Chapter 224 – Conception (3)

I finished showering first.

“So, among all the messages that came in, you’re saying one was from the former academy director?”

I asked while drying my still-wet hair. It seemed Vixbig had organized what it wanted to say while I was in the shower, because it suddenly started speaking all at once.

[Yes. I checked it several times and it’s confirmed. It was a missed call registered from the former director’s number.]

“I see who the sender was. But who exactly is this former director?”

[You don’t know who the former director is…? That famous figure? Have you been living in another world? Vixbig is deeply shocked!]

Its disbelief showed in every word. Though, in this situation, I was the one most confused.

‘How famous could they be to treat me like an alien just for not knowing them?’

Well, technically, I had come from another world, so I couldn’t really complain.

‘But if they were so famous, why were they never mentioned in the game?’

It was strange. When I was a player, there was plenty of information about the current director, Media.

After the war began, Media was remembered as the greatest director for her sacrifice in protecting the students.

There were even times when communities were flooded with topics about her. Ridiculous posts like “Even at over seventy, Media is still incredible.”

‘Though that was really over-the-top.’

Anyway, a popular figure like Media was at least known. But about the former director, there wasn’t a single reference in the game.

From a player’s perspective like mine, that could only mean they weren’t relevant.

[Vixbig can’t believe you don’t know. I even joined her fan club!]

So it wasn’t that I lacked knowledge. It was just that Vixbig was an over-the-top fan of the former director.

Now that I thought about it, it was suspicious.

Not even an AI can instantly recognize a phone number unless it already has it saved.

It all fit. I gave a bitter smile.

‘I should’ve noticed sooner.’

I sat on the window ledge, feeling the night wind move through my hair.

There’s definitely no better hairdryer than natural wind.

“Setting aside why the former director contacted me, explain who she is.”

The fact that she contacted me was surprising, but not that shocking.

My call logs included politicians and famous entrepreneurs. It made sense, since I was now a Seven Stars hero.

Even the President of the United States sent me greetings three times a day. So a message from the former academy director wasn’t a big deal.

‘Though it was unexpected.’

Then Vixbig suddenly laid it all out, like a broken record.

[The name of the former director is Meain Poison. Her nickname is “Meain of the Strength of Ten Thousand.” She earned that name because it was said she possessed the strength of ten thousand heroes. Among current heroes, there’s no one who can surpass her in power.]

“Poison…? Is she related to the current director?”

[That’s right. They’re twin sisters. Meain is the older sister.]

Twins — that was surprising. The Poison family was something else, producing two academy directors.

And as I thought that, Vixbig continued, excited.

[And not only was she physically strong! She was also tremendously intelligent! She was director of Joaquin Academy, which proves her intellectual capacity. She was, in short, an almost perfect heroine.]

“I’ve got a question. If she was so strong, why isn’t she one of the Seven Stars? From what you’re saying, she seems even stronger than the Sword Master.”

[First, answering the latter — yes, Meain is stronger than the Sword Master. Even if it’s just a rumor, he himself acknowledged it. It’s not that the difference in power is huge — maybe just a single blow’s worth.]

“How can that be? The Sword Master was considered the strongest of humanity.”

Vixbig smiled — or at least, it seemed like that to me.

[That connects to the first question. Why isn’t such a powerful heroine part of the Seven Stars? Why doesn’t she claim the title of strongest? Well, the reason is simple…]

It paused dramatically, like at the end of a speech.

[Because she’s the embodiment of “I can’t be bothered”! ‘Everything’s a hassle, so I’ll just step away from the world.’ Ah, so romantic! After hearing that, Vixbig also tries to follow her example.]

“…….”

My neck hurt from sheer disbelief. So when the Corps Commanders attacked, and everyone was fighting, she just didn’t join in because she couldn’t be bothered?

A heroine stronger than the Sword Master?

‘Now that I think about it, when Media told me why she became academy director…’

It turns out it was because her sister, the former director, simply washed her hands of the matter.

I thought it was a joke. But it was real.

Once again, I was reminded that in this world, hardly anyone is “normal.”

Even the artificial intelligence was halfway twisted.

The fact that an AI like Vixbig idolized someone for their laziness was worrisome. I should consider getting it checked.

Maybe I should talk to Ryozo about formatting it.

Apparently, Vixbig picked up on my thoughts, because it quickly said—

[N-no, no! When working for humanity, I’m a very diligent AI! My admiration for Meain isn’t for her laziness, but for her great legacy at the academy!]

How quick to sense danger. This AI definitely seemed even more dangerous now.

“In any case, without me saying anything, you sent a message to the former director, didn’t you?”

[S-sorry.]

Pressing my temples, I asked.

“Don’t panic. What did you write?”

[Something like… ‘It is an honor to receive a message from the honorable Meain Poison. It would be a pleasure to respond if you’re willing to continue the conversation.’]

“In summary.”

[‘Please reply to this message.’]

“Did she respond?”

[Until a moment ago, no…]

Ring~

[…But she just now sent a reply.]

What ridiculous timing.

“What did she say?”

[She wants to meet you in person to talk about the new special class. She says to wait — that she’ll come.]

“How the hell did she find out we’re creating a special class? Has the news already leaked?”

[Impossible. I have full control over recording devices and no leak has been detected. Besides, everyone involved is keeping it strictly confidential.]

“Then how the hell did someone that old find out?”

[She doesn’t say… but there’s a postscript.]

“Read it.”

[P.S.: Please, when we meet, don’t bring sashimi from Daiso.]

Vixbig delivered the message in a solemn tone.

[Respectfully, Meain Poison.]

***

A week passed.

A chaotic week, to the point that what happened in Hawaii now felt like a midsummer night’s dream. There was no better expression than “not even having time to blink.”

During the day I attended every class without fail. When the sun went down, I dedicated myself to resolving the official matters that had piled up.

And besides, there were four days left until the creation of the new Special Class. Ah, right. Today’s almost over, so actually there are only three.

“I’m so busy I’ve even lost track of time.”

Fortunately, when it came to studies, official work, and the founding of the new class, I had assistants for each task.

For my studies, I had Ryozo. After class, she gave me private tutoring.

‘What if I take it a bit easier?’

That thought was immediately rejected by Ryozo with cutting coldness. She said that the higher you climb, the more knowledge you must have.

Wisdom is born of knowledge, she claimed.

I had no arguments to refute her. So, without complaining, I also dedicated myself to studying diligently.

‘For Blessing Specialization Theory and History, you only need to memorize the period between year 563 and 741. The questions will only come from that.’

‘You mean they’ll definitely be from there, not just probably?’

Ryozo would lightly tap her temple with the eraser of her pencil.

‘I memorized all the exam questions from the last twenty years. That’s how you spot the patterns what comes up and what doesn’t.’

Damn it. That way she pointed out only the essentials and dismissed everything unnecessary. A thoughtful gesture, knowing I didn’t have time to spare.

‘Studying just to pass isn’t ideal, but it’s still necessary. The questions are written by Joaquin Academy’s own professors. It’s not about guessing a multiple choice — you have to write. This will be useful when you fulfill your duties as one of the Seven Stars.’

As for the official work of the Seven Stars, I was helped by Vixbig.

An artificial intelligence that boasted about being lazy, but when given an order, carried it out diligently.

‘Beep beep– I, Vixbig, declare a strike for today!’

On days when she complained particularly loudly, I’d simply swing a sword nearby.

Then, without saying another word, she’d process document after document.

‘Huff, my life…’

Even if her ideology was questionable, thanks to her the paperwork didn’t pile up into an impossible mountain.

The creation of the special class was Speedweapon’s responsibility.

Not only did he do what was asked, he also added his own ideas to the reports he sent me. Speedweapon was especially motivated with this project.

‘W-well… I mean, sir Heavenly Sword! Here’s the situation report!’

‘Can’t you just keep calling me “President” like before? It’s really uncomfortable for me.’

‘A-ah, okay… okay.’

Like that, all I had to do was receive perfect reports and sign them.

My only role was that of the approver.

Inside the file the academy director had assigned to me for handling these matters…

“Haaah…”

I collapsed, exhausted, on the desk. Once again, I felt deep gratitude toward Ryozo, Speedweapon, and Vixbig. Without them, I wouldn’t even be able to lie here like this.

After lying around like a zombie, I picked up the pen again.

They could handle the process, but approving the decisions was still my responsibility.

That’s why the workload was still immense.

And it wasn’t a metaphor — there was literally a mountain of papers on the desk.

I let out a sarcastic laugh.

Now I understood why Media had wanted to resign from the director position so quickly.

Her deep dark circles, impossible to hide even with makeup, now also reflected beneath my eyes.

My right hand, blistered, moved the feather pen gently.

The pen fluttered softly.

‘I always thought feather pens were just for show, but no. They’re actually practical and lightweight.’

Darkness fell like black ink. Moonlight filtered in through the window. The stars dissolved like dust in the deep sky.

Only the scratchy sound of paper tearing through the silence of the night.

Knock, knock.

A knock was heard at the door.

Without taking my eyes off the documents, I answered.

“Come in.”

The only ones who could be coming to see me at this hour were Speedweapon or some staff from the association.

As if responding to my call, the door slowly opened.

Creak.

I glanced sideways.

At that moment, the pen spinning in my hand stopped.

A completely unexpected person entered the room.