The dorm room buzzed with activity as the clock ticked closer to 7:15, the appointed time for class.
Bags rustled, zippers zipped, and papers shuffled as everyone prepared for the day ahead.
The scent of morning dew mingled with the faint aroma of breakfast lingering in the air.
Amidst the commotion, Aito suddenly exclaimed, "Wait! I forgot to tell everyone about my ability!"
Noah, amidst stuffing his books into his bag, grinned and interrupted, "Shut up, Aito. Who doesn't know the 'rookie' who's been hitting the training grounds every day for the past two months?" His teasing comment elicited chuckles from the group.
Just as laughter filled the room, someone glanced at the clock. "Hey, it's 7:07," they announced, instantly bringing a wave of seriousness over the previously jovial atmosphere.
Aito, realizing the time crunch, dashed towards the futuristic shower unit in the corner of the room. The shower emitted a soft, iridescent glow, its sleek design contrasting with the cluttered dorm.
As he activated the shower, a gentle mist enveloped him, cleansing in mere moments.
The sound of the futuristic water jets merged with the hurried shuffle of his roommates outside.
The frantic energy within the room intensified as everyone hastily completed their last-minute preparations.
The sense of urgency filled the space, accompanied by the sound of rushing water and hurried footsteps, while the scent of shampoo wafted through the air.
Time was ticking, and they all knew they had to make it to class on time.
Aito stepped out of the steaming shower, the rush of warm water fading into the cool air of the bathroom.
He grabbed a towel, its fresh cottony smell enveloping him as he briskly began drying himself off. Droplets of water trickled down his skin, leaving tiny trails in their wake. With quick, practiced motions, he vigorously dried his hair, ruffling it to hasten the process.
The mirror, still fogged from the hot shower, reflected his hurried motions as he wrapped the towel snugly around his waist.
The urgency of the morning had begun to set in, urging him to expedite his routine.
Aito hurried to the modern wardrobe, its sleek surface reflecting the morning light filtering through the window.
He quickly scanned the organized chaos inside, searching for his designated spot among the shelves and compartments.
Amidst the neatly folded clothes and arranged accessories, he finally located his section.
With a sense of relief, he pulled out a set of clothes. He mentally praised his past self for arranging them so accessibly.
Hastily grabbing the attire, he considered the time ticking away, urging him to dress swiftly.
The fabric felt cool against his skin, a stark contrast to the warmth of the just-abandoned shower. He wasted no time slipping into the clothes, intent on overcoming the morning chaos.
As Aito struggled to fit into a set of clothes, he felt the pressure mounting. "These pants are definitely not the right size," he muttered, eyeing the clock anxiously.
He heard the shuffle of footsteps and the creak of the door as the last roommate bid him luck, leaving him alone in the dorm room.
The clothes he intended to wear—a crisp white shirt, neatly pressed trousers, and polished shoes—lay scattered across the unmade bed.
He sighed, realizing the challenge of getting dressed properly in such a hurry. The room smelled of soap and steam from the adjacent bathroom, where he had just finished his morning shower.
Aito hastily stuffed his books and essential items into his bag, the chaos of the messy room adding to his mounting stress.
As he hurriedly zipped his bag, he glanced around.
Clothes draped over the chair, an open drawer revealing a tangle of socks, and textbooks strewn across the desk formed a disheveled scene.
The ticking clock echoed the urgency of the situation.
With a final tug, Aito managed to squeeze into the clothes, albeit slightly askew.
He dashed towards the door, catching a whiff of freshly brewed coffee from the common room.
The sounds of chatter and laughter seeped through the hallway, hinting at the bustling morning routine outside.
"Good luck, Aito!" echoed the parting words of his roommates as they shouldered their bags and departed, leaving him to face the consequences of his delayed departure.
He took a deep breath, hoping to salvage what was left of the morning despite the chaos he was leaving behind in the dorm room.
As Aito hastily adjusted his collar, he grabbed the doorknob, only to glance at the digital clock on the wall displaying 7:12. Panic gripped him; he was already running late. His mind raced, weighing the consequences of tardiness against the risks of utilizing his abilities within the academy without authorization.
"It's all good if nobody sees me, right?" he muttered under his breath, determination flashing in his eyes. He closed his eyes momentarily, channeling his lightning chi and focusing it towards his legs. A surge of energy pulsed through him, tingling with power as he activated his abilities.
In an instant, time seemed to warp for Aito. The world around him blurred into streaks of colors, the hallway becoming a mere tunnel of fleeting glimpses. His movements became a dance between reality and an accelerated pace, his strides covering a distance in the blink of an eye.
Students in the corridor were caught off guard, their surroundings distorting as Aito dashed past them. Some felt a sudden gust of wind, others heard a faint crackling sound, but to most, it was as if a bolt of lightning had streaked by, leaving them momentarily bewildered.
For Aito, it felt like everything around him had slowed down.
Each step became a fleeting moment, and the passing scenery turned into a fragmented mosaic of shapes and colors.
His focus narrowed solely on reaching his class on time, the urgency of the situation urging him to move faster than ever before.
He zipped past corners, his lightning-enhanced speed carrying him effortlessly through the academy's corridors.
Despite the overwhelming rush, he managed to maintain control, navigating the spaces with precision.
Finally reaching the classroom door, he decelerated, the world around him gradually regaining its normal pace. Aito entered the room, the lingering traces of his extraordinary speed fading away.
The students inside glanced up, some astonished, others slightly disoriented by the sudden rush of air accompanying his arrival.
As Aito burst into the classroom, his disheveled appearance was a testament to the lightning-paced sprint he'd just undertaken.
His hair, usually neatly combed, stood in disarray, and his shirt bore the faint creases of someone who had dressed in haste.
He scanned the colossal classroom, amazed at its sheer size.
500 students spanning ages from 15 to 20 filled the space.
Amidst the sea of faces, he spotted his dorm mates clustered together.
Aito maneuvered through the labyrinth of desks, finally arriving at table 406.
With a quick, apologetic smile, Aito dashed over and squeezed into the seat next to them, breathing heavily but relieved to have made it on time.
"Phew, that was close," he whispered, trying to catch his breath.
The room hummed with the buzz of conversations and the occasional rustle of papers.
As he sat down near his friends, he asked, "Hey guys, what's up with the sudden classroom change?"
Noah, his gaze lifting from the notebook, explained, "It's an information session about the Paragon world, prepping us for the real deal."
"Ah, gotcha," Aito nodded, glancing at the two unfamiliar faces beside Noah. "Who're these guys?"
Ethan grinned, gesturing toward the newcomers. "Meet Kyle and Lucas, our other roomies. They dashed out at 3:00 for girlfriend duties."
The mention of "girlfriend duties" caused Kyle and Lucas to react, shooting playful scowls at Noah.
Laughter filled the air, easing the tension. Kyle donned a casual hoodie while Lucas sported a worn-out band tee, a guitar pick peeking out from his pocket.
As banter and chuckles echoed, the classroom brimmed with excitement.
Students mingled, sharing tales of their adventures, creating an atmosphere charged with anticipation for the day ahead.
Suddenly, the door creaked open, and a male teacher stepped in, exuding an air of authority in his professional teaching attire.
The teacher was dressed in a charcoal-gray suit, impeccably tailored to fit his lean frame.
A crisp white dress shirt peeked from beneath the jacket, the top button undone.
A deep navy tie adorned with a subtle pattern knotted perfectly at the collar.
His attire exuded professionalism, each garment meticulously chosen to convey authority and sophistication. Gleaming black leather shoes completed the ensemble, polished to a high shine, echoing the attention to detail evident in his demeanor.
He stood tall, at around 6 feet, with a commanding presence that quieted the room upon his entry.
His deliberate steps resonated as he made his way to the podium.
His gaze swept across the room, his steel-blue eyes reflecting determination and wisdom.
His neatly-trimmed beard framed a stern yet kind face, emphasizing a rugged handsomeness.
The teacher's voice carried weight, rich and resonant, as he addressed the class.
"Welcome, future Paragons," his voice boomed through the silence, filling the room with authority yet warmth.
"For the next few years, I'll be guiding you through the intricacies of your Paragon abilities."
The students sat up a little straighter, their attention fully captured by the teacher's commanding presence and the promise of what lay ahead.
The teacher's voice resonated with authority as he continued, "And by the time you reach 20 years old, you'll be moved to a higher class, ideally reaching at least the Master Novice stage in your strength. The more talented among you will have the opportunity to become apprentices." His eyes scanned the room before he shifted his gaze back to the assembled students.
He held an air of wisdom about him, his words measured and purposeful.
"For the newcomer's here, let's go over the basics," he began, his tone confident yet welcoming.
His piercing gaze met each student's eyes as he spoke, emphasizing the importance of his words. "Out of the 12 billion living humans, only 10% are Paragons, leaving just 1.2 billion individuals. Across the globe, there exist exactly 10 million Paragon schools. Bright Academy stands proudly among them, holding its position in the international ranking at an esteemed 7th place."
He paused, letting the gravity of those statistics sink in before he continued. "Paragons must remain hidden from the world. Since the birth of humanity, we've coexisted with these abilities. However, exposing yourselves can be perilous. There are entities in the shadows, creatures hunting Paragons." He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a serious tone.
"Monsters of various forms lurk, from the shadowy Spectral Stalkers to the vicious Netherhounds. The Dark Seraphs, shrouded in mystery, are formidable adversaries. Then there are the Paragon Hunters, a clandestine organization determined to eradicate those with abilities," he explained, his voice laced with caution.
"Revealing your status as a Paragon puts everyone you care about in danger. Remember, discretion is your greatest ally."
The teacher's voice resonated with authority as he elaborated, "There are several ways a Paragon can increase their strength. Some harness their abilities through rigorous training and meditation, while others seek ancient energy absorption manuals passed down through generations. Remember, your growth comes with responsibility."
As the teacher detailed various methods, Aito couldn't help but shift in his seat, his excitement palpable.
Internally, he mused, "This is what I wanted to hear! Ways to advance my abilities and become stronger. I've been waiting for this moment."
The teacher continued, "There are those who resort to absorbing the energy of other Paragons, albeit a dangerous and frowned-upon practice. Engaging in combat with other Paragons, while a route to gain strength, is highly discouraged. And of course, studying under experienced mentors and learning from their experiences is invaluable."
Aito's anticipation grew, his mind racing with the possibilities.
He leaned in, absorbing every word the teacher uttered, eager to grasp the knowledge that would pave his path to becoming a formidable Paragon.
The teacher's voice carried a weighty tone as he delved further into ways to enhance Paragon strength. "Aside from dedicated training and meditation, some seek out enchanted artifacts, relics with intrinsic energy that can amplify their abilities. These artifacts, however, are exceedingly rare and require careful handling."
Aito's excitement surged, his interest piqued by the mention of enchanted artifacts.
Internally, he thought, "Enchanted artifacts? That's intriguing! I didn't know they played such a big role in enhancing abilities. This is exactly what I've been hoping to learn."
The teacher continued, "Additionally, a few Paragons explore the realms of alchemy, concocting specialized elixirs and potions that temporarily boost their powers. But be cautious, as these elixirs can be unpredictable and must be handled with extreme care."
Aito leaned forward, captivated by the teacher's words. He absorbed every detail, mentally noting these unconventional yet potent methods to elevate his Paragon abilities.
These insights opened up new avenues for him to explore in his quest for strength and mastery.
The teacher's voice carried a hint of gravity as he added, "There are rare and ancient locations scattered across the world, imbued with immense energy. Some adventurous Paragons embark on quests to these mystical sites, tapping into the raw, untamed power these places hold. However, accessing and harnessing this energy requires profound wisdom and caution, as these places are often shrouded in mystery and peril."
Aito's curiosity peaked even further, his mind swirling with the possibilities of tapping into such ancient sites to augment his abilities.
The notion of seeking out these legendary locations sparked a new sense of adventure within him, offering an unconventional yet compelling path to strengthening his Paragon capabilities.
The teacher's gaze scanned the room, his eyes flickering with a blend of determination and concern. He leaned slightly forward, emphasizing the importance of his words. "Remember, while teamwork is crucial, be cautious. Sometimes, the greatest threat might not come from monsters but from within our own kind. Humans can be more treacherous than any creature lurking in the shadows."
His movements were deliberate, punctuating his words with purpose. His weathered face bore a mix of gravity and compassion, accentuated by furrowed brows and a faint scar etched along his jawline. As he continued, the air in the room grew tense, the students exchanging wary glances.
"Furthermore," he continued, his voice lowering slightly, "never underestimate your opponents. Treat every challenge with utmost seriousness. A single misstep, a momentary lapse in judgment, could cost you more than you can fathom."
The room fell silent, the weight of the teacher's words settling over the students. Gasps rippled through the classroom as his cautionary advice sank in.
Some exchanged nervous whispers, realizing the gravity of the responsibility that came with being a Paragon.
The teacher's final words carried a sense of urgency and conviction that echoed through the room. "Be prepared. Take every opponent seriously. Your life may depend on it."
A solemn hush enveloped the class, the teacher's words lingering heavily in the air, leaving a palpable sense of gravity and awareness among the students.