Fantasia Library

The campus of Seidoukan Academy was vast, divided into three main buildings: the middle school, the high school, and the university divisions. These surrounded an expansive central courtyard, flanked by dormitories and other facilities. The overall size of the campus dwarfed that of even prestigious academies outside Asterisk.

Aizen walked through the largest of the buildings, the high school wing, brushing past a few students who had yet to leave.

His destination was the very top floor of this building: the Student Council Office.

"This should be the right place," Aizen thought, standing before the office's imposing doors. He took a moment to compose himself, then pressed the chime button next to the door.

"Beep, beep—"

A black screen suddenly materialized before him, and a cold, mechanical voice echoed:

"Hello. How can I assist you?"

The voice was unmistakably an automated AI response system.

Aizen raised an eyebrow.

"Impressive tech…"

After murmuring this, he responded succinctly.

"I'm Aizen, a first-year high school student. I'm here to apply for the usage rights of a Orga Lux"

A brief silence followed his words.

"Please come in."

This time, the voice was different—warm and calm, carrying a natural tone that betrayed genuine emotion.

The automatic doors slid open, revealing a spacious office far grander than what one would expect of a student council room.

Aizen paused briefly before stepping inside.

The room's dark brown carpet exuded elegance, and the leather furniture gave the space a luxurious atmosphere. A large painting of the Seidoukan Academy campus adorned one wall, while the opposite side was entirely replaced by a massive glass window. Through it, the cityscape of Asterisk stretched out below, like a meticulously crafted miniature model.

At the far end of the room, an imposing oak desk sat near the window. Behind it was a golden-haired girl.

Her cascading blonde hair wasn't smooth but flowed in elegant waves, like golden silk. She exuded an aura of calm composure, and her stunning beauty was impossible to ignore—she was a true epitome of grace and charm.

"I am Claudia Enfield, the Student Council President of Seidoukan Academy," the girl introduced herself with a poised smile that perfectly matched her demeanor.

"Welcome to the Student Council, Aizen," she greeted.

Aizen didn't respond immediately. Instead, he subtly assessed her with a careful glance.

"So, she is Claudia…"

Claudia Enfield—Student Council President of Seidoukan Academy and, like Aizen, a first-year high school student.

But unlike Aizen's "ordinary" background, Claudia's name carried immense weight.

She wasn't just the president of the Student Council—she was also ranked second among Seidoukan's Genestella, a prodigy among students. Furthermore, her parents were high-ranking members of the Integrated Enterprise Foundation, making her a quintessential example of beauty, talent, and prestige.

She was one of the most famous figures in Seidoukan, a "queen" admired by all, and one of the main heroines in The Asterisk War, whose popularity at times surpassed even the series' primary female lead.

To Aizen, meeting Claudia here was like encountering a two-dimensional character brought to life—a surreal experience.

Fortunately, Aizen had mentally prepared himself beforehand and managed to maintain his composure.

"Hello, President Enfield," Aizen greeted with a slight bow, mirroring her calm demeanor.

"Just call me Claudia," she replied with a polite smile. "I've received your request. You're here to apply for the usage rights of a Orga Lux, correct?"

"Yes," Aizen confirmed with a nod. "I understand that students are theoretically allowed to apply for the usage of Orga Luxes through the Student Council."

"I'd like to trouble you to handle my application."

Orga Luxes, like regular Luxes, were mana-conversion energy weapons.

However, while standard Luxes used Manadyte as their core, Orga Luxes were powered by Urm Manadyte—a far purer and rarer crystalline form of Manadyte.

Urm Manadyte were highly coveted, offering unparalleled energy output and unique abilities. Weapons crafted with Urm Manadyte were not only far more powerful than standard Luxes but also granted users significant enhancements in combat.

Knowing this, Aizen naturally set his sights on acquiring a Orga Lux.

But…

"Indeed, in theory, any student can apply to borrow a Orga Lux," Claudia began, nodding in agreement. Then, her tone shifted slightly.

"However, as a student of this academy, you should also know that's merely a theoretical right, isn't it?"

She was right. It was only theoretical.

In practice, obtaining a Orga Lux was far more difficult than acquiring a standard Lux.

"Unlike ordinary Luxes, Orga Luxes are exceedingly rare and highly specialized. They are primarily managed directly by the Integrated Enterprise Foundation," Claudia explained patiently.

"The Foundation only loans a small number of Orga Luxes to the academies for use by Genestella students. Students are granted usage rights, but ownership remains with the Foundation."

"The primary purpose of this arrangement," Claudia continued, "is to gather data on the use of Orga Luxes. After all, unlike regular Luxes, Orga Luxes have the unique trait of choosing their wielder. They cannot be used by just anyone."

Claudia's explanation contained a wealth of information, much of which Aizen had already researched.

Every Orga Lux was said to possess a form of sentience, capable of selecting its master. Without the weapon's acknowledgment, it was impossible to wield.

Claudia's tone grew more formal as she addressed the implications of Aizen's request.

"While students are free to apply, the application process is rigorous due to the Orga Lux's value, rarity, and usage limitations."

"For top-ranked students or those who excel in the Festa, approval is relatively easier."

"But for you, Aizen… I doubt the application would pass easily," she said with a hint of concern. "Are you sure you still want to proceed?"

Hearing this, Aizen realized Claudia had already reviewed his records.

Perhaps she had looked into his background even before their meeting. She likely knew his middling performance at Seidoukan made him an unremarkable candidate for such a prestigious weapon.

But Aizen was unfazed.

"Please go ahead and submit my application," he said calmly.

"Very well," Claudia replied, smiling. "I'll submit it on behalf of the Student Council. You may return and wait for a response."

"Thank you," Aizen said, bowing slightly before turning to leave.

As he turned his back on Claudia, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

With deliberate subtlety, Aizen activated a faint pulse of his Authority.

"—"

In an instant, an invisible ripple of power emanated from him.

"Hm?"

At that moment, Claudia's composed expression faltered slightly.