The Teacher's Journey to Caparnaum
"Great One, where are you headed?"
Three hours had passed since Simon and Iaco decided to follow me.
When I promised to handle all their food and lodging, they immediately fell into step behind me.
"Call me not by that name henceforth."
"...Pardon?"
"Henceforth, I shall seek out those who will follow me alongside you. If they hear you address me thus, they will think it strange. Therefore, call me Teacher from now on. Understood?"
"...Ah! Forgive me! I hadn't considered that! Yes, Teacher."
I'd never pretended to be a dragon in the first place. How did things end up like this?
Well, this was just an avatar.
Adventuring with that concept might be fun.
My goal was a journey to gather power and allies against Chaos. Perfect.
"Teacher, then where are we headed now?"
"We head to the territory of Caparnaum."
"...Pardon? C-Caparnaum? B-But that's...!"
"A territory of the Nova Empire. I know you and Iaco dread returning there. But fear not. As long as you walk with me, you shall all be safe."
"...I believe you, Teacher. Forgive my doubt."
It was unfortunate for Simon and Iaco, but most of the allies I planned to gather were in the Nova Empire.
I'd dragged them back to a place like a nightmare.
But since they'd chosen to follow me, I'd protect them no matter what it took.
The tyrannical emperor of the Nova Empire, Dominic Nova.
The mortal enemy of Lydia and Io, and the one who'd tormented countless Nova Empire characters, including Simon and Iaco.
One day, I'd deal with him.
I lacked the power for now, but eventually, I'd set the Nova Empire right.
For the moment, though, I needed to gather my companions.
Main body at the academy. Avatar in the Nova Empire.
Truth be told, Nova wasn't my original destination.
I'd planned to track down whoever dared touch our Dia and crush them with my avatar.
But Lydia had spilled the beans.
The "Great One" Dia mentioned...
The sponsor who'd given her Hybris turned out to be Lydia of all people.
I'd assumed "that person" was some hairy-legged old man scheming to exploit Dia, propping her up like a creepy benefactor...
Lydia explained that the cult provided various supports to commoner children with deep faith and talent.
Though the cult was only a decade old, Lydia's brilliance had made it the dominant religion in the Kallandra Empire.
Christos churches dotted the nation, and many commoner children grew up under their relief.
Unlike other continental faiths, which offered no aid to the poor—like Greek or Roman temples before Christianity, providing oracles—here they offered prophecies and divine healing.
But the Christos Church gave food and healing to the weak, no strings attached.
All cultists sought was faith in Deus.
Lydia had secured imperial nobles' wealth via her Gift, making it possible.
In any case, many commoners came to believe in Deus, including Dia.
Dia's mother, dying from illness with no money for treatment, was healed by the church. Dia became a devout believer.
Though her combat prowess aimed her at the academy in Deus ex Machina, here Deus's faith led her to join the church as a holy knight candidate.
Dia volunteered for holy knight training, her exceptional strength drawing attention—even to Lydia.
The church supported faithful, talented children, and Dia's faith and power were top-tier, so Lydia sponsored her directly.
Anonymous contact meant Dia didn't know it was Lydia, but the support let her pass the academy's first exam and qualify for finals.
Impressed, Lydia sent Hybris.
With Lydia's backing, church training, and the perfect artifact Hybris, Dia grew far beyond her game self—topping the commoner spots for academy entry.
It was ridiculous.
I never imagined Lydia was Dia's sponsor.
At least it wasn't some shady guy trying to whisk her away. Good.
...Wait. Did that mean I'd been jealous of Lydia?
According to her, Dia's faith was genuine, so "that person" could be Lydia—or Deus.
Either way, hilarious.
The next day.
After orientation for new classes, chatting with Sunny as we walked, I ran into Dia and Amy.
"Luke? Hey, Dia, don't you have something to say to Luke?"
Amy nudged Dia's shoulder, shoving her forward.
"Uuu... H-Hi, Luke?"
"Hey, Dia. Feeling better? Sorry, I had something urgent yesterday and left before you woke up."
My head was full of catching that thief. Otherwise, I'd have waited at the infirmary for her to wake—maybe even a favorability event!
"N-No! You don't need to apologize! I-If anything, thank you. I heard you carried me to the infirmary after I passed out in the duel... Thanks, Luke. And I'm fine! Totally good!"
"Good to hear."
She had to be fine.
The artifact I used to neutralize her just caused fainting—no injuries.
I'd caught her fall to prevent harm.
"Luke was so cool yesterday? Catching the falling Dia, princess-carrying her, declaring to Professor Magnus, then off to the infirmary! Total fairy-tale prince! And remember he said 'I can't just stand by' before? Kyaaaa! So jealous, Dia!"
Tap tap tap
"Eek! Stop it, Amy!"
Thwack
"Gahk."
Amy poked Dia excitedly; Dia blushed and smacked her back.
Losing instantly in the duel was embarrassing enough, but being carried like that by the victor? From Dia's view, mortifying.
I'd been too fixated on "that person" yesterday to consider her feelings.
Uh... Dia's stats seemed pretty high, though... Amy okay?
She's a commoner in Alpha Class, so probably fine.
"Luke. Player."
Sunny, watching from the side, murmured softly.
Why? I didn't do anything?
Nova Empire capital, Orias
Imperial Palace, Emperor's Throne Room
The jade throne prepared for the empire's exalted sovereign.
Once a symbol of wise frugality, it had devolved into ostentation and debauchery after the son usurped it from his father.
The usurper, draped in gaudy robes and jewels, lounged against one armrest.
"Holy spirit?"
"Yes! A large group in the slums received the holy spirit's fire, each gaining unique powers!"
"Intriguing. And the slums approve?"
"Yes! If they grow, it could spark chaos in the city! Perhaps intervene swiftly...?"
"Let them be."
"...Pardon?"
"I said let them be."
"A-Ah... B-But if we do, it might spiral out of control..."
"No matter. I planned to burn the slum eyesores soon anyway."
"...Uh... Y-Yes..."
"That senile fool claimed emperors must aid the poor, supporting them instead of expulsion. But I am different. I shan't be soft like him. General?"
"...Yes? Ah, yes! Your Majesty!"
"Let the slums do as they will. If riots erupt on a large scale, slaughter them all. Clear?"
"Understood, Your Majesty! All as you command!"
Screeech... thud
"Holy spirit... Heh. I look forward to that day."
Alone in the throne room, the inhuman usurper emperor Dominic grinned wickedly.