Shattered Innocence: Transmigrated Into a Novel as an Extra - Chapter 911: Another one

Chapter 911: Another one

“It’s… a full aerial layout.”

As Aurelian said this, similar reactions started rising from everywhere across.

“Not an ordinary one,” Selenne corrected, her voice calm but carrying over their hushed curiosity. “This device is a recent development—still in the testing stage. It uses an array of runic sensors to scan the terrain from multiple points, then compiles the images into a projected topographical model.”

Elara’s brows rose slightly. She had seen magic used for mapping before, but never with such precision. Even the fine cobblestone paths and rows of trees lining the east gardens were visible.

Selenne let them study it for a moment, then gestured to the largest section in the center. “As you can see, the basic blocks take up the majority of the central grounds—Martial Arts, Magicians, Alchemy, Runes, and Scholars. These are the heart of the Academy, and most of your early months will be spent here.”

Her fingers shifted, and the map zoomed in on the grand, many-winged structure that loomed just north of the central plaza. “This is the main Academy building. Administrative halls, archives, formal reception rooms, and certain high-security training facilities are housed here. Students do not enter without purpose.”

The projection shimmered, sliding outward again until the full layout was visible. Beyond the basic divisions and main building, faint outlines suggested other areas—smaller clusters of buildings, open fields, and structures whose shapes were harder to define.

“This,” Selenne continued, “is one of the first large-scale landscapes scanned by this device. The technology is being refined, but in the future, it will be used for both internal and external mapping—battlefields, excavation sites, even moving formations.”

Marian tilted her head. “Impressive. And expensive.”

Selenne’s lips curved faintly at that, though she didn’t comment. With a flick of her wrist, the light within the sphere dimmed, the map folding in on itself until the black glassy surface returned. She slipped it back into her spatial ring in one smooth motion.

“Currently,” Selenne went on, “the Academy cannot provide one of these devices to each student. They are still costly to produce, and far from perfect in their function.” She glanced over the group, making sure she had their attention. “However, you will each receive a standard map of the Academy grounds—most likely delivered directly to your quarters before the week is over. Study it. Knowing your way around will save you more time than you think.”

There were a few quiet nods and murmurs of acknowledgment.

Without further preamble, she turned and began walking, her cloak swaying neatly with each measured step. “Follow. There’s one more place you need to see today.”

They crossed another stretch of flagstone path, weaving between smaller side buildings until the architecture began to change—broader structures with open fronts, more students coming and going, and a hum of purposeful activity that was different from the training yards.

At the center of this busier section rose a building that looked more like a grand pavilion than a closed hall. Tall marble pillars supported a wide roof, the archway open enough for five people to walk through side by side. A carved frieze along the top depicted various scenes—some of combat, some of crafting, others of what looked like groups traveling through forests or ruins.

“This,” Selenne said as they ascended the shallow steps, “is the Mission Hall.”

Inside, the space opened into a wide, airy chamber filled with movement and voices. Several long counters lined the far wall, staffed by clerks dressed in dark blue robes with silver trim. Opposite them, three massive enchanted notice boards floated, each one covered in glowing sheets of parchment suspended a few inches from their surfaces. The papers shifted gently, some with faint illustrations of landscapes or creatures, others with lists of objectives written in crisp, glowing script.

Groups of older students clustered around the boards, talking in low tones, some plucking missions from the air with a focused tap of mana and carrying them over to the counters.

Selenne led her group a short way in before halting. “From here, students accept assignments from the Academy—ranging from research requests and courier runs to monster subjugations and territory expeditions. Completion earns Academy credits, which are essential for accessing certain resources, higher-level classes, and exclusive training areas.”

Her gaze moved across the freshmen. “You will not be given access to missions immediately. For now, your task is to adapt to the Academy’s systems and complete your initial training.”

“Missions will come later—either in your second semester or your second year,” Selenne continued, her tone even, “depending entirely on your performance in the months ahead.”

A few of the students exchanged quick glances, clearly trying to gauge which timeline they might fall into.

“Most of you,” she added, “should expect the latter. The second year is the standard.”

That drew a soft ripple of murmurs—some disappointed, others relieved. The more combat-driven among them clearly wanted to be out in the field sooner, while others were more than content to avoid danger until absolutely necessary.

“Understand this,” Selenne said, her voice firm but not unkind, “missions are not work in the sense of hired jobs. They are regulated learning experiences, chosen and supervised with precision. You will be placed only in assignments that suit your ability, your training level, and your readiness to adapt under pressure.”

Her violet eyes swept across the group, ensuring each student was listening. “The Academy places immense importance on your safety. These assignments are meant to challenge you and to expose you to real-world situations, but never to recklessly risk your life. That is why all missions pass through multiple levels of review before they are even posted here.”

She glanced toward one of the floating notice boards, where a glowing slip depicted a sketch of a large, tusked beast beside the words: Herb Retrieval — Classified Zone B.

“Think of missions as part of your education—extensions of your classroom training into controlled field conditions. You will not only be tested on your combat ability, but also on your ability to follow instructions, work in a team, manage resources, and adapt to the unexpected. In this way, the Academy ensures you develop as cultivators, mages, and leaders—not just as fighters.”

Her words seemed to settle over them like a steady weight—an unspoken reminder that the Academy’s standards would not bend for anyone, regardless of background or talent.

Lucavion, standing toward the back, smirked faintly but said nothing. Elara caught the expression and wondered—not for the first time—how someone like him would handle a “controlled” environment.

Selenne gave the hall one last sweeping glance before turning on her heel. “For now,” she said, “observe, remember, and prepare yourselves. When the time comes, you’ll be ready—if you’ve done your part.”

With that, she led the group back toward the sunlight spilling in through the marble archway, the murmur of the Mission Hall fading behind them.

They were halfway down the pavilion steps when another group emerged from the opposite colonnade.

Older students—judging by their bearing—moved in a tight formation behind a tall man in deep green robes. His stride was long, deliberate, and carried the air of someone used to being noticed.

His hair was silver at the temples, combed neatly back, and a gold chain clasped the front of his robe where a crest gleamed—a hawk with wings spread over a crossed staff and blade.

Elara didn’t recognize the man, but the way several of Selenne’s students straightened made it clear enough—he was someone with weight here.

The man’s gaze landed on Selenne before anything else. He didn’t smile. Didn’t slow. But there was a flicker in his eyes—a look that said he’d seen her coming and decided how this would go before the first step closed the gap.

“Archmage,” he said, his tone polite in form but cold in substance. “Still walking tours?”

It appeared that, Selenne’s life was not easy at all…