TTND 04

Chapter 04

If Marie of Astraea hasn’t shown any extraordinary traits, does that mean she’s neither a reincarnator nor a transmigrator—just a native of this world?

Well, that’s a relief in one sense. If she were a player like me, she’d have suspected my identity the moment she heard I annulled the engagement.

But if the original protagonist is purely local… this complicates things.

Awakening Maiden Concerto was notoriously pay-to-win. Without gacha items or cheat abilities—or at least foreknowledge as an Earthling—how could an ordinary person survive its brutal difficulty? Every choice was life-or-death here, with no save-scumming.

“Master, orientation’s starting soon. Shouldn’t we go?”

“Ah, right! Let’s hurry.”

Idnia handed Hei Pa’s reins to Heilang and headed to the ceremony.

The Ivory Tower of Wisdom, Dunais Academy—the pinnacle of human magical study—was in the imperial capital yet not of it.

Like a demonic realm manifesting in the mortal world, the academy existed in a pocket dimension called the Demi-Plane, accessible through gates in Dunais. The most famous gate lay within Celestia Cathedral, the venue for today’s ceremony.

The event was legendary for the emperor’s attendance, flanked by the Imperial Knights. Fully armored, they surrounded the cathedral, offering blessings to new students—a tradition masking darker truths.

Having played the game, Idnia knew the spectacle was a facade.

‘The empire fears the academy.’

Among its faculty were not just ordinary professors but…

The Empire’s Five Prisoners.

Legendary calamities bound by cursed oaths, forced to teach magic while serving their sentences. The academy system existed to maintain these contracts—and the entrance ceremony was a ritual to reinforce them.

The assembled knights and soldiers weren’t here for pomp. They were contingency forces against the Five.

*‘Not that the prisoners ever broke free during the game’s runtime.

…At least, not before I died.’*

Idnia’s past life had ended too soon to see Awakening Maiden Concerto’s finale. For all she knew, the Five might have escaped in later updates.

‘Still, the security’s excessive. Why are their spears all pointed—

“Master? Your aura.”

“Huh? Oh.”

Idnia finally noticed the knights’ weapons glinting at her.

Her Overlord’s aura—radiating unchecked—had put the entire military on edge.

*‘Seriously? They’re this tense over me?

I look less like a villainess and more like a raid boss.’*

Suppressing her aura, she shrank back into her golden-haired, blue-eyed form.

The crowd gasped as the “giant warrior” seemingly vanished.

“Teleportation?! Inside the capital?!”

“Who casts high-tier spatial magic here?!”

“Let them misunderstand,” Idnia whispered, slipping into the cathedral.

Animated suits of armor manned the entrance—showcasing the academy’s advanced magic.

“Celestia Cathedral is restricted to ceremony attendees. Show your invitation.”

The gatekeeper, Gibbels, held a lantern despite the daylight.

‘Gibbels! I almost… missed him?’

Idnia’s nostalgia faded quickly.

In-game, Gibbels was the universally loathed hall monitor—a commoner who relished bullying noble students. His ugly mug haunted every gacha pull, a “troll” character meme’d to infamy.

*‘A necessary antagonist, but still pitiable.

No need to antagonize him further.’*

She handed over her recommendation letter.

“From the Archbishop of Betelgeuse. I’m Idnia Kache Betelgeuse.”

“The one who rejected the crown prince?!”

Heilang bristled. “Watch your tongue, worm!”

“Heilang!” Idnia intervened. “At the academy, even nobles follow staff directives. My apologies, Mr. Gibbels.”

Gibbels blinked. Flattery was rare for him.

“I’ve heard much about your dedication. Students thrive thanks to diligent staff like you.”

“O-Oh! Such grace befitting your noble house!”

Basking in praise, Gibbels eagerly assigned her seat—right beside the protagonist.

Marie of Astraea.

The heroine herself.

Idnia felt an odd thrill seeing her in person.