Tori Transmigrated Chapter 9: Doing Anything Was Better Than Doing Nothing

This was not what she wanted.

The entire situation she was in: possibly dead and transmigrated into a dating sim, was not what she wanted, but being in charge of a group project was even lower on the list of things she wanted. She spent years at a job planning and plotting various projects, calculating costs, scheduling deliverables, and making sure multi-million-dollar projects were completed on ti.

She did not want to relive high school and be a project manager again. She wasnt even being paid.

Yet, there she was. The morning chill lightly penetrated her Lyce du Soleil embroidered cloak as she slipped out of the dorm to get to the Lyce library when it opened so she could find a map to reference.

The day before, her new group had huddled in one of the study rooms on the ground floor of the east dorm until near curfew in order to properly plan what they needed to buy and do, and when theyd do so. Taking into consideration the various resources the group had, Tori assigned them action items that needed to be in motion by that weekend.

Henrik was the rchant guild leaders son and had the knowledge and resources to source supplies and get their pricing. Ewan was to help him check the quality of the supplies, as he had experienced camping with his siblings in the past. The twins, because their mother was a cook, were in charge of procuring the food for the excursion.

After so debate, they decided to go with the easiest and most convenient choice of pre-cooked food: bread, smoked at, so hard cheese, and fruit that wouldnt easily be crushed in their bags. A sort of camping charcuterie board.

Ilyana was raised in a large town and had never been camping nor knew how to cook, but she had one of the most important resources of all: money. She and Tori were paying for the bulk of the supplies; the agreent was that afterwards, theyd just keep the items and resell them.

Tori was in charge of acquiring the map. When she told the group, she tried to make it sound as if it were an important task. To an extent, it was, but if she was being honest, it was also a task that didnt require her to run around. Ilyana had to go with Ewan and Henrik as the treasurer of the group and pay for their supplies.

Tori just had to go to the library, get a map, copy the map, and do a little research on what to expect of the terrain and topography.

Still, this was more work than she wanted to do. Being in any leadership position didnt just an planning, but also checking to make sure people were doing their part. Tori just wanted to be lazy, but now people were depending on her, and she hated herself for being weak to responsibility.

Then again, she also didnt want to die on the excursion, so the part of her that needed to be in control kicked in. What could she do? She was a planner by nature and now she had to plan for a group of six.

As she reached the large library that was to one side of the schools central courtyard, a middle-aged librarian was unlocking the doors for the day.

Good morning! Tori smiled as she jogged up the steps. Is it open?

Just opened it. The man gave her a kind smile in return. Co in, co in. First year?"

Yes, sir! Its my first ti here.

Well, what took you so long? The librarian laughed. He lifted his arm and the dark library was suddenly illuminated by rows of glowing white crystals that let out a gentle light. Tori lifted her head and smiled as she looked up at the vaulted ceiling above the foyer and the walls of books reaching them.

Rows of massive bookshelves were neatly arranged and she could see how the second and third floors were open to the ground floor with desks for students to use against the dark wooden railings. She could sll the scent of old books and parchnt and bit her lip. She didnt think that in a gaming sim school library shed be able to sll that familiar, comforting scent.

There were narrow windows to let in the light and in the very center of the library, just in front of a walled off area marked as staff only, was the librarians counter. He walked behind it and put his bag underneath before motioning for her to co forward.

So, then, young lady, he said as he watched her keep her head up and take in the rows upon rows of books. He smiled, pleased to see her look so impressed. How can I help you this morning?

Tori swallowed and took a deep breath. She stepped towards the counter, trying to calm herself. She was always a sucker for libraries, galleries, and museums. There was sothing about being surrounded by accumulated knowledge that excited her.

I am looking for reference material to Alpine Valley, a days travel north, she said as she faced the librarian. Is a detailed map available?

The librarian's earnestness faltered. Is this for the First Year Excursion?

Tori nodded. Yes.

A complicated look reached his face. I am afraid youre too late, young lady. All our books referencing the Alpine Valley and maps of the area have been checked out.

Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped. Already? It hadnt even been a week since the syllabus for the excursion was released and they were inford of the location.

The library nodded. Yes, as soon as the location was revealed, we had several students co in to check items on Alpine Valley. The last map was checked out the day before yesterday.

He couldn't hear her, but she was internally screaming.

She knit her brows together and shook her head to focus. When will they be returned?

We have a check out period maximum of three weeks for books and two weeks for maps, catalogs, and periodicals.

Tori squinted. Even if soone returned their map on ti, that wouldnt give them any ti to prepare. This week was to organize a group. The next week was to prepare supplies. The week after that was the excursion; theyd leave at night to arrive on the morning of the first day of the hike.

She closed her eyes and bit her lips. They only had one library on campus. If she couldnt find a resource here, shed need to try elsewhere. There were at least a dozen bookstores within a three-block radius of Lyce and even more surrounding the Academic Quarter. She didnt want to have to run around, but it looks like she had no choice.

She opened her eyes. Then can you recomnd books that are suitable for referencing Alpine Valley?

Tori left the library with seven or eight titles, along with suggested map makers to look for. If she could get her hands on a map by the Imperial Cartographers, it would be best. Still, aside from a slip of paper, she left empty handed, and an anxious feeling knotted in the pit of her stomach. She couldnt help but think this wasnt an isolated problem.

So, what are we going to do? Ilyanas pretty face fell as she lowered her spoon. Her little bowl of oatal was half finished by the ti Tori found her eating breakfast in their dorm commons. Tori sat across from her and slumped against the chair. She lifted an apple to her mouth and bit into it with a bitter expression.

What else can we do? she said as she glared blankly ahead of her. After school, Ill go around the bookstores in the area. Librarian Hawthorne gave a list of books to look for and suggested two particular bookstores nearby.

Do you want to go with you? Ilyana asked. Tori shook her head.

No, you keep with the plan and go with Ewan and Henrik. The bookstores are close, so its fine for to go alone, she said. Anyway, dont forget to ask for receipts and invoices. Ilyana nodded and finished her oatal.

Their horoom class was across campus from them and by the ti they arrived, most of the students from the nearer west dorm were already seated and talking amongst themselves. From their seats in the far corner, they had a good view of the rest of the class. As Ilyana preoccupied herself with a map of the seventh district in preparation for her purchasing trip that afternoon, Tori casually looked towards the gas protagonist.

Aside from the first day, when her seat was taken, she and Alessa hadnt spoken. Tori wasnt sure when they had first contact in the ga, but in this reality, she was purposely steering clear of Alessa. Contact would an greater risk of conflict. However, that didnt an Tori didnt want to know what Alessa was up to. Know thy enemy and all that.

Alessa was seated in the front row, at the desk that Tori originally claid, and was talking to Dimitri, who was leaning back against his desk, which was right behind Alessas. Tori pretended to check her pencils to see which ones needed sharpening as she tilted her ear in their direction.

Thats a relief! Alessa said. I didnt know everyone would get such an early start.

Its understandable you wouldnt know, Dimitri told her. But for students native to Horizon, Lyces First Year Excursion is famous. As soon as the location and tasks are given, everyone starts to gather supplies.

I would think theyd start forming groups first.

Its very naive to form a group first, as there is a chance the full group of six wont be made in ti and you could risk being assigned to a random one. Its smarter to get your supplies in order before you finalize your group.

Tori clenched her jaw. Dammit, Ewan.

Then again, as energetic and enthusiastic as Ewan was, planning ahead was clearly not his forte. As for the other three, while they were all raised in Horizon, they werent exactly from the upper echelon of the city and they, like Ilyana, were the first in their families to go to Lyce. Even if they heard about the excursion, they didnt necessarily know how to prepare for it.

It made sense that Dimitri, the Pri Ministers son, and others like him, had an advantage. And Tori couldnt really hold that against him. She and her group were caught unprepared; it was a learning experience.

But she was still bitter.

Your Highness! Tori heard Alessas voice raise, and her eyes flickered back across the room. The protagonist rose from her seat and gave Gideon a smile and a little curtsy. Gideon was walking down the aisle and gave her small grin, lifting his hand and giving her a shake of his head as Fabian followed behind him.

Miss Hart, I told you already. We are classmates. Please call Gideon, he said in a pleased voice. Tori narrowed her eyes; he clearly enjoyed the respect his title garnered. What was with the modesty? How are you two this morning?

We're great! And you should call Alessa if I'm going to call you Gideon." Alessa lifted a hand and playfully poked his arm.

The second prince laughed. "All right, it's a deal."

"I was just discussing the excursion with Dimitri, Alessa said. Since you're from Horizon, you mustve long prepared your supplies.

Gideon nodded. Yes, it was just a matter of waiting for the location to be announced.

Did you get your map already? Fabian asked.

Dimitri grinned with confidence. As soon as the location was revealed.

Dimitri! Behind him, soone leaned over the desk. You already have a map? Where did you get it?

The library.

Motherfucker! Tori tilted her head up and bit her lip. Of course. Of course, one of the love interests would get a map before her.

The student behind Dimitri groaned, envious. Youre so lucky! All the maps on Alpine Valley are checked out already.

Not only that, a girl who sat behind that student said. All the bookstores in the area are also sold out.

Tori sliced off a larger chunk off her pencil than she entended to and stared at the exposed graphite.

Tori? Ilyana looked over at her and knit her brows.

My hand slipped.

Be careful. The sharpener is small, but its still sharp.

Hmm.... Tori quietly returned to evening out the pencil tip.

I have a recent map of the area by the Imperial Cartographers. The second prince seed to casually ntion this.

From the Imperial Cartographers? Alessa gasped. Youre so lucky! A reference like that is invaluable.

Its difficult to get a copy, Gideon said. There were two and one is being used as a reference for reprinting. Im afraid I cant lend this one out.

Hmm...then...would you be able to join our group? Alessa asked. Tori raised a brow. Wasnt there a limit to how many people could be from the sa class?

There isnt any rule that prohibits two groups from working together, Dimitri said, looking interested. We already have six people on our side, including two other girls.

Alessa nodded. My roommate and her classmate are from another class.

What do you say, Gideon? Dimitri asked as he extended his hand and smiled. I think wed make a great team.

This reverse harem is happening faster than I expected.... Tori saw the second prince glance at Alessa as she put her hand on his arm and nodded her head encouragingly.

Sounds good, Gideon said. The rest of our group are from classes five and six; they were invited for swordsmanship. They can help carry any additional supplies for the girls.

Tori rolled her eyes. She listened to them discuss getting together to look at the map while Dimitri graciously lent out his copy of the map to the classmate behind him. Everyone else seed to beg for a chance to at least look at and copy the map, as several more people reiterated that the nearby bookstores no longer had any copies.

I didnt expect this. Henrik pushed up the glasses on the tip of his nose as they gathered by the gates after classes. First years would not be required to attend any after school activities until after the First Year Excursion, so she, Ewan, and the twins had ti to prepare.

Sonia was frowning as JP narrowed his eyes.

They said all of the bookstores are sold out? JP pressed. Tori and Ilyana nodded.

At least all the ones nearby. Ilyana took a deep breath. This isnt a good sign.

Tori pursed her lips. Lets not dwell on it. You go with Henrik and Ewan, as planned. See if you can get the items on the list. If you cant buy it imdiately, pay for it in advance and well pick it up within a few days.

We should hurry out then, Henrik said, giving her a decisive nod.

Should we bring what we buy back to you? Ewan asked as they began to walk away.

Tori nodded. Ilyana and I share a room, so we can store our supplies there temporarily.

What about any food we get? JP asked.

Mom still has to make so of it, so it may take a few days to be ready, Sonia said. We should have it by next weekend, though.

What about the items your mom cant make in ti? Tori asked.

She knows plenty of suppliers. Shell be able to direct us to at least one who can sell us so cheese.

Perfect. Ill leave all the food related things to you two. Tori gave them a nod and watched them leave. In terms of locals, the twins lived furthest away from Lyce, by the Imperial Stables, where their father was a groom. Their mother lived part-ti at the palace, but ca ho every few days. They were hoping to catch her while she was ho in order to ask for so food.

Tori and Ilyana, of course, insisted that they pay for the trouble. The twins said they would get back to them.

Now that she was alone, Tori unfolded a piece of paper with a simple map she doodled during her break. She marked off the various bookstores in the seventh district and took a deep breath and exhaled.

Okay, Tori...lets do this.

She set off from Lyce, walking through the gates brimming with determination.

It was well past sunset when she walked back through them, filled with frustration and moderate rage.

There were nineteen bookstores she had crossed off her list. Nineteen. And not a single one had any reference material on Alpine Valley left. Not a single map, cartography book, guide or reference book was left. It didnt make sense to her.

180 students in groups of six shouldve only made thirty groups. The only thing she could think of were that students in the sa group hoarded reference material. But so soon? Was there so sort of fixed limit to resources in the ga that kept her from getting one damn map?

The day after next was the weekend. She supposed she could use that ti to go out further, to other districts, and try to find reference material. Of course, no other area had a concentration of bookstores like the Academic Quarter and it would take much more ti to visit them.

Horizon had a city library near the palace. That was a possible option she would need to look into. Tori lifted her hand and ran it down her face as she climbed up the stairs to her dorm room. Maybe her Auntie Lucia had a map? The chances were slim. Her aunt was essentially an office worker.

She creaked open her door and kicked off her shoes before stumbling to her bed. She spread out her arms and fell face first onto her blankets and let out a groan. She rembered this feeling of utter exhaustion when faced with a roadblock at work. It was a given that things didnt always go as planned.

No matter how well she prepared, how straightforward her requirents, how set the schedule, there were always issues that appeared. Sotis, they were an easy fix. Fill out a form, reference so email. Other tis, they were more complex, requiring multiple etings, escalating requests to executives, and physically finding people in the office to sign off on docunts monts before they got off of work for the day.

Tori had to be able to adapt. She could not panic. Despite herself, she couldnt be overwheld and do nothing when faced with a problem. Doing anything was better than doing nothing.

She rolled over on her bed and stared at her canopy. She had five other people depending on her.

She took a deep breath and pushed herself into a seated position. Tori got up and walked to her desk, pulling the chair out and sitting down. On the small shelf in front of her, she had a little wooden carving of the Guevera family coat of arms: a shield separated into three parts. On the top right, a lion on its hind legs with teeth bared: strength and valor. On the left, a lamp with a fla: knowledge and wisdom. On the bottom, oak tree: virtue and family.

In the center, where all the parts t, there was a little stone fortress with a sword going through it as a general reminder of the Guevera Mark and its military contributions. The ribbon below was engraved with We Do Not Yield. We as in the family.

Tori narrowed her eyes and plucked a pen from her pencil cup. She wrote down nas of possible resources her family told her to reach out to.

Auntie Lucia was first. Then Uncle Maurizo. Then Axton and finally Piers.

She stared at a list as she placed her comcry on her desk and tapped the nas. After so thought, she crossed out Piers na. Even if her brother insisted that she reach out to him if needed, it was still awkward for her to contact the first prince of the empire for a re map. Also, she had issues with his brother and didn't feel like now was the ti to bring them up.

She then crossed out Uncle Maurizo; he spent most of his ti in his lab and greenhouse. Shed have a better chance with Auntie Lucia.

Before she could decide who to call, the door swung open and she jumped in her seat. She turned around and watched as Ilyana lumbered in, a pitiful look on her face.

Ilyana? Tori rose from her seat. Are you all right?

The door closed behind Ilyana and a small click was heard as it locked. The pretty, second ranked student lifted her eyes and t Toris.

Sold out.

What?

Everything...bedrolls, tents, bags, even a small ax for getting wood for a fire.... Ilyana sat down on the edge of her bed, as if all life was sucked out of her. Theyre all sold out.

Toris eyes crinkled up. That cant be right. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of adventurers and rcenaries and hunters that go through this city every day. There must be a stock of equipnt sowhere.

Ilyana shook her head. We went to nearly all the stores registered with the rchants guild that would have those items. The stores we couldnt get to, Henrik had so people from the guild check for us. Everything is gone. Its like soone swept through and bought all the basic supplies!

Once more, Toris mind ran through the math of 180 students. Were things just made to order here so there wasnt a pre-made stock ready? Did she fail to take that into account? Tori wracked her mind.

You guys checked stores, but what about craftsn directly? she asked.

Ilyana shook her head. We didnt, but several stores say that they wouldnt be getting stock from their sources for at least another two weeks.

Two weeks! Tori wanted to flip her table.

We also ran into the twins on the way back.... Ilyana looked pale and Toris stomach sank.

More bad news?

Their mother has been assigned to food preparation for a two week scheduled eting with envoys from Prevak and Nazria. She wasnt even able to co ho as planned today.

Then...food-wise....

Theyre trying to contact her to see if she can recomnd so places to source food, but people at the rchant guild told us ready-made food for travel is in short supply and is usually ordered ahead of ti. Were going to have to look into ordering dried goods this weekend if we want to have food to bring with us.

Tori slowly sat back down. I cant believe this.... Fuck this stupid ga!

I know, Ilyana said, lowering her eyes. At this ti of the year, many people are leaving to do the last hunts before winter. We dont know how long itll take to get food prepared, let alone all the other supplies. Ewan almost got into a fight over a blanket at one of the stores!

Its the sa situation with the maps, Tori said, irritated that she had to break the news. None of the bookstores in the area have any left.

Ilyana bit her lips. Henrik saw so classmates of his while we were shopping and asked if they had a map we could copy. She looked at Tori with discomfort on her face. "They refused us.

Because...? Tori squinted. Ilyana looked at her silently. ? Her roommate nodded and Tori took in a sharp breath.

Ilyanas eyes crinkled up. It seems a lot of people know that youre in our group....

She shouldve known her bad reputation wouldnt leave her group unhard. Tori shook her head as one hand gripped the edge of her desk. While the lack of supplies wasnt necessarily their fault, the fact that she was part of the group made the situation worse. And she hated that.

Tori.... Ilyana sounded as if she were going to cry. What are we going to do? We cant go on the excursion without supplies. We can use our bookbags, but I dont think theyre big enough. And our blankets...will they be enough? Ewan said hell ask his siblings this weekend if we can borrow any supplies they have.

Her first ever friend in this world sounded absolutely defeated and Tori couldnt stand it.

She was the leader and as the leader, she needed to make a decision. Tori lifted her hand, closed her eyes, and brought her finger down on the list of nas. She opened her eyes and looked.

She picked up her comcry and slid her finger across the smooth, clear quartz. The crystal began to glow and Tori lifted it towards her mouth.

Call Axton du Nassaun.