Chapter 216

As I diligently learned the Polaris-style Weapon Techniques, time swiftly flew by, and before I knew it, mid-January had arrived, marking the first day of the second semester.

Perhaps it was due to the September academic system, but winter vacation felt short.

The night before heading to the academy, we had a conversation with the Scholarship Officer.

“Did you bring up our situation with the Headmaster?”

“You’re allowing a person who blew up an academy and contributed to the collapse of a massive clan to transfer here, and you’re not going to disclose that? Now that would be weirder.”

“That’s unfair! We’re on your side, with you and your friends. Don’t you trust us?”

As I grumbled, the Scholarship Officer responded with a tone that seemed to say, “Isn’t that obvious?”

“Yeah, I still can’t fully trust you.”

We felt disappointed by that blunt response. To say outright that they still distrusted us was a bit much.

“But I went through all the required inspections, just like you told me!”

“That was something you obviously had to do. I didn’t know what kind of person you were.”

“Ugh…”

Seeing me sulking, the Scholarship Officer continued in a serious tone.

“I still can’t completely trust you. However… it seems we could establish a mutually beneficial contract.”

“A contract?”

“It’s simple. If you act like you have been, I won’t interfere with you. And if you need help, just ask. I’ll assist you. Conversely, if I need your help, I’ll present an appropriate price, and you must keep your promises. What do you think?”

“Hmm…”

Thinking it over, it seemed somewhat reasonable. Rather than trusting each other right away, we’d maintain a professional relationship for now.

“Okay. But from now on, whenever you call me, you need to explain what you want and how you’ll handle it. And be clear about what you’re expecting from me! I hope I won’t have any more creepy moments like when the Headmaster suddenly brought up the Ariel Group.”

The Scholarship Officer’s expression slightly changed at our protest.

“You’re right. That was my lack of explanation. I apologize.”

We were taken aback by the unexpected apology. For a moment, my gaze locked with Seijis’, whose black eyes looked weary.

“First, let me explain why I allowed your entrance to the academy.”

At this sudden confession, the Violets leaned in, eager to hear what would come next.

“Aegis Academy will soon face external threats. But my sister and I won’t always be here to protect the academy. I hope you can help protect your fellow students during that time.”

“External threat? What exactly is that?”

“It could be a clan, or forces from the Federation. Perhaps even the actions of other organizations. As for what you’ll receive in return, there’s the authority of the Inspection Bureau that I can offer…”

The Scholarship Officer began to enumerate various rewards. I shook my head and interrupted Seijis.

“That’s enough; protecting my friends and the academy should be a given! There’s no need for a contract over that.”

His black eyes widened slightly. Seijis, seeming flustered by my actions, tried to dissuade me.

“No, that’s not possible. Honestly, what I’m asking you to do is play the role of a guard. I can’t just give that task. If you want, I can provide some relic equipment. I have a few on hand.”

The mention of relics made me beam with excitement.

“Great! Show me later. I’ll take whatever I want!”

I thought to myself that it seemed like a line had just been drawn between us and the Scholarship Officer.

Though thin and weak for now, that line had straightened out a bit.

In the still chilly mid-January, I set off for Aegis Academy with my friends.

The biting winter wind brushed against my cheeks, but my heart was so full of excitement that I forgot the cold.

And so, we Violets became students of Aegis Academy.

“Finally, we’re at Aegis Academy!”

Before attending our classes, we checked on the important things.

Now, what’s important in a person’s life?

It boils down to food, clothing, and shelter.

When considering those essentials, the three most vital things for a student are their uniform, dormitory, and cafeteria!

During the brief yet significant opening ceremony, we first tested the quality of our uniforms.

“Kaang!”

On a distant deserted island far away from the academy.

Gunfire rang out, and Clone 612 screamed and collapsed.

Clone 1723 puffed into the smoking gun’s muzzle.

“Mmm! The bulletproof performance is decent. Seems to be upgraded.”

The uniform’s performance was excellent. It was rated 3 stars, and while it wasn’t necessary to replicate it, if you were struggling with what to wear, choosing this would be wise.

Objectively speaking, the uniforms from Polaris Academy were also decent. They were made of flame-resistant, bulletproof materials and were tough and sturdy.

However, it felt like the uniforms here were superior overall.

“Well, that mage dude definitely spent a fortune on research and the underground facility.”

“He probably contracted with a place that provides low-quality uniforms.”

With our clothing sorted, the next focus was where we would live.

The distance between the academy and Violet Barracks was far enough to require a high-speed train or an airplane.

Thus, the dormitory needed to become a second Violet stronghold.

Next, I focused on the dormitory. Upon entering, I was astounded by the interior.

“It’s really cozy!”

“This is amazing! I didn’t expect a double room to be this spacious.”

Just as Daphne had said, the rooms were relatively spacious. We were satisfied with the modern and tidy facilities.

Finally, we turned our attention to the cafeteria.

Since Violets live to eat and eat to live, this was crucial.

Great food could be seen as a reflection of the academy’s quality.

“The food is delicious!”

“We can refill as much as we want.”

I looked around the cafeteria. No one stopped us from eating.

“Violet, take your time. This isn’t Polaris, where they control meal times.”

While I was listening to Irene, Kalia clicked her tongue.

“Wait a minute, you’re saying they didn’t even let you have breakfast while acting all superior? I’ve heard it’s pathetic, but that’s too far. By the way, I’m hearing this for the first time today?”

“Yeah, so I sent a clone in to steal the older students’ meals!”

“…Hah, typical of you.”

Thinking back to the time at Polaris, the meal tasted far better now.

“Indeed, it feels rewarding to have brought down the academy.”

“This is what a proper academy should be!”

As I reflected on how glad I was to transfer, the Violets explored the school. While roaming through the campus, I suddenly remembered the garden we had visited before.

“Nothing much has changed.”

It still looked beautiful, but the Crystal Flowers had long since disappeared.

“By the way, I wonder what happened to the other kids from the academy?”

“Well…”

Since they’re Awakened Ones, they’ll likely try to nurture each other somehow.

From rumors I heard through the Scholarship Officer, it seemed the academy city authorities were currently wracking their brains over what to do with students from Polaris.

They were reportedly trying to transfer Awakened Ones to other schools.

That wretched mage had combined several academies, making it difficult.

“That guy is really troublesome. I wonder what he’s up to these days?”

“He’s probably just fine.”

Given the time that’s passed since the incident, news regarding Magnavis has been sparse lately.

The most recent news hinted that he had been relocated to a federal military prison on the continent.

It’s unsettling, but since it’s out of reach for us now, it’s best not to engage.

“But if that guy gets out of jail…”

“I’ll definitely kill him! I’ll hang him!”

I had already planned something.

It was to be called the Special Violet Trial.

We would drag him to a courtroom consisting only of Violet judges, lawyers, and prosecutors, where he would receive a death sentence.

“Maybe we should check out another continent as well?”

“Let’s do it! While it’s not as extravagant as the academy city, there are other schools there too.”

As I fortified my resolve, the moment I stepped into the classroom with my friends, we unexpectedly encountered someone.

“Nice to meet you. So, you’re the ones who transferred here this time?”

“Yeah, but what’s your name?”

In front of us stood those clueless first-years we saved from the snow-covered dungeon not long ago.

Thinking about it now, they were all first-years. It makes sense to run into them.

“Good thing I was wearing a mask. They can’t tell who we are.”

The boy smiled and greeted us.

“I’m Alex. Nice to meet you! Let’s get along from now on!”

“Sure.”

What a coincidence to meet the boy who was searching for the Holy Grail to win Sister Adela’s heart here.

I sat down. The first class was taught by a tactics expert named Professor Myers.

“I believe everyone remembers the basics of tactics from last semester. In this lesson…”

As new semester orientation began, I thought to myself.

“Well, there shouldn’t be anything major happening now.”

“We can’t let our guard down, remember what the Scholarship Officer said?”

“But I’m so tired. I’m going to relax for a while!”

After long and difficult battles and having regained peace, it wouldn’t hurt to take it easy for a bit.

“From now on, happy academy life is beginning!”

With bright and joyful hearts, the Violets wandered around the academy, planting Hibernating Violets all over.

“The academy is what we protect!”

While classes were underway in the south, the Violets from the Helios Special Operations Division observed the congratulatory gift for their friend’s transfer.

“Excellent. Is this the new model?”

The head of the Special Operations Division, Violet 88, spoke solemnly while wearing a voice changer. An officer responded.

“Yes, that’s right. Depending on funding, we plan to introduce a total of about 10 to 15 units in the future.”

In front of the hangar stood a helicopter, striking an impressive pose.

“There’s so much to learn!”

“I need to complete flight training too!”

Knowing the circumstances of the friend’s company, the Violets decided not to ask further.

“Irene won’t break her promise!”

In that moment, the rotation wings were freshly added to the Violet’s arsenal.