Dawn finally broke, sunlight spilling over Ren’s face as he wandered the courtyard, preparing to enter the academy.

“Ugh, it’s hard sleeping without a bed, but at least I got some rest,” Ren muttered, stretching his stiff body. When he checked his stamina stats, he saw they were nearly full—enough to start the day.

There was another piece of good news. After having breakfast in his tent, Ren had discovered a new feature of his Unexistence skill.

"It seems if I hold a new item anywhere on my body or in my clothes, like an MRE or tools, I can take them with me even when I disappear after the timer runs out," Ren said excitedly, inspecting some new items.

He had also acquired a leather belt bag with a surprising amount of space. Feeling more prepared, he packed snacks and two bottles of water, finally freeing himself from worrying about food and water.

“I don’t have to starve anymore,” Ren grinned. “Being able to take items with me while using Unexistence is really going to help.”

After a while, Ren entered the academy, trying to gauge the tense atmosphere around him. The hallways, usually bustling with energy and chatter, were eerily quiet. The few students he passed wore expressions of wariness and fear, their eyes darting nervously as if anticipating danger at any moment. Whatever was happening had taken its toll on everyone.

The faculty members weren’t faring much better. Teachers who once exuded confidence now moved through the corridors with exhaustion etched on their faces. The academy, once a sanctuary of learning, now felt like a stronghold on the verge of collapse.

“This place feels wrong… these hallways should be crowded with students, not deserted,” Ren murmured as he walked. “Most of the students must be in the gym or cafeteria.”

As he continued through the halls, Ren overheard scattered conversations between students and staff.

“Did you hear the principal’s speech? She said the empire’s reinforcements are going to be late,” a male student said, his voice heavy with disappointment.

“What!? We’ve already been waiting for days! How can they still be late?” a female student replied anxiously.

Nearby, a faculty member was talking to a soldier.

“How are we on supplies?” the teacher asked.

“We’re good on food and water for now, but they’re running out fast. The real issue is our medicine reserves; we don’t have enough for this many people and soldiers.”

“Prioritize the children,” the faculty member ordered. “Even if we don’t make it, they must be protected. They’re the future.”

“Yes, sir!” the soldier replied and marched away.

“They can’t hold out much longer without reinforcements,” Ren thought, concern growing. The situation was dire, and now the reinforcements were late. But something wasn’t adding up.

“The distance between the capital and this town isn’t far enough to explain such a delay,” Ren murmured. “Did something happen along the way?”

Deep in thought, Ren didn’t notice when he arrived at his destination: the door to Class F—the most important class in the game.

"Finally... the class I've seen hundreds of times in the game, right here in front of me," Ren muttered, staring at the entrance. This was a huge moment for him. Inside was the class that shaped the entire second arc of the story—the class where key characters would face the challenges that defined their growth.

He loved their story—the way they evolved, overcame obstacles, and ultimately saved the day. Ren had accompanied them through every moment in the game. But now, they were no longer just characters; they were real people living their own lives, making their own choices.

“But why is it so quiet?” Ren murmured, listening for any signs of life inside. The silence was unsettling. “Is there no one here?”

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Peeking inside, Ren found the classroom empty. Desks and chairs were neatly arranged, but the room was devoid of any students.

As Ren stood there, unsure of his next move, he overheard a hushed conversation from down the hall.

“…the meeting’s on the third floor... everyone’s supposed to be there…”

“Do you think they’ll tell us what’s really going on?”

Ren’s ears perked up. A meeting? On the third floor? That had to be where everyone was gathered. If he wanted answers—or clues—that was the place to go.

Wasting no time, Ren made his way to the stairs, his mind racing. He was about to meet the main protagonist and the other important characters from the academy—characters he had seen countless times in the game but would now meet in person.

Standing before the meeting room door, Ren's heart pounded in his chest. The muffled voices from inside grew clearer, and he recognized one immediately. It sent a chill down his spine—it was a voice he had heard so many times during his playthroughs, leading the charge and driving the story forward.

“Haha, hearing that voice in real life feels completely different,” Ren chuckled nervously, bracing himself. “Well, no point in waiting any longer.”

Taking a deep breath, Ren slipped inside, careful not to attract attention. The room was filled with tension and urgency, but what truly took his breath away was the sight of the people inside.

Characters he knew so well—characters he had fought alongside, strategized with, and sometimes even fought against—were now here in the flesh. And among them, standing out unmistakably, was a figure Ren recognized instantly.

Shiro Mikazuki, the main protagonist of the second arc of Illustria Chronicles.

Shiro was a young man with unkempt dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He wore the standard black Orios Academy uniform, complete with gray trousers and a red tie. On his waist was his signature tachi, sheathed and ready—a gift from his master.

“He’s even more handsome here than in the game,” Ren thought, suppressing a laugh.

Shiro, a talented swordsman from a minor noble house, had been at the center of the second arc’s story. Seeing him in person, standing tall with his tachi, made Ren realize he was no longer just a character—Shiro was as real as anyone else.

But Shiro wasn’t the only key figure in the room.

Ren’s gaze shifted to Liana Clarence, one of the main heroines. Known for her kindness and healing abilities, Liana had been a pillar of support throughout the story. With her long blonde hair, amber eyes, and calm demeanor, it was easy to see why she had become such a beloved character.

“It’s no wonder she’s so popular—she looks like a celebrity,” Ren mused, admiring her.

Next to her stood Rolan Steinor, Shiro’s friend and rival. With striking golden eyes and crimson hair, Rolan was the fiery counterpart to Shiro’s cool composure. His fierce loyalty, relentless drive, and well-timed jokes had made him a fan favorite.

“Ah, the joker,” Ren smiled, recalling Rolan’s lighthearted moments, even during the toughest battles.

Nearby was Lucius Vander, the noble son of a duke. With his long brown hair loosely to his shoulders, yellow eyes, calm demeanor, and sharp intellect, Lucius had always been the strategist of the group. His rivalry with Rolan had become legendary, with their contrasting personalities—ice and fire—sparking countless debates among fans.

“Lucius always did look like he was ready for a photo shoot,” Ren joked to himself, noting the noble’s flawless appearance.

And then, Ren saw her—his favorite character.

Celes Ortensia, the secret government agent posing as an ordinary student. With her bright purple hair and mysterious green eyes, Celes had always intrigued Ren. In the game, her true identity was a closely guarded secret, and none of her classmates knew her real mission.

“Oh my god, I can’t believe I’m seeing her in person,” Ren muttered, excitement bubbling up. “Meeting your favorite character… what a dream.”

He had bought so much of her merchandise in real life that, at one point, it almost bankrupted him for a while.

“There were just way too many things to buy... I nearly survived on instant noodles for a month because of it,” Ren said, cringing at the memory of his embarrassing past.

In addition to the students, there were also key figures from the academy staff present.

At the head of the table stood Valis Arcane, the academy’s formidable principal. With her long blonde hair and purple eyes, she commanded the room effortlessly. Appearing in her military uniform which consist of a white jacket with golden accents and skirt over black tights and high boots. A former general, her leadership had been key to many victories in the game’s story.

“Even from here, I can feel her authority,” Ren thought, impressed by her presence.

Beside Valis stood Barran Dantes, the vice principal and a top agent in the national intelligence agency. His black straight short hair, sharp features, and cunning mind had made him a valuable asset to the empire. He was also the handler for Celes, the only one aware of her double identity.

“Arrogant, but effective,” Ren thought, recalling Barran’s critical role in the story.

On the other side of Valis was Eslis Rieneer, the academy’s magic instructor. With her long greyish hair and violet eyes, Eslis was renowned for her unparalleled mastery of magic. She had mentored many of the game’s main characters.

“Her magic skills could rival anyone’s, even the empire’s best,” Ren murmured. “I’m sure she’s the one who set up the academy’s barrier.”

But as Ren scanned the room, he noticed someone was missing.

“She’s not here... the homeroom teacher of Class F,” Ren muttered.

Before he could think further, a firm, elegant voice silenced the room.

“Now, let the meeting begin,” Valis declared.

Everyone took their seats around the table, and the meeting commenced.