Case 153: Adventurers.

    The original story of [Astra Magical Academy] is quite convoluted.

    Despite being marketed as a mainstream academy''s tale for young adults, its overarching plot is a bit hard to follow for conventional novel readers. This is mainly because of its large cast and an overwhelming number of secrets and sub-plots, not even counting the numerous easter eggs scattered all over the scenes.

    Casual players often complain about how hard to follow the story is, to which the hardcore ones respond by theorizing that it is intentional by the developers, meaning they want to spread the experience over several playthroughs.

    I don''t know much about storytelling, but when thinking about it a bit further, isn''t it obvious that one would want to tell a clear and engaging story? Everybody wants to avoid redundancy in their tales, and for games that have other elements like combat occupying screen time, this is even more true.

    There are debates, and there are many theories being raised. However, as someone who has lived in this reality for over half a year, I can''t help but feel that the original story... is based on a real one.

    The more I hear about it from Chloe, the more I am convinced that the ''game'' is not really a game. There are simply too many elements working alongside or with each other in it, and it plays out too randomly at times, suggesting the presence—or lack thereof—of an author who creates the story.

    Of course, there are choices for the players, and there are just as many routes that can play out. Determining the real worldline might require the developers'' input, which we have no idea who they are.

    ''''Hmm... hey, Silaerob. Can I have this thing? I want to take it apart to see what''s inside.''''

    ''''Sure.''''

    ''''Thanks!''''

    Now, back to Becky.

    Becky, quite obviously, is the very grandmaster that she pretends to be an assistant of. If one really looks at the way she acts, she does speak the words of a grandmaster, just, everything else is pathetic, leading to the misunderstanding.

    Her name is Quantum. Not a real name, of course.

    According to the original story, Quantum pretends to be her own assistant because she doesn''t want people to fixate on her status all the time. ''It''s annoying,'' Chloe quotes. I also know from the same Chloe that Quantum is supposed to be the ''body'' of goddess Neveah, who has gone into hibernation at this stage.

    Neveah vanished twenty years ago, and Quantum is also twenty years old. Coincidence? Maybe not. Many don''t know the silent yet neck-breaking fast rise of Quantum. It''s a bit ridiculous to think that she is even younger than me.

    Now, Neveah apparently planned something for this generation of protagonists, hence all these preparations, but I''m not sure if we can rely on that information anymore. My presence has changed everything.

    In short, we don''t know how it will turn out anymore.

    ''''Understood. May I see your status screen?''''

    To prevent reckless ventures that are no different from suicides, they do need to see if the registering people are strong enough. I can disguise my status screen, of course, but Luxia can''t. Having her rare name registered might be risky, so... I made her invisible right from the start, using light magic.

    As expected, the magic courses I''ve consumed help.

    Other than that, the registration process is completed rather swiftly. Maybe it''s because I made my level 42, meaning I am already quite strong.

    ''''We have indeed registered your name, Miss Beaver. We wish you luck on your adventures.''''

    ''''Okay.''''

    Grabbing the metal card containing my information, I head toward the commission board. We can fabricate Luxia''s card later if needed. I only plan to use this name once, anyway.

    Let''s see... Mutated Swordfish, Berserk Octopuses, Man-eating Sharks, and... a fleet of ghost ships?

    This is interesting.

    I think we should start with the small ones first to get the feel of battling on the ocean. Thankfully, they do have the approximate range of levels for these monsters listed here.

    ''''Mutated Swordfish... yes. I have indeed confirmed your participation. Please follow the procedure written behind the paper.''''

    Apparently, each commission has different requirements and participation methods. Companies might want to systematically harvest a certain ingredient from a type of monster, in which case a large-scale raid may ensue. Individuals might just need a certain group of monsters removed from their farms or property, requiring only a small subjugation team.

    This one is a common request sent by the local authorities, aiming to reduce the number of these Mutated Swordfish, which means anything is fine as long as we get the job done.

    So, we immediately rent a boat and set to the sea.

    The pristine blue water, now reflecting the early sunlight, casts off a majestic aura.

    And beneath that layer of beauty, dozens of swordfish have already gathered, waiting for their prey. For now...

    ''''You go first, Blob.''''

    Deer fish, good luck.