After convincing Emily to complete the Magic Transmutation Technique formula, they began the initial steps toward making Emily a renowned alchemist.
The first step was to create an alchemy tool that would be the beginning of Emily's path to alchemy.
The first idea was a Magic Marker, which could not only be used as a regular pen but could also be used in the air. It was as if the writing was floating.
Emily: "That's so cool," she said with a beaming face.
Wim: "Yeah, not only that. It would be even better if the writing could be erased with just your hand? That would make it really easy to use."
Emily: "Oh, you think so too? I'm also trying to add a function to draw magic circles and channel them like regular magic."
Wim: "That... is actually really cool."
Wim and Emily discussed what magical tools they would create next to unlock Emily's potential.
Although Wim was the one who came up with the idea, Emily could see the greater potential in Wim's idea. Even Wim himself hadn't thought that far ahead.
This shows that Emily herself is an alchemy fanatic, and she quickly grasped Wim's ideas simply by explaining them.
However, Wim had another reason for sharing these ideas.
He did this so that some of the tools he knew from his previous life on Earth could be implemented in this world using his knowledge.
Even though his world lacked magic compared to this one, Wim still hoped he could implement some of the ideas from his previous world here.
Every day at Helbert's house, every afternoon after class, Wim would help Emily tinker with the transmutation formulas.
Wim always used his Glass Art glasses to help give Emily pointers.
Although he could have simply copied all the formulas without the hassle of using Art's calculations, he deliberately refrained. Leaving Emily to decipher and solve the details of the formula, while he only gave small hints that sometimes seemed coincidental, but were actually subtle directions.
Emily grew in confidence, maturing as a young alchemist, while Wim maintained his role as a low-key observer.
...
Time passed quickly. Now the first semester was entering its mid-term.
During this time, the first-year students would have the opportunity to go on an outdoor hunt.
This activity wasn't just a training exercise to improve their strength, or earn points and money from the hunt, but also a test to survive difficult situations and demonstrate their abilities beyond academics.
However, there was a strict rule that all first-year students had to follow: every first-year student had to be accompanied by a senior, so they wouldn't be careless and get dragged into danger.
But for Wim, this was the beginning of The Hive showing their fangs to the world.
...
(Class S - Unio Academy)
But before the big day, they still had lessons to attend. This time, Class S was being guided directly by Kryuger. The topic of the day's lesson was magic circles, the foundation of magic since the beginning of the world, and the teachings of 'The One'.
Wim: "Haaah..." he sighed.
Wim actually had no problem with magical theory, but he felt distracted not by the material, but by the person sitting right next to him, Lucius, Prince of Cryztolia.
Then Lucius whispered to Wim to not disturb the class atmosphere.
Lucius: "Hi, Wim," he greeted him in a friendly manner, as if they were old friends.
However, for Wim, Lucius's presence actually caused anxiety. Lucius himself was no ordinary student. He was the protagonist of this game, a character destined to shine from the beginning.
Wim, sitting next to him, felt as if he were sitting at the center of the stage, something he should have avoided if he wanted to maintain a low profile.
Since his first day at the academy, many things had made it difficult for Wim to live a calm life. And now, Lucius leaned in, whispering softly so Kryuger wouldn't hear.
Lucius: "Wim, can I ask you something? Why did you enter Unio Academy?"
Wim swallowed. Lucius's voice was so relaxed, as if they were old friends. He tried to keep a straight face.
Wim: "I don't know. I'm not sure myself…" He answered briefly, trying to sound nonchalant.
But from that answer, Lucius became even more curious about Wim. There was a glint of interest in his eyes, as if Wim were a puzzle challenging him.
Wim himself felt a heavy pressure. Sitting next to a protagonist like Lucius only made him more anxious.
Moreover, his kingdom, Cryztolia, is currently in a state of tension with the Kingdom of Helible, Louisa's homeland. A "cold war" in the wizarding world, similar to the major conflict in Wim's former world between America and the Soviet Union.
Lucius himself appears perfect: magical talent, martial arts skills, charisma, leadership, and intelligence are all inherent to him. But beneath that, Wim knows another story.
He is lonely. Many feel unworthy of standing by his side, leaving him without anyone he can consider a friend, and his family harbors serious internal issues.
(Kryuger's POV)
Meanwhile, while Kryuger is explaining his lesson, He watched the two from a distance.
His sharp gaze seemed to penetrate their quiet conversation, hidden from view, but Kryuger noticed it thanks to his intuition as a former commander.
Then, he put down the magic chalk and said in a flat tone:
Kryuger: "That's enough for today, let's finish this class."
The students cheered, eagerly packing up their books and equipment.
But before they finally dismissed, Kryuger reminded them:
Kryuger: "Class S, prepare yourselves. The first hunt is about to begin. Choose your partners wisely. Remember, this is no joke; this is reality."
Those words echoed in Wim's head. He knew this was the beginning of a big story. Outside, The Hive was waiting.
And as the students began to file out of the classroom, Kryuger's voice rang out again.
Kryuger: "Lucius. Wim. You'll come to my office after this."
Wim: "Eh...?!"
Lucius: "Yes, sir."
Wim: "Eh...?!!!"
Wim's eyes widened, his face instantly turning pale, while Lucius simply nodded calmly, as if it were normal.
...
(Kryuger's Office)
Upon arriving at Kryuger's office, Wim and Lucius entered the room with light steps, but both immediately froze when they realized the tense atmosphere.
The office of the former Arcane Commander looked simple. In fact, it wasn't much different from the offices of other teachers. There was a tall bookshelf filled with tactical notes, report sheets, and several class documents.
But there was something that made this office unique: rows of military magic equipment neatly displayed on the walls. There was an arcane blade that Kryuger had wielded during his time in the military, and had used it shortly after the events in the Gigan Dungeon.
A cracked focus crystal once used for long-distance communication, and even a piece of armor bearing the Arcane Battalion emblem. These were clearly not mere decorations, but rather relics of a battlefield steeped in history.
Wim glanced at him briefly, feeling a heavy atmosphere permeate the room. He already knew Kryuger's reputation as a former Arcane commander. This man wasn't just a teacher; he was a living legend, just like in the game's lore.
Lucius tried to break the silence. He turned to Wim, his voice low but friendly.
Lucius: "Why do you think we were summoned?"
Wim glanced at him briefly, then sighed. He didn't answer. He felt a little annoyed with Lucius; after all, this man was the main character in the world he was living.
Wim: 'This is all your fault, idiot,' he thought to himself, even though it would surely hurt Lucius.
Shortly after, a heavy sound came from the door.
Crack… thud…
Kryuger entered, his steps steady, his black uniform neat with a long coat. He placed several files on the table and sat down. As soon as he touched the chair, the room seemed to transform into an interrogation scene.
Lucius remained seated calmly, his face unchanged. Wim felt even more stiff, as if his body were being pulled down by an invisible weight from Kryuger.
Kryuger stared at them with a sharp gaze.
Kryuger: "Why weren't you guys focusing on the lesson?" he asked, his voice deep and authoritative.
The atmosphere began to tense. Wim wanted to answer honestly, saying that he wasn't distracted, but rather distracted by Lucius.
But his mind quickly recalled the main plot of the story.
Episode 4: Necromancer. This episode will depict The Hive's initial attack on Anchorage and Unio Academy.
In this episode, Lucius will save Luna, Louisa, Morian, and the other students from the Hive's Necromancer attack. However, if Lucius is punished or absent during this time, the main plot could change, and the situation could become chaotic.
Wim swallowed. He prepared to defend Lucius to maintain the plot. But before he could open his mouth...
Lucius: "It was my fault, Mr. Kryuger." Lucius answered first, bowing slightly.
Lucius: "I just wanted to get to know Wim better, so I invited him to talk. I didn't mean to belittle your teaching, but I didn't realize it could cause problems. For that... I apologize."
The room fell silent. Wim stared at Lucius skeptically. He didn't know whether to feel angry or impressed that Lucius so readily admitted his mistake, even apologizing to himself.
Kryuger took a deep breath. He stared at them both with a sharp gaze, then spoke in a deep but firm tone.
Kryuger: "I understand. I know students your age want to socialize. But remember, you're in the academy. And your focus is on studying and understanding the lessons you'll learn, because out there, one second of inattention can be the difference between life and death. Do you understand?"
Lucius nodded firmly. Wim also nodded, though his heart was still aching.
Kryuger: "But, I'm not someone who will let you get away with this without consequences. In the military, everyone bears equal responsibility, without exception. The same goes for my lessons," he continued.
He then leaned back in his chair, his hands clasped on the table.
Kryuger: "As punishment, you two will be paired up as partners in an off-campus hunting activity. And to ensure you don't mess around, I will personally accompany you as a substitute for your senior."
Wim: "Ehh..."
Wim's face paled in surprise. His smile stiffened, his body slightly frozen.
Lucius: "We understand."
Kryuger glanced at them both once more before concluding.
Kryuger: "Consider this a valuable lesson for you. You may go now."
With that, the conversation ended. Wim walked out of the office on unsteady legs, as if he had just been sentenced to death.
Art: "Wim, this is going to be an… incredible experience," he whispered amusedly, hiding behind Wim's jacket.
Wim: "Your son of bissih... This is a disaster!" Wim muttered, his face pale.
...
Meanwhile, on the other side of Anchorage, shrouded in the night mist, a thick silence hung over an old, disused cemetery that had become a hunting ground for first-year students.
In the middle of the cemetery, an elderly man, about fifty years old, appeared, dressed in elegant attire that contrasted with his surroundings.
He wore a long, silvery-black coat with delicate embroidery, and a cane that looked like a crutch supported his steps.
However, beneath that aristocratic appearance, there was a secret.
He turned out to be the Arcane Mage Necromancer of The Hive, the figure Kryuger had mentioned in his stern warning a few days earlier.
The man stopped in front of an old mausoleum in the center of the cemetery. The air around him suddenly turned cold, so cold that dew froze on the tombstones. He smiled faintly, then tapped his cane once.
Knock!
A faint purple wave of light spread out like ripples, sweeping across the walls and ground around him. At first glance, nothing happened. Only silence and fog remained. However, what they didn't know was that dark energy was slowly flowing underground.
The man lifted his head slightly, his lips curling into a wicked smile.
Necromancer: "Rise... My precious troops."
The ground in several parts of the cemetery began to tremble. Headstones tilted, old roots rose, and the sound of bones grinding against each other could be heard from below. Emaciated hands with rotting skin broke through the surface, followed by rotting bodies crawling out. A putrid stench spread quickly, filling the night air.
Within minutes, dozens of undead with empty, glowing green eyes stood around the Necromancer. Some carried rusty weapons, others simply dragged chains or shovels that had been buried with them. All awaited orders.
The man raised his staff. This time, it was clear that the tip of the staff was not just ordinary wood. It was a magical staff that had been concealed to conceal its appearance
Necromancer: "Unio Academy... Prepare, you will become sacrifices for our leader's noble cause."