I was sitting in my room lost in my thoughts after solving my issue with money.The buzzing of my academy watch jolted me out of my thoughts. I leaned back in my chair, half-expecting another pointless reminder about coursework. Instead, a glowing blue message expanded across the display.
---
**\[Adventurer and Exploration Club]**
Hey there! Just a quick heads-up: Our orientation kicks off at **11 AM** at the Academy Entrance Gate tomorrow. We're looking forward to seeing all our awesome members there!
— Club President
---
"Haa... there was this tomorrow."
The words slipped out before I could stop them. The orientation. The so-called "first event."
Tomorrow, we were visiting the second-largest city in the Seraphis Federation.
Thalvoria.
A fitting name for the bustling second heart of the Federation, brimming with noise, chaos, and adventures waiting to unfold. And danger, of course.
I rubbed my temples. "Well, I guess I should prepare for tomorrow."
---
The next morning arrived sooner than I wanted. I woke up at 5 AM, my body instinctively on guard. If I was being honest, sleep hadn't been much of a companion lately anyway.
I stretched, then slipped out of my dorm room and made my way toward the Academy's training grounds.
The air was crisp, cold enough to sting slightly in my lungs. The training field was mostly empty at this hour. Only a few upperclassmen were scattered around, practicing their routines. The seniors barely spared me a glance, too focused on their own drills.
Good. That suited me.
I went straight to the dummies and entered one of the private rooms. Once inside, I lost myself in the rhythm of movement—sword arcs and footwork drills.
The repetitive sound of blade cutting through air echoed in the room. Sweat dripped from my chin as my breathing grew heavier.
Two hours later, I was drenched and panting, leaning on my weapon.
"Pant… pant… I guess this would be enough for now."
I shut off the private practice room and left.I went straight to my room A shower, food, and then the day could truly begin.
---
After cleaning myself up, I headed to the cafeteria. The hall was packed with students. Noise ricocheted off the walls—laughter, idle chatter, the clatter of utensils.
I scanned the menu and ordered quickly. Plate in hand, I made my way to an empty corner. Eating in silence was preferable, though my gaze drifted across the room.
Michael and his group were at their usual table, laughing, bickering, and radiating the kind of youthful camaraderie that most people probably found heartwarming.
I finished my meal quietly, stood, and slipped out.
---
By late morning, it was time for the club orientation.
I strapped on my weapon and slipped a few potions into my bracelet's storage. The spatial bracelet, courtesy of the Academy, was practical enough.
The Academy's grand entrance was buzzing with activity when I arrived. Students clustered together, excitement rolling through the air like static.
And of course, the "main cast" was already assembled at the center of attention.
Michael stood there, blue-haired and all smiles, surrounded by his friends. His hazel eyes practically sparkled with life, the kind of protagonist aura that made people naturally gravitate toward him.
SMACK.
I raised a brow as a blonde girl slapped him on the back. Julia. Tomboyish grin plastered across her face.
"Dumbass… why are you dozing off again?"
Michael flinched. "Hey! Why do you keep hitting me?"
"Because it's funny. I like when you jump from just a little tap."
"You call that little? Are you crazy?"
"A bit?"
"More than a bit."
Julia grinned. Michael groaned. And I wondered for the hundredth time how I'd ended up in the same world as these cartoon characters.
Then my eyes caught on Celestina Frostborn.
White hair, silver-gray eyes, and an aura of cold elegance that made everyone around her feel like background decoration. As always, Adrian shadowed her, hovering with the quiet devotion of a trained hound.
"Why are they so annoying this early in the morning?" Celestina muttered, more to herself than anyone.
"Would you like me to take care of them for you?" Adrian's voice was soft, eager.
Celestina didn't answer. It seemed like she didn't hear
'No, she's just ignoring him,' I thought dryly. Even from here, I could hear him perfectly. If I could, then surely she could as well.
"Hey, shut up! It's annoying!" another voice snapped.
The girl with fiery red hair and yellow eyes was looking Julia and Michael who were responsible for the commotion.
Her irritation was palpable as she grumbled. But given the context, it was justified – hearing the person she had a crush on utter something like that to another girl.
Julia smirked. "Tch. You're no fun."
"How is hitting people fun?" Amelia shot back.
Michael just stood between them, looking like he'd rather be swallowed whole by the earth.
Before their bickering could escalate further, another voice cut through the noise.
"Hey there, everyone!"
Jin, the club president, strolled forward with a grin that could light up an arena. Average height, approachable aura, effortless charisma.
The group shifted immediately, his presence diffusing the tension.
"I see the early birds have all gathered," Jin said warmly. "I'm excited to welcome you all to the Adventurer and Exploration Club's orientation!"
He had that leader's voice, the kind that made you want to listen even if you didn't care.He continued with his practiced speech.
"Most of you must have come here learning about our club's reputation." Jin's tone became more serious, but his smile remained. "Well, the name says it all – we're all about adventures and exploration! And we are here to escape from the serious atmosphere of the academy and leave everything behind, even for a day or two."
That made let out a small chuckle.
'Escape from the serious atmosphere of the academy, huh? It doesn't matter where you are. If you are with the protagonist, then the trouble will always follow you.' I thought.
He held up a folded piece of paper, clearly a prepared speech that he'd probably practiced countless times before.
"We set forth on daring quests, stumble upon long-lost relics, and tread paths few have ever walked." He spread the paper open with a practiced elegance, as though unveiling a secret meant only for the worthy. "Our creed is simple: Turning the impossible into the unforgettable."
He paused, letting the weight of those words sink in before continuing.
But instead of the weight of his words sinking, the reaction he got was not something he was expecting.
"Pfft…"
"Kuhm—"
Julia and Amelia were stifling laughter at the front.
Jin paused, raising a brow. "Umm… juniors, care to share what's so funny?"
Julia smirked openly. "Nothing, nothing. Just… Turning the impossible into the unforgettable, huh? Sounds like something you pulled from a cheap playbook."
Amelia chimed in, lips twitching. "Yeah, next you'll be telling us friendship conquers all."
The group chuckled. Jin's face flushed red, his cool aura cracking.
"I-It's just a speech, okay!" he stammered, rubbing the back of his neck.
Julia and Amelia burst into laughter, the friendly ribbing bringing a light-hearted atmosphere to the group.
They knew Jin from their childhood since he was a senior whose father worked with Julia's family quite often, and Amelia met him thanks to Julia.
Jin sighed but recovered quickly, moving on with admirable resilience. "Anyway, let's keep this short. Training during club activities is strictly forbidden. We're here to relax and explore. And today's destination will be Thalvoria City!"
That earned cheers.
Jin clapped once, sharp and decisive. "Before we leave, we'll pair up. We'll decide the pairs by drawing lots."
He gestured to the assistant, who stood by holding a box full of folded slips of paper. "People at the front, come and grab a name!"
A box of slips was brought forward.
Celestina went first.
She unfolded her slip. "Adrian."
Adrian smiled faintly. Celestina didn't.
'Wait… wasn't she supposed to be paired with Michael?' My brows furrowed. 'Is this one of those butterfly effect moments?'
"Tch." Saying that Irina pushed forward and drew a slip. The name that came out of there was something I did not want.
"Arthur."
Her voice carried irritation, as if the mere sound of my name offended her.
'Tch. This annoying girl. Of all people.' My expression soured for a moment, but I quickly masked it with indifference. 'No worries. I'll just go my own way after reaching the city ,' he reminded himself.
Michael drew next—Julia.
Originally in the game Michael was supposed to pair up with Celestina and this was the first time when Celestina started to show interest in Michael. But now chances of that happening are slim.
I leaned back slightly, indifferent. 'Doesn't matter. Not my problem.'
Once everyone had their partners, Jin beamed. "All set! Let's head out."
We boarded the academy's transport bus. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, conversations overlapping.
I took a seat near the back by the window. Peaceful enough—except for the stare.
Amelia.
Since we were paired, she sat beside me, gaze sharp enough to bore a hole in my head. I ignored her, watching the scenery roll by.
The ride didn't last long. Soon, we arrived at the portal station.
The portal itself shimmered, a swirling vortex of mana and technology. Passing through it was disorienting, like stepping across a seam in reality.
And then—Thalvoria.
The city stretched wide before us, vibrant and alive. Streets bustling, air thick with scents of food, magic, and industry.
"All right, everyone!" Jin called out, his voice carrying over the chatter. "Today is orientation. You're free to explore however you like. Just be back at the portal station by 7 PM sharp!"
"Yes!" the group responded in unison.
Pairs and friends immediately split off, heading toward the city's attractions. Celestina walked away with Adrian trailing faithfully. Amelia scowled in their direction before walking away by herself.
I didn't waste time. I turned away from the group, slipping into the flow of the crowd.
My destination wasn't sightseeing.
It was the location of the first event.