OLD-WORLD EXTRA-Chapter 103: Introductions

[Yes, I do remember...] Emir answered.

[And it's true that I was na?ve in thinking that I could reach the Elite's level by just training hard, but now it's different, I can easily surpass them all... But that isn't what I meant.]

[I meant more than that, and I know that all the main characters would be around the Ascendant Knight sub-rank by then, while Arthur with his cheats would join them later around the halfway point of the first year, as all OP MCs do...]

[And I also know that the teachers are High Lord-ranked Seraphims, while the headmaster is an ARCHON even, so I get it. I get that they have more than enough credentials to teach me.] 'If I don't reach their level that is...'

[But that is beside the point! What does the Order hope to gain exactly by sending me there? And stop dodging the goddamn question!]

[Umm, sorry, Emir...] Lyra voiced out, her tone quiet.

[L-look... You already know most of the academy will offer through the novel, so that isn't what they are after.]

[Going there will give you the opportunity to network and make connections with students, particularly the Elite ones and their families.]

[Connections and alliances? What for?] He asked.

[Think about it, Emir. And before I say it, you must understand that I wanted to avoid telling you this, but as you know.... The Order has plans for you.]

[They intend to slowly control your thinking and shape your values, making you loyal to their cause. The academy is just a means to that end.]

[They plan to use the resources and information available there to manipulate your thoughts and actions and may even enlist the help of other students or faculty members to influence you.]

[Their goal is to slowly mold your thoughts and perspectives to align with their own. And they will be closely monitoring your progress and actions throughout your entire stay in the academy.]

[They also plan to use you to look for individuals who could be valuable assets in the future. After all the academy is a place where the next generation of powerful individuals of Earth gather, and the Order wants to keep a close eye on them.]

'I see... So they're treating the academy as more than just a training ground, rather they treat it as a political arena.'

Emir's eyes narrowed as he processed the information.

He understood that the Order's actions were even more calculated than he once thought and that they were playing a long game...

A very long and drawn-out game.

[So you're saying that they are grooming potential pawns among the students?]

[Precisely. They want to identify those who have the potential to become influential figures in the future and control them. And if they deemed those individuals to have a chance of going against them, they are set to be eliminated before they grow.]

Letting out a scoff he said:

[So it's all about securing their interests and maintaining their influence on Earth... It's a really dangerous thing they're doing... Trying to control the future of an entire planet like that...]

[But what about Arcadia? What is her Agenda in wanting me to go to the academy?] He asked, wanting to confirm his thoughts.

[Arcadia...] She said, pausing for a slight moment.

[Arcadia probably wants you to feel a sense of belonging to the academy and the UEF, she most definitely believes that if you are invested in the academy and the protection of Earth, you will be more determined to fight for its survival...]

[It's a different approach from the Order, but still a means of manipulating your loyalty.]

[So more mind games, huh?] Emir spoke, his tone flat.

[Lyra, we both know that if you wanted me to trust you, hiding things from me wouldn't help, right?]

[I'm sorry, Emir,] she replied, her voice soft.

[I didn't want to mention anything related to memories or manipulation. I was, and still am, afraid of it affecting you. But I understand where you're coming from.... And from now on, I promise to be completely transparent with you.]

The sincerity emanating from Lyra was undeniable, and a glimmer of relief flickered within Emir.

While he remained cautious of her, an unfamiliar sense of trust began to stir unknowingly within him.

After all, when someone's confronted with countless perilous and seemingly insurmountable challenges, the presence of someone they could rely on offers a calming respite.

And Emir was no exception, finding solace in the potential comfort of having a trustworthy companion amidst the chaos and turmoil he faced.

'I say all of that, but I'll be going to the academy either way, Arthur is there after all...' He inwardly mused.

[You know... It's uncertain how things will unfold, especially with me now out of their control...]

[After all, any and all plans they cooked up for me have become obsolete. So they'll need to switch up the game, add some variables into the fold if they wish for anything to go their

way.]

[That's right. And while the future is always uncertain, you have your own path to follow, a path you'll forge with your own hands, and walk with your own two feet.]

[Never forget, you are no longer a pawn in their game...]

[Of course, Lyra, and this game of ours will be a long one, so I'm glad to have you watch my

back.]

[Thank you, Emir... You don't know how much those words mean to me...] She said, her voice emanating happiness incomparable to any he heard before.

[Of course... Ya welcome.]

[Hehe~ You know that I've always and will always believe in you, Emir. You have the strength and determination to do what others can't.] She added.

Hearing her words, Emir felt a surge of determination welling up inside him.

He always knew that the road ahead would be filled with challenges and uncertainties, but now it seemed to have become even muddier, more uncertain, and increasingly dangerous. However, none of that mattered to him, as he was determined to face these obstacles head-

on.

[Thanks, Lyra. And now with that talk finally being out of the way, let's focus on the task at hand. I have a ruin dive to prepare for.]

[Of course! I'll assist you in any way I can.]

With his mind finally cleared, he began his preparations for the ruin dive.

He carefully reviewed the information on the Silent Archive and planned his approach.

Emir then made sure his equipment was in top condition and that he had enough supplies for

the journey.

And as the time for the rendezvous approached, he set out for the meeting point, knowing that the dive might change his view of the world completely.

...

...

Emir dismounted from the bike, casually slinging his rucksack over his shoulder as he made

his way towards the ruin.

Unlike the previous ruin he went to, Arcadia's Bazaar, this one has yet to be swallowed up by

the government or any of the big eight.

However, it was instead secretly fought over by two of the three underworld factions, highlighting its dangerous, often subtle, and unknown undercurrents.

And as he patiently awaited the arrival of the transport bus, he meticulously inspected his

assortment of weapons and ammunition, ensuring their optimal performance for the

upcoming mission.

With a practiced eye, he carefully examined his minigun, Maelstrom, assessing its intricate components, and confirming that it was clean and properly lubricated.

He checked the drum magazine, ensuring it was securely attached and ready for swift and continuous fire when the need arose.

Next, he turned his attention to his Vindicator assault rifle.

He inspected the barrel, verifying its smoothness and the absence of any obstructions that

could hinder its accuracy.

He tested the magazine, ensuring it was smoothly inserted and ejected from the weapon, guaranteeing seamless reloads during combat.

Lastly, he focused on his prized possession, the Aetherstorm Launcher.

He meticulously checked its advanced mechanisms, verifying that it was fully operational and

ready to unleash devastating Aether blasts.

After that, he took a moment to survey his surroundings, and seeing that no one was around him, he carefully draped a camouflage sheet over his bike.

He had acquired the camouflage sheet shortly before crossing the border, knowing that other

hunters weren't to be trusted.

[How long are you from reaching the ruin?] He asked Lyra, as he moved towards an open area.

[Almost there, and I've already introduced myself to Kiera and her gang saying that I'm an acquaintance of yours, so no problems here.]

[Alright, I'll cultivate until you reach here just give me a heads up when you're close.]

[Understood.]

[By the way, did you talk with Mom already?]

[Yes, she accepted it quite easily.]

'I guess our talk yesterday really affected her... It's a good thing though, I'll take all the help I

can get.'

[Good. I'll see you in a bit then.]

Ending their conversation Emir assumed a lotus position and devoted himself to the practice

of cultivation without wasting a single moment.

After all, time was a valuable resource, and he sought to utilize it to its fullest potential, not

wanting to throw away a second that he could use to get stronger or learn new things, as the deadline to their supposed doom was approaching.

During his cultivation session before the clean-up of the steel rat's gang, he discovered that cultivating rejuvenated his body, in turn surpassing the benefits of a regular sleep cycle. Consequently, he made the conscious decision to reduce his sleeping hours, allowing himself only brief periods of rest to relax his mind.

Emir of course still kept the radar on while cultivating, not trusting the hunters in the area to keep their hands to themselves.

[We're here!] He heard Lyra's words echo throw his mind.

As it thankfully all went without any issues with Lyra and the rest arriving soon after.