CHATTER! CHATTER!
The designated gathering point buzzed with anticipation as students, clad in their academy uniforms, gathered in small groups.
The air was thick with a mix of excitement and nervous energy, the prospect of venturing into Phantom’s Land fueling both curiosity and trepidation.
At the forefront of the assembly stood Professor Eleanor, flanked by other instructors who would guide the first-year students on their mystical journey. Eleanor, with her characteristic stern expression softened by a hint of excitement, stepped forward to address the eager crowd.
“Quiet,” she began, her voice cutting through the chatter and drawing all eyes toward her. “As every one of you has been informed, we will be traveling to Phantom’s Land, a realm shrouded in magical phenomena.”
Eleanor gestured toward the academy’s entrance, where a fleet of enchanted buses awaited. “Our first step involves a bus journey to the Teleportation Center in the city. From there, we’ll use a teleportation gate to reach one of the nearby cities bordering Phantom’s Land. And from that point, we will take another bunch of busses to enter the Phantom’s Land.”
When buses were mentioned, some students showed dissatisfaction. That was expected; after all, most of them came from wealthy families, and none of them had traveled by bus before.
“Rest assured, the buses have been enchanted for a smooth and comfortable journey.”
Eleanor reassured the students, though it was kind of ironic that the students who would become the future combatants and Hunters were awkward with some ‘buses.’
Though instantly, a murmur of excitement and curiosity flowed through the students as they eyed the waiting buses. Some exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of enthusiasm and nervous anticipation.
“In Phantom’s Land,” Eleanor continued, “the mana structure is unique, creating discrepancies that prevent direct teleportation. Hence, there is a need for this two-step journey. Once we reach the Teleportation Center, the gates will transport us to the outskirts of our destination.”
As she spoke, the students formed orderly lines, preparing to board the buses. The instructors, positioned strategically, ensured a smooth and organized departure.
Just as the first students stepped onto the buses, a gust of magical wind swept through the area, causing a momentary disruption. Eleanor’s gaze narrowed briefly, assessing the situation. “Remain calm, students. It’s a minor magical disturbance. The enchantments on the buses and teleportation gates are designed to handle such fluctuations.”
In reality, though, it was something she had intentionally done. After all, showing and demonstrating always had the upper hand when convincing someone.
The buses roared to life, their engines humming with enchanted energy. The students settled into their seats, the excitement of the impending journey evident in their expressions.
******
“Get in the line.”
Reaching the teleportation gate, we waited for around ten minutes for other classes to use their turns.
Since transporting such a huge amount of individuals once was impossible, each class was going at their designated gate.
“Class HA25, step forward!” Professor Eleanor’s voice resonated through the designated area, calling our class to attention. The students shuffled into formation, and I followed suit, maintaining my usual composed demeanor.
Eleanor’s sharp eyes scanned the group, her expression a blend of authority and vigilance. “Remember, stay close and follow the instructions. No wandering off or engaging in unnecessary magical antics. This is not a field trip but an important examination.”
The teleportation gate, an imposing structure adorned with intricate runes, loomed ahead. It emanated a subtle hum, the magical energy swirling within its archway. Eleanor signaled to our class, leading us toward the gate.
“As you step through the gate, remain focused. Disorientation is common, but it will pass quickly,” Eleanor advised, her gaze stern. “Once we arrive on the other side, follow the instructors’ guidance and proceed to the next set of buses. Phantom’s Land awaits, and our journey has just begun.”
With her instructions given, Eleanor stepped through the teleportation gate, and the students of Class HA25 followed suit.
‘Here we go again.’
The sensation was familiar to me – the temporary disorientation, the brief sense of weightlessness as spatial mana rearranged our location.
At this point, I no longer felt the feeling of nausea when taking a teleportation gate. After all, whenever I had free time on the weekend, I at least visited the [Wildcatter] to explore more dungeons, making myself comfortable with dungeons.
As the world shifted around us, we emerged on the other side.
The air felt different, charged with a unique mana structure that signaled our arrival at the outskirts of Phantom’s Land.
‘Even breathing here is weird.’
The mana density seemed to affect the outer atmosphere itself. Without even realizing it, my body started to adapt with increased heart beating rates and breathing to pump more oxygen to my cells.
“You seem rather relaxed.”
Irina remarked, looking at my reaction. She was breathing slightly heavily as well, but aside from that, she didn’t look much disturbed.
“Isn’t it a Hunter’s job to be relaxed in such situations?”
“It is. Though not everyone can do it, it seems.” Signaling the other cadets behind us who were already throwing up, she remarked.
Irina’s observation barely registered with me as I glanced around at the chaotic scene unfolding. The other cadets were stumbling about, some retching while others looked disoriented, their faces varying shades of green.
The reaction was more severe compared to the teleportation to dungeons before. The reason for that was highly likely the discrepancies between the mana levels and the bodies’ attempt to adapt it.
But, again, it was not like that was my problem.
Irina raised an eyebrow at my lack of reaction. “Aren’t you at least curious about what’s happening?”
“Not particularly. We’re in Phantom’s Land, sure, but it’s just another mission. We will probably be through worse in the future.”
This was not a lie. I had already been through much worse than these, but the future will be a lot worse. Starting from the demons’ invasion, wars, dungeon collapses, and many other things, it will be a lot harder than under such conditions.
‘Even the Phantom’s Land directly will be a lot more severe.’
“Always the stoic one, aren’t you? But even you have to admit, the atmosphere here is unlike anything we’ve encountered before.”
At that moment, I sensed the familiar energy entering. Sylvie, who emerged from the gate, seemingly unfazed.
Her calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the discomfort exhibited by a significant portion of the students.
“You seem perfectly fine,” I commented, noting her relaxed posture.
Sylvie smiled, though slightly embarrassed. “I don’t know. I just don’t feel anything. It wasn’t like this before.”
‘It is because of your powers.’
I thought inwardly. Her ability was truly broken anyway.
“….” Irina was also looking at Sylvie intently, but after a second, her gaze returned to normal. I guess she was trying to understand what kind of power Sylvie had and how she was not normal at all.
“Cough…..Should we go?”
At Sylvie’s suggestion and attempt to get away from our gazes, we both nodded and made our way to the busses.
From this point on, a trip that would take around 4 hours was awaiting us after all.
*********
The buses were designed in a manner that three students occupied a seat in the same row. This was so that the group of students would be sitting on the same block and would be allowed to discuss things related to their observations on the bus.
Of course, when things like buses entered the equation, there would always be a discussion regarding the window seats.
“Why are you taking the window seat?” Irina asked, looking at the guy who had already leaned his head with his hood covering his face.
Astron, with his head slightly tilted, gave a nonchalant response, his voice muffled by the hood. “I like the view.”
Irina, not satisfied with the brief answer, frowned. “Well, I like the view too. Why should you get the window seat?”
Astron sighed, his hood shifting slightly as he turned to face her. “It’s just a seat, Irina. Doesn’t matter if it’s by the window or not.”
Irina crossed her arms, leaning back in her seat. “It matters to me. I like to see what’s outside. You can sit in the middle or by the aisle. Also, if it doesn’t matter which seat you sit in, why don’t you come and sit here? After all, it just doesn’t matter right.”
Astron raised an eyebrow, “Middle? No thanks. I don’t want to be around many people.”
“I don’t want it either.” Irina scoffed. Of course, inside her head, she didn’t mind sitting in the middle, but if she conceded like this, she felt like she had lost to this annoying guy, and she didn’t want it.
Sylvie, seated nearby, finally intervened. “Guys, it’s just a seat. Can’t you compromise?”
Irina and Astron both turned to Sylvie, momentarily pausing their argument. “Compromise?” Irina scoffed. “What’s there to compromise? He just doesn’t even regard us as humans.”
“How did this subject come to consider others as humans or not?”
“Isn’t it? You should have at least asked me.”
“…..Even if I asked, it wouldn’t change anything. Regardless of your answer, I would be sitting here, so it is just pointless action.”
“See….He doesn’t even consider me as an individual.”
Sylvie sighed, sensing the tension rising. “How about you both take turns? On one trip, Irina gets the window, and the next, Astron gets it. Problem solved.”
She also wanted to sit on the window seat, but for some reason, while in front of the two, she felt like things would get a much weirder turn if she said it out loud.
Also, the other students were already looking in their direction, and it was so embarrassing.
Astron, seemingly unyielding, leaned back in his seat, a stubborn expression on his face. “I don’t see the point. I’ll keep the window seat.”
“You’re impossible, Astron. It’s just fair if we take turns.”
“Life’s not fair, Irina. Aren’t you one of those who benefited from that the most?”
“What do you imply, huh? You punk!”
Sylvie’s face deadpanned as she looked at her supposed ‘mentor,’ who was always a calm guy.
‘Are you a child?’
His actions didn’t fit into his previous impressions at all, and she felt like he was doing it on purpose.
‘I am the only one getting embarrassed.’
Feeling like she was getting unfair treatment, she got angry and was about to shout.
‘Calm down, Sylvie, calm down.’
However, different from someone, she needed to act like her character. In times like these, she wanted to swear to the author for making her such a rigid character.
Trying to maintain peace, she suggested. “How about we settle this with a quick game of rock-paper-scissors?”
“Rock-paper-scissors? Seriously?”
Irina agreed with a confident nod. “Yeah, let’s do it. Best of five. The winner gets the window seat.”
Astron sighed, seemingly resigned to the proposal. “Fine, let’s get this over with.”
‘Rock-paper-scissors against me…..I can read your body movements…’
Though, inwardly, he knew the game would be over in an instant.
And just as he thought, the result was clear. Th link to the orign of this information rsts n Noᴠelꜰre.nt
“This is ridiculous.”
“Three-zero. Looks like I’ll be enjoying the window seat. If you want to win against me, you have to touch some grass first. Your scissors are not sharp enough.”
“…”
“…”
Two deadpanned faces welcomed his words.
“It was incredibly cringe.”
“…..”
As the bus continued its journey, the trio settled into their seats, and the window seat dispute was resolved, albeit in an unexpected manner.
Irina, sulking a bit, couldn’t help but think Astron would be a good gamer if he wanted, and Sylvie found herself ‘amused’ by the peculiar turn of events.