After being briefed on my unexpected assignment, I grappled with returning to a school environment – a setting far removed from the thrilling world of martial arts and magic to which I was accustomed. This school, however, wasn't just any educational institution – it was a unique project initiated by my mother's friend.
Officially named 'Hoshi no Gakko' or "School of Stars,' this independent educational institution was designed with a specific purpose. Unlike the traditional sects that focused on training individuals chosen for their innate mana abilities, Hoshi no Gakko was established to provide education and opportunities to those not selected by the sects – the foundlings.
The concept behind Hoshi no Gakko was revolutionary in its approach. It aimed to create an inclusive environment where non-chosen individuals could learn and grow, offering them a chance to develop skills the sects had overlooked. The broader vision of the project was to foster exchange and interaction between various sects, promoting a more integrated society.
But why, you might ask, would the son of a sect leader, someone like me, be sent to such a school?
The answer lay in my mother's broader strategy. By sending someone of my stature to Hoshi no Gakko, she aimed to set a precedent, encouraging other sects to participate in this exchange program.
But…
As I made my way to the school, a sense of unease settled over me.
Schools were rarely the setting for anything exciting or heroic. Sure, there was Kindergarten Cop, but that was set in a kindergarten, and I was far beyond that age group. The prospect of returning to a mundane school routine devoid of any semblance of adventure was disheartening.
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment.
"Are you tired yet, Ryujin-sama?"
My cousin Ester inquired with a hint of mischief in her tone.
We were seated in the same carriage, making our way to the school, while Lexia, delayed by her duties, would follow in another carriage later.
"No... just bored."
I gazed out the window with a sense of disinterest.
"Hmm... for a physical training fanatic like you, I can imagine that a school and its theoretical part are not exactly thrilling," Ester mused, eyeing me with a knowing look.
"Not particularly. It's not just the theoretical aspect. The whole school concept doesn't pique my interest."
"I see, I see. But think about it, dear cousin. Isn't it truly exciting? A place full of intrigue, mysteries, and confrontations, just like in the stories you've told!"
Ester was trying to sell the idea of school as an adventurous realm.
I couldn't help but be skeptical.
"It's nothing like that. The stories I've shared are about badass heroes. How can I emulate them in a school setting?"
In this world, devoid of anything resembling Tim Cruise, I had resorted to writing stories, chronicling all his adventures to keep my goals alive. Ester discovered these stories by chance and has since become an avid listener.
"Dear cousin, you're confusing a magical school with a non-magic school. These kinds of schools are brimming with adventures, seriously. Adventures as gripping as the ones you've narrated. I promise." Ester chuckled.
I looked at her, mildly amused yet skeptical.
"Hmm, it's not like your words carry much weight, but let's pretend they do for now."
"Ouch, that stings a bit."
"Well, we're almost at the school anyway."
The carriage rolled steadily on, drawing closer to our destination.
◆
While Ryujin was nearing school, Lexia was swamped with responsibilities at the Blue Lotus Sect. Being Ryujin's personal maid meant managing an ever-growing list of household chores and handling all matters related to him. Initially, the tasks were manageable, but the workload increased exponentially as time passed.
Ryujin's growing popularity meant an influx of duel invitations, marriage proposals, and investment offers. Day by day, Lexia watched helplessly as the paperwork piled up, burying her in an avalanche of administrative duties. She was practically chained to the office, drowned in an endless sea of documents.
"Damn it… I just wanted to finish all of this quickly. I wanted to be in the carriage with Ryujin-sama, especially on his first day at school... But here I am, stuck."
She returned to the paperwork, determined to power through it as swiftly as possible.
"Do you need help, Lexia-chan?" Amanda's voice suddenly interrupted her thoughts.
"No, Onee-chan, thank you."
(If I depend on her, I won't be able to maintain my position as Ryujin-sama's personal maid.)
"Come on, you need to finish as soon as possible to see Ryujin-sama. And I need to as well."
"OK."
(I couldn't refuse her... but I must do this... I have to keep my role.)
Despite her reservations, Lexia knew refusing Amanda's help wasn't an option. Working together, they could clear the backlog more quickly, allowing her a chance to join Ryujin-sama later. With renewed urgency, Lexia dived back into her tasks, Amanda by her side, working together toward a common goal.