The grand gates of Thunderpeak Royal Academy stood tall and gleaming in the morning sun, their runic enchantments shimmering faintly like rippling water.
The obsidian carriage rolled to a smooth halt outside the academy’s gates. Orion pushed open the door and descended from it. The slight jingle of his sword scabbard made him feel at ease.
He stood straight and headed for the academy’s gates, where the guards were stationed.
"Student Token," one of them requested politely, holding up a crystal scanner.
Orion reached into his spatial ring and handed over the shimmering black-and-gold token with his name on it—Orion Helstorm - Year 1, Special Grade.
The guard’s gaze became more respectful after he saw the Special Grade written on it. He then passed it under the scanner, which flashed green with a soft chime before returning it to him and standing to the side, allowing access.
Orion nodded and stepped past the threshold into the academy grounds. The gates scanned him as usual, but he had learned to ignore the sensation as he took in the familiar scenery.
A wide path with grass growing on the sides of the stone-paved pathway, while the Main Building stood majestically at the center.
Students in uniform bustled about, some in groups chattering excitedly, others walking alone with focused expressions.
’Feels like I’ve been away longer than two days,’ Orion mused, glancing around with a curious smile.
[That’s because your life moves at a different pace now, Master. (๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ]
He took a slow stroll through the open paths, the scent of morning dew on mana-infused grass refreshing his senses.
Eventually, near the left wing of the main building, he spotted a familiar sight—two young women seated on a shaded bench beneath a flowering tree, its blossoms casting a rain of pale pink petals.
Arya and Emilia.
Arya was gesturing animatedly, clearly mid-sentence, while Emilia listened quietly, her hands resting neatly in her lap.
Orion approached with a grin. "Good morning, ladies."
Arya looked up first, eyes lighting up. "Brother Orion! You’re finally back."
Emilia nodded softly in greeting, her golden eyes glancing at the sword strapped to his side with mild interest.
’Wasn’t he asking why I keep my spear outside my storage ring? And now look at him...’
[Hehe, girl, it’s a clear sign, he has a crush on you and is trying to impress you.]
’...You can’t fool me this easily, I’m not a child.’
The two of them continued to bicker back and forth.
"Sorry I missed the last two days," Orion said, sliding onto the bench beside them. "What did I miss?"
Arya smirked and waved her hand casually. "Nothing important. After Vice Dean Hargan’s class, there haven’t been any mandatory lectures. We’re free to choose whichever class we want now. Most commoner students are still stuck in the Affinity Rune Theory sessions since they haven’t even started theirs."
"Huh, I see." Orion rested a hand on his chin, thoughtful. "I thought the Affinity Rune Theory and Runic Theory classes were mandatory."
She nodded her head, "It’s no wonder you would think that. After all, most of the students took those classes, even those who have already learned them before. But it was because they wanted to see the knowledge of the academy’s instructors. Now everyone will take whatever classes they prefer."
Orion nodded in understanding, "Then... are there any classes on Spell Creation or its theory?"
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