Hectic Preparations
Professor Calvin Giod moved his feet busily. He had no choice. With only three days until the Ortara exchange event, his schedule was overwhelmingly tight, forcing him to rush through tasks that he would normally handle at a leisurely pace over several days. His expression crumpled naturally. His already stern face looked even more forbidding, and the assistant professors and research students helping with his work instinctively shrank back. Unlike usual, they decided they needed to tread carefully today and held their breath quietly.
At a glance, it looked like they were suffering under a notoriously tyrannical professor, but surprisingly, the assistant professors and research students didn't think poorly of Professor Calvin. If you saw him assigning insane amounts of homework during class, you'd certainly call him tyrannical... but outside the lectern, he was remarkably merciful. Those who joined his team out of fear were often surprised by his unexpected side. As long as they met his expectations, he offered advice freely without strings attached and never wasted time on petty nitpicking. He never dumped menial chores on them either, handling student grading himself... So, his subordinates actually enjoyed a fairly relaxed academic life under him.
Even they, however, couldn't help but shrink back from the current Professor Calvin. He was already living a hectic life, and seeing him with a weary face from squeezing in a packed schedule for the Ortara exchange meant his nerves were frayed to the limit. Just as you shouldn't poke even a kind person when they're on edge, crossing the meticulously plan-oriented Professor Calvin now could lead to who-knows-what. He might turn as terrifying as the erosion beasts he studied.
"Damn it."
A curse slipped from Professor Calvin's lips, and everyone in the lab fell silent at once.
"To avoid distracting each other, everyone out. Today's research schedule is canceled. I'll assign individual studies separately and announce them later... so prepare for the Ortara exchange."
"Y-yes, sir!"
His sharp tone contrasted with the merciful content of his words. There was no need to keep them in the lab, so he promptly sent his subordinates out—and they were overjoyed. His personal assignments weren't overly demanding... and telling them to prepare for the exchange was basically code for "rest." In truth, the research students and assistants had no roles in the exchange event.
They left the lab beaming, but Professor Calvin ignored them, reviewing student assignments.
"The exchange... tsch. Things are already chaotic, and they had to push ahead with it."
A hint of dissatisfaction escaped his lips. Unlike his harsh treatment of students, he genuinely worried for their safety, making this Ortara exchange feel deeply ominous.
"If a high-grade appeared last time, a highest-grade could show up now without surprise... Of course, His Imperial Majesty would have accounted for that, but why now? Is there some special purpose?"
He muttered carefully to himself—a habit when his thoughts tangled. Even if it hadn't happened yet, there was no guarantee it wouldn't repeat the previous incident. Sorting his thoughts, he quickly graded the assignments and added his comments.
Knock knock.
Suddenly, a cautious knock echoed in his lab. He'd clearly told everyone to leave. Frowning, Professor Calvin called toward the door.
"Come in."
The door opened to reveal Dalia Retiu. Calvin's furrowed brow softened at once. He knew how much the diligent student council president toiled for the faculty and administration. No matter how on edge he was, that was no reason to snap at such a hardworking student.
"Dalia? What is it?"
"...Last time, I asked about cooperation for the exchange event. If it's alright, could you give me your answer now?"
"The exchange? Ah, right. About me and the assistants cooperating?"
"Yes. With the exchange on such a large scale this time... we'll need manpower to prepare for various situations. For maximum safety, Professor Calvin and your assistants would be a huge help."
Professor Calvin nodded readily.
"Sure. We'll have nothing to do during the event anyway, and I have to attend... I'll talk to the assistants myself."
"Thank you!"
Seeing Dalia brighten, Calvin smiled.
"Alright. Let me know if you need anything else."
"No, that's all. Preparations are almost done now."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. The new student council juniors have been incredibly enthusiastic, so we finished faster than planned."
"Good to hear. The new members this time..."
"Second-year Seia Shahain, first-years Nadan Tes, Ashytara Solenute, and Ludenberg Lavante. A few more, but those four are always in the council room helping out."
"All exceptional students. Is Seia still researching Hidea Rune? Her last work on causality distortion was outstanding. Even the Lanur Church was in an uproar."
"Yes. She says there's been progress this time too."
"Impressive. Nadan... still eccentric?"
"...A bit, but he listens well. Oh, but he really hates tasks involving Professor Nah Tes."
"Tasks related to Professor Nah?"
"Yes. Like cleaning her lab or cooperation requests..."
"Professor Nah's lab is a bit..."
"...Right?"
"It's her nature, so I don't say anything... but she could tidy up sometimes."
"Sigh. I feel the same. Ludenberg saved us this time."
"Ludenberg, huh. Probably the standout in this student council."
"You think so too?"
"Not just in combat prowess—his academic curiosity is high too. Especially since he grew up in the east, he's knowledgeable on erosion studies, yet he never zones out in my class. He'll stay on the council next semester too."
"Oh."
Dalia let out a delighted exclamation. For her as president, keeping talented members was great news.
"Anyway... that's all I needed confirmed. Thank you, Professor Calvin."
"Alright. Take care."
"Yes!"
Leaving Professor Calvin's lab, Dalia visited several other professors. Most were requests for manpower cooperation. This exchange wasn't limited to first-years—it spanned all grades, naturally swelling the scale and preparations. Above all, for utmost safety, she sought combat support from the faculty.
Her final stop was the dean's office, home to Calix Solenute.
Dalia knocked on the door with a tense expression. Though she'd met him many times, facing Calix always made her nervous. Even setting aside his status as the emperor's brother, he was an exceptionally capable dean who led Solemnute Adem brilliantly. The exchange felt odd, but with ample support promised, she had to make her requests.
"Who is it?"
"Dalia."
A thoughtful voice reached her ears.
"Come in."
Dalia opened the door and entered promptly.
"What brings you?"
"About mobilizing executive staff."
"Executive staff. For the exchange, I assume."
"Yes. For the students' safety, we'll need executive staff and the imperial knights... Your approval is required, Dean."
"No need to worry about that."
"Pardon?"
"His Majesty already approved. Just proceed. Most Solemnute Adem students are participating, and since he ordered the exchange, you don't need to concern yourself there."
Dalia's expression relaxed. That solved her biggest headache.
"Ah...!"
"Are other preparations complete?"
"Yes!"
"Good. You've worked hard, Miss Dalia Retiu."
"N-no, not at all."
Dalia waved her hands. Calix smiled faintly, as if enjoying it.
"You've done well these past days. Now rest. Going to the exchange exhausted could spell trouble."
"Yes. Thank you, Dean."
Calix nodded, and Dalia left for her room. How long since she'd rested? Despite her hollow eyes and weary body, elation swept over her.
Ludenberg noticed the excited buzz around him.
"Everyone seems pumped."
"Yeah."
The two surveyed their surroundings. Regardless of rank, most knight faculty and theology students chattered noisily, waiting before the Wind Path.
"Ashytara!"
A voice called Ashytara. Cletta Peliche, whom they hadn't seen much lately due to Ludenberg sticking close, appeared with her roommate Philia Rosette. Leila Satin was with them too, apparently having bonded at the recent festival.
"Hey."
Ashytara greeted them with a soft smile.
"You two are as close as ever today."
"..."
"Yeah?"
Ludenberg felt a bit awkward at their sudden approach, while Ashytara beamed wider at Cletta's words.
"Have you two been to Ortara?"
"No, first time for us too. You?"
"Same here. That's why I'm so excited. Philia was hyped too."
"I know. She was whining to me last night that she couldn't sleep."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Tossing and turning, then asking me to sing a lullaby."
"..."
Cletta eyed Philia with mild exasperation, Philia whistled awkwardly while averting her gaze, and Leila watched curiously. Amid the widespread excitement for Ortara, Calix stepped forward.
"Everyone's here. Before heading to Ortara, one thing."
The noisy crowd quieted, focusing on him.
"Ortara's students are hardy warriors, so they may seek spars or duels with you. If so, engage boldly. They admire and respect strong warriors. Even in defeat, show Solemnute's pride. Understood?"
"Yes!"
Confident cheers rang out. The students of Solemnute Adem, feeling their growth over recent months, sparkled with anticipation.
"Then, let's depart."
With that, the students boarded the Wind Path one by one. Their destination: Ortara National School, land of hardy warriors.