From Akira's Perspective

We were riding in a freight train heading towards the museum. To the left of the train, a barren wilderness with sparse vegetation stretched out, while on the right, rugged gravel divided us from the coastline, beyond which the horizon was invisible. It felt like stepping into a steampunk world.

Despite the presence of TVs and tablets, the transport network still relied on steam engines, making the level of technological development seem patchwork compared to our world's standards.

Separated from other members of the Kirin class and the school teachers, two burly soldiers were escorting us. The soldiers, Lieutenant Salsa and Sergeant Pepper, indicated just how well the academy's students were treated.

"Are you okay?" I asked Elise, concerned.

"What do you mean?" she responded.

I hesitated, "Well...that..."

After a moment, she seemed to understand I was referring to her period from last week.

Stolen novel; please report.

"Oh, it's been a week since then, so I'm fine now. Thanks for worrying," she replied with a smile that made my heart skip a beat. She had become noticeably more graceful and demure since losing her memory. Cute, I thought, smirking to myself, when suddenly Alegris interrupted.

"Sorry to break up the flirting, but you should really keep your magic hat on."

Alegris, a member of our group, reminded us.

"Yeah, it got a bit warm, and I took it off."

"In a battlefield, a shot to the head could kill you instantly. We never know when this train might be attacked."

"But, this flimsy material doesn't seem very protective," I commented.

"Don't underestimate it; it's woven with defensive spells over time," Sonata, paired with Alegris, added.

"The armory's magic department is a popular career destination post-graduation for Miravenia's female students. Even some from Kirin class are interested," she informed.

"Really, Sonata, are you considering that path too?"

"No way. I’d rather return to the countryside and take up farming. I'd use soil magic, weather magic, and genetic magic," she expressed.

"That’s a nice dream. What about you, Alegris?"

"I want to be a treasure hunter, chasing unknown treasures!"

"Really! That’s so childish," I teased.

"Quiet! A man can dream, can’t he?" he retorted.

As they bantered, Lieutenant Salsa watched over us warmly.

"I wish for a peaceful world where kids like these can dream. Right, Pepper? Oh, where did Pepper go?"

"He said he needed to make an important phone call and went to the cargo car," Elise replied.

Unaware of Sergeant Pepper’s impending betrayal, we enjoyed the calm before the storm.