The flying ship slowly descended before landing on a massive sky dock suspended above the heart of the Imperial City, the capital of Country B.
This was the city where the National College Tournament would be held.
As soon as the ship settled, a long gangway extended toward the platform. One after another, the students stepped off the ship, their eyes immediately wandering across the magnificent city.
Towering buildings stretched toward the sky, connected by wide bridges. Airships flew overhead while countless people filled the bustling streets below. Even from the dock, the city looked alive.
"Wow... so this is the capital." Yor’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked around nonstop. "It’s my first time coming here."
"I came here once when I was a kid," Adrian said as he glanced at the familiar scenery.
Alas smiled proudly. "I’ve been here many times. I know plenty of good places."
Yor instantly clapped her hands. "Perfect! The tournament doesn’t start until tomorrow, so let’s explore the city today. Alas, you’ll be our guide."
"Haha! Sure, leave it to me."
Listening to them, Aster quietly smiled.
"I never even explored Aurora City properly... let alone another city."
After leaving the sky dock with General Cassius and Captain Lyra, they found a black military vehicle waiting outside.
Beside it stood a young soldier in a perfectly pressed military uniform.
The moment he saw General Cassius, he immediately stood straight and gave a flawless salute.
His eyes were filled with admiration. General Cassius walked over and patted him on the shoulder with a warm smile.
"Young man, you look promising. What’s your name?"
The soldier froze.
His expression instantly turned excited.
"R-Really?"
He quickly realized he had spoken out of turn.
"Cough... pardon me, General. My name is Rudy."
General Cassius laughed.
"Alright, Soldier Rudy. Take us to the military boot camp."
"Roger, General!"
Rudy answered so loudly that everyone nearby turned to look before he hurried to open the vehicle doors.
Not long afterward, they arrived at the Imperial City’s military boot camp.
The entrance was already crowded.
Several captains, officers, and hundreds of soldiers stood in neat rows outside the headquarters. They all gathered to welcome General Cassius.
The moment the vehicle stopped, complete silence fell over the area.
General Cassius stepped out.
"Salute!!"
A captain shouted.
Clack!
Hundreds of soldiers raised their hands in perfect synchronization.
Every face was filled with respect.
No...
It was admiration.
The camp’s commanding general immediately stepped forward and welcomed General Cassius inside.
As Aster walked through the path created by the soldiers, he noticed none of them lowered their salute until General Cassius had completely passed.
Unable to understand the overwhelming respect, he quietly whispered,
"Sorry for my ignorance... but why does everyone respect the General this much? I know he’s one of the country’s generals, but... isn’t this a little excessive?"
Before Yor could answer, Adrian smirked.
"That’s what happens when you’re a former beggar. You don’t even know one of the Five Pillars."
Yor shot him an annoyed glare.
"Adrian."
"...Fine."
She turned back toward Aster. "The five strongest people in Country B are given the title Five Pillars."
"General Cassius is one of them."
"He also played a major role during the Great Dungeon Break a few years ago. To every soldier in this country, he’s more than just a general."
"He’s their hero."
Aster slowly nodded.
"I see..."
Then another question appeared in his mind. "Dungeon Break?"
Adrian blinked. "Don’t tell me you don’t know what a Dungeon Break is." He stared at Aster for a second before shaking his head. "Are you sure you’re from this world?"
Ignoring Adrian, Yor patiently explained.
"When a dungeon is left uncleared for too long, it continues absorbing mana from its surroundings. The monsters inside become stronger and stronger. Eventually, the dungeon can no longer contain them."
"It collapses."
"The monsters pour into the outside world. That’s called a Dungeon Break. They attack everything in sight."
Aster became silent. Fragments of the original Aster’s memories surfaced.
"Right... That happened ten years ago. Original Aster’s father died but before dying, he left behind a small house and some savings for his son. But shortly afterward, monsters destroyed the house. The remaining money was spent on treatment and daily survival. In the end... the original Aster had no choice but to become a beggar."
The memory disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.
Yor suddenly clapped her hands.
"Enough talking! We finally made it to the capital. Let’s go explore!"
"Agreed," Alas said with a grin.
Just as they were about to leave the camp, Aster noticed Captain Lyra standing alone nearby.
He waved.
"Captain! We’re going sightseeing. Why don’t you come with us?"
Captain Lyra hesitated.
"I..."
Before she could finish, General Cassius walked over from behind. "You should go."
She looked at him in surprise.
"You don’t have any duties today," General Cassius said with a smile. "And I’ll feel more at ease knowing you’re watching over them."
Captain Lyra let out a small sigh before nodding. "...Alright."
She looked toward the students. "I’ll accompany you."
"Yay!" Yor cheered happily.
Alas rubbed his hands together. "So, where should we go first?"
Adrian answered without hesitation. "I’m starving. Let’s find a restaurant. I want to try the capital’s local food."
Everyone laughed before following Alas through the lively streets.
The Imperial City truly lived up to its reputation. Every street was packed with people. Food stalls filled the air with delicious aromas.
Street performers entertained crowds while merchants loudly advertised their goods.
For nearly two hours, the group wandered from one restaurant to another, tasting all kinds of local dishes.
Grilled meat.
Spicy noodles.
Fresh seafood.
Sweet desserts.
By the time they finished eating, everyone was completely full. Except Adrian.
"I think... I still have room for dessert."
"You’ve already eaten enough for three people," Yor complained.
"I have a fast metabolism."
"No, you’re just a glutton."
Everyone burst into laughter.
After finishing their meal, they wandered through the shopping malls.
Colorful stores lined both sides of the streets, selling clothes, accessories, magical tools, and souvenirs.
Even Captain Lyra quietly bought a few necessities. When it was time to pay, Alas looked toward Aster.
"I’ll cover yours."
Aster smiled and shook his head.
"I appreciate it, but I can pay myself."
He took out his card and placed it on the payment device.
Balance: 130,000,000 Credits
Silence.
Everyone stared at the glowing number.
"...One hundred thirty million?"
Yor’s mouth slowly fell open.
"Aster... You were this rich all along?"
Even Adrian looked stunned.
Aster awkwardly scratched his head. "It’s... a recent thing."
No one knew what to say.
The former beggar they knew was suddenly richer than almost all of them combined.
As evening approached, the group climbed a tall observation tower overlooking a wide river that flowed through the Imperial City.
The cool breeze gently brushed against their faces. They sat quietly along the edge of the platform.
The golden sun slowly descended toward the horizon, painting the entire sky in shades of orange and crimson.
Its reflection shimmered across the calm river like countless pieces of liquid gold.
Aster watched the beautiful scenery with a faint smile.
"Going out with friends, It’s actually this much fun. In my previous life, I spent all my time studying and working. I never realized how many moments like this I had missed."
Beside him, Yor suddenly pointed toward the horizon.
"Hey. The sun’s setting."
Everyone turned to look.
The four students quietly admired the breathtaking view together.
A few steps behind them, Captain Lyra watched the peaceful scene. She looked at the setting sun...
Then at the four carefree students laughing together.
A gentle smile slowly appeared on her face.