Josten let out a quiet sigh. At least this question wasn't difficult to answer.
"As you know, Midvest Academy is one of the ten greatest educational institutions in the world."
"It stands alongside the great Sects and Guilds. Their ability to cultivate talent is second to none, which naturally makes admission extremely difficult." He paused before continuing. "However, entering isn't the true problem. The real difficulty begins after admission.
"Influence. Connections. Standing."
"The instructors themselves are all at least Peak Enlightened Sages. Some are Mythical Beings, Mystic Beings... and even higher."
Dante quietly listened.
'...Guess I can't avoid learning the leveling system anymore. Or any necessary information too'
Up until now he had intentionally ignored most discussions regarding titles and skill level titles. Knowing someone could crush him without effort didn't particularly benefit his mental health.
Unfortunately...
It seemed he'd finally reached the point where ignorance was becoming a disadvantage.
'There'll probably be some entrance examination too.'
'Maybe not for strength... but knowledge.'
'Would they fail a Mythical Being? Probably not.'
'Still... no reason to gamble.'
Jost continued where Josten had left off.
"The Academy's itself doesn't discriminate based on race as many Sects do. They pride themselves on remaining neutral."
"However..."
"They intentionally allow conflict between students."
"To a certain extent they permit bullying, rivalries and even racial discrimination as a form of tempering."
"The stronger students are even allowed to keep weaker ones beneath them as subordinates... or, in less pleasant terms, slaves."
He smiled apologetically.
"I apologize. You undoubtedly already know all of this."
Dante kept a neutral expression 'Eh I actually don't.'
"My concern has always been my daughters."
"They're Dark Elves."
"And beautiful."
"My title as a Mythical Being could prevent the worst from happening, but it cannot guarantee they would enjoy their time there."
"I believed it wiser to raise them myself before eventually sending them to a Academy or Sect with stricter regulations instead."
"The Sects focus less on structured education and more on experience. Exploring distant continents, entering pocket worlds, pocket dimensions... places that cannot be found under ordinary circumstances."
Dante slowly nodded.
He knew...
Absolutely none of that.
'I really owe the System an apology.'
'I practically forced it to withhold information because I kept saying I'd figure things out later.'
He could have asked his siblings countless questions about the Academy.
Instead...
He never bothered.
They had hinted more than once that his homeland the empire was far larger and more complicated than he realized, but he'd brushed it aside.
Now, listening to Josten...
He finally understood.
'Looks like Vexion will have to handle Lexa's training for the next two years. We will lay low while I ask the Father and Mother some questions. Hmm Ill train them both but I might need to get whatever useful info I can. Vexion will be the main one she had 3 years being trained by me ,she can toughen her up while I go learn how this world actually works.'
He rested his chin against one hand.
'...Damn.'
'Looks like my least favorite novel trope is happening to me.'
'The protagonist spends the beginning of the story thinking he's learned everything important, only to discover he's seen maybe twenty percent of the world.'
'I honestly hoped Mythical Beings were already close to the ceiling.'
'Apparently not.'
He sighed inwardly.
'Which means one of two things.'
'Either Mythical Beings only occupy the middle or upper-middle ranks of this world's power...'
'...or I'm somehow the least informed Mythical Being alive.'
He paused.
'Actually... both sound equally depressing.'
The System spoke calmly.
[Master, based on current information, there is a high probability that both conclusions are correct.]
'...Fuck you.'
Dante resisted the urge to argue with the System. Suddenly a gentle hand rested against his thigh. He glanced sideways to see Vexion looking at him in quiet concern. Apparently, his expression had revealed more than he intended.
Dante had to be careful around Vexion. Reason being, He had to uphold whatever image she had of him. From what he saw , Vexion didn't really blindly follow him, if he showed moments of weakness without reason, he could lose her respect and possibly her devotion and loyalty. Although her loyalty was still over 125% He needed it there since she gave him daily points.
He chuckled. "Don't worry. I was just thinking." Vexion nodded reassured. Dante turned back toward Josten. "I see. Makes sense." Josten and Jost exchanged another glance before silently nodding. After a brief silence, Jost finally spoke.
"Mythical Lord Dante..."
"I know neither I nor my Empire possess the ability to stop you should you decide to take my daughter with you."
He looked toward Lexa before continuing.
"But... may I at least confirm that this is truly what she wants?"
Dante looked between father and daughter before shrugging.
"That's between the two of you."
He stood, stretching lazily. "I'll wait outside. Take however long you need. its not like Im kidnapping her, if she ever wants to visit, she can."
He slipped both hands into his pockets. "Call me when you're finished." With that, Dante turned toward Vexion. She immediately rose to her feet and moved to his side.
Without another word, the two took a single step.
Their figures dissolved into space itself, disappearing as though they had never been there, leaving the Josten family alone to share their farewell.