Chapter: 116. Departure! Target: Academy League
“It’s all that idiot Infinite’s fault. Now humans are on high alert, and it’s going to be harder to ambush the ‘main character’ in the future.” In the hall of the dungeon, Naga twisted her long serpent body, complaining as she made her way to Loki.
The latter stood in the only lighted area of the hall.
Sunlight poured in from the hollow above, shining through the crystal above the dungeon, illuminating her golden hair, which shone like the sun.
In front of Loki stood a girl in a white uniform, and judging by her delicate and beautiful features, she appeared to be around 20 years old, with cherry blossom-like pink hair. Her crimson eyes were dull, with only the brilliance of magic flowing within them flickering.
If the abilities of the three major academies were present, they would immediately recognize that the girl was wearing the uniform of one of the three academies. Those who had experienced that chaotic era would be even more astonished as to why the “missing hero” was here—”Natsuki.”
“That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Infinite has already come back crying to me about it. This way, she will wholeheartedly join our plan.” Loki replied without turning around, then set down the silver scissors in her hand, admiring her creation, and added, “We all know that ‘ambushing’ won’t work on the ‘main character.'”
“That’s true… By the way, Loki, what are you doing?” Naga agreed with Loki’s statement and asked.
“The new appearance of the ‘old character’ naturally needs a new look, right?”
Loki took a couple of steps back, wearing a flawless smile.
At her and the girl’s feet lay strands of cut pink hair.
The girl’s originally wavy long hair down to her waist had now been cut into a bob with distinct lines and layers, as if crafted by the finest hairdresser.
“Hmm… still a little off…” After putting the scissors back into her pocket, Loki examined the girl closely.
With a wave of her hand, the white uniform on the girl was dyed a deep black, like the night sky—
“Perfect. Now, let’s begin the transaction you desire.” For the first time, Loki’s smile vanished, revealing a serious expression.
————————————-
One month later.
Shirakawa Station, the terminal connecting the artificial academy island’s maglev train to the mainland.
As the doors of the maglev train opened, several boys and girls pulling suitcases chatted as they stepped off, attracting the attention of others on the platform.
Judging by their clothing, they were all students of Ark Academy.
However, among them, two girls stood out so remarkably that they transcended the definition of ‘students.’ Just a glance would make them unforgettable for a lifetime—
At the front was a girl who appeared slightly younger, with long, deep black hair resembling the night sky. In the sunlight, it reflected a luxurious silky texture, contrasting beautifully with her flawless white skin, leading people to understand why some might have a fondness for “black hair.”
Yet, what truly captivated attention was her exquisitely beautiful face. Her features seemed to be meticulously chiseled, with perfect proportions, resembling a naturally born masterpiece. Coupled with her large bright eyes and slightly downturned corners, it only enhanced her delicate and charming impression, embodying the very essence of the term “beautiful girl.”
As the girl at the front displayed a radiant smile, she turned to the other stunning girl behind her, saying something that made onlookers filled with energy simply by witnessing her sunny disposition, dispelling any gloom in their hearts.
The girl she spoke to was also an extraordinary beauty.
She possessed platinum blonde hair rarely seen among Japanese people, with a distinctly Caucasian appearance yet embodying the softness and delicacy typical of Asians. The two features seemed to achieve perfect balance on her face, with slightly upturned eyes giving her a sharpness that added a touch of cat-like allure and cold beauty to her appearance.
If the former was likened to an innocent angel, the latter resembled a frigid fairy.
However, both girls had distinctly feminine characteristics, particularly the latter, who, despite appearing somewhat youthful, boasted curves of allure that many adult women might not possess.
“Truly worthy of the famous Ark Academy; the level of beautiful girls is astonishing…” someone couldn’t help but exclaim.
“Could it be that they are actually sisters?” Despite the significant differences in their temperaments and appearances, even one appearing to be a mixed-race child, the surreal atmosphere of beautiful girls made people wonder if they might share a blood relation—at least as half-siblings.
“Ah, now that you mention it…” someone seemed to agree, speculating that judging by their heights and faces, they looked like a middle schooler and a high schooler. It wouldn’t be out of place to consider them beautiful girl sisters.
Just as everyone seemed to concur with this hypothesis.
The black-haired beauty shocked them with her next line—
“I’m serious! Mom is worrying too much!”
…..
“Mo-mom!?” The bystanders collectively broke into a sweat and turned their attention to the mixed-race beauty. “So, she has such a big daughter at such a young age!?” “N-no, maybe she just looks young…” “Yes, indeed, since she’s mixed-race, I’ve heard some regions have women who look like little girls even in middle age…”
People were murmuring.
“Weren’t we supposed to discuss this? Don’t call me that! Nagi-chan! You stop right there!”
……
……
Hearing this, Mana rarely blushed, especially when she noticed the gazes from the surrounding passersby.
She wanted to catch the approaching Nagi, but the latter nimbly evaded her by sprinting away.
Compared to Nagi, Mana, hindered by dragging a suitcase, found it more difficult to move.
Meanwhile, Nagi’s luggage was carried by Kanade behind her, making her even more agile as she complained and quickened her pace.
After a month’s time.
Affected by her youthful regression, Nagi had slowly grown back to her middle school appearance. She was starting to grow taller, and her curvaceous figure began to reveal itself.
Today was the day Kanade and the others were heading to participate in the academy league.
This year’s academy league was hosted by “Infinite Academy,” located in Hokkaido, so Nagi and the others planned to take the train there.
Although taking a plane would be a more suitable choice from a distance standpoint.
However, considering the potential fantasy monster attacks that might occur after leaving Ark Academy, the school eventually arranged for Kanade’s team to take a safer train—at least during an attack, other passengers wouldn’t risk falling from a great height.
But this also resulted in Kanade’s team taking on an atmosphere reminiscent of a sightseeing trip.
To fit her established persona, Nagi was currently acting like an excited innocent child.
“It’s fine. Wanting to go to the station to buy snacks is nothing to be too nervous about,” Kurokawa calmly reassured Mana as he followed her and Kanade.
He was the teacher accompanying Kanade and the others to Infinite Academy, and behind him—
“Even Miri wants to go buy snacks!” The petite Miderash also hurried after Nagi, her cowlick bobbing in rhythm with her steps.
“….It’s like taking kids to a family vacation, isn’t it, Takumi?” Yuuemon walking beside Kanade couldn’t help but exclaim.
“Sigh, my sense of tension…” At those words, Kanade couldn’t help but sigh.
Leaving Ark Academy for the academy league should have been something quite dangerous in Kanade’s mind, but with Nagi’s innocent and cheerful smile and the influence of human behavior, it was hard to feel any anxiety.
“Takumi-kun, could you help watch my luggage for a moment—” At that moment, Mana suddenly turned around and handed her rolling suitcase to Kanade, and without waiting for the latter’s response, she sprinted after Nagi.
Her rare platinum blonde hair shimmered with a faint silver light in the sunshine as it danced lightly with her movements.
“Nagi-chan, wait! You can’t buy that many snacks!”
“…..Although I’ve seen many new sides of the Hinata students during this month of training, I can’t help but ask—she really isn’t Senmiya’s mom, is she?” Yuuemon asked.
“…..Well, Mana tends to worry too much about things related to Nagi.” Even Kanade, seeing Mana lecturing Nagi at a nearby station shop, found it hard to deny.
“Here, this is the ticket for the train we’ll be taking today.” Kurokawa reached into his pocket and handed the tickets to Kanade and Yuuemon.
“Sleep… sleeper?” Kanade looked at the ticket in her hand, somewhat surprised as she glanced at Kurokawa, seeming to confirm if there was a mistake.
“This is all in order to avoid crowds as much as possible. While the Shinkansen or express trains might be more efficient, the large passenger flow makes them less ideal. In comparison, a less popular sleeper train is the better choice… at least that’s what the school thinks.” Kurokawa explained.
He also made sure to add, “Don’t worry, I booked individual rooms for everyone. There won’t be any mixed-gender situations.”
“…..” However, Kanade clearly did not feel relieved by this.
——Individual rooms?
Kanade felt an ominous premonition.
——Tonight, Nagi wouldn’t come to ambush her again, would she?
