Warning Signals and a Class Too Serious for a Lazy Guy

Nova Academy. Morning.

Deren sat in the back corner of the theory class, hoodie covering half his face as he leaned against the wall.

On his desk: a learning tablet, instant coffee, and a notebook filled with more weapon schematics than actual academic notes.

"Today, we'll discuss Core reactions in heavy weaponry and their long-term radiation effects on users," said the professor—a white-haired man with data-screen glasses and a voice like background noise.

Deren was already halfway into sleep mode.

Kael, sitting beside him, was taking notes like it was an entrance exam for heaven.

Ryn? Calmly scribbling down details while occasionally glancing at Deren.

This guy… even while half-asleep, he finishes practical assignments faster than me when I'm focused. Is he… an android?

"Class. Today we're joined by a student exchange officer from Aether Corps' central research division. Please, come in."

Heavy footsteps echoed.

A young woman with short silver hair entered, standing tall in a modified Aether Corps uniform.

Her eyes were sharp and evaluative, her presence so militaristic that Kael instantly sat straighter.

"I'm Sarka. Assigned to assist with observation and direct training in this class."

Deren raised a brow under his hoodie.

Sarka… wasn't that the name Clarice mentioned before?

"I'll be closely monitoring a few of you—especially those showing unusual synchronization or tech potential."

Her eyes scanned the room… and stopped on Deren.

He immediately ducked his head, pretending to take notes.

Nope. I'm invisible. I'm wallpaper. Don't look at me. Don't—

"You."

Deren pointed to himself with a lazy expression. "Me?"

"Yes. Deren, right? I reviewed your test results. You'll be joining my special class this week."

Again? Seriously?! WHAT DID I DO WRONG EXCEPT BE TOO FUNCTIONAL?!

Kael cheered.

"Whoa! A special class?! That's awesome, Der!"

Deren looked up at the ceiling and quietly muttered,

"I swear I'll get revenge on karma someday."

Meanwhile, outside the Academy…

A report came through to the central military observatory:

"Unregistered Core signal detected in the southern zone.

Energy reaction similar to high-tier Metavore.

Not recognized by Aether Corps systems."

Reiner received the report.

"Accelerate the investigation at the Academy.

If this signal means another arrival… we're running out of time."

That night, in a hidden little workshop beneath the dorm building…

Deren was soldering something that looked suspiciously like a high-tech thermos.

Clarice appeared via holographic projection.

"You know? One of the top Core tech companies wants to license the 'failed' tool you built yesterday."

"Reject it. Unless they pay me in the form of an automatic bed that brews coffee."

"…I can arrange that."

Deren let out a deep sigh.

"Clarice… I joined this academy to lay low. Not to star in some special elite class."

"Unfortunately, you're too consistent at creating functional chaos.

The world can't ignore you anymore."

Deren stared at his latest invention—

a compact device that could absorb and neutralize Core radiation.

"Sometimes I wish I was a little dumber."

Unfortunately… he wasn't.

And tomorrow…

his "special" class with Lieutenant Sarka officially begins.