After a few days of classes, Rody found that in the vast academy, there were only five actual instructors. Each of them had their unique teaching style, sometimes amusingly so. In the Magic Academy, only freshmen attended classes; older students followed a 'free-range' approach, relying entirely on self-discipline. They could play, practice, date, go on external training expeditions, form mercenary teams, join national army campaigns against bandits, and even stay away from the academy for days or weeks. Essentially, students were free to do whatever they wanted without any supervision.
One surprising aspect for Tommy and others was the profound respect, or rather fear, that all students had for their instructors. The seemingly amiable Dean Buck was secretly referred to as the 'Demon Dean.'
As for the beautiful tutor, she was feared like a tiger, and students dared not even gossip about her. Instructor Sean, whom students called 'Stone Mill,' was notorious for grinding students down just like milling beans, often breaking them before they could fully develop their potential. Leo and Benson could attest to this.
Besides them, there was an instructor nicknamed 'Drunken Cat,' seemingly named David, but everyone called him Drunken Cat. He taught tactical classes but spent most of his time either drinking or sleeping. During classes, he was usually carried into the classroom, where a magical map was hung, and tactical materials distributed for students to study independently. Near the end of the class, he would be carried out again. Rody had seen Drunken Cat carried in and out several times, hearing nothing but his snoring and drunken mumblings about good wine.
Once, Rody considered pouring water over Drunken Cat's head to sober him up, but this idea terrified the thief Terry, who claimed that Drunken Cat, upon awakening, could turn murderous. His strength was unknown, but he had reportedly killed over six hundred orc berserkers in one night, including two orc Blood Axe Barbarians and an Orc Shaman Witch King.
The last instructor was a kind-hearted old lady named Donna, with snow-white hair and a face full of wrinkles but spirited, wearing reading glasses. She taught social etiquette, was well-versed in poetry, dance, and courtly manners, and had extensive knowledge of various languages and customs. Her only flaw was poor eyesight, often mistaking Tommy for Terry and vice versa. Her classes were the most popular, as she not only was amiable but also liked to introduce students to potential partners. It was said that the current king and queen were her students, matched by her. In Felik's capital, at least half of the noble couples were either introduced or wed by Donna.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
"Social etiquette is important. Imagine defeating enemies through diplomacy instead of bloody battles. Isn't that more delightful?" Donna, a pacifist, always advocated for winning without fighting.
"Victory? The most exhilarating one is earned through blood and battle! The medals of a man are the scars on his body!" Dean Buck, when teaching, often passionately recounted battles, teaching how to fight enemies in bloodshed, use swords, axes, spears, bows, and shields, and even how to bandage wounds and continue fighting. Sometimes, he discussed countering magical attacks with swords, captivating students like legendary tales. Rody often had to remind this overzealous man that he was supposed to be teaching magical theory.
Rody doubted Dean Buck's magical prowess, despite his claims of being a powerful Mage King. Rody was more inclined to believe he was a Sword Emperor who revered violence and war.
Dean Buck had a notorious trait of turning faces faster than flipping books, known for his unpredictable mood swings. For instance, he might be friendly one moment, planning to visit a tavern with Tommy, and the next, he could hang Tommy up for servants to beat or throw him into a cage with Wind Wolves, continuing the class while sipping wine...
The students unanimously agreed that 'Demon Dean' was an apt nickname.
Life at Felik Magic Academy was interesting, and Rody found it fulfilling. He especially valued the time to study his ancient magic book and practice mental magic, eager to continuously improve his skills. The prospect of such rapid advancement made him wish these days would never end. However, before ten days of classes passed, Dean Buck cheerfully announced a hiking and barbecue outing, causing Rody to feel dizzy at the thought of wasting valuable study time.
"Great idea, long live the Dean!" Tommy was among the enthusiastic supporters.
"I'll cook the barbecue!" volunteered Elizabeth, to the dismay of Hila and Sonya.
"Where will the barbecue be, Dean Buck? Can we opt out and self-study instead?" asked silver-haired Aaron, clearly more interested in magic, like Rody, than in the outing.
"Dear Aaron, you should love collective activities. Everyone should actively participate in class events. Do I need to remind you of the student behavior code?" Dean Buck's smiling face implied an imminent mood change, a sign everyone recognized.
"I'll definitely participate," Aaron quickly agreed, not wanting to provoke Dean Buck's wrath.
"That's the spirit. Rody, you'll be in charge of grilling Ashabaruk meat. Jill will handle the ice wine, Tommy and Terry the firewood, Leo and Benson the tents... Everyone has a task. I've written a perfect plan here; take a look at the division of labor," said Dean Buck, handing out a paper and leaving the stunned students behind.
"What is Ashabaruk?" Rody wondered, recalling that his brother Lot had reportedly slain such a beast.