21st Century Archmage

“Hold onto the practice airplate you have been issued properly until the end of the training. It may not be up to par with Skyknight gear, but each one of them costs tens of thousands of Gold.”

‘So this is an airplate?

I was holding a practice airplate. It was an elaborate iron armor enspelled with weight lightening magic; underneath the iron was soft leather that protected a persons whole body, including their fingers and toes.

‘Its pretty light. Though the armor looked fairly heavy, it felt like it might barely reach 10 kilos in weight.

“Because it will not be used in battle, the practice airplates do not have defense spells or mithril content. However, they are fundamentally enspelled with Fly for your safety in case of an emergency.” Viscount Atuans loud voice rang out in the drill hall in front of the sleeping quarters.

“Che, what the heck. Not even my familys soldiers would wear something like this.”

“I miss my armor at home.”

Some rich brats in the back complained with a cheeky attitude. They really acted like they had skills, despite having none.

‘So if you wear airplate armor, you wont feel hot or cold, huh.

Rain or snow, Skyknights had to fly atop their wyverns. Even a 5th Circle mage or Blade Knight would be unable to endure long periods of cold or heat. Therefore, airplates were invented– a miraculous armor difficult to make with 21st century science was produced using the omnipotent strength that was magic.

“From now on, until training ends, you must wear your airplates at all times, except when you sleep. Then, everyone, put them on now!”

Even if Viscount Atuan hadnt said anything, I was curious about what wearing an airplate felt like. Tossing my cloak to the ground, I equipped the armor on top of my cadet uniform.

‘Its light and comfortable enough to put it on without the help of an attendant.

The practice airplates had been made in all sorts of sizes. The helmet, torso, legs, and arms were all separate pieces.

“If you draw your mana, the armor will automatically be equipped,” explained Viscount Atuan amiably.

I drew a little mana, and the separated pieces clicked together as if bound by magnets.Wow, not even a little wind can get through. Despite being made for training purposes, I couldnt help but admire the airplates performance. First of all, it was comfortable. Thanks to temperature control magic regulating the inside of the suit, it felt like my bodys condition was being maintained at its highest state.

‘Lets put on the helmet, too. The roundish helmet had a clear, glass-like material protecting the eyes. The practice airplates were devoid of all decoration, but it was clear that the suit was made with care.

“In a moment, the Skyknights who will help with your training will arrive. You will spend the next few months with them, so I hope you will treat them with respect.”

‘Skyknights?

“Students, do your best. Know that there are no second chances if you fail your flight training!”

Here, thorough practical training was highly emphasized. That was how Bajrans Skyknights could emerge as honorable knights respected across the continent.

“T-the Skyknights are coming.”

“Oh! Theyre the Skyknights of the Imperial Guard!”

‘Skyknights of the Imperial Guard! The cadets who were busily putting on their armor got excited upon seeing the approaching Skyknights.There she is!

I whirled to look at the Skyknights and instantly confirmed the existence of one woman among them.

‘Apostle of the Azure Skies, Countess Irene…

Countess Irene, the Skyknight who had helped me several months ago, was wearing a red cloak, a silver airplate, and a black scarf around her neck. Her glistening, long silver hair fluttered in the wind as she walked. The sight of this woman with a body as lithe as an android from Galaxy Express 888 made my heart pound. I had wanted to see Countess Irene; it seemed she had gotten even more beautiful in the few months I hadnt seen her.

[TN: Refers to Galaxy Express 999, a Japanese space opera manga/anime.]

“Welcome, Countess Irene.”

“Youve worked hard.”

She was much younger than him, but Viscount Atuan politely lowered his head towards Countess Irene, and Irene acknowledged him with a light nod.

“A-Apostle of the Azure Skies, Irene!”

“That Irene, who killed ten enemy wyverns on her own?”

Alfonso, Luciella, and I had already met her, but the cadets who hadnt exclaimed in surprise.

‘Ten on her own?

By all counts, she looked like an elegant lily. It was hard to believe that such a woman had single handedly defeated ten wyverns.

“I am Countess Irene. Nice to meet you, recruits.” Her red, small mouth opened as she uttered hard, militant words. “I am pleased to work together from today onwards with the recruits who will lead the Empires future.”

Just then, I met eyes with Irene and quirked a smile at her. As I did so, I saw a flash of surprise in her solemn eyes.

‘Hooh! She smiled at me! Then she made a tiny smile. I was sure she hadnt forgotten me.

“Then, go stand in front of the Skyknight you wish you work with! Knights should go to knights, summoners to summoners, and mages to mages!”

‘You can pick on your own?

This method of training was really exceptional. Perhaps it was for the future of the nobles who would lead the empire in the future, but they were even offering one on one guidance.