Professor Elara concluded her introduction with a grand flourish, her gaze sweeping across the class, commanding our attention.
"Now, please take a moment to review your course guidebooks for in-depth information on class schedules, instructors, and classroom locations on your Desk Tablets. Just double-tap, and the user interface will appear. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Let's work together to make this academic year a fruitful and enriching experience for all."
Following her guidance, Everley and I double-tapped our Desk Tablets as instructed. A holographic blue interface materialized, floating above our desks. I perused the various sections, taking note of the course syllabus and the details in my student profile.
Student Name: Antaeus Mustafa
Jorin Path: Dual
Classroom: Class A
Year: First Year
Element: Fire
Rank: 2 (subject to change)
Spirit: Early Mortal Astral Realm (Stage 1)
Body: Early Mortal Body Realm (Stage 1)
Sunstones: 100(p/m) (withdraw them from Reward Hall)
Money: 500 AGC (p/m)
Scanning the list of required courses, I noted Elemental Manipulation, Astral Energy Absorption and Control, Vital Energy Absorption and Control, History of Alkebulan, and Jorin Cultivation.
For specialized classes, I was drawn to Spirit Alchemy, Combat Strategy, and Mystech Engineering. As a member of the Royal Clan, I was familiar with Spirit Alchemy and Combat, but Mystech Engineering fascinated me.
While we had to sign up for our specialized classes, the required ones were already on our schedules.
I was eager to explore both the arcane and technological facets of elemental cultivation.
I also noticed a section on extracurricular activities, which included Faction Challenges, Inter-Class Competitions, and Field Trips.
These opportunities intrigued me, promising to provide valuable experiences beyond the classroom.
....
In no time, we had registered for all our classes and absorbed the details from the rules, maps, and guides. It was a wealth of information, made easily accessible through the HoloScapes that connected to the Academy's Student Portal.
Our teacher dismissed us, instructing us to return the next morning at 7:00 AM for our Astral Energy Control and Absorption class.
....
The academy's hallways were simple yet elegant, with polished marble floors that reflected the soft glow of the hanging lanterns above. Natural light streamed in through narrow windows, casting a warm, golden hue on the walls adorned with colorful tapestries.
Students hurried along the corridors, their footsteps creating a gentle echo that resonated through the space. Signboards, bearing clear and straightforward information, were strategically placed, guiding students to classrooms, offices, and common areas.
Small groups of students gathered near the signboards, engaged in casual conversations about their classes and upcoming events. Some looked older and watched us as we walked past them.
The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and anticipation.
The walls were adorned with modest artwork, showcasing the academy's emblem and a few inspiring quotes from renowned scholars. Bronze statues of historical figures stood unassumingly in alcoves, their expressions serene and encouraging to those passing by.
We also located the spot for collecting our Astral Sunstones and our uniforms.
**[The Sentinel Citadel]**
**[Admin Hall and Mission Center]**
We decided to visit our dorms first to familiarize ourselves with them.
With it now being 2 pm and curfew set for 7 pm, according to Professor Elara, we had ample time to organize ourselves.
Everley, brimming with excitement, bounded alongside me, her eyes sparkling, and a lively skip in her step. "I can't wait to start classes! I've already decided to specialize in Spirit Summoning and Spirit Alchemy."
"That suits you perfectly, given your talent in that area," I said with a smile as I reached into my chest robe pocket, retrieving an item.
It was a delicate, transparent glass with the image of a cold-looking woman who had catlike eyes that could send shivers down one's spine displayed on its screen.
"I've signed up for Combat Strategy and Spirit Beast Tamer classes," Tenzi chimed in as he walked with us, wearing a slight smile. "What about you, Antaeus?"
"I've selected three: Spirit Alchemy, Mystech Engineering, and Combat Strategy. I might add more as I get a better sense of things." Without waiting for his response, I activated my holoscape.
"Fran, transfer the Course Data from the student portal to the HoloScape library," I instructed.
"Affirmative, Your Highness," Fran replied in her robotic, composed voice.
Within seconds, a notification indicated the successful completion of the transfer.
"Three seems like a lot, don't you think, Nailah and Kazi?" Kazi paid no attention, only looking at Nailah.
I was also curious about her decision.
"I've chosen five," Nailah replied curtly, making it clear she was not inclined to share more details. I nodded and turned to Everley.
Kazi, slipping his hands into his pockets, said, "I've picked one," and proceeded to walk more briskly down the hallway, disappearing around a corner with a sign that read:
**[Private Dorms]**
"See you later, Antaeus. You too, Everley," Nailah said with a lingering gaze on me before also walking away swiftly.
"Goodbye, Junior Sister!" I called after her, which caught her off guard, but she continued on her way.
As we stopped, I turned to Everley. "I'll see you guys in the morning," Tenzi said as he walked away. I nodded and turned to Everley.
"Ley, can you give me your Holo-ID so I can contact you."
"Ley? I like it. I should call you Ant... a very large one." I turned red in the face as she chuckled at my new nickname.
"I'm glad you like it. No one else is allowed to call me Ant, besides you." I emphasized the last part while glancing at everyone.
"My Holo-ID is 3467-24, but I left my Scape with my Father."
"Fran, did you get that?"
"Yes, Your Highness, her Holo-ID has been saved as Ley," Fran confirmed with a flash on the screen, displaying her details.
"Call me Antaeus while we are at the Academy," I instructed.
"Understood, Antaeus."
"You also have one HoloMail from your parents. Should I play it?"
I raised an eyebrow and looked at Ley, who suggested, "Play it; it might be important."
"Play it, Fran."
A blue humanoid figure materialized and soon took on the features of my father. "Is this thing on?" He glanced around and realized that the Hologram was activated.
"Well done, son. I'm proud of you. Don't concern yourself with affairs outside. Alina has already delivered your clothes and everything you need to your dorm. Everley's father also delivered her belongings to her dorm."
"Remember to follow the path you wish to. The Mustafa Bloodline will not be shaken by a mere curse." After my father bid his farewell, the HoloMail concluded.
"Why were you cursed, Antaeus?" Everley inquired with a slightly melancholic tone.
"The heavens are threatened by my existence." As if to emphasize my words, rumbling sounds echoed in the skies above.
Everley's eyes widened in shock, her lips forming a silent "oh."
I took a deep breath, trying to calm the unsettling feeling in my chest. "I don't fully understand it myself, but I'm determined to overcome this curse and fulfill my destiny."
She nodded, her expression determined. "I know you will, Antaeus. I believe in you."
I smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Ley. Your support means the world to me."
We stood in silence for a moment, listening to the rumbling sounds in the sky. It was as if the heavens themselves were warning me of the challenges ahead.
But I was not afraid. I was ready to embrace my destiny and face the unknown.
"Lets go"
Everley followed close behind me as we approached the entrance to our private dorms. Two towering armored figures guarded the entrance, their imposing presence radiating ferocity and power.
I paused, my heart pounding in my chest. I had never seen such impressive guards before. They were clad in full plate armor, their helmets concealing their faces. Their weapons, massive swords and shields, were slung across their backs.
"Halt!" one of the guards boomed in a deep, guttural voice. "Identify yourselves with your HoloScapes."
I flashed mine and since Everley didn't have her I decided to use my title to vouch for her. We may not be able to rely on our background but inconvient things like this makes life easier by having one instead of none.
I took a deep breath and stepped forward, Everley following closely behind. "Antaeus Mustafa and Everley Adisa, first-year students," I announced clearly.
The guards exchanged a brief glance, then turned back to me. "Very well," the first guard said. "You are permitted to enter."
We nodded and walked through the entrance, the guards' gaze following us until we disappeared out of sight.
The atmosphere was much calmer and more serene than the bustling corridors outside.
The dorms were spacious and well-maintained, with high ceilings and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The walls were adorned with colorful tapestries and paintings, depicting scenes from Alkebulan's history and culture.
We walked down the hallway, our footsteps echoing on the polished marble floors. On either side of us were rows of doors, each with a small plaque indicating the name of the student who resided within and the number of the dorm.