Case 100: At a certain heroine’s admission.
''...And as I just said, you are the elite talents who excelled in a challenging entrance exam. With honor, raise your heads—be proud... for you are now students of Syrus National Academy.''
A round of applause, one soaked in solemnity, broke out as soon as the principal finished her sentence.
Today was a warm, sunny day.
It was late August, also when the world's largest battle academy, the SNA, started its first curriculum of the year. The opening ceremony stayed the same over the years—calm, organized, but proudly extravagant.
HQ said to staff members: We want the students to stay, no matter what!
Of course, there weren't gold brick-lined paths, elaborate celebrity appearances, or children throwing flower petals, but just the sheer absurdity of the infrastructure drew most people in. SNA was vast—perhaps too vast for an academy. With its own running economy—shopping districts, sports courts, parks,... and the only functioning monster simulation engine in the whole world, it seemed more like an academy city.
Yet, many students weren't the Libre Empire's natives, or at least Syrus's. It had to be this way if HQ didn't want to disappoint the young teenagers who had gone through great lengths to get to this place.
''Ooh~! Such tall buildings...''
One such talent was Kang Hye-rin, an exceptional mage who traversed the high, snowy mountains that barred the empire from eastern countries to arrive here. Cute, slightly short, but very sociable—just what everybody, regardless of their beliefs, loved.
She even studied Libre's language for months, anticipating an exciting trip to the continent's best and biggest.
'Heheh... as expected of the empire...'
One might say she had a rather tourist's mindset, and that was true.
As Hye-rin walked along a spacious road, admiring the scenery while also keeping the guiding staff in her vision, restless murmurs wafted to her ears.
''Hey, isn't that person...''
''So beautiful...''
''Number one, right?''
This crowd was all freshmen. After the principal's speech, first-years were guided to their classes, going through rather numerous detours in the process so they could get a sense of the place.
''Uh...''
Peeking over a student's shoulder, Hye-rin tried to get a glimpse of the person everybody was gossiping about. After many difficulties, she finally spotted her—a tall, ruthlessly cold beauty.
'That person...!'
Lyra de Orleans. Rumored heroine of this generation.
But before Hye-rin could properly take in Lyra's gorgeousness, she heard a growl right next to her. The person she was clinging to—a girl with flaming red hair and ember gold eyes—appeared resentful.
And that resentment was shot at none other than Lyra.
''Um... hello?'' Hye-rin asked ''Do you know that person?''
''Kuh...''
It had been two years since the entrance exam. In fact, Hye-rin distinctly remembered Lyra as the girl who overwhelmingly dominated the cadets at that time. Now that she thought about it, this girl also seemed familiar...
''Ah, you're number two!'' Hye-rin exclaimed, eyes rounded.
''That's right! I'm number two! Goddamnit!'' The girl yelled. ''What's the deal with you?!''
The commotion rightfully stirred the crowd, most of which moved orderly and calmly. Sensing the eyes, Hye-rin quickly tried to defuse the situation,
''Well, well, let's calm down, okay...?'' She smiled. ''I'm Kang Hye-rin. What's your name?''
Clicking her tongue, the girl replied, ''Ludinia de Levis.''
''Ludinia, Ludinia... got it!''
''You. You're number three, right?''
Although Ludinia was indeed blinded by the shame and frustration that day—to lose so convincingly to a girl she had never heard of—she could at least recall the person right under her.
'A crazy talented ice mage.'
Not as talented as that monster, though.
''Whoa... so you do remember me. I'm happy!''
''...''
Feeling as though she needed to cool down, Ludinia shook off the steam above her head and silently proceeded... with a noisy girl buzzing in her ears.
''Hey, what's your relationship with that person?''
''...''
''She's so tall... I wonder if my older brother was as tall as her.''
''...''
''Do you know how strong she really is?''
''...''
''I—''
''Argh! So noisy!''
Once again, the eyes inadvertently turned to the duo. This time, even Lyra paid them a glance.
''Ahahah... I guess we should tone down the volume... sorry, everyone.'' Hye-rin nervously smiled, waving her hands.
''Huh... why did you yell like that?''
''Oh yeah? You have no idea now?''
Ludinia's perpetually furrowed brows pulled down even harder as she pushed Hye-rin's forehead. Somehow, the girl still appeared bubbly, being treated like this.
Nonetheless, the tour was over, and they had also been placed in their class. Most freshmen had already settled into their dormitories a few days ago, so many, especially students from afar, opted for a city trip today.
''What do you plan to do now?'' Hye-rin glanced around. ''People are dispersing...''
''Why do you ask me? Go wherever you want.'' Ludinia clicked her tongue.
As the red-haired girl turned around and prepared to leave, Hye-rin clung to her, wailing like a child, ''I-I'm new here! Please take me around...!''
''Find someone else! You... huh?''
Right then, both of them saw a familiar figure in the distance. It was Lyra de Orleans, who stood still while staring at the swaying cherry blossom trees.
''Let's go up to her!''
''W-What?! Are you crazy?! Wait—''
And, in no time, the two had arrived in front of their target.
Ever-cold, like a frost queen, Lyra's chilling gaze froze both Hye-rin and Ludinia. Her expression never changed, just the intent behind those void-like eyes crept up to their necks as though a dagger.
''What's the matter?''
Even her voice was chillingly cold.
''...''
Lyra could see the red-haired girl's hands trembling, while the black-haired one...
'Black hair, black eyes... but those facial features—she's an Easterner.'
Regardless, Lyra didn't pay too much attention to the two girls. She had nothing to do with them, after all. Just like the other kids, they would realize that she wasn't interested in forming relationships and give up sooner or later.
''Um... name! Would you mind telling me your name?''
Yet, one of them was clearly persistent, ''Lyra de Orleans.'' The heroine replied.
''Ah! Nice to meet you, Lyra! I'm Kang Hye-rin, and this is Ludinia de Levis. We're the second and third—''
''You idiot! Don't say another word...!''
''Mhmfp?!''
With the commotion right in front of her, Lyra felt a ripple in her heart. Annoyed.
Lyra didn't expect anyone to talk to her, as a matter of fact. She knew she was hard to approach, and she liked that. This way, she wouldn't need to spend time on those talks, those relationships, and spend more on the person she loved the most.
It was supposed to be a quiet scene.
'She'll be here soon...'
Lyra thought. She didn't want these two nuisances to needlessly fall in love and become that person's nuisances later. They seemed like the type to chase her even if she left now, too. What a predicament.
As such unpleasant thoughts plagued her mind, the cool autumn air suddenly chilled down several notches. Even Hye-rin, who specialized in ice magic, trembled unconsciously.
Hye-rin and Ludinia gulped, glancing at the apparently annoyed Lyra.
''Ah, here you are.''
But just then, an elegant voice called out behind them. For the first time since they saw Lyra, she... smiled. Something in that softened expression still scared them.
Regardless, Lyra walked by the two, her steps light,
''Big sis.''
