After arriving in the Mystral Realm, becoming a headmaster, and activating this system, I had completely forgotten what it meant to experience genuine contentment.
To transform Shadowmere Academy into the most prestigious magical institution and enroll 100,000 students was as difficult as ascending to the celestial spheres!
Not to mention the century-long deadline!
Other transmigrators received systems that granted them legendary artifacts, instant mastery, or reality-breaking powers. Why was mine so... problematic?
"Sigh."
I exhaled deeply. "As a displaced soul, how can I face my fellow transmigrators with such meager beginnings?"
Though I felt discouraged, since I was here, I had to make the best of this existence, correct?
Headmaster Kieran began establishing a mental connection with the dimensional storage artifact that clearly resembled an amulet, quickly forming a mystical bond.
"I hope there are legendary artifacts and supreme spellbooks within."
I focused my thoughts and merged my consciousness with the mystical space.
Upon entering the dimensional realm, I discovered that the ethereal area contained nothing except a crystalline tablet.
Where were the legendary artifacts and supreme magical knowledge!
At minimum, provide me with a phoenix egg to slowly nurture into a magnificent familiar.
How disappointing.
Nothing existed save for this crystal tablet!
I refused to surrender hope and approached it, silently anticipating. "Could this be a divine relic?"
I had absorbed countless memories and understood that a worthy transmigrator—a chosen one, could transform even the most mundane object into a lost primordial artifact!
Headmaster Kieran began envisioning the magnificent scene of wielding this tablet in one hand while commanding mystical forces with the other.
"Crack."
When I grasped the crystal tablet, I could distinctly feel it pulsing with energy.
My spirits soared. "There's a magical resonance. Perhaps a powerful ancient mage is sealed within this tablet, and upon awakening them, they'll teach me peerless mystical techniques?"
The more I contemplated this possibility, the more exhilarated I became.
My expression froze completely. The euphoria in my being couldn't be contained, threatening to manifest as actual nausea.
The tablet displayed a mystical screen with arcane text and numerical sequences—soul destruction countdown remaining: 99 years, 355 days, 23 hours, 58 minutes, 46 seconds.
A small inscription appeared at the bottom left corner: Complete the primary objective within one hundred years and the soul-severing enchantment will be removed.
"Tick! Tick!"
After several pulses, the time decreased.
"By the Nine Realms!"
I hurled the tablet away and cursed, "This isn't a divine artifact, this is a mystical bomb!"
"Ding!"
The tablet struck the ethereal ground, and the displayed time jumped from 23:58 to 22:58!
"Host!"
[This item is designated the Soul Annihilator. It possesses autonomous consciousness and emotional responses. Displeasing it will only accelerate the countdown.]
"Thud!"
I collapsed to the dimensional floor and lamented, "System, I no longer wish to participate in this charade. I want to return to Asgard..."
The System responded mechanically: [System activation is permanent. The host must complete the Primary Objective. Should the host remain passive during this process and await termination, the Soul Annihilator will detonate prematurely.]
I sprawled across the ethereal surface and spoke weakly, sorrowfully: "Where's a blade? Where's a blade? I desire to end this torment..."
"Ding!"
"Host's first wish has been granted. You have received the Severance Athame!"
"Whoosh—"
A mystical blade materialized in the dimensional space.
I nearly expelled blood in frustration. My wish to return home went unfulfilled, yet my desperate desire for self-destruction was happily accommodated. What a cosmic jest!
•~•
I felt thoroughly deceived.
However, after arriving in the Mystral Realm and activating this System, I could only accept my circumstances. Thus, I adjusted the System's interface for careful examination.
The academy name, headmaster designation, and student roster were straightforward enough.
What puzzled me were the mysterious elements: 'Academy Infrastructure: Level 1' and 'Academy Prestige Points: 0/100' displayed on the interface.
"Host."
The System's voice resonated: [Academy Infrastructure encompasses numerous functions. Higher levels unlock additional academy capabilities.]
"Such as?"
"The host may use mental focus to access Academy Infrastructure and reveal the detailed data interface."
"Such functionality exists?"
I closed my eyes and mentally selected 'Academy Infrastructure.' A supplementary interface materialized before me with brief explanations.
Academy Infrastructure Level 1: Functions temporarily unavailable. Academy Infrastructure Level 2: Unlock Alchemical Laboratory. Academy Infrastructure Level 3: Unlock Enchantment Workshop. Academy Infrastructure Level 4: Unlock Runic Studies Center. Academy Infrastructure Level 5: Unlock Familiar Sanctuary.
Small text appeared below: Academy Infrastructure becomes operational only upon reaching level 5.
I was rendered speechless.
"How does one upgrade Academy Infrastructure?"
"To advance Academy Infrastructure, the host must enroll additional students."
"I see."
I inquired: "What do Academy Prestige Points represent?"
The System clarified: [Academy Prestige Points can be exchanged for mystical treasures in the Academy Mystical Emporium.]
"Academy Mystical Emporium?"
My eyes brightened considerably.
From my accumulated knowledge, many protagonists in various tales received an Emporium upon obtaining their System, often including a novice gift collection providing essential early-stage equipment!
I carefully examined the System's interface multiple times and asked in confusion: "Why isn't there an Academy Mystical Emporium visible?"
"The host requires at least 1 Prestige Point to activate the concealed Academy Mystical Emporium."
"How does one increase Prestige Points?"
"To activate the Academy Mystical Emporium, the host must enroll additional students."
Upon hearing this, I finally comprehended.
This so-called Supreme Academy System, regardless of Infrastructure or Prestige Points, everything revolved around student enrollment!
"Excellent!"
I declared with renewed determination: "Beginning tomorrow, I shall commence student recruitment!"
Reality proved devastatingly harsh.
When I opened the deteriorated academy gates with their peeling mystical wards and posted enrollment announcements, no one inquired for an entire month.
After waiting another fortnight, just as I approached complete despair, Lyralei arrived.
She paused before the recruitment notice posted at the entrance, hesitated momentarily, then entered and stated: "I wish to enroll in Shadowmere Academy."
I, who had been crouched on the tower steps consuming simple provisions, was immediately stunned.
After waiting desperately for countless days, just as hope seemed lost, a remarkably talented individual had appeared. For me, this represented an extraordinary blessing!
Lyralei observed me and said indifferently: "Are you mentally deficient?"
"Swish!"
I hastily discarded my meal and enthusiastically processed her enrollment.
When I produced the Headmaster's Seal, representing my authority as Academy Head, Lyralei spoke with questioning tone: "You're the Headmaster?"
"Precisely."
I straightened proudly and declared seriously: "I am the Shadowmere Academy Headmaster."
"I'm withdrawing my enrollment."
"Wait! Please don't! Don't!"
•~•
Using every persuasive technique and shameless persistence, I finally convinced Lyralei to remain, ensuring I was no longer the sole occupant of this desolate institution.
"Ding!"
"Academy students: 2/100!"
"Ding!"
"Academy prestige points: 1/100!"
"Ding!"
"Prestige requirements met, system activated, Academy Mystical Emporium!"
Following this series of notifications, I accessed the Academy Status Panel and observed that beneath the primary mission, the words "Mystical Emporium" had materialized.
"An actual emporium exists!"
I was overjoyed, mentally accessing the Mystical Emporium.
"Whoosh!"
The scene transformed, revealing a repository-like panel displaying numerous mystical items!
"Nine Realms Essence Restoration Elixir!" "Cosmic Serpent Channeling Technique!" "Shadowstep Displacement Method!" "Elemental Harmony Manifestation Art!" "Millennia-Forged Battle Robes!" "Sacred Starfire Embodiment!"
Observing the mystical techniques, elixirs, and enchanted equipment listed in the Academy Emporium, my pulse accelerated dramatically.
Simply from their names, I recognized these items as absolutely extraordinary!
In the following moment, Headmaster Kieran's expression froze completely, because each item cost a minimum of 10,000 prestige points!
"This cannot be accurate?"
My mouth twitched violently: "So astronomically expensive?"