When Ren Isana and Asuna arrived at the classroom, Natsuki Minamiya was already waiting. As soon as the group stepped through the door, Natsuki, standing at the podium, waved them over.
On the desk in front of her lay a stack of admission notices. When Ren and Asuna approached, Natsuki handed them their respective envelopes, casually passing copies to Ais and Lefiya as well.
"Hold onto these. Report to Dimensional Nexus University on September 1st," Natsuki instructed after distributing the notices.
Hearing this, Ren asked curiously, "Natsuki-sensei, do we just head straight there? Nexus Island isn't exactly a place you can just stroll into, right? Do we need to process any paperwork?"
Access to the island required strict procedures. After all, it was a hub connected to several dimensional passages. If anyone could just wander in, wouldn't it be utter chaos?
"No need. The admission notice in your hands is your pass. With this, you can travel anywhere at any time. Don't lose it," Natsuki said, shooting Ren a sideways glance.
*Are you kidding me?* With the admission notice, what other pass would they need? This piece of paper was more effective than any standard permit because their university held full administrative control over the entire Nexus Island.
Once Ren and the others received their official student IDs, they would be able to freely access any dimensional passage. Did he think the title of "the best school in the world" was just for show?
Understanding Natsuki's explanation, Ren nodded. He stored the notice in his Spatial Ring and went to take his seat.
At that moment, Hestia couldn't help but ask Natsuki, "What about me? What am I supposed to do?"
Hestia stared at Natsuki in utter bewilderment. Was there really no arrangement for her? Was she getting nothing? Didn't that mean she wouldn't be able to go?
Hearing Hestia's question, Natsuki immediately pulled out an ID badge and handed it to her. "As for your arrangement, the higher-ups suggested you work as a librarian. How does that sound? After all, there really isn't much else for you to do."
Hestia's identity was that of a deity, specifically the Goddess of the Hearth. They couldn't exactly have her working as a teacher, could they? After mulling it over, Natsuki decided that having her manage the library over there was the best fit. Besides, the pint-sized goddess enjoyed reading anyway.
Looking at the badge Natsuki handed her, Hestia's eyes instantly lit up. "A librarian? That sounds great!" she exclaimed in pleasant surprise.
She loved the idea. She knew her own capabilities, and being a librarian was a pretty sweet deal. At the very least, it gave her something to do.
"The library at Dimensional Nexus University houses books from all over the world, and even some brought over from other worlds. Your daily job will just be keeping an eye on things and making sure nobody wrecks the place," Natsuki explained her duties.
In reality, it was basically a security guard position, though it was mostly just for fun. After all, no one was foolish enough to cause trouble at Dimensional Nexus University. Hestia going there was more about acting as a mascot than anything else.
Hearing her job description, Hestia nodded to show she understood. Clutching her new ID badge, she happily skipped over to the seat next to Ren and sat down.
*Knowledge from other worlds!* She was incredibly excited. Once she got there, she was definitely going to study hard and check out the literature from different dimensions.
As time ticked by, the rest of the classmates gradually arrived. Once Natsuki had handed out all the admission notices, she addressed the room. "You all have your notices now. As for how you get there, you'll have to figure that out yourselves. I will be your homeroom teacher from now on. Aside from you all, there will be some new students joining our class. You can get to know them once you arrive."
Natsuki briefed everyone on the class situation. Hearing that there would be new classmates, the students were quite surprised. Their tight-knit group was getting fresh blood?
"Natsuki-sensei, how strong are the newcomers? They aren't complete noobs like Bell, are they?" Sora couldn't help but ask. If they were, would they have to form a beginner party with Bell?
"No, they are Tier 3 and Tier 4 combatants. You don't need to worry about that," Natsuki's words acted as a reassurance. As long as they weren't pure beginners, it was fine.
Speaking of Bell, Natsuki suddenly remembered something. She looked toward Hestia and said, "Regarding Bell and Haruhime Sanjouno, how about we temporarily enroll them in a regular school for a while once we get there? Once they've fully caught up, we can have them join the class's team."
Naturally, she had no intention of giving up on the Hestia Familia. Bell, as the second-generation captain, needed proper cultivation. When the two worlds fully merged, he would be the one to lead people back to his world.
Hearing Natsuki's arrangement, Hestia had no objections. In fact, this was the best possible path for Bell. After all, there was simply too much that Bell and Haruhime needed to learn in this world.
Furthermore, once they started university, Ren and the others probably wouldn't have the time to carry Bell through the Dungeon. Sending them to school was the most logical choice, so Hestia readily agreed.
"Bell is already Tier 3. Natsuki-sensei, you might want to make some special arrangements for him. That kid is far from ordinary," Ren chimed in.
In just one summer vacation, Bell had rocketed straight to Tier 3 and was still sprinting ahead. It wouldn't be long before he broke through to Tier 4. For him, the Dungeon was basically a double Excelia zone.
Hearing Ren's words, Natsuki was genuinely surprised. *Already Tier 3?* That was truly impressive. She nodded and agreed. If that was the case, she would need to tweak her strategy slightly.
"I'll make the proper arrangements for him. That's about it for now. There's still some time before the semester starts, but head over early if you can. Take the two remaining envelopes on the desk back for Bell and Haruhime," Natsuki said. With those final words, she vanished from the spot.
Once she was gone, the classroom instantly erupted into lively chatter. Everyone excitedly pulled out their phones, snapping pictures to post on their social media feeds to show off.
After all, getting accepted into Dimensional Nexus University was a massive bragging right. Even Asuna and Yukino Yukinoshita weren't immune; both took photos and sent them to their families.
"When are we heading out?" Asuna asked Ren after texting her parents. Her question drew the attention of Megumi Kato and the others.
If Ren was going, they would naturally tag along so they could all travel together. Aside from flying, the only other way to reach Nexus Island was by ferry.
Faced with Asuna's question, Ren thought for a moment before replying, "How about in three days? That gives us two days to cancel our leases, tie up any loose ends, and say our goodbyes."
Asuna nodded, having no objections. Two days was indeed plenty of time. Seeing this, Megumi Kato chimed in, "I'll go with you guys then. What about you, Yukino?"
She asked Yukino Yukinoshita, who nodded in agreement. "I'll join you as well. Do you want to ask the others? It'll be nice to have company on the way."
Her last sentence was directed at Ren. For their specific group, it didn't really matter. Yukino, Asuna, and Megumi didn't have family in the city, so they could leave whenever they wanted without needing to bid farewell to anyone. As for Ren, he was an orphan; aside from a select few, he didn't have anyone tying him down either.
"I'll ask," Ren nodded. He stood up and announced to the room, "Our group is planning to head straight to Dimensional Nexus University in three days. Who wants to come with us?"
As soon as he spoke, the previously chattering crowd turned their attention toward him. Sora frantically raised her hand. "Me, me, me! I want to go with you guys, and Kumo is coming too!"
She immediately signed up her best friend, seemingly terrified that Ren might leave her behind. The others were left speechless by her eagerness. Leo then spoke up, "I'll join you guys too. Two days is enough for me to get my affairs in order."
The rest of the class quickly echoed their agreement. Since it was in three days, they might as well all go together. Today, tomorrow, and the day after would be enough time for everyone to handle their trivial matters before setting off as a group.
"Then it's settled. We'll coordinate in the group chat," Ren finalized the plan, seeing that everyone was on board.
"Should we buy tickets together? Are we taking a plane? Or a ferry?" Kai asked. Since they were traveling as a large group, buying tickets individually would be a hassle.
"Let's take the ferry. It only takes half a day anyway. Planes are faster, but they're too much of a hassle," Ren decided after a moment of thought. Only a ferry could easily accommodate a bulk ticket purchase for so many people.
Hearing Ren's reasoning, the crowd nodded in agreement. They quickly coordinated a time to buy tickets for the same ferry.
Once the logistics were sorted, Ren continued, "Then that's the plan. We've got our notices, so let's head home and get our affairs in order!"
Turning to Asuna, he added, "I need to drop by the principal's office. When you guys head back, take Hestia and the others with you, along with those two envelopes on the podium. Oh, and let Bell and Haruhime know about Natsuki-sensei's arrangements."
Asuna nodded, indicating it was no problem and that he should go handle his business. They probably wouldn't head back immediately anyway. Since they were officially on vacation, it was the perfect time to go shopping. She could even take Hestia and the girls to get their hair done.
It was going to be girls' time, so it was actually better if Ren didn't tag along. Not that he would even if invited—ever since she met him, he had ruthlessly rejected every single invitation to go shopping with them.
He wouldn't give them an ounce of face, always complaining that shopping with girls was *too troublesome*. For a single guy, he certainly spoke as if he had a wealth of experience being dragged around by a girlfriend!
Unaware of Asuna's inner grumblings, Ren finished his instructions and left the classroom, heading straight for the principal's office. The rest of the classmates also dispersed, heading home to make their own preparations.
Ren navigated the familiar route to the office. The room smelled faintly of medicinal herbs. Director Ken was currently sipping tea, looking incredibly relaxed. Sensing the man's condition, a smile spread across Ren's face. "Director Ken, congratulations on your full recovery."
After a period of treatment from Miach, Director Ken had completely recovered. The Magic Power radiating from his body was terrifyingly dense. This was a true Tier 9 powerhouse—the strongest person Ren had encountered so far, and also the one with the highest status!
"It's all thanks to you. Are you all packed and ready for Dimensional Nexus University?" Hearing Ren's voice, Director Ken smiled warmly and gestured for him to come over and share some tea.
"Yeah, we're planning to head over in three days. The whole class is going together." Ren didn't stand on ceremony and sat directly across from him. His main reason for visiting was to check on the Director's recovery.
"Three days, huh? Alright, I'll make the arrangements. You all can just take a designated ferry; no need to buy tickets," Director Ken nodded, casually handling their travel logistics.
Having the Director arrange things was naturally the best outcome, so Ren didn't refuse. He sat and chatted with Director Ken for a while before finally asking, "Now that you've recovered, Director Ken, what are your plans?"
Surely the higher-ups wouldn't just leave a fully restored Tier 9 powerhouse sitting in a high school. Ren was curious about where he would be stationed next. Nexus Island, perhaps?
Director Ken saw right through Ren's thoughts. He looked at the boy with an amused expression. "As for my plans... naturally, I'll be returning to Nexus Island to continue being your Director! As for this high school, I'll be handing it over to your homeroom teacher to manage. Your Special Class will continue to exist!"
He slowly revealed his arrangements. It wasn't exactly a secret; these kids would find out sooner or later that he was still their Director.
Or rather, he had always been the Director of Dimensional Nexus University, having only temporarily stepped down. Now, he was simply returning to his original post. He had no intention of abandoning the high school's Special Class program; instead, he planned to refine and expand it.
Listening to Director Ken's explanation, Ren was pleasantly surprised. Rina-sensei was going to become the principal? That was quite the promotion. Ren silently congratulated her in his heart.
After chatting a bit more and learning a few extra details, Ren said his goodbyes. Since the Director was fully healed, there was nothing left for Ren to worry about. Besides, they would be seeing each other again soon enough!
Leaving the office, Ren extended his [Perception Magic] across the campus and noticed that Jin-sensei and Rina-sensei were busy lecturing students. Deciding not to interrupt, he simply sent them a quick text message before leaving the school grounds.
Instead of heading straight home, Ren made a detour to the orphanage. If there was anyone else Ren knew in this city, it was the people there.
Of course, those were just the memories of his predecessor. Ren was only going there to tie up some loose ends on the previous owner's behalf. He wasn't exactly short on money now, so solving the orphanage's financial troubles was just a drop in the bucket.
Once he left for Nexus Island, he probably wouldn't return for several years, maybe even longer. After all, the future was unpredictable.
Meanwhile, the other students who had received their admission notices were busy at home, discussing arrangements with their parents. Everyone understood the situation—once they left, they wouldn't be coming back for a long time.
They also needed to handle the matters Ren had mentioned previously, such as introducing their siblings to the Loki Familia or Miach Familia. They hadn't gotten around to sorting those things out yet.
Taking advantage of their free time, they decided to get everything settled now, otherwise they wouldn't have the chance later.
While Ren and his classmates were busy preparing, thousands of kilometers away in another city, a gentle blonde girl sat alone on an airplane, silently holding her admission notice for Dimensional Nexus University.
*Phew... I wonder what this Special Class is like? I hope my classmates are easy to get along with...* The blonde girl fastened her seatbelt, staring blankly out the window with the notice in her hands.
She was one of the new students about to join Ren's class. The sudden arrival of the admission notice had given her quite a shock. Although her college entrance exam scores were excellent, Dimensional Nexus University hadn't been her first choice.
Moreover, the university hadn't sent anyone to recruit her; they had simply mailed the notice in silence. Compared to other schools that actively courted top students, Dimensional Nexus University was terrifyingly aloof.
But she was well aware of the school's prestige. So, when she received the notice, she decided to attend without a moment's hesitation. The temptation was simply too great to refuse.
As she was lost in thought, a girl with pink hair, around her age, arrived at the adjacent seat. After stowing her luggage, the pink-haired girl sat down, and the blonde girl suddenly heard a gasp of surprise.
"Huh? Are you a freshman at Dimensional Nexus University too?"
Hearing the voice, the blonde girl turned her head. The pink-haired girl was staring at the admission notice in her hands with wide-eyed astonishment.
"Sorry to bother you, I'm just a bit surprised. I didn't expect to run into a classmate here. My admission notice looks exactly like yours—I was also accepted into a program at Dimensional Nexus University called the Special Class," the pink-haired girl said, pulling out her own admission notice to show her!