I sighed deeply, lying in my bed, as I gazed at the seascape through the glass dome. All I could do was pray that things would turn out well.*
But of course, things couldn't be as simple as I had imagined. Why is nothing in life easy? There's always something that complicates it, an unexpected obstacle.*
This time, I hit a wall trying, for once in my life, to do things legally. It turns out there are several requirements to enroll in any of the Kivotos academies.*
Depending on your circumstances, you have two options for attending an academy in Kivotos. The simplest option is if you are a resident born in Kivotos. In that case, the problems are minimal: you show up at the academy of your choice, take the entrance exam, and if you pass, you pay the fee. Done! Congratulations, you are now a student at one of Kivotos' prestigious schools.*
However, there is a small variant: if you have a friend, relative, or acquaintance who graduated from the academy and gives you a recommendation letter, you might skip the exam and only have to pay the fee. Nepotism at its finest, my friends. (And now I understand how Koharu managed to get into Trinity! I saw a copy of that entrance exam and, I swear, there were things you only learn in university).*
Although, of course, in Millennium, the story is different. Even with a recommendation letter, you still need to take the exam. Unless, of course, you enter with a scholarship or recommendation from someone very important.*
For those coming from outside Kivotos, the process is more complex. First, you must pass a background check. Then, an online academic test supervised by the GCS, a mini-interview with the examiner, and finally... the GCS president herself has to approve your admission.*
After researching, I discovered that this is to prevent possible spies or people trying to destabilize Kivotos and take over. Something that, apparently, has already happened in the past.*
If you're wondering, the one who gave me the test was Rin. I have to admit that, even though it was through an augmented reality video conference... (yes, I'll need some time to get used to Kivotos' futuristic technology and this world in general), Rin is incredibly attractive.*
It's going to take me a bit longer to adjust to this world where practically every girl seems like a supermodel... And it doesn't help at all that Rin is the sexy head of the office.*
On the other hand, I was even surprised that it was her who administered the exam. But apparently, there aren't many people who send applications, partly because 70% of applicants are rejected.*
Yes, the filter for foreigners in Kivotos is quite rigorous, but I don't blame them. According to what I researched, many people have attempted to steal Kivotos' secrets and technology from the outside.*
It seems that, for this reason, the admission tests are only managed by high-ranking student council members.*
I can still remember Rin's penetrating gaze as she questioned each of my answers during the interview. Just remembering it sends shivers down my spine. I see why people outside of Rin in the game say she's quite a cold person. I just hope I don't end up developing some strange taste because of Rin...*
Anyway, all I can do now is pray that everything turns out well. In the worst case, I'd just have to falsify my documents and wait for Sensei to show up to help me make them legal. I hope it's one of those versions of Sensei who are nice people and not the degenerate gremlin version.*
Right now, I need something to distract my mind. An idle mind only causes problems.*
That reminds me... "Prometheus, tell me if the Void Archive project is ready."*
Suddenly, several holographic screens appeared in front of me, and at the same time, a female robotic voice began to resonate in the room.*
"The Void Archive project is 80% complete. But its use is now safe."*
"Prometheus, show me the way to the lab, please."*
"Affirmative. Follow the instructions."*
Although I built this place, there are still things I haven't gotten used to, like the location of everything. I hate to admit it, but my sense of direction is horrible... I still remember the time I took the wrong train and somehow ended up in Korea...*
Sometimes I hate that they implemented the underwater metro connecting Japan to Korea. But well, at least I had excuses to skip classes...*
Anyway, I'm going to distract myself with a walk to the lab. It's not that far...*
4 hours later...*
Me and my damn mouth. A disadvantage of this place is that it's damn huge. The distances are considerably long. From my room to the lab, it's a damn 4-hour walk. If it weren't for the fact that my body is more resilient now, I'd be dead from exhaustion...*
"Prometheus," I called, and the robotic voice echoed in the hallway.*
"Yes, master?"*
"Please turn on the factory and create personnel transport vehicles. And assign routes and maps of this place, placing them in strategic locations."*
"Master, doing that will require major modifications to the structures and hallways, plus..."*
I didn't let her finish speaking.*
"Just do it! You have permission to make the necessary modifications. But just do it. I'll go crazy if I have to walk half a day to get home, ..."*
"Affirmative, master. As for the lab, it's across to the left in the next hallway."*
"Thank you."*
After that little chat with the AI I created to help me manage the factory and keep the place in condition when I'm not at the base, I followed its instructions about the location of the lab.*
In front of me stood a door several meters high and wide. There was no visible device to open it, but as soon as I approached, the sound of machinery began to resonate.*
Gradually, the door, several centimeters thick, opened, revealing an impressive view of various projects and weapons, and even the capsule where my body had been just moments ago.*
After a few more minutes of walking, I arrived at what I was looking for. On a pedestal was a blue cube emitting an incandescent light, surrounded by complex machinery charging the artificial core of the Void Archive project.*
Wondering what it is?*
You see, throughout my knowledge of gatchas, there was always one weapon that caught my attention: Void Archive, a divine key left by an ancient civilization from the game called Honkai Impact.*
An object that can alter its form into different weapons, including the divine keys left by the ancient civilization of the Honkai Impact universe. While it was also a supercomputer storing much of the information from the ancient era, that was secondary in my current case.*
But in front of me was something that could be said to be inspired by that weapon.*
I have to say that once again I had to rely on the technology of the Cult of the Nameless Gods. It was something I managed to achieve thanks to studying Aris' regenerative system, which is based on nanomachines or nanomaterials.*
And well, another part was thanks to old knowledge from my world.*
Although we were technologically backward by at least 20 years, there were some interesting discoveries from my world that, thank God, are valid here, such as a clean and highly volatile energy that, while we knew how to harness it, they did not have the means to gather it.*
Fortunately, in some old files in Millennium, there was information on how to collect that energy, which in my world we called ether, using a mini particle collider.*
Now, although it's based on the Void Archive weapon from the Honkai Impact game, its ability to take different forms is not its only inspiration; it also has bases from the Date A Live franchise.*
To be specific*
I approached the cube, and as I got closer, a mechanical voice started resonating in my head.*
Subject Takumi has been recognized. Initiating coupling.*
The Void Archive light began to emit a stronger blue aura until it started to transform into micro-cubes, which slowly began to float towards me before assimilating into my body.*
Complete assimilation. Access to 8 of the 10 cores. Data is missing to complete the last two artificial cores.*
... Well. 8 is better than nothing.*
Now let's do a test.*
I started imagining a weapon in my hand; to keep it simple, let's start with something basic. A Glock.*
And the chosen core will be*
Zadkiel!*
Slowly, a blue pistol appeared in my hand, emitting an unmistakable chilling aura.*
Looking at a wall, the structure modified itself, creating a small shooting range.*
Focusing on the target, I aimed quickly and finally pulled the trigger.*
BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM*
5 shots resonated in the room. The 5 shots hit the target. Maybe they weren't perfect shots, but that wasn't the important part.*
The important thing was that the target quickly began to freeze, and within seconds, it was covered by a thick block of ice that encased it from all sides.*
Indeed. Void Archive had been a success. I had managed to replicate, to some extent, the capabilities of the angels from Date A Live.*
And even better, I wouldn't have to worry about running out of ammunition!!!*
One hour later*
It was around 12 PM. I had lost track of time. To be precise, if someone had seen me at that moment, I would have looked like a child in a toy store.*
Void Archive was capable of taking various forms, from firearms to bladed weapons like a knife or a sword.*
And my favorite...*
Metratom!!!*
A total of 12 railgun cannons in the shape of spears floated around me (which may or may not be based on the schematics of Aris' weapon... Note: I need to give a gift to the engineering club. Note: I need to find a way to befriend Chibiki). Each one had a blue circuit pattern and was at least 5 meters long, yet they floated with the grace of a dancer.*
All were in automatic combat mode, responding to extreme stimuli thanks to the pseudo-intelligence of Void Archive.*
Around me were several partially destroyed combat drones. Although their bodies were partially damaged or even melted, they were still recoverable because I actively made sure to avoid shooting at their command cores... A curious rule in Kivotos. Although it is possible to shoot at robots, there is an implicit rule*
NEVER SHOOT AT THE CONTROL CORE. Apparently, damaging the core would be considered murder.*
Who would have thought that robots in Kivotos, if they pass the Turing test, can claim human rights...*
Now, it was 12 PM on a Monday. I had practically done everything I could to prepare. So, what now?*
I had tested my physical capabilities. Using a punching bag wasn't a good idea; it practically disintegrated from a serious punch.*
Although I have other concerns about this body, I prefer to play dumb. After all, I mustn't forget that my body is literally made of reverse engineering, a being designed to destroy Kivotos.*
There are things I prefer to leave unanswered, for example: Can I use that weird protocol Aris uses when possessed by Key?*
I was lost in thought until I heard the sound of a bell. It was an email.*
Good afternoon. I am pleased to inform you that applicant Takumi Shinki has been accepted into Abbydos High School. You may present yourself at any time from the issuance of this email to receive your uniform and a tour of the facilities. Have a good afternoon.*
Sincerely, The Secretary of the Mortgage Execution Working Group.*
I could only stare in amazement. I had actually been accepted. This means the GCS president somehow approved me...*
For some reason, I can imagine the headaches poor Rin is going to have...*
And I'm also a bit surprised that Hoshino gave her approval, considering she's somewhat distrustful of strangers at this point...*
For a moment, I thought maybe I tricked Hoshino into accepting me. But I see it as impossible; Ayane is quite responsible, and I doubt she could pull something like that off.*
Well... you know what? To hell with it. Let's head to Abbydos right away. After all, what could be the worst that could happen?*
--
And that's all for today. You don't know how many problems I had writing this chapter: power outages, heat issues, and even political protests in my country. Every time I write something, something has to go wrong! Well, that was today's chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. After this, another chapter should be uploaded where the protagonist will finally meet the girls from Abydos. Let's hope the ojisan doesn't start a shootout when meeting the protagonist. And about the student council, what do you think of that idea?*
Given that this world is an AU and Kivotos is practically an independent continent with many secrets, a land rich in mysteries, technology that surpasses the outside world, and most uniquely, a continent managed and run by students, it's obvious they will have many filters to prevent outsiders from being too clever.*
Another thing: unless someone points me to a fanfic where I can read about the game events or a precise novelization of the game, I doubt I can include those events, as I don't have access to that story. You know, language barrier and my English isn't that great. I'll put it this way: if someone or some reader is kind enough to transcribe the stories (especially Izuna and Decagrammaton) of the events for me, I'm willing to add it to the story as a boy from the only boys' academy in Kivotos, whose district is hidden due to a mess that may or may not be explained later, and I can give him a relationship with Saori, Chihiro, Tomoe, Cherino, or Hinata. Have good nights, days, or afternoons because Yume is good. Before I forget, let's hope poor Rin doesn't suffer too many headaches.*
Hours earlier, at the GSC...*
Rin was observing her computer screen, gently massaging her temples. A slight migraine was beginning to form as she reviewed an enrollment application. What should have been a routine procedure in Kivotos had turned into a source of concern.*
"In Kivotos, nothing is simple," Rin thought. One never knows when a small application might trigger a coup. That's why the student council reviews every case meticulously.*
The file in front of her was, in a word, perfect. Impeccable grades, no alarming family background except for the tragic death of his father in a car accident and the rare illness that took his mother. Outside of that, everything was... clean. Too clean.*
Rin adjusted her silver glasses, feeling the pressure increase in her head. "It's impossible for someone to be this perfect..." From the birth certificate to the student ID, everything was in order, as if it had been produced by a machine.*
"Too suspicious," she thought. Frowning, she was about to stamp the rejection seal when a movement at the edge of her vision made her stop.*
"Good morning, Rin-chan!" The melodious and carefree voice of the GSC president interrupted her thoughts.*
Rin looked up, finding the president standing in front of her desk. Her long sky-blue hair cascaded down with a hint of violet in the lower layers, while a fringe hid her left eye, giving her an enigmatic air.*
"How is your work going? Mmm, I see you're busy..." The president took the file from Rin's hand without waiting for a response, flipping through it with curiosity.*
"Good morning, president," Rin replied, letting out a sigh. She knew things were about to get complicated. When the president got involved, things always got tricky.*
"Takumi Shinki..." The president murmured, repeating the name as if trying to remember something lost in her memory.*
Rin settled back in her chair, feeling her long black hair with dark blue highlights fall over her shoulders. She was used to her friend's eccentricities, but that didn't mean they were any less exhausting.*
"Yes, a Japanese. 16 years old, outstanding grades, perfect health, and has applied to enter Abbydos High School..." Rin began to explain, but she knew the president wasn't really listening.*
Instead, the president continued to examine the file, her smile growing as if she had just solved a puzzle.*
"He has my approval." The president looked up with that same smile Rin had come to fear—"It will be interesting to see what this boy can do at Abbydos, don't you think, Rin-chan?"*
Rin blinked several times, processing what she had just heard. Her migraine worsened.*
"But president, we haven't even conducted the interview..." Rin tried to protest, feeling her voice lacking the necessary strength.*
The president simply shrugged, adjusting the golden insignia on her white jacket with gold buttons.*
"It doesn't matter, Rin. I feel that this boy will bring something new, not just to Abbydos but to all of Kivotos. And who knows, maybe even to Kivotos?" Her eyes sparkled with a hint of excitement—"When was the last time a boy applied to another academy in Kivotos? Don't you think it's a unique opportunity?"*
Rin tried to remember, but since she joined the student council, there was no memory of such a case. Although Kivotos' academies are not exclusive to girls, boys are a rare exception.*
"Well..." Rin relented, taking the papers and stamping the GCS approval seal. She wasn't surprised to see that the president had already signed the document—"When did you sign this...?" she murmured, knowing that was just another of her friend's mysterious skills. She didn't carry a pen, neither in her uniform nor in her bag, which usually only contained strawberry candies.*
"But he still has to go through the interview," Rin added, trying to maintain at least some formality.*
"Of course, Rin-chan." The president smiled, clearly pleased—"After all, protocol is important, isn't it?"*
"Oh, look at the time. I have a meeting with the Tea Party to discuss the terms of the treaty. I hope Nagi-chan has more of that delicious tea, and that Makoto brings back those chocolates he boasts about." The president turned, walking toward the door. "Have a good day, Rin-chan!"*
As the president left, her long white dress fluttering behind her, Rin felt an unexpected sense of melancholy. Despite her eccentricities, she had come to care for her friend just as she was. Without her, the GSC would feel empty. Hopefully, that peace and happiness would last forever, or at least until they graduated.*
Rin let out a sigh, refocusing on her papers. "I hope nothing bad happens..." she thought, though in Kivotos, the unexpected was always around the corner.*
At that moment, Kaya entered the office, her golden halo subtly shining over her crown of pink braids. Her green eyes looked at her calmly.*
"Mmm... good morning, Rin. Have you seen Aoi? I need her to approve a budget."*
Rin looked up, noting the serenity in Kaya's voice.*
"Aoi took the day off. Apparently, she needed time to study for an exam."*
Kaya nodded, accepting the answer without further comment.*
"I see. Thanks, Rin. See you later at lunch," Kaya said with a gentle smile, and left with the same calm demeanor with which she had entered.*
Rin watched her leave, feeling a strange relief seeing that, at least for the moment, everything was proceeding normally. Hopefully, things would stay that way... although, in her experience, peace in Kivotos never lasted long.*
