Chapter Twelve: Jarvis

Deer Institute · Cathedral.

[WARNING!!!]

[Any unauthorized personnel entering this area will be immediately executed by the [Sword of Judgment] Eradication Catalyst. Entering the inner areas without receiving the appropriate Eradication vaccine will result in instant cardiac arrest and death.]

[You have been warned!]

[Eradication Catalyst activated]

[Life signs detected—criteria met!]

[Unlocking security lock—]

[Welcome, authorized personnel—Hugh Abraham]

Hugh rolled up his sleeves as a circular mechanical device beside him extended a robotic arm and emptied a vial of red reagent towards him. Meanwhile, the Celestial Red Book autonomously flipped its pages, continuously refreshing with special etheric symbols.

[External lineage device—Dedicated lineage integration successful!]

[External lineage device—Public lineage [Deer Institute] link established!]

[Remote access granted!]

A unique virtual fawn appeared beside Hugh—this was the Deer Institute’s lineage think tank, the Deer Spirit. The primary research focus of the Deer Institute is the development of lineage think tanks and artificial intelligence. The Deer Spirit is one of their research achievements.

[Current lineage rejection rate: 7%]

[Please remain within the city of Threeportland and the Deer Institute area. Should you leave Threeportland by more than 10 kilometers, the external device will automatically disconnect.]

[Note: Please turn off the external device when casting lineage spells to prevent an increase in rejection rate.]

Lineage binding is a lifelong, real-name system. Once bound to a lineage, you belong to that lineage for life. In theory, two different lineages are incompatible. However, for academic exchange and alliance activities, major lineages have made a series of modifications to their lineage structures and think tanks.

External lineage devices are the research achievements of these major lineages.

Through these external devices, the Celestial lineage can also connect to the Deer Institute’s lineage. Once linked, the device displays the lineage rejection rate—the higher the rejection, the fewer Deer Institute interface features and resources are accessible.

Moreover, the external device does not provide entries, EVE particle enhancements, ARad fields, resonance, or other mystical augmentations. It primarily offers interface services, computational resources, and AI assistance.

[Hello, I am the AI sprite number 10086 under the Deer Spirit lineage think tank.]

[You may choose to edit my name. Throughout your life at the Deer Institute, I will serve as your assistant.]

“From now on, you shall be called Jarvis. Address me as ‘sir’ from now on,” Hugh said, stroking his chin with a mischievous grin.

[Name editing in progress—]

[Sir, Jarvis at your service.]

“Jarvis, tell me about our upcoming arrangements at the Deer Institute.”

“Certainly, sir.”

“First, I will briefly introduce the accommodation options at the Deer Institute:

- Dormitories: Most dorm rooms are single or separated rooms, but freshman may be assigned to non-separated double or triple rooms.

- Language Houses: These are staffed with visiting linguists who live alongside students to help build communities based on foreign and non-human language cultures (mostly inhabited by ‘international’ students).

- Cooperative Apartments: Usually not open to freshmen. Each cooperative apartment is an independent building on campus. There are no dorm monitors; instead, resident students select a cooperative coordinator from among themselves to liaise with the housing office. Some cooperative apartments have occupancy standards applicants must meet.

- Canyon House: At the heart of the Deer Institute campus lies the Canyon, a forest and wetland habitat home to many Threeportland endemic plants and animals. The Canyon House is situated somewhere within the Canyon, protected by ancient druidic magic of nature itself, dedicated to understanding and coexisting with the natural world.

- Ghost House: Designed to provide a space for non-material and posthumous students, fostering a community free from stigma against non-living forms.”

“Where have I been assigned?”

“Sir, you have been allocated a single room in Anderson Dormitory, room number 404.”

A single room—not bad at all.

“After accommodation assignment comes the choice of academic group.”

“The Deer Institute has two major academic groups: the Mundane and the Mystical.”

“Each major group has four subdivisions, each led by a head of group.”

“The Mundane group includes: Arts, Literature and Linguistics, History and Sociology, Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

The Mystical group includes: Non-Natural Sciences, Wishcraft and Summoning, Magical Knowledge, and Metaphysics.”

“Each subdivision offers several specializations.”

“Every Deer student must complete a one-year course in Mystical Studies.”

“Freshmen must read the ‘Deer Institute Student Handbook,’ ‘Lineage Overview (100,000 words),’ and ‘Mystical Arcana—Issue 121, Section 242 Excerpt’ before choosing their specialization in the Mystical group.”

“Freshmen must also select a minor within one branch of the Mundane group.”

“Freshmen are required to earn 100 credit points within one year.”

Hugh whistled and teased Jarvis, “Sounds like quite the fulfilling campus life. By the way, what time is it now?”

[20:21]

“Where is the Deer Institute cafeteria? Is it currently serving food?”

“Our dining services operate 24 hours. Some foods are free for Deer students; others require payment.”

“Guide me there. I won’t return to the dorm until I’ve eaten.”

“As you wish, sir.”

A holographic map appeared before Hugh, displaying a three-dimensional layout with a green marker representing himself and a red arrow indicating the direction to go.

Following the guidance, Hugh arrived at the cafeteria. There, just outside the entrance, he spotted a familiar figure—Camille, who possessed synesthesia. She hesitated at the doorway, torn between wanting to order and feeling reluctant.

Hugh glanced at the entrance and immediately understood her fear. Standing there was a plump cafeteria auntie—but she was floating. In other words, she was a ghost.

“Your AI sprite probably explained this to you—most ghosts here retain their consciousness,” Hugh said, approaching Camille. She startled and nearly stumbled, but Hugh quickly steadied her by the arm.

“Oh, it’s you,” Camille said, her face flushing again.

So embarrassing.

“Sorry to scare you.”

“It’s... it’s just me overreacting...” Camille nervously fiddled with her fingers.

Suddenly, her stomach growled loudly, making her blush deepen. Anyone unaware might have thought she was a living steam engine.

She wished she could disappear into a crack in the ground.

“Come on, I’ll order with you. You’ll get used to this place eventually,” Hugh said with a gentle smile.

“...Okay.”

So Camille obediently followed behind Hugh. He set an example by chatting briefly with the cafeteria ghost auntie and placed his order first. Then, holding his tray, he stood behind Camille, encouraging her with a supportive look as she prepared to order.

Summoning her courage, Camille ordered from the ghost auntie, who smiled warmly and chatted with her. She explained that some new Deer students initially struggle but gradually adjust over time.

“Hmm,” Camille smiled happily.