Why Did I Have to Enroll
Chapter 135
CHAPTER 135
Why Did I Have to Enroll
Why Did I Have to Enroll - Chapter 135
Lesson 28: The Flower Festival of Ruin - 2
When I realized I hadn’t asked Luciel about her origin dimension, I inquired, and she replied without much hesitation.
“E―1 dimension. In our dimension, I think our star is the only one that has achieved mana civilization.”
“1st dimension?! Really?”
“Yes.”
Luciel spoke calmly, but Light was surprisingly agitated.
Why? Even if it’s the top of the E-grade, isn’t it far inferior to a D-grade?
Light, excited, explained to Ban Yu-won, who was tilting his head in confusion.
“No, Ban. The 1st dimension is special. It’s the dimension that sets the standard for that grade. Even with the same mana density, the level of development is different, and it’s recognized for its unique civilization, becoming the representative dimension. When it comes to E―1, it’s a dimension where exceptional talents are more likely to emerge than in most D-grade dimensions.”
“Indeed, seeing Luciel from that dimension here makes it convincing.”
At Ban Yu-won’s words, Yumina interjected with additional explanation.
“There’s no specific criterion for being selected through the special admission. What’s certain is that Ban Yu-won is the first student to be selected from ‘outside the ranks.’”
“That just shows how amazing Yu-won is. The special admission at Union Academy must have been meant for Yu-won.”
Luciel nodded firmly.
While he appreciated the compliments, Ban Yu-won, who didn’t feel great about being constantly referred to as ‘outside the ranks,’ empathized with Dokgo Yeon and changed the subject.
“What about Gelas, which we visited before? What grade was it?”
“It’s D―39. Since Gelas is the only star in that dimension with a mana civilization, it’s called Dimension Gelas. Similarly, F―138 dimension is called Uraha.”
“Oh, is it rare for mana civilizations to occur on multiple stars like in Light’s origin dimension?”
“Yes, it’s rare. Not only mana civilizations, but stars with any civilization are rare.”
That’s true.
Even when Ban Yu-won lived on Earth, it was certain that there were no civilizations in the solar system except for Earth, and even when expanding the scope to our galaxy, it was merely assumed that there ‘might be’ other civilizations, as no traces of them had been found.
In the past, he thought it might be due to a lack of observational technology that they hadn’t discovered aliens, but after hearing Yumina’s explanation, he wondered if it was because they were blocked by dimensional walls.
“Wait, then isn’t Light’s dimension special too…? With multiple mana civilizations?”
“It’s still a lower dimension. A weak dimension constantly plagued by alien invaders… And despite that, it doesn’t harmonize well with other stars. If that’s special, I don’t need it.”
Light sneered.
A look Ban Yu-won hadn’t seen much since they became friends.
Feeling annoyed for no reason, Ban Yu-won pinched Light’s nose.
“What are you doing!”
“Just trying to cheer you up.”
“Then why pinch my nose!”
Light protested, covering his now bright red nose after swatting away Ban Yu-won’s hand.
Feeling a bit better, Ban Yu-won gave a thumbs up.
“I thought this would be the quickest way to lift your spirits.”
“The worst!”
“I think warm physical contact is good for comforting someone.”
“Then why this kind of contact…!”
Despite his grumbling tone, Light seemed genuinely a bit more energized.
Thank goodness he’s easy to cheer up, Ban Yu-won thought with relief and decided to bring out his ultimate weapon.
A thermos filled with hot chocolate.
“Here, drink this and calm down.”
“…Hmph.”
As expected, Light silently reached out and took the cup of hot chocolate.
“This time, it’s upgraded with the concept of [Blood Lord] that was flowing in Room 50, Eden.”
At that moment, two women who had been watching Ban Yu-won pour hot chocolate for Light quickly interjected.
“Stop explaining and give us some too.”
“Blood Lord? Is it alcohol?”
“Don’t worry, I’ll give you some. Now that the conversation is mostly over, let’s all drink and relax.”
Ban Yu-won chuckled and poured hot chocolate for everyone in turn.
At times like this, he found Luciel, who waited patiently for her turn without rushing him, even more endearing.
He couldn’t say that, though, as the other three would surely sulk if he did.
*
On Friday morning, the day of the special activity, the academy was bustling.
Dozens of small spaceships were waiting at the academy’s dock, and some had already departed.
“After learning about the concepts of space and dimensions yesterday, I’m curious. What’s the difference between a spaceship and a dimensional ship?”
“It seems the names confused you. Both operate using technology that breaks through dimensional walls. The difference is that a spaceship looks like an ordinary flying vessel, while a dimensional ship hides in the gaps of dimensions, making its physical form unobservable.” 𝑅𝙖ƝՕ𐌱Ɛᶊ
I see.
The technology to break through dimensional walls, ‘dimensional travel,’ is mounted on ordinary vessels, making them spaceships.
In contrast, dimensional ships are crafted using dimensional travel technology from the start, ensuring seamless boarding and operation.
Ban Yu-won, who had initially imagined Neil Armstrong walking on the moon at the mention of a spaceship, quietly shelved that thought.
“But aren’t we going without eating?”
“Breaking through dimensional walls using a spaceship takes some time. We’ll have our meal inside the spaceship.”
“In that case, Ban Yu-won, please make the elixir jam into candies.”
“I already finished that yesterday.”
These are life candies made from the fruits of Room 50, which have the most recent and potent effects.
Though it’s just a spoonful of jam shaped into a ball and coated with syrup, Ban Yu-won knew that Dokgo Yeon preferred biting into candies over eating jam directly.
“Here.”
By the time Ban Yu-won handed out the candies wrapped in pretty packaging to the members, Yumina clapped her hands and spoke.
“It’s our turn now. Shall we go?”
As Yumina led the Rebellion members forward, gazes from all around followed them.
They felt these stares every Friday when entering the tower, but the intensity of those gazes was growing by the week, and the group was well aware of it.
“That’s Rebellion.”
“Hey, look, it’s Rebellion. Professor Yumina is with them again.”
“Dokgo Yeon…”
“Ban Yu-won and the pink-haired one are together again.”
“Tsk.”
Rebellion had become the undisputed representative of the first-year students at Union Academy, surpassing even the Special Class.
No longer were they referred to as ‘special admissions’ or ‘lower dimensions’; they were now recognized by their team name, ‘Rebellion,’ reflecting their rising prominence.
Their skills and attention were unmatched, and although their tower ranking lagged slightly, they had rapidly cleared 20 rooms this week alone, climbing into the upper ranks.
They hadn’t yet surpassed Ortima’s team or Ayre, who was conducting solo explorations, but compared to other students, their progress was swift. The Chain Room strategy videos they released weekly astonished not only their YouTube subscribers but also their fellow students.
“Where are they headed?”
“Idiot, the first special activity is always to an F-grade.”
“Going back home. Don’t ever come back.”
“If they can’t return, we won’t even leave a trace.”
“You wouldn’t dare say a word if you faced them head-on.”
“Strangely, that Light guy is starting to look cute to me…”
“…You too?”
Rebellion was essentially beyond the competitive landscape of their fellow first-year students.
Even Ban Yu-won, who had the lowest ranking in the comprehensive sparring, was in 8th place.
And that was only due to unfavorable matchups, as he was rapidly growing even now.
Moreover, as Ban Yu-won began managing and guiding the special admission seniors through his sub-channel, he gained an image as the leader of a group.
“Isn’t Ban Yu-won joining the student council?”
“I heard it’s not official yet.”
“If I were them, I’d recruit him. He’s growing rapidly and has diverse abilities.”
“It seems he’s completely taken over the special admissions. I even saw seniors saluting him.”
Though they hadn’t produced any tangible results yet, the professors, who valued achievements, and the students, who were easily swayed by appearances, viewed them differently.
No matter how despised the special admissions were, they were still seniors to the first-year students.
And since Ban Yu-won was organizing and controlling such individuals, he naturally stood out.
“Why are they whispering back there instead of boarding the spaceship?”
“Some students who have given up on securing top ranks hope to make an impression on their peers, aiming to become teammates or gain support in the future.”
“On purpose…?!”
Ban Yu-won was shocked to realize there was such a deep strategy behind it.
Luciel approached him and whispered.
“There are more female students talking about you on the intranet lately… So, I’m holding your arm to keep any strange bugs away.”
“Thank you, Luciel.”
Even though it was clear Luciel was using a plausible excuse to satisfy her desires, Ban Yu-won simply smiled and replied.
Mira had recently asked him not to push her away, and Ban Yu-won was trying to maintain an appropriate distance in his relationships with Mira and Luciel.
He wasn’t just pushing them away; he was accepting them within reasonable limits.
‘Since I hold the initiative in these relationships… I must be careful not to overstep.’
It’s not that Ban Yu-won disliked Luciel or Mira.
Mira relied on Ban Yu-won because she believed he fully accepted her.
Ban Yu-won felt the same way.
It’s hard to dislike someone who accepts you without expecting change, especially when they’re also beautiful.
However, he was still hesitant due to his lingering modern Korean sensibilities and dating views, and he wanted to be cautious to avoid hurting them in what could be a one-sided relationship.
Do they even realize his efforts?
The only minor issue was that, being a man, he sometimes felt the limits of his reason due to the increasingly frequent physical contact.
That was true even now.
‘No, thinking about it unnecessarily makes me more conscious. I’ll ponder these issues when I’m alone.’
When Ban Yu-won turned his gaze to Luciel, she was already looking at him intently.
How could he voice his concerns to her? When Ban Yu-won gave a vague smile, Luciel returned it with a gentle smile and spoke.
“I’m fine with whenever, so please don’t make me wait too long…?”
“?!”
Did she read his mind?
Startled, Ban Yu-won wanted to ask what she meant, but the timing to board the spaceship came, and he had to let it go.
*
Upon entering the spaceship, the first thing Ban Yu-won noticed was the concept of gravity control filling the space.
Since he hadn’t seen this concept in a dimensional ship, Ban Yu-won observed it with fascination.
Who knows if one day he might traverse dimensions on his own?
To prepare for that day, he diligently identified and collected the necessary concepts.
“Ban Yu-won, this way.”
Yumina called Ban Yu-won and led him to the control room.
“In the future, there will be many times when the four of us will perform special activity missions alone. Unless there’s something special, we’ll continue using this spaceship, so make sure to check the registration number carefully. I’ll issue a temporary captain’s authority, so please present your student ID here.”
Ban Yu-won followed her around, recording their team on the spaceship, learning various procedures, and understanding emergency protocols.
Naturally, the spaceship was designed to operate automatically, so there wasn’t much for them to do.
At most, they would input the destination, issue takeoff and landing commands, or deploy the protective barrier.
“Be careful, a single typo could send you somewhere unexpected.”
“I have a good memory for letters, so don’t worry.”
However, Ban Yu-won felt a slight unease after saying that.
Why are we having this ominous conversation?
“Oh, did you just doubt me? But I’m not clumsy in these matters. Moreover.”
Yumina gave a sly smile as she entered the coordinates.
The spaceship calculated the coordinates and determined the destination, which was undoubtedly F―138 dimension—Uraha.
“Even if the coordinates are wrong, you’ll know right away, so always check the destination before takeoff. Got it?”
“Yes, Captain.”
His playful address made Yumina laugh heartily with satisfaction.
Then she boldly pressed the takeoff button.
In that instant, they were in space.
“…Professor Yumina, didn’t you say it’s like an ordinary flying vessel except for breaking through dimensional walls?”
The vast blackness of space outside the large window.
Seeing the Union planet below, glowing as if it were a star filled with mana, Ban Yu-won was dumbfounded.
It was slightly annoying that the other members wore calm expressions during all this.
And Yumina was no exception.
“Yes. Isn’t it?”
“Oh, it’s the same.”
Indeed, Union.
The average speed of a flying vessel is such that it instantly breaks through the atmosphere, whether it exists or not, and enters space.
‘I had underestimated Union’s level when I saw the latest hover bike models being sold. That was outside the academy, and the inside is different.’
Ban Yu-won thought of his familiar, Lilith, who was still at the level of running on the ground and in the air, and realized he had a long way to go.
Of course, he didn’t forget to memorize all the fixed concepts the spaceship held and the dynamic concepts it emitted in real-time.
“Now, we’ll soon enter the dimensional wall. Although we say we’re breaking through the dimensional wall, we’re actually moving along it to reach F―138 dimension.”
“So it’s a wall and a passage at the same time.”
“Dimensional ships don’t require such processes, though.”
He knew that.
Ban Yu-won marveled at Union’s abilities, which always seemed to surprise him just when he thought he was getting used to them, and gazed at the Union planet, which was gradually receding from view.
Maybe it was because he always saw it in photos as Earth.
He couldn’t help but think it looked remarkably similar to Earth.