Aboard the '455'

Very soon it was Abyssal Bone Forest Academy's turn to embark. Professor Dorotte led the way, stepping through the door first, and every acolyte hurriedly followed him across the catwalk. All except one.

A specific student had stayed behind to examine each visible component of the airship, once he had made sure no one was watching, of course.

Next to a railway was a door labeled as 'engine room'. Without thinking twice, he did his best impression of someone who doesn't know any better and casually entered the area.

"Hey! You can't be here! Authorized personnel only, didn't you read the sign?!" -Complained a bulky and beardy Magus, who had caught him the moment he set foot inside.

"My most sincere apologies, Lord Magus. I was just looking for the bathroom, and then out of a sudden, I had already lost sight of my group. I was hoping you could point me in the right direction..." -The student said with perfectly simulated regret.

"Damned newbies! You were specifically told not to wander off by yourselves! And what do you do? You wander off by yourself!" -The white robe was fuming at this point.

The student had his head down as he was being scolded. Not a sound came out of his lips.

"Just leave already! I don't care where to, just get out of my sight! I find you trespassing a forbidden area again, and I'll personally throw you off the blimp!" -The white robe waved the student away with an impatient expression. The teenager could tell he was being serious with his threat.

And so, the student quickly left the room and then hastened his pace to reunite with the rest of the acolytes. In a matter of seconds, he retook his position at the very back of the group. Other than the drops of sweat running down his cheek, there was no telling that he had been gone.

[I can't believe it, Doctor. You actually pulled the 'I was looking for the bathroom' excuse. With a white robe.] -Aralis pronounced sardonically.

'It may seem like a clichéd tactic to us who have seen it countless times in fictionalized events. But with these chimps, Magi or not, they have no way of knowing any better. Plus, even if it were an overutilized excuse here in this dimension, I was counting on the detachment and tiredness of an overworked engineer to make it so that I would be simply told off.' -Lelyin detailed his calculated move.

[How did you know he would not turn you to ashes and be done with it?]

'You made me a similar question when I haggled those crystals out of Professor Bones. And you should also know by now, that the majority of Magi are not exactly bloodthirsty barbarians. They are ruthless, yes; but they are so high above the clouds, that an insignificant bug like myself is barely worth their time to fly down and crush me.'

[Hmm... You seem to have gone past the whole 'insect' thing pretty fast.]

'I can't dwell on useless tribulations. If I lack power, I do everything in my hand to increase it. Speaking of which; what did your scans show?'

[Just as you theorized, the mana radiation emissions are identical to those I registered from your magic crystals.] -Aralis was back in a serious tone.

'Excellent. Another point checked off my list.' -Leylin nodded with a content smile.

The voice of Dorotte could now be heard: "We're here! This section of the corridor from number '13' to '32' is the area designated for our Abyssal Bone Forest Academy. You can decide how the rooms will be occupied on your own. Remember, my number is '14'. Look for me if you need anything."

After he finished talking, Dorotte turned, and his black cloak fluttered as he entered his room with the two servants.

"Very well, comrades. Now let me designate the rooms." -Kaliweir stood out and said.

'So eager to be the leader...' -Leylin mocked.

"Hmph!" -Jayden harrumphed and brusquely picked the room with the number '18', and walked inside.

Kaliweir's face turned red. He clenched his fist several times, only to put it down: "Good! Jayden chose room 18... Next, Beirut; you will be in room 15. Raynor, you're in room 16..."

Since Beirut, Raynor, and Leylin were in the same clique as Kaliweir, he assigned them the windowed rooms. As for Guricha and his group, it was hallway rooms for them. They did not dare to object at all.

Leylin was allocated to room '19'. He didn't say anything and calmly went into his cabin once everything was said and done.

The room was rather small; it was basically just a partition between cots. There was enough space for a bed, but hardly any room to stand at all. This reminded Leylin of the beds on the trains in his previous world which were also as cramped, with barely enough room to stretch his limbs.

[Look at the bright side: you now have a functional clean bed, and you'll even be able to enjoy a nice view of the Death Sea.] -Comforted the A.I. assistant.

'I wasn't looking at it in any other way. I mostly wanted to retain my privacy, to be honest. I cannot bring myself to share an enclosed space with a child again. Not if I can help it.' -Leylin raised an eyebrow, once the memories of a particular fetid odor in a carriage came rushing into his mind.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking, Kirkwul Kroft Leebar..." -A low-pitched male voice rang throughout the room. Leylin looked around and noticed the sound was coming from a yellow bronze pipe.

'This kind of megaphone... I noticed a particularly steampunk-esque design in this airship. Is it a thing of the manufacturer, or is all magical technology-oriented in this direction?' -Leylin questioned to himself.

"Welcome to the '455' dirigible of the academies' fleet... There are a few announcements of note. Apart from the professors, the rest of the passengers are not allowed to walk on the decks unless they wish to go flying down from the skies. The cafeteria is in Hall 1, and Hall 2 is where the washrooms are. As for Hall 3, it is a common lounge, meaning everyone is welcome to go there."

"I wish you all a pleasant journey ahead and please remember to follow the instructions given out by the staff. Captain Kirkwul, out."

[Brace yourself, Doctor! You're taking off!]

Leylin felt weightless for a moment, and the ship swayed lightly. He went to stand close to the window. It was only the size of a soccer ball and the joint panes were very thick. Nevertheless, one could clearly see what was outside.

Following the dirigible's ascent, the ground became smaller and smaller. Progressively, Death Beach Camp turned into a black dot in Leylin's point of view.

The youth then placed his cross blade and crossbow aside and laid on the bed.

'I heard Professor Bones say that the journey will last for roughly a month. It is an acceptable period if we consider how the caravan required that period just to cross the Great Plains of Death.' -Mused the Farlier heir.

[You can't be serious. It's an eternity for a flight!] -Aralis was impressed by the way her Master could sometimes be indifferent to such issues.

'You must understand, Aralis, that we have to adjust to this new life in all aspects. That includes accepting the fact that this world is much bigger than our old one, and thusly, how every trip will take many weeks or months to complete. I don't like it any more than you do, but it is the way of things for us from now on.'

[I know I know. It's just that I still cling to some elements of our old world for some reason... Call it nostalgia if you will...]

'I'll take a nap. Wake me if anything relevant takes place or if someone approaches my door.'

With a blank expression painted on his face, Leylin shut his eyes.

|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|

*Ding... Ding Dong...*

A melodious note rang, waking Leylin from his sleep. Leylin climbed out of bed and looked out the window as he changed his clothes with the only fresh set he had.

He was greeted by darkness and a starry sky, as well as a very familiar digitized feminine voice.

[Good night, Doctor Ming. What you heard just now was not me. It was the megaphone. I imagine they'll announce dinner.] -Told Aralis warmly.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, good evening. The cafeteria is now providing dinner for you. Remember it is free of charge, so don't feel the need to hold back. Tonight's menu is foie gras with truffles roast chicken, white bread, squirrel meat, and an exquisite 100-year-old brand of wine I encourage you all to have a taste of." -This time, it was a woman doing the PA announcement.

Leylin stretched and then made for the cafeteria at his typical lax pace. He also took the chance to contemplate the structure and materials of the hallways.

The corridor was rather dim and there was a small lamp every few steps, which produced a yellowish glow.

The surrounding wooden cabin doors opened, and acolytes came streaming out from them.

Right now, Hall 1 was already packed with acolytes, but Leylin did not see any of the professors there.

'Unmistakably, the professors would have a lounge for themselves.'

On the ceiling of the hall was a very large white-colored rock, which emanated a bright white light, just like a miniature sun.

The cafeteria was filled with long white tables and matching chairs. It looked like the steampunk equivalent of a university canteen.

"Hey, Leylin! Over here, brother!" -From a corner table, Beirut beckoned to him. He was sitting with a few other acolytes from the Abyssal Bone Forest Academy.

"Hello, friends. Thanks for saving me a seat. Be back in a second."

Leylin collected a silver-colored tray and cutlery, and after a fast deliberation, he picked up a piece of white bread, a fried chicken drumstick, fruit salad, and a cup of that old wine.

He then returned to the table and sat beside the redhead.

"You guys sure are early." -Leylin greeted them.

"It's you who is late! Could it be that you overslept?" -Beirut said jokingly.

Leylin then gulped down a small quantity of wine: "I suppose I was a bit tired..."

"So tell me Leylin, what do you think of the Sage Gotham's Hut girls over by that table? They are quite the beauties don't you think? Hahaha!" -Commented Kaliweir, with an expression the Farlier heir knew very well by now.

|=|=|=|=|=|=|=|

After eating dinner, the students returned to their own rooms.

For the next few days, however, apart from eating meals and sleeping, there did not seem to be anything else for them to do but wait.

This monotony had lasted for a little over two weeks. Every acolyte was bored out of their minds. All except one.

Leylin saw this as the perfect opportunity to delve into his theoretical research of the magic crystals, and go over many of the papers he had published in his first life to keep his mind active. Not to mention, should any of that fail, Aralis could always crank up his favorite movies and series in the holo display.

One particular evening, the groups did not wish to go back into that tiny cabin room after eating dinner, so they sat around the table and started to chat.

"Beirut, what's wrong with you?" -Leylin looked at Beirut, who seemed to be in slight discomfort, and asked. He couldn't care less about anyone but himself, but doing things of this sort was part of his master puppeteering scheme he had decided to live by.

In these fifteen days, Beirut, who was the personification of a chatterbox, had spoken of topics ranging from his family tree, to how a dish in the capital was created as if he was speaking fondly to a lover.

The rest minus Leylin had already adjusted to his personality and went from being annoyed at his words to getting used to them. Now, it was their only joy on this boring journey.

"Yeah! I wanna listen to another story of your past relationships!" -Raynor teased.

"I have nothing more to add..." -Beirut rolled his eyes: "I cannot think of what to talk about anymore... I'm so utterly bored!" -Beirut lamented.

"Endure it. It's only another half a month to get to the academy. It was quite a distance from your home to the campground, so how did you spend your time during that period?" -Leylin tried to encourage him.

"My house is located in the Porter Kingdom, which is on the edge of the Great Plains of Death... We reached the campgrounds after walking for half a month!" -Beirut said helplessly, as he rolled his eyes again.

"No wonder..." -Leylin shook his head.

"Jayden, this is something that I saw first! What do you want?!" -A silver tray clattered on the floor, letting out a crisp noise.

Leylin turned around and saw Kaliweir growling, his hair slightly standing up like a furious lion. On the other side, Jayden poked a golden barbequed chicken drumstick with his fork.

"It belongs to whoever takes it first!" -The youngster in black attire haughtily answered.

Not only did the crowd not stop them, but they all appeared to be waiting to see a good spectacle.

'Even before this tiresome journey, Kaliweir and Jayden have been feeling that the other party was unpleasant to their eyes. They had restrained themselves in earlier conflicts due to fear of being reprimanded, as the Magi were around. However, the situation appears to be getting out of control now... Perfect. I can watch and evaluate their power levels. I also get to see if the teacher's pet has anything worthy of my attention under his sleeve.'

[Do you believe this will be a fight to the death?]

'Unlikely. Nonetheless, it would be all the better if one of them dies, since I'll have a good laugh.' -Leylin smirked under his mask.

"It's you who has forced me to do this!" -Kaliweir roared, and the muscles in his body tensed. It resembled as if he had added a layer of muscle to his body in an instant.

'As a high noble, he has naturally trained with the techniques of a Knight whilst abusing any quantity of expensive medicines and beverages... Given how he has used a Secret Skill, it seems like he has already ignited his inner life energy and advanced into a proper Knight... No matter, he will likely face insurmountable odds in this fight.'

Without needing to issue the order, Aralis sounded out: [Scanning done. Want me to put it up?]

'Yes.'

[Arranging data...]

//

Name: Kaliweir || Gender: Male || Estimated age: 16-18 || Strength: 2.5, Agility: 2.7, Vitality: 3.0

<Status>

Currently using a Secret Skill - After circulating the technique, STR increases, and AGI decreases.

//

"Today, I will let you know that you must kneel in obedience before a prideful lion!" -Kaliweir shouted and moved his legs. An afterimage remained, as he dashed towards Jayden.

[Doctor! I'm detecting mana radiation coming from Jayden!] -Aralis warned.

Leylin only smirked knowingly.

"Haha! I will let you know today who exactly is the number one amongst the freshmen!" -Jayden laughed loudly and took out a green badge from within his chest pocket.

"Pilis-Duwasha! Creature of the green! Hear my calls of summoning, and come out to the mortal world!" -Jayden chanted in a strange voice.

What he used was a very rare language, but Leylin had actually understood every word of it.

With the incantation, a layer of light emerged from the green badge and a few brownish vines appeared from the ground. Like a confused snake that was dancing wildly, the vines elongated.

They kept dancing in the air as they protected Jayden from the front. One of the brown vines was sent forward, and it tripped Kaliweir down face first. The layers of vines continued to coil around him, and Kaliweir was soon wrapped in them completely, with only his face exposed.

"A magic artifact!" -The surrounding acolytes bellowed in surprise.

[You said something about insurmountable odds... How did you know he possessed such an advantage over Kaliweir?]

'You don't become the teacher's pet and not get any perks... It was a lucky guess.' -Leylin shrugged figuratively.

"To be able to wield a magic artifact, one must at least be a level 1 acolyte! He... He has already been promoted to a level 1 acolyte?!" -The crowd clamored, and they looked at Jayden with mixed gazes of admiration and resentment.

This also caused Kaliweir's face to redden even further.

'As expected, Jayden's talent has already shown itself. Good.'

[How can you say that? Are you rooting for that guy?]

'Aralis... It is in my best interests to have a pompous bag of self-importance under everyone's sights of envy. Shadows are my best friends. Secrecy, my greatest weapon. Remember?'

"How's this? As long as you swear to obey me, I will release you!" -Jayden walked to where Kaliweir was.

"Ne-Never! The unbreakable pride of the Golden Lion family will never be dishonored by my hands!" -Kaliweir's veins popped as his indignation rose to new levels.

"If it's like this, then I have no choice!" -Jayden put his hands forward and the vines continued to tighten, and few cracking noises even came from within. It was as if some of Kaliweir's bones had been broken.

'Hahaha, this chimp sure knows how to keep me amused. End his miserable life!' -Leylin thought.

The surrounding acolytes could not watch on any longer and were about to persuade Jayden to have mercy.

But right at that moment, the dirigible swayed violently a couple of times and the lights flickered.

A few of the acolytes fell onto the floor: "What happened?! Did we meet with some intense turbulence?"

The windows suddenly cracked open, and violent gusts of wind came rushing in. Accompanied by the sound of the wind, there were also countless blue electric currents scattering in all directions.

[Thunderstorm?!] -The A.I. was worried.

Looking at these phenomena, Leylin's pupils shrank to the size of a needle: "Not feasible, since the Magi's job is to prevent something like that from affecting us... If not a natural disaster, then it could only mean...'

"You insignificant vermins! How dare you invade the domain of the mighty Pendra!"

Some type of supernatural voice reverberated within the dirigible, accompanied by a violent thunderstorm.

Leylin's eyes flashed with curiosity: 'This evening's show just keeps getting better with each act.'