"Wooooo—~"
With the roar of a great wave echoing through their spiritual world, the [Star-Whale] leaped forth from the Quantum Sea. By the time the luminous golden runes on its body had gradually dimmed, it had already carried everyone to the target star system.
"Ugh!"
Kiana covered her mouth as she stood up from her stabilization pod.
"This is way more…"
Mei, the second to get up, gently patted Kiana's back.
"This is way more 'intense' than a portal."
This place was different from the gateway suppressed by the [Throne]. Since it was not a natural exit from the Quantum Sea, the "turbulence" created by bursting through the surface would inflict a devastating blow—both spiritual and physical—to any being below the rank of [Primordial Species].
On a side note, to avoid confusion with the Emperor's title, the Empire's latest power hierarchy had uniformly categorized "Monarch-class" within the [Primordial Species] rank. [Higher Primordial Species], in turn, represented the "True Judgment-class." The latter implied that an Imperial member possessing this level of strength had the power to independently "pass judgment" on an entire intra-planetary civilization.
Above them, among the "Apostles" and "Flame-Chasers," even the weakest possessed the strength to cleanse the surface of a planet… the only difference was how effortlessly they could do it.
Now, the group from St. Freya Academy, along with the "exam-qualified" upper echelons of the Empire, waited within the internal space created by the [Star-Whale]. The creature's core had evolved an extremely unique Authority of the Void, allowing it to stably anchor an entire pocket of space within its body.
This was the very reason it could serve as a transport vehicle across the Sea of Stars.
"The Quantum Sea isn't as stable as the Empire."
"This is just the aftershock. When necessary, the Legions even have to 'punch a hole' themselves to retreat."
Matilla stood up from a nearby stabilization pod.
"That kind of feeling…"
Pat.
She clapped Kiana firmly on the shoulder.
"Is something you'll never experience in the [Abyss]."
"Ah~"
"What our captain means is, the [Abyss] at St. Freya Academy is excellent for training, and if possible, she'd like to get a few admission slots for herself—"
"Sophia!"
"Stop misinterpreting my words!"
"…"
The green-haired vice-captain was dragged away by the sleeve by Matilla.
"I think I'm starting to get used to how they interact…"
"Captain Matilla belongs to the War Legion. Her squad often fights alongside the Quantum Legion, active on the front lines against [Quantum Beasts] in world bubbles."
Bianca, who had personally experienced battles of all sizes in the Quantum Sea, took over the conversation from Mei.
"The [Authority of Death] is not omnipotent."
"High-level combatants can't always show up at the perfect moment to save their comrades."
"Once you descend to a certain depth, life and death are no longer under your own control… If you can't use jokes and banter to manage your own fear like they do, you won't last very long."
A light of unprecedented seriousness flickered in Bianca's eyes.
And just as her little sister was lost in thought—
Pat.
Mei gently tapped Kiana's other shoulder.
"M-Mei?"
"Let's go, Kiana."
Watching Bianca's back as she walked out of the room, Mei spoke.
"It's time for our audience with the 'Apostle'."
---o---
Hiss—
Clank.
The massive alloy door slowly opened.
The group from St. Freya Academy stepped into a vast bridge. Although it retained the name "bridge," it was, in reality, nothing more than a relatively high-class lounge within the [Star-Whale].
Gulp.
Many swallowed involuntarily.
There was no other reason for it; the pressure in the room was just a little too intense. There were a total of four [Higher Primordial Species] at the Legion Commander level who met the Monarch's requirements, and all of them had arrived before the students:
Wendy of the "Wind," Ana Schariac of the "Ice," Chen Tianwu of the "Rock," and Khamsin of "Consciousness."
The first three have been introduced before. The last one, who in his human form had dark brown skin and fine, short hair, a reliable-looking young boy with a constant smile, was the Deputy Commander of the Death Legion (the Legion Commander's second-in-command, of which there is only one). Khamsin's true form was a rare "Elemental Giant." Although his primary Authority was "Consciousness," he was an uncommon master proficient in six Authorities simultaneously: lava flowed from his chest, storms coiled around his arms, his raised steps condensed mountains into hills, and the verdant life draping him formed into green armor, all crowned by a diadem of converged frost…
That's right.
Although Khamsin held the position of Deputy Commander, his combat power was ranked among the top of those present.
"?"
Wendy was the first to turn around. Her gaze swept casually over the St. Freya group, pausing only for a brief moment when she noticed "Durandal."
"I don't recall hearing that this operation required us to work as babysitters?"
Wendy's tone was impatient. This was a critical mission related to her own "promotion," after all. Bringing along these deadweights seemed utterly inappropriate.
"Oh my~"
Ana covered her mouth and chuckled lightly.
"I, for one, think that Lady Kallen giving this opportunity to these lovely children is a win-win for everyone. By simply escorting these little ones, we reduce the number of significant 'rivals' by one. Where else would you find such a good deal?"
As Ana stared at Wendy, her gaze didn't forget to flick toward her husband beside her.
"…"
Unfortunately, the ever-languid Chen Tianwu still looked like he hadn't woken up, showing no intention of taking his wife's cue. Amidst Wendy's undisguised sneer and Ana's exasperated expression, Khamsin stepped in.
"Now, now~"
Khamsin positioned himself between the two who were perennially on the verge of "opening fire."
"This is not the time for infighting."
"His Majesty the Emperor never said there was only one slot for promotion, did he?"
"Besides—"
Khamsin looked at the group with a gentle smile. However, his attention was focused more on Bianca's waist. The eponymous holy sword that had earned her the title "Durandal" was a far trickier problem for Khamsin than Wendy or the others.
After all, he had personally witnessed the might of that holy sword in battles within the Quantum Sea.
"We have another expert here, whose skill is no less than yours or mine."
"Isn't that right, Lady Bianca?"
Bianca nodded slightly in response.
"You flatter me, Commander Khamsin."
"I still have much to learn from the seniors present here—"
Ding.
Just as they were about to exchange a few more pleasantries, a clear chime suddenly echoed from the center of the room.
Everyone, without exception, bowed low instinctively.
A celestial fox the color of cherry blossoms, and a "young girl" currently grooming its fur, had appeared in their field of vision.