(XXXVIII) Day One

Ling'er handed Leon his itinerary with his class schedule, and he looked it over. Due to his exceptional performance in the Entrance Examination, he would have a full schedule, including many classes covering information his mother had forced him to study before he left Othniel. 

He was a little disappointed there wasn't a class covering dungeons or portals to a pocket dimension that players and NPCs enter to battle monsters for riches and fame. Unfortunately for Leon, that class was restricted to sophomores and higher. 

Most of the classes covered theoretical knowledge, allowing students to advance their capabilities while preparing them for the practical courses they would take for the rest of their time at the academy.

'Ugh...' Leon lamented internally, 'This is going to be beyond boring...' 

Ling'er led him out of the dormitory as they returned to the academy hallways before turning around to him and asking, "Do you have any questions for me, la?" 

"Actually, I do have one..." He said, extending his arms as he summoned Bella from the Magical Beast Ranch, holding her in his arms as he pulled her against his chest, "I'm a beastmaster. Am I able to have my companions with me?" 

"Of course, la!" She exclaimed excitedly, rushing over and gushing over the Shadow Carbuncle, petting and stroking her soft fur, "As long as they're well-behaved and aren't too big to hinder others' passage."

Bella mewed softly as she began purring loudly, pressing her head into Ling'er's palm as she pet her, "Master, I like this human!" 

"She does seem nice, I think I like her too." Leon said telepathically as he followed Ling'er through the hallways. 

She pointed out the location of his other classes as they passed the rooms and gave directions on how to reach the cafeteria on their way to the area of his first class, 'History of Gran Terra.'

"Since I'm a third-year student, you won't see me that much except in the evenings in the Common Room, but if you need anything, feel free to reach out, la!" Ling'er chirped with a smile. 

"Thank you." Leon replied, bowing slightly as he turned to enter the classroom while Ling'er left for her own class. 

'History of Gran Terra' was filled with students from the various towers, and every seat was filled except for one at the front. Leon sighed as he thought to himself, looking up at the raised rows of benches at the back of the classroom, 'Damn, I would have preferred to sit back there like in my old college days...' 

He confidently walked into the room, took his seat, and placed Bella in his lap as she curled up and softly purred, falling asleep. Moments later, an elderly man entered the classroom wearing black liturgical vestments. 

"Good morning, class!" He said loudly, walking behind the desk and placing a stack of books on it, "My name is Father Gregory, and I am your professor for 'History of Gran Terra.' I have been with the Garlamond Church since birth and have been a historian for our continent for forty years."

He turned to the chalkboard and wrote the course name and his title and name below that, "Our world, Gaia, is split into two major continents: Arcadia, which is controlled entirely by the Vandine Empire and Emperor Ziegart Vandine, and Gran Terra, which is jointly ruled by the Free Alliance of Man and is headed by King George Astrahart.

In addition, there are two island nations, the Tregiri Kingdom, where the Parthrak heathens live as punishment by the Goddess due to their worshipping of false Gods. The other is the Akashik Kingdom, which was developed into a massive port city covering the entire island." 

Leon gritted his teeth as he balled his hand into a fist at the mention of him calling the Parthrak heathens, but he maintained his cool, calm, and collected visage.

"Now, the two continents are separated by a small land bridge that is submerged underwater for most of the year and is only available for brief periods. This was how the Vandine Empire invaded Gran Terra and gained a foothold here, slowly conquering the Northern Territories. 

This began the Hundred Years Wars and was the driving force for the Garlamond Church to rise to prominence in the early years, working closely with Alexander Astrahart after he successfully routed the Vandine Empire." 

Leon narrowed his eyes as he raised his hand. Following the incident at his Ascension Ceremony, he had gained a hatred for the church. Father Gregory pointed at him, "Yes, Head Boy?" 

"Leon Astrahart." He said, standing as he placed Bella on his desk before him, "How was the church able to gain power so quickly?" 

"Excellent question, milord!" He bowed slightly as he realized the nobility before him, saying, "Saint Peter was the first to be anointed by the Goddess and receive her blessing. He performed many miracles during the war and blessed his twelve disciples, who devoted their lives to him.

The priests and templars of the Garlamond Church are as close to divinity as humans can achieve. The Goddess sanctioned our actions, and our work promotes her grace. 

We have been the primary recordkeepers of the Free Alliance of Man, maintaining the history of our grand continent and ensuring its accuracy. Thanks to the blessings of the Goddess and the heavenly work of Saint Peter, the Garlamond Chruch rose to prominence and spread its influence across Gaia."

Father Gregory slightly bowed after providing the answer, motioning for him to return to his seat. Then, he continued with his lecture on the beginnings of Gran Terra and the formation of the Free Alliance of Man. 

Leon returned to his seat, pulling Bella into his lap as he stroked her softly, dark thoughts filling his head, 'If the church is so divine, why are they turning into daemons..? Something isn't right...' 

This thought had haunted him since the Ascension Ceremony; the Garlamond Church never exhibited these abilities while he played The World Online in his past life. He couldn't shake the ominous feeling that had been rising inside him for the last couple of days...