Chapter 4: St. Leferia Academy [1]

St. Leferia Academy.

This academy was built through the cooperation of all nations to honor Saint Leferia, who saved humanity with incredible miracles of healing when a terrible plague once ravaged the continent.

This place holds special meaning.

It doesn't belong to any country, isn't considered territory, and no troops can be stationed here.

As a symbolic peace zone and a premier academic institution, its history spans over a thousand years. But more importantly, it holds significant value in the game.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say this is the main stage of the game, largely due to the protagonist's role.

The game begins with the entrance ceremony at St. Leferia Academy, and naturally, the academy becomes the primary setting.

The basic progression of the game focuses on studying and self-cultivation while dealing with the various events and quests that occur around the protagonist.

Neglecting either can lead to disaster.

This game is merciless—fail even one subject, and you'll receive a bad ending.

The same goes for the events.

A seemingly minor decision can snowball into a bad ending.

"It's definitely the second semester now."

The exact moment I remembered was the end of summer vacation, the day I was about to return to the academy.

From what the instructor mentioned, I'm still in my second year, meaning the main character, who is a year younger than me, is now in the second semester of his first year.

This must be Chapter 2, the beginning of where the real suffering starts.

Users who didn't properly raise the main character in the first semester often got so frustrated they smashed their monitors.

Just thinking about it made my head ache.

"... I wonder if the protagonist turned out alright."

And that's not all. Swordsmanship, magic, or other skills—where you invest your time shapes your growth direction.

So, if the protagonist developed well, there's no problem. But if not... it's a waste of time.

Let me reiterate: this game is incomprehensible without its protagonist.

I have to stick close to the main character somehow.

"Take me to the dorm," I said.

"...what?" Dolph widened his eyes, not understanding.

"I'm going to the dorm."

"Ah, yes... the dorm... Huh? Yes, yes, yes...!"

Dolph scrambled to get back on the carriage, his hands trembling slightly as he fumbled with the reins. He probably thought I was losing my mind, suddenly deciding to abandon the luxury of the Rich Hotel for the cramped confines of a dormitory. But he didn't understand the gravity of the situation. This wasn't about comfort—it was about survival.

As the carriage rolled forward, I leaned back against the cushioned seat, my mind racing.

If I was going to make it through Chapter 2 without ending up in one of the game's countless bad endings, I had to stay close to the protagonist. That meant living in the dormitory, no matter how inconvenient it might be.

The city passed by in a blur as we headed toward the academy. I could feel a knot of tension forming in my stomach.

There were too many variables, too many ways for things to go wrong.

What if the protagonist had already started down the wrong path? What if his growth had been stunted during the first semester?

The thought sent a shiver down my spine.

No, I couldn't let myself think that way. I had to assume the best and prepare for the worst. If things had gone off course, I'd just have to find a way to fix them.

Finally, we arrived at the academy gates.

The grand stone archway loomed above us, flanked by statues of Saint Leferia. The sight was as imposing as it was in the game, but somehow more real, more tangible. This was where the real battle would take place.

Dolph pulled the carriage to a stop and hopped down to open the door for me.

I stepped out, my eyes sweeping over the academy grounds. I could already see groups of students milling about, some heading to their classes, others lingering in conversation.

"Your Majesty, are you sure you want to stay here?" Dolph asked, his voice laced with concern.

"Yes, I'm sure," I replied firmly. "I need to be where the action is."

He didn't look convinced, but he nodded and set about unloading my luggage.