Lightheart Academy

"Captain, we'll arrive at the academy in five minutes," Zent stretched his body and focused on the game, facing Rayven who was addicted to playing Dark Ops 3. Not one of them stopped staring at the screen, completely immersed in the game.

Meanwhile, the girls were watching not far away, sitting together on the sofa while enjoying snacks. It's hard to count how many times they screamed and laughed due to the drama they were watching.

Sheila even threw a pillow across the room as she couldn't contain herself while watching the main character's attitude of always rejecting the girl. Until eventually, they ended up together when something happened, and the screams echoed again.

Looking at all of them, you wouldn't think they came from another world. Truly just a group of young adults spending time together.

"HAH! AREN'T YOU THE BEST, ZENT!?" Rayven challenged, proud of his score that was twice as high.

"Oh? I just went easy on you because you've just started playing. You want me to play seriously?" He asked with a wide grin.

"BRING IT ON!"

Zent nodded.

He purposely died once again to switch loadout to a sniper and started playing seriously. Rayven, who was overly confident, appeared in an open area, startled when his character suddenly died without putting up a fight.

Confused, he shook his head to dispel the uncomfortable feeling. Rayven tried once more, running and sliding only to be killed by a headshot. He grumbled in frustration, choosing a different, much more covered and safe path, only to be killed by a Claymore.

"Why? Weren't you asking me to play seriously?" Zent asked with a victorious smile. He was satisfied to see Rayven now giving it his all.

However, it didn't take long for Zent to surpass his score.

As the round ended, Rayven let out a long breath, attempting to calm down the now-peaking anger. It only took a slight disturbance before he exploded.

Who would have thought that Rayven, always level-headed, could feel restless like he did now.

"Do you want to play a different game? That's an old game, not one I often play. If you want, I might be able to teach you to get better in the next game."

Rayven fell silent, pondered for a moment, and nodded in agreement. "As long as you're willing to teach me, I'm in. I'll prove that I can become much better."

Celine approached, hugging Zent from behind and resting her head on his shoulder. Zent was surprised, not knowing what was happening to her.

But seeing the three girls also coming closer, seeking the same warmth, Zent could guess that they were acting like this because of watching a drama. Rio was already asleep on Rayven's lap, her head being gently stroked.

A significant development.

The two of them had indeed been acting strangely around each other since Clockheart. It was only a matter of time before they ended up like this.

The biggest mystery that remained unanswered was what actually happened between them back then?

Rayven and I exchanged glances, smiling widely, knowing that we were living the best life possible.

Who wouldn't be happy experiencing something like this? When you're playing, and your partner suddenly starts acting affectionate. That's a dream come true.

Not to mention, I don't just have one, but four.

"So, you're admitting now that you have four partners?" Z teased.

Well... What can I say? They're all too beautiful and adorable for me to turn down. I also feel bad doing so. They're okay with it as long as I give them all equal attention.

"You're really lucky, you know that? I'm sure many guys would trade their lives to be in your shoes right now."

"Captain, Lightheart Academy is now visible ahead."

With that, they all stood up, walking towards the control room where they could see the grand and majestic academy that could even be considered a small city.

A spaceship passed overhead, capturing everyone's attention, then landed right in the middle of the academy. In a large circle that was initially not so crowded, now it was filled with students and school staff.

The spaceship landed slowly, making a hissing sound as the rear cargo opened, revealing seven people who seemed to have come out of a masterpiece painting. Not a single person could divert their gaze.

Especially, the man with white hair and red eyes who seemed to have emerged from a dream. His hair swayed gently with the direction of the wind, creating a dramatic effect in the already magnificent atmosphere.

The headmaster was already standing in front, waiting for them after hearing Mary's plan to make them representatives of the academy. Mary had also explained that they would cause a bit of a commotion.

However, she didn't expect them to emerge from something they had never seen before.

The shape of the vehicle in front was truly a form that was difficult to describe using words alone.

This vehicle had a sleek and futuristic design with sharp, angular edges. Its sleek form exuded elegance and simplicity, while its polished metallic exterior reflected light, creating a captivating and cool aesthetic. With minimalistic lines that accentuated its streamlined shape, this spaceship struck a perfect balance between simplicity and futuristic style.

But what captured their attention the most was the figure of their leader.

As explained by Mary, he was someone who would immediately draw attention wherever he went. However, it was his attire that particularly intrigued the headmaster.

A black leather jacket paired with a white t-shirt and tight-fitting trousers showcased his muscular, long-legged frame in black. Then a pair of pristine white shoes in a style he had never seen in his entire life.

So simple, yet it didn't diminish its value.

Complemented by accessories like a black earring on his left ear and several rings on his fingers. He was truly a figure that was hard to overlook.

"Are you the ones mentioned by Mary?" the headmaster asked to confirm.

Zent nodded. "Yes, Headmaster Verhatten. Pleasure to meet you." He bowed, offering his respect.

His behavior surprised Rayven and the others. They never expected to see Zent act like this, considering he was always energetic and seemed like someone raised in the wilderness.

"I apologize for asking something beyond our agreement. However, I'd like to know, what kind of vehicle are you using behind?" requested the headmaster.

"In my previous world, it was called a spaceship. As the name suggests, the ship can take us into space. So, I dare to say, this vehicle is the best in Alterra," explained Zent, proud of his own creation.

The headmaster nodded, observing the spacecraft again with a strong desire to experience it someday.

"You can join us once all of this is over. We plan to explore space after the tournament," Zent invited, further surprising them.

The headmaster's eyes widened, sparkling with excitement. He had been captivated by the stars up there for so long. He never imagined that in his lifetime, he could see them up close.

"Oh, thank you very much. I promise your week here will be the best ever," he replied enthusiastically.

Zent nodded.

"Allow me to introduce you to Lightheart."

The headmaster walked ahead, leading them around the academy to explain the purpose of each building while also making the academy's students aware that they had exceptional new students among them.

For some reason, the headmaster was convinced that the figure behind him would become someone great in the future. The aura he exuded was not an ordinary one.

Meanwhile, Celine and the three other girls hurriedly walked alongside Zent, observing every pair of eyes that were watching him with admiration. They already had trouble competing for Zent's attention, so they didn't need to add more complications.

Of course, the news spread so quickly that it reached Edgar's ears, who was currently spending time with his friends.

They rushed over, wanting to see the guy who was now the talk of the whole school. He couldn't believe anyone could rival him in terms of looks and wealth. However, witnessing the spaceship with his own eyes made him gulp. The vehicle was far more impressive than his carriage.

They quickened their pace and fell silent upon seeing it, beholding the white-haired figure. His once sky-high confidence was instantly shattered, crumbling to pieces.

"Edgar... He's much more impressive than you," one of his friends uttered.

For the first time, Edgar felt threatened. Especially, imagining that Nior would fall in love with him...

An interesting idea emerged in his mind, causing him to grin widely.