Doggone Academy

Chapter 101 Circulatory System (3)

Our schedule is incredibly tight. We depart the day after tomorrow so its best we prepare as soon as possible.

At least for now, it seemed there were no plans to change the group members.

Group leader Iris shared with us the circulatory system strategy shed been planning in advance.

Her method was so orthodox it could be called textbookwithout superfluous additions.

Our goal is simple. We need to penetrate deep into the circulatory system. The deeper we go, the stronger the resistance well meet, and the higher the scores well receive.

Resistance? Do you mean well encounter beasts?

Iris shook her head.

Its said that, possibly due to the familiars, beasts dare not tread there. Not even the alpha-class creatures are exceptions. If there were beasts, Eternia wouldnt have sent first-year students there in the first place.

Lysander, with his impeccable parting, sighed in relief. By his expression, it wasnt fear of the beasts that concerned him; he simply wanted to avoid messy situations.

Iris continued her explanation.

In the final stage, at the heart of the circulatory system, we might encounter the familiar. The horn even I dont know much about it. Theres no information. Well have to adapt on the spot when we get there.

Another group member, Polson, spoke confidently.

Thinking on your feet, eh? Thats where I excel.

Haha I like that confidence. Anyway, to enter the circulatory system, we must understand and respect the lands rules as a priority.

At that moment, several groups hurriedly left the classroom. Outside, the clamor of carriage wheels and horse hooves was loud.

Polson, interrupting Iriss explanation, muttered to himself.

A carriage? Where could they be rushing off to?

Uhm I was about to explain. Its about food supplies.

What about them?

Just imagineso many people entering the primeval forest all at once. Hunting and chopping wood to survive. The massive consumption of resources could harm the circulatory system unintentionally.

That would cause us to be perceived as external invaders. If we respect the circulatory system, we should not recklessly kill living beings there. Thats why people are gathering a weeks worth of food. Those carriages were ordered in advance from Rigved to load up on travel rations.

This meant that any sort of gathering or hunting would be strictly forbidden to preserve the circulatory system.

We need to carry external resources for a weeks travel within the circulatory system. Well need light and nutritious food. Imagine the entire crowd sourcing a weeks supply of jerky and dried fruit. Theyll sell out in no time, so we need to move quickly too.

Group members Polson and Lysander nodded energetically in agreement with Iriss statement.

Rigved wasnt such a small city that it couldnt handle the volume, but if all the demand converged in a single day, it was reasonable to expect some supply disruptions.

Polson, with his ducal family background, made a fitting suggestion.

Ah, I cant stand traveling in grimy conditions like during the entrance exams. Now that its come to this, why dont we spend a bit more to get ample supplies? Like camping tents or cooking gear.

Ah, yes Thats lets think about that more slowly.

Iriss plan had no excess fluff. It aligned perfectly with the mainstream alchemy schools view of the circulatory system and provided a suitable approach based on that theory.

The problem was Zverevs view on the circulatory system, written in the recipes, which was entirely opposite to what Iris believed.

***

The circulatory system was nothing like primeval forests untouched by human hands. Desolate, ancient forests can be found anywhere. A forest is just a forest; the circulatory system has distinct characteristics.

Rain filled with special components, the earths magical power, spirits roaming nature, flora and fauna adapted to the magical environmentall these intricately intertwined entities create a cycle, and such cycles accumulating over thousands of years form magical links. It was akin to a massive, living organism.

The well-established circulatory system responded very flexibly to external pressures. If a few links in the cycle could cause it to collapse, it never would have evolved into a circulatory system.

Zverevs records mentioned the tremendous food consumption of large animals inhabiting the circulatory system. Herbivores consuming tens of kilograms of grass, herbs, and leaves daily and predators with similar levels of carnivorous appetite.

Compared to the wild animal activity, human harvesting of herbs and hunting within the circulatory system was insignificant. If that disturbed the cycle, animals would have been driven out first.

Zverev argued that eating the herbs and meat of animals living within the circulatory system was the true way to respect it.

You become what you eat.

Like an adage of a primitive tribe, one needed to cram the products of the circulatory system into ones belly to become part of the cycle.

Applying Zverevs theory means one shouldnt bring any food and should actively hunt to be self-sufficient.

The inclusion of the Combat and Magic Departments in this lesson could also be for hunting purposes.

The absence of beasts indicated that another powerful entity governed the region.

Nevertheless, Damian planned to follow Iris. Her willingness to proceed with the original group members without greed, despite being the top alchemy student, was quite endearing.

It was still preparation time, and carrying jerky didnt mean irreversible actions were taken.

However, convincing group members to follow an alchemical theory without source references was uncertain.

It seemed wiser to speak with Iris privately about changing plans later. Considering her character, there was a good chance she would listen.

After roughly outlining our plan, we promptly moved to Rigved to secure a seven-day supply to endure in the Sodderton circulatory system.

The main items were jerky, dried fruits, salted pork, and cheesefoods with good preservation capacity. Thanks to our prompt action, we had no trouble securing the supplies, unlike other groups.

Polsons desire to accumulate all kinds of knick-knacks was quite unappealing, but aside from that, the process went smoothly.

Seeing students from other groups entering stripped food stores later and leaving in dismay, Polson derided them for their stupidity.

We were organizing our belongings in front of the carriage we had arranged in the square.

Suddenly, someone called my name from a distance.

Damian!

Looking toward the voice, I saw Trisha dashing towards us.

She reached me, but Iris noticed her first.

Oh my, Trisha?!

Youre here too!

Then she turned to me and said.

To be in the same group as the top alchemy student, Damian, youve got some fortune!

Group members Polson and Lysander stared at Trisha with dumbfounded expressions.

You came to buy jerky too, huh? Here, let me add one more to your stash!

With that, she stuffed a bite of jerkymarked by her teethinto my mouth and left a message before she went on her way.

Im in a hurry, so Ill go now. Guys, take good care of our Damian!

Trisha made off like my guardian and rejoined Cecils group at a distance.

All group members seemed profoundly impacted by Trishas appearance, taking a while to resume the conversation.

And after her visit, Polsons disapproving glances towards me only became more pronounced.

Finishing loading the supplies and assortments onto the carriage, Polson commented.

Ah, this baggage is too complicateddo we really have to carry it all separately? If we saddle ourselves with individual items, well become sluggish, unable to react quickly to sudden situations. It would make more sense to heap everything on one person.

No one volunteered until Iris hesitantly responded.

Thats perhaps its not great to dump everything on just one person.

Polson chuckled slyly.

Of course, you, Iris, are our leader and a lady, so youre automatically exempt. How can we have the core of our group burdened?

Lysander quickly found an escape.

My concentration goes if I have something on my shoulder. Im too frailif I carry that all by myself, I wont last long, and Ill just be another burden.

Damn it, but Ive spent so much taking care of the group. Do I really need to carry it?

Most of the items Polson had purchases were for his convenience anywaybulky and needlessly heavy, becoming more of a hindrance than an aid to our journey.

All we truly needed according to Iriss plan were jerky and dried fruit.

It was frustrating to see him seek comfort while subtly shifting responsibilities onto someone else.

Specifically hinting that I should become the packhorse.

After Trishas intervention, Polsons behavior became openly antagonistic.

I considered his real intentions. It wasnt mere thoughtlessness or irresponsibility. I sensed maliciousness; did the eldest son of a grand house harbor some inferiority complex? Was he trying to demean me subtly?

I had bought my own supplies with my own money, and I had no desire to share in the goods Polson procured. I could already imagine him flaunting during the practicum.

As I maintained a non-reactionary stance, Polson taunted seemingly for my benefit.

Ah, oblivious and incompetent at teamwork, just lovely.

***

Polson invited the group members for a meal, but Damian alone declined and left Rigved in his own chariot.

Seated at a lavish dinner with veal, Polson spoke about Damian.

You see? That Damian guy doesnt seem to want to get along with us, right? Even when I generously take care of camping goods, he refuses. I propose collaboration, he refuses. And he rejects the dinner invitation. We all saw it today.

That is something we might need to observe a little longer to understand Damian is

Polson interrupted Iriss words.

I had a good opinion of you, but now its starting to get frustrating. Dont you want to keep your top position?

Lets be honest. Do you really think we can rank first without a spirit mage? Is this team composition truly acceptable?

Iris had her ambitions as well. She didnt want to let down her parents expectations, nor did she wish to sever the continuous relationship with the royal family. She was the sole pillar of her household.

That is

The group members trust the group leader to follow, but because of your stubbornness, everyone might hit rock bottom. You should make a quick decision to at least save the remaining members, right?

Iris bowed her head deeply. Polson was right. Under her plan, the Combat Department had no significant role and could have been made into mere porters without much fallout.

Conversely, a spirit mage was an indispensable entity.

During the entrance exams, Iris had formed teams without considering abilities and achieved the best results. She vaguely believed that maintaining a positive and optimistic approach would again garner favorable outcomes in this joint lesson.

Polsons words felt like waking from a dream. There was a creeping fear that she might not be blessed with the same fortune this time.

Being aware of her situation and responsible for her team members, she had to act more realistically.

Everyone switches group members; theres no guilt in that. I know a few spirit mages whod come if I call. And since I regularly interact with my father and the Railys family, if I play it well, I could even bring Luna.

After a long silence, Iris finally spoke.

Alright. Tomorrow Ill talk to Damian directly.

***

The Drama Club president Shady sat in the quiet antechamber of the small theater, facing a blond girl.

It was to review the last applicant for membership. The Arts Departments application period ended yesterday, but the review was conducted due to a special request from Eternias administrative office.

This was an opportunity created for Luna Railys who had been on a temporary mission from the academy.

Arent first-year students extremely busy with their joint classes?

Luna responded in a calm voice.

I have arranged to join them tomorrow.

Thats aside, you wish to join the Drama Club?

Luna nodded lightly.

Shady observed her face and physique before speaking.

Acting, I mean a role as an actor, would be automatic acceptance. Id like to recommend acting, but do you want something else?

Yes. I would like to work in playwriting.

Playwriting isnt easy. Its the heart of theater, so we cant just loosely accept anyone. It requires a thorough reviewis that okay with you?

Its fine.

Shady bit her lip a few times before continuing.

Then, if you have any drafts or other works youve done, could you share them with me?

Ive brought them already.

Luna handed over a thick notebook titled The Canary and the Clown. It was a famous work already well known.

Whats this?

Ive adapted it as I saw fit.

May I read it now?

Yes.

Shady opened the notebook and quickly scanned the contents.

The Canary and the Clown told the story of a princess with aphasia and a clown who travel together to cure her condition.

Until the middle, the story unfolds like a fairy tale, then gradually transitions to a more realistic narrative.

In the originals latter half, after the princess is cured, the clown leaves, and she marries a prince.

Luna had adapted The Canary and the Clowns ending to retain a fairy-tale-like atmosphere throughout.

Shady could not help but burst into laughter midway through reading.

Pfft, Im sorry, Im not laughing at you. The adaptation is quite excellent. But youve completely removed the prince from the play? May I ask why you made these changes?

As if reminiscing a memory, Lunas eyes deepened for a moment.

Finally, after a quiet pause, she began to speak.

That is