Chapter 148 Setting The Right Standards



Following the welcoming ceremony for the new academy recruits, Nathan exited the large gathering room and made his way to the dormitory, where his assigned room was

"Nathan Oppa..." Linda called out again as Nathan was about to leave.

"Yes?" he replied, turning to face her.

"I'll be coming over to your room with Meriel in a few minutes." she informed him.

Nathan nodded slowly, a smile appearing on his face, "Sure, Linda… feel free to come any time."

Yudan then announced that he had something else he wanted to take care of, so Nathan continued on his own.

Nathan walked slowly, cradling Polly in his arms, and muttered under his breath, "Aren't you better off living with Linda and Meriel, Polly?" 

But Polly hid its head in Nathan's arm and shook its head. "No... I want to be with Master Nathan," she said.

Nathan sighed and continued walking. 

"I will be happier with you." It continued to murmur.

CEHA has four dormitory buildings, two designated for male students and two for female students. Depending on their academic performance, each student's placement in either the first or second grade could last from one to two years.

Nathan quickly stepped inside the elevator and pressed the button for the eighth floor. When the doors opened, he walked a while and found himself in front of a door labeled 888. He pulled out his Hunter Device and waved it in front of the door. There was a click and the door opened, allowing him to enter.

Nathan surveyed the room, which was quite spacious. There were two bunk beds on one side, and on the other, a door to the bathroom, a table, a sofa, a kitchen, a dining table, and even a television screen.

The place truly gave the impression of a luxury apartment. However, Nathan couldn't help but feel perplexed as to why, for such a high cost, the CEHA still demanded that each student must have at least one other person as a roommate, with a maximum of three or four people per room.

Nathan slowly made his way to the sofa and collapsed onto it, feeling an immense sense of relief after having been in a crowded environment earlier that day. With a content sigh, he closed his eyes, Polly nestled comfortably on his stomach.

"Master, have you chosen the subject for your class later?" Polly asked quietly, her gaze fixed on Nathan.

He opened his eyes and lifted his hunter device. With a press of his finger on the screen, a holographic projection appeared. "Let's see," he said.

[Blacksmithing - Class Based - 3 Hours - Monday, Thursday]

[Alchemist - Class Based - 3 Hours - Monday, Thursday]

[Basic Combat - Class Based - 3 Hours - Monday, Thursday]

[Mechanic - Class Based -  3 Hours - Monday, Thursday]

[...]

[...]

[Martial Art I - 2 Hours - Tuesday, Friday]

[Archery - 2 Hours - Tuesday, Friday]

[Dungeon Exploration - 3 Hours - Tuesday, Friday]

[...]

[Basic Team Support - Class Based - 2 Hours - Wednesday]

[Basic Team Tanking - Class Based - 2 Hours - Wednesday]

[Basic Team Fighter - Class Based - 2 Hours - Wednesday]

[...]

Basic Elemental Magic - 2 Hours - Wednesday]

[History - 2 Hours - Wednesday]

[Hunter General Knowledge - 2 Hours - Thursday]I think you should take a look at

[Monsters, Spirits and Where They Live - 2 Hours - Monday]

[...]

Nathan had done extensive research prior to enrolling at CEHA, and he had carefully chosen which courses he would take during his first year of study.

"There are subject lessons that are class-based," he muttered under his breath, "as well as those that everyone can follow."

Nathan was very intrigued to discover the vast range of knowledge he would gain at this academy. His primary motivation, however, was the potential for thrilling adventures he could have at the academy.

CEHA, a renowned hunter academy, offered a variety of extracurricular activities including undertaking missions in unfamiliar locations and participating in dungeon raids with teams formed at the academy.

Nathan muttered to himself, "Hmmm... it seems that for the next three months, academy activities will be more focused on classroom work, because the schedule is incredibly tight."

Nathan was determined to fully engage in all of the educational opportunities available at CEHA since there were so many things he wanted to learn, especially to help him prepare for the future. He knew the more information he could gather, the better equipped he would be.

Luna had a wealth of knowledge, but she seemed to prefer to provide Nathan with information only when he needed it in a particular situation. This was confusing for Nathan, as he was uncertain of what he should be learning at any given time.

He reasoned that by gaining knowledge from others or mentors, he would be able to craft plans and ideas for the greater things he could accomplish with it.

Nathan's main goal for coming to CEHA was to uncover the location of Nicolas Gilson, the individual responsible for the death of his parents. He knew that while not all of the mentors at CEHA were currently in New Earth, the majority of them were waiting in Yunatea for the continuation of the educational program.

After carefully considering his options, Nathan finally chose the subjects he would take and submitted them promptly. He chose all subjects that were not class-based, which allowed all students to take them simultaneously.

Additionally, Nathan opted for Mechanic instead of Basic Combat, as he was fascinated by the concept of combining human technology with monster cores to create weapons and robotic machines. This could take the form of small parts of a body, or even full-body robots.

"Is the Mechanic the same as the Golem, Master?" Polly asked, full of curiosity.

Nathan shook his head. "No, from what I understand," he began, as he shifted his position and leaned back against the couch, 

"the Golem uses either monster cores or monster soul stones to imbue inanimate objects with elemental magic and souls. The Mechanic, on the other hand, uses machines and computers, along with the enchantment of a Monster Core's magical power."

Nathan paused to reflect on the lessons he had learned from the Mechanic. Most humans in Yunatea use technology to augment their fighting capabilities, which was especially beneficial for those with limited abilities. Mechanic was a modernized form of weapons like swords and bows.

Although the complicated shape of the components and the limitations of technology make Mechanics rarely used for those with high skill levels, the existing technology was not able to keep up with their demands.

Despite the potential for mass production, the Mechanic's skill could have a tremendous impact. Nathan envisioned that with the Mechanic's help, even ordinary humans could one day stand a chance against awakened hunters.

"I'm not sure I comprehend this technology either," he replied, "but I have heard that a certain organization is even developing a human- or monster-shaped robot that can later be utilized as an automated machine for military use."

As for the other class-based subjects, he was taking Basic Fighter, since it was the only one that seemed interesting to him. Nathan slowly nodded, feeling that with his current level of power, he had no need for a party or group to assist him in combat. 

He quickly pushed away any doubts he had, knowing that all the golems, undead, and spirit beasts he commanded would do as he instructed. He was aware that it would be a different experience if he had to work with humans, elves, or dwarves; they would likely have a different point of view.

"Alright," Nathan said, feeling satisfied that he had selected all the subjects he would take over the next year.

That Sunday, Nathan had the chance to return to the Crescent Moon Dimension; however, since he couldn't think of anything urgent to do, he decided to postpone his journey until he figured out what to do. The next morning, Nathan's first class would begin, so he had plenty of time until then.

***

"So... who's here?" the four second year students asked, curiously eyeing the Dwarf who was sitting on a lawn chair and reading a book. "I thought the Dwarf was holding a hammer and playing with fire? Look here, the Dwarf is actually reading a book!"

They laughed around Yudan, who at that time was alone.

"Hey, why are you so quiet?" One of the three people approached Yudan, pushing his head back. "Don't you hear us? Are you tired of living here? Aren't you going to show us respect and reverence as our seniors?"

Yudan remained silent, not even raising his gaze. Closing his book, he attempted to stand up, only to be restrained by the three people in front of him and forced to stay seated.

"You dwarves really are clueless," scoffed the three people, sneering as they took turns pushing their heads back and spitting at the dwarf man's side. 

"Do you know where you are? This is New Earth, not Yunatea - you're far away from your parents. How do you expect to ask for help if you're about to cry, huh?"

Yudan lifted his face, his expression flat. "I can get angry too," he warned, "so don't make yourself regret it if I do."

But they chuckled at Yudan's words. "I'm just curious," they said, "what does a Dwarf look like when they're angry?"