Chapter 246: Exchange Program I
The shift from a Field Trip to an Exchange Program for our year marked a significant departure from the novel's path—a path I could no longer count on to predict events as cleanly. My own actions had sent ripples far and wide, subtle changes stacking into monumental deviations. Magnus Draykar's presence at the Academy, my place as Rank 1, and the enhanced strength of every Class A student were only a few of the countless alterations. Each of these shifts, like stones cast into still water, created waves that now reshaped the very world we lived in.
This new exchange program, then, was another stone, and my pulse quickened with the realization of what lay ahead.
Starcrest Academy, located in the Eastern continent, was nestled perilously close to the heart of the Red Chalice cult and the hidden city of vampires—both forces lurking beneath the surface, right under the continent's nose. Their influence there was vast and deeply entrenched. It was no coincidence that when the Vampire Monarch reawakened, his power eclipsing even Magnus Draykar's, the Eastern continent had crumbled swiftly.
The mightiest defenders of the East clashed with the vampires and, ultimately, fell before them, leading to a staggering toll. Though the Eastern continent's reach was broad, with its strength spread across its territories, the swift and brutal losses from that first assault left an indelible scar.
In those dark days, even Starcrest Academy, proud and storied, had been swept away in the chaos, caught in the relentless advance of the Red Chalice and the vampire horde.
And now, we would be walking straight into that very territory.
For now, the threat of the Vampire Monarch was contained—his full strength still out of reach as he bided his time, regaining power in the shadows. It would be years before he reached his peak, during the days when Lucifer ascended to Immortal-rank, about five years from now, just as the Slatemark Empire would find itself rocked by a civil war.
Waiting for that day to come, however, was not an option. If I allowed him to reach his full potential, the gap between us would be insurmountable. Worse still, he wouldn't be alone; the Red Chalice's leader, also a Radiant-rank, stood alongside him—a force that could bring any realm to its knees.
No, my path was clear. I had to strike before his strength fully returned. My goal was to be strong enough by then, to reach Ascendant-rank and secure Archmage Charlotte's support by conquering the Tower of Alchemy. Only then could I hope to cut short the rise of this ancient threat.
But that confrontation lay in the distant future. For now, the task was to stay vigilant. Red Chalice was a unique and dangerous beast among the cults—a power shrouded in secrecy. Unlike the others, it thrived in the dark, hidden from the public eye, carefully expanding its influence and waiting for the resurgence of the vampires.
In many ways, they were the most formidable of the cults, precisely because their secrecy was their strength. They were the serpent lying coiled in the grass, watching and waiting for the opportune moment to strike. And if I intended to face them, I would have to grow as strong as they feared and stronger still.
My plan for the exchange program was simple: relax, blend in, and focus on the subtle steps toward reaching the Wall. Starcrest Academy wasn't a battleground but an opportunity to train in relative peace—and to savor the experience.
Finally, the day arrived. We boarded the school bus along with the third-year professors, and to my surprise, my master, the Martial King himself, decided to accompany us. His presence was a silent reassurance; he was, after all, the strongest in the world. Nothing short of a colossal threat could unsettle us with him by our side.
As expected, Cecilia, Rachel, and Seraphina swiftly claimed the back row with me, occupying a row meant for five. This time, Rachel found herself on the outer seat, allowing Cecilia and Seraphina to settle beside me, both clasping my hands with a familiar warmth. Our conversation flowed easily, bridging the time as we journeyed across continents.
It had been two years since my last visit to the Eastern Continent with Seraphina, when we had gone to Mount Hua. I found myself looking forward to seeing the familiar, mist-laden landscapes again.
"Arthur," Cecilia piped up suddenly, her crimson eyes gleaming with anticipation. "You do realize our coming-of-age ceremonies are approaching soon, don't you?"
I blinked, caught off guard. "All of yours?"
She nodded with a playful sigh. "Since you didn't come to mine last time, I had to dance with my brother. Can you believe it?"
"Your brother?" I echoed, turning to look at Rachel and Seraphina, curious.
Rachel gave an exasperated sigh, her expression softened by a faint smile. "I had to dance with my father, and so did Seraphina," she added with a dramatic shrug. "All because you weren't there, Arthur."
"Abandoned on our most important day," Seraphina chimed in, casting me a mock glare. But her smile, gentle and genuine, told me they'd forgiven me a long time ago.
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Well, I'll make it up to you this time."
"Abandoned on our most important day," Seraphina chimed in, casting me a mock glare. But her smile, gentle and genuine, told me they'd forgiven me a long time ago.
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Well, I'll make it up to you this time."
"Of course you will," Rachel added, her tone light but with a glint of something possessive in her eyes. She crossed her arms with a faint smile. "After all, we didn't dance with anyone else for a reason. You belong to us."
The words lingered, and a warmth settled over us. Our time apart had changed things; it had deepened the connection I felt with each of them, a shared understanding that didn't need to be spoken aloud.
The bus continued on, the hum of the engine and the gentle sway of the road lulling us into an easy conversation. We traded stories from the year, laughing at the small, ridiculous things we'd missed in each other's lives. Every story was a glimpse into how our friendships had grown, how each of us had shaped our time apart in our own way.
The route took us toward the massive teleportation portal at the Academy's edge. The portal shimmered, a towering ring of ethereal light, shifting colors in silent pulses, as if alive. It was my second time heading to the Eastern continent, and there was a thrill to it—the thrill of something new layered with the faintest hint of nostalgia.
After passing through the portal's gateway, we found ourselves in the heart of Hwaeryun, a city that embodied the strength and elegance of the Eastern continent. The buildings here were a blend of ancient craftsmanship and modern design, archways covered in delicate carvings that gave way to tall structures of glass and steel. Hwaeryun wasn't just a city; it was a fortress of history and progress, standing resiliently under a sky that seemed a little brighter and a landscape that felt impossibly vast.
At the Academy's entrance, a tall, imposing figure awaited us. He wore traditional robes accented by subtle armor—a reminder of both heritage and the constant readiness for battle. His expression was one of calm authority, his stance as steady as the mountain range behind him. This was the headmaster of Starcrest Academy, none other than Moyong Jeong, head of the ancient Moyong family, revered as one of the Eastern continent's most powerful forces.
He inclined his head with a brief nod, acknowledging us with a respect that felt reserved yet genuine. "Welcome to Starcrest Academy," he intoned, his voice deep and even. "We hope you find your time here challenging and rewarding."
Each of us returned his greeting, bowing as custom dictated. He led us to an area they called "the base," a reserved section for visiting students from Mythos Academy. The base was an impressive blend of simplicity and refinement—a place where tradition met the conveniences of modern life. The rooms were designed with clean lines and minimalist decor, yet each was thoughtfully appointed with touches of comfort.
As I looked around, I noticed Seol-ah Moyong, the young swordswoman I'd met before and one of the academy's rising stars, watching us quietly from the side. She stepped forward with a polite bow. "I'll be your guide during the exchange. If there's anything you need or want to know about Starcrest, don't hesitate to ask."
Her presence, confident yet unassuming, was a reminder that we weren't just guests here; we were expected to challenge ourselves, to learn, and to adapt to Starcrest's way of life.
"Thank you," I replied, meeting her gaze with a nod of appreciation.
As we finished settling into the base, I felt a rush of anticipation for what lay ahead. This was a chance to not only prove ourselves but to gain insight into the Eastern continent's way of honing strength.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone