Chapter 18

A vehicle resembling a bull rushes fearlessly down Fangju’s highway. Though sporadically, the shapes of other cars could be seen, overall the scenery was rather deserted.

“Hmm…there aren’t many cars on the road, are there?”

“Yep. Middle Town has an active public transportation system, so most people use that.”

“I see.”

Within the AOE, Fangju’s appearance hadn’t been thoroughly depicted, but as observed, aside from maglev trains, there are also large vehicles like buses moving around.

“E, Edu?”

At that moment, Mili’s voice could be heard from the back seat.

“Huh? Did you call me?”

“Y-Yes. Um…I heard you’re going to the Academy, so, does that mean we’re going to enter the Academy as well?”

“Yeah, most likely.”

Initially, joining the Explorers’ Guild was to accumulate records and experience to smoothen the academy life and, further on, to arrange a meeting with the principal.

However, the experience was obtained with Lianna’s help, and the achievements were gained due to Gyeojek’s arrogance, achieving a standing equivalent to the original goals, resulting in a smooth meeting with the principal.

In other words, now that the situation is close to the initial objectives, it isn’t necessary to stay in the Explorers’ Guild anymore. After all, the AOE’s stage is ultimately the academy, and the Explorers’ Guild is merely a bonus.

“Then, this will probably be the last meeting… I’ll feel a little lonely.”

Lianna mutters to herself with a somewhat melancholy smile.

Thinking about it, there have been many days of receiving much help from her, and countless shared memories while living together.

“It’s not like this will be the last meeting forever. If Rianna is okay with it, we can visit you when we have time.”

“Eh? Really?!”

Lianna questions with a tone of surprise, not expecting such words.

Even setting aside the advantages or efficiency, my sincere intention is to continue nurturing our relationship with her.

“Of course, Sita and Mili have to agree too—”

“I, I don’t mind at all…!”

“Me too.”

Mili replies with vigorous nods, while Sita, with an indifferent tone, glances at Rianna occasionally.

“That’s what they say.”

“Yeah, then let’s exchange ID numbers in advance. If you let me know when you’re coming, I’ll make sure to take the day off.”

“Got it.”

[A notification arrives from Rianna to confirm ID number exchange. Do you approve?]

“I’ll approve.”

[Code confirmed. Proceeding with ID number exchange with target Rianna.]

After registering Rianna’s ID number, a familiar-looking building appeared in the distance.

“Whoa—”

An expanse of green land stretches along the ground, with a building standing proudly at its center.

In general, it resembles a U-shape structure with several floors, but the graceful curves on the building’s exterior walls and its impossible scale dominate the view.

If one word had to be used to describe it, it would be “fortress” or “castle” of the future.

In the AOE, whenever the academy’s size was described, it was often adorned with grand adjectives like “majestic” or “splendid.” Seeing the actual academy now, one understands why those words were used.

Perhaps one might feel such an overwhelming atmosphere. It’s not hard to imagine why the academy has maintained its legacy despite numerous failures—it is probably thanks to its immense scale.

In any case, that place is both the main stage of the AOE and the starting point of the story, as well as the only military institution in Fangju—Starlet Academy.

“Wow, wow—”

“…Is that big thing the academy?”

The sound of Mili’s amazement can be heard from the back seat, followed by Sita’s question.

“Yeah, that’s the academy. Isn’t it huge?”

Rianna responds with a smile.

Meanwhile, the vehicle swiftly drives on the highway toward the academy.

“Rianna, have you ever been to the academy?”

“No, though I’ve passed by a few times for work, this is my first time actually going in.”

“Oh, I see.”

While chatting, our group soon arrives at the main gate of the academy.

Given its vast scale and wide land, it seems the gates were designed with vehicle traffic in mind from the beginning. The gates themselves are far from ordinary.

Moreover, atop the grand gate, there are four sculptural ornaments, each representing the four departments of the academy.

The star, symbolizing awakeners.

The sword, symbolizing officers.

The horse, symbolizing non-commissioned officers.

The spear, symbolizing soldiers.

Sculptures in gold had appeared several times in the AOE, but unlike mere graphics, the real sculptures catching the sunlight appear far more impressive.

While pondering this, the sound of someone running toward our direction is heard.

A clean academy uniform—bright, simple colors, reminiscent of military service attire, with infantry gear—was worn by a male academy student.

On the left side of his uniform, the emblem of the spear, symbolizing soldiers, gleamed in gold.

That means he’s a sophomore.

“Uh, welcome. What brings you to the academy?”

The sophomore boy, still new, asked with a nervous voice.

“Edu?”

“Yes, I’ve been invited by the academy’s principal to meet with him.”

“Excuse me? Did you say the principal summoned you?”

With wide open eyes, the student questioned.

Indeed, the academy remained the academy. Despite its reduced external influence, the weight of the word ‘principal’ inside the academy was still heavy.

“Yes, my name is Edu Dayumbersdei.”

“Please, wait a moment. I’ll confirm.”

“Got it.”

The sophomore took a step back and had a brief conversation with what looked like a radio device. After waiting for a bit, the student finished the conversation, rushed back, and saluted us.

“Hwah, confirmed! Thank you for waiting. They say they’ll greet us from inside, so please wait just a little longer!”

The sophomore’s tension was more intense now as he spoke.

Nodding in response, I feel a hand touching my head.

“Rianna?”

“…Even there, work hard and always stay safe?”

Her heartfelt worry was delivered with a smile.

“Yes, Rianna, please always take care of yourself on earth.”

“Thanks.”

Soft patting sounds.

Leaning into the warm hand for a moment, Rianna slowly withdrew her hand, then turned to the back seat and patted Mili and Sita’s heads.

“Mili, Sita, take care of yourselves.”

“Yes, yes….”

“…Thank you so much during this time.”

As we exchanged farewells, a loud noise came from the main gate.

Clunk, Wheeee—

The huge gates slowly opened with metallic sounds, and from the other side, along with the academy’s sight, a small car resembling a golf cart zoomed out and stopped beside Rianna’s vehicle.

The door burst open revealing a stern-looking adult woman.

Short blue hair reflecting sunlight, a firmly closed mouth, and an expression that was tough but strikingly beautiful. Along with this, her thick-rimmed glasses seemed to give her an impression akin to an ice-wielding witch.

Next, her uniform in the academy’s violet color, indicating her status as a teacher, along with the immaculately white gloves in her hands, perfectly complemented her.

Approaching the car, she briefly bowed her head toward Rianna, who reciprocated with a light nod in return as they exchanged greetings.

“Mr. Edu Dayumbersdei?”

“Yes.”

“You must be him. This way, the principal is waiting.”

She pointed to the small car she had come in while speaking with a voice as cold and composed, fitting her appearance.

Then Mili and Sita, who had been sitting in the back seat, stepped out first and carried me over to her side.

“Huh? Who are these two?”

“Ah, my co-”

Just as I opened my mouth to speak, I stopped.

Wait a moment. Come to think of it, doesn’t it seem a bit strange that someone my age would have companions around?

“Co-”

But she had already picked up on my dropped word.

“No…not colleagues, but family-like companions. I’m not feeling well, so they’re helping me. If it’s not too much of an inconvenience, can they come with us?”

“Hmm…”

She narrowed her eyes slightly and looked at Mili and Sita carefully. Only when the sunlight hit her glasses after a passing cloud did her head slowly nod.

“They seem fine. You two can come in as well.”

She returned to her seat, speaking while doing so.

“Yes, yes!”

“Got it.”

Mili quickly replied, placing me next to the woman while she and Sita climbed into the back seat of the golf cart-like car.

“Then, see you later, Edu! Mili! Sita!”

Rianna waved to us, loudly shouting from within her car.

“Yes, see you again, Rianna.”

“Th-Thank you very much!”

“…Take care.”

As we bid farewell, Rianna smiled and drove away.

“Then, let’s go.”

With her words, the little car began to accelerate gently. Despite its diminutive appearance, the riding sensation was surprisingly smooth.

“I guess I haven’t introduced myself yet, my name is Diana. I am a teacher at the academy.”

Diana, Diana—since she was personally summoned by the principal to fetch me, she must hold a fairly high position in the academy, but surprisingly, her name didn’t ring a bell.

Given that any major figure within the academy should have been covered in the AOE, it left me a bit perplexed, but worrying about it immediately wouldn’t yield any answers.

So, I pushed the question to the back of my mind and focused on conversing with her.

“That’s good to know.”

“You must have many questions. However, as our first priority is the meeting with the principal, I’ll save the explanations for another time.”

“Thank you.”

Her stiff tone concealed a subtle consideration for the other party.

Despite appearances, she seems to care for people more than expected.

While contemplating this, the little car approached the academy building. As soon as the car stopped, Diana stepped out first and approached my side.

“Please permit me to carry you.”

“Uh? Carry me?”

“Yes. The principal seems to prefer a one-on-one conversation with Mr. Edu, so I’ll assist you.”

Though unexpected, her statement wasn’t incorrect, so I obediently nodded.

“Then, let me excuse myself for a moment…”

“Got it.”

With a natural touch, Diana picked me up. Her back, which otherwise appeared so cold, exuded an unexpectedly gentle warmth with a faint fragrance of perfume.

This warmth nearly rivals S-class comfort despite her appearance. Diana, she’s not someone to underestimate.

“…? Did you say something?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Must’ve been my mistake. Then, you two, please follow me.”

“Got it, got it.”

Mili promptly agreed and followed Diana while Sita nodded in response.

Thus, we entered the academy building.

After traversing a long corridor, we entered a corner-located elevator, where all the lights were turned off as it began to ascend.

“Uh, uh?”

Startled, Mili exclaimed, but Diana remained calm.

“There’s no need to worry. It’s supposed to turn off.”

Indeed, the elevator merely continued moving even with the lights off. Soon, the elevator doors parted open, revealing a pitch-black corridor without a hint of light.

“You two, please wait here. I’ll take Mr. Edu to the principal and return.”

Diana said, Mili and Sita looked at me, and it wasn’t until I nodded that they followed her lead and nodded.

“Then, let me excuse myself for a bit.”

Leaving those words behind, Diana proceeded into the dark corridor with steady steps. With no light, even the flow of time felt blurred.

After moving through the darkness for quite some time, Diana halted.

“Here we are.”

With her words, peering closely into the darkness, I could barely make out a large door, along with a plaque above it with words engraved.

Principal’s Office.

As this image clicked, memories from AOE surfaced. Although the game didn’t portray it this dark, this image is unmistakably the same.

That means she must be beyond that door.

With this thought, Diana knocked solidly on the door.

“Hmm? Is that you, Diana?”

A familiar voice called from within.

“Yes, Principal, I’ve brought Edu Dayumbersdei.”

“Good. Come in.”

With the words, the door swung open without anyone touching it. However, Diana, seemingly accustomed to such occurrences, showed no signs of surprise as she entered carrying me.

The thick darkness enveloped the entire room.

Gradually, my eyes adjusted to the darkness, and the room’s scenery slowly came into view.

Thick blackout curtains blocked out any light from the long windows, while a grand desk, disproportionately large, stood there laden with stacks of papers—everything was perfectly in line with what I’d seen in AOE.

And there, in the depths of the room, a small figure moved alone, with graceful, efficient motions despite the absence of any light.

In one hand, she held a glass, and in the other, a bottle.

Clang, gurgle…

The crimson liquid flowed into the glass, which she then brought to her lips. Slowly, her appearance became clearer.

Pale skin, a petite frame, a chest as flat as a plain, yet curves that exuded feminine allure, crafting a unique presence.

Gleaming long blonde hair even in the dim light, two bright red eyes shone clearly. The small, plump lips which had been observing me opened slowly.

“Ah, yes. You’re Edu, right? Welcome. I…no, I am the principal of the academy, Ryuje Erhackneen…”

In a rigid tone tinged slightly with an alcoholic haze, she earnestly used honorifics she couldn’t quite manage properly.

“Please, sit down—no, please sit. Let’s have a conversation…I mean, let’s talk.”

She is Ryuje, Ryuje Erhackneen.

The principal of the academy, and one of the last remaining heroes devoted to humanity throughout the ages.

And, one of my favorite characters in AOE.