vstars Chapter 501 Carl's School Days
Chapter 501 Carl's School Days
"Ku ...
The crowing of the rooster penetrated the morning mist and woke up Carl from his sleep.
He suddenly opened his eyes. The sunlight was already slanting in through the narrow wooden window of the dormitory, casting a bright spot of light on the rough wooden bed.
Karl shrank deeper into the bed out of habit, mumbling vaguely in his throat:
"Sleep a little longer..."
But soon, a clear and loud trumpet sound broke the tranquility of the early morning.
The sound of the horn had a metallic texture, resounding in the cold morning air.
Karl sat up suddenly in bed, and most of his sleepiness disappeared in an instant.
His fingers unconsciously touched the wide-brimmed hat on the head of the bed - it was distributed when he entered school last week to keep warm.
"I remember now, I'm not at home..."
Carl slapped his forehead in annoyance.
He quickly threw back the covers and jumped out of bed barefoot.
The wooden floor made a dull sound, waking up the student in the next bed. The student, who was the same age as Carl, turned over and muttered, then fell into a deep sleep again.
"Don't sleep!"
Carl shouted as he put on the gray uniform issued by the school.
The uniform was a little too big, and the cuffs and trouser legs were frayed, but Carl had learned to take care of it himself.
He folded the quilt expertly and smoothed out the sheets, making sure every wrinkle was neat and even.
This has become a habit he developed since he entered school last week - in the military academy, neatness means discipline.
Outside the dormitory, the hurried footsteps of other students could be heard.
Carl grabbed his toiletries and rushed to the communal well.
Next to the well, several senior students had lined up and were taking turns pulling the heavy wooden windlass.
The bucket moved up and down in the well, making a creaking sound.
Carl was at the end of the line, waiting patiently.
The moment the cold water splashed on his face, Karl shuddered violently, and the cold touch made him completely sober.
He wiped his face, not caring about the water dripping down his chin, and rushed to the cafeteria.
As soon as he stepped into the cafeteria, the warm atmosphere in the cafeteria immediately enveloped him. The fire in the fireplace was burning, making the whole space warm.
Breakfast had been laid out on the long wooden table: hard black bread, thinly sliced sausages, and a pot of steaming vegetable soup.
Carl quickly got a breakfast. He bit off a piece of bread, and the rough texture made him miss the bread brought by the servants at home.
But soon, hunger took over. Carl ate his breakfast in two bites, even the few leaves in the soup, and then took a piece of bread from the counter and hurried to the classroom.
The teaching building is a three-story stone building. It was a military camp during the war and its exterior walls have been eroded by time and are in a mottled state.
Carl trotted across the courtyard, his boots clicking neatly on the cobblestones.
Dozens of senior students were training in formation in the open space, and the commander's stern orders could be heard from time to time.
The classroom is a spacious rectangular room with uniform wooden desks and a national flag hanging on the blackboard.
The clock hands pointed to eight o'clock, and footsteps were heard at the front door of the classroom. All the students immediately straightened their backs.
A middle-aged teacher walked into the classroom holding a book. He was wearing a thick cotton jacket and had a resolute expression on his face, which was unique to a soldier. He was the chief teacher of the college and a veteran on the front line. I heard from senior students that during the Battle of Helmingen, he guarded a tower alone and forced hundreds of enemy soldiers on the opposite side out of the city wall.
"stand up!"
Following the order from the class leader, all the students stood up in unison.
“Sing the national anthem!”
The melody of "Helderland Stands in the World" sounded in the classroom, and Carl sang along with others. The content of the song praised the story of the Helderland people who united as one, fought bravely against the enemy, and finally established their country.
After the song, the teacher motioned for everyone to sit down, and then turned over the book.
Since paper production was still in short supply, students usually used quill pens, ink and a few sheets of paper in class, and occasionally brought a newspaper.
"Today we continue with yesterday's lesson..."
The content of the textbook revolves around the history of the kingdom, from John's establishment of the Forest Territory to the establishment of the Holy Kingdom of Helderland. Each historical node is accompanied by the heroic deeds of heroes. The teacher's tone is full of passion, as if those past events happened yesterday.
Carl listened attentively, and these stories planted a seed in his heart - he longed to one day contribute to his motherland like those heroes.
His eyes swept across the national flag on the blackboard from time to time, and an indescribable sense of pride surged in his heart.
During breaks, students gathered in groups of three or four to discuss class content.
Carl sat by the window, eating the unfinished piece of bread.
Outside the window, several lower grade students were practicing queue changes on the playground, with the instructor's shouts coming one after another.
"Karl, when do you think we can have practical lessons?"
A classmate next to him asked.
Carl pondered for a moment:
"We'll do that once we have enough military knowledge. But theoretical study is equally important now - only by understanding history can we avoid repeating the same mistakes."
Morning classes include Chinese, mathematics and military theory.
Language classes continued with passages on the kingdom’s history, while math classes taught basic calculations and measurements—crucial on the battlefield.
In the military theory class, the teacher explained the use of various weapons and the tactical basis.
Physical education classes in the afternoon are the most popular.
The students were divided into groups to practice queue drills, long-distance running and basic fighting techniques.
Carl performed well in fighting, his moves were clean and neat, and he improved rapidly.
But the teacher still pointed out his problem:
"Karl, even though your movements are very accurate, on the battlefield, you need strength and speed. If you really have to fight one-on-one, you are likely to suffer a loss."
When the school bell rang, Carl felt tired but fulfilled.
After he packed his schoolbag - actually a worn leather bag - he walked out of the classroom with his classmates.
The setting sun stretched the shadow of the teaching building very long, casting it on the stone path in the courtyard.
On the way back to the dormitory, Carl passed by the library - it was an unremarkable small building, but it housed precious ancient books and military works.
He often spent his afternoons here, immersing himself in books and gaining knowledge.
After dinner, students have free time.
Carl usually goes to the library or discusses what he learned that day with his classmates.
But tonight, he decided to go to the playground to practice a little more.
He picked up a wooden sword and practiced basic defensive and offensive moves in an open field.
The night wind was getting colder, but Carl became more and more enthusiastic in his practice.
His movements became more and more fluid, and each swing of the sword was filled with firm determination.
In this special school, he not only learns knowledge, but also strengthens his will - preparing to become a real warrior in the future.
As the moonlight shone on the playground, Carl finally stopped to rest.
He looked at the starry sky, thought of his parents, and the comfortable life that no longer belonged to him.
But soon, these thoughts were replaced by greater ideals - he was proud to be able to study and grow here.
"Tomorrow is a new day."
Karl whispered to himself and turned to walk towards the dormitory. The lights in the teaching building had been turned off, and the entire campus was immersed in the quiet night.
In this special school, every student is working towards the same goal - for the future of the Kingdom of Helderland and for the peace and prosperity of the motherland.