As the orientation ended, students rose from their seats, gradually scattering toward the exits. Zara stood and followed the crowd toward the hall's doors.
Just as she reached the lounge, a familiar voice called out from behind.
Turning around, she saw Mia jogging toward her, one hand raised high.
"Heh, I almost lost you when you slipped out just now!"
Zara raised an eyebrow as Mia caught up. "What is it? Something important… or another one of those boring teacher speeches?"
"No, nothing like that! I just want you to meet a new friend I made."
Zara's expression turned skeptical. "A new friend?"
Mia grinned and grabbed Zara's hand, dragging her toward a quieter corner of the lounge. There stood a girl so striking, she seemed to shimmer under the soft lighting.
She had long silver hair that flowed like silk, and matching silver eyes—calm, unreadable, and faintly amused. Her hands were folded neatly in front of her. Instead of the standard girls' uniform, she wore the boys' version: tailored blue pants, a fitted coat, and a crisp white shirt beneath. A slender sword rested at her hip, its hilt ornate but practical.
Mia beamed, practically bouncing on her heels. "Zara, meet Elira. Elira, this is Zara."
Elira's gaze locked onto Zara. There was something behind those silver eyes—like she was sizing her up in a way that was both curious and cryptic.
"Nice to meet you, Zara," Elira said, her voice smooth and cool, laced with quiet confidence. She gave a small nod, her posture relaxed yet regal.
Zara held her gaze. Her heart suddenly sped up for no good reason, but she kept her face neutral. "Nice to meet you too."
She glanced at the sword. "You want to be a knight, huh? That's pretty cool."
Elira nodded, smiling faintly. "Yeah. I want to become a knight. A proud knight of House Haldrin—just like my father."
At the mention of Haldrin, Zara's expression faltered for a split second.
What the hell…? Why am I meeting game characters this early?Wasn't this girl supposed to become the strongest knight in history by the end of the game?
She suppressed a groan. Don't tell me I'll also run into that annoying male lead from Lira's memories…
As their meeting ended, Zara walked back toward her dorm, muttering, "Ugh, I have to wake up early tomorrow…" The mere thought made her let out a long, exhausted sigh.
The moment she stepped into her room, she didn't waste a second—she threw herself onto the bed and passed out instantly.
[Ding! Host, your sign-in time has reset. Wake up! Wake up!]
Fluff's chirpy voice rang out at full volume next to her ear.
"Ugh…" Zara groaned, blindly swinging a pillow at the floating ball of fluff.
[Ahh!]
Fluff nimbly dodged in midair. Instead of hitting her target, Zara smacked herself in the face with the pillow and let out another muffled groan.
She sat up, yawning as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Fluff floated over and perched on her shoulder the moment she was upright.
[Host! The sign-in has reset. Would you like to use it now, or preserve it for later?]
Zara blinked, still half-asleep. "What do you think, Fluff? Should I use it or wait?"
[Host! I recommend using it. You're weak right now—and you need strength as soon as possible.]
Zara suddenly froze. Her entire body went stiff as the color drained from her face.
Wait… isn't today the day the demons invade and launch their first attack?
Her heart dropped like a stone. The drowsiness vanished instantly—replaced by a creeping sense of urgency.