Reincarnation Code Breaker

An alarm ringing in the quiet stillness of morning, Emilia's eyes fluttered open as she woke up from her slumber yawning, stretching lazily as she slowly became aware of the day. She went to the bathroom, the cool tiles refreshing against her sleepy face.

After washing her face and having a light breakfast, she wore sportswear, preparing herself for a morning jog. Opening the doors and stepping outside, she descended the stairs and arrived at the ground floor of the dorms. Walking out through the entrance, she then started stretching before beginning her jogging.

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After 3 hours on the roads, Ace, accompanied by Chris, finally arrived at the entrance of Therion Academy. It was an institution alive with energy, its large area filled with the laughter and chatter of students, teachers, and other academy staff who were looking forward to the 2nd Term of the Academic Year.

The first item on their agenda was a respectful greeting to Hugo, the Dean of the Academy.

"Do we really have to go see that old man first?" asked Ace, a tinged of annoyance in his voice as he hid his real thoughts. "I didn't really enjoy our last encounter."

"It's thanks to him that you can attend the academy, so the least we can do is offer our proper respect to him," answered Chris, helping Ace with the luggage.

"Hahaha," Hugo appeared out of nowhere. "You should be careful what you say young lad. Have you never heard the saying "Walls have eyes and ears everywhere"?"

"Great. Just great," Ace hid his discontent. "Unfortunately… I never had."

"A pity," Hugo said yet a knowing smile was playing on his lips.

"Seems like he figured out that I was lying," Ace observed Hugo's expression, easily noticing what his expression meant.

"Well then, I called in someone to help you transport your luggage towards your dorm," said Hugo as he then redirected his gaze towards Chris. "How about letting him explore the academy grounds while you and I chat a little bit?"

"I'm sorry but-" Chris hesitated before being interrupted by Ace.

"It's okay. As long as I have a guide with me, I'll manage. You should go."

Ace and Chris exchanged glances without uttering a word until Chris conceded.

"Fine. But be careful."

"I won't get into any trouble."

"I was saying be careful not harm anyone."

"Exactly what do you think I am?"

"You never managed to answer me last time, so I don't have a clue now."

"He's stingier than I thought," Ace continued, glaring at Chris.

"Seems like everything's been resolved. Shall we get going?" asked Hugo, butting into the conversation.

"Yes," replied Chris.

"Well then," Hugo started as a magic circle appeared underneath his and Chris's feet, engulfing them in light before disappearing into thin air.

"Magic sure is incredible," said Ace who stood there alone for a moment as he waited for his helper.

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As the light appeared and dissipated within a certain office, Chris slowly opened his eyes, seated on a couch with tea laid out before him.

"May I know what you wanted to talk about so discreetly," asked Chris, his gaze focusing on Hugo with his usual knowing smile.

"I'm not sure I understand what you mean by that?" replied Hugo as he then sipped on his own cup of tea.

"I ain't so foolish enough as to think that you don't have your own agenda sir."

"You are correct. I do have other motives for allowing him to attend the academy."

"Which would be?"

"Simple observation. He is, in the simplest terms, an anomaly. He looks human but he came out of a Vanishing Point. He is strong enough to hold his ground against the Swordmaster that is Rotsguard yet he doesn't possess an ounce of mana in him. Now tell me, would you really say it is safe to leave him be considering how much of a mystery he is?" Hugo elaborated, his expression serious and determined.

"I know what he means by that. Even though it's already been several months since Ace started living with us, I still can't figure out what he's thinking. Even when he talks, smiles, laughs, I never have any idea of what his real thoughts are. I can understand the Dean's concern. Heck, there's probably no better place to keep an eye on Ace than the academy but…" Chris's thoughts raced as he then voiced his concerns.

"I think he should still be allowed to live a life with a bare minimum of freedom. I don't like the idea of simply seeing him as a potential threat who needs to be consistently observed. We might become the cause that turns him into a real monster at this rate."

"Truly, he has grown splendidly," Hugo's serious expression softened with pride and joy as he remembered Chris's days at the academy, and how he was once a professor doing what he could to teach his students all that he could.

"You needn't worry. As the Dean of Therion Academy it is also my responsibility to care and protect my students with all I have," reassured Chris who trusted his words blindly.

"I see…" Chris muttered as he stood up and bowed towards Hugo. "Thank you for your understanding."

"Hahaha! You should probably be off to see that young lad. He should have arrived at the dorms by now. I'll send someone else to guide you."

"Thank you for your hospitality."

As a staff member from the academy entered the office and led Chris out, Hugo looked out the window with a pleased smile, expectations evident in his eyes.

"The next school terms should be very interesting from now on. I'm looking forward to it."

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"So let's see, room 407, 407…" murmured Ace as he looked around the dorms, looking for his own dorm room. "That staff member did say it was around here. Oh! Found it!"

As he opened the door with the key he was previously given, his eyes widened in astonishment as he beheld a surprising sight.

Standing before him, bathed in the soft glow of sunlight streaming through the window with a bottle of water close to her lips, a towel seated on her shoulders and sweat dripping down her face, making her clothes drenched, Emilia stood before him.

Staring blankly at each other, Emilia, her voice calm but confused, broke the silence.

"Who are you?"

"Uuuuuh…"

"Oh! Sorry but I need to take a shower first. Mind waiting for a moment?" said Emilia, not even letting Ace answer as she headed straight for the bathroom.

"Wha-what's going on here!?"