As the call rang, Carn's mind buzzed with a whirlwind of thoughts. Why was Stanford calling him? Did it have something to do with his admission? Panic momentarily gripped him as he realized he had lost track of the start date for classes. Amidst the flurry of questions running through his head, he excused himself to Alicia and moved to a more secluded spot to answer the call.
“Accept the call,” he spoke with determination.
In an instant, the air seemed to shimmer, unveiling a holographic projection that materialized before Carn. The luxurious office setting displayed impeccable taste and exuded an aura of prestige. At the center of the screen stood a regal figure—an older woman in a simple yet elegant dress, her graying hair framing her face with an air of wisdom. The unmistakable elvish heritage, evident in her pointed ears, added an intriguing touch to her dignified presence.
Smooth and melodious, the woman's voice resonated through the holographic display. "Hello, Mr. Roswal. It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."
Carn, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected call, searched his memory for any recollection of the lady before him. "Likewise, Mrs...," he replied, a tinge of uncertainty lacing his voice.
With a gracious smile, the woman graciously interjected, "Oh, pardon my oversight. I neglected to introduce myself. I am Mrs. York, the President of Stanford University."
A jolt of realization coursed through Carn's veins. The title "President" instilled a sense of awe and urgency within him, causing him to panic over his current disheveled appearance. "I apologize for my appearance! I was out for a jog and wasn't expecting such an important call. I am really really sorry," he blurted, frantically attempting to tidy himself up.
Amused by his flustered state, Mrs. York chuckled softly, her laughter carrying a hint of warmth. "Please, do not fret. Your current setting is quite picturesque. The ocean behind you appears magnificent today."
Carn, still attempting to compose himself, straightened his clothes with a hint of embarrassment. "So, Mrs. York, how may I be of assistance?" he asked, eager to delve into the purpose of the unexpected call.
“Well I am calling to inform you about when your classes will be starting and other miscellaneous information regarding your time at Stanford,” She paused for a moment before continuing, “Due to your unfortunate circumstances our team was unable to reach you when they reached everyone else.”
Carn's uneasiness lingered as he sought clarification. "Okay, so what does that mean for me?" he asked, his tone betraying a mix of apprehension and curiosity.
Mrs. York, ever composed and authoritative, proceeded to enlighten him with crucial information. "Most students have already settled in by now, but we request that you move in by tomorrow's end as classes commence in two days," she explained, her voice carrying an air of significance. Then, as if remembering an essential detail, she swiftly added, "Rest assured, threats to your safety will be a non-issue on campus. We boast top-of-the-line security measures that render it virtually impossible for anyone to breach the perimeter or gain unauthorized access to any facility."
Carn's expression transformed into one of bewilderment as he tried to absorb the weight of Mrs. York's words. Undeterred, she delved into a comprehensive rundown of essential details. She reassured him that first-semester courses were standardized for all students, alleviating any concerns about navigating class schedules. She provided valuable insights into campus life, including his designated residence and the appropriate contacts upon his arrival. Nearly half an hour elapsed as Mrs. York meticulously covered every aspect, and with a warm farewell, she concluded, "It was a pleasure conversing with you, Mr. Roswal. I trust you will relish your educational journey at Stanford." The call came to an end, leaving Carn to process the wealth of information imparted.
After explaining the situation to Alicia, the two made their way back home. As they reached Carn's house, a familiar figure greeted them on the front porch. It was Johnny, the ginger-haired man who had previously picked Carn up from the hospital. Collaboratively, Johnny and Alicia assisted Carn in packing his scant belongings, preparing for the move to campus. Having been informed in advance, Johnny was ready to ensure they reached their destination by the day's end. Carn dreaded being on the receiving end of Johnny’s driving but alas he couldn’t complain.
Swiftly packing his belongings, the trio hopped into the car, Carn instinctively clutched his stomach as Johnny took his place behind the wheel. As they neared their destination, Carn couldn't help but sense an ethereal presence enveloping him. Curiosity piqued, he turned to Alicia, seeking an explanation. She revealed that his new mana sensitivity from Celestial Heart enabled him to detect the protective magic formation woven into the fabric of the school.
Upon reaching the campus, Carn and Alicia were approached by a knowledgeable guide, while Johnny made his swift departure. The guide imparted invaluable insights into campus life, acquainting them with the finer details. Ultimately, the guide led Carn to his assigned dorm room, which initially appeared rather modest in size. However, as Carn's hand grazed the doorknob, he sensed the same ethereal presence he had encountered upon entering the campus grounds.
Just as he prepared to turn the handle, a resonant robotic voice echoed in his mind, "Smart Pill 11 has been linked with the Stanford network. For more information, say SP11 Stanford."
Carn brushed off the pill's communication, eager to enter his new abode. As he turned the handle, the robotic voice announced, "Unlocking the dorm door," and with a satisfying click, the door swung open, revealing a surprisingly spacious room that defied the laws of conventional space with a giant bed, a desk, and a full table in a space that should have only been the size of a broom closet. Carn couldn't contain his astonishment and turned to the guide, inquiring about this inexplicable phenomenon. Momentarily taken aback, the guide swiftly regained composure and explained the marvel of space distortion magic, which allowed for the expansion or contraction of physical space, ensuring students enjoyed ample floor area within their rooms.
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The guide bid them farewell, leaving Carn and Alicia to settle into his new dorm room. Using Alicia's magical prowess, the unpacking process was swift and finished efficiently. As Carn sat on his bed, he noticed a hint of sadness flicker across Alicia's face, concealed behind a veil of composure.
Curiosity tinged with concern, Carn reached out to her, asking, "What's wrong, Alicia?"
Alicia appeared slightly taken aback by the question, as if jolted out of a reverie. She mustered a weak smile and replied, "Ah, um, nothing. It's fine. Your room looks really nice."
Unconvinced by her response, Carn pressed further, determined to uncover the truth. "Your face tells a different story. You can tell me, Alicia."
Hesitation danced in Alicia's eyes, and she pondered her words carefully before speaking, her tone tinged with melancholy. "It's just... It has been incredibly enjoyable spending time with you. Even though we've only known each other for a short while, you've given me something I've never had before—a true friend. People my age have never treated me as an equal, and at some point, I think that I realized that I was lonely." She paused, inhaling deeply as if releasing a weight from her shoulders. "From our conversations in the hospital to the time spent at your house, I've been able to truly be myself. I didn't have to uphold some lofty standard because you didn't know who I was at first. And even after you found out, nothing changed. You've always treated me like a normal girl. Now, seeing you move here... I don't know."
Tears welled up in Alicia's eyes, her vulnerability seeping through. Without a moment's hesitation, Carn rose from his bed and enveloped her in a tight, comforting embrace. After a brief moment, he gently pulled back and placed his hands on her shoulders, his expression sincere. "I think I understand as in many ways, I think that I've experienced something similar. I've never had a friend my age either as I’ve been treated as lesser due to my circumstances. But when you embraced me in God's Paradise after I was captured, I felt my fear melt away and I knew that, finally, there was someone who genuinely cared for me. Between that moment and the way you've consistently treated me, I can confidently say that I've finally found a true friend."
Alicia wiped away her tears, her gaze meeting Carn's earnest eyes. The weight of his hands on her shoulders offered a comforting solace, unlike anything she had experienced from her family or her so-called "friends" who only cared about her status. In a swift, heartfelt movement, Carn leaned in and planted a tender kiss on Alicia's lips, eliciting a surge of genuine happiness within her.
As they broke apart, Carn gazed into Alicia's blushing face, his voice filled with sincerity. "I want you to know that I'm not going anywhere. I'm always just a call away. Whenever you feel lonely, just reach out to me. I'll drop everything to be there for you. And if you'll allow me, I'd love to visit whenever I have a break."
A radiant smile, capable of melting away all worries, graced Alicia's lips. After a brief pause, she rose on her tiptoes and pressed another tender kiss upon Carn's lips, wrapping her arms around his body.
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Bathed in the soft glow of moonlight that filtered through the dorm room windows, Carn stirred from his slumber, cocooned within the embrace of his bed's covers. As he shifted, a pleasant warmth enveloped his side, drawing his attention. Slowly turning his head, he beheld Alicia's serene visage, peacefully lost in sleep. Her eyes remained closed, and he could feel the gentle rhythm of her breath against his neck. The heat radiating from her body clung to his skin, an intimate connection forged through their shared perspiration.
The moonlight enhanced her already mesmerizing beauty, casting a luminous halo upon her silver-white tresses, each strand glistening with ethereal splendor. Her dusky complexion exuded a captivating allure, as if it held secrets whispered by the night.
A tender smile curled Carn's lips as he leaned in, planting a gentle kiss on Alicia's forehead. With a contented sigh, he closed his eyes, basking in the serenity of the moment. "Tonight, I don't need to enter God's Paradise," he silently wished, longing to remain in Alicia's loving embrace. A faint confirmation sound resonated in his mind, granting his wish as his body surrendered once more to the embrace of slumber.
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As the morning light filtered through the dorm room windows, Carn gradually emerged from his slumber, blinking away the remnants of sleep. He stretched his limbs and yawned, the events of the previous night still lingering in his mind like a pleasant dream. His gaze turned to the side, where Alicia, wrapped in a delicate aura of morning radiance, was slowly crawling out of bed.
Alicia's figure, bathed in the soft morning glow, was a sight to behold. Each movement she made held a mesmerizing grace. As she slipped out from beneath the covers, her lithe form was unveiled, her skin glowing with a warm luminosity. The subtle curves of her body seemed to dance in perfect harmony with her every step.
With delicate steps, Alicia moved around the room, her bare feet gliding effortlessly over the floor as she gracefully retrieved her scattered clothes. The first garment she reached for was a pair of stockings, their delicate fabric clinging to her legs like a second skin. Next, she slipped on a pair of lacy panties and a short skirt, its fabric draping elegantly around her waist, accentuating her slender silhouette.
Just as Carn was about to greet her, Alicia turned her gaze towards him, her cheeks flushing slightly at the realization that she was still half undressed. Instinctively, she covered herself, her expression a mix of bashfulness and affection. "Oh, good morning," she stammered, her voice a gentle melody tinged with vulnerability.
“Mornin’ Alicia,” Carn said, a mischievous sparkle in his eyes and a playful smile dancing on his lips.
Quickly regaining her composure, Alicia continued dressing herself. She fastened a delicate bra around her torso and slipped into a sophisticated blazer that exuded an air of confidence and refinement. Completing her ensemble, she elegantly slid her feet into a pair of stylish boots that accentuated her slender legs.
With a final touch of her appearance, Alicia approached the bedside, her eyes sparkling with warmth and affection. Leaning in, she cupped Carn's cheeks in her hands and pressed her lips against his, the kiss a passionate fusion of desire and tenderness. Pulling away slightly, she looked into his eyes, her voice filled with sincerity. "Don't forget to call me every night, no matter what," she whispered, her voice carrying a hint of longing and a plea for unwavering connection.
Carn's gaze softened, his voice resonating with heartfelt reassurance. "I promise, Alicia. Every night without fail," he vowed, the sincerity in his words echoing through the room, forging an unbreakable bond between them.
With a final embrace, their bodies melding together in a loving hug, they exchanged heartfelt words. "I love you," they both whispered simultaneously, their voices merging in perfect harmony. The embrace lingered, filled with warmth and unspoken promises, before Alicia reluctantly pulled away, a radiant smile illuminating her face.
"I have to go now," she murmured, her voice laced with a hint of reluctance. Pressing one last tender kiss upon his cheek, Alicia turned and gracefully left the room, her departing steps echoing with the soft rhythm of their intertwined hearts, leaving behind a lingering sense of love and longing in the morning air.