A week had passed since the entrance exam. At last, tomorrow would be the day of the new student admission ceremony.
As usual, this morning I began my warm-up by jogging and training my mana circulation. This time, I manifested my mana into the shape of a sword and swung it—
Whoosh—!
It seems my control has improved compared to last time. It's not that I was bad at controlling my mana before, but back when I was an adventurer, I rarely used small amounts of mana. Especially when handling Rank S or higher hunting missions, I had grown accustomed to releasing mana in what could be considered large quantities.
Haaah… huff…
It looks like it's time to head back.
I made my way toward the inn. Normally, I would enjoy this pleasant morning atmosphere, but lately, I haven't been able to do that.
I glanced to the side—
Does she think I wouldn't notice?
For the past three days, someone had been following me. At first, I thought it was just someone curious about me and ignored it. But I never expected her to persist for three consecutive days.
What surprised me the most was that the person had dark blue hair and an incredibly beautiful face.
I don't really want to get involved with her right now… but I guess I don't have a choice.
After making sure no one was watching, I walked toward a cluster of trees and activated a skill.
[Blink Rush]
In an instant, I was behind the stalker.
She still hadn't realized I was behind her—but the cat beside her did.
"So, do you have business with me, Miss Luminelle?"
The girl—Luminelle—froze, then slowly turned around, only to find me standing right behind her.
There was a brief silence.
"Kyaaa!"
Her delayed reaction kicked in. She stepped back in shock, but her foot slipped.
"Careful!"
I grabbed her hand and pulled her toward me. My pull was a bit too strong, causing her to collide against my chest.
"Are you alright?"
I asked her, but—
"Hyaa—!!"
What's with that cute sound…?
I almost laughed at her reaction, but held it in. Her face had turned as red as a tomato, and her eyes were unfocused. Seeing that she might faint from embarrassment at any moment, I quickly released her.
After stepping away, Luminelle took a few deep breaths and gradually calmed down.
"I-I'm fine. Thank you for saving me."
"No need to worry about it. More importantly, do you have business with me?"
I deliberately avoided mentioning the stalking, given how embarrassed she already was.
"Ah, um, a-actually…"
Looks like she doesn't have an excuse.
She panicked while trying to speak, clearly unable to come up with a reason. It was honestly quite cute, making me smile unintentionally.
"Well, since you've been following me lately, I thought you might have something you wanted to say."
Hearing that, Luminelle—who had just calmed down—turned red all over again.
"Ah! I-I just remembered I have plans today, so I'll be going now!!!!!"
She ran off at full speed, covering her burning red face, leaving behind only the cat.
"So, how have you been, Nyx?"
"I'm doing well, kid. But seeing you call me by name… it seems you've already realized that I know your true identity."
"With how obvious Luminelle's actions were, how could I not notice?"
"Well, that's true."
"But I didn't expect you to even break free from the dean's magic."
"What do you take me for, kid? I'm Nyx—the highest fairy with a rare affinity, you know."
That smug face hasn't changed at all.
I stared at Nyx with a strange look. Still, what she said was true. One of her titles was the Star Fairy.
Nyx's true identity was—
The Moonlight Fairy Queen.
"So, kid. What are you going to do now?"
"What do you mean?"
"Elle has known your true identity since the first moment she saw you. And you've surely noticed her feelings too, haven't you?"
"..."
That was true. I knew how Luminelle felt about me. If possible, I wanted to accept those feelings as well, but—
"For now, I don't think I can accept her feelings."
"...Why?"
"....."
Is it really okay to tell her?
No—better not.
After finally freeing Luminelle from her destined death, I don't want to involve her in danger again. Of course, I would be grateful if she chose to help, given her strength and Nyx by her side—but if possible, I want her to live freely.
To make friends.To study peacefully at the academy.
If danger comes, I'll be the one to stop it.
"I'm sorry I can't tell you the reason."
"....I see. If that's your decision, I won't ask any further."
"Thank you."
....
After parting ways with Luminelle and Nyx, I returned to the inn.
"Welcome back, Master."
"I'm home, Eli."
Eli greeted me as soon as I entered.
"Hm? What's that?"
"That's a package from the academy. It seems to have been delivered for you."
I opened the box.
Inside was a uniform: a white top, black trousers, and a long black cloak. On the left chest of the cloak was an emblem of two red crossed swords, marking a first-year student.
Isn't this a bit too big for me…?
Suddenly, the uniform emitted a soft glow, and its size adjusted perfectly to my body.
Wow… the best academy really is different.
"Eli, what do you think?"
"It suits you very well, Master."
"Is that so?"
"Master, you forgot the shoes."
Eli handed me a pair of black dress shoes. Once again, they resized themselves automatically.
Standing before the mirror, I had to admit it—the uniform suited me perfectly. Especially with my black hair, blood-red eyes, and pale skin.
It even has temperature regulation.
Not only that—it also had protective enchantments. If sold, this uniform would be worth as much as a powerful artifact.
....
Because there were no special activities that day, I spent my time exercising, walking around with Eli, and then went to sleep.
The next day—
At last, the day of the new student admission ceremony had arrived.
Early in the morning, I moved into the academy dormitory. Transfers had technically been allowed since the announcement day, but since I didn't have much luggage, I took my time.
We arrived at the dormitory and met the dorm supervisor. After explaining our situation, he guided us to my room.
"This is your room."
"Thank you."
Eli and I entered. The room was even larger than my previous inn. A soft bed and noble-level luxury stretched out before me.
I placed my belongings down and tidied up what I could first.
"Master, it's almost time."
"Alright."
It seemed the ceremony would begin soon.
I stood up and walked out with Eli. However, loud voices echoed from the common area. When I arrived, I saw the main characters gathered together, chatting happily—until they noticed me and fell silent.
Leon broke the silence.
"You are…?"
"Greetings to the Crown Prince."
I bowed respectfully to Leon and glanced at each of them.
Elise, still indifferent.Riana, giving me a brief glance.Narea, watching me suspiciously.Roland, looking down on me.Issac, completely emotionless.Luminelle, her face burning red.
Is she still thinking about yesterday?
Leon smiled calmly.
And finally—Tania.
For some reason, she looked the most shocked when she saw me.
Wait… don't tell me—
"A-yo—"
"My name is Shion. As you already know, I'm ranked tenth. Since we'll be staying in the same dormitory, I hope we can get along."
I cut Tania off and introduced myself.
"Ah, right. Nice to meet you, Shion. I'm Leon."
"It's an honor to meet you, Prince Leon."
"We're equals here. No need to be so formal."
Leon said that with a smile.
Indeed, the academy's rules stated that everyone was equal—but nobles with pride reaching the heavens wouldn't think the same way.
Of course not.
"Since the ceremony will begin soon, we should hurry, Young Master," Margaretta said.
"Yes. Alright, everyone, let's head to the academy."
"Prince, everyone, please go ahead. I have something I'd like to ask Miss Tania. Isn't that right, Miss Tania?"
I asked with a smile.
"Y-yes! Of course!"
Tania answered nervously.
"I see. Then please hurry so you won't be late."
I nodded to Leon.
After everyone left, only Tania, Eli, and I remained.
"I-I must offe—"
"Tania."
I stopped her before she could kneel.
"We'll talk about that tonight. For now, pretend you're just my close friend. Understood?"
"Y-yes! I understand!"
With that, Tania and I caught up to Leon's group.
As expected, the main characters attracted attention—and with a commoner like me joining them, strange rumors immediately spread.
"Why is a commoner with the prince?"
"But isn't he ranked tenth?"
"Tch. Just because he entered Class S…"
Should I kill them?
We soon arrived at the ceremony hall.
"Master, I'll wait over there."
"Alright."
Eli left.
The top ten seats were placed at the very front. I found seat number ten—far right, near the aisle. Issac, ranked ninth, sat beside me.
"...."
The silence was awkward.
Just as I was about to speak—
Fwooom—
A blue teleportation magic circle appeared above the podium.
An elderly man with white hair and beard emerged, holding a staff and wearing blue robes and a mage's mask.
The Dean.
"Greetings, new students. My name is Aldric Valen…"
I had heard this countless times in the game, so it made me sleepy.
After a while—
"Oops, it seems I talked too long."
He glanced at me, half-asleep.
"Now then, let us hear a speech from the top student."
"Student Leon, please come forward."
"Yes."
Leon stepped onto the stage.
Alright.
"Leon has reached the podium."
'1'
"My name is—"
'2'
"Let us strive together—"
'3'
"To protect the world—"
BOOM—!!
A massive explosion shook the hall.
"What's happening!?"
"Evacuate the students!"
"Your Highness, this way!"
BOOM—!BOOM—!
"That's a Spiral!!"
A Spiral—A phenomenon where a black hole appears, releasing monsters sent by demons or evil gods.
"Monsters are coming!!"
"Everyone, hold your ground!!"
I stood up and rushed outside.
The main characters charged into battle, just as fate dictated.
"Huff…"
Finally…
THE BEGINNING OF CFA HAS STARTED