Chapter 104

Clap.

Something is felt on my cheek.

It’s something incredibly small and warm that wriggles.

Just as I’m about to drift back into a haze because it’s too cute of a stimulus to wake me up, I feel the sensation on my cheek once again.

Clap.

– Ow!

A small child’s voice.

“Hmm—”

As I stretch and sit up slightly, I see Seoli squatting beside my pillow, tapping my cheek.

“Ow!”

She must have woken up a while ago, her eyes shining brightly.

“Seoli, you’re already awake?”

“Caw!”

With that response, Seoli smiles brightly and crawls into my arms.

She burrows into my slightly loose shirt, poking her head out.

Somehow, I ended up holding a child like a kangaroo, but since Seoli likes it, I just let it be.

“Woo, wah!”

With a giggle, Seoli rubs her soft body against my cheek.

“Hmm… Edu?”

Hearing that sound, Nisia wakes up.

Originally, she and I had planned to take turns caring for Seoli day by day.

However, whenever either of us was out of sight, Seoli would burst into tears, so we ended up spending time together like this.

“Ow!”

“Oh, Seoli is awake too. Did you sleep well…?”

“Caw!”

Seoli beams with a smile at Nisia’s touch.

After petting Seoli for a while, Nisia turns her gaze to me.

“Edu, did you sleep well too?”

“Yeah.”

As Nisia rises while listening to my answer, she stretches out her arms and yawns, tapping her cheeks with her fingertips.

Her eyes become sharper.

“Well, let’s get ready and go right away.”

“Okay.”

After taking turns looking after Seoli, we finish getting ready and head to class.

“Edu, Nisia. You’re a bit late.”

“Both of you, welcome.”

Upon entering the classroom, Edward and Clarissa greet us.

But for some reason, the only kids remaining in the class were those two.

“Huh? Why are only you two here?”

As I ask, Edward lets out a light chuckle.

“Looks like you forgot. Of course, if you’re spending your days with the density of someone like you or Nisia, that makes sense.”

“…???”

Clarissa clears her throat and opens her mouth.

“Edu, starting today, the guests from another academy are gathering in Fangju for friendly matches.”

“Ah.”

Her words remind me of something I had completely forgotten.

The first major event at the academy, the friendly match.

It was an event with a long history and tradition, where the best of all Fangjus would gather together and compete in a tournament format.

Simply put, it could be considered the AOE world version of the Olympics.

Of course, the purpose of the friendly matches has always been to accumulate practical experience through exchange and competition.

But I recall it being written in the setting book that many aspects have been sportsified for the Fangju people who had less entertainment.

“It’s already that time, huh?”

Perhaps it’s due to the sudden Fangju invasion event and the various things I experienced in the sealed city.

Their explanation sounds like a story from another world.

“That’s right. Other classmates have gone to participate in the welcoming event for guests.”

A welcoming event.

Come to think of it, since guests are coming from far away, it makes sense to have that.

“Don’t we have to go?”

“You two can’t go because you have Seoli with you, so the principal and Teacher Irina have exempted you. They also said for us to help you… Is there something you need help with?”

Edward asks.

Looking at Nisia after his words, she only shakes her head.

Since I also have Bungbungi to assist me, there’s no need to rely on those two.

“No, I think it’s okay. So what’s happening with classes today?”

“There are no classes, but I heard there’s an exchange meeting in the auditorium in the afternoon.”

“An exchange meeting?”

As I tilt my head and ask, Clarissa explains on behalf of Edward.

“Yes, I heard that there will be a gathering with the guests who visited and the academy students, providing a place purely for exchange, as the name suggests.”

“Oh? That sounds fun. Do we have to participate?”

An event that wasn’t specifically covered in AOE.

But given the scale of the friendly matches, I’m intrigued by aspects that haven’t been dealt with in the game.

“That’s not the case; it’s said to be voluntary participation.”

“Really?”

“Yes, there are many people who have come from far away. It’s a big event, so there are likely many who would prefer to rest rather than participate in all the smaller events.”

“That makes sense.”

For me, since I’ve leveled up a lot and experienced countless events, I’m not particularly nervous, but for others, it’s probably a once-in-a-lifetime event they’re experiencing for the first time.

Nodding at Clarissa’s words, I suggest to Nisia.

“Then Nisia, would you like to attend together in the afternoon?”

“Yeah, I think it would be okay.”

Nisia replies while petting Seoli.

“What about you two?”

“I think I’ll skip it because I have things to do.”

“I was thinking of participating, so I’ll go with you.”

Edward declines while Clarissa nods.

“Okay, then shall we meet in class in the afternoon and go to the auditorium?”

“Yes, let’s meet after lunch.”

…

In the afternoon auditorium.

In the spacious area, simple snacks and drinks are laid out on tables arranged in five rows.

People are spread out around the area.

“Oh?”

An involuntary exclamation comes out.

Like many games, AOE has areas that have been somewhat compromised for various realistic reasons.

One of those is the representation of students from other academies through simple color play known as palette swaps.

However, when I actually face the students from the other academy, their school uniform designs and colors vary widely, reflecting strong individuality.

My heart is racing with the new experience, which differs from my memories.

But didn’t they say it’s voluntary participation? There seem to be more participants than expected.

“Well then, shall we go? According to the explanation… that area is designated for our academy.”

Clarissa points towards the center row by raising her hand and leads the way.

“Okay.”

While petting the sleepily nodding Seoli in my arms, Nisia follows behind her.

“Let’s go, Bungbungi.”

Bungbungi moves smoothly in response.

With our group’s distinctive appearance, people’s gazes naturally turn towards us, and sounds of conversation arise from all around.

“… Huh? A drone?”

“Hey, is that kid…?”

“Is it him? The little hero?”

From curious reactions to murmurs that seem like they recognize me.

Feeling awkward, I scratch my cheek when I see a hand shooting up from one of the tables.

“Hey, over here.”

A gentle voice.

Apart from that, a well-built, muscular figure stands out even from afar.

“Jack, you were already here.”

“Yeah, Jenny’s here too.”

At Jack’s words, a head suddenly pops out from under the table.

With a playful grin, Jenny follows along with Jack and raises her hand high.

“Hey! Class president! Edu! Nisia!”

“Jenny, you’re here too. What were you two doing here?”

“Just snacking and passing the time. What about you guys? Isn’t the exchange meeting voluntary participation?”

Jenny quickly fires off questions.

“I’m interested in the event.”

Saying that, Clarissa turns to look at Nisia.

“I I have a similar reason.”

“Hmm, both diligent, huh? Edu, do you have the same reason?”

“Something like that…?”

Mainly, I had been curious about the event that wasn’t covered in AOE, and there wasn’t much else to do at the moment.

My answer makes Jenny nod.

“I joined to see if anything fun was happening, but I’m a bit disappointed. It’s just a bunch of people gathered together, and it’s no different from usual.”

She shrugs as if unimpressed.

“Really?”

“Yeah, it doesn’t seem meaningful. Oh, but Edu might feel a bit differently.”

“Really? What do you mean?”

“Edu is a celebrity, right? The little hero of Fangju!”

Jenny laughs mischievously.

As if to prove her words, I notice the surrounding gazes gathering towards me.

Huh?

“Um, um…”

A voice calls from behind me.

As I slightly turn my body, Bungbungi senses my intention and turns around.

Gathering behind me are students from another academy, who have approached without me noticing.

I can see emotions of admiration and curiosity swirling in their eyes.

“Edu, right…?”

I respond to the shyly stepping forward girl’s question.

“Yes, how can I help you?”

Her eyes widen, and she smiles brightly at my answer.

“Wow! See! What did I tell you! It’s him!”

She exclaims in excitement, shouting towards her friends, then suddenly realizing something, she bows her head toward me.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. It’s my first time meeting a famous person…”

The girl chuckles shyly, trailing off.

At that moment, her friends, who were behind her, suddenly pop out and shout one by one.

“Uh, we’re cheering for you!”

“Ah, yes. Thank you.”

“Wow, wow!”

The girls burst out in excitement even at my ordinary response.

Then, a snide remark interrupts.

“Hmph. The little hero of Fangju is nothing; it’s just overhyped.”

The lively atmosphere feels as if cold water has been thrown on it.

The girls turn their heads toward the direction of the voice.

Following their gaze, I see a group of boys, somewhat distanced, staring at me with hostile expressions.

From the similar school uniform design, they seem to be students from the same academy.

“Huh?”

“Hey! Arkell! What the heck are you saying!”

“Right! Apologize!”

The girls raise their voices in a huff.

Hearing their words, the boys’ expressions turn even darker.

“What? Did I say something wrong?”

“Apologize! It’s disrespectful to Edu!”

“No way.”

“This is…!”

The girls and boys begin to bicker.

At first glance, it seems like an ordinary disagreement that arises between students, but I see something different.

“Oh.”

“Edu? What’s wrong?”

“I think it’s a good time.”

As a girl steps toward the boy called Arkell, I notice a very slight change in him.

Trying to hide his emotions, he turns away in anger, but he cannot escape my gaze.

The corners of his mouth twitch, and his cheeks grow slightly rosy.

He’s got a crush.

“Good time?”

“Yes.”

So that Arkell guy doesn’t like it when the girl he likes shows interest and affection toward someone else.

It’s a cute jealousy.

But unfortunately, Arkell has chosen the wrong opponent.

“Hehe.”

“Uh… Edu?”

In the world, there exists a teaching.

Those who maintain their chastity until the age of 25 shall become wizards.

I, Jeong Eun-woo, am 22 years old.

A pure embodiment of chastity on the verge of becoming a wizard in three years.

And in front of me, how dare you flaunt the freshness of first love?

Ah, it seems I need to have a conversation between my body and mind….

“The friendly match seems like it’ll be fun, right?”

“Uh? Yeah….”

Nisia responds reflexively.

Even though Edu’s face turned mischievous like a little rascal, Nisia decides not to stir up trouble and quietly turns to ignore the situation.

“It seems fun.”

…

Within the academy’s circular arena.

The large voice of a female host echoes within the building, resembling a colosseum.

[Now then! We will now commence the main event of the 56th Academy Friendly Match!!!]

The declaration spreads through the speakers in the arena.

Hearing that, the audience whistles and raises their voices in response.

[Now then, the long-awaited opening of the finals will be heralded by the first stage’s protagonist~]

The host assumes a posture that seems to gather strength, slightly curling up.

Soon, she raises her left arm high and shouts.

[Surprisingly! It’s the little hero of humanity! Edu Nimbusday!]

– Wowwwww!!

The eruption of cheers causes Edu to shyly raise her hand slightly.

[Also, Edu will be using a drone to assist with mobility due to her physical limitations, and we’d like to inform the audience in advance.]

So saying, the host bows her head as if requesting understanding, facing the audience.

When she lifts her head again, her face shines.

[Now, who will be the rival of our little hero? That would be none other than! A student from Edu’s class and an outstanding prodigy with excellent grades and knowledge! Edward Sheet!]

Edward walks out from the opposite side.

Stepping on the grass covering the ground, the two face each other in the dome-shaped transparent wide space.

“Edward, let’s do our best.”

At Edu’s greeting, Edward adjusts his glasses and beams confidently.

“Hehe Edu, I think you chose your words poorly.”

“Uh? What do you mean by poorly?”

“Right now, I am different from the Edu you used to know!”

Edward points dramatically at Edu.

“You might not have known, but after being trained daily by Teacher Irina and Jack, I am invincible! If you don’t want to lose, come at me with full force, Edu!!”