The shrill screech of steel rails echoed long and sharp before the high-speed train finally slowed to a stop at the platform—
the starting point of a dream called "Aspída."
The station was decorated with futuristic designs, glowing with vibrant lights like something straight out of a sci-fi world.
"Th–this is insane―――!!!!!"
A shout of pure amazement burst from the crowded platform.
Ao, still in his school uniform, exclaimed in awe the moment both his feet stepped off the train.
"This is the real Aspída!? It's freaking incredible—!!!"
He was so excited he couldn't keep still.
He took off running toward the exit at full speed.
Aspída—one of the Four Grand Magic Academies of the world.
The word "mediocre school" didn't exist in its dictionary.
The moment he set foot outside, it felt like he'd stepped into an entire city.
Because yes—Aspída practically was a city.
"Even though it took half a day to get here…
Seeing Aspída with my own eyes, I totally get why they call this place a city rather than a school."
Ao muttered with a bright, almost glowing expression.
Aspída's grounds were nearly twice the size of the entire city of Maddy Montis.
The school was split into three main divisions: Combat, Research, and Exploration.
The area Ao currently stood in was the Combat Division, the one he applied for.
When he walked out of the arrival gate— which was nearly the size of an airport terminal— what he saw next left him frozen in place.
Right before him stood something indistinguishable from a capital city.
Buildings, residential districts, shopping malls— even entire commercial zones that could rival real towns.
Ao wandered forward, eyes shining as the city he'd dreamed of spread out before him.
He only walked a short distance before catching a glimpse— an airplane flying extremely close overhead as it prepared to land.
"Don't tell me there's an airport nearby too!!?? This is so damn cool—!!"
Crowds of students of all races and uniforms swarmed across the streets.
The chatter of countless voices mixed together into a lively, chaotic atmosphere— yet beneath it all was a certain pressure, a heavy tension.
Get a grip!! I got distracted like an idiot! If I keep wandering like this, I'll get lost for sure. I need to register my dorm first.
Ao slapped his cheeks to regain focus and pulled out a printed map from his bag.
"East Wing Dorm C… where the hell is that… Ah, near the information building.
Man… if I walk the wrong way even once, I'm gonna wander this city all day."
Following the printed map, he eventually reached a large residential building.
"So this is the dorm… Kinda reminds me of home.
And this is the free dorm too.
If paying extra costs X,XXX Sil more… what kind of luxury palace would that be!?"
His eyes sparkled at the thought.
Inside the lobby, several machines were set up to register room assignments for incoming students.
He queued up for a short moment before his turn came.The system moved shockingly fast.
[Please tap your card to register.]
"Ah, the card they sent last week, huh…"
[Registration complete.]
"That was stupid fast!!"
The assigned room was on the smaller side, with an in-room bathroom and a single bed—
simple but perfectly livable.
"Okay, dorm registration done…
All that's left is preparing for tomorrow's exam.
Meaning… I'm free for the rest of the day, huh.
Guess I'll go explore the city for a bit."
Ao dropped his luggage onto the bed and headed back out the door.
He stepped into the city of Aspída with a spark of curiosity.
{Hope I find something new out there… Maybe even some allies?}