Adventure Game? No, No, No—This Is a Raising Sim

"Headmaster, this is the attendance roster for the academy's faculty and staff this month. Please review it."

The Arcane Academy stood beneath the mountains of Mac'Aree, amid a cityscape seemingly forged from gold and gemstones. In the administrative hall at the heart of this largest comprehensive institution of higher learning among the Eredar, Archimonde, the academy's headmaster, was interrupted from his important thoughts by a knock at the door.

He looked up to see Galasum, the academy's Grand Chancellor, approaching with a fawning smile and a gemstone scroll in hand to report on his work.

Matters such as faculty attendance did not require the headmaster's personal attention. With tens of thousands of staff and students at the Arcane Academy, even Archimonde could not possibly handle every minor detail himself. But if one wanted to get ahead within the system, one had to show one's face often, and Grand Chancellor Galasum understood that very well.

What's more, like Dick, he was an "outsider."

Dick came from that backwater of the Krokuun Petrified Forest governorate. Galasum was somewhat better off, having come from an educational institution under the Antorus region of the Antoran Wastes. But overall, the two of them were typical examples of unworthy relatives elevated through connections—both were Archimonde's own men planted within the academy system.

Since their power came entirely from the headmaster, paying their respects every day and offering tribute at all times was simply mandatory.

More importantly, Headmaster Archimonde was rather unusual!

Though he was obsessed with authority and power, he had no excessive pursuit of wealth, beauty, or quality of life. His daily existence was as bland and ascetic as that of a monk. The only thing that could be called "entertainment" was personally testing outstanding students' practical spellcasting abilities outside his busy teaching and administrative duties.

It could only be said that Archimonde truly was an ambitious person who had transcended lowbrow tastes.

This left the other flatterers at a loss over how to please the headmaster, but Grand Chancellor Galasum had a solution. He had specifically opened up a spellcasting practice ground exclusively for the headmaster in the academy's quiet rear mountains, selecting outstanding students from every discipline each week to let the headmaster "warm up his hands."

On one hand, it fulfilled Archimonde's professional ethics as an educator. On the other, it satisfied Archimonde's exacting demands for improving his personal strength.

Who said flattery was not a skill?

Ordinary people truly would never have thought of it, but Grand Chancellor Galasum had not only thought of it—he had even established an "Outstanding Student Reward System" specifically for it.

Any student who let the headmaster thoroughly satisfy his itch for combat during practical assessments could receive such a medal, becoming a candidate for the top graduate of each class.

As a result, during the several decades Archimonde governed the Arcane Academy, average grades in academic subjects did not improve significantly, but the students' combat prowess became more impressive with every generation. The two Grand Executors at the Seat of the Triumvirate were highly satisfied with the educational results of Archimonde's "new teaching methods."

With his ability to get things done and flatter so effectively, Grand Chancellor Galasum's future political career was visibly destined to sail smoothly.

And indeed, that was exactly what happened.

In the True History of the Dark Portal, this fellow joined the Burning Legion alongside Archimonde. Brother Archimonde became the head Polluter, while Galasum became a minor Legion lord. He even changed his name to "Lord Jaraxxus" and was permitted to bear the title of "Lord."

That was right!

He was the unfortunate demon lord who, during some utterly unremarkable day of battle ten thousand years later, was summoned to the Argent Tournament Grounds by the careless gnome warlock Wilfred, who had forgotten to bring a magic seal. There, he had been forced to face Ashbringer, Saramani, and Doomhammer—three artifacts wielded together.

But at this moment, the academy's Grand Chancellor had no idea about his future career as a magnificent yet catastrophically unlucky demon lord. All he wanted was to cheer up the headmaster, who had lately been gloomy and anxious.

When Archimonde took the attendance roster, he immediately noticed the leave request submitted by Malderan, deputy captain of the academy guards. Upon seeing that Malderan intended to return to Oronaar City, the largest city in the Mac'Aree region, to bring his family to the academy for a "vacation," Archimonde's eyes narrowed at once.

He glanced at the academy's Grand Chancellor and said, "It seems Diakum's side is progressing quite smoothly."

"Yes. Who would have thought that country boy actually had the gift of gab and could persuade that stubborn Malderan?"

Galasum clearly knew all of Archimonde's plans. He lowered his voice and said, "I spoke with Deputy Captain Malderan. He did not hide the fact that he already knows that old coffin board Sarkir is planning a coup. He is willing to follow you in setting things right, but he wants to settle his family first. After all, Oronaar is the largest city in the area and the headquarters of The Awakening cult.

"Once chaos breaks out, something is bound to happen there."

"You are, at the very least, the academy's chancellor and an example to your students!"

Archimonde rapped the table in displeasure and said, "You teach administrative experience to the students of the School of Governance every day. How can you speak such vulgarities? Go record a minor demerit for yourself. Deduct one-fifth of this month's teaching stipend."

"Oh, that was my mistake. Headmaster, you are truly impartial in your conduct, worthy of being an outstanding role model for all educators."

The Grand Chancellor decisively laid on the flattery.

But from the smoothness of that little combo, it was not difficult to tell that he had deliberately used profanity in front of the headmaster just to give Archimonde an opportunity to display his noble character.

Tsk. Impressive.

"Diakum's operation is proceeding smoothly. With the academy's guard commander serving as our vanguard, our strength has increased again. But Headmaster, we cannot delay responding to Sarkir's invitation any longer."

The academy's Grand Chancellor said worriedly, "If you do not respond soon, he may grow suspicious. According to the intelligence Diakum gathered, they are already making their final preparations for the coup. Through certain connections, I learned that even departments directly under the Seat of the Triumvirate have undergone frequent personnel transfers lately.

"This should be Sarkir exerting his influence.

"Mac'Aree may be prosperous, but in terms of actual power, there are only three major districts: Oronaar City, the Seat of the Triumvirate, and the Arcane Academy. He controls Oronaar City as his base. Add the Arcane Academy under your control, then launch a final assault against the Seat of the Triumvirate—he might actually pull it off.

"I heard they have already started meddling with the teleportation courts.

"Once communications between the capital region and the other governorates are cut off, aside from Lady Sfrakxis's guard fleet stationed along the Eredath coast, the only forces the Seat of the Triumvirate can use will be the personal retainers protecting the two Grand Executors.

"To be honest, my lord, I think Sarkir has the advantage."

"Precisely because he has the advantage, our surrender will be nothing more than icing on the cake to him."

Archimonde narrowed his eyes and rhythmically tapped the table, idly turning a slightly grotesque skull artifact in his hand. He said softly, "Conversely, only when the two Grand Executors sense the gravity of the situation will our opportunistic gamble bring greater benefits. Do you know, Galasum?

"When I visited Diakum last night, he told me he believed I could become the Eredar's third Grand Executor, governing our civilization alongside Lord Velen and Commander Kil'jaeden as a symbol of wisdom...

"I thought it over, and I believe this truly is an excellent opportunity.

"Not only can we eliminate Sarkir and gain prestige as the leader of spellcasters, we can use this incident to achieve our pursuit of authority in one stroke.

"Most importantly, one thing he said struck directly at my heart.

"Grand Executor Velen has grown increasingly fond of the Holy Light Doctrine over these years, and increasingly close to the two Naaru who descended upon Argus a thousand years ago. It is only a matter of time before he abandons his faith as a grand arcanist and becomes a Holy Light patriarch. If Velen becomes the people's spiritual leader, then the position of symbol of wisdom will be vacant.

"At that time, the two-person ruling council may truly become a three-person ruling council! And then, my opportunity will arrive!"

"Hm?"

The Grand Chancellor's expression immediately darkened.

It was not because he thought Dick's suggestion was risky. Rather... how had that formerly mediocre Diakum suddenly become so eloquent? How the hell had he thought to flatter the headmaster from the perspective of such a grand narrative?

Damn it!

I never even thought I could flatter him like that! This guy really has been hiding his talents.

"But it is too risky, Headmaster."

The academy's Grand Chancellor shook his head and said, "Simply suppressing the rebellion would be manageable. But if you intend to use this to seek greater political standing, then you must seize the timing. You need to let the rebellion happen, yet cannot allow it to grow too large and become impossible to contain."

"Indeed, timing is important. That is why we must first stabilize Sarkir."

Archimonde said solemnly, "I have decided to answer his summons and join The Awakening. That way, after our victory, we can clear our name through propaganda such as 'infiltrating alone, gathering intelligence, and sacrificing one's family for the greater good.' We can also win the hearts of the people of the Mac'Aree region, while you rally support for me throughout the other governorates through the academy's subordinate institutions.

"With that, we merely need to wait for the moment Velen decides to turn from the arcane arts toward the Holy Light, and our great undertaking will be complete!"

"Mm, a good idea."

Galasum narrowed his eyes, swaying his luxurious gem-studded tail as he said softly, "But in that case, Diakum's role as an infiltrator will overlap with yours. He knows many internal secrets, and the outside world has already declared him 'dead.' This will undoubtedly cause him to share in your glory. I know you are a merciful leader, but at critical moments, you must make a decision!

"I think perhaps we should..."

"Diakum is unquestionably loyal."

Seeing the academy chancellor make a downward slicing gesture with his hand, Archimonde sighed and said, "For the well-being of the people, he willingly took risks and tragically died to the assassination of mad cultists. Such merit deserves the title of 'saint.'

"Go handle it.

"Do not let the loyal suffer too much. And not yet—I need him to become a witness. It would be best if we could record a heartfelt magical projection.

"As everyone knows, magical projections bear timestamp records, so they cannot be forged."

"Mm, please leave it to me."

The academy's Grand Chancellor nodded and said, "I will dispatch the most outstanding students to 'protect' him. It will also serve as their final assessment for candidacy as outstanding graduates. You know those ambitious students often do very reckless and impulsive things for such an honor.

"But since this is directly connected to their futures, there is not much we can say."

"But we are teachers who educate and nurture others. Guiding them onto the right path is our responsibility."

Archimonde rose to his feet and walked to the window, his tail swaying behind him. He looked over the peaceful Arcane Academy under his rule and the distant mountains of Mac'Aree. With his hands behind his back, he shook his head and said, "Students should be a little more innocent!

"They should not always be thinking of involving themselves in matters beyond their control. Those sisters I personally assessed last month, who showed exceptional talent...

"In all my years of work, I have rarely seen such gifted uncut gems. More rare still, they possess an innate mental connection that makes their talent on the path of arcane mage or warlock even more astonishing. Just as Sarkir once recognized my talent, I should leave new treasures for Eredar civilization.

"Let them go.

"Let them prove their loyalty, then advance with us to a higher platform."

"Yes, Headmaster!"

Malderan's leave request was approved by the headmaster. That afternoon, he set off alone from the academy guard barracks on his beloved military Talbuk.

The Arcane Academy was less than a day's journey from his hometown of Oronaar City. At the pace of a specially bred Talbuk, Malderan could return by tomorrow afternoon at the latest. Meanwhile, an additional squad of guards had come to Dick's side to take over his protection, as Dick had requested earlier.

To avoid attracting attention, Malderan had specifically selected five highly talented young recruits for this secret mission.

His intentions had been good, but when the still-weak Dick saw the five people before him, his recently recovered mind went numb again.

Eredar civilization really was something else!

He had casually picked five recruits and somehow selected the future "Lightforged heroes." The leader was a solemn-faced young Eredar woman carrying a war spear, trying hard to look competent, though her heartbeat was so fast that even Dick, lying sick in bed, could hear it...

Your name was Fareeya, right?

The future "Crescent Blade," personal guard to the Army of the Light's archbishop, captain of a high-ranking Lightforged combat unit. She had fought in every major and minor campaign of the Army of the Light as it crossed the stars for ten thousand years.

And the silent giant beside Fareeya carrying a greatsword—you were Tramon, right?

A high-ranking Lightforged later granted the title "Lightsworn Sword Saint." His military accomplishments were equally illustrious. He made extraordinary contributions during the campaign in which the great lords counterattacked Argus, the polluted world. Even after retiring, he ran to Azeroth and joined the Seventh Legion for a turn as a "lone hero," sacrificing himself to hold back the Horde army alone and save an important future figure of the Alliance.

The other three were somewhat less famous: Grand Guard Commander Sovos, Lightforged Grand Magus Imira, and "Marksman" Barat.

Yet one only needed to hear their future titles to know that these three were no ordinary people either. They all left behind their own legends in the True History of the Dark Portal and became pillars of the Army of the Light formed later—genuine "ten-thousand-year veterans."

There were not many NPCs whose names and vivid deeds Dick, a veteran player, could remember. Those capable of leaving a shining mark upon such magnificent history were even more remarkable.

Therefore, it was understandable that Dick, lying in bed and "inspecting" his temporary security detail, had gone numb.

It was like suddenly falling unconscious, only for your family to hire temporary guards. Then you opened your eyes and saw... damn! Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, plus the two guardian generals Yuchi Jingde and Qin Shubao, standing watch over you.

That was way too incredible!

In that moment, Dick suddenly realized that the game he was playing was not some damned "epic RPG" at all.

It was obviously a hero-raising game.

These "Five Little Powerhouses" before him were still only recruits, not even possessing the rank of formal guard. But as long as they were properly cultivated, they would become ruthless figures capable of fighting a hundred enemies alone or seizing banners and slaying generals on any mortal battlefield.

Most, most, most importantly, even though he currently looked like useless trash who had to gasp for breath after moving even a little, these future heroes still had to bow to him and sincerely address him as "Captain" and "Senior."

Ha. That was the prestige of being a high-ranking guard, even if his position as captain of the security force had basically fallen into his lap.

"Cough, cough."

With a sickly expression, he coughed several times and made a few awkward hand signs, indicating that his injuries prevented him from speaking with them, but that he appreciated them coming to protect him.

Imira, who was still studying as an arcane mage at the academy, hurried forward and skillfully cast the Mind Vision spell Archimonde had used the previous night. It allowed Dick's mind to form a temporary resonance with the five people before him, replacing verbal communication.

"Thank you for guarding me at this moment, brave warriors. You should also be proud of the courage and sense of justice you have shown in this dark hour."

Dick put on a kindly, teacherly expression and said seriously, "Not every recruit has the courage to accept Guard Commander Malderan's temporary call-up. Do you know what responsibility you are about to shoulder?"

"We do, Captain Diakum."

Fareeya, serving as the temporary captain of the Five Little Powerhouses, answered somewhat nervously, "Guard Commander Malderan told us that we must protect you until he returns. He said this concerns the stability of the entire Mac'Aree region, and that you possess secrets capable of influencing our nation's future."

"That is indeed the case, but for the sake of your mental well-being, I will not tell you the truth."

Dick smiled and said, "Do not be so serious, children. Since the outside world has declared that I 'died in an attack,' I am perfectly safe as long as I do not show myself. You were brought here only as a precaution."

"Guard Commander Malderan said this job could earn academic credits, so I..."

The forthright arcane mage Imira awkwardly admitted the truth. Amid her companions' helpless headshakes, Dick gave her a faint look. Looking at the young Eredar woman, who clearly lacked confidence and was somewhat self-conscious, he sighed and said, "Even though I only served as captain of the Arcane Academy's security force for thirty years, I have heard of your 'great name,' Imira. An arcane mage who has failed courses and repeated years for twelve consecutive years without being expelled—forget the Arcane Academy. I suspect even the reclusive shepherds in the Krokuun Petrified Forest have heard your story.

"Indeed, you are absolutely the sort who might be tempted by 'academic credits' into participating in a dangerous operation. You also need this 'reward' more than anyone else."

"Waaah..."

Dick's words completely broke little Imira's defenses.

This future Lightsworn Grand Magus was extremely hung up on the fact that she had exhausted herself but still could not graduate. Even twenty thousand years later, when she returned to the Arcane Academy after it had become ruins, she would still mutter complaints about it.

But how should one put it?

It really was not because the girl did not work hard!

Otherwise, considering Archimonde's zero-tolerance attitude toward educational standards, she would have been expelled after repeating a year for the first time.

The fact that Imira had been able to study at the Arcane Academy's main campus already proved her talent met the standard. Unfortunately, the girl's mental fortitude was too poor, and for reasons unknown, she truly was rather unlucky.

At least four of her twelve repeated years had been caused by her encountering inexplicable dangers and running off to save people, which delayed her exams. Even Archimonde could only make exceptions for her.

The child was clever. The child was hardworking. The child was kind. The child did not lack courage either. She was clearly an excellent prospect whom even the exacting Commander Kil'jaeden could not find fault with.

So what if she could not pass the exams?

What was the big deal?

She could just take them a few more times.

Besides, with such a kind senior student around, she could somewhat temper the overly ruthless way those ambitious students in the Arcane Academy handled matters.

In short, Imira was both a legend and a mascot at the Arcane Academy. Some might look down on her, but absolutely no one hated her.

Judging by her current behavior, Imira had probably given up on graduation as well. She had even come to voluntarily take on missions with the guards, apparently intending to seek a different path.

That was bad news for the Arcane Academy, but it was good news for Dick.

"You will not have much to do standing guard here."

After thinking it over, Dick said to the Five Little Powerhouses, "Help me up. This courtyard is secluded, discreet, and spacious enough. Let me, as a senior high-ranking guard, give you some guidance in martial skills.

"And you, Imira!

"Do not lose confidence because of your bleak past. Even if you cannot become an outstanding arcane mage, your Casting Talent is there for all to see. Let me offer you a suggestion: have you considered becoming a priest of the Holy Light?

"I know that over the past thousand years, the Holy Light Doctrine that has spread rapidly through our society has clashed with the traditional arcane path many times. But since even Grand Executor Velen believes the Holy Light is a force that protects justice and intends to turn toward the Holy Light, why not follow the Grand Executor? Serve the principles of the Holy Light, and heal and protect the minds and bodies of the Eredar.

"Given your personality, that may be a path better suited for you. And no one says you cannot continue studying the secrets of the arcane arts while serving the Holy Light, right?"

"Eh? Eh? Eh? Is that possible? But the instructors at the Arcane Academy said..."

"Considering that you have repeated a year twelve consecutive times under their guidance, perhaps it is time to try a new path?

"So, child, tell me.

"Do you believe them, or do you believe me?"