Vel woke to the chirping of birds and sunlight streaming through the curtains, casting warm patterns on the unfamiliar bed. Disorientation gripped him as he stared at the ornate ceiling, but then memory returned—this was his new room.
He sat up, taking in the space that would be his home for the foreseeable future. Being alone gave him a strange sense of both freedom and vulnerability. No Mari cooking breakfast downstairs. No Von preparing for the day's work. No Lyra's giggles echoing through the halls.
The quarters were spacious—certainly more than he expected. His bedroom connected to a private washroom with actual plumbing that reminded him of his old world, though more primitive.
Vel peered at the basin and noticed a strange contraption built into the wall. Some kind of magical mechanism that seemed to pull water upward—he could see faint runes glowing along copper pipes that disappeared into the ceiling. The basic principle was there: lift the water high, then let gravity do the work.
He didn't have time to analyze it properly, but the engineering impressed him.
Beyond the washroom, a study lined with bookshelves beckoned him to explore its volumes when time allowed. The setup resembled an apartment from his past, infused with medieval fantasy—oil lamps instead of electric lights, a fireplace in place of central heating.
Vel smiled faintly. He'd have to adjust to this new silence, this freedom to structure his days however he wished.
After washing his face and dressing, Vel opened the door to the corridor—and nearly collided with Hileya, who stood waiting outside.
"Good morning, young master," she said with a small bow. Her silver braids caught the light, and she was already dressed in a simple but neat uniform.
Vel blinked in surprise. "Have you been waiting long?"
"Not at all," she answered, though her posture suggested otherwise.
"I'll ask for a spare key," Vel said, noticing her slight discomfort. "You shouldn't have to wait in the hallway."
Hileya gestured toward a small wooden tray resting on a counter beneath the corridor window. "I've prepared breakfast for you."
The tray held freshly baked bread, sliced fruit, and what appeared to be some kind of porridge. As Vel began eating, a question formed in his mind.
"Where did you get all these ingredients?" he asked between bites. "Not to mention the money to buy them?"
Hileya clasped her hands lightly in front of her, her expression calm but attentive. "From the servant quarters," she said. "There's a large kitchen available to us. The staff monitors how much we use, but as long as it's reasonable, we can cook with whatever ingredients are supplied. It's considered one of the perks for the private quarters' masters."
Vel set his bowl down and exhaled slowly, relief washing over him. "That's... really convenient." He leaned back slightly in his chair, running a hand through his still-damp hair. "Not having to worry about food expenses every day will make things much easier."
His gaze shifted to Hileya, who remained standing near the door, her hands still folded. "What about you? Have you eaten anything yet?"
Hileya hesitated for a moment, her silver braids swaying as she shook her head. "Not yet. I made sure yours was prepared first."
Vel frowned, reaching for the tray. "That's not right. Sit down for a second."
"But—"
"Sit," he insisted, pulling the tray closer. He took one of the rolls of bread and held it out to her. "Here, take this. There's enough for both of us. No point in you working on an empty stomach."
Hileya's lips parted slightly in surprise before she gave a small nod. Reluctantly, she sank into the chair across from him and accepted the bread. "Thank you, young master," she murmured, though the slightest blush colored her pale cheeks.
As Hileya nibbled at the bread, Vel's mind wandered to Celia. He picked at the edge of his porridge, wondering. "What about Celia?" he asked aloud, mostly to himself. "Do you think she has the same setup where she's staying, or does she have to spend her own money for things like this?"
Hileya paused mid-bite, tilting her head as if considering the question. "Miss Celia's accommodations are shared, are they not? It may depend on the arrangements her dormitory provides."
Vel frowned slightly. "I'll have to check on her. It doesn't seem fair if they expect her to manage everything herself."
Hileya resumed eating, her gaze fixed thoughtfully on Vel, but she said nothing more.
Vel stepped out of his room, eager to make the most of the day. He aimed to explore Lona, acclimate to his new surroundings, gather information about the Academy, and prepare for the entrance exam tomorrow.
Hileya followed a few steps behind as they walked down the corridor linking his quarters to a spacious common room, which led to other accommodations. A wide staircase descended to the hall below.
"I should probably visit the Academy grounds today," Vel said, half to himself. "Get a feel for the place before the actual exam."
Hileya nodded. "A wise decision, young master."
They descended the stairs and crossed the main hall, morning light streaming through tall windows onto the polished floors. Vel opened the heavy front door and stepped into the yard.
The morning sun bathed the courtyard in golden light. Several other tenants had gathered around stone benches scattered across the yard. Some were reading books or scrolls with intense concentration, while others practiced movement patterns with wooden swords or—
Vel paused, his attention caught by a young woman tracing patterns in the air with a slender wand. The device looked more like a miniature staff than a simple stick—polished wood wrapped with thin silver wire that spiraled toward the tip, where a small crystal was mounted in delicate metal prongs. As she moved it, faint trails of blue light followed the crystal's path.
Wands... Vel thought suddenly. Up to this point, he had been casting magic without a focus object of any kind. Would he need one for the Academy? Back in the game, it was common for mages to use wands or staffs to channel their magic more efficiently.
"Let's go find Celia," Vel said decisively, turning to Hileya. Then he paused, realizing he had no idea where to begin looking. The merchant lodgings were vast, with multiple buildings spread across.
"If only I knew where to start."
Half an hour later, after a few wrong turns and stops to ask directions from various caretakers, Vel and Hileya finally emerged into a sunlit fountain square at the center of the west wing. The space was alive with activity—residents lounging on stone benches, chatting in small groups, or reading alone beneath the shade of potted trees.
"There she is," Vel said, spotting a familiar figure seated at the fountain's edge.
"Finally," she said, a smile brightening her face. "I was beginning to think you'd forgotten where I was staying."
Vel sank down beside her on the fountain's edge. "Any trouble from last night?" he asked.
Celia shook her head. "Not really. I met my roommate, but it was late for any long conversation. She seems nice enough—a craftman's daughter from the eastern provinces."
Vel nodded, his eyes drawn to her sandwich. "That looks tasty. Where did you get it?"
"There's a bakery just outside the west gate," she replied, gesturing vaguely with her sandwich. "Not too expensive, but not too cheap either."
"You bought it?" Vel frowned slightly. That didn't seem fair compared to his own situation.
An idea suddenly struck him. He turned to Hileya, who stood patiently nearby.
"Hileya, do you think you could prepare food for three people every day?" he asked. "If it's too much, we could cut down the portions. The three of us would certainly eat less combined than some noble folk."
Hileya blinked in surprise. "Three?"
"Yes, three," Vel confirmed. "Including you. If you have trouble with the kitchen management, tell them it's my request. I'll talk to them if they give you any trouble."
Hileya's eyes widened slightly. "Young master, I... that's very kind of you, but—"
Before she could finish, Vel raised a hand to stop her objection. The pieces were finally clicking together in his mind—why Lady Halen's offer had been such a significant proposal, why merchant involvement had been necessary. These daily expenses—not just food but all the small necessities—wouldn't seem like much individually, but they would accumulate dramatically over their stay. For common folk without connections, the cost would be prohibitive.
"I want to help in any way I can," Vel said firmly. "And please don't think about refusing it."
Celia watched the exchange with a mixture of gratitude and hesitation. "Vel, I appreciate the thought, but I can manage—"
"You've heard what Lady Halen said," Vel interrupted, straightening his posture dramatically and adopting an exaggerated noble accent. "Connections are important in Lona. Consider this a perk for having connections with me."
He finished with an absurdly pompous smile and a flourish of his hand that was so unlike his normal demeanor that both girls stared at him in momentary shock.
Celia recovered first, her lips twitching as she recognized his attempt at humor. She reached out and gave him a solid thump on the shoulder.
"Thank you, mister noble," she said, rolling her eyes but unable to suppress her smile. "Your generosity knows no bounds."
Vel rubbed his shoulder, dropping the pretentious act. "I'm serious though. We should stick together while we're here. It just makes sense to pool our resources."
[Few hours later]
Vel's eyes darted from stall to stall as he navigated Lona's bustling streets—less crowded than the outer layer, yet not secluded. The city's vibrancy impressed him more on foot than from a stagecoach window. Each corner revealed something new, unlike anything in Elnor.
Their first stop was the Academy, but with every turn, distractions lurked—food stalls, curious merchants, and street performers showcasing minor magic tricks. Vel occasionally glanced up at the street signs, trying to recall the route they'd taken when arriving. He'd memorized key intersections, but navigating the city's layered districts was proving trickier than expected.
"That way," Celia pointed at a broad avenue where a steady stream of pedestrians flowed in a single direction.
As they continued, the scents of grilled meats, fresh pastries, and something distinctly buttery filled the air. Vel's attention landed on a nearby stall displaying an array of delicacies—rows of fluffy cakes, crisp pastries, and something that looked eerily like taiyaki from his old world. But what really caught his eye was the enormous, clam-shaped burger resting on a wooden tray.
"What in the world…" Vel muttered, pausing for a closer look.
The vendor, a burly man with arms thick from years of grilling, noticed his interest and grinned. "First time seein' a Grandmouth Burger, lad? Special recipe from the western isles—clamp-shaped bread, seared meat, and a secret sauce passed down for generations!"
Vel eyed the towering structure of the so-called burger. The bread had been carefully baked into a rounded, shell-like shape, while the filling overflowed with thick layers of grilled meat, lettuce, and cheese. It was impressive—and a little ridiculous.
"I bet I could eat that," Celia said, tilting her head.
Vel gave her a doubtful look. "You? You struggled to finish that meat skewer in Elnor."
Celia pouted. "That was different. It was too salty."
Before Vel could reply, a young man at a nearby stall drew his attention. He held a glowing jewel that pulsed with blue light, casting soft reflections across the counter. The vendor's careful handling revealed all Vel needed to know.
"That's not for decoration," he murmured, stepping closer.
The vendor, a lanky man with a sharp smile, noticed Vel's curiosity. "Ah, good eye, sir. Noticed the enchantment, did you?" He tapped the jewel lightly, and a faint shimmer rippled across its surface. "Mana-infused ice crystal. Keeps the goods cold. Perfect for preserving high-quality treats like these."
Vel glanced at the display case below, where various frozen desserts sat untouched by the warmth of the midday sun. Ice cream, sorbets, and something resembling shaved ice remained perfectly frozen, despite being out in the open.
"Magic refrigeration," Vel noted, intrigued.
Hileya, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "I've seen similar runes used at Lady Halen's estate to keep drinks chilled. But this one seems... more compact."
"That's because it's an Rime-Tuned Core," the vendor explained, now clearly in his element. "Just a little mana recharge every week, and it keeps things cold indefinitely!"
Celia perked up. "So if I had one of those, I could store desserts without worrying about them melting?"
The vendor chuckled. "If you can afford it, missy. These cores don't come cheap!"
Vel mentally filed that information away. Rime-Tuned Core. Practical magic applications like this were exactly what he wanted to explore more at the Academy.
But first, they actually had to get there.
"Alright, enough sightseeing," Vel said, turning back toward the street. "The Academy's not going to come to us."
With some reluctance, Celia pulled her gaze from the dessert stall, and they continued on their way.
Vel stopped in his tracks as the Academy finally came into view. The massive iron gate stood closed before them, with walls stretching far in both directions, marking the boundary between the city and this sanctuary of learning. Even from a distance, the structure commanded attention—imposing yet inviting to those who sought knowledge.
"We made it," he breathed, taking in the sight.
The street leading to the entrance was unlike the others they'd traversed. Wide and meticulously maintained, it featured swirling paved stones that formed intricate patterns. Mana-infused lamp posts lined the path, their crystals dormant in the daylight but still faintly glowing with stored power.
As Vel's gaze traveled upward, he noticed the three distinct banners that hung from the highest points of the Academy's roof. The Church's symbol of divine stars, the Guild's crossed swords and shield, and the Kingdom's royal insignia—the three factions that governed this world, all claiming influence over education.
"The gate's closed," Celia noted, disappointment evident in her voice. "Do you think they're preparing for the test?"
"Probably," Vel replied, approaching the gate and peering through the iron bars.
Beyond the entrance lay a spacious square that branched off toward multiple buildings. The main structure stretched inward, forming a U-shaped compound that enclosed a central courtyard. The architecture reminded Vel of universities from his old world—four stories of corridors and classrooms visible through evenly spaced windows. Several towers rose even higher, breaking the symmetry with their pointed spires.
Below, pathways cut through well-maintained gardens where trimmed bushes formed geometric patterns. Every few meters stood another tri-lamp post, each bearing a smaller version of the faction banners.
"It's even bigger than I imagined," Hileya whispered, standing slightly behind Vel.
Vel stepped closer to the gate, curiosity pulling him forward. As his hand touched the cold iron bars, a jolt of pain pierced through his skull like a white-hot needle. His vision blurred as an interface suddenly materialized before his eyes:
[Keypoint Location Reached]
Verifying Admin Status... Success.Data Synced.+3 Pending Items.
Before he could process the notification, his mind fractured into chaotic fragments.
Images flashed before him too rapidly to comprehend—disjointed scenes overlapping and dissolving. Celia's laugh echoed in his ears, but it sounded wrong—too loud, too harsh, nothing like her usual gentle chuckle.
A blurry figure materialized beside her in this strange vision—tall, faceless, yet somehow familiar. Celia grinned up at this specter with wild abandon, an expression he'd never seen on her face before. It wasn't her—couldn't be her.
Static hissed through his consciousness, drowning out all other sounds. Darkness yanked him downward in a sickening spiral, like falling through an endless void.
Then reality snapped back into focus. The Academy gate stood before him, unchanged. Celia's fingers dug into his arm, her face tight with concern.
"Vel? What's wrong?" she asked, her brow furrowed. "You just... froze."
Hileya edged closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "Young master? Are you unwell?"
Vel rubbed his temple, his breath coming in shaky gasps. The pain was already subsiding, but the disorientation lingered.
"Nothing," he lied, forcing a smile. "Just a headache."
But it wasn't nothing. That strange laugh continued to echo in his mind, haunting him with its wrongness. And the system notification…
This wasn't a memory—he'd never experienced anything like it before. Yet it felt somehow personal, almost like déjà vu. Not quite the past, certainly not the present... but not precisely a vision of the future either.
Since unlocking his admin status in the Ossuary, he'd experienced many strange phenomena, but nothing like this disjointed flash of... whatever it was. The intensity bothered him most—raw and invasive, as though someone had forced these images into his mind.