Settlement

Barely hanging onto Elijah's back was a backpack ripping at the seams — carrying everything Elijah had ever owned in Gion.

Inside, was all of his clothes, academy notebook, and a box of soap bars he had bought from the local market.

Slowly but surely, Elijah and Niko made their way to the Orneas Terminus for a quick ride on the waterway.

An Enforcer only allowed them entry once their emblem and notebook was shown — turning to the personal information page that proved they were a student at the current time.

"I bid you a good day, young ones."

Behind Elijah and Niko were another group of people carrying their things. Everyone was stealing glances at each other as a way to not just feel the competition, but also to understand who else would be in their midst.

It was a silent way of asserting dominance, and feeling out who everyone "liked".

The Paladin's are not the all-powerful people of the campus who are looked up to and feared.

While they deserve it for what they put themselves through, they are also regarded as lunatics by the select few who would rather build themselves a prosperous life of comfort in the world of business.

"Pfff… Why would I willingly give myself a flaw… even if there is a chance of some amazing power at play. Lunatics I tell you." Said a boy who was peering through the line of children.

Annoyingly, a boy behind their group voiced his opinion — standing tall even among the adults that were escorting their children to the academy."You say that now, but when your ass gets killed by those elves, you'll be wishing you took a chance…"

Elijah threw his stuffed backpack onto his bed, and quickly opened the shutters to his window. Slowly but surely, a massive storm was moving towards Gion.

While he wasn't surprised at the frequency, he was surprised at the intensity. Strikes of lightning were already seen flicking inside the dark cloud.

"Seems like it's going to be an interesting night…"

Elijah opened the door to see Lith sitting on the long four person couch. After a few quick words, Elijah took a glance towards the kitchen as an urge had set into his soul.

Soon after, Lith followed Elijah to meet up with Niko. They had already discussed paying their entrance fee today, which led them through the stone paths, grassy plains, and the surrounding buildings that made up the campus.

Just from Elijah's estimate, the eastern dorm building could hold 6000 children. Being that the building is six stories tall with tons of common areas, hallways, and a complicated exterior, it was to be expected.

Then, when combined with the fact of there being five dorm buildings total, the campus would be able to hold roughly 30,000 children!

Just like the first time, the hallway that led to the grand room full of balconies and supporting ropes was a sight to see.

An attendant at the front reception desk that circled the support ropes sent them to the third floor — office 314.

To the right of the door was a rectangular glass panel that allowed Niko to see a long stained wooden desk with a giant back wall of cabinets.

"Welcome! Can I assume you are here to pay the entrance fee?" Asked a black and gray-haired woman with a face full of freckles."

"Yes. That is exactly why we are here." Elijah said while standing in front of Niko and Lith. Just from their silence, Elijah was able to deduce nervousness. Either from talking to a stranger, or simply because of the large sum of Genny that will be leaving their pockets.

"Great to hear. If you will, please print your name, room number, and class ranking on the sheet of paper, then sign at the bottom. You three are Paladins correct?" The lady asked while moving forward three aged pieces of parchment closer to the edge of the desk. "You may sit down if you like."

Five minutes later, 12000 Genny was stacked on the pieces of parchment paper, and seen being packed into a thick and robust envelope that was then later stuffed into a cabinet.

The three boys walked out of the office as if they had lost a limb, but later were distracted by the commotion happening within the center of the Academy Hall.

Tall guards dressed in black suits were surrounding a group of important people. To the side of the bodyguard's hips were at least six cases of luxury pigmented leather luggage.

"Do you think a duke has arrived? Or possibly a Royal?" Lith asked while peering over the edge of the black rimmed glass balcony.

"I think royalty has arrived." Elijah's voice was monotone as he was distracted at a specific figure being surrounded by guards. He peered over the edge with forearms tingling from the cold and black rubber-like material.

His eyes however, were intently staring at the black hair that gently moved with every turn of her head. An angelic like figure with beauty unlike many people Elijah had seen before.

"…Saskia Sohana…" Elijah muttered under his breath with a slight smile.

"Hmph… someone is in love…" Niko moved away from the balcony and began making his way to the hallway where the staircase resides.

Once on the bottom level, the three decided it was best to not engage the Sohana's as they didn't want to attract attention to themselves.

Despite their attempt to efficiently shuffle through the edge of the crowd in order to make it to the eastern entrance, Saskia caught Elijah's eye whilst looking backwards.

A faint smile was exchanged, followed by dozens of confused looks in their direction.

"Oh well… It doesn't matter anyway." Elijah remarked once the shaded light of the day hit their faces.

…

Inside a grand dining hall that housed an elevated seating area, Elijah sat down with a white ceramic plate full of food. Digestion was not something Elijah was thinking about as he had a ten minute walk to his dorm. The western location of the dining hall would make it a drag in the future.

"Elijah! What is up with you eating so slowly?!" Niko commented after pushing his plate forward against the light brown wooden table.

In front of their chests was a vast wooden picnic-like table with an expertly designed blue and white table cloth. On it — in consistent amounts spanning all the way across, were glass bottles of water, mixed fruit, neat piles of napkins, and silverware.

After he had finished chewing his sliced steak that had cost him 12 Genny, he explained the reason. "Because I care about my digestion. Chewing your food thoroughly allows your body to process it easier. Also… I love savoring the taste."

Lith quickly cut in, beginning with a chuckle. "Oh yeah? What other niche things do you do for your health?"

"Not much at the moment. I used to stretch, meditate, and exhaust my muscles… Ever since…" Elijah passed. "I really should get back to my normal habits."

Just as the group of three were getting up from their cushioned seats, they were greeted by a group of four children who looked around the same age. Besides a rather tall boy who seemed to be slightly disfigured — as if his body could not handle the pace his bones grew at.

"Well hello there! If I may ask, what path are you three in?" Asked the obvious leader of the group. A simple black haired boy with black eyes dressed in fine white and brown garments.

Obviously a noble… Elijah thought to himself before speaking. "We are all in the path of the Paladin. What about you?"

"Business. To be upfront with you, I am looking for any funds that would grant you equity in what I am going to build. A marketplace to connect sellers and manufacturers."

"First off, do you mind if I know your name?" Elijah politely asked as he was not against the idea of investing.

"Darwin Reginaire."

Exchanging names allowed Elijah to think of the opportunity, but quickly dismissed the idea as there was no need for such a business. With the Kingdom unable to expand much further, the chances of success are minuscule.

Yes, the idea could allow more products to be sold, but already, the markets are flooded with products that are always being bought. There is not a surplus or scarcity of any kind of product, but an expectation that is always shown unless the war causes certain materials to be unavailable for some time.

The entire kingdom had become so efficient and organized to the point of supply and demand being predictable. Perhaps that was the reason a guild known as the "House of Method" existed. The name is in relation to the three government houses, but is not underneath the same umbrella. Many of the top Adventurer Attendants eventually make it into the House of Method as a manager for a select Wildlands region.

Maybe if the kingdom wasn't trapped, it would be useful… Elijah thought inwardly.

"Thank you for the offer, but I must pass. I do not see any potential with the state the kingdom is in." Elijah kindly remarked.

Of course, this did not sit well with a boy in the path of business. "What makes you think you know anything about business? You have not a single certification under your belt!"

Just like in Elijah's past life, there were always people who were neurotic about "credentials". It didn't matter how "smart" you were, if you did not have the degree or certificate, a joke was all that you were seen as.

Of course, this idea changed during Lukas' life, creating a new way for genius and talented individuals to be noticed.

"That's true, but at least I have a sense of awareness. I can tell I'm not the only person who has rejected your offer."

Elijah smiled and walked away with Niko and Lith following him from behind.

Not a single word escaped Darwin's mouth as he had also began to diligently walk away with a red face.