"Most of you here are already close to the Peak of Integration with Mecha W Core, and even Capable of fusing with a Mecha V core, though you have all yet to fuse."

Sir Lycanthrope spoke, and Everlearn glanced sideways at the others.

'They're already capable of fusing with Mecha V Core!?'

"And it's not news that the students will have to buy their Mecha V Core themselves, something which costs more than millions of Nvdollars."

"For the rewards of this mission, the academy is willing to make an exception."

"All you have to do is mention the name and the model of the Core you wish to fuse with, and the academy will procure it themselves while also giving you a free fusion from its best Mech Designers!"

He announced, and excitement gleamed in the second-year student's eyes.

The academy might have been generous enough to hand out Mecha X-grade cores for free to newcomers, but Mecha W cores were a different story.

They were far too expensive for the academy to provide free of charge, so students had to earn points to obtain them, mainly through missions outside the school, many of which were dangerous.

As for Mecha V, which ranked even higher, its price was outrageous. There were even third-years who had yet to fuse with a Grade V core simply because it was far too expensive.

And now, they were going to be given that for free.

And not just free, it was any model their heart's desire.

They no longer had to settle for fusing with low-grade V cores because of the price; now, they could choose the highest-grade cores they wanted!

"Not only that, but each of you will be credited with 10,000 points upon your arrival back at the academy grounds!"

"10… 10,000 points!?"

"That's insane!"

"The same applies to you, Everlearn," Sir Lycanthrope said, turning to him.

"You will also be allowed to choose any model of Mecha W-Grade Core with which you'll fuse, no matter how expensive or rare, and also get 10,000 points back on your arrival.

"And there's one more special reward just for you."

He said, and the rest of the second year turned their eyes toward them.

"And what is that?" Everlearn asked.

"You will be given an automatic promotion to Second Year the second you arrive back on the school grounds and be allowed to remain in any profession of your choosing," he said, shocking Everlearn speechless.

"I will be promoted to Second Year!?"

He had only spent three months, and there were still seven months left, yet he would be given an automatic promotion.

"Tsk, lucky bastard," one of the second years said, clicking their tongue at Everlearn.

"And remember, this is the least of the rewards you will be given."

"But while this should excite you, I also hope it makes it sink into your heads just how much we value this mission of yours."

Sir Lycanthrope's voice grew quieter as silence descended on the room.

If the academy was willing to go all out with their rewards, it clearly showed how much value they placed on the team's success.

"With that understood…"

Sir Lycanthrope stretched his hands forward and brought out an object, which he threw forward.

It landed in the center of the room, and Everlearn watched as nanotechnology shimmered dramatically, soon forming a one-meter-diameter circular object right in the center of the hall.

"A teleporter?" He mused.

"There's a jet waiting. We leave now, and you'll get your gear in there."

He said before jumping off the platform.

He landed atop the teleporter, and then a brilliant flash of light erupted as he disappeared.

"I guess it's time to leave."

One of them called out, rising to his feet and stepping into the teleporter, also disappearing.

Immediately, the rest of them began standing up and stepping out.

Everlearn tried to be the last, but in the end, only two remained, him and the tall young man with white hair, who stared at him, signaling for him to go first.

He could only roll his eyes at his plan of being last, getting squashed, before also jumping in.

The white-haired man looked around the silent hall before turning to the elevator.

He stared at it silently for a while before he also jumped in.

The moment he did, the teleporter reformed into a simple circular object, and the ground trembled, opening up to swallow it before sealing shut once more.

__________

║Walking into an Alien Danger Zone.║

║How are you feeling?║

The system notification panel blinked before Everlearn, who sat by the window, watching the clouds stream past.

He was currently sitting in the jet, strapped tightly with the belts that ran diagonally across his shoulders in an X.

His clothes had been changed.

He was no longer wearing his usual hoodie; instead, he was now clad in a sleek white and blue battle suit.

It was a simple shirt and trousers, and though it felt light, when Everlearn touched it, it was like touching liquid metal.

Durable was an understatement for what it was.

What's more, he wore a long coat over it, lined with pockets that held various items deemed essential for the mission.

The collar was high, covering the lower half of his face.

Five other seats surrounded him, occupied by the rest of the team. The atmosphere was tense and quiet, a faint pressure lingering in the air.

'While I might not get the chance to go look for Mecha Eva.'

'If I succeed in this mission, I get to be promoted to Second Year, which will give me the ability to leave the academy once in a while to perform missions.'

'That gives me even more options to move out. So, even if things would no doubt be dangerous, perhaps even life-threatening.'

'I have to get that reward at least.' He mused, his hands clenching into fists in conviction.

[So, you're… expectant?]

'Yes. That's the word.'

____

3 hours later...

"You've Arrived at Your destination. Direct Air Expulsion Will Now Begin in 3..2.."

The AI voice rang out, beginning the countdown, and Everlean's face changed immediately.

"Wait, direct air what...holy shiii..."

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