The moment they saw Victor walking toward them, the group straightened up instinctively.
"O-Oi, is that—"
"That's Victor Revenant... the one who defeated Elyra... the S-rank!"
"He's gonna be in our capsule?!"
Victor stepped in, offered a polite nod, and took the seat closest to the rear. The other four scrambled in, trying not to look too obvious in their reverence.
The hatch sealed with a hiss, and the internal purring of the mana engine kicked in.
Zzzhum...
Outside, the academy dome shifted.
A certain part of its curvature opened in a spiraling motion.
A faint blue layer shimmered over the entire area like a protective shell. Beyond that barrier… was the sea.
The entire dome began to rotate, repositioning their departure platforms.
Then came the announcement.
"Outland Excursion, Phase Seven: K-22 SECTOR ENGAGED."
And just like that, their capsule shot forward, through the hole, leaving the safety of the academy behind.
