"Quickly settle your things in your room, then come to the ceremony hall. All new students are heading there."
Zara noticed something flicker in Selena's eyes—just for a second. A deep sorrow… masked beneath calm resolve.
With those words, the heroine turned and began walking toward the hall. Zara, who had been thinking about the heroine's role in the game, blinked and stared at her lonely back, lost in thought.
Selena Skyfall…She lived in a small village near Emberfal, the capital. I remember now—after demons invaded her home and slaughtered everyone she loved, she became cold and emotionless. But later, thanks to Mia and the others, she slowly opened up again…
Zara entered her assigned room. It was surprisingly beautiful, with calm blue and white tones decorating the walls.
After tucking her belongings neatly into the cupboard, she hurried out toward the ceremony hall.
On her way, she noticed streams of students moving in opposite directions. The ones in blue were headed the same way as her—toward the hall—while those in red went elsewhere.
"I guess the red ones are senior students, and the blue ones are new admissions," she thought.
Upon arriving, Zara slipped into her seat. A moment later, she felt a light tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she saw Mia sitting behind her, cheerfully waving.
"We're really fated, Zara," Mia said with a bright smile.
Zara gave her a wry grin and whispered under her breath, "No… we're not fated."
"Hmm? What did you say?" Mia tilted her head.
"Ah, nothing. Nothing at all." Zara waved her hand, brushing it off casually.
Suddenly, a familiar voice whispered beside her in a teasing tone. Fluff, floating at her side, flashed her a mischievous smile.
[Fated, huh? Looks like fate really does bring people together, Host.]
"Shut up, Fluff," Zara muttered, clearly annoyed.
Then, out of nowhere, an old man appeared on stage, startling several students in the front row.
"Hello, my dear new students! Welcome to Celestia Academy! Here, you can become not only a mage—but also a knight. Once again, I welcome all of you!"
With a hearty laugh, the old man vanished into thin air, leaving the hall silent and stunned.
Zara kept her eyes on the stage, blinking in disbelief. "Was that really the principal of the academy?"
[How would I know, Host?] Fluff replied, quickly looking away.
"Huh? Weren't you bragging in the carriage about being all-knowing?"
Fluff puffed up indignantly.[Of course I know everything! But that doesn't mean I have to tell you. Hmph!]
"Haha, yeah yeah… of course you don't."
As murmurs filled the hall, the students began whispering excitedly.
"Was that the legendary principal?"
"My dad told me he's a deity-ranked mage—and also a high-level knight. Even without the church's power, he could defeat a high priest if he wanted."
"Really? My dad told me stories too, but nothing that detailed."
Suddenly, a strict-looking teacher stepped onto the stage. He wore an elegant robe of deep blue and red, his cold gaze sweeping over the crowd.
"Quiet."
The room fell silent instantly.
Once the noise died down, the teacher began explaining the academy's rules and facilities, launching into a long-winded lecture filled with noble history, etiquette, and the importance of discipline. Zara sighed.
The ceremony's barely begun, and it's already boring...
Zara leaned back in her seat, her thoughts drifting inward as she started speaking to Fluff in her mind.
"Ahh, Fluff, I forgot to ask you something—why is my talent listed as mid-grade now? I'm pretty sure Lira's memories said it was low-level."
Hovering lazily in the air beside her, Fluff suddenly froze mid-flight. He turned around, floating upside down as he looked at her with a sheepish expression.
[Ahem! Host… can you promise me one thing first?]
Zara narrowed her eyes, suspicious. Fluff peeked at her from behind his paw, voice unusually cautious.
"Alright, but first tell me what this promise is about."
Without answering directly, Fluff floated in a circle before landing dramatically on Zara's shoulder. He puffed up proudly, like he was about to reveal some grand secret.
[As I was saying… originally, your talent was mid-grade. But when Lira's soul was destroyed, her memories—and her talent—were transferred to you. Although her talent was also low-level, the merge between yours and hers, combined with your +2 Talent Gift, boosted it to mid-grade.]
Zara raised an eyebrow. "So that's why my stats got a surprise upgrade. Got it. Now—what's this promise you want from me?"
Fluff started gently combing her hair with his tiny paws, trying to look innocent.
[Ah, Host… if someone ever asks about that accident, could you maybe say you're Lira and not Zara? Just a tiny lie. Please?]
He quickly turned his head away the moment Zara glared at him.
"And who exactly would be asking me that, you feather-duster brain?"
[N-No! Not people, Host! The System Administrators! If they find out, I'll get points deducted… maybe even a penalty! Please help your loyal Fluff!]
Zara's lips curved into a sly smile.
Fluff blinked nervously.[W-Why are you smiling like that…?]
"Oh, nothing. Just thinking—you might owe me a custom gift of my choice~"
The color drained from Fluff's little face.
[Host! I-I can't! That would cost me a fortune in points! Please don't do this to me!]He was practically on the verge of tears.
Zara chuckled, amused. "Relax, I was just joking. Chill, bro."
Just then, the teacher on stage finally wrapped up his long-winded lecture.
"Alright, that concludes the orientation. Tomorrow, your magic classes will begin. Make sure to be in your assigned classrooms by seven o'clock sharp."
With that, he left the stage, and the students began to stir again.