To the Holy Kingdom (1)
Even though my master, Noah Celestia, had left, the mission wasn't over. The exploration period was two weeks long, and we'd only been at it for two days. We still had to stick around the Northern Continent.
That said, there wasn't much to do. With the ancient kingdom already discovered, what was left? The exploration team just stood guard by the scholars in case of any unforeseen issues.
But even that was more than Kyle and Ariel had to handle. We'd contributed the most to finding the kingdom, so we spent most of our time back at camp. From my perspective, it looked like they were deliberately keeping the saint and the imperial princess apart. They couldn't risk another incident like before.
Of course, it gave us plenty of time to rest. Time passed, and before we knew it, the mission was drawing to a close.
The day after the mission officially ended, we were in Red Axe Tribe territory.
"We're finally heading back!!"
"Quit yapping and pack your stuff!"
"Ugh, I just wanna get outta here...."
The Tianis students were buzzing with energy from the morning. They packed their bags with frantic efficiency, as if every minute and second counted.
"They're moving with some real pep."
A barbarian approached and commented. I replied casually.
"The Northern Continent isn't exactly a vacation spot. Especially not for students."
"Fair point. No wonder our tribesfolk head to the Central Continent."
A land locked in endless winter wasn't fit for comfortable living. Day-to-day survival stunted progress, keeping culture and development behind other continents. That's why some barbarians left the North. Increased exchanges had opened their eyes to the wider world.
Even Tianis Academy had plenty of Northern Continent professors.
"How's your body holding up?"
"Fine. We barely did anything."
"Don't sell yourself short. We found the ancient kingdom thanks to you, Saint."
He swung his thick arm and clapped me on the back—a gesture of thanks. He meant it lightly, but it still stung like hell.
"You've fulfilled the North's long-held wish. We're grateful."
"Just got lucky."
I was getting this gratitude every damn day. My ears were starting to ring. I gave a vague response.
"Kyle! The kids say they're all packed!"
Rana called out to me then. I turned to look at the students. Their eyes sparkled with eagerness to leave. No point dragging it out when they were this hyped.
"Then we'll be off."
"Our tribesman will guide you, but stay sharp. The North is unforgiving, as you've seen."
"Got it."
After the farewell, I led the students after our guide. The Red Axe Tribe waved us off from behind as we departed the Thousand-Year Mountains.
"Thanks for the escort. You've done enough."
The barbarian guide nodded in response. He didn't speak the common tongue. After sending him off, I addressed the students.
"We're done here, so do what you want. Head straight back if you're ready, or take a breather."
The mission was over. From here on, it was up to them. They nodded and scattered—some straight to the empire, others grabbing a bite at the local warp gate outpost's eatery.
That left me with Rana and Ariel. I asked their plans.
"What about you, Rana?"
"Wanna go home. It's too damn cold."
"And you, Princess?"
"Same as Rana. I miss the academy, and no need to linger."
Decision made. We hopped the warp gate back to the empire.
Returning after two weeks felt great. Arriving in the capital filled us with joy, especially trading dirt-and-snow paths for clean, paved streets. We strolled the city, savoring the comfort, snacking when hunger hit, and soaking in the familiar sights.
"Why are there so many students out? Isn't this lecture time?"
"Yeah. And it's not even the weekend."
They eyed the student-packed streets curiously. Sure, some third-years like us had just wrapped missions, but first- and second-years dominated.
I knew why.
It must've reached the students by now.
I suggested to the puzzled pair, "Shall we head back to the academy?"
"Mm... sure!"
"Sounds good."
We returned to Tianis Academy, which was abuzz with excitement. The vibe was electric, like festival season.
"Something big must be happening. What is it?"
"No announcements about academy events...."
They wondered aloud. Then a familiar face appeared.
"Huh? Hyungnim?"
It was Evan. He spotted me and came running with a huge grin.
"Long time no see!"
"Yeah."
"Hey, Senior Rana and Princess! Been a while! Mission go okay?"
"Yep! Smoothed it out, Evan junior!"
"Some hiccups, but we managed."
Quick greetings done, I asked, "So what's got Tianis in such a frenzy?"
"Ah, you three just got back, so you wouldn't know...."
Evan teased, drawing it out.
"The exchange meeting's in two weeks. In Justia Holy Kingdom. That's why everyone's hyped. Announcement dropped today."
"Ah, the exchange meeting...."
"No way they'd hold it in the first semester...."
But their reactions were lukewarm. Makes sense—the event was for first- and second-years only. We third-years were excluded.
"Have fun out there, Evan junior...."
"Guess the academy'll be quiet for a bit...."
They looked glum. Rana had been bummed about missing it last year. Hearing about it now, after the chance was gone, hit hard. Ariel, surprisingly, seemed disappointed too, though she hid it well.
Can't blame her.
As princess, visiting the Holy Kingdom was tricky—politics always tangled in. And last year's canceled trip left regrets.
"Whoa, why the downers? Exchange meeting's on!"
"We can't join, dummy."
"Oh, right. Forgot to mention."
Evan perked up.
"This time, third-years are going too."
"Huh? What?"
"Evan, care to elaborate?"
Now they lit up, voices lively.
"Heard it secondhand, but last year's cancel left bad blood. Holy Kingdom's expanding the roster this time—including last year's third-years."
The exchange was scrapped due to Holy Kingdom issues. This was makeup. Early scheduling too. Possible now because Justia had breathing room—fewer attacks from Geomjeong.
Of course, just a lull to lure complacency.
"But hyungnim, you're not surprised?"
"Knew already."
Heard it from the World Tree up north. They nagged me to pass it on. Didn't need to—I knew from Akacheonma.
Justia Holy Kingdom was a major stage in the novel.
"Kyle! Why didn't you tell us something that big?!"
"Figured it'd be more fun hearing it fresh."
"W-well, yeah, but... you messed up this time!"
Rana grumbled cutely. I just took it.
"Anything else?"
"Nope."
"Me neither!"
"Same here."
"Cool, gotta run then. Thought it was plug-and-play, but Mihyo says prep's a hassle."
Evan bowed and dashed to the academy entrance. Overseas trip meant packing lists.
My companions grinned ear-to-ear.
"Hehe, exchange meeting... Holy Kingdom... Gonna be fun."
"I'm looking forward to it too, Rana."
"You know, Princess? They've got massive mountains there. And...."
They dove into Holy Kingdom chatter, unstoppable. Rana glanced at me, then whispered to Ariel—blocking with mana, embarrassed. I heard every word.
"Princess, you know about the Holy Kingdom beaches?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"D-do you have a swimsuit?"
"Sadly, no. Never been to the sea."
"Wanna shop with Cloi later?"
"Sure. Better grab one."
"Hehe, meet up soon then."
Rana giggled, sneaking peeks at me. I played dumb.
"What about clothes and gear? They provide?"
"Basics from the Holy Kingdom side, I think. But bring your own if needed."
"Ah, explains the street crowds. Princess, wanna shop for essentials?"
"Great idea."
Chat wrapped, both beaming. Rana asked me,
"Kyle coming?"
She hoped I'd bail. I shook my head.
"Wanna rest, got stuff to do. Pass."
"Aww, fine then."
"You two go."
"Gotcha!"
They promised to meet later and headed to the dorms. I dropped our mission reports at the Student Council Hall, then unpacked at the dorm, mulling.
"Second-year Holy Kingdom trip's low-stakes...."
With "Academy" in the title, most episodes stayed on campus. This exchange was at the Holy Academy—events aplenty, but no real danger. That hit in Evan's third year, nearing the end.
First visit? Smooth sailing. The arc's just about networking with Holy Kingdom races and building rep.
Still pivotal—flags and info everywhere. But Evan's problem, not mine. I'd tag along, help lightly.
"Might pack some extras anyway."
God's country meant unique opportunities. Heading to Justia? Grab what I needed. No wasting time.
I eyed my black sword, Karsa, and left the dorm. Time to collect those hoarded rewards. Straight to the Orange Forge.