Morenti Magic Academy — Main Entrance
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Xu Yuying landed on her feet atop the wide marble floor at the entrance of Morenti Magic Academy.
The shock of being pulled in had been intense, but thanks to her memories merging with Lunaria's, her body instinctively prepared itself to soften the fall.
Several students nearby turned to look at her with curious expressions; the loud thud had drawn attention.
As soon as they saw her, the whispers began.
"Isn't that the daughter of the traitor Velhart?" a girl murmured.
"Yeah! I don't know how people like her are even allowed into this school," added another, voice dripping with disdain.
Xu Yuying let out a quiet sigh, ignoring the comments aimed at Lunaria. What could she do? She wasn't about to start arguing—it didn't really matter to her anyway.
Maybe Lunaria would care... but Xu could live with that. Those rumors were nothing more than noise, born from her father's actions—not hers.
With a steady stride, Lunaria approached the entrance, only to be stopped by a member of the school staff.
"Identification, please," the man requested.
He was a male character from the game, known as Magnus Carlsen. Xu Yuying couldn't help but laugh inwardly. It would've been even funnier if he'd also been a chess player.
In the game, Magnus was a professor at Morenti Magic Academy. He taught swordsmanship to the students. Yes—while the institution focused on magic, as the name implied, it also included sword arts in its curriculum.
After all... what is a mage without magic?
That very question had led the academy to include swordsmanship in its program, and there was no better teacher than Magnus Carlsen: a former imperial general.
"I didn't receive anything like that. I'm here on behalf of the Queen," Lunaria replied in her usual stoic tone, her voice low and sultry—just like it was described in the game.
Indeed, Lunaria had been accepted into the academy due to her exceptional magical talent, but the one who discovered that potential wasn't anyone less than the Queen… or rather, the Empress. The Red Lady. The Kingslayer. Call her what you want.
"Ah… then you must be Lunaria Velhart," Magnus said, studying her with interest.
Lunaria nodded silently, confirming his words without needing to speak.
"I see. You may go in. It'll be a pleasure to teach someone with your talent," he added with a smile, stepping aside to let her through.
Magnus wasn't someone who judged by bloodline—only by skill. He valued potential above all else. And if someone with raw power stood before him, ready to be sharpened, he couldn't be more pleased.
That's precisely why, in the future, one of Lunaria's few true friends would be Magnus—her mentor, her tutor… and perhaps something closer.
Once inside the campus, Lunaria made her way to the main building. In the game, it hadn't looked that impressive, but now that she saw it in person, the school was enormous. Understandable—most of the students were children of nobles, military officials, or high-ranking bureaucrats.
Lunaria let out another sigh before stepping through the main doors. And just as she did…
Crash!
She didn't even flinch, but the person she'd bumped into was knocked flat onto their back.
'…Isn't this such a cliché event?' Xu Yuying thought. But the idea quickly faded. So what if it was? She was destined to lose. Lunaria's ruined reputation sabotaged any chance at a normal start.
She sighed once again and looked down.
"Are you alright? I apologize for not seeing you," Lunaria said, extending a hand.
But the moment she saw who it was, she froze.
It was the heroine.
Selene de Valemont.
There was something divine about her, almost as if a halo surrounded her. Her golden hair was slightly tousled from the fall, partially covering her face. Her sapphire-blue eyes shimmered gently.
And there she was, rubbing her rear with an expression that was somewhere between pain and confusion.
A few seconds later, Selene looked up and met her gaze. Her reaction was natural—a kind smile as she replied:
"I'm fine, don't worry. I was the one who didn't see you coming."
She took Lunaria's hand… but didn't receive help. Seeing Lunaria frozen, she raised an eyebrow.
"…Are you okay?" she asked, then gracefully stood up on her own and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
Lunaria remained still, eyes wide open. She stared at Selene as if she were witnessing an angel.
> [Heroine discovered!]
[Mental stability affected!]
[-10 points]
Xu Yuying clenched her fists, forcing herself to move. What the hell was wrong with her? Lunaria didn't fall in love at first sight! That was clear in the game!
So… why did she feel butterflies in her stomach?
She shook her head and locked her crimson eyes on Selene's.
"Sorry… I got lost in thought for a moment," Lunaria said coldly.
She couldn't break character. After all, she was the villainess.
Selene gave her a charming smile.
"I understand. Happens to me too," she replied casually, then added, "Since we're here… would you like to come with me to the welcome party?"
Lunaria's eyes widened in surprise. She'd forgotten about that! Of course—Selene was that kind of girl: outrageously outgoing.
> [Mission activated!]
[Accept the Heroine's invitation and raise your affinity with her enough to earn a head pat.]
[Penalty for failure: -50 mental stability points]
Lunaria gulped… and sighed.
"Very well. It would be a pleasure to accompany such a beautiful lady," she answered without hesitation.
Selene simply smiled at the compliment, beginning to walk alongside her—still holding her hand.
'…I'm screwed,' Xu Yuying thought.
And just like that, she realized that avoiding the heroine was going to be anything but easy.