Why Did I Have to Enroll

On the morning of the third day, when Ban Yu-won went out to catch the morning breeze, Aneri was waiting in the air, looking similar to yesterday.

She was even wearing an outfit that showed more skin than yesterday.

"There's no need to do this anymore."

"Huh? No, I just came to try to pounce on you when I got the chance."

Seeing Aneri's nonchalant response, Ban Yu-won smiled slightly, knocked on the next room's door, and threw Aneri to Luciel who opened it.

"You want me to establish the hierarchy! Understood, master!"

"Master? Did you just call him mast- AHHHHH!"

After disposing of that burden, he went to the balcony with a leisurely feeling.

Yumina was there.

"Did you sleep well?"

The shameless 500-year-old girl who wanted to be called "sis" by Ban Yu-won only when they were alone greeted him with a bright smile.

"You were really amazing yesterday."

"You're the amazing one, sis. I heard you faced an entire fleet by yourself."

"Fleet? That was nothing."

Yumina shook her head with a bitter smile.

"Exodus's true power isn't just that. Yesterday's action was simply a show of force. While carrying out the Ortima family's request, they also wanted to show that Exodus isn't afraid of the Academy."

"To think that was just a show of force."

Recalling the scale of the fleet that had torn through dimensions, it was truly an absurd statement.

But Yumina's expression was quite serious.

"Except for the flagship, you could see they deliberately released minimal force, prepared to lose everything else. It was a typical stalling tactic... So I destroyed them all."

This sister is really scary.

Ban Yu-won shuddered as he recalled the thorny vines she had created in mid-air, tens of kilometers long and hundreds of meters thick.

Perhaps she was one of the most skilled professors at the Academy...

"Even though they came prepared to lose everything, the fact is they suffered major losses. Whatever Exodus intended, anyone friendly to the Academy will now hunt them down even more relentlessly."

Seeing Yumina's jewel-like eyes flash ominously, it seemed she was determined to make Exodus pay for everything they couldn't make the Ortima family pay for.

Exodus. Ban Yu-won also thought about them anew.

No matter what the Ortima family's proposal was, they must have accepted it because they also had hostility toward Ban Yu-won.

It must have been because of the video he uploaded to the Rebellion channel, showing him killing the Exodus intruder.

'Looking at it another way, that video must have caused Exodus great humiliation.'

If it had only spread a little in Union, the highest dimension, they might not have cared much.

But thanks to Aneri, they learned that people from all dimensions would see this.

Wouldn't that mean Exodus suffered humiliation across all dimensions?

"And what's more, even the deal between Exodus and the Ortima family has fallen apart."

Yumina explained that this deal was likely pushed through forcefully by Lucein Ortima, who had to pressure the family elders.

A deal that would only increase enemies if successful, and narrow their position even more if it failed.

The risk was already high, but they failed in the worst possible way - not only did the Academy gain leverage over them, but their relationship with Exodus became worst possible.

"Well, given how Lucein Ortima returned in that state, they can't exactly maintain a close relationship with Exodus."

"That's why I said it was excellent. As for student Dokgo Yeon... well, though her method was a bit extreme, I can't blame her. It was just the right level of warning to send to Ortima."

The right arm that Dokgo Yeon cut off symbolically cut off the relationship between the Ortima family and Exodus as well.

Of course, Dokgo Yeon did the actual cutting, but since they can no longer cause trouble at the Academy, the only target left for the Ortima family to hate is Exodus.

"What were those guys thinking, doing something so reckless?"

"They failed to consider your abilities. Who would have thought that freshmen who just entered the Academy would safely escape from a dungeon created and controlled by a constellation?"

Indeed, the dungeon's maze would have been difficult to break through without Ban Yu-won (apparently the other two groups had to force their way through with pure power), and the giant monster would have been a troublesome opponent without Luciel's wild nature.

Moreover, since even the constellation controlling the dungeon was hostile to them, it was a miracle that everyone escaped the dungeon without harm.

"In the end, I was just a supporting character."

"Next time you'll be the lead. Your popularity is steadily rising."

What Yumina pointed to was her mirror.

Specifically, it was the banner of the Rebellion channel, which had reached 30 million subscribers as of this morning.

The undisputed most-viewed video was still the one of them first entering the tower.

"You must have realized it after meeting Aneri, but in other dimensions, you're practically representing Union Academy now. You might not feel it yet... but Academy students visit many dimensions before graduating."

"You mean the special activities?"

"Yes. This special activity was just like pre-training. You didn't really do anything, right?"

Since they really hadn't done anything, Ban Yu-won could only nod.

It really was just like a field trip after all.

"But when you start participating in real special activities, you'll realize it too. That there are so many dimensions that need the help of the strong. That's also part of why this curriculum exists."

"Is it to cultivate an altruistic mindset in students?"

"Not at all. As people become stronger, they tend to stop looking at what's beneath them. But the many beings beneath you will look up to you."

Yumina emphasized that this was what's important.

"That's how you engrave your presence across multiple dimensions. It's the process of becoming a god. That will also help in climbing the tower."

By the fifth year, when students are seniors, each individual already has their own reputation, and students who are particularly looked up to by many dimensions are treated as what they call "named."

"I never thought about it that way... wait?"

While it was an extremely interesting story, something bothered him midway through.

Ban Yu-won narrowed his eyes and asked.

"Didn't you just say we're becoming famous in other dimensions?"

"Now you understand what I meant?"

Yumina poked Ban Yu-won's cheek while spinning around with a smile.

"The recognition that other students build up painfully, painfully through many special activities... you... you all secured it in one go. How could the others not be worked up?"

Ban Yu-won thought as Yumina poked his cheek with her finger.

Only now did Ban Yu-won understand the true reason why students had been paying so much attention to him.

It wasn't just an internal school matter, but was closely tied to the Academy's goals.

Starting something without any thought and having it grow this big left him feeling dazed rather than happy.

"I can't believe all this started from just one camera."

"Are you still thinking that's all there is to it?"

He heard Yumina mutter, "How cute."

...What? Could there be something else?

Ban Yu-won furrowed his brows and gave her a questioning look.

But Yumina didn't explain any further and moved away from him.

Morning was slowly approaching.

"Sorry, I won't be able to join you for group activities today. Yesterday's events left me with some issues to handle."

"Well, it's just free time anyway. We can go around by ourselves. Even though she's not entirely trustworthy, we have Aneri."

"Big sis is sad she can't play together, but Yu-won doesn't feel that way?"

To think there'd be a trick question here!

Ban Yu-won had to act cute for about 5 minutes to appease his big sister who was 480 years older than him.

...Remembering playing with his sister when he was young made him miss home just a little bit.

***

After finishing breakfast, the group finally got their perfect free time.

It was group activity time to explore the Tolmon Empire's capital with people in the same team (teams were mostly made up of those who entered the tower together).

"The capital is seriously huge."

"Yu-won, I want to eat that."

"Lady Luciel, you don't have to call me master right now― It's nothing! There's a street vendor selling fried snacks just a block away, let's go there!"

Unfortunately, it seems Aneri's rank had been firmly established below Luciel.

But she must have properly prepared for this mercenary work, as she showed herself capable of skillfully guiding the group around the capital.

At least Dokgo Yeon seemed satisfied with her guidance.

"Oh my, the sweets in this dimension are quite decent."

"How do you know all this when you're not even from here?"

"For dimensional mercenaries like us who travel many worlds, the most important thing is understanding information about our dispatch location. It's necessary to avoid revealing our identity to locals."

At first, he thought she might be a woman sent by Ortima trying to seduce him, but the gap between her image and actual abilities was too large.

Noticing Ban Yu-won's gaze that contained such thoughts, Aneri tried to send him another subtle signal but had her finger twisted by Luciel.

"Ugh, we're in the same boat... Aaaaagh!"

"What an interesting person."

The voice came from the far left of the group, next to Light.

When he turned his head, Ayre had naturally joined them.

Though feeling a twinge of sympathy wondering if she liked Light that much, Ban Yu-won tried not to show it as he asked.

"Why are you here?"

"I'm a one-person team. Free to go anywhere alone."

And then came an answer no one expected.

Light, of course, had a big reaction to this.

"A one-person team... don't tell me you climb the tower alone?!"

"I heard I'm the only one among this year's freshmen."

Everyone was stunned by Ayre's matter-of-fact tone, showing no hint of boasting.

Ban Yu-won couldn't help but recall the principal's words about allowing him solo exploration based on his achievements.

And Light's reaction went without saying.

"They said it's only allowed in truly special cases..."

"...I'm not special. Until now, it was just the most efficient way."

Efficiency... Ban Yu-won gave a bitter smile.

Even in the Special Class, a group of the most outstanding students, Ayre chose to isolate herself.

She simply had no reason to get close to them.

The principal must have granted her solo exploration privileges because he believed climbing the tower alone was more efficient than doing it in a team.

"I thought that might be the case."

"Hmm?"

He thought Dokgo Yeon might be jealous of Ayre's solo exploration privileges, but surprisingly, she was calmly accepting it.

No, she even seemed to be smiling.

As if noticing his puzzlement, Dokgo Yeon sent him a telepathic message.

―Think about what she proposed yesterday.

―About wanting to join Class 11? Could it be she meant she wanted to climb the tower together?

―Probably. So isn't it amusing?

Look now, Dokgo Yeon gestured toward Ayre.

Looking at him straight with those transparent silver eyes, making her request!

"So I want to go around together."

"Ugh..."

Ban Yu-won felt tears welling up in his eyes.

Light felt humiliated by Ayre, who had solo exploration privileges since enrollment that he couldn't obtain.

Yet Ayre, oblivious to his feelings, simply wanted to enjoy free time with him.

Wasn't the misalignment of their hearts truly heartbreaking!

"Such cruelty exists. Oh Buddha, are you sleeping...!"

"Ban Yu-won, stop talking nonsense and open your wallet. There's another decent-looking candy store over there."

"Ah, Yu-won. I want to try something salty next."

"..."

The two women seemed determined to continue their food tour, regardless of whether Ayre joined or Light was brooding.

Ban Yu-won checked the camera—Tike—following behind them while filming, sighed, and nodded.

"Food reaction videos always get good responses, so that's fine... Ayre? Are you okay with appearing in the video?"

"I don't mind. ...Please do."

Ayre declared with sparkling silver eyes, just like yesterday.

"Because I want to join Class 11... Rebellion someday."

The moment Dokgo Yeon's thoughts were perfectly confirmed.

But then Light finally went and did it.

"If you have solo exploration privileges, you can just do well alone like you've been doing until now."

"Light, you—"

As Ban Yu-won was about to say something in shock, Ayre shook her head and spoke first.

"Through this special activity, I've realized many of my shortcomings. ...What I need is probably you all."

She couldn't bring herself to specifically say Light... but why was she looking at Ban Yu-won while making such an ambiguous statement?

Perhaps she had figured out that Ban Yu-won was the leader of this group and was hoping he would make the decision!

In truth, Ban Yu-won's mind had been made up since she first appeared.

"As Professor Yumina said, it might be difficult to accept you into Class 11, but occasionally appearing in videos like this should be fine."

Ayre's abilities and character were beyond question, and her mysterious beauty contrasted with Dokgo Yeon's.

It would naturally attract more attention... and having heard about 'Named' from Yumina this morning, he knew it would benefit Ayre herself, so there was no reason to refuse.

Crucially, now that Dokgo Yeon had cut off Ortima's arm, wouldn't it be good to have one more ally within the academy?

There was nothing more to consider if that ally was a powerful talent like Ayre.

"That's enough for today. We'll discuss exploration later."

Ayre nodded.

Who could have made her act so proactively like this!

"Ban, why are you looking at me with such wistful eyes? ...What, what is it? If you have something to say, just say it."

"No, it's nothing."

The group, now with Special Guest Ayre added to Rebellion, enjoyed touring the capital that had survived and recovered from the Monster Wave damage.

The capital of the Tolmon Empire, which had managed to withstand the Monster Wave with the help of Union Academy and was even being quickly rebuilt, was filled with a peculiar vitality.

The video capturing the scenes of the capital and the Rebellion members enjoying their tour immediately gained explosive views upon upload, increasing Rebellion channel's subscribers to 50 million.

Ban Yu-won felt he was finally starting to understand what the viewers of the Rebellion channel wanted.

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