“What!? It's in another kingdom!?” Serah exclaims, very much not wanting to put in the effort.

Samantha smiles. “Yes. But don't worry about the trip. Just enjoy the journey.” She says, amused.

Nickie gives Samantha a sideways glance. I don't like this girl. She thinks immediately.

Carter's eyes widen. Damn. Another kingdom? Should I still go? He asks himself.

Serah's brows furrow. “How long exactly will it take to get there? And what's the name of this place?” She asks, hoping it wouldn't take too long. Damn. Redemption quests are no joke. She thinks with some frustration.

“The place is called Riot Kingdom. It’s South of here, near the ocean.” Samantha explains. “As for how long it will take to get there, I would say, about 6 months? We’ll have to cross into a few other places, so it’s important that we prepare. I’m hiring various mercenary groups just for this.” She says, seemingly unfazed by the work.

Serah lets out a sigh as she leans back in her chair. “Maybe I should just give up. I’m not sure how important it is that I stay in the college…” She says, a little hesitant.

“Don’t say that!” Nickie says with some rebuke. “Didn’t you say that we would go here together? You gotta push through with all you’ve got!” She says with a fist pump and an encouraging voice.

Serah lets out a bitter smile. “I guess.” She says, slightly willing to keep going. I guess I have to do some planning… I’m not sure how long I’ll be away… She thinks to herself, considering the various things that could happen in a year. And I’ll have to pay for my house taxes in advance I guess… She thinks, deciding to settle the matter for a few years, just in case. “How many of us are going?” She asks, moving the conversation along.

“A few of the students gave up and left the college. Our exam wasn’t exactly the sort of prospect they were hoping to have in the future. Even if they did complete the redemption quest, they would still have to put up with the college’s crap. To be honest, I don’t blame them.” Samantha informs them.

“What other options are out there? This can’t be the only college in the kingdom.” Serah asks, somewhat in doubt that this place was as great as their acting made it out to be.

“In the kingdom, it’s definitely the only one worth attending. There are other colleges in other kingdoms, but those places are harder to access than this one. Various kingdoms reserve mage training for nobility or the very wealthy. This college sort of balances out the price with blood, and in a way, it made them stand out. Some of the best mages in the continent are from this college.” Samantha continues to explain, seemingly a fountain of knowledge.

Serah raises an eyebrow. “What’s your background exactly?” She asks, curious.

“Me?” Samantha asks, somewhat pleased. “I’m the daughter of a merchant. I’m not a noble or anything, but you could say that I could be considered wealthy.” She says with a smile.

Nickie frowns. “Had a better life than most…” She mumbles under her breath.

Samantha doesn’t seem to catch the words and tilts her head. Serah was able to hear it and lets out an amused smile. “No wonder you seem so organized. You’re not bad for a leader.” Serah says honestly.

Samantha lets out a small blush. “Thanks.” She says, gracefully receiving the compliment.

“What’s your last name? Maybe I’ve heard of you. I’m aware of various merchant groups across the kingdom.” Carter asks out of curiosity.

“Gabella.” Samantha simply states.

“Gabella!?” Carter exclaims. “Damn. Could be considered wealthy indeed. The Gabella Merchant group is no joke. As far as I know they do business across several other kingdoms as well.” He says, expressing his surprise.

Samantha smiles. “Our family does alright.” She admits.

“Damn, rich and beautiful. You got it all, sister.” Serah exclaims.

Nickie could only continue frowning. I definitely do not like this girl. She thinks once again.