Sparks Fly Upon Arrival
Seong Hyun-jin asked Amanda about Karin's whereabouts, inwardly praying that his master would come lead them. But his wish went unfulfilled.
"K-Karin is tied up with some business, so I'm in charge of leading everyone. She's still in the Levatein Duchy..."
Seong Hyun-jin's eyes widened at Amanda's declaration that she was leading them. He collapsed limply right there on the spot, flopping face-down onto the floor.
"If Master's not coming, this disciple has no reason left to live..."
"P-Pardon? What do you...?"
The moment Amanda panicked, Seong Hyun-jin abruptly shot his head up.
"...She'll come in the middle once everything's done, right!?"
"Pr-Probably?"
"Phew..."
Relieved, Seong Hyun-jin grinned happily and turned to Serena.
"She's coming midway at least!"
"Lucky you."
Amanda watched his back with a touch of bewilderment.
The dean did warn me, but... he's even more than I expected.
Before coming here, Amanda had met with Eleonora, who had given her some pointers. The one Eleonora emphasized most was none other than first-year student Seong Hyun-jin.
-He's unpredictable, so keep a close eye on him, Instructor. He's not one to commit evil deeds or cross lines, but he might do something reckless or act on impulse, so stay vigilant.
Eleonora had added, as if that weren't enough:
-And he's a bit peculiar, so if he says or does something odd, just brush it off.
It all made perfect sense now. Amanda resolved inwardly to stay on her toes and began directing the exchange event representatives.
"Alright, everyone. Time's short, so let's move quickly. Follow me."
Amanda led the students toward the academy's inner new city—commonly called Academy City. Seong Hyun-jin, puzzled why they were heading inward instead of outside the academy, asked:
"Aren't we taking something to get there? Why Academy City?"
"We're not riding anything. We'll use magic to teleport straight there."
"You can do that?"
Teleportation magic for objects was one thing, but for people, spirit magic like that was rare—which made Seong Hyun-jin's wonder a natural reaction.
"Yes. There's a site in the city with a magic circle inscribed with a teleportation spell our dean developed. It's mainly for VIPs, but as exchange event reps, you're VIPs too."
"Not a carriage, then."
"Even in a special carriage, getting to Celestial Academy in the Holy Kingdom before the event starts would be impossible."
"Got it..."
Seong Hyun-jin nodded as if he understood Amanda's explanation. Watching him, she thought:
He seems like a normal student like this...
The manic glint she'd glimpsed earlier felt like it belonged to someone else entirely. What a peculiar kid, Amanda mused, praying he wouldn't cause any trouble at the event.
Such were her worries as they arrived at a grand hall-like building. The elegant, antique white structure evoked the feel of an ancient temple.
"A place like this in the city?"
"First time for me too."
Maison Blanche. This was where Eleonora's teleportation magic system was housed. Beyond that, it controlled the defensive magic systems protecting Terastial Academy and the city from external threats. The city's entire administration ran through this building's magic systems too—it was the culmination of Eleonora's magical achievements.
Ciela, well aware of this, kindly explained to Seong Hyun-jin.
"This is like my master's workshop. Everything from academy and city management to defenses runs automatically from here."
"Oh, really?"
Seong Hyun-jin said, intrigued.
"No wonder I sensed spirit energy everywhere."
"Hehe, the magic systems are working hard."
"Okay, everyone. I get you're curious, but we need to hop on the teleportation circle and head to Celestial Academy. Let's go."
As they chattered a bit, Seong Hyun-jin and Ciela lagged slightly behind the group. At Amanda's urging, Ciela smirked and cautiously reached out, lightly tugging Seong Hyun-jin's sleeve.
"Come on, junior."
"Sure."
He thought nothing of it, but how it looked to others was obvious.
"Senior Ciela, what are you...?"
Especially to Serena, whose desire to monopolize Seong Hyun-jin had lately intensified—it was bound to irk her.
"Hm? Junior was dawdling, so I hurried him along."
"...It's not just him, is it?"
Seong Hyun-jin protested a bit indignantly, but Ciela winked, silently asking him to play along—so Serena wouldn't make a fuss. He caught on and dropped it, while Ciela released his sleeve.
"We're gonna be late. Let's head in."
Serena had no choice but to let it go, though she shot pointed glances at Seong Hyun-jin and Ciela in turn, looking a tad sulky.
They entered a room at the end of the right corridor in Maison Blanche. There lay Eleonora's teleportation magic circle. As befitting the work of the foremost authority in spirit magic, it was a breathtakingly intricate and precise array, operating endlessly.
It recycled a fixed amount of spirit power without needing fresh infusions—constantly using and restoring it to the same level. A system Seong Hyun-jin couldn't quite grasp.
"How does that even work...?"
"Everyone, step onto the magic circle, please."
At Amanda's guidance, Seong Hyun-jin stepped onto it. She followed, placing her hand on a corner of the circle.
"Set destination: Celestial Academy."
> Confirming headcount. Transferring the following 9 individuals to Celestial Academy.
Right after the system's guide voice, the Teleportation circle erupted in light so brilliant it could blind.
⟨ Teleportation ⟩
The light flashed blindingly, and when Seong Hyun-jin squeezed his eyes shut and opened them again, the scenery had utterly transformed.
"......Huh?"
The sound that escaped him sounded downright dopey from the shock. He'd been staring at Maison Blanche's pristine white walls moments ago, but now before him loomed an academy building and grounds as vast as Terastial's.
Unlike Terastial, which evoked schools and academies, this place brought temples to mind.
"This is..."
"Celestial Academy."
Yeonhui, clearly familiar with the place, strode forward confidently and turned to Seong Hyun-jin for his impressions.
"As big as Terastial, right?"
"Yeah, but the buildings seem taller and grander."
"Not sure about actual size, but the spires probably make it look that way."
Yeonhui pointed to the soaring spires at the building's corners and the central clock tower. Without those, the floors weren't exceptionally high.
"More like a cathedral than an academy."
"It serves that purpose too. Every building in Celestial Academy has a chapel."
"Ah, I see."
Fitting for the Holy Kingdom, he thought. True to its name, the academy itself was practically a massive religious complex.
A nation built on one faith—makes sense it'd be like this. Wonder if attending means getting tied to a religion you don't even believe in.
Seong Hyun-jin figured it'd feel stifling.
"Are you the student representatives from Terastial Academy?"
As he pondered, someone approached from ahead. A male and female student in the same pristine white academy uniform as Yeonhui's. Both exuded impressive poise and refinement, but the girl's unusual hair color caught the eye first.
Like sunlight on crystal-clear water.
It was blue, yet somehow also pure white—an extraordinarily unique shade, like light shimmering on limpid waters.
What do you call that? Aquamarine...?
As Seong Hyun-jin dredged up memories from his past life, the two bowed politely.
"I'm Astraea Advaldt, president of Celestial Academy's student council."
"Gilbert Lennen, vice president."
Astraea Advaldt was Celestial Academy's student council president and the top second-year in the theology department—an exceptionally talented student.
"Hello, President Astraea. I'm Amanda, assistant instructor in Terastial's spear arts department."
"Thank you for visiting."
"We're grateful for the welcome."
After exchanging greetings with Amanda, Astraea glanced sideways—toward Yeonhui, who still wore Celestial Academy's uniform since her custom one hadn't arrived yet.
Astraea's gaze held deeper meaning as she remarked:
"Still wearing that uniform after leaving the academy, Senior Yeonhui."
Her tone dripped with displeasure, startling the listeners.
I figured they knew each other, but...
They don't get along, huh...?
Yeonhui, unfazed, brushed it off casually.
"What can I do? My new uniform isn't ready yet."
"...I can't fathom what the dean was thinking, placing you there."
"Watch your words. The dean had no choice but to let me go."
Yeonhui replied:
"She lost the bet, so she had to honor it—what could she do?"
"...What bet?"
"No need for you to know, Junior Astraea."
"......"
The other student reps broke into cold sweats listening to them. Astraea's overt hostility toward Yeonhui was one thing, but Yeonhui's sharp retorts were no joke either.
Amanda, sensing things escalating, cut in.
"Um, how about we don't fight here and head to the exchange venue? You can settle scores in the skill demonstration anyway—no hard feelings after that."
"...You're right, Assistant Instructor."
Astraea agreed, glaring at Yeonhui.
"We can let skills do the talking."
"Feeling confident, Junior Astraea?"
Yeonhui smirked, curling her lip at Astraea's fiery spirit.
"You couldn't even touch me last time."
"...I'm on another level now."
As Astraea and Yeonhui clashed, sparks practically flew between their gazes. The tense atmosphere left everyone awkward or embarrassed...
"This is fun."
...except Seong Hyun-jin, who found it amusing all on his own.