Dreams of the Starting Knight
The Innocence students examined today's schedule with somewhat despairing expressions.
First theory class: Lanur theology. That was fine so far. Professor Irina Jericho had let it slide generously again this time. But the next one was the problem.
Second theory class: Erosion studies. Just seeing the first word of Erosion studies was enough to make the students break out in fits. To them, with their minds already elsewhere, Professor Calvin Giod was no different from a natural predator.
Calvin, famous for his unwavering focus on his own lectures, naturally expected the same from his students. He had a notorious reputation for immediately punishing anyone who slacked off or got distracted during class. And the method of punishment was the issue—it wasn't simple corporal punishment, but assignments.
If a student failed to complete the assignment properly, he would slash their evaluation scores right away... Even those wandering around half out of it had no choice but to snap to attention.
"...This time, we analyzed the erosion beasts from the Solemnute raid. This is crucial information for all of you who will one day face the Salvation Cult, so make sure to memorize it. Let's begin."
Professor Calvin questioned the students one by one about the characteristics of the erosion beasts that had appeared during the raid, compiling the information into a vast new erosion beast compendium. Since it covered the traits of the erosion beasts wielded by the Salvation Cult, the students—who would inevitably have to fight them someday—couldn't afford not to concentrate.
They strained to rein in their wandering thoughts, expending more focus than usual.
"I know it's hard to concentrate, so thank you for doing so. And everything we covered today will definitely appear on the final evaluation, so memorize it no matter what. Good work."
"Thank you!"
And as soon as Erosion studies ended, they all slammed their heads onto their desks in agony.
"There's so much to memorize... The midterms just ended—why do we have to suffer for the finals already?"
Brian's pained sigh echoed, and the other Innocence students nodded in agreement.
"At least the theory classes are over for today, so we can rest..."
Leaving the Innocence students' groans behind, Ludenberg headed straight to Professor Nah Tes's research lab with the documents Dalia had given him.
Ludenberg knocked on the door of Nah Tes's research lab a couple of times.
"Excuse me. It's Ludenberg."
"Come in."
Ludenberg opened the door and entered Nah Tes's research lab. He hadn't noticed before because he hadn't looked closely, but now that he had to clean it, the chaotic mess everywhere jumped out at him.
"What brings you here? I didn't summon you for anything. Do you have questions?"
Professor Nah looked at Ludenberg with bewilderment.
"No, nothing like that... I'm here to handle the student council request."
"Student council? Oh, right—you're the top of the Knight Faculty... So you're here to help clean?"
"Yes."
"Perfect timing. I was just thinking I should tidy up."
"Shall we start right away?"
"Yeah. Let's get it over with quick. Just shove the books onto the shelves any way for now—I'll sort them later. We need to move the bookshelf too... And pile the documents together somewhere."
"Understood."
"Sorting them properly would take a while... but I can't dump that on you—you'd be exhausted. You're not my assistant professor, after all."
"That's a relief."
Ludenberg began efficiently organizing Nah Tes's cluttered research lab. With his innate preference for neatness, he cleaned faster than any maid or servant.
As he worked, Professor Nah struck up a conversation.
"By the way, have you met Nadan? I haven't seen him much lately and haven't checked in."
"Yes. I even helped him with a favor. He said he'd bless a piece of jewelry if I brought one, so I plan to visit soon."
"Jewelry? Want one I used to wear?"
"No, that's fine. This brooch—Tara gave it to me as a congratulatory gift for becoming top of my year..."
"Oh ho."
Professor Nah grinned slyly.
"What's that smile about?"
"Nothing. I was just thinking Ashytara's really putting in the effort."
"Tara?"
"Yeah. Of course, you wouldn't know the story."
Ludenberg made a face like he had no idea what she meant.
"You really need to work on your intuition."
"Intuition?"
"Yep."
"What on earth are you talking about...?"
"You'll figure it out soon enough living life. Anyway, this is wrapping up faster than I thought."
"Couldn't you handle this much on your own?"
"I'm a professor—I deserve to boss a student around once in a while. Though... considering Dalia's situation, I should cut her some slack, but I've got my own busy schedule."
"Can't be helped, then."
"Any updates on that sword you took last time?"
"I... had a dream."
"What kind?"
Ludenberg hesitated but decided it was fine—Nah and Nadan were already helping him under Raha's guidance. He began describing part of the trial world.
"A dream about the Starting Knight."
"The Starting Knight! What was it about?"
The playfulness vanished from Nah's eyes as she adopted her usual serious demeanor.
"The first thing I learned was the era he lived in... a thousand years ago. The same time as the Six Heroes."
"What!?"
Professor Nah gasped in shock.
"Any basis for that certainty? Even if it's a dream, tell me. I know your dreams connect to fate, so speak freely without holding back."
"First... the content of the dream. In it, I inhabited the body of someone I presume was the Starting Knight."
"Inhabited his body?"
"Yes. More precisely, it felt like only my soul entered his body."
"And then?"
"I first awoke in a city called Nadempir."
"Nadempir... Never heard that name."
"Have you been to the Sun Tower, Professor?"
"Of course. Why?"
"Nadempir is the city depicted in the painting hanging there."
"What?"
"You know the First Empress, Orpina Testia, hung a panorama of a ruined city in the Sun Tower?"
"Yes. There's been much debate about where that city was... Wait. No way?"
"Yes. Its name was Nadempir."
"My god. Then the Starting Knight really existed in the Six Heroes' era."
"That's not all. After dealing with erosion beasts in Nadempir and escaping, I met two people. One a boy, one a girl."
"A boy and a girl?"
"Yes. And their names were... Kyle and Orpina."
"...No way!"
Professor Nah's eyes widened.
"Yes. Probably that 'no way' is right. Their physical features closely resembled the current imperial bloodline."
"My god."
Professor Nah was genuinely excited. Restoring a lost piece of history was the dream of every Setra priest.
Just what had emerged was already monumental: the name of the city painted by the First Empress, and the Starting Knight's connection to the Six Heroes.
"That's all I saw in the dream. Was it helpful?"
"Helpful? Absolutely. I couldn't publish it as a paper, of course... but witnessing a facet of truth satisfies me. Oh, Ludenberg."
"Yes?"
"Mind if I share this with the Archbishop?"
"The Archbishop...?"
"Archbishop Atan Isnaha. Leader of the Star Pilgrims. She's analyzing the ruins info we uncovered thanks to you."
Ludenberg had to think it over. It was one thing for Nah or Nadan, who were directly involved with him, but if it reached Archbishop Atan Isnaha, things could escalate.
In the end, he declined.
"It's too early to tell the Archbishop. It's not confirmed info... just my dream, after all."
"Fair enough. Got it. Thank you so much. With this clue, digging into history will yield something."
"Really."
"Yes. This is a discovery for the ages. You're reading lost historical fragments through dreams—something no one else could do."
"If the dreams continue and I have another, I'll share what I see then. Seems like you, Nadan, and I are connected in various ways."
"I'd appreciate that."
As they discussed the mysteries of the Starting Knight, time had slipped by unnoticed.
"Oh. It's gotten quite late. Need more tidying?"
"This is enough. The lab looks much cleaner. I'll handle the rest. You can go."
"Then I'll take my leave. See you next time."
"Yeah. Thanks again, Ludenberg."
"I only learned about the Starting Knight thanks to you, Professor. I'm the grateful one."
"...Right."
"I'll really go now."
"Wait. Let me see those documents you brought."
"Pardon? Oh, yes."
Ludenberg handed the student support request form to Professor Nah. She signed it in her own hand, stamped it, and gave it back.
"Submit this to Dalia as is."
"Thank you. I almost forgot."
"No big deal... I should be thanking you for the help. Off you go—it's late."
"Yes."
Ludenberg left Nah Tes's research lab and headed to the student council room.
The student council room, located in the administrative building between the Theology Faculty and Knight Faculty buildings, wasn't far, so he arrived quickly.
Ludenberg knocked on the door.
"Senior Dalia. It's Ludenberg."
"Ah! Come in!"
As expected, given the late hour, only Dalia was there.
"Did Tara leave? Here's the document I got today."
"Yeah. Ashytara and I were talking about Adem Festa stuff, and she headed back to the dorm first. Anyway, good work. With Professor Nah's signature and stamp, it's perfect. Must've been a hassle—you did great."
"It wasn't too bad. I'll head out, then."
"Sure. See you tomorrow."
Ludenberg gave a light nod and left the student council room, returning straight to his dorm.
On the way back, he wondered if sharing the trial world details with Professor Nah had been wise. He decided to tell Raha later and plan his next moves accordingly.