Chapter 4 - Part 46 (Book 1 - Fantasy World)

The path began to widen as they neared the wall of the Academy, and soon the people walking about were primarily students. Even the shops became ones that catered more to the needs of students and what younger people would enjoy, especially those who had significant financial resources readily at hand to spend on luxury items.

Valessandria scanned the area as they moved onto the road that encircled the Academy, providing a barrier between the outer and inner regions of the City. The road even had lines indicating how merchants were supposed to enter the Academy and provide space for them to be searched. Past the road, there was only the wall. Sighing, she tried to remind herself that the road was merely to make it convenient for traffic to reach the numerous gates and help with the flow of students and guests entering, something the gate into Illumin struggled with due to only having one. While it helped to defend when the Overflow occurred, the single entrance into the City perpetually had a line that sometimes stretched as far as the eye could see.

She chuckled at herself, knowing of a small temporary village of tents created to provide housing to those traveling to the City and unable to enter before the gates closed for the night. It had grown to a significant size with the trade opportunities presented.

But as she looked at the road that surrounded the Academy, all she could see was a border that marked those with means and those without.

Approaching the wall, she checked the line of wagons waiting to enter the Academy to deliver supplies to the various departments through the commercial entrance -- a massive gate to allow multiple wagons to enter at the same time in case something special was being delivered to a professor or teacher. It was also pleasant to see that the merchants waiting to enter the Academy were relaxed and didn't appear impatient for sometimes waiting more than a few hours. But seeing the Disciplinary Committee having several platoons of the General Purpose department going through multiple wagons at a time as they questioned the merchants gave her confidence that the line would proceed at an efficient pace. The Security Division of the Academy Guards had an equal number of platoons doing a quick sweep of wagons. They also had a few members close to the line of students and guests waiting to enter through the smaller gate for only people. The members were easy to spot with their black uniforms and red accents.

A few of the General Purpose Department members turned their heads to check who was approaching the gate from the incorrect angle, not getting in line but riding their horses directly toward the entrance. One of them pointed at two members and conveyed their orders before making their way toward her horse and the Special Division members behind her.

Seeing the Disciplinary Committee members approaching her, several students looked in her direction. Recognizing Valessandria, many of the female students began to cheer and try to catch her attention.

"Lady Knight! We love you!"

Hearing the cheers from the female students, Valessandria couldn't help but feel her cheeks become slightly warm. She raised a hand, acknowledging their loving and kind words. Being a member of the Student Council in charge of discipline, it was difficult to adjust to the positive attention she received from portions of the student population. Even though she wasn't a popular figure for many, there was still a percentage of students that showered her with adoration.

It reminded her of the report she received about how a fan club was dedicated to her, written up by a member of the Intelligence Department. What made the information worse was how William would often tease her about having a fan club. A few of the members of the Auditors Department put it upon themselves to keep track of relevant sales of merchandise related to her, even going so far as separating them between the Inner and Outer regions of the City. Many in the Disciplinary Committee would whisper amongst themselves and giggle, enjoying how their leader was popular. Even though Valessandria knew it was all done in good fun, the knowledge still made her self-conscious of the attention.

"Lady Knight! We are glad that you have returned safely!" A long blonde-haired woman in the white uniform of the General Purpose department of the Disciplinary Committee gave a salute before her eyes flickered to the black uniforms with silver accents of the Special Division of the Academy Guards.

Valessandria smiled approvingly at how her subordinate kept her thoughts to herself, not antagonizing the Special Division. Though she understood that seeing a superior treated like a criminal wasn't palatable, it was understandable after what she had done. They needed to accept punishment when appropriate if they, as the Disciplinary Committee, were going to set the proper example for the students inside the Academy.

"It looks like you are having quite a time." Valessandria casually said to her subordinate.

Nodding, the woman smiled, "Yes. There seem to be new stores that have become popular with some of the students. One of the stores is offering some type of deal for new customers, a free slice of limited-time cake for new customers." She giggled at the end.

"Did you get a chance to have a slice?"

Letting out a sigh, the woman shook her head, "Unfortunately, I have not. I tried to go when I had some time, but they were out for the day by the time I could order. The lines are quite long."

Raising an eyebrow, Valessandria wondered if she should stop by and see if she could get a slice. The only downside was looking inconspicuous so no one would know it was her. Seeing her subordinate's long face, she didn't want to use her power to cut through the line. At the same time, she couldn't help but think it would be a fun day. But her mood took a nose dive, remembering that it was likely that she would be punished and miss the promotional period.

Her subordinate opened her mouth but then decided against it, returning to pay attention in front of her as she walked next to the horse.

With the other members recognizing her, they gave a quick salute as she reached the gate and entered through.

"Thank you for your hard work, Lady Knight." The woman saluted.

"All of you are doing a great job. Continue to protect the Academy." Valessandria waved a hand to all her subordinates as she entered the Academy.

Compared to the Outer region of the City, the Academy was open and had large grassy fields with tiny forests. While the Outer region focused on the efficiency of space, the Academy was designed with a particular aesthetics. Students could be seen enjoying the lovely day, walking on the paths, or enjoying a relaxing picnic. Younger students could be seen playing tag in the forest or on one of the playground sites scattered throughout the Academy.

Entering the Academy felt as though she had stepped outside but without the monsters and threat of the horrifying natural disaster of the hurricane of monsters that would sweep across the lands and devastate communities. In front of them were tall structures that seemed to reach for the sky and elegant buildings where classes would teach thousands of students. The center of the Academy was a tower stretching higher than all the others like a bridge to the gods above them.

Valessandria's eyes stared at the tower that seemed to defy what humans were able to accomplish, a place that controlled all matters related to not just the Academy but also the City. It was also where she and the other members of the Student Council would meet. The place they were approaching and where she would inevitably be lectured about her negligent behavior.