Vanitas sat idly in his seat.
In the VIP compartment, he chose to sit in the very back, occasionally glancing at Astrid, who sat a few rows ahead.
The journey to Estelle, the land of mages, was known for its tumultuous and stress inducing environment that even the players found bothersome.
Magic phenomenons.
Strangely, regular passengers, those without sufficient mana to qualify as mages, were completely unaffected.
The train made its first stop and then continued its journey.
“Which one?”
In other words, which of the phenomenons would he experience?
There were many, but the most troublesome ones were Abyss and Chronoa.
Vanitas stood and made his way to the dining car.
As he entered, a few passengers were seated, chatting quietly or enjoying their meals. Vanitas picked a corner seat, ordered tea, and leaned back.
His mind wasn’t on the meal.
The spirits didn’t target random passengers, but rather, mages.
Regular people were like background noise to them. However, the stronger the mage, the more likely they were to attract attention.
Vanitas pulled out a small notebook. Headmaster Elsa had reminded him that it was time to start working on his second book.
Every two years, University Professors were required to write and publish books if they wanted to advance their careers before turning thirty.
However, meeting the sale and review thresholds was mandatory for it to count.
His first book?
“Trash.”
The original Vanitas’s first publication could only be described as garbage.
A total waste of paper.
Human waste in written form.
So on and so forth.
It was overly convoluted, filled with unnecessary jargon, and as enjoyable as reading an outdated instruction manual for a broken appliance.
The kind of book one skimmed for a good laugh before tossing aside.
The most generous review it ever received was: ‘I was able to put my child to sleep. The perfect bedtime story. 10/10.’
Vanitas sighed, tapping his pen against the notebook.
He quickly jotted down potential topics as he sifted through the spectacle’s archives.
His focus was on theories that had captured players’ attention
“Interactive spell design?”
He scribbled down the idea. It was one of the mechanics players found entertaining during a particular minigame.
The train came to a halt at the next station, letting a few passengers board or disembark. Moments later, it started moving again.
Then, out of nowhere, the lights flickered.
“….”
He glanced up.
“Here we go,” he muttered, slipping his notebook into his coat pocket and standing up.
Vanitas decided to return to the VIP compartment. On his way back, the atmosphere in the train felt odd.
Some passengers were asleep. Others were awake, whispering quietly or staring out the windows as though something had unsettled them.
Vanitas moved through the cars without drawing attention to himself.
As he entered the last car before the VIP compartment, he took notice of the sleeping passengers.
“Oh?”
His eyes landed on one familiar face.
Astrid.
“It’s starting….”
When spirits got involved, they often played games.
This was one of them.
A scenario familiar to players—a “minigame,” as they called it.
In this scenario, he concluded it was something akin to mafia, where roles were assigned and the detective—the only one awake, had to figure out who was who.
With him being the only one awake, it was clear.
“I’m the detective.”
And the game?
Figure out who the “mafia” was—the unconscious mage the spirit drew its power from.
“Tsk.”
The train stopped again, then resumed its journey shortly after.
That made three stops. There were eight stops in total, the eighth being Estelle.
As long as Vanitas was awake, the spirits wouldn’t act rashly in his vicinity. However, he couldn’t possibly account for everyone on board.
That left only one person who mattered most in this situation.
Vanitas made his way to Astrid. She was still asleep and his eyes landed on the book resting on her lap.
[Spellcraft Fundamentals: Astrea Series]
Without a second thought, he picked up the book and casually tossed it out the window.
Anyway.
It was unfortunate he had been chosen.
The game had started because he was awake, and perhaps his immunity to the sleep-inducing phenomenon was linked to his transmigration.
He couldn’t be certain, but it seemed likely.
Finding an empty seat near her, Vanitas crossed his arms and glanced at the sleeping Astrid.
Snore—
“….”
She was a heavy sleeper.
As time passed and the train made its fourth stop, Vanitas began to feel drowsy himself.
He fought it off.
From what he knew, falling asleep in this situation was irreversible. But somehow, he managed to stay awake.
Snore—
Her frequent snoring didn’t quite fit her elegant appearance at all.
***
“Nmh….”
Astrid groggily woke up, wiping the drool from her mouth with her hand.
She glanced around and noticed several passengers already leaving the train.
“You slept quite a bit.”
“I did… didn’t I….”
Her voice trailed off. Turning her head, she realized Professor Vanitas was seated next to her, staring at her with a blank expression.
“….Ah, Professor. You were here?”
“Yes,” Vanitas nodded and stood up. “Let’s go. You’re heading to the conference, right?”
“….Yes.”
She quickly grabbed her belongings and followed him off the train.
“Are you attending the conference too?” she asked.
“Yes.”
He nodded, his expression calm as always.
“Is this your first time in Estelle?” he asked.
“….Yes, it is.”
“Then you’ll need a guide,” Vanitas said as they walked. “Estelle isn’t an ordinary place.”
“Okay….”
Of course, Astrid had done her research. She knew about the strange magical phenomena that could occur both on the journey to Estelle and within the city itself.
Astrid glanced at the professor. He was talking about Estelle, explaining its quirks and unique rules, but Astrid’s thoughts wandered.
‘Wow, how lucky am I to have Professor Vanitas personally showing me around?’
It was currently 1:23 P.M. There was still plenty of time to explore before the conference began. Astrid looked around, taking in the bustling streets of Estelle.
Suddenly, she remembered something.
“Professor,” she said, cutting him off.
“What is it?”
“I need to check in at the hotel I reserved.”
“Where are you staying?”
“The Silvercrown Hotel,” she replied.
“Oh?” Vanitas blinked, surprised. “I’m staying there too.”
“Really?” Astrid’s eyes widened. “What are the odds?”
“Coincidence,” he said flatly. “Alright, let’s head there first.”
The two made their way to the hotel. As they checked in, the staff greeted Astrid and Vanitas with respectful bows, quickly taking their bags to their room.
After settling in, Astrid looked at the professor.
“You’re in the room next to mine, Professor?”
“It appears so….”
“….”
Astrid quickly shook her head, pushing away the odd thoughts that briefly crossed her mind.
It was just a coincidence, nothing more.
After a moment of silence, she spoke up. “Do you think we could look around the city before heading to the conference?”
Vanitas crossed his arms. “You want to sight-see?”
“Only a little…. There’s still time….”
He sighed but eventually nodded. “Fine. But stay close. Estelle isn’t the safest place for a princess.”
“Understood!”
Vanitas led Astrid through the bustling streets of Estelle. The city was alive with activity. Blue glowing lanterns lit the pathways, and street vendors displayed items, engraved with magic circuits.
They stopped by a shop selling magical trinkets. Astrid’s eyes sparkled as she admired a bracelet engraved with protective spells.
“Do you want it?” Vanitas asked.
Astrid shook her head. “It’s beautiful, but I don’t need it.”
“Good. Tourist traps like this charge triple the actual value.”
They continued down the street, passing a bakery with pastries that floated in display cases.
Astrid pointed at a glowing tart. “Wow~”
Vanitas walked inside and returned with two pastries. He handed one to Astrid.
“Here.”
“…For me?” she asked, surprised.
“Yes. Consider it a reward for your efforts.”
“Thank you.”
Astrid accepted it eagerly and took a quick bite. Her eyes lit up as she grinned.
“This is delicious~!”
They walked further, reaching a park where crystal-clear fountains sprayed water. Children played around the area, some practicing basic spells under the watchful eyes of their parents.
“It’s peaceful,” Astrid said.
“Yeah.”
They moved on, stopping at a bookstore filled with ancient magic textbooks. Vanitas browsed briefly, pulling out a book titled Arcane Histories of Estelle.
“This might be worth reading,” he muttered, adding it to his bag.
Meanwhile, Astrid found herself admiring a book on magical beasts, flipping through pages filled with vibrant illustrations.
“Inferno Phoenix?” Vanitas asked, suddenly standing behind her.
Astrid jumped slightly but quickly composed herself.
“Ah, Yes. It’s one of the rarest magical creatures, isn’t it?”
Vanitas nodded. “They’re fascinating. Their feathers alone are said to be capable of powering an entire Empire.”
They ended their tour at a cliffside pavilion overlooking the city. The sun was beginning to set, a golden glow hovering over Estelle’s towers and spires. The view was breathtaking.
“Not bad,” Vanitas admitted, leaning on the railing.
Astrid glanced at him, surprised.
….He was smiling.
She had never seen him make a face like that before.
Astrid couldn’t help but chuckle. “It suits you.”
“What does?”
“…Nothing,” she said quickly, turning her gaze back to the city.
Vanitas tilted his head slightly but didn’t press further. Instead, he looked out at the horizon.
“Let’s head back,” he said after a moment. “The conference is about to start.”
“Right.” Astrid nodded.
She took one last look at the view, letting the peaceful moment settle in her memory, and then followed him down the stone path.
As they walked back to the city, she couldn’t help but steal another glance at him.
‘He’s not so cold after all….’
Perhaps, change really was possible.
She thought about the stories Nicolas had told her about Vanitas. But seeing him now, she couldn’t imagine this version of him matching those tales.
When they arrived at the conference, someone peculiar caught her eye.
“….”
A woman with flowing red hair stood off to the side, speaking to someone. As if sensing her gaze, the woman turned, and their golden eyes met.
“Sister?”
She froze, completely taken aback.
Her sister, Irene, despite graduating as valedictorian in her year, was never one to delve into magic research. Instead, her focus drifted on business and wealth.
So, how—and why—was her busy sister here?
“Astrid,” Irene called out, walking toward her.
Astrid froze. Irene’s usual cheerful demeanor was nowhere to be seen. Instead, her expression was strained.
“Sister, why are you here?” Astrid asked.
Irene crouched slightly, placing a hand on Astrid’s shoulder. Her face twitched as if forcing a smile.
“For the conference, of course,” Irene said.
Her tone didn’t sound right. Something was off.
Then, Irene’s golden eyes shifted to Vanitas, studying him for a moment.
“And who’s this?”
“This is Professor Vanitas Astrea,” Astrid said. “He’s my Professor.”
“Professor?” Irene repeated, raising an eyebrow. “The one I’ve heard so much about?”
Vanitas nodded politely but remained silent.
“What a coincidence,” Irene said, her strained smile widening slightly. “It seems you’ve found yourself in good company, Astrid.”
“….Yes, the Professor is quite competent.”
Her golden eyes flicked between Astrid and Vanitas.
“Though you should be more careful, Astrid,” Irene said. “Not everyone you meet is as they appear.”
Astrid frowned, unsure how to respond.
“Listen to me, Astrid—”
But before her sister could finish, the announcement resounded.
——The conference will now begin shortly! Please take your seats!
“Let’s go, Astrid,” Vanitas said, walking ahead.
Astrid hesitated, glancing at her sister. Irene’s lips pressed into a thin line. What’s she so worried about?
Irene didn’t say anything and just stared at her.
Astrid sighed and turned to follow Vanitas, staying close behind him.
But something made her glance back again.
“….?”
Irene was gone.
“Sister?” Astrid called, glancing around.
Vanitas stopped and turned to her. “She’s probably heading inside.”
“Ah, right….” Astrid nodded, though something about her sister’s sudden disappearance felt odd.
Vanitas gestured toward the entrance. “Let’s not keep them waiting.”
“….Okay.”
As they entered the grand auditorium, Astrid’s steps faltered. Her eyes widened in disbelief.
“….Brother!?”
Standing near the front, amidst a crowd of scholars and mages, was Franz Barielle Aetherion. He was engaged in a quiet conversation with an older man, likely a distinguished mage.
“….”
Astrid froze. There’s no way.
Vanitas glanced at her, noting her reaction. “Someone you know?”
“….It’s my brother,” she muttered, still stunned.
Franz noticed them and began walking toward them.
“Astrid,” he said, stopping in front of her.
“….B-Brother,” she stammered.
Without a word, Franz placed a hand on her shoulder. “Astrid, can you help me find the exit?”
Vanitas, standing beside her, cleared his throat.
“If you’re looking for the exit, it’s back the way you came.”
Franz turned his gaze to Vanitas, finally acknowledging him. “And you are?”
“Vanitas Astrea. Professor at the Silver University Tower.”
“I see,” Franz said. “But I’d like to speak to my sister in private. Would that be alright, Professor?”
Before Vanitas could reply, an announcement echoed through the auditorium.
——I repeat. Please find your seats! If you aren’t seated, I suggest you just go home!
“Huh?” Astrid blinked, looking toward the stage.
Vanitas gestured toward the seating area.
“Let’s go, Astrid. You can talk to your brother later.”
“Wait, but—” Astrid hesitated.
“We’ll miss the opportunity.”
Reluctantly, Astrid followed him. As they walked, she glanced back over her shoulder.
“….”
Her brother was gone.
Just like Irene.
Her brows raised. What the hell is going on?
Vanitas stopped and looked at her.
“Astrid, are you coming?”
She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. “Y-Yeah, I’m coming.”
“Psst….”
A voice behind her made her pause. She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around.
It was Ezra.
Her eyes widened. This was getting ridiculous.
“Commoner!? What are you doing here…?”
Ezra leaned closer. “Astrid, help me find the exit.”
“What?” she whispered, baffled.
He had declined her invitation, and there was no way he could have afforded the steep entrance fee. None of this made sense.
“This behavior is inappropriate, Ezra,” Vanitas said.
Ezra didn’t even acknowledge the professor. His gaze was fixed on Astrid.
“Astrid, we don’t have time. I need your help.”
Astrid hesitated, glancing between Vanitas and Ezra. Something was definitely wrong.
“What are you—” she began.
But then it started to click.
Her breath hitched as she turned to Vanitas.
“You….”
Astrid’s voice trembled as the realization dawned upon her.
“You’re Abyss—”
“Tsk.”
Before she could say another word, Abyss clicked its tongue and everything went dark.