Chapter 23 - 23: First Day Of Academy [1]

"Ring!" The sharp sound of the alarm jolted Kyle awake. He groaned, rubbing his eyes as he sat up in bed. Sёarch* The Novelƒire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He glanced at the clock its 7:00 a.m. He was staying in the Academy's housing for teachers, a place far more luxurious than the small flat he and Aurelia had lived in before. When Kyle had first suggested moving into the student dorms, Aurelia had immediately shut him down. "Why do you want to move to the dorms?" she had asked, her tone sharp but laced with concern. "I won't be able to eat your food if you're living there." Kyle had explained that it would be more convenient especially since he could train late till the night without worrying about disturbing her. But Aurelia wasn't having it. "If you are worried about convenience then we will move to the Academy's housing for teachers" she had said firmly. "It's much more comfortable it also has its own private training ground and is far more luxurious than the elite student dorms." Kyle had hesitated but Aurelia's decision was final. The truth was, the original Kyle had avoided living in the Academy's housing before because he didn't want to embarrass his Big sister who was prodigy since child. Being affinity-less he had felt like a burden, unworthy of sharing the same space as someone as accomplished as Aurelia. But now things were different. Kyle had awakened his affinity and Aurelia wasn't about to let him live anywhere else. As Kyle got ready for the day. **** Kyle stood outside the classroom with "A1" written on the door. Most of the main characters were in this class, and while class placements were supposed to be random somehow most of the top 10 students had ended up here. 'Maybe they wanted to increase the competition among the top students it was also like that in novel' Kyle thought wryly. The "1" in "A1" represented the first year. Kyle was wearing the Academy's uniform—a sleek black blazer, black pants, a black shirt underneath, and a black tie. The cuffs of the blazer had a single white ring on both hands, marking him as a first-year student. On the left side of his blazer, he wore a lightning bolt badge he got on the banquet, a symbol of his lightning affinity and achievement as one of the top 10 students. The top 10 were also distinguished by their black shirts. While the rest of the students wore white. Kyle hesitated at the door, his nerves getting the better of him. "Are you not going to go in?" a voice called, breaking him from his thoughts. He looked up and saw a girl with black hair, bangs, and striking amethyst eyes. It was Serena Blackthorne. Then only Kyle realized he was blocking the doorway. "Ah, sorry. I didn't realize" he said quickly, stepping aside to let her pass. Serena walked past him without a word her expression as cool and distant as ever. Even in the novel she had been known for her antisocial nature. As she entered the classroom the students immediately began murmuring about her. "Wow, it's Serena Blackthorne!" "She's so cool…" "I heard she is Rank 4" Seizing the opportunity, Kyle slipped into the classroom unnoticed while all eyes were still fixed on Serena. He made his way to the back row and found a seat, hoping to stay out of the spotlight for now. As he sat down, he couldn't help but glance around the room. Some of the top 10 students were scattered throughout, their presence commanding attention. 'This is it' Kyle thought, taking a deep breath. 'The start of a Academy Arc.' **** The classroom door slid open, and a woman with long black hair and piercing blue eyes walked in. It was Aurelia Valemont the Gale Witch herself. The students immediately buzzed with excitement whispering to each other about her. "Silence" Aurelia said, her voice calm but firm. As soon as she spoke, a heavy pressure filled the room silencing everyone instantly. The students straightened on their seats their attention fully focused on her. Aurelia scanned the room with sharp eyes her gaze sweeping over each student. "Good morning" she began, her tone crisp and professional. "I am Aurelia Valemont, your homeroom professor for the next three years. From now on when I enter this classroom, I expect complete silence from everyone. Is that clear?" The students nodded, some more nervous than others. Aurelia's eyes narrowed as she scanned the room again. "I see everyone is present… except one." Kyle sitting in the back row, couldn't help but think 'How scary are Radiant Rankers? She just glanced at us and knew who was missing.' Just then the door slid open again and Reo stumbled in, panting heavily. "You took your sweet time reaching here Mr. Dustbane," Aurelia said, her voice icy. Reo scratched the back of his head, looking embarrassed. "Sorry, Professor. I… uh… overslept." Aurelia raised an eyebrow, her expression unimpressed. "Overslept? On the first day of academy? Do you think this is some vacation, Mr. Dustbane?" Reo winced. "No, Professor. It won't happen again." Aurelia sighed. "Very well. Since it's your first day, I will let it slide. But don't let it happen again." Reo nodded quickly and hurried to find a seat. Kyle, sitting in the back was doing his best to hold back his laughter. 'Even in the novel he was late on the first day and got scolded,' he thought, shaking his head. Once Reo was seated, Aurelia clapped her hands to get everyone's attention. "Alright everyone, listen up" she said, her voice calm but commanding. "Before we move on to the next part of today's schedule, I have something to give you." She reached into her storage ring and pulled out a large box. With a flick of her wrist. Small, sleek devices—Mana Watches and Mana Tabs—flew toward each student landing neatly in front of them. Kyle picked up his Mana Watch examining it closely. It looked like a high-tech smartwatch, with a glowing screen and intricate runes etched into its surface. The Mana Tab, on the other hand resembled a thin, lightweight tablet its surface shimmering faintly with mana. "These are your Mana Watches and Mana Tabs" Aurelia explained. "You will receive all notifications, messages, and updates from the Academy on these devices. You can also connect them to your cell phones for convenience. The Mana Tab will serve as your primary tool for accessing study materials, assignments, and other resources." "Treat them carefully. If you happen to break them, you will have to purchase a replacement with your own money." The students murmured excitedly as they examined their new devices. Kyle also synced his Mana Watch with his phone after struggling a little, feeling a small thrill as the screen lit up with a notification welcoming him to the Academy. Aurelia waited for the chatter to die down before speaking again. "Now, follow me. It's time for weapon selection." The students stood up, their excitement palpable as they followed Aurelia out of the classroom. Kyle fell into step beside Reo who was still catching his breath. "You made it, huh?" Kyle said, grinning. Reo shrugged, a embarassed smile on his face. "What can I say? I like making an entrance." Kyle chuckled shaking his head. "Just don't make a habit of it." ****