From afar, the Academy City came into view.
Beneath skies dotted with cirrus clouds, the artificial island floating on the sea revealed its full splendor.
“Wow…”
The sunlight danced upon the sapphire waters, scattering like glittering gemstones.
Lush forests and steep cliffs sculpted the natural beauty of the island, blending with sleek, modern buildings that stood in perfect harmony with nature.
But towering above all, right at the heart of the island, was the colossal World Tree—so immense it seemed to pierce the very sky.
“So that’s the Academy City,” Kang Han-byeol murmured in awe.
Leaning against the railing of the ship’s deck, he stared blankly for a while, his eyes drawn upward to the city that would soon become his home.
His lips curled into a smile.
To think he would be living in such a place…
[This vessel is now docking at Academy City. Thank you for choosing our service today…]
As the ship came to a halt at the pier, Han-byeol quickly gathered his luggage and disembarked.
The moment his feet touched the ground, he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply.
The salty tang of the sea mingled with a crisp breeze—the scent of Academy City.
For someone who had spent the last five years training in the mountains, it was exhilarating.
It was a moment he felt certain he’d never forget.
“…But how do I get to Geumgang Academy?”
He blinked, realizing he hadn’t thought that far ahead. Coming to the city had consumed his thoughts; he hadn’t looked into the route to the academy.
Still, he wasn’t worried.
It’ll work out. I’ll just ask someone who’s going that way.
Much like he had done on his way here.
He also had the smartphone his master had given him before he left the mountain. Worst case, he could always search for directions or use a map.
For now, he decided to follow a group of students who looked to be his age.
Are they heading for a bus stop?
Not long after, the stop came into sight. Han-byeol asked around and managed to find the bus to District 23, where Geumgang Academy was located.
He waited at the stop, eyes scanning the digital sign.
Ten minutes until the next bus.
And then—
“Running there for training doesn’t sound too bad! Discipline, baby!”
Apparently unwilling to wait, a boy with spiky hair and a black martial arts uniform suddenly shouted and dashed off.
Dragging his suitcase behind him, the boy disappeared into a tunnel leading up a hill.
The onlookers stared after him in stunned silence.
“…Training, huh? Not the worst idea.”
Han-byeol pondered the thought seriously.
But he soon shook his head.
As much as he wanted to explore the city on foot, he had an important meeting.
I can’t show up drenched in sweat to meet the Chairman.
Regretfully, he let go of the idea. There would be time to explore later.
Comforting himself with that thought, Han-byeol waited for the bus.
Eventually, it arrived.
[Now boarding.]
He stepped on board, the bus soon passing through the very tunnel the other student had vanished into.
Beyond the tunnel, the Academy City unfolded through the window, leading him toward Geumgang Academy.
Later That Day
I opened my wardrobe.
Inside hung the Geumgang Academy uniform I’d had custom-tailored in Seoul.
Even without trying it on, I know it fits perfectly.
Embroidered on the left breast of the gray blazer was the school’s emblem—a dragon clutching a diamond, both elegant and fierce.
A red tie and a beige vest hung neatly underneath the blazer.
I could also glimpse the navy slacks.
On the bottom shelf, several still-packaged dress shirts and pairs of socks were stacked.
Three sets should be enough for now. I can always buy more if needed.
It was more than just a uniform. Enhanced with magical properties, the fabric was resistant to wear, adapted to temperature, and even self-repairing.
Heat-resistant, waterproof, cold-proof—it was practically an artifact in its own right.
Naturally, it cost far more than a regular school uniform.
For families without financial support, even one set could be a heavy burden.
And that’s not even counting the admission fees, tuition, and textbooks…
Living in the Academy City wasn’t cheap either.
Without sponsorship, the costs could overwhelm an ordinary household.
But as a direct descendant of the Shingeom Dao Clan, I wasn’t concerned.
Even buying additional uniforms wouldn’t strain my budget.
After checking the uniform’s condition, I closed the wardrobe.
I should unpack first.
Since the room had been cleaned the day before move-in, I didn’t need to tidy up again.
I began unloading my bags and suitcases, tearing open a few delivery boxes.
With no box cutter in the room, I used my navy sword instead.
If Dad saw this, he’d flip. “How could you use a clan heirloom like a utility knife?”
I could already picture his face.
Chuckling to myself, I took out the neatly folded clothes and placed them in the drawers.
I should put the sheets on the bed too.
The mattress sat bare, surrounded by pillow stuffing, covers, and a freshly packaged sheet set.
Carefully, I began fitting the sheets. It was the first time I’d ever done it myself—at home, that was always Mom or a servant’s job.
But my past life living alone had prepared me well. With no trouble, I smoothed the bed out wrinkle-free.
“Perfect.”
Oddly satisfied, I flopped onto the mattress, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
As my feet lifted off the floor, a pleasant lethargy spread through me.
I could’ve napped right then and there.
But just as I thought that—
Bzzz…
My phone vibrated.
It was a call from Yeon-ha-neul.
“Hey, Ha-neul.”
“Hey! Done unpacking?”
“Just about. What’s up?”
“Eun-bi messaged me. She wants to go shopping downtown. You in?”
“Eun-bi? That works—there were a few things I needed too. Let’s go. We can grab dinner while we’re out.”
“Cool, I’ll let her know. Meet on the first floor in ten?”
“Got it.”
I ended the call and sat up.
Stretching lightly, I readied myself and headed downstairs.
They were waiting in the lounge.
“Gyeon-woo! Over here!”
“It’s been a month! How have you been?”
“You made it?”
Go Eun-bi, Lisa Grace, and Yeon-ha-neul.
Even in a crowd, their looks made them easy to spot. Eun-bi barely needed to wave to get my attention.
I walked over.
The triplets were also seated nearby.
But there was no sign of Yong Hae-rang.
“Where’s Hae-rang? Didn’t she say she was coming today too?”
“She messaged earlier—said she got off at the pier…”
“But nothing since then. She’s not picking up either. She just left this in the group chat.”
Lisa gave a helpless smile as Eun-bi shoved her phone toward me.
I leaned in to read.
[Me]: What time are you all arriving?
[Yong Hae-rang]: Running there.
[Me]: …Excuse me?
[Me]: You don’t mean from the pier, right???
[Lisa]: I’m on the bus. Should get there in about 20 minutes.
I hadn’t checked the group chat while unpacking.
Hard to tell from just that, but knowing Hae-rang… she was probably running here. Literally.
She’s probably using it as training.
I didn’t even need to see it—I could already imagine her, sprinting through Academy City with a suitcase in tow, too busy sweating to respond to messages.
Who knew when she’d actually arrive.
If she’d arrive today at all.
Hae-rang was notoriously bad with directions.
“If we can’t reach her, there’s not much we can do. Let’s go without her.”
“Ugh, seriously. This isn’t my fault—she’s the one who disappeared.”
“I just hope she’s okay… Think she’ll find the place alright?”
“Hmm… she’ll be fine. Hae-rang could survive anywhere.”
“Ha-neul’s right. No need to worry about Yong Hae-rang.”
We couldn’t wait around forever.
So we decided to head into the city on our own.
And just like that, our first outing in Academy City began.
“Why are you three grinning like idiots?”
I hadn’t been part of the conversation, but I turned toward the triplets, who wore suspiciously cheerful expressions.
They giggled and answered in unison.
“The rooms were better than we expected.”
“Coming to the Academy was definitely the right call.”
“There are three beds! Heehee!”
“It’s a triple room, of course there are three beds. That’s just basic math.”
“That’s not what we meant.”
“There was one each! Did you hear us?”
“They weren’t bunk beds!”
According to the triplets, back home their bedroom had been so cramped that they’d always shared a bunk bed—pulling out drawers to form makeshift lower bunks.
But their new dorm room had individual beds for each of them. The sheer novelty of that had moved them to joy.
“Seriously, that’s what you’re excited about?”
“Do-gyeon-woo! Don’t say it like it’s no big deal!”
“Have you ever slept on a bed made for three?”
“Have you ever fought tooth and nail over who gets the bottom bunk since you were five?”
“You probably grew up all comfy and spoiled.”
“For us, every night was survival of the fittest.”
“Do you even know what it’s like living where sleep is a battle!?”
“I need to find some cute bed decor when we go shopping.”
“I brought my sleep pillow, but maybe I’ll just get a new one and start fresh.”
“I’m putting stuffed animals on mine!”
Ignoring my presence entirely, the triplets chattered among themselves, laughing like this was the happiest moment of their lives.
I could relate a little.
Even if it was in a past life, I once longed for a bed to call my own.
Back in the orphanage, where everything was shared, having your own space was just a dream.
I still remember the first place I lived after leaving the home, the joy I felt when I got my very own bed—even if it was just a tiny rental flat. Yeah, they’re acting like I did back then.
It was a memory now. A strangely warm one.
So I let them have their joy.
At some point, Yeon-ha-neul had slipped into their conversation too.
“I totally get how you feel. I was thrilled when I finally got my own room. Can’t wait to decorate it my way.”
“Ha-neul! You get it!”
“I knew you’d understand us!”
“Only childhood friends truly understand each other!”
The triplets crowded around Yeon-ha-neul, clinging to her like cats.
I stepped in before they got too close.
“You three brats don’t get to claim childhood friendship. She is my childhood friend, thank you very much.”
“Do-gyeon-woo! But we’ve known Ha-neul for—”
“Geum-dong, shh! Look at his eyes!”
“R-right! We’re just… classmates! We went to the same elementary and middle school! Neighbors! Barely even friends!”
I stood between them and Yeon-ha-neul like a shield, glaring hard enough to make them shuffle backward in panic.
You punks better not bother Ha-neul.
I clicked my tongue.
Then I felt a gaze on my back.
Yeon-ha-neul was staring at me, smiling curiously.
“What?”
“Nothing, really…”
“What is it?”
She said nothing.
Just giggled quietly, like she was enjoying a private joke.
Coincidentally, the Admissions Office was located along the way to the downtown area.
So we decided to stop there first.
“Ugh… I don’t wanna go in…”
In front of the administration building, just outside the Admissions Office, Yeon-ha-neul froze in place, groaning under her breath.
Her expression, posture, and everything about her radiated reluctance. She clearly hated the idea of going inside.
She never liked being the center of attention.
And truthfully, I wasn’t all that enthusiastic either.
How did it come to this?
Neither of us had meant for this to happen.
We’d simply tried our best on the entrance exam, hoping to score well.
Apparently, we tried too hard.
She ended up as top student. I came in second.
And thus, we each received a title.
Yeon-ha-neul: Entrance Valedictorian.
Do-gyeon-woo: Entrance Salutatorian.
[Entrance Salutatorian]
◆ Title Origin
—Given to the student who enters Geumgang Academy with the second-highest score.
◆ Effect
—Receives moderate attention from faculty and other students throughout the first year.
—Slight increase in academic efficiency during the first year.
As you can see, the title’s effect was minor—more ceremonial than practical.
Still, it came with obligations.
Because of our ranks, we’d been chosen to give the new student pledge at the entrance ceremony.
So here we were, summoned to the Admissions Office for a briefing.
In the game, Min Ah-rin was supposed to be valedictorian…
And Kang Han-byeol, the protagonist, would’ve spotted her on stage with the Student Council President, Do Si-eun.
I hadn’t planned to follow the story exactly, but now the timeline had already diverged.
Where had things gone off track?
Maybe Ha-neul’s path overlapped with Min Ah-rin’s. Maybe she outscored her…
Though Yeon-ha-neul was undoubtedly talented, Min Ah-rin wasn’t someone who would easily fall behind.
From what I knew, she’d done exceptionally well in the practical exam. Her subjective evaluation likely scored higher than Yeon-ha-neul’s.
After all, Yeon-ha-neul had spent most of the test at my side, never really getting to show off.
Yet she still beat Min Ah-rin?
It didn’t quite add up.
Still… what’s done is done.
It wasn’t like the story would unravel just because someone else gave the speech.
The world wasn’t going to end.
It didn’t lead to a bad ending.
So I let it go.
“Come on, we can’t just stand around.”
“Mm…”
I coaxed Yeon-ha-neul gently and we stepped into the building.
Inside, we found the department in charge of the ceremony and were briefed on our roles.
“You’ll need to arrive backstage thirty minutes before the ceremony begins. This is the script for the pledge. It helps to practice beforehand. Actually, why don’t we try it once here?”
Thankfully, we could read directly from the script.
It wasn’t anything too complex.
Following the staff’s instruction, we began to read aloud.
“I pledge, with my name and soul…”
“Yeon-ha-neul, your voice is trembling. Try to stay composed during the real thing.”
“Y-yes…”
I was fine, but Yeon-ha-neul clearly wasn’t.
Her confidence wavered under the staff’s notice.
We stayed a little longer to practice the lines a few more times before leaving the building.
“Ugh… If I could go back in time, I’d redo that practical exam.”
“Don’t stress too much. You’ll do great, Ha-neul.”
“You… really think so?”
She let out a long sigh.
Even her rabbit-ear hairband drooped.
I smiled and reassured her.
“You’ve got me, remember?”
“…”
“You’re not doing this alone. I’ll be right next to you. If anything goes wrong, I’ll fix it. So don’t be scared.”
“…You’re messing up my hair.”
Thump.
I gently patted her head.
She pouted at first, but didn’t brush my hand away.
Eventually, she seemed to relax.
“Then I’m really counting on you. If I mess up, it’s your job to save me, okay?”
“As long as you don’t mess up on purpose.“
“Hmph. I wouldn’t do that.”
She chuckled softly.
I lifted my hand off her head, and we stepped outside.
There, Go Eun-bi was already waving us down.
“Hey, you guys! Hurry up! The bus is here—we can still catch it! Time to go shopping!”
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