Academy’s LOL Robot Summoner

“Oh, it’s delicious.”

At first, the light green vegetable shake seemed quite unappetizing, leaving me unsure about what it was.

However, since Diana had gone out of her way to buy it for me as a consideration, I closed my eyes and took a sip. Surprisingly, it tasted much better than expected.

It had a refreshingly sweet flavor that made me want to keep drinking, even without realizing it myself.

Just as I was engrossed in enjoying the vegetable shake, Diana caught my eye and adjusted her glasses slightly before speaking.

“I’m glad you seem to like it.”

“Yes, it’s very tasty. But, what exactly should we do next?”

When I asked this, Mili and Sita, who were eating their boxed meals, also turned their heads toward Diana.

“There’s no need to worry too much. We will simply proceed with the test, using the prepared entrance exam device.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes, and by the end of today, we will arrange to stock your room with necessary furniture and supplies for daily life. Also, if there are any additional needs or preferences, please let me know.”

Just as Diana finished speaking, an alert sounded.

[ Sender Diana, an ID number exchange request has been received. Would you like to approve? ]

Since I will be staying here at the academy for some time, and given that Diana is closely associated with Ryuje, befriending her would certainly not hurt.

“I’ll approve it.”

[ Code confirmation, proceeding with the ID number exchange with subject Diana. ]

After saving Diana’s number, I realized we were nearing the end of our meal.

“It seems you have all finished. Shall we head out then?”

Confirming that all of us had finished eating, Diana stood up first. I climbed onto Sita’s back and followed behind her.

As we left the cafeteria and entered the academy building, amidst a tranquil atmosphere, we saw a few students gathered here and there chatting casually.

“Oh, other students are here too?”

“Isn’t it the vacation period?”

“It is, but not all students return home during vacations. Quite a few continue their activities in the dormitories.”

Diana explained this calmly while guiding us without missing a beat. While she had given a vague answer to accommodate Mili and Sita, I already knew the real reason why some students did not return home.

To be more exact, it’s because they either have no home to go back to or returning home would leave them lonely.

The four counterattacks had inevitably caused significant damage to humanity, and naturally, many had lost parents or relatives in the process.

They, too, were victims of that history.

Being with friends at the academy and having lively discussions would be a way to forget such sadness, even if just for a little while, rather than dwelling on old memories in cold homes.

“Here we are.”

With a click, the door opened, revealing a familiar scene we had seen from AOE.

“Wow.”

With a high ceiling, the vast space was filled with chairs and various kinds of equipment placed at regular intervals. The overall structure and the appearance of the machines might have been different, but the atmosphere reminded me of school physical examination days.

“This is the place where we check basic physical abilities.”

“Is it like a gym?”

“Yes, considering we need to evaluate the physical capabilities of many students and the convenient walking distance to other test grounds, there’s no better place than here.”

After saying this, Diana approached a nearby equipment. It was a sleek looking yet familiar device for measuring weight and height.

“In short, it’s a height measuring machine.”

“Such an old-fashioned tool!”

“Yes, while we do have a device that can extract a variety of data with just one machine, because this exam determines the students’ futures, the principal insists on using reliable traditional equipment.”

“Oh, I see.”

While I wondered why such outdated tools were used during AOE, now I understand the reasons.

It’s reasonable. While devices with numerous functions may look impressive, their actual performance often falls short in some aspects, so this policy makes sense.

Since this single test will determine the direction of our academic life, the results of the entrance exam hold significant importance for the students’ career paths.

“Since there’s no one waiting, let’s proceed quickly? The data will automatically be sent to me, so let’s begin from here and continue in order.”

“Yes, yes!”

“Understood.”

So began the physical ability verification process. Since there was no waiting time, we moved through it quickly with the help of two people, finishing the test in no time as Diana greeted us again.

“Miss Mili, you have very high endurance and strength; you’re the classic fighter type. You might consider pursuing a career path that will help you utilize that strength.”

“G, thank you!”

Was it the nerves? Mili answered loudly. Seeing this, Diana adjusted her glasses and said to her.

“There’s no need to be so tense.”

“Yes, yes…”

Mili slightly lowered her head, looking a little shy. Then Diana turned her attention to Sita.

“Miss Sita, your endurance and strength are average, but your calmness and high perception skills are impressive. You might consider becoming a pilot or a commander.”

“Pilot or commander?”

“Yes, it refers to people who pilot vehicles or armored combat gear. A commander is the one who leads people and gives orders.”

“Ooh…”

Perhaps surprised by the better-than-expected feedback, Sita’s face brightened visibly.

Just as this happened, Diana’s eyes were already on me.

“Lastly, Miss Edu…”

“How is it?”

Huhuh, with stats planned to break through later, even an academy teacher such as Diana would be amazed…

“…to put it bluntly, the balance is extremely poor.”

“Huh?”

“Serious issue here. Though Miss Edu is an awakener and capable of summoning magic, which counts as a strength, your endurance and strength are significantly below the academy’s baseline.”

“Wha, what?”

Uh-oh? I was stunned by the unexpected response.

Of course, practically speaking, Diana’s statement was correct. My stats were designed for maximum efficiency, not balance.

My physical stats are pathetically low, even compared to an average person, and my HP is very low. But all of this is groundwork for greater growth later. It’s not without reason!

So though I may seem weak now, I’ll rise like a phoenix…

I thought, but then Diana’s muttering pulled me back to reality.

“Actually, according to academy rules, expulsion is recommended in such situations…”

“Expulsion?”

Ah, no!

How could I leave the academy now when there’s still so much to gain here? Expulsion is unacceptable!!

But even in AOE, they didn’t expel students just because their stats were low!

“Calm down, Miss Edu. It’s just according to the rules, not necessarily a decision to do so.”

“Is, is that so?”

With Diana’s explanation, I felt a little relieved.

“Yes, for now, the entrance exam will be paused. We’ll need to address Miss Edu’s issues first.”

Having said that, Diana picked me up with both hands, effortlessly despite my noticeable weight.

“Eh, my problem?”

“Miss…?”

Diana’s eyebrows twitched slightly in response to Mili’s comment, but then her expression returned to normal as she explained.

“Yes, in simple terms, as Miss Edu’s current physical condition makes daily living difficult, resembling someone with a disability, bringing in someone who can assist will help improve the living situation.”

“Do, do you know anyone like that?”

“Yes.”

Diana responded immediately, but a wrinkle appeared on her forehead.

“But the person is quite unconventional…”

Diana sighed deeply.

“Nonetheless, let’s proceed.”

“Yes, yes!”

“Yes.”

…

Arriving at the destination, it was far different from what we had expected.

Amidst the clean and neat primary colors of the academy, stood a door riddled with scratches and dents.

From inside, a peculiar mix of oil, metal, and other indescribable smells wafted out.

“Uh, uh?”

Mili stuttered in confusion, but Diana seemed very used to it as she kicked the door open roughly.

BOOM.

The moment the noise from within ceased, a dragging sound approached the door.

-What is it? Who’s out there?

A vigilant adult woman’s voice. Diana responded loudly.

“Vanessa? It’s me, Diana!”

– Diana? Wait out front.

Sounds from inside, and then a camera protruding next to the room turned towards us. And again, foot sounds approached the door.

– Ah, it’s really Diana. What’s going on?

“I’m here on a matter.”

-Matter? Wait.

Metallic sounds came from inside, presumably the security system being disarmed. However, despite the sounds continuing, there was no sign of the door opening.

How many locks has she installed?

“…She’s a bit obsessed with security, but it will open soon.”

“A, yes…”

At that moment, the iron door creaked open, and out popped a woman in a white gown with a sinister appearance.

Her long green hair was disheveled, clearly indicating that she had no interest in grooming or tidying up. Prominent dark circles under her eyes highlighted her lack of care for her appearance.

“Is that really you, Diana? What brings you here?”

A tone that’s neither motivated nor completely disinterested, but Diana was already familiar with it and answered promptly.

“Yes, please create some physical aids for Miss Edu here.”

“Physical aids?”

She quietly murmured and then turned her eyes just slightly to look at me.

“You’re just a kid, a freshman?”

“Yes.”

“Looks fine at first glance… Is there any problem?”

“Somewhat. Are we going to continue discussing this here?”

“Hmm…”

Barnessa, not willing but narrowing her eyes, scrutinized us; however, Diana’s stern gaze finally made her give in.

“…Alright, come in.”

“Yes.”

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