Ginhana High School, the day of the School Festival…
"Looks like the school festival is coming full swing." Tatsuya said as they saw students and attendees all over the school, enjoying each class' various chosen venues.
"You said it. After all that stuff going on in Underworld, we definitely needed stuff like this." Kazuma said.
"The creativity has really shown this year. People are putting a lot of effort into this." Naomi said.
"Just goes to show how much of an impact has been made as of recently. What with all that stuff going on in different worlds, and all." Sachiko said.
"Yes, and that makes it one of the few times we all hang out together." Eri said.
"She has a point there. I mean, David and Sachiko are off with the Brave Adventurers and the Hero Alliance a lot of the time. Sure, they still come home every once in a while, but that's mostly when something big is going down." Akira said.
"Oh come on, Akira, don't be like that. They have a huge responsibility, you know?" Maiko asked.
"Besides, you all have your own powers now, so there's no need to worry about us." David said.
"Well, yeah… But that's the thing. Have you put any consideration into how to approach the next year?" Tsubaki asked.
"Well, yeah…" David said.
"I know I don't need to remind you of this, but university entrance exams are extremely brutal. That's why seniors spend almost all of their time studying." Tsubaki said. "Once you're enrolled in a prestigious university, you're pretty much set for life."
"She's right. Once you graduate from high school and enroll in one of these big-name universities, you can go on all of these adventures full-time for all they care." Kego said. "I know online courses are a thing, but… It's just not the same."
"We know you're attending schools in other places, but still…" Rankira said.
"Guys, guys, I think you're badgering on them way too much about this." Naomi said.
"Naomi's right. I mean, we're not exactly normal high school students anymore either, so we have no right to judge them on this." Aruma said.
"Yeah. I think we kind of understand how they feel now." Ayase said.
"Besides, time is different in other worlds, so it's not like they'd be missing out on much once they're gone." Kita said.
"Um, guys? Speaking of which… Has that always been there?" Eri asked as they saw the doors down in a theatre like manner with a sort of banner on it showing a man wearing a top hat with eyes.
"Hmm… I don't remember any other classes saying they were doing this." Maiko said.
"This looks dangerously suspicious…" Tsubaki said.
"Well, yes, but… I don't know, there's just this...certain air around it. It might be worth checking out." Kasumi said.
The class, some reluctantly, stepped through the door and found themselves in a theater lobby.
"Hello?" David called out. "Is anyone here?"
"This place seems deserted. Maybe the class working on this closed up shop already." Kazuma said before they saw a figure in a white suit and top hat looking at a sort of crystal. "Hmm… Never seen him here before."
"E-excuse me, sir." Ayase said as the man saw the crystal peering at the group.
"Oh? What do we have here?" the figure asked before he flashed a smile. "I see… We seem to have brought in some interesting guests today. Hello there." he said before he started spinning until he stopped in front of the group. "And welcome!" he said bowing to the group, showing his top hat had eyes.
"It-It's you! You're the man on the banner!" Eri said.
"Very perceptive of you. My name is Balan. I am delighted to make your acquaintance." the man introduced himself.
"Um… Nice to meet you. You mind telling us what this place is about?" Tatsuya asked.
"Oh, of course. How rude of me." Balan said. "This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter."
"That's the same description we got about the Velvet Room." Sachiko said.
"Ah, so you have met my old friend Igor. Interesting. You all have truly come in here for a reason." Balan said.
"Any reason you set up shop in our school?" Kego asked.
"Ah… Youth. So full of hope, vigor, and aspirations." Balan said. "Don't you agree that they're truly the gems of life?"
"In some ways, yes." Tsubaki said.
"I'm so glad that you agree. For you see… I have heard so much about you. I can see in your eyes that you all are battle-hardened veterans across many worlds, and yet you still have your own insecurities. That is why I have set up the portal in your school. To call on anyone brave enough to take on the trials that I will lay out." Balan said.
"Trials? What do you mean?" Kita asked.
"I'm about to take you all on an adventure. An adventure that will be treasured by all of you forever. But be warned that many perils await." Balan said.
"Don't worry. We're not scared." David said.
Balan smiled at this. "I was hoping you would say that. Your eyes say it all. Now, children. Let us be off, for adventure awaits."