Chapter 109
The campus of Moonlit Forest was much larger than I had imagined. Amber had initially thought that even a so-called elite school would be limited by the constraints of land use, resulting in a huge gap between its size and its decor. However, after walking around for a while, I found that the school was two or three times larger than Shiori Raizen High School.
Raizen High School is no small school.
"The area was indeed not as large as it is now. What you see now is the expanded campus. For this purpose, the government demolished nearby residential buildings, after all, to make room for the Valkyrie's studies."
Yashio Rui explained.
The campus was large, but the three of them didn't explore it in detail. They simply walked around the main road and gave a brief introduction to the purpose of each building and area.
Twenty minutes later, the two were taken to the Valkyrie major's teaching building.
The teachers who greeted the three were naturally Valkyrie. However, most of the Valkyrie who came to the school to teach were excellent in theoretical knowledge but lacked physical fitness. Schicksal had only been established for a few years, so there was no such thing as a retired Valkyrie.
"Kiana and Mei, welcome! I've been waiting for you for a long time. Also, thank you, Yashio, for bringing them here."
Standing in front of the three was a woman with flaxen hair in a ponytail, who looked to be about twenty-five years old. She seemed to have just passed the Valkyrie test not long ago. Judging from her appearance alone, she did not really resemble a teacher or instructor.
"Are you our teacher?"
Amber looked confused.
"That's true, so please don't give me that 'I'm not as good as you' look..."
Seemingly anticipating this situation, the flaxen-haired Valkyrie, though embarrassed, didn't stop talking. "After all, Moonlit Forest is a mix of high school and junior high... there won't be any powerful seniors coming over... junior and high school students are still in the period of physical development and cannot undergo high-intensity training. They are not adults and cannot go out for internships. Only in university will the Valkyrie major become formal."
"Excuse me, teacher, Kiana meant no harm."
The black-haired girl spoke up in support.
"Aha... I just blurted it out! I'm so sorry... please don't take it to heart, teacher!"
Amber quickly tried to salvage the situation.
"It's okay. On the other hand, both Kiana and Mei are already more powerful than me, their teacher, even without having undergone Stigmata imprinting."
The Valkyrie Flax wasn't petty at all. Having just graduated, she hadn't yet picked up the stereotypes of working professionals and was more like a senior student than a teacher.
"Oh right! I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Ando Kazu, you can just call me Ando- sensei."
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Ando."
"It doesn't seem very reliable."
Kiana? (Slightly annoyed)
"Just kidding..."
Seeing that there were no problems with the interaction between the teachers and students, Yashio Rui checked the time and then said goodbye, "Now that the three of you have met, I will take my leave first. Kiana and Raiden, if you have any questions or inconveniences, you can Student Council to find me at noon or after school."
Despite being the same age as her, her meticulous demeanor and decisive speech left a deep impression on Amber.
She's practically the perfect, universally adored Student Council character from yuri stories.
But considering that the other person is only a first-year high school student, they are still far from becoming the Student Council.
"Okay, let's go to the classroom first."
Watching Yashio Rui's departing figure, Ando Kazu said to the two of them.
Although the Valkyrie major has become widespread in Japan, it has only been implemented for a little over three years. Moonlit Forest is even slower to implement it. Despite the large area of Valkyrie major, it is actually very empty. There are only 900 people in the tall teaching building, and there are not even any third-year students. They are all first-year students who enrolled this year and second-year students who enrolled last year.
The two followed Ando Kazu's footsteps to the front of the class she led, and then gave a very routine self-introduction.
Compared to the atmosphere of the young ladies outside, Amber finally felt 'normal' now. There were no excessive formalities or etiquette. Although the classmates who had watched the video were incredulous and admiring of the two's achievements, their admiration was limited to their strength.
Of course, this is not to put down the rich girls. Their social circles dictate that they have to consider more things and regulate their words and actions. But in terms of physical interaction, Amber still prefers this kind of ordinary atmosphere.
"Kiana, how come you can kick such a big monster away with one kick and smash its head in one go?"
"I saw in the video that Kiana was originally buying musical instruments, but she immediately started a rescue operation after the incident! Why was Kiana so brave at that time?"
"Have Raiden and Kiana known each other for a long time? I saw lightning flashing from Raiden's sword in the video, was that a special effect? Is it some kind of special weapon?"
"Why are Kiana and Raiden so strong even though they haven't done Stigmata Imprinting? I get out of breath after running two thousand meters..."
"Could it be that besides being Valkyrie, you are actually hidden Magical Girl?"
Compared to the family backgrounds that the young ladies were interested in, the students here were mainly curious about the two men's abilities. These questions, full of youthful innocence and straightforwardness, were much easier to handle than the veiled questions from the young ladies.
Even so... Amber still wasn't quite used to this overly enthusiastic atmosphere.
However, considering Kiana's character, Amber still put on a silly yet smug smile, clearly pleased with being the center of attention.
"I don't know why I'm so powerful, but my dad said that we Kaslana are the shield protecting the people, and I've already destroyed monsters when I was little! So I don't feel afraid of any monsters!"
The girls didn't understand why Kaslana was the shield of the people, but they knew it was the surname of the white-haired girl. When they heard that she had been fighting monsters since she was a child, they were immediately filled with curiosity about her past.
At the same time, I also felt respect for the white-haired girl who had such awareness.
You've been protecting others since you were a child, so it's no wonder you have such strength. The military has such powerful capabilities, so you should have them!
The black-haired girl smiled as she answered the questions about her relationship with the white-haired girl, albeit with some embellishment. However, when she heard about the lightning strike, her expression visibly froze. Although she quickly recovered and vaguely brushed it off, it was still enough to draw attention.
However, no one pressed for details, and everyone considerately skipped the question.
The two only returned to peace after the teacher entered the classroom with the ringing of the bell.
Meanwhile, the first team to enter the Otherworld has already assembled in Tokyo, Japan.
Chapter Thirteen: Otherworld.
At a base on the outskirts of Tokyo, hundreds of men, women, and children dressed in various styles stood in a wide square, looking at the surrounding scene with different expressions.
Just two days ago, this place was nothing but a barren grassland. In just two days, such a huge base has been built. The so-called Manifestation Device of Schicksal truly has a power that is almost divine.
Unfortunately, Schicksal never reveals the core technology of the Manifestation Device. Even the devices provided to various countries are small ones, which can only cover an area of about 100 square meters in Imaginary Domain.
It sounds like 100 square meters, isn't that pretty big and impressive?
However, its power is pitifully small. Although it is a heaven-defying device in the hands of the Schicksal that can arbitrarily modify the laws of physics, it takes one or two days of calculation for other countries to modify the mass of an item.
Not to mention that the technology that Schicksal discovered and even traveled to Otherworld this time was also thanks to the Manifestation Device. This miraculous thing has made countries rack their brains to obtain it. They have tried everything, from intimidation to enticement, but to no avail. This is not only because all attacks are futile in the face of the Imaginary Domain generated by the Manifestation Device, but more importantly... Theresa Apocalypse, the Bishop of Schicksal who looks like a little girl, is not an ordinary person.
The Valkyrie each possess physical attributes that are difficult for ordinary people to comprehend. The essence of these attributes lies in the Stigmata technology, which is also an undisclosed technology. As Schicksal originator of this technology, Schicksal's bishop Theresa possesses the most monstrous physique that is difficult for Human Order. Although her limits are unknown, before the Manifestation Device is deciphered by the technology, Schicksal is undoubtedly the most unshakeable force in the world.
"Ms. Theresa, are you ready?"
As the white-haired girl in a navy blue, religious-style dress walked out of the control room, America Reiner approached and inquired.
"Yes, everything is ready. Just wait here and the 'door' will open. Don't worry, just follow behind me."
Although the white-haired girl had a youthful face, the dignity and seriousness she exuded made up for it.
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Images are provided here; please view them after updating the version.
Perhaps.
"Ms. Theresa ...forgive my bluntness, but it seems unnecessary for you to come with us and take this risk."
Reiner's face clearly showed his disagreement. "As the first exploration team, our lives are not guaranteed at all. What will happen in the other world, what dangers we will encounter, is completely unpredictable at this point."
"What, are you underestimating me?"
Upon hearing this, Theresa's eyebrows immediately furrowed. Her arms crossed, combined with the enormous and somewhat exaggerated cross behind her, did indeed look rather intimidating.
Reiner smiled wryly and said, "Of course not. There's an old saying in Shenzhou that goes, 'Leaders don't go to the battlefield.' You know how big Schicksal Destiny is and how delicate its current situation is. If we die, it's just us who die, but if something happens to you, it will affect the whole world."
Seeing that he meant it, Theresa's expression relaxed a lot, but she still said, "I know that my position no longer allows me to act recklessly, so my decision is not a spur-of-the-moment thing, but a risky attempt after making choices."
"We don't need to be reckless."
Being reckless isn't necessarily bad; when there's no other option, it might yield a greater reward than proceeding cautiously. However, Reiner doesn't think now is the time to be reckless.
"Let me say it again, Colonel, right now our understanding of the Otherworld is absolutely nothing."
Theresa shook her head, disagreeing with him. "From our perspective, things may seem calm now, but when something unusual starts to happen, it could already be an uncontrollable disaster."
Everyone understands that if you see one cockroach, you already have a whole nest of cockroaches.
Reiner sighed and said nothing more.
Before long, a colorful 'door' unfolded not far in front of them. Thirty Valkyrie, dressed in outdoor combat uniforms and White Comet Armor underneath, gathered around Theresa and escorted Theresa toward the 'door'. Other physicists, geologists, field experts, and teams from various countries followed behind the Valkyrie.
After a strange sensation, as if their bodies had pierced through a thin membrane, everyone set foot on the land of this Otherworld.
"This is... Otherworld?"
Everyone looked around. This was a high ground surrounded by lush vegetation. Looking into the distance, they could see a small village. Judging from its style, it should be a medieval European wooden house. In the center of the village was a building made of white bricks, which was clearly in the style of Church.
Judging from the architectural style... the culture should be similar to that of Earth, but there are significant differences in the era.
That being said, the example of Magical Girl shows that a world's military strength is not solely determined by technology. Before Magical Mascot came to this world, who would have thought of True Magic?
Furthermore, the fact that someone has been concealing the existence of this Otherworld and erasing its aura from Earth proves that this world is definitely not a proper medieval period. In fact, we cannot even be sure that this is the medieval era, since there are villages on Earth that still retain their original architecture.
After drawing a preliminary conclusion, everyone looked at their own attire.
"Let's use the terminology used by foreign businessmen."
Theresa offered a suggestion. "Since there is Church, we can learn about the world through the Church."
Reiner glanced at the closed 'door' behind him, and subconsciously touched the cylindrical object tucked at his waist that resembled an unactivated lightsaber. "Should we secure an escape route first?"
This is a portable Manifestation Device that everyone has, with only one function: to open a door back to Earth.
Theresa took out the extra one she had brought, then pressed the start button on it, and a door wide enough for two people to pass through side by side opened in front of her.
"No problem, but to reiterate one last time, this 'key' is bound to the fingerprint of your right thumb. There is a high-temperature patch above the start button, which is also triggered by the fingerprint. After pressing for two seconds, it will quickly release energy to create high temperature, burning the internal structure and destroying the fingerprint along with it. If things get really bad, please use this function and don't let this danger be brought back to our world."
Theresa said with a serious expression.
"Yes!" ×N.
After explaining the precautions and deciding on the direction to move forward, everyone stopped and headed towards the distant village.
Chapter Fourteen: Theresa Apocalypse.
"Is this the town in Otherworld? It doesn't seem any different from the medieval world..."
"At least in terms of environment, it is much better than the Middle Ages. The roads are paved with stone bricks and there is not much dirt on them."
"The architectural style... looks like French architecture, but the people here are not dressed in medieval style. Instead, they have a lot of Renaissance style, and even some modern style."
"The number of pedestrians on the streets and the amount of goods on the stalls clearly indicate that this is a relatively prosperous town..."
Teams from various countries kept a close record of what they saw and learned, looking around as they went. If they could stop and observe their surroundings more closely, they would have loved to.
They weren't the only ones observing with curiosity; the indigenous people were also watching the group closely. Compared to the local indigenous people, the modern clothing was obviously too conspicuous. The only person who could make them feel a sense of familiarity was Theresa, who was walking at the front.
Although they had never seen the style before, there were still faint traces of religious clothing in Theresa's clothes, but they couldn't see anything more specific.
The Church is very conspicuous in the town, being the only white and tall building. Church roof can be seen from any corner of the town, which shows that the church has considerable influence in the world.
"Ms. Theresa... aren't you going to change your clothes?"
Reiner was somewhat worried.
Faith conflicts in the Middle Ages were fierce, and it was common for different sects to fight each other, especially if the faith here had developed in a completely different way from their own...
"Don't worry, I don't feel any danger here. Besides... although we should be careful, if we're going to surrender to everything, we might as well just raise our hands and surrender."
Theresa glared at him.
"Ah..."
Reiner belatedly realized his offense.
No matter what, Theresa is a top figure in her own world. For her to come here and avoid us without doing anything is clearly an insult to her.
The Valkyrie didn't look too pleased with Reiner's expression either. After a few awkward laughs, Reiner obediently retreated to the back and stopped offering his opinions.
A group of about a hundred people arrived in the town and headed straight for the Church, which was no small matter. Someone had already informed the priest of the Church and mentioned that the white-haired girl leading the group was dressed in a very religious manner.
Therefore, as we approached the Church entrance, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a kind face greeted us with a smile, "Welcome, travelers from afar. May the Lord protect you."
"Hello, Father."
As the person of the highest status present, Theresa naturally took over the conversation.
Her words and tone did not reflect the attitude one would expect from an elder, leading the middle-aged man to speculate, but he did not say much. Instead, he said, "Hello, madam, I am Carpop. God unconditionally welcomes all visitors, but at this moment the Church does not have enough space to accommodate everyone. I hope you will find another place to accommodate your followers."
The priest seemed to have some misunderstanding about the Valkyrie's surrounding and respectful manner, but it was nothing serious.