When I first fell into the forest, I cursed the knights who forced me to walk alone down the treacherous mountain path. I resented them for riding horses while I stumbled over rocks in my worn-out shoes. But now, after an hour’s carriage ride, I found myself mentally reassessing my judgment of their character.

“Urgh…”

I’d never experienced motion sickness before – not on subways, buses, or even boats. I thought motion sickness was a term completely foreign to me.

That was before the carriage ride. Without rubber tires, the wheels couldn’t absorb any shock. The hard wheels made even asphalt roads difficult to endure, but on dirt paths filled with rocks and sand, my body jolted constantly.

Through the violent shaking, Asrein remained peaceful, seemingly lost in a light sleep. His serene state made it impossible for me to wake him to request a stop, leaving me to desperately recite the periodic table while praying for our swift arrival.

“I’m sorry, Professor… ugh…”

By the time the carriage stopped and Asrein slowly stirred awake, my vision had turned completely blue. His surprised expression upon seeing my milk-white complexion would surely stay etched in my memory forever.

“Why didn’t you ask to stop along the way?”

“…urk, no… that was… blegh.”

“You fool.”

Surely I was the only student in Angelus University’s history to arrive clutching a pillar while dry heaving. Through my dazed state, I frantically waved my hands upon seeing Asrein approach. Having already stained his precious clothes with tea, I couldn’t bear the thought of adding vomit to the mix. Thankfully, my empty stomach meant nothing came up.

“I’m fine… urp!”

“Either speak or vomit. Choose one.”

When I slowly rubbed my throbbing chest and released the pillar, I noticed the engraved words beneath.

‘He who seeks shall search, and he who searches shall find.’

To think I’d thrown up while facing such a scholarly slogan – I dreaded imagining how Asrein must view me now.

“Should I call someone?”

“No, I’m fine. I showed you quite an unsightly scene. Haha… ha…”

“Hmm, it was quite a rare sight. Fortunately, I was the only witness since classes are in session.”

His words left me uncertain whether they were meant to comfort or tease, but after some thought, I concluded it was the latter. The more I dwelled on it, the more embarrassed I became, forcing me to pretend I didn’t notice his sympathetic gaze. Once the commotion subsided, I straightened up with my dust-covered bag, and Asrein spoke.

“Anyway, welcome to Angelus University.”

Only then did the massive university buildings come into clear view. The rectangular complex featured a spacious courtyard at its center, with tower-style buildings at each corner. Signs indicating various facilities lined the paths branching from the main building. The scale befitted a private university backed by wealthy foundations. Walking ahead, Asrein continued his brief explanation.

“Angelus University was created by renovating a villa built by the late emperor. The four buildings house the Department of Magical Creatures, Department of Herbology, Department of Magic, and Department of Martial Arts. You’ll be studying magical creatures under my supervision from now on.”

These subjects, so different from common fields like political science or literature, naturally piqued my interest. And magic, of all things! I’d momentarily forgotten about magic while fixating on magical creatures.

I’d heard that while most people in this world possessed magical power, those who could wield it skillfully were extremely rare. Yet I couldn’t easily abandon hope. After all, didn’t protagonists in typical isekai novels always possess some special ability? Since I hadn’t displayed any particular talents so far, I pinned my hopes on magic.

“Would I be able to use magic if I study it here too?”

I stared at him intently, hands neatly clasped, likely giving him an overwhelming look. Sensing my eager gaze, Asrein looked me up and down with a puzzled expression. Then, with a gentle smile, he delivered his response with surprising kindness.

“What magic could possibly occur with your meager magical power?”

“…Ah.”

“Even magic has its pride.”

His words weren’t kind at all. Damn. My futile hope vanished in an instant.

Walking down the long corridor, Asrein explained more about the school.

Angelus University, dedicated purely to knowledge, welcomed even commoners to pursue education freely, provided they possessed sharp minds and secured noble sponsorship. It stood alone within the emperor’s walled city where social status held no significance. While traditional grade levels didn’t exist, regular attendees were called students, while those directly assisting professors in research became graduate students.

“So here, knowledge alone is power, not social status.”

Though I’d hoped for a different title in this academy-style institution, it seemed I was destined to be a ‘graduate student’ whether in the modern world or in a novel.

Asrein left the rectangular main building and followed an inward path. Beyond a vine-covered arch lay a clearing carved into the hillside. The modest buildings lined up resembled beach pensions clustered near the sea.

“This is where the research labs begin. Most graduate students live here, so remember the way.”

Hmm. Not a romantic pension but a prison radiating dark energy. How embarrassing to have briefly fallen for the atmosphere. No wonder the vitality seemed to drain away after crossing that arch… There was a reason for that.

Asrein walked toward the building at the very end of the row. The research lab, noticeably larger than its neighbors, emanated an eerie atmosphere. The dark aura felt so strong that even someone spiritually insensitive like me could sense the accumulated resentment of past graduate students. Looking at the dark research lab with the wariness of a ghost hunter approaching an abandoned house, I voiced my concern.

“This lab seems particularly dark. I wonder what kind of professor uses…”

“This is my lab.”

“Ha, haha. Too much brightness is bad for eye health. How wise of you.”

The nameplate beside the door clearly read ‘Professor Diabel Asrein.’ I’d nearly criticized the lab right in front of its owner. When I suddenly changed my tune, Asrein let out a small laugh and turned to look at me. His narrowed golden eyes seemed to say ‘Nice try,’ making me fidget awkwardly with my nape.

Approaching the gloomy research lab, Asrein stopped at the door and said.

“Classes begin when the clock tower bell rings three times every morning. You won’t need to attend separate classes, but make sure to come to the lab on time.”

“So should I come to the lab before the bells ring?”

“Yes, come just like…”

Asrein was about to enter the research lab, but suddenly stopped and turned around. His frown and scrutinizing gaze felt unusual. Despite being fully clothed, his persistent stare made me feel stripped layer by layer. Haah. After sighing without explanation, Asrein spoke reluctantly.

“I’ll have someone send clothes to your dormitory for you to wear.”

“Do I look that… bad in your eyes, Professor?”

“You’ll know if you look in a mirror yourself.”

“Yes.”

Though I’d chosen what I considered my neatest outfit, it must have appeared completely shabby to him. Now that I would be Asrein’s graduate student rather than Count Ameli’s servant, maintaining an appropriate appearance became essential. I responded with enthusiasm, earning a satisfied nod from Asrein.

“Today, walk around the university grounds with Jin to learn the layout.”

“Who is… Jin?”

“A herbology graduate student from the next lab. Since my lab’s last graduate student left, they’ve been handling work here too, so ask Jin if you have any other questions.”

My initial joy at meeting a peer quickly turned to dread upon hearing they managed two labs. Having to serve two professors with just one body… Even I, accustomed to hard work, couldn’t help but shake my head at the situation. I made a mental note to offer words of comfort when we met.

“Should I go to the next lab now?”

“Not yet. I didn’t ask for anything too difficult, so they should return soon.”

“Ah, then I’ll wait here. What should I do after that?”

“After familiarizing yourself with the grounds with Jin, that’s enough for today. You can go rest in the dormitory.”

“…Pardon?”

My eyes widened in disbelief at being told to rest in the dormitory. Could I really just leave?

A bitter memory surfaced. Once, when I went to a café with lab mates from next door, my advisor clearly stated they didn’t need coffee. Yet when I returned with just my own coffee, I got scolded for being inconsiderate and told ‘I can’t believe you really didn’t buy any.’ After that incident, I endured countless headaches trying to decipher such twisted meanings.

If Asrein was indirectly suggesting I should stop by the lab first, I feared the storm that would follow if I simply left. I didn’t want to be labeled as lacking intuition already. Anxiously pacing like a dog awaiting its owner at the entrance, I blurted out.

“Is that really all?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, is this really all I have to do today…”

“What more do you want? Should we throw a party because a new graduate student has arrived?”

“What?! No, no. That’s not what I meant…”

After hesitating and letting out an awkward laugh, I said.

“I was wondering if there might be tests or qualifications needed. There’s also the matter of guardianship…”

Despite the university’s disregard for social status, I was essentially a parachute hire. While I continued to trail off anxiously, Asrein lightly tapped the floor with his cane’s tip. Taking that signal to stop talking, I closed my mouth tightly and raised my head, meeting his steady golden eyes.

“Are you afraid someone might try to drive you out?”

“Ah, no.”

“Whatever happens elsewhere, matters related to the lab are under my authority.”

My anxiety lay exposed. His downward gaze carried confidence without arrogance, displaying unwavering calmness yet retaining a hint of dynamism.

“So who could possibly question my decision?”

One of his neat eyebrows rose slightly. Apparently, Asrein’s word alone could place anyone in an Angelus University research lab. His influence within the school must be considerable.

While relieved that I, a commoner of unclear origin, didn’t need to take tests, unease still lingered in my heart. Noting the flash of anxiety across my face, Asrein spoke firmly.

“Explore freely, and never stop thinking. That’s what you need to do.”

The situation felt like running toward a cliff with just a single rope around my waist, no safety equipment. And Asrein held that rope. I must never give him reason to let go first. Yet I felt confident I wouldn’t disappoint him.

“…I’ll work hard.”

Though I might not be his first student, I would certainly become his last.