It's finally the day I'm going to make a close dance with Death. The Elysian Royal Academy, the place where new patterns of death will be designed and where I'll reach the top! Void's mind was a void as he entered the academy, Arcane walking behind him. All the students were looking at Void—some with admiration, others with disgust.
Let's talk a bit about this game. The academy was created after world peace. Its main objective was to produce leaders and assets to help the kingdom's growth. This academy isn't just in Allainette; it's spread all over the world, with every country having its own academy.
During the enrollment year, noble kids and selected commoners whom their countries view as assets enter the academy. From here, they're taken to the real Elysian Royal Academy, where every student gets a chance to do as they please. Most noble kids come here to enjoy some freedom and romance—after all, it's a game.
The real Elysian Royal Academy is a massive island created by all the nations. During enrollment, our ranks are checked, and based on our rank, we can explore more of the academy. As far as I understand, the academy is a real test for women in this world: the higher the rank, the more areas of the academy you can access.
It might be confusing, but the simplest explanation is that a girl needs a higher rank. It doesn't matter if her love is stronger or not if she has a higher rank; a lower-rank girl can't interact with a boy who's ranked higher than her. She must be on an equal or higher rank to make connections.
It's odd, isn't it? As for boys, there are some perks. Even if a boy doesn't practice or try to reach a higher rank, it's fine. While they can't make connections with girls below their rank, they have the right to talk to and connect with girls who are ranked higher. It's pretty unfair for girls, but who cares?
But this does mean that Aoi, Cassey, and Arcane will be away from me for a while. As for Zoe, I remember she's a Master's D-rank, just like me, and Meisheng is a Grandmaster's F-rank Grand Elite. I also have one kid to babysit—Luna Michelle, Her Highness, because she's only 14! Yes, 14! I don't even know how high Her Majesty was when she engaged me with her…
"So, are we ready?" Void asks, reaching the hall, facing his six fiancées: Aoi, Cassey, Arcane, Luna, Zoe, and Meisheng, all smiling at him. "Yes!" everyone replies in unison.
"Yes!" One more voice comes from behind. A lady with a patch over one eye and a vine-red eye glittering with excitement hugs Void from behind, her masculine yet tender figure pressing against him. Her ample bosom rests on Void's shoulder. The lady was none other than…
"How are you, honey? I'm sorry for my late entry, but it doesn't matter, right?"
"Heh…? Miss, I think you're mistaking me for someone else. I already have my fiancées; please don't make more trouble here," Void says, trying to break free from her embrace. Suddenly, her grip tightens around Void's waist. She turns his face to hers and wraps him in a passionate kiss. As she breaks the kiss, Void gasps for breath.
"Half of them aren't even ranked yet, which doesn't make them your fiancées. You only have three legal fiancées for now. The other three will have a hard time coming up, and while you might think we're here to support you, our main task is to stay close to you. Our ranks do matter," she says.
On the other side, "Stay away from him, or I'll kill you right away!" Cassey says, drawing her sword. Aoi draws her ice blades, Arcane prepares her strings, and Zoe unsheathes her sword.
"I know you're angry, but stay silent!" Meisheng says, her arms crossed.
"What?" Aoi asks, her tone arrogant.
"The lady is a Grandmaster's D-rank Mythic Mafia lord," Luna says, causing everyone to freeze, sweat forming on their necks.
"She's the leader of the Phantomhive clan, a Naga, and the only woman who survived Maria's wrath! I hate that woman but can't help it. She's Anette Phantomhive, leader of the most notorious clan!" Meisheng explains. "Do you really think Void will play nice if someone tries to act like this in front of him? He's silent because he can feel her strength."
As Meisheng explains, everyone retracts their weapons.
"Thanks for explaining, dear! I'm Anette Phantomhive, leader of the Phantomhive, and I'm his legal fiancée, or should I say I'll be, just like the three of you" says looking at Zoe, Luna and Meisheng and... Who three were you...?" she tries to remember, snuggling her cheek against Void's. "Yes, Aoi, Cassey, and his little maid Arcane—you three will have to work hard until you reach D-rank Master, at least!" Anette says, giggling.
"Miss Anette, even though the three of them will be away, it doesn't mean I'll let you be with me. Why am I getting so many girls after me?!" Void exclaims, still in her embrace.
"Hmmm… That's true, but you know what, honey? Newsflash! I don't care. I know how I'll win you over—by helping you rank up! Hahaha!" Anette releases Void from her grip and starts to leave. As she goes, she blows him a flying kiss, sending chills down his spine.
"Don't worry, cupcake. Let's go; it's about time the enrollment is going to start soon," Meisheng says, giving a gentle squeeze to Void's shoulder.
"That's right! Let's go, Brother!" Luna says, hugging him. As Luna and Meisheng cheer Void up, Zoe notices Aoi, Arcane, and Cassey looking down, their eyes revealing their sadness and numbness.
"Don't worry, you three. I promise I won't let any bitch lay her eyes on Void. I'll do my best to increase Void's rank, as Anette is not someone who'll stay away from him!" Zoe reassures them.
"Yeah, I guess you're the only one we can rely on!" Aoi says, her tone brightening.
"Make sure no extra bitches get close to him!" Cassey says, a gentle tone and smile playing on her face.
"Make sure Master doesn't run out of sweets! And… and take good care of him. Take this book; there are things you need to do in it," Arcane says, handing Zoe a massive 90,000-page book.
"Yeah… yeah!" Zoe says, thinking to herself, "It sure is tough being the only maid of someone like Void… hehe?"