper home for 17-19 year olds. Starting from the second year, also magicians who wanted to become heroes would also transfer from the National Magic University, adding another 200-300 cadets.

Furthermore, Diamond also included training instructors, cafeteria ladies, store workers, cleaners, recruiters, government associates, engineers, security, doctors, and researchers who all took care of the cadets. All these individuals added up to a total population of around 50,000.

Naturally, investors highly regarded this place. Belester was a world power rivaling the United Reds according to the world setting. I was impressed. I listed several reasons, but the most obvious one was that I was Belestian.

Paul could be considered an elite as a Diamond cadet. His destiny should be detached from even going to Diamond since I didn't plan for this. I wouldn't have to live the burdening life of a main character and would probably live a carefree life. I always wanted that kind of life too. I sighed in front of the classroom door.

[Novice – Veritas]

Novice referred to first year cadets, while Veritas was our class name. Simply put, I was in year 1 class 1. I knew that Louis Hall and Saul Mayne were also in the same class. Cliques would form around them and Louis Hall would instigate many schemes that turned the class into a mess. Most likely, I would get swept up regardless of my will.

"Huuu."

I carefully opened the door after collecting my breath.

The interior looked sleek and clean. White with no sign of dust and three long desks cascading up. Where should I sit? I looked around and found Louis Hall in the farthest back seat. He seemed imposing with his opened eyes and hands in his pockets. His childhood friend, Mira Roodes, chattered next to him. The two of them didn't pay any attention to me. Thank God. I don't want to draw any attention!

I sat at the edge of the middle row. I looked straight ahead like a proper extra. A screen projected holograms instead of a chalkboard. I couldn't help but sigh as I looked at it. I couldn't believe I was now in school — not just any school, but Diamond! After having already skipped the Military Academy. There couldn't be a worse calamity.

"… Yaaawn."

Diamond's semester began in February. It was cold outside and the warm room made me sleepy. Currently, it was 8:01 A.M and class would begin at 8:30. Honestly, I didn't plan to arrive this early. Traveling from Bels to Diamond took less time than I thought with a portal, and I also expected to get lost. Fortunately, something called the Diamond bus ran every 10 minutes around campus. Now that I think about it, it seems the school has become more developed.

Anyways, I don't have anything to do, let's sleep a little. I don't want to think anymore. I closed my eyes and dropped my head on the desk.

"Now!"

A thunderous shout woke me up. The instructor stood behind the podium when I opened my eyes.

"Today's the first day, so there won't be any special training. But I hope all of you did your morning training. You can never go wrong with training in the morning when mana is most dense."

Morning training? Oh, right. There was something like that. A training ground opened up from 5 A.M. to 8 A.M. I read it in the school manual when I got the acceptance letter.

"Now, let's start with self-introductions. I'm Park Leon, the instructor in charge of all of you for the year."

I vaguely recalled his name, as he showed up in the hologram.

Name: Park Leon

Affiliation: Diamond Academy – Class Veritas First-Year Instructor

Hero Rank: B-Rank Hero

The students' eyes lit up. That was understandable. Only around 1-2 million heroes existed in the world, so rank B meant he was quite skilled.

"That's enough for my introduction."

Park Leon grinned at the students' reactions.

"The first day always feels special. You might not have slept due to excitement and worry, or maybe you're already looking forward to improving yourselves. Heh, maybe you're just happy to see your lover or crush again."

The cadets broke out into small laughter, but the instructor kept a stern expression.

"Diamond isn't the same as before. I promise you will have no time for relationships or to play around. In Diamond, you will experience real combat scenarios. Look forward to experiencing true fear."

His mischievous smile sent a chill down all cadets' backs, including mine. Combat training? I had to take part in that too?

"Diamond is objective. The only indicator of success will be your grade. That'll be the only thing that guilds look at, so we will grade you accurately and strictly. You will be held back if you underperform. Statistically, less than half of Diamond cadets graduate without repeating a semester. Even then, you can be held back up to 2 years. Any more than that and you will be expelled. If you can't become a hero, you can become an agent or a mercenary. I take it that's not what you want."

The instructor scanned the students' faces after giving them a scare.

"I can see a few familiar faces and impressive students."

I did too. Saul Mayne, Louis Hall, Mira Roodes, Lila Dawn, Rachel Queen, Gareth Reinhold, and some others. These cadets were the important and impressive students. I looked back and spotted Louis Hall sitting with Mira Roodes. Saul Mayne and Lila Dawn sat apart since they seemed to consider each other rivals. Princess Rachel sat alone while Gareth Reinhold sat behind Saul Mayne.

"I say again. At Diamond, you will confirm what you've learned until now and hone your skills in battle. There will be no easy training here. Remember that."

With that, Park Leon announced the day's activity.

"Prepare yourselves. Our schedule today won't take long. The first activity is to select your main weapon."

---

"Any weapon you can think of should be here."

A main weapon was exactly what it sounded like. High-ranking heroes used treasured weapons, while some others crafted weapons from items gained in dungeons.

I had no idea what weapon to choose since I knew nothing about fighting with one.

"Stand in front of your chosen weapon. We'll supply you with the training weapons, but don't underestimate them. Their market prices go for over 5 million shards each."

There were all sorts of weapons, more than I could've ever imagined. Sword, spear, saber, dagger, rapier, halberd, greatsword, beautiful bow, gun, whip, gauntlet, etc. All the students of Veritas each stood in front of their chosen weapon.

"Choose carefully. You won't be able to switch for at least 6 months once you pick your main weapon."

You better be careful!

Swords and spears were the most popular. Saul Mayne and Louis Hall stood in front of them, a sword and a spear respectively. Seventy percent chose one of the so-called holy trinity of weapons: the sword, the spear, and the saber. On the other hand, Mira Roodes chose the whip, Lila Dawn chose the bow, and Rachel chose something that looked like a rapier. However, I simply stood there and started debating what to pick.

"Paul Wayne, what are you standing still for, aren't you going to pick?" Park Leon asked.

I stared blankly at the one weapon no one paid attention to. The weapon of choice in the modern world, one that didn't require an instruction manual and anyone could use with a click. However, every hero avoided this weapon and considered it a useless lump of metal. Most likely, it was only here for the sake of having every weapon.

This was my only choice. I couldn't use any close-ranged weapons. Even if I had talent, I didn't want to participate where I had to slice things and blood splattered everywhere.

"Paul Wayne."

The instructor's voice deepened as all the other students looked at me, including Louis Hall and Saul Mayne. I didn't like being the center of attention, so I quickly walked up and grabbed the weapon. I could feel the metal weight in my hand as the smell of rust tickled my nose. More eyes continued to stare.

I closed my eyes and let luck decide for me.

I had chosen a small handgun.