Academy’s LOL Robot Summoner

The next day, at the Explorer’s Guild.

On a usual day, while it might have been busy with people coming and going, the area that was generally quiet had now become the center of unprecedented chatter.

“Is that really true? How could something like that…?”

“It’s true, I tell you. I saw it with my own two eyes!”

People were startled, hearing stories from the others about what had happened that day.

“What’s going on? Why is everyone so noisy?”

“Yeah, it’s quite unusual…”

The newcomers, curious about the explorers’ behavior, naturally joined in the conversations, and the hum of discussion only continued to grow.

Their topic of conversation was only one: the group that had earlier visited the guild and the unbelievable achievement they’d reported.

“What did Rian-na and the rookies do again?”

“Listen well. They supposedly cleaned out the Gale Gorge!”

“What? They cleaned out the Gale Gorge??”

“That’s what I’m telling you.”

Gale Gorge.

A natural fortress of shifting sands where countless Fallen gathered, it was a perilous place, akin to a giant ant nest.

Its location and infamy were well-known to explorers, but just as no one went seeking trouble with the Fallen without reason, neither did anyone approach this place recklessly.

Of course, the Fallen nesting there were like thorns in everyone’s sides, but as explorers were primarily concerned with survival, they had generally turned a blind eye to the problem with the Fallen in the Gale Gorge.

“How did they clean out that den of the Fallen? Did Rian-na find some amazing relic?”

“Well, here’s the thing… don’t be shocked! Some rookie used summoning magic and wiped all the creatures out!”

“A rookie? Summoning magic? Is that even possible?”

“I don’t know, but if Rian-na says so, it must be true, right?”

“Hmm…”

Though astonished, the news was beyond the ordinary, which is why it was hard for many to believe. Nonetheless, most people were flashing faint smiles at the edges of their mouths.

“Well, if the Gale Gorge is cleaned out…”

“Yeah, we can finally explore beyond it!”

“Uncharted territory!”

Expectations naturally spread among the crowd. At that moment, the automaton stationed at the reception desk rang the bell beside it.

Ding-Ding!

The attention of all the explorers focused in one direction. The automaton, with the inscription “WM1-OU/458024” on its chestplate, raised its hand to its neck and proclaimed.

“To all explorers, this morning we received a report from our explorer Rian-na stating that the Fallen of the Gale Gorge have been eliminated.”

As her voice spread, the buzz of murmurs quickly silenced, and all eyes and ears turned toward her.

“Since this is not an ordinary report, the guild conducted an investigation, and the report has been confirmed to be true.”

“Is it real?”

“Rian-na, we applaud you!”

Cheers and whistles erupted from all directions. Praising the act that had provided them with a new opportunity at the cost of danger.

“Tch. So simplistic…”

“…Hmph.”

Of course, there were those who expressed jealousy and frustration, but their complaints were drowned out by the cheers and applause, fading into muttered whispers unheard by any.

As the clapping and cheers began to die down a little, the automaton spoke again.

“Also, in accordance with the wishes of Rian-na and her companion Edu, a facility will be established in the Gale Gorge to serve as a forward base for guild members. Explorers, please take note.”

“Oooh!”

“Is it true?”

“Woohoo!!”

A roar of approval surged through the crowd, and broad smiles lit up the people’s faces in response to the unexpected generosity.

Ordinarily, according to the rules of the Explorer’s Guild, when a base or ruin was discovered or the enemy’s facility was seized, the rights belonged to the discoverer or the one who seized the facility or base.

But Rian-na and Edu had opened up that base—no, a massive facility that could serve countless people—free of charge.

“Best person ever, Rian-na!”

“Is Edu the name? This rookie’s showing great promise!”

“Rian-na! Rian-na!”

“Edu! Edu!”

As someone started chanting their names, the others joined in, echoing Rian-na and Edu’s names throughout the guild.

Thus, at the Explorer’s Guild, their names reverberated for quite some time.

…

At the same time, inside the roads of Fangju, a robust vehicle resembling a bull charged forward. Inside it were Lian-na, Mili, Sita, and Edu.

“Woah, woaaah!”

Mili stared, her eyes shining at the brilliantly lit, colorful buildings of Fangju. Sita too, while not as overt, revealed her curiosity through subtle glances.

Observing them silently through the rearview mirror, Lian-na turned her head slightly and whispered to me.

“Edu, you said these two are from Outland, right?”

“Yes.”

“…I see, they must have had it tough.”

Murmuring to herself, Lian-na’s gaze through the rearview mirror revealed a deep sense of pity.

In any case, the reason why we were here together traced back a bit earlier.

Just as Lian-na’s group finished all the reports at the Explorer’s Guild and were about to part ways, Lian-na stopped us.

“Lian-na?”

“Edu, Mili, Sita. Do any of you need to rush off and do anything right now?”

“No.”

Responding in that way, I glanced at Mili and Sita asking for their opinions, but both simply nodded affirmatively to indicate they had no immediate tasks.

“Then it’s perfect! You’ve all worked hard, haven’t you? Why don’t you come rest at my place? I’ll even treat you to something delicious!”

An unexpected offer. Though I knew Lian-na had a good personality, it seemed a bit too open-hearted toward people she just met, which made me worry.

“Uh, aren’t we inconveniencing you too much?”

“Inconvenience? Thanks to Edu, I’ve gained more fame and even plenty of rewards, right? So this is my way of saying thanks! So get in! This senior will teach you a few things and help you rookies out!”

“Then, we’d appreciate it.”

“Come on, no need to be so formal. Get in! Mili, Sita, hurry!”

“Yes, yes!”

“…Sorry for the intrusion.”

That was the reason we ended up accompanying Lian-na.

As I thought about this, we passed an intersection and the vehicle entered a bustling downtown area. There, lining the neatly paved streets, stood futuristic apartment complexes towering high with dazzling appearances—entirely different from Outland.

The Middle Town—a vast residential space taking up most of Fangju’s living areas.

“Ohhh-”

A gasp escaped from me without realizing, and Lian-na chuckled while poking my cheek.

“Hehe, so cute! Edu must still be a kid at heart?”

“…Do I look not like a kid?”

“Your actions in the gorge were so impressive that I thought maybe you were a special agent from Fangju pretending to be a child.”

“Ugh…”

Perhaps I overdid it a bit…

Looking at Lian-na’s face as I thought about it, I could see the glint of mischief in her eyes.

“Stop teasing me, please.”

“Sorry sorry, Edu might be young, but you’re incredibly composed. The moments when you show childish reactions are just too adorable.”

“…”

My cheeks heated up slightly at the compliment.

Wait a moment. My cheeks, why are you heating up on your own?! My mental chromosomes are still XY, I’m a man!!!

As the dizzying sensation hit me and I leaned my head against the chair, Lian-na turned her head toward me.

“Edu? Your expression looks off. Is it because of my teasing?”

“No, I was briefly spaced out…”

“Spaced out?”

“…Something like that.”

A premonition that I might regress into femininity if I let my guard down too much made me steady myself. A strong Korean youth doesn’t become a TS female—no way, not in this world of chaos.

“Then let’s head to a clothing store!”

“…Excuse me?”

Clothing store.

A word that, under normal circumstances, refers to an ordinary shop selling clothes, but to me, it carried an ominous weight.

I don’t have a gender modifier, and with this perfect girl-like exterior, if I were to clothe myself—it would be cross-dressing.

References popped into my mind. While this appearance might indeed be capable of pulling off most outfits, the problem was the psychological resistance.

Though my body changed to that of a girl, my mind did not suddenly sync with the body like that!

“Uh, dangerous…!”

An ominous feeling crept up, but I maintained my composure as best I could while addressing Lian-na.

“A clothing store…?”

“Yeah, a clothing store. That outfit was made in Outland, right? No offense to its origin, but personally, I think girl’s clothing should be of better quality.”

A valid point.

However, the word “girl” naturally included in Lian-na’s statement further complicated the uneasy feeling in my chest.

“But…”

This won’t do. There’s a sense of foreboding. If I continue this way, the mental chromosomes I barely preserved will end up in who-knows-what condition.

This is precisely the moment to quickly ask for help from Mili and Sita to get through this crisis—

“Ah, clothes?”

“Yeah, Mili! Don’t you like it?”

“Woohoo— Yes, yes!”

“…A bit.”

At Lian-na’s question, Mili beamed an innocent smile, while Sita slightly blushed and fidgeted with her hair.

Damn it! Betrayers!!!

Shouting inwardly as I looked at them, the sound of my inner protest fell on deaf ears. They just raised question marks above their heads.

“Edu? Is something wrong? Your expression doesn’t look good…”

“….”

“Edu?”

“Ah, no, it’s nothing.”

Stay calm, stay calm, Jung-eunwoo, 22 years old.

Though some assistance helped, you’re still the seasoned expert who just penetrated the Gale Gorge without any losses. A crisis like this is something you can easily overcome.

Exactly, if I naturally steer the conversation, it’s not too late—

“Here we are!”

At that moment, the car stopped precisely.

What caught my eye as I snapped back from my thoughts was a large dome-shaped building. Near the transparent windows, mannequins were posed in glamorous stances, with various colorful garments shining under the lighting.

Boutique – Diamoncōr.

“Wowww…”

“Oh—”

“Isn’t it amazing?”

“Yes, yes!”

“Indeed it is.”

The amazed expressions of the two, and when turned toward me, Lian-na’s face wore a smile filled with pure goodwill, leaving me with no escape route.

After all, I couldn’t find a way to back out from someone who was treating me with 100% goodwill.

“Ah.”

I’ve messed up big time.

…

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