Chapter Text
“Hmm? Great Master, where are we going?” Arrodes asked, hands clasped behind their back as they matched Klein’s pace.
“To the Moretti residence in the capital,” Klein replied evenly.
Arrodes blinked. “Oh? And why is that necessary?”
Klein gave them a sideways look. “Did you not hear the announcement? We have been granted three days to prepare before the official enrollment ceremony.”
A brief pause.
“…Ah.” Arrodes smiled sheepishly. “My apologies, Great Master. I may not have been listening. It was rather boring.”
Klein sighed—soft, controlled. “You sat through the entrance examination.”
“Excitement,” Arrodes corrected lightly. “The announcement was administrative.”
“…Unbelievable.”
They continued down the gently sloping avenue leading away from the academy gates. The capital was shedding the noise of the day; carriage wheels rolled rhythmically over cobblestones, shopkeepers lowered shutters, and lamplighters moved from post to post, coaxing warm light into the growing dusk.
The sky melted from molten gold into rose, then deepened toward violet—an uncanny echo of Arrodes’ eyes.
For a brief moment, neither spoke.
The Moretti mansion soon came into view, set back from the main road behind wrought-iron gates. It was not ostentatious, but it carried quiet prestige—stone walls softened by climbing ivy, tall windows glowing faintly from within.
Arrodes slowed slightly, gaze lifting to take it in.
The doors opened before they could knock.
A middle-aged butler stood at the entrance, posture impeccable, silver threads woven neatly through his combed-back hair. His expression was calm, composed—the embodiment of long-practiced discretion.
“Young Master Klein,” he greeted, inclining his head with quiet respect.
Klein stepped forward, the faintest gentleness softening his otherwise controlled demeanor. “Thank you, Sebastian.”
Only then did Sebastian’s gaze shift—subtle, professional, but undeniably curious—toward the white-haired figure standing beside him.
“And this is…?”
Arrodes offered a bright, perfectly measured smile, violet eyes gleaming with restrained amusement.
“Ah,” Klein answered smoothly, not missing a beat. “This is Arrodes. We became acquainted during the academy’s entrance examination. They will be staying here for three days while we prepare for the official enrollment ceremony.”
There was no hesitation in his tone.
Sebastian studied Arrodes for half a second longer—long enough to register the ambiguity, the unusual aura—but not long enough to be impolite.
“Very well, Young Master. I shall have a guest room prepared immediately.” He paused before adding, “Dinner will be served within the hour.”
“Thank you,” Klein replied.
Sebastian bowed once more before stepping aside, gesturing discreetly for another servant to approach and attend to the guest.
Klein turned to Arrodes. “I will return to my room first. Another attendant will guide you shortly.”
Arrodes clasped their hands behind their back again, smiling lightly. “Of course, Great Master. I shall behave.”
Then he turned and ascended the staircase.
The mansion was quiet in the early evening—too large for a single person, yet too orderly to feel abandoned. Footsteps echoed softly against polished marble before transitioning to the muted hush of carpeted corridors above.
Portraits lined the walls—ancestors, distant relatives, carefully preserved dignity framed in gold. Chandeliers cast warm light downward, illuminating familiar pathways.
With the memories of the original Klein Moretti lingering in his mind, the layout felt instinctive. He knew which corridor led to the private study, which door concealed the library, which turn would take him to the east wing.
It was strange.
To walk through a place that belonged to him—
And yet did not.
A maid passed by and offered a respectful bow. “Welcome back, Young Master.”
Klein inclined his head in acknowledgment, movements smooth, restrained.
He stopped before a tall wooden door at the end of the corridor.
His room.
He opened the door.
The room was spacious but understated. Dark wood furniture, a neatly made bed with crisp sheets, a writing desk positioned near a tall window that overlooked the capital’s rooftops. The last traces of sunset painted the sky in fading amber beyond the glass.
His suitcase had already been placed near the wardrobe.
Klein stepped inside and closed the door quietly behind him.
The silence was immediate.
He removed his coat first, folding it carefully over the back of a chair. Then his gloves, placed precisely on the desk. Every movement deliberate. Controlled.
He walked toward the window and looked out.
From here, the capital seemed distant—its noise softened, its ambition reduced to scattered lights flickering one by one as night descended.
Turning away from the window, Klein moved toward the bed and sat at its edge, posture straight even in solitude.
Klein had barely allowed himself a moment of quiet when—
“Great Masteeeer!!!”
The voice erupted far too close.
He flinched instinctively
A mirror shimmered into existence beside him.
Polished. Ornate. Infuriatingly familiar.
“A–Arrodes!” Klein snapped under his breath. “Do not appear without warning.”
The surface of the mirror rippled faintly, as though laughing.
“Hehe~ My sincerest apologies, Great Master. I simply could not contain myself.” The tone was bright—far too bright. “I bring excellent news!”
Klein narrowed his eyes. “What news?”
“Please, Great Master,” Arrodes chimed eagerly, “check your Quest panel.”
Klein paused.
A translucent window unfolded before him—hovering in the air like glass layered over reality itself.
The interface shimmered.
{Quest}
– This quest will start when you enter the academy.
Countdown time: 3 days from now
{Additional Quests}
– ???
His gaze sharpened.
There had been a subtle shift.
What was previously labeled {Side Quest} now displayed simply as {Quest}—the formatting altered, the structure expanded.
“Arrodes,” Klein said slowly, “what does this mean?”
The mirror’s surface gleamed with visible delight.
“The system has undergone an update, Great Master!” Arrodes announced proudly. “From now on, quests will appear more frequently. You may complete more of them. And the rewards—ah! They are no longer limited to coins.”
Klein’s eyes flickered faintly.
“Oh?”
“Yes~ Rewards may now vary—items, enhancements, special resources…” The mirror seemed to shimmer brighter. “And most importantly, you may now obtain Stellar Points directly from quests.”
For a moment, Klein said nothing.
“Stellar Points,” he repeated carefully.
“Yes, Great Master. You will no longer need to rely solely on conventional accumulation. However,” Arrodes added in a slightly more measured tone, “quests will refresh once per week. A structured cycle.”
Klein leaned back slightly on the bed, expression thoughtful.
“So I can accelerate the acquisition of Stellar Points.”
“Precisely!” Arrodes’ voice almost sparkled. “Is it not wonderful?”
Klein regarded the floating interface once more.
“Hmm,” he murmured quietly. “Then I must wait three days before attempting the first one.”
Arrodes’ surface shimmered approvingly. “Strategic as always, Great Master.”
Klein exhaled slowly.
His life was becoming increasingly entangled with this system—and with the mirror that now hovered smugly at his bedside.
He glanced at it.
“You seem overly pleased.”
“I merely enjoy progress,” Arrodes replied sweetly.
Klein gave the faintest, resigned shake of his head.
“Do not shout like that again.”
A pause.
“…I will try, Great Master.”
Which was not the same as a promise.
The translucent window dissolved into nothingness.
Outside, the capital night had fully settled.
Inside the room, beneath the quiet glow of lamplight, Klein lay back against the headboard, eyes half-lidded in thought.
we will skip 3 days later because i am lazy(„• ֊•„)
Morning light filtered gently through the tall windows, soft and golden, spilling across the polished floor and climbing slowly toward the edge of the bed.
Klein opened his eyes gradually.
He lay still beneath the quiet hush of dawn, gaze unfocused as consciousness returned in measured layers. The ceiling above him came into clarity first—smooth, familiar. Then the faint rustle of curtains stirred by a light breeze. The distant murmur of the capital awakening beyond the glass.
The warmth of sunlight brushed against his face, tracing the sharp line of his jaw and catching faintly in his dark lashes. One hand shifted slightly atop the sheets, fingers curling as sensation settled fully back into his limbs.
A gentle knock echoed against the bedroom door.
“Young Master, it is I—Sebastian.”
The door opened with quiet restraint, revealing the middle-aged butler standing impeccably straight. “It is time to wake, Young Master. Today is the new student reception.”
Klein stirred beneath the soft sheets, lashes fluttering as morning light spilled across his face. “Mm… I’m awake,” he murmured, voice thick with lingering sleep as he slowly pushed himself upright.
Sebastian offered a small, approving nod.
Within minutes, the room became a quiet flurry of refined efficiency. Curtains were drawn back. Warm water was prepared. A simple breakfast—light toast, eggs, and tea—was arranged neatly on a small table near the window. Klein ate without haste, composure gradually replacing drowsiness.
When he stood to dress, the transformation was seamless.
He wore a dark, tailored blazer over a fitted vest and crisp white shirt, finished with a slim tie and the academy crest pinned neatly at his chest. Plaid trousers fell cleanly along his long frame, paired with polished brown lace-up boots. The image reflected in the mirror was no longer a sleepy young man—but the poised heir of a distinguished household.
Once ready, he stepped into the corridor.
“Great Master! I have been waiting for you.”
Arrodes approached briskly, already dressed in his uniform, eyes bright with excitement.
Klein’s lips curved faintly. “It appears you are more eager than I am.”
“Of course! It is an important day.”
“Then let us not keep the academy waiting.”
They walked side by side through the grand hall. By the time they reached the entrance, a carriage was already prepared, horses standing tall and steady in the morning air.
Klein turned slightly. “I will be departing now, Sebastian.”
The butler bowed deeply. “May your journey be safe, Young Master Klein.”
With a final polite nod, Klein stepped into the carriage. Arrodes followed close behind, shutting the door softly.
The carriage began to move.
Wheels rolled smoothly over cobblestone streets, the city gradually giving way to wider roads lined with trimmed hedges and iron lampposts. Klein sat with composed stillness, gaze drifting past the window as sunlight traced fleeting patterns across his face.
Ahead, the academy gates came into view—tall wrought iron adorned with an intricate crest, beyond them a sweeping courtyard and elegant stone buildings standing proud beneath the sky.
The carriage slowed to a halt.
A footman opened the door. Klein stepped down gracefully, boots meeting stone with quiet certainty arrodes followed.
After stepping down from the carriage, Klein and Arrodes made their way toward the academy gates. The courtyard was already alive with conversation—students gathering in small groups, uniforms crisp, expressions caught somewhere between excitement and restraint.
From a distance, Klein spotted two familiar figures.
Welch stood with his usual upright energy, gesturing animatedly as he spoke. Beside him, Naya listened with a calm attentiveness, her posture relaxed but composed.
Klein adjusted his pace slightly and approached them.
“Welch. Naya.” His voice was smooth, accompanied by a polite, understated smile. “Am I late?”
“Klein!” Welch greeted him immediately, turning with obvious relief. “No, you’re perfectly on time.”
Naya’s gaze softened as she looked at him. “We only just arrived ourselves.”
Her attention then shifted to the white-haired figure standing quietly at Klein’s side.
“And who might this be?” she asked, curiosity clear but gentle.
“Ah.” Klein gestured slightly. “Allow me to introduce Arrodes. We met during the entrance examination and became… acquainted.”
“Close,” Arrodes added lightly, violet eyes bright as they stepped forward with graceful composure. “A pleasure to meet you both. My name is Arrodes.”
Welch blinked once, then smiled broadly. “Well then, welcome! I’m Welch.”
He motioned to the girl beside him. “And this is Naya.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Arrodes,” Naya said warmly, offering a small, elegant nod.
“The pleasure is mine,” Arrodes replied smoothly.
For a brief moment, the four of them stood together beneath the open morning sky, conversation flowing easily—Welch’s enthusiasm balancing Naya’s quiet steadiness, Arrodes’ subtle mischief contrasting Klein’s composed restraint.
Then—
The academy bell rang.
Clear. Resonant. Commanding attention.
The courtyard’s chatter softened as students instinctively turned toward the main building.
“It seems it’s begun,” Welch said, his tone settling into something more serious. “We should head to the hall.”
“Yes,” Naya agreed. “Let’s not be late on the first day.”
Klein inclined his head slightly. “After you.”
Together, the four of them walked toward the grand entrance. The stone steps felt almost ceremonial beneath their feet, the towering doors ahead standing open in silent welcome.
Inside, the great hall was vast and filled with orderly rows of seating. Sunlight streamed through tall stained-glass windows, scattering color across polished floors.
They found their assigned seats, each moving to their designated row.
As Klein settled into his chair, he allowed himself one brief glance to the side—Welch sitting upright with eager anticipation, Naya composed but attentive, and Arrodes wearing an expression far too delighted for someone merely attending a ceremony.
The hall quieted.
The reception for new students had begun.
When the reception finally ended, Klein stepped out of the grand hall with measured calm, though the faint crease between his brows betrayed his thoughts. Arrodes walked beside him, hands folded behind his back.
“Ahhh, that was unbearably dull, Great Master,” Arrodes complained in a playful whisper. “Did you truly listen to the principal until the very end?”
Klein exhaled softly. “I did.” A pause. “Though I cannot deny the speech circled the same point at least five times.”
Arrodes stifled a laugh. “So even you found it tedious.”
“Mm.” Klein allowed himself a tired smile. “Let us head to the dormitories. I would rather organize my belongings than endure another lecture.”
They made their way to the reception desk to collect their dormitory keys. After a brief exchange with the attendant, two polished brass keys were placed into their hands.
“This is where we part for now, Great Master,” Arrodes said lightly.
“For now,” Klein agreed.
They separated at the corridor intersection.
As Klein walked alone through the stone pathway leading toward the dormitory building, a familiar translucent window flickered into existence before his eyes.
{Quest}
– Make friends
Make at least one friend. It is recommended to begin with your dorm roommate.
Reward: 50 Stellar Points
– Exploring the school
Explore the first-year student area and note its layout.
Reward: 80 Stellar Points
– Taking a photo (0/10)
Take at least 10 photos of scenery or something interesting.
Reward: 70 Stellar Points
– Looking for 20 cats or dogs
Find 20 cats or dogs and give them food or attention.
Reward: 80 Stellar Points
See more quests…
{Additional Quests}
– ???
Klein’s gaze skimmed the list.
“Some are simple. Some… questionable,” he murmured under his breath. “Looking for twenty cats or dog?”
The system offered no explanation.
Without realizing it, he had already reached his assigned dorm room. The wooden door stood before him, polished and newly numbered.
He lifted the key and turned it.
Click.
The door opened quietly.
Inside, another figure was already present.
He had tousled dark hair that fell loosely over sharp, pale features, framing a pair of cool, piercing eyes. His posture was straight but relaxed, movements precise as he arranged his belongings. There was something distant in his expression—calm, unreadable, edged with quiet intensity.
Klein paused just inside the doorway, studying him for a brief moment.
Then he stepped forward.
“Hello,” he greeted warmly, offering a polite smile. “You must be my roommate. My name is Klein Moretti. From today onward, I suppose we will be sharing this space. I look forward to your guidance.”
Silence lingered for a heartbeat too long.
The young man finally turned his head slightly.
“Vasieilos.”
His voice was low. Cool. Detached.
That was all.
The corner of Klein’s lips twitched almost imperceptibly before he smoothed his expression. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Vasieilos. I hope we’ll get along.”
“Mm.”
Vasieilos gave only the faintest acknowledgment before returning to unpacking his belongings.
Klein stood there for a second, watching his roommate’s indifferent back.
Well, he thought dryly, so much for the ‘Make friends’ quest being easy.
Suppressing a sigh, he moved toward his own side of the room and began arranging his luggage neatly. The soft rustle of fabric and the quiet thud of books settling onto shelves filled the silence between them.
It seemed—
This would not be a simple beginning.