46: Another Legend – David Martinez

“Perfect score in the interview, full marks in the written test—excellent, truly excellent!”

Okada Yuta beamed as he leaned forward to shake Leo’s hand.

“Though it’s still a bit early, I’d like to say this in advance—welcome to Arasaka Academy. Our diploma is a VIP pass to the upper class. Choosing Arasaka is choosing success!”

Leo maintained a polite smile and listened quietly throughout. This “model student” demeanor was clearly earning him extra credit.

Okada Yuta swiftly typed some data into his computer and told him the next and final step—paying tuition. It was easy to tell this was the part he truly cared about.

Leo watched as the man pulled out a nebulizer from his drawer, pressed the cap down, and took two deep inhales of a bluish mist. A sharp, tingling scent filled the air, with just a faint hint of mint.

“Psshhh—haa…”

The admissions officer shamelessly used the stimulant right in front of a student and even cheerfully offered it to him. “Care to try? This is a stimulant prescribed by Arasaka itself. With this, you’ll have the energy to study or work for sixteen hours a day. It’s safe and reliable—nothing like the cheap junk out on the street.”

“No need, I’m feeling fine right now.”

Leo forced a proper smile while cursing inwardly. Sixteen hours of work a day, and this guy’s proud of it? This world’s insane—people are burning out just to keep up…

After his hit, Okada visibly perked up. He even licked his lips slightly, as if he were prepping for battle—about to defeat his challenger with sheer verbal firepower.

“Well then, let’s talk tuition. Please look at the tablet in front of you, Mr. Leonardo.”

Leo lowered his gaze. The tablet no longer displayed test questions but instead showed a very detailed fee chart. Just how detailed? The font had to be tiny to fit dozens of charges across three pages.

So it was true—what Arasaka Academy cared about most wasn’t grades, but money. The text here probably outnumbered his entire test earlier.

Okada Yuta, now high on something akin to caffeine and ambition, launched into his sales pitch.

“First, please look at this top row—this is Arasaka’s base tuition fee. It’s mandatory…”

Leo tuned out his salesy chatter and scanned the charges on his own. It was actually simple enough: all items marked with a ※ were required. Together, they added up to 24,000 euros.

But the base fee was only the first eight items. Everything after that was optional add-ons—software updates, after-class tutoring, and all sorts of miscellaneous extras.

“These additional charges may be steep, but I still highly recommend them. Isn’t there a saying on your side of the world? Sharpening the blade won’t delay the chopping of wood. These add-ons are the best whetstones—helping you stay ahead in your studies…”

Okada Yuta had fully morphed into a salesman, clearly aiming to get Leo to check every single box.

But Leo wasn’t stupid. He didn’t understand all these options, but his constant connection to the network meant Shironeko definitely did.

[Leo: Shironeko, you handle this. Pick the most cost-effective items and project them onto my optic display.]

[Shironeko: Understood.]

Soon, a brief rating appeared after each charge. Leo ticked boxes accordingly. In the end, his semester tuition totaled 35,000 euros.

That number clearly pleased Okada. He kept nodding while looking at the screen.

“Hmm, yes, yes, looks like you’ve done your homework. You chose the most efficient options. Majoring in electronic engineering and computer science—solid picks. They’re among Arasaka’s strongest departments and will be great assets when you apply to university later.”

“That puts your annual tuition at 70,000 euros. You’ll be paying each semester at the beginning of term. Any questions?”

None at all.

And so, his wallet cried out silently—once again shrinking in size.

After payment, Okada was in high spirits. He handed Leo a data chip with a smile.

“This contains your course schedule and required reading list for the semester. If you’d like to get ahead, feel free to purchase the materials yourself. There’s also a recommended cyberware list—based on your majors, we suggest augmenting your body accordingly.”

“I see you’ve chosen the remote learning service. Be sure to buy a network-access chair in advance and maintain at least 30% physical attendance.”

Leo nodded. He was going to keep world-hopping, so there was no way he could attend every day like a normal student.

Thankfully, the network infrastructure was advanced. Arasaka Academy offered remote classes that allowed him to join immersive simulations through secure connections—letting him attend class alongside his peers.

Of course, it was a paid service…

Shironeko had also assured him that even in another world, he’d still be able to connect to this network. He could literally sit in another dimension and still take Arasaka classes—an absurd but very real accomplishment.

“That completes everything. Much quicker than I expected. Mr. Leonardo, you’ve been added to the temporary whitelist. Once term begins on March 3rd, your official student ID will grant you unrestricted access throughout the Arasaka campus.”

“You still have time. Feel free to explore the public-facing parts of the school and get familiar with the layout.”

“Thank you for the advice.”

Leo stood up, shook hands again, and headed for the door with V.

After a few steps, he glanced through the glass and spotted the next group of applicants.

His steps paused for a brief moment, a faint sense of absurdity rising within him. How come he kept bumping into “famous people”? This was getting ridiculous.

A punk-styled youth with both sides of his head shaved and wild hair sprouting in the middle.

Wearing a worn yet decent leather jacket, the boy looked sharp and full of energy—David Martinez.

And the red-haired woman beside him, elegant and beautiful, was clearly his mother—Gloria Martinez.

Leo hadn’t expected to see the mother-son pair here.

He pushed open the door, gave David a polite nod, and silently passed by them.

Having learned his lesson from V, he now knew better than to let excitement get the better of him around “plot characters.” He stayed composed, avoiding any behavior a stranger shouldn’t exhibit.

David seemed distracted, staring blankly ahead, deep in thought.

Gloria gave Leo a nod in return, acknowledging this well-dressed young man who might one day be her son’s classmate.

No more was exchanged between them. The two sides passed each other peacefully, heading in opposite directions.

Only after they’d walked dozens of meters and left the admissions office behind did V lean over and whisper, “You know that mother and son?”

Leo kept walking, not slowing down. “Let’s find a quiet place to talk.”

The two wandered into an open lounge area on the first floor, finally finding an unoccupied resting spot. Each grabbed a drink and took a seat.

Let me know when you’re ready for the next chapter.