Reversed Fate
Our assigned mission, just as the branch chief had stated earlier, was to head to the academy's west gate and draw as much attention from the soldiers as possible. But that was merely the public-facing task. To maintain security, the branch chief and Daniel went around personally detailing every group's exact duties.
The branch chief made sense, but Daniel was unexpected. Had the two known each other for a long time? And in Adella's room, the branch chief revealed a plan completely different from what he'd said in the lobby earlier.
"Arseria's Forest Keeper. I had to phrase it that way with so many eyes around, but in this operation, you're the key, NoName. If you hadn't joined, we wouldn't even be attempting it. So Adella, focus this time."
When I asked why, the branch chief let out a regretful sigh.
There were likely spies even within Abyss. Makes sense—they weren't like the empire's imperial guard with mana oaths. A hastily assembled group was bound to have leaks.
But the branch chief wasn't naive.
"In District 15, the only ones I can truly trust are Daniel, Alperion, Sisiela, and you."
"What about me?"
"Yes... you too, Adella."
"Hmph. Beeeh—"
On the surface, Alperion and Sisiela would steal the laurel wreath, link up with Daniel, and hand it over. But the branch chief twisted the plan here.
"Once the diversion succeeds, NoName and Adella immediately circle the academy outskirts and wait at the north gate. Alperion and Sisiela hand the wreath to NoName there and slip out the east gate the same way."
While they chased Alperion's group to extract info, we'd smuggle the real wreath out the lightly guarded north gate. Less risky than theirs, but the mission difficulty felt doubled. If the fake wreath got exposed midway, pursuit would turn on us instantly.
"What, easy peasy! Don't worry, Gestalt!"
Adella slammed the desk and jumped up.
"Show some respect to the branch chief, Adella."
Despite Daniel's scolding, Adella purred excitedly in satisfaction.
"They won't be clueless about the diversion. But to crush even that suspicion, the Forest Keeper's performance is crucial."
Daniel unrolled the map.
Turn the holy capital into chaos so they couldn't even suspect a diversion. That was Daniel's order.
"Remnant Academy looks like there's just one in the capital center, but there are several outer buildings. South has the observatory, east the guard barracks, west the material warehouse and admissions HQ."
All linked tightly to the academy. Even if we stole the wreath successfully, they'd surround us from everywhere.
"You two hit the three spots south and west hard."
Draw all forces southwest. Then Alperion and Sisiela infiltrate for the wreath while we escape full throttle. If the academy realized the diversion late, we'd loop back, meet at the north gate blocked by mountains, grab the wreath, and flee beyond them to the capital outskirts.
"Almost called the bald guy dumb. Dodged a bullet."
"..."
Yeah, this plan would work. Even the Kaizen Central Academy from my past life would fall for it. Gestalt the branch chief had traded IQ for hair.
"Yaaawn. How long do I gotta wait, nya."
Adella picked her nose, then her ear this time. Stealth mission meant no stretching freely.
First target: observatory, naturally. Fewest people at night, perfect for drawing reinforcements.
The enthusiastic Adella from planning was gone; only a bored kitty remained, yawning.
"You're bored too, nya."
"Not really."
"Tell me a past life story. Elves aren't common."
"I don't know my kin well."
Player from the start. No clue what this body did before.
"Lame."
Adella whipped her head away. But soon, embarrassed, she spoke again.
"Know why I joined Abyss, nya?"
A story I'd never heard. No high achievements, always ignored in Abyss. Why did the branch chief trust her?
"I hate the academy. Hate everyone there."
"Random. What's that got to do?"
"Everything. I was the last cutoff from the entrance exam."
"Entrance exam?"
"Hah, you know nothing?"
Normal route Remnant Academy exam was common knowledge, but not to me.
Adella explained anyway.
"Final exam's score elimination. Stay top 100 in time limit for final pass."
Two years ago, Adella barely made 100th.
No heavenly talent, but slum survival through mortal threats got her past brutal odds.
"No home, money, parents—got into the continent's top genius academy. Thought my damn dad would finally acknowledge me."
"Dad?"
"Famous academy prof."
Adella's origins were lowly. One-night fling spawn. Dad wouldn't claim her; even brothel mom discarded her coldly.
In the empire's darkest filth, she dreamed nobly like her name 'Adella.'
Stole travelers' valuables to live. Gems from merchants to survive.
Not honest, but academy pass meant new life. She vowed it.
"But that bastard rigged the ranks. Didn't want me in."
Entry joy, life's happiest days—then rejection notice eve of ceremony.
'Hero Candidate Special Admission'—some unknown stole her spot. 100th Adella evicted from dorm.
Warm bed to cold stone in a day.
Adella ground her teeth. Two years old, but rage like yesterday.
"Could've spared one seat...! Why give then take! Unfair!"
Fallen from heights, birds never fly again.
"Waited two years for revenge. Gonna kill 'em all."
Couldn't fly? Break others' wings.
Her bloodshot eyes weren't sane.
Mission time. Thick clouds veiled the full moon, dimming sight nicely.
"First real mission from Gestalt uncle. Can't disappoint to repay him."
"He recruited you to Abyss?"
"..."
Far off, holy capital clocktower bells tolled.
Adella bolted first.
"Don't die following! Won't wait!"
Vanished dot on narrow path.
Ridiculous laugh escaped. Who should watch who?
Hope no butterfly trap.
First-time Nightmare players said Adella counted as backstory heroine.
Nightmare-exclusive, no normal mode. Cute looks, touching past. They fell for her pouty face, teary cat eyes, swishing tail.
But 'Korea' clan submaster 'Daesal', vet 'GradStudentSaveMe' scoffed.
'GradStudentSaveMe' donated 1,000 won!
"Nyaaaaaaah! Forest Keeper save meee!"
Adella screeched inhumanely, fleeing back the path. Sudden quest popped for Nami.
[Remnant Observatory Guards (0/20)]
Nightmare wasn't kind. Meet bandits on mountain? Die clueless. No guides, no enemy info/weaknesses. Just mobs hellbent on killing players.
Dim path. Ominous crows. Clanking mirror-plated armor.
Steady descending footsteps—they drew weapons in unison.
"Eliminate intruder."
"NoName pleeease...! Don't wanna die hereee!"
Tripped on root, front soldier grabbed ankle, hoisted upside down. Short skirt slid, black garter panties exposed.