I Became a Genius Mechanic at the Academy – Chapter 30

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Chaos
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“Good. I like this.”

Ed said with a satisfied smile spreading across his face as he looked at his class schedule.

The arrangement was quite good.

He had front-loaded his courses, scheduling them all from Monday to Wednesday.

Leaving Thursday through Sunday free was basic college student strategy, a tactic he’d employed during his own university days to maximize free time.

While this meant Monday through Wednesday would be hectic, he needed to secure time for his personal research and equipment development.

He had also included a few easy courses, like “Breathing and Meditation” and “Stress Management and Sleep Techniques.”

These were instructor-led courses, low in credits but easy to manage.

They focused on relaxation techniques, so the coursework and assignments weren’t demanding.

But that didn’t mean they were useless.

Rest and recovery were just as important as training and practice.

In the game, taking these courses had increased his character’s stamina by 30% and boosted both health and mana regeneration by 35%.

They were arguably more beneficial than some of the core courses taught by professors.

“Well, that’s settled.”

With his class schedule finalized, it was time to focus on his next task: developing the enhanced suit he had envisioned.

He had already completed the basic framework.

He’d had four free days after forfeiting the third round, which he’d used to build the suit’s skeleton.

It was like having a car frame with the engine and wheels attached, but nothing else.

The engine would run, and the wheels would turn, but it wasn’t functional yet.

Similarly, his suit would power up, but it didn’t have any implemented functions.

“Hmm…Let’s start with the dispenser.”

He decided to implement the dispenser function first, utilizing the Mana Shield formula Elena had taught him.

He had also completed the technical verification of the Plasma Lightsaber, and he believed he could create a more robust shield by incorporating that technology into a plasma barrier.

“Inventory.”

There was no time to waste.

He pulled the Creator’s Hammer from his inventory.

*Clang!*

He began shaping the materials.

He aimed to finish the dispenser function by the end of the weekend.

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Monday.

The first day of classes.

His first class was “Proper Mana Manipulation for Physical Enhancement.”

“It’s a shame I can’t have a proper breakfast.”

He missed James’s home-cooked meals.

Now that he was living in the dormitory, he had to fend for himself.

“Well, it’s the rules. Nothing I can do.”

As a student, he had to abide by the academy’s regulations.

Even though his (James’s) house was attached to the academy’s forge, students were required to live in the dormitories.

The Imperial Academy was, strictly speaking, a military institution, and they placed great emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie.

Living together and following the same rules was part of their education.

As he entered the classroom, still lamenting his breakfastless morning, he saw Enya, already seated, waving cheerfully.

“Ed!”

She stood up, a bright smile on her face.

Claire was sitting beside her, observing him with a curious gaze.

“You signed up for this class too? That’s great!”

Enya exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.

Ed was puzzled rather than being happy.

In all his playthroughs of “El Pandor Runterra,” Enya had never taken this course.

‘Why is she taking it now…?’

Enya Cruel had no need for Professor Gracia’s lecture.

She had already mastered mana manipulation for physical enhancement.

As a member of the prestigious Cruel knight family, and the daughter of Sword Saint Eleiya, she had no need for such basic instruction.

“Th-there’s a seat right next to me! Let’s sit together!”

He looked at the seat she indicated.

Her sword was resting on it.

It seemed she had reserved the spot in advance.

Every other seat was occupied, except for that one.

‘Ah, so that’s it’
He understood the reason, and a smile spread across his lips.
He understood why she was taking the course.

“Sure. I was worried there wouldn’t be any seats left. Perfect timing.”

“Exactly! A-and…since we’re in the same class…should we always sit together? I’m pretty good at physical stuff. I can help you if you have any questions.”

“Haha. I’d appreciate that.”

It was a novel experience.

Enya Cruel was typically a tsundere character in “El Pandor Runterra.”

Her character arc revolved around her frustration at not being recognized for her Quickdraw technique.

Even the player, if they advised her to abandon Quickdraw, would be met with harsh rebukes.

It took several hidden events and a period of strained relations to finally befriend her.

Her storyline followed the classic, albeit appealing, enemies-to-lovers trope.

‘Only the ‘dere’ remains’

By bringing up Quickdraw at the entrance ceremony, a topic not part of the original script, he had completely bypassed the “tsun” part of her personality.

She was now actively showing affection, even reserving a seat for him.

‘But I can’t get complacent’

With the original scenario altered, their relationship could deteriorate at any moment.

He was witnessing a side of Enya that usually took months of painstaking effort to unlock.

He needed to be careful to maintain this favorable dynamic.

His impulsive actions had accelerated the timeline, and any wrong move could lead to ruin.

“Commoner, are you going to sit there?”

At that moment a cool voice cut between him and Enya.

It was Isabella.

She smiled sweetly.

“Actually, I saved this seat for you. I came 30 minutes early.”

“…..”

“And I didn’t just happen to find an empty seat. I put in effort to sit next to you, specifically.”

Unlike Enya, Isabella was openly stating her intentions, trying to lure him away.

The rivalry between Enya and Isabella reignited.

Their glares clashed, sparks seemingly flying between them.

“Isabella, what’s your deal? Why are you always interfering between Ed and me? I spoke to him first. He will seat next to me.”

“Well? But you said it was just a coincidence that the seat was empty. Wouldn’t it be fine for anyone to sit there? Unlike you, I came 30 minutes early to save this seat. To sit next to Ed.”

“…Ha. You’re always like this. You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you? Trying to get on my nerves.”

“Pfft. Don’t be ridiculous. I simply like this commoner.”

“…You said you didn’t like him before. You said it was a joke.”

“Well, feelings change. I like him now.”

Neither girl showed any sign of backing down.

Even Enya, usually overwhelmed by Isabella’s sharp wit, was fighting back fiercely.

Isabella turned to Ed.

“Commoner, you choose. Me or Enya?”

“…Ed, you’ll regret getting involved with her. She treats people like toys and then throws them away.”

“This commoner is different. He shares a past with me.”

“…What? Ed shares a past with you? What are you—”

“Anyway, commoner. Make your choice. Enya or me? If I’m not chosen, I’ll back down gracefully.”

Ed was in a predicament.

Why was he facing such a trial so early in the game?

This was an unprecedented situation.

He looked back and forth between the two girls: Enya’s emerald eyes, filled with earnest longing, and Isabella’s violet eyes, curved into a playful smile, as if enjoying his predicament.

Finally, he made his decision.

“I—”

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