As the morning light gently illuminated the room, Luke woke up comfortably in the hotel Lunaria has referred to him.
Having acquired breakfast from the system, he carefully considered his course of action for the day.
Then, with a determined air, he felt a resolute idea forming in his mind.
He yearned to surprise Lily by visiting the Celestia Academy. He imagined Lily's face lighting up like a firework when she sees him.
He also recognize the gravity of the situation and the need to address the pressing issue of bullying she endured.
However, before embarking on his visit, Luke knew he needed to present himself in a respectable manner.
It had been quite some time since he attended a school, and he wanted to make a good impression while visiting Lily.
With determination in his eyes, he navigated the system's options, searching for appropriate attire. Recalling an elegant set of clothes he had spotted in the armor section of the system shop, he decided to treat himself to this indulgence.
Looking good was not his primary concern; rather, he wanted to surprise Lily and ensure she wouldn't be embarrassed by his appearance. He couldn't bear the thought of others making fun of her because of him.
Finally, he settled on a formal attire that exuded sophistication. The price, fifty credits, was a small investment for the confidence it would bring. The exquisite ensemble included comfortable clothes and accessories, which he purchased without even reading its description.
This was an entirely different style compared to what he would have worn back on Earth, but he understood the significance of his appearance in facing the challenges that awaited him at Celestia Academy.
As he carefully put on the suit, dress shirt, necktie, shoes, and the included expensive watch, Luke felt like he was donning a whole new identity. It was a struggle at first, as he had never worn such formal attire before, but he persevered and learned the intricacies through sheer experience.
Once fully dressed, he was taken aback by the transformation he underwent. A radiant aura seemed to emanate from him, making him appear almost otherworldly. His striking look, combined with the elegant attire, elevated him to a level he had never experienced before. In his formal ensemble, he exuded an air of dignity and sophistication, as if he could be mistaken for a prince from a distant nation.
Gazing at his reflection from the mirror he bought from the system shop, he realized that this change went beyond mere appearance. The newfound confidence in his posture and demeanor mirrored the significance of his mission.
He understood that this attire was not just for show, but a symbol of the seriousness and respect with which he approached the matters concerning Lily and the Celestia Academy.
As Luke walked down the hotel lobby, a hushed murmur rippled through the staff, and the receptionist couldn't hide her astonishment. Her eyes widened, seeing him dressed in such regal attire, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence. In a spontaneous gesture, she gave him a warm bow, as if acknowledging the presence of nobility.
Luke returned her respect with a gentle smile, appreciating the gesture but remaining humble. He walked outside, his steps steady and purposeful. Despite the attention he attracted, he remained composed.
As he stepped into the world beyond the hotel, he was determined to carry himself with grace and poise, like the prince he seemed to embody in that moment.
However, his true intent was to bring positive change to the lives of those he cared about, starting with his little sister Lily.
•••
As Luke ventured through the unfamiliar streets, he realized he was uncertain of the direction to Celestia Academy. Seeking help, he approached the residents he encountered along the way and inquired about the route with a polite tone.
However, he couldn't escape the curious gazes that followed him wherever he went. Even the aunties he asked for directions were staring at him with admiration and intrigue, their eyes glowing with fascination.
Feeling uneasy under the spotlight, Luke quickened his pace, determined to reach Celestia Academy as soon as possible. The weight of all those eyes on him felt like an invisible burden, urging him to press forward and complete his mission swiftly.
As he hastened his steps, his thoughts remained focused on Lily and the significance of his visit. The stares and glances could not deter him from his purpose; rather, they fueled his determination to confront the issues she faced and make a positive impact on her life.
•••
As Luke approached Celestia Academy, he was met with an awe-inspiring sight—a massive gate and imposing walls that concealed the mysteries within. From where he stood, he couldn't catch a glimpse of what lay beyond those formidable barriers.
Determined to gain access, he walked towards the gate, where a robed man stood guard. With a calm focus, he activated his scanning skill to gather information about the man.
[ Scan ]
[ Name: Maxim
Occupation: Celestia Academy Guard
Profession: Rank 4 Magician ]
Luke decided to tune out the full extent of his skill, conserving his energy as his skill's potency decreased. Even this tuned out skill drained an amount of energy that's the same on his usual usage.
When he saw that he was really a guard, he approached him.
"Hello," Luke called out to the guard, taking a friendly and respectful approach.
The guard was taken aback by the unexpected greeting. However, as he turned to see who had addressed him, he was filled with a mix of surprise and awe. The sight of Luke, dressed in his refined formal attire, stirred thoughts of reverence, making the guard instinctively consider kneeling before him. Yet, he managed to compose himself, reminding himself of his duty as a guard of the esteemed Celestia Academy.
The guard's respectful behavior towards Luke stemmed from his perception of him as a prince. Luke's elegant attire, crafted from high-quality fabric and unfamiliar to the kingdom, added an air of foreign sophistication. The guard couldn't help but be struck by Luke's unparalleled appearance and the regal demeanor he carried.
The ensemble Luke wore seemed to hint at a noble status beyond the borders of the kingdom. His aura exuded a sense of confidence and authority, leaving the guard with the impression that he was dealing with an important figure hailing from distant lands.
Suppressing his intrusive thoughts, the guard straightened his posture and responded with a composed tone, "Hello, sir. What brings your highness here?" Despite the guard's attempt to maintain his professional demeanor, the subtle sense of admiration was not lost on Luke.
Luke was taken aback by the guard's overly respectful address. The thought of being mistaken for a prince or an important figure amused him, but it also raised concerns about the academy's atmosphere. If he hadn't known about the bullying issues, he might have mistaken the academy as a welcoming and respectful place.
Smiling at the guard's gesture, he clarified, "Ah, no need for such formality. I'm just here to see a relative of mine."
The guard, seemingly flustered by the encounter, quickly composed himself and excused his hasty response. "Please wait a moment," he said, before dashing inside the gates to inform the academy's authorities about Luke's presence.
Indeed, under ordinary circumstances, no one was allowed to enter the academy at that moment, and the guard would have politely asked any visitors to leave. However, when faced with Luke, the guard felt a weight of responsibility and caution. He sensed that Luke was no ordinary guest, and there was something about him that commanded respect.
With this realization, the guard knew he couldn't handle the situation alone. He couldn't risk offending someone of potential importance, and his instincts urged him to seek guidance from higher authority. So, he hurried back inside the gates to find someone else to accompany him and address the situation.
Luke waited patiently. As the guard returned with another individual, Luke maintained his composure, prepared to explain his intentions and address the issues concerning Lily and the bullying at the academy.
As the vice-headmaster, Olga Blackwood, appeared at the gate, he wore an expression of annoyance and seemed grumpy. He scolded the guard for allowing a visitor despite the academy's current restrictions. However, when he set his eyes on Luke, his scolding ceased abruptly. There was something about Luke that captivated him, something beyond the ordinary.
Unbeknownst to Olga, Luke discreetly activated his scanning ability.
[ Name: Olga Blackwood
Occupation: Celestia Academy Vice-Headmaster
Profession: Rank 6 Magician ]
As the vice-headmaster, Olga, observed Luke closely, he couldn't help but feel intrigued and perplexed. Despite his vast experience and age, he couldn't discern the true depths of Luke's nature. There was an enigmatic quality to Luke that eluded Olga's understanding.
His suspicions heightened when he noticed a momentary glimmer in Luke's eyes.
'Is he one of the elitist nobles?' Curiosity getting the better of him, Olga decided to put Luke to the test. He released his formidable aura, a display of his mighty Rank 6 magic power, directed straight towards Luke.
Unaware of the vice-headmaster's actions, Luke looked back at Olga with a genuine smile. He remained oblivious to the powerful aura approaching him.
As the magic power from Olga's aura reached Luke, a remarkable and unforeseen event occurred. The powerful energy dissipated upon contact with his clothes, almost as if the fabric possessed an extraordinary ability to absorb magic.
The magical energy flowed into Luke's attire, and to the vice-headmaster's astonishment, it vanished completely. It was as if the fabric itself had the power to neutralize and absorb the magic that came into contact with it. Olga's eyes widened in disbelief, and he stood there, shaken to his core.
"I feel itchy." Luke couldn't help but mutter under his breath, feeling a bit uncomfortable in the formal clothes as they were not something he was accustomed to wearing.
However, the vice-headmaster misinterpreted Luke's words, thinking that he was referring to his magical powers causing discomfort to him.
This misunderstanding led Olga to believe that Luke was not an elitist noble, as they would typically react aggressively if Olga's magic power bothered them.
Olga's realization of Luke's incredible strength left him shaken to the core. The notion that his powerful magic could only cause a slight itch on Luke was a testament to the young man's unfathomable abilities.
Terrified at the prospect of offending such a formidable powerhouse, Olga hurriedly retreated in front of Luke, bowing in utmost deference.
"Sir, I'm sorry for offending you. Please forgive my actions. I'll guide you inside. Please enter," Olga implored, his tone filled with genuine remorse and respect.
As Luke observed the overly respectful greetings and swift reaction from Olga, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The exaggerated deference made him uncomfortable, as he wasn't offended by just waiting for a while.
'Maybe this academy is not as bad as i thought.' Seeing how respectful the people here are, he began to entertain the possibility that the academy might not be fully aware of the bullying issues lurking within its walls.
The guard who witnessed the encounter between Luke and the vice-headmaster breathed a sigh of relief. He was grateful that his quick thinking had prevented any unintentional offense towards the powerful young man standing before him. His intelligence had allowed him to handle the situation with respect and caution, which was crucial when dealing with someone of Luke's apparent significance.
As Luke and the vice-headmaster settled in the lobby, an air of nervousness enveloped their conversation. The vice-headmaster was keenly aware of Luke's presence and the significance of their meeting.
"I'm sorry, sir, that it was only me who will entertain you," the vice-headmaster stammered, a hint of anxiety evident in his voice. "The headmaster is currently attending an important business and is not here in the academy."
"That's fine," Luke responded promptly, acknowledging the vice-headmaster's explanation about the absence of the headmaster.
As the tea was served, the vice-headmaster respectfully inquired about Luke's purpose in visiting the academy, "Sir, what brings you to this humble academy?"
Luke took a moment to gather his thoughts before answering, "Nothing much. I just want to see my little sister."
The vice-headmaster was taken aback by Luke's response. The mention of a "little sister" puzzled him, as he was unaware of any noble child with that relationship to someone as powerful as Luke appeared to be.
Trying to conceal his confusion, the vice-headmaster asked politely, "May I know the name of your little sister?"
Luke remained composed as he sipped his tea in a refined manner before revealing the name of his "little sister."
"Lilith. My little sister's name is Lilith."