“You never heard of Atlantis?”
The one who had just asked me this question was seated right beside me. We were currently on a bus heading toward Atlantis. I wasn’t too sure how a bus could go underwater, but I just trusted it since no one else was talking about it.
It was the first outing of all the first-year students, and I was currently on the same bus as another professor. We had talked a bit, and I learned that he was the blacksmith professor. So, let’s say that there was a bit of a strange mix inside the bus. Most of his students were dwarves, and mine were pretty much whatever. However, it was easy to figure out which students were mine since their bodies were a lot less developed than my students’ bodies.
He was also a dwarf, and his name was Thorin. I know…not very original, but hey, I’m not the one giving them their names.
Either way, he was currently laughing at me because I didn’t know about Atlantis. He hadn’t even mentioned the banquet and what happened over there, so it was a nice conversation.
“No, I never heard of it. Is it really that famous?”
He laughed. “Famous? It’s one of the most famous cities in the entire world.”
I clicked my tongue. “I guess the war really made me ignorant, haha!”
“Oh, don’t worry about it. The fact you went to the front lines is something that we can all thank you for. Honestly, I truly respect your courage. I could never. I’m better in the back lines, making some weapons for y’all. It’s safer.”
“Oh, you don’t fight? You only make weapons?”
He shrugged. “Well, if I really have to, I’ll fight. But, uh, I’m quite the peaceful person.”
I frowned right as he uttered those words because his appearance was the complete opposite of someone who loved peace.
He had a long beard, which was practically reaching his knees. Yes, he was also extremely short and burly, which was typical of most dwarves. Though, the reason why I said he didn’t look peaceful was just the natural look on his face. Even now, he looked angry; even if he smiled at me, I would think that he was angry. It was weird, but that was just how he is, I guess.
“I see. Is there anything I should know about Atlantis?”
He rubbed his chin. “Hm, not really. It’s mainly peaceful. Though, I did hear there were some interesting things going on there recently.”
I nodded. I wasn’t sure if this was related to what the Emperor had told me since he hadn’t mentioned the name of the kingdom where they had found the first demon, but if it was…then me going there might not be a coincidence. I’d have to ask the director later. Though, as far as I knew, she didn’t join us for this outing, she probably had other things to do.
“What were those interesting things?”
He sighed. “Ah…I don’t know. I read somewhere that there was a small tournament for students. I’m not too sure, to be honest. I didn’t look too deep into it since my students aren’t the ones usually fighting. But you should definitely look for it once we get there. It could be a fun activity for your class.”
I nodded. He was right. It was pretty interesting, it could also show to the rest of the world that the Royal Academy was still the best Academy in the world. I clicked my tongue. I’d definitely have to look into it.
“Hm, thank you!”
Our conversation came to an end as I glanced back toward all my students, who were all playing with one another. Strangely, the Emperor’s daughter and Darla were sitting next to one another. They weren’t talking, just staring at the seat in front of them…I wasn’t too sure if they had become friends, but they didn’t seem to hate one another, I think?
It was hard to tell, to be honest.
Then, I glanced at Olivia, who was sitting with the loner for some strange reason. It was a weird combo, but oh well. Who was I to decide where they should be hanging out with?
As I was about to stand up, the bus came to a stop and almost made me fall down in front of everyone. Still, luckily, I managed to keep my dignity, acting as if it had all been part of my plan.
“We’re here!” The driver practically shouted.
I frowned, unsure if I understood correctly. We hadn’t even gone into the water. Wasn’t it supposed to be underwater? Ah…things are just so confusing. Let’s just see what happens next.
We got off the bus, and the rest of the classes had already arrived as they were all standing in rows. I quickly managed to make a line of my students, and Darla strangely found her way to the front. She waved at me discreetly, and I gave her a small pat on her head. She was still trying to comfort me. It was cute. I can’t lie.
We were dropped off in the middle of a random beach from the looks of it. Still, everyone seemed to know what was happening, so I just went with the flow. It’s not like I would be the first one to go into the water.
“Caedrel!” I heard my name on my right. “Your class is the first to go!”
Fuck. It just had to be me. Couldn’t they choose someone else just one time in their life…?
I smiled, dismissing those thoughts. “Coming!”
The class followed right behind me as we were guided toward what seemed to be a massive plastic tube? My guess was that it was a massive slide to Atlantis. But when I looked at my students behind me, none of them seemed happy to see the tube. So, it was probably something else. I think?
The man guiding us pointed at Darla, and she was the first one to go inside it.
She was smiling at me while holding her umbrella tightly. “I’m off! See you down there!”
