Chapter 16 THE ORIENTATION BUILDING

'How is my three days up?' Kaelen thought with a confused and skeptical expressions mixed up on his face while he slowly began to walk down the altar. It seems like General Cao was able to know what was Kaelen's mind as he suddenly asked with a small smirk on his face. "You must be wondering how three days just went by in a flash while you were on the altar right?" "Well yeah" Kaelen answered honestly with a perplexed look on his face. "Well the reason for that is the altar itself" General Cao answered with the same expression on his face. "The altar?" "Yes. Apparently, there seems to be a separate space around the altar that has its time to move slower than the regular time" General Cao explained as Kaelen finally stood right in front of him with a pondering look on his face. 'Well there is no other reason for that strange experience so it must just like General Cao said' Kaelen thought while he slowly nod his head. When General Cao saw this, a satisfied smile appeared on his face as he suddenly spoke up. "Now then, let's take you back to the academy grounds" "Aren't we in the academy grounds?" Kaelen quickly asked with a surprised look on his face when he heard what General Cao said. "Actually we are in the academy grounds. But in the restricted section" General Cao answered with a light smile on his face as he suddenly placed one of his hands on Kaelen's shoulders. 'The restricted section!' Kaelen thought in surprise as he suddenly vanished alongside General Cao out of the cavern. Where they appeared next is in front a building which is surrounded in strange plants and flowers whereas a crowd could be seen going in and out of the building. "Where is this place?" Kaelen asked with a curious look on his face when he looked around the place he finds himself in. "This is the orientation building for new internal students" General Cao answered with a calm smile on his face. The Orientation building of the Pace Setter Academy stood proudly at the heart of the campus, its architecture blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment yet standing out with an undeniable grandeur. The building was constructed from dark, polished stone that seemed to absorb and reflect the light in an almost magical way, giving it a timeless and formidable appearance. The structure was both imposing and welcoming, with tall, arched windows framed by intricate stonework that depicted scenes from the academy's illustrious history. The entrance to the hall was marked by a set of massive wooden doors, each carved with elaborate runes and symbols that glowed faintly, hinting at the enchantments laid upon them. Above the doors, a large, intricately crafted crest of the academy was set in relief, its details sharp and precise, symbolizing the prestige and honor of the institution. Surrounding the Orientation Hall was a lush, otherworldly garden filled with strange and exotic plants and flowers. These botanical wonders seemed to thrive in the enchanted environment, their vibrant colors and unusual shapes creating a surreal and enchanting landscape. Attached to a sturdy chain, the token could be worn around the neck or clipped to a belt, ensuring it was always within reach. Its weight was reassuring, a constant reminder of the student's connection to the prestigious academy. "But I don't want to seek your audience, so why I are you giving me this?" Kaelen asked with a more confused look on his face. But when General Cao heard him, he initially was stunned before he suddenly brought a glowing look on his face as he thought. 'Seems like my instincts was right again' "Just take it you brat. You might need my guidance in the future so just take hold of it till the right time comes" He eventually said with an annoyed look on his face. "O.. Ok Venerable" Kaelen replied wryly as he accepted the token and hanged it on his neck. "Good, whenever you feel like you need guidance, he token will automatically direct you to me so you don't have to worry yourself to know where I live. Goodbye" General Cao said in a more warm tone before he suddenly vanished from that area. 'What is his motive for treating me in such a way?' As soon as General Cao left, Kaelen thought with a doubtful look on his face as he held the token with his right hand. "Hey! You over there!! I would like to see what our great Venerable gave you" But Kaelen didn't dwell on that thought for long as he suddenly heard a commanding tone behind him. 'Seems like these category of people are everywhere' Kaelen thought indifferently as he turned towards where he heard that statement from and saw three boys coming towards him. Amongst the three boys, the two at the side just have plain looks with brown and black hair while the one in the overshadowed them greatly. The boy in the middle in question was a tall, broad-shouldered boy who exuded an air of arrogance and entitlement. His dark hair was styled in a deliberately messy fashion, as if he wanted to look effortlessly cool without trying too hard. His eyes were a sharp, piercing blue, often narrowed in a look of disdain or condescension. His features were strong and well-defined, with a chiseled jawline and a smirk that rarely left his lips, giving him a perpetual look of smugness. He wore the Pace Setter Academy uniform—a black jacket with blue trim and matching trousers—but with a casual disregard for the rules. His tie was often loosened, his shirt untucked at the back, and the top buttons of his shirt were usually left undone. The uniform, meant to symbolize unity and discipline, looked more like a prop to him, something he wore out of necessity rather than pride. He carried himself with a swagger, his movements exaggerated and cocky, as if every step he took was meant to draw attention. He was often seen leaning against walls or lounging in a chair with a bored expression, his body language broadcasting his belief that he was above it all. He spoke loudly, his voice carrying a tone of superiority, and he rarely missed an opportunity to belittle or mock his fellow students. Despite his unappealing demeanor, there was an undeniable charisma to him, a magnetic presence that drew others in even as he pushed them away. He was the kind of person who thrived on conflict and drama, always looking for ways to assert his dominance and prove his worth, no matter the cost to those around him. While looking at this particular boy right in the eye, Kaelen calmly and indifferently asked. "Who exactly are you talking to?"