Beyond Phantasia

The rest of the day went relatively smoothly. I focused on my studies during general education class and managed to afford lunch, although it cost a hefty 200 credits for a basic dish. This school is running my pockets dry. It would be ten times more affordable to cook.

Tsk. Let’s start cooking from now on.

I entered the locker rooms and changed into my combat-training suit. Fortunately, combat class provided a good opportunity to train myself. I missed having muscle. After getting ready, I joined the rest of the class and fell into formation.

"Welcome back, cadets! Today, we’re changing up the pace. A few laps around the field, and then we're off to the training rooms. Move it!"

The class ran except for the higher-ranking nobles. However, Instructor Weak cut the running short since he had other lessons planned for us today.

Instructor Weak waited for everyone to fall back into formation.

"Listen up, cadets. While it's true that socriliums pack a heavy punch, it's essential that you all learn basic weaponry. Not only will this help you grasp the fundamentals, but you never know when an emergency might arise or if you’ll be separated from your socrilium."

Instructor Weak paused, letting his words sink in. What he said was true; in war, nothing is ever guaranteed. But with proper training, you can at least increase your odds of survival.

“You all will be randomized into groups of five. Pick any gun of your choice. Your goal is simple: take out as many target bots as you can before the five-minute timer ends,” Instructor Weak said.

“This will help us gauge your skill level and assign you to the proper squadrons. Take this as a learning experience,” Instructor Cefin added.

“Um, excuse me, Instructor Cerfin, isn’t this a bit unfair for some of us? The noble classes were already taught to use guns since they had the resources to do so...” One of the students asked.

“Yes, it will be unfair. I won’t lie to you about that,” Instructor Cerfin responded. “But remember, war is never fair. You have to learn to overcome challenges like this. Use it as fuel to push yourself to improve and do better.”

“U-understood Instructor Cefin," the student replied.

Wasn’t this world a little too unfair?

From the moment I arrived in Beyond, I noticed the nation was already in a mess. Xenophobia towards other races, rigid social hierarchies rooted in nobility, and clear signs of injustice were all too dominant. Was the reality of this game really that dark?

Sigh....

I’ll just have to do my best.

Everyone stared at their datachrons, anxiously waiting for the announcement of their teammates. Naturally, they all hoped to be paired with the top rankers, especially the top five, who could carry them through the challenge. I could understand why, but relying on others to do the heavy lifting wasn't my principle — unless, of course, I was a billionaire.

Ding!

The groups were made.

I glanced at the list and saw that I wasn't paired with any of the key characters. Elara, Aurelia, and Iris were together in one group, while Kaeygo and Novian were in another. This might be a problem if I wanted to score high enough. To make the situation worse, Gallagher and I were on the same team.

“Tsk. Why is my luck always so atrocious?”

'I’ll just aim to do enough to keep a low profile while still helping my grade,' I thought, trying to comfort myself. “I just need enough points where I can relax comfortably.”

Everyone gathered in their respective groups.

“Well if it isn't 4000!”

I noticed another noble in our group by his haughty demeanor and how he was standing awfully close to Gallagher.

“Thanks for remembering me. You must find me handsome.”

“Hah. I won’t fall for your trickery this time, peasant.”

“No, I get it — you’ve found your own man. He’s standing awfully close to you. Don’t worry, I’m not one to judge. You two have my fullest support.”

Gallagher, turning his head and seeing the other noble, shoved him away, his face flushing red.

“T-this is just a mere follower. Don’t get it twisted.”

“Whatever you say,” I said.

After a few short breaths, Gallagher decided to speak again.

“As a noble, I will be the designated team captain. After all, I’m the best shot here.”

“S-shouldn’t we decide by a group vote?” one of the members replied hesitantly.

“Are you talking back to me? Do you even know how to hold a gun?”

“N-n-no, sir.”

“Then shut it. I’ll deal with you later.”

“Any complaints commoner 4000?” Gallagher smirked.

I yawned.

“Not. A. Problem.”

I could tell he wanted to cuss me out but held back.

“Alright, cadets, since there are three hundred of you and only five members per group, you’ll be competing in intervals of ten. You’ll be randomized into your batches. When your batch is called, make your way to one of the training rooms. The best from each interval will be granted early leave from class. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes instructor!” We called out in unison.

This time, Instructor Cerfin stepped in.

“As a reminder, you’re not only scored on your total number of kills but also on how well you carry out your own. This means you can’t hide behind someone else the whole time. You are Silvion cadets — act like it. Instructor Weak and I will be watching. Good luck.”

That statement stung for many cadets. It meant they couldn’t just wait around and be carried by the top five.

“Batch one to your training rooms!” Instructor Weak called out.

I looked at the list. Batch one included Novian and Kaeygo, while batch five contained the main heroines. I was placed in the last batch, batch six.

Novian and Kaeygo made their way to their training room, but I could see the scornful looks directed at Novian from the nobles. The class speech had made an impact — they seemed eager for their socriliums to challenge him from what I understood. Some glances were aimed at Kaeygo, but they quickly turned away when he met their gazes.

All of batch one entered their rooms, which began transforming into different terrains. A big screen displayed the action for the instructor and the cadets to monitor. My main focus was on Novian.

If I remember correctly, Novian’s default weapon should be the plasma rifle, which is essentially an AK. As for Kaeygo… he relied on his body, so he’ll use his abilities instead.

The two grabbed the weapons I expected them to.

Nice. This means the story — or at least the gameplay — is progressing as anticipated.

The two, along with the rest of their group, waited for the countdown.

{3}

{2}

{1}

{Begin!}