Morning sunlight spilled across the capital as the royal carriage—
no, not a carriage…
a moving fortress of luxury and overkill—
waited in the palace courtyard.
Sohag stood there, clutching the strap of his small bag.
A very small bag.
A bag barely big enough to fit two shirts and some snacks.
Because he didn't pack anything.
Because he didn't want to go.
He whispered:
"…Maybe if I run away now—"
Aethria appeared behind him silently, arms slipping around his waist.
"Try it," she whispered into his ear, "and I'll tie you up and carry you there myself."
Sohag froze.
Velra materialized on his other side, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Don't worry, you'll like it~ The academy has lots of places to hide."
Seraphiel floated down with a gentle smile. "Lord Sohag, I prepared a blessed schedule to reduce stress."
Elowyn giggled softly. "And I packed calming tea!"
Dracarys cracked her knuckles. "I packed intimidation."
Freya swung her sword over her shoulder. "And I plan to use it."
Aria adjusted her glasses. "I reviewed the academic layout and prepared a list of threats."
Lyriana stepped forward, carrying a star-patterned parasol. "I prepared your favorite snacks in starlight containers."
Elyndra, radiant in holy glow, bowed elegantly. "I will cleanse all impurity that approaches you."
Sohag:
"…I feel more stressed now."
---
The Carriage That Should Not Exist
The Emperor proudly motioned to the transport.
"Behold! The Imperial Academy Escort Carriage!"
It was insane.
Bigger than a mansion.
Armored with mythril.
Inscribed with elven protection runes.
Powered by dragonfire reactors.
Shielded by celestial barriers.
And blessed by the church.
It even had:
a living room
a library
a training hall
a bathhouse
nine bedrooms
a room just for Sohag's snacks
Aria whispered: "Father overdid it."
Freya slapped her back. "He's panicking."
The Emperor trembled.
"Yes! Of course I'm panicking!
My son is going to an academy with NINE S+ RANK FEMALES!
AND THREE MORE ON THE WAY!
WHAT KIND OF FATHER WOULD BE CALM!?"
Sohag patted him awkwardly. "…I'll try not to cause anything."
Everyone stared at him like:
Impossible.
---
The Send-Off
As the enormous carriage prepared to depart:
nobles gathered
crowds cheered
priests prayed
scholars took notes
fangirls screamed
fanboys cried
merchants sold Sohag plushies
poets fainted
Sohag hid behind Aethria, overwhelmed.
The Queen hugged him tightly.
"My sweet boy… do not let anyone take advantage of you."
Freya muttered: "Too late."
Aria nodded. "Far too late."
The Emperor placed a trembling hand on Sohag's shoulder.
"Son… If anything crazy happens…
please send a letter."
Sohag gave him a flat look.
"…Father. Something crazy happens every day."
The Emperor burst into tears.
"I KNOW!!!"
---
Inside the Carriage
Once they departed, Sohag sat stiffly on the main sofa, surrounded by nine women.
Aethria naturally sat right beside him—practically glued to his side.
Velra flopped into his lap.
Seraphiel placed a calming hand on his shoulder.
Elowyn handed him tea.
Dracarys tossed him warm roasted nuts.
Freya sharpened her sword across the room.
Aria took notes while watching him from a distance.
Lyriana hummed softly while adjusting his hair.
Elyndra knelt on the floor like a holy guardian.
Sohag:
"…I'm suffocating."
Aethria hugged him tighter. "Get used to it."
Velra winked. "Or enjoy it."
Elowyn smiled. "It's our duty to care for you."
Dracarys laughed. "And to scare anyone else."
Freya cracked her knuckles. "Especially men."
Aria added calmly: "Or suspicious women."
Lyriana giggled. "I shall hex all rivals."
Elyndra bowed. "I will purify them."
Seraphiel sighed. "…Let's try not to kill anyone."
The carriage shook suddenly.
Sohag jumped.
"…What was that?!"
Aria checked the mana barrier. "A bird hit the shield."
Freya snickered. "Birds can't handle our presence."
Velra: "We're too hot."
Aethria: "They should die."
Sohag: "…Please don't kill the birds."
---
The First Sign of Trouble
Hours passed peacefully.
Until—
BOOM
The carriage jolted so hard Sohag fell directly into Aethria's arms.
She smiled lovingly while glaring at the wall.
"…Who dares?"
Freya stood instantly. "Bandits?"
Aria narrowed her eyes. "No. Too strong."
Dracarys peered through the window. "Huh… looks like a magical blast."
Elowyn gasped. "Oh no…"
Seraphiel floated upward. "Something powerful is approaching."
Lyriana's eyes glowed with starlight. "It is… fate."
Elyndra started channeling holy light. "One of them is coming."
Sohag flinched.
"One… of them?"
Aethria pressed his head to her chest and whispered:
"Yes, Master.
One of the last three."
Velra licked her lips.
"Looks like we're meeting number ten."
---
A New Girl Appears
Outside, the dust settled.
A figure emerged.
Tall.
Graceful.
Wrapped in enchanted armor.
Long silver hair flowed behind her like a comet's tail.
Her eyes—violet, sharp, regal—locked directly onto the carriage.
Sohag felt her gaze.
It felt like lightning and destiny wrapped together.
She raised her sword—
a divine weapon that hummed with cosmic harmony.
And declared loudly:
"I have come to challenge the Successor of the Primordial!"
The carriage went silent.
Sohag whispered:
"…Why me."
Aethria smirked.
"Because you're irresistible."
--