KamiKowa: That Time I Got Transmigrated With A Broken Goddess-Chapter 93: [] Interest Accumulating

October 7, 1:57pm

The bus pulled into the GGA facility’s entrance, passing under an imposing security gate adorned with the Global Gate Authority’s emblem—a stylized gate within a triangle. Two armed guards in black uniforms waved them through after Professor Valdez showed her identification.

Xavier pressed his forehead against the cool window glass as they drove past a series of low concrete buildings with minimal windows. The compound had a military vibe that reminded him of certain "black sites" he’d heard about in his former life. The comparison didn’t ease his growing discomfort about this excursion.

"Everyone, gather your belongings," Professor Valdez called out as the bus slowed. "Leave nothing on the seats. This facility operates under strict security protocols."

Beside him, Naomi was already packing her tablet into a sleek leather bag. Xavier noted how her eyes scanned each section of the facility they passed, cataloging details. Not just a social climber, then. She had situational awareness.

The bus stopped beside a wide concrete platform where three individuals in GGA uniforms waited. The gray uniforms bore red shoulder patches with the letters "FRO" beneath the GGA emblem.

"Field Research Operations," Naomi murmured, following Xavier’s gaze. "The practical division, not the research nerds."

Xavier raised an eyebrow. "You know a lot about GGA divisions."

"My uncle worked for them before joining White Wolf." She shrugged. "Family dinner conversations."

Professor Fox stood at the front of the bus, her vibrant auburn hair bouncing as she clapped her hands for attention.

"Okay, darlings! Time for your first real gate experience. Remember, while this is a controlled environment, we’re still dealing with a tear in reality. Best behavior, please."

Students filed off the bus into the brisk mountain air. Xavier felt the temperature drop immediately—probably in the low forties, with a cutting wind that made it feel colder. The elevation was noticeable too; the air felt thinner than in Metro City.

Calypso appeared at Xavier’s side, her silver hair whipping around her face in the wind. "This place feels weird," she whispered.

"Weird how?" Xavier asked, immediately alert.

"I don’t know." She frowned. "Just... odd. Like the background music changed."

Before Xavier could press further, the lead GGA officer stepped forward. He was a stocky man with a close-cropped military haircut and a neatly trimmed beard.

"Welcome to Mount Eddy Containment Facility, Catalyst Academy. I’m Field Captain Marcus Bennett." His voice carried easily across the platform. "This facility houses a dormant Tier-1 Low gate, perfect for training purposes. Today, you’ll observe the gate from a safe distance, take readings on its energy signature, and document its physical characteristics."

The female officer beside him, tall with tightly coiled black hair, spoke next. "I’m Dr. Kira Wilson, lead researcher for this facility."

The third officer, a younger man with sharp features, nodded curtly. "Field Officer James Dolan. I’ll be handling security."

Captain Bennett motioned toward a cable car station about fifty yards away. "Our observation point is partway up the mountain. We’ll take the gondola in two groups. First group with Professor Valdez, second with Professor Fox."

"Let’s split the class evenly," Professor Fox said. "I’ll take eight students—"

"Actually," Officer Dolan interrupted, "we’ve already prepared the groupings."

Xavier exchanged a glance with Calypso. Pre-planned groups seemed excessive for a simple field trip.

"Group One will be Xavier Valentine, Calypso Valentine, Nolan Traore, Ashley Martin, Margaret Richardson, Alexander Shepard, and Naomi Phillips," Dolan announced. "You’ll go with Professor Valdez. The remaining students will accompany Professor Fox."

Dolan produced a tablet and began reading off more instructions, but Xavier tuned him out, focusing instead on the reaction of his classmates. Kyrie looked annoyed at being separated from Alexander. Sayuri gave Xavier a small wave from where she stood with Beppo and Luka. Several students were already taking photos of the mountain and the facility.

"What are the odds we’d be in the same group?" Naomi appeared beside Xavier again, her arms wrapped around herself against the cold.

"Approximately one hundred percent, given they planned it beforehand," Xavier replied dryly.

Calypso nudged him with her elbow. "Be nice."

The group began walking toward the gondola station, a modern structure of glass and steel that seemed at odds with the utilitarian buildings around it. Xavier noticed Ashley maintaining a careful distance from him, walking alongside Margaret at the front of the group. Since their conversation on the ferry about Calypso joining them for the time in her home, she’d been polite but reserved.

Alexander fell into step beside Xavier. "What do you make of the pre-planned groups?"

"Seems like overkill for a field trip." ƒrēenovelkiss.com

Alexander nodded. "I am inclined to agree. But, this is the GGA they must have a good reason to do this. Perhaps they grouped by their average grades."

Xavier was not conviced. "You sure?"

The only thing I can think of is that everyone in this group has some unique Essentia...

Xavier glanced at Nolan, who trailed behind the others, his glasses reflecting the morning light. The nervous student’s unique ability—growing stronger when underestimated—made him an interesting wildcard.

They reached the gondola station, where a large cable car waited. It looked designed for tourists rather than military personnel, with glass walls offering panoramic views and seating for about fifteen people.

"Group One, please board," Officer Dolan directed.

As the others climbed in, Xavier felt his phone vibrate. He pulled it out, finding a notification from Crystalspire Loans: "PAYMENT REMINDER: $2012.98 due in 48 hours."

"Shit," he muttered, staring at the screen. In the chaos of the past month, he’d completely forgotten about the loan payment for Calypso’s clothes. His limited cash reserves wouldn’t cover it, and he hadn’t established any income streams in this new life yet.

"What’s wrong?" Calypso asked, pausing at the gondola entrance.

"Nothing," Xavier replied, pocketing the phone. "Just some spam."

Inside the gondola, Xavier sat beside Calypso on a padded bench. Professor Valdez took a seat near the door, while the GGA officers remained on the platform for the next group.

"We’ll join you shortly," Captain Bennett called as the doors closed.

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