I WAS The Rank–1 Hero-Chapter 97 : To Nova Academy [1]

It was Dec 5, year 5048.

The weather was cold. December was supposed to be the coldest month in Frostvile Kingdom, and considering the fact that for twelve months a year, Frostvile was the only kingdom where snow fell every month, I was perfectly dressed in my Academy uniform.

A black trench coat with Nova's Emblem engraved on its left chest and black formal pants, slightly duller in color than my coat. Carefully, I checked all the items inside my dimension pouch, which was securely attached to my belt.

All my clothes, books, and daily essentials were inside my dimension pouch.

I nodded after confirming everything.

'All good.'

"Don't forget to call me every day." My mother, standing next to my father, was on the verge of crying once again.

This was the seventh time she had reminded me to give her a call.

My father didn't speak much. He just kept asking Elise and me if we needed anything.

"Mother, don't worry. I'll keep an eye on Zane." Elise, who stood behind me, assured her, raising her right hand in salute.

I didn't know why she needed to keep an eye on me, but I didn't mind much.

She was also in her Nova uniform. There wasn't much difference between mine and my sister's uniform, except for our ranks.

She ranked 3rd in the second year, while I ranked 190th in the first year.

My sister was quite famous in Nova Academy. She was even in the student council, while I—her brother—was only ranked 190th, which was disappointing in others' eyes.

Can't blame them. Comparisons exist between siblings, whether it's about academics or rank. People tended to compare me to my sister, and because of that, their expectations of me were always high. But when I didn't meet those expectations, they started criticizing me, calling me 'the sibling who didn't make the cut.'

Quite funny, right?

'Well, what can I do… This is how the world works.'

'Didn't you deliberately lower your rank?'

Sera's taunt snapped me back to reality.

Lowering my rank was necessary. I wanted to stay as low-profile as possible. That's why I intentionally dropped my rankings.

'I pity you.' Sera added, catching me off guard.

'Hmm? Why…?' I demanded an answer.

'No reason.'

"…"

This damn ghost. I swear, one day, she's going to regret it.

'Rude!'

Wooo-oo-oo! Woooooo!

The train Elise and I were on let out a high-pitched whistle.

We were currently at Honeyford Station, preparing to depart for Nova Academy. We would probably be staying there for more than a month before returning home for the holidays at the end of January.

Last night, we had somehow convinced our mother to let us stay in Nova's dormitory. It had been a difficult decision for her.

"Call me daily, my babies~" My mother waved both hands as our train started to depart.

Followed by Dad, who wore a light smile on his face as he waved at us.

Elise and I both waved back. This might be the last time we saw our parents for a while. I hoped we'd return home soon. I was going to miss them so much.

"I'll come visit you every week!" My mother reminded us.

"…" "…"

Elise and I exchanged glances before chuckling.

"Of course, Mother! We'll be waiting!" Elise said with a beaming smile.

"Bye, Mother. Bye, Dad." I raised my hand, giving a slight wave to both of them.

As the train picked up speed, they faded into the distance. I tried to catch another glimpse, but they were already out of sight.

"All right, brother dear, let's get inside." Elise gestured toward our seats.

I nodded and followed her.

As I walked through the aisle, I noticed something unusual.

The train's interior was slightly different from normal ones. While the exterior was simple, the inside was unexpectedly luxurious.

The passenger chairs were broad, leather-coated, and looked too comfortable. The windows were covered with curtains, and the ceiling had old-style lamps attached to it, casting a golden hue throughout the space. A few attendants moved around, serving the passengers.

But one thing stood out—there were only five passengers, including Elise and me, and all of them wore Nova uniforms.

I turned to Elise, but for some reason, she didn't seem surprised. She simply walked toward our seats without a word.

I followed her. Finally arriving at my seat, I rested my body against it, and let me tell you—

The moment my back touched the leather, my whole body sank in. It was as if I were sitting on a cloud.

"Haaaaaahhhhh… this is life." Elise let out a satisfied sigh as she took her seat in front of me, crossing her legs in a rather elegant manner.

Our seats were facing each other, and between us was a round dining table with various refreshments, a small menu card, and a yellow button at the corner.

'What's that?' My curiosity piqued, and just as I was about to press the button, someone called us.

"Good morning, Miss Elise."

A woman with silver hair, holding a tray in her hands, greeted Elise first before turning to me.

"And good morning, Sir Zane."

I blinked.

'How does she know my name?'

But she didn't stop to explain.

"Welcome to Nova Express." She bowed slightly before proceeding to plate some snacks in front of me.

'Nova Express?'

Don't tell me… Nova has a private train now.

That explained everything—the luxurious setup and why only Nova students were present.

"Good morning, and thank you for the service." Elise politely greeted the woman, completely unfazed by the situation.

It was clear now—she already knew about this.

Finally noticing my confusion, Elise explained,

"For the security of Nova's students, Nova will now use this specially engineered train, Nova Express, to transport students safely from their destinations to the Academy."

Nova was taking security measures very seriously after that teleportation incident. But my main question was—

I asked Elise directly,

"Why are they giving this level of luxury to us commoners?"

"Hm?" Elise tilted her head before realization struck.

"Ah! That's because our Headmistress is too nice."

"Ruby?" Her name slipped from my mouth.

"It's Headmistress Ruby," Elise corrected, scolding me. "Mind your manners."

"Yeah…" I stammered. "Sorry."

"Unlike others, Headmistress Ruby doesn't discriminate between nobles and commoners. That's why we all respect her."

Hearing her say that about Ruby made me feel proud.

She really was the best.

I still remember the first time I met her at the Hero Association. A quiet, lonely girl whose only friend was a little teddy bear she always kept by her side.

I wonder if she still has it.

Our master, Envy, introduced her to me back then. I had been distant—I didn't trust anyone at the time.

The whole Association treated me like a mere tool.

But that all changed after I met her—Ruby. She was the sweetest girl I had ever met in my life till now. I got to know her better; she told me about her past, how she was abandoned by her parents, and how the Association picked her up and treated her like a mere weapon.

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Our conditions were the same, and I think it was my... destiny to meet her.

Because of her, a very tiny portion of my life at the Hero Association was filled with joy.

Just like the others...

I, too, respect her.

"Huh? Why is your face turning red?" Elise's sudden comment pulled me out of my thoughts.

I looked at her, and with a smile on my face, I said,

"Nothing... I just remembered something sweet."

"How sweet?" she asked, grinning.

I giggled and answered her using the most dramatic sentence possible.

"The type of sweetness that will give you diabetes."

"Wow!" Elise put her hand over her lips. "I wonder who she might be."

"Don't worry, sister dear," I played along. "She is someone whom the whole world respects."

"Pfttt," Elise started laughing. "Yeah, sure! In your dreams, my dear brother."

'She will be in for the biggest surprise of her life if you told her about this 'sweetest' crush of yours.' Sera shared her point of view.

"?!" Sera's words shook my entire core, sending a pulse of heat through my body.

I tried my best to argue with her.

'Ruby is not my crush!'

'But when did I call Ruby your crush...?'

"What—!"

'And when I said crush, why did Ruby's face appear in your mind?'

I was speechless.

'Shut up, ghost.'

'Rude!'

I swear, one day Sera's gonna get it.

Time went on as Elise and I continued our little play. And soon, the Nova Express entered Frostvile City.

The scene of a massive building came into view through the window.

The morning sun hit my eyes through the glass, making me squint.

I took in the landscape before me—the towering structure with its ancient architecture, the aircraft soaring above, and the vast Frostvile Mountain standing proudly in the distance.

A few seconds later, an attendant's voice echoed through the speakers.

"Dear students, buses will be provided for all. Please ready your luggage."

I guess I just have to accept it.

Let's see what the future holds.

Elise and I both stood up.

End of Chapter.