chapter 14: not in the data base?

Professor Ryen led me through another building, into an elevator, and straight to the top floor.

The moment the elevator doors closed, I realized something.

I might have claustrophobia.

…Or worse.

I might have Ryen-phobia.

I stared blankly at the elevator walls, pretending to be calm while my mind was going through a crisis.

The various absurd events that happened in such a short time had completely puzzled my brain.

I was just a 16-year-old kid.

A normal orphan who spent his days studying for scholarships to escape poverty.

And now?

I was in some military academy, pretending to have amnesia.

What the hell was happening to my life?

I sighed internally.

The world had changed a lot over the years. With magic and technology advancing, the average human lifespan was over 100 years now.

And the truly powerful mages?

They could extend their life span even further.

I had read about it in books before… but I never thought about it deeply until now.

Would I ever get to that level?

Or was I going to die young because of my rotten luck?

Before I could spiral into an existential crisis, the elevator dinged and the doors opened.

Professor Ryen led me into an unexpectedly old-fashioned office.

I blinked.

The entire academy was built with high-tech architecture—floating holographic displays, sleek glass walls, and futuristic lighting.

But this office?

It looked like something from 300 years ago.

Wooden furniture, vintage bookshelves, a giant antique desk, and even a leather armchair.

Sitting in that armchair was a young-looking man, probably in his 30s.

The way he held himself radiated authority, yet his expression was calm and welcoming.

He smiled at me and gestured toward a sofa nearby.

"Please, take a seat."

I hesitated for a moment, then realized it would be rude not to respond.

So, to be polite…

I tried to smile back.

…

The man's expression froze.

I blinked.

Huh?

Why did his face change like that?

I instinctively glanced to the side—there was a large window reflecting my image.

What I saw…

Was a nightmare.

The "smile" on my face looked more like a pained grimace.

Oh.

Oh no.

I had completely forgotten.

My face paralysis.

Instead of looking polite, I looked like I was plotting to murder someone.

…

I immediately erased my expression and apologetically nodded before sitting down like nothing happened.

The man took a deep breath, calming himself.

Professor Ryen, on the other hand, was completely unfazed.

I had a feeling he was already expecting this.

Professor Ryen greeted the man with a respectful bow.

"Director," he said.

Ah.

So this was the Director of the Academy.

Ryen continued, "As per protocol, I've submitted the request for an identity check in the national database."

The Director nodded. "Good. Do we have the results yet?"

"Not yet," Ryen admitted. "But considering the situation, it's best we confirm his status before deciding the next steps."

The Director hummed in thought before turning his gaze to me.

I tried not to react.

"Young man," he said, folding his hands together. "Do you recall anything about your origins? A birthplace? Family members?"

…

I looked him dead in the eye and said—

"I don't know."

It was some what true. I don't know my birth place nor my family members clearly they were all fuzzy in my mind.

And about my name? They didn't ask so there was no need to answer.

Silence.

The Director sighed. "I see."

Ryen, meanwhile, was staring at me like he could see through my soul.

I tried not to sweat.

A few minutes later, a holographic screen appeared, displaying the results of the identity check.

Professor Ryen and the Director both leaned forward to see the data.

Then—

They froze.

I tried to peek, but Ryen covered the screen with his hand.

Okay.

That was suspicious.

The Director looked mildly surprised. "…There's no match?"

Ryen frowned. "Nothing at all?"

The Director scrolled through the data.

"It seems…" he muttered, "he has no official record."

No official record?

What?

I nearly choked on air.

I wasn't expecting them to find much, but… absolutely nothing?!

That didn't make sense.

I was born a citizen of this empire.

I grew up in an orphanage.

Even in the countryside, children were registered in the system for education and healthcare.

So why did my data not exist?

I gulped.

The Director rubbed his chin.

"This is… unusual," he said. "Even children from the countryside have some form of documentation."

Ryen nodded. "The only explanations would be lost records, errors in the system, or… intentional data tampering."

I stiffened.

…That doesn't sound good.

The Director sighed, leaning back.

"For now, we'll need more time to investigate. Until then, he will remain under observation."

Professor Ryen immediately perked up.

I did not like that look on his face.

"Understood," he said smoothly. "I will personally oversee his stay at the academy."

Oh no.

Oh no, no, no.

I was about to be stuck with him.

The Director nodded, seemingly satisfied.

"That concludes our discussion for now," he said. Then he turned to me.

"Young man," he said, "until we verify your identity, you will be given temporary student status here at the Academy."

I blinked.

…What?

I just got enrolled?!

Before I could even process what just happened, Ryen clapped his hands.

"Alright then," he said, smiling. "Let's get you settled in."

I felt a chill down my spine. I don't know why this teacher always give me weird vibes.