Chapter 10 - Punishment

Nothing else should happen today, if I remember correctly. Magnus is handling some business due to his earlier performance, most likely talking to the Jules and Front itself in regards to his enrollment, but that's a decision he should deal with by himself.

Nothing of note happens anytime soon, so there's no particular need for me to waste energy.

With that being said, I spent the day going around, trying to memorize and check the surrounding area to familiarize myself with Front. So that I could grow efficiently and also remind myself of the important events that have some form of relationship with the main story.

It was about nighttime, and when I went back to the dorms, it was still hard to go around the place without a map, but I somehow learned a few turns and ends here and there. This place is incredible massive for me to familiarize myself with in just a day after all.

Anyway, I should rest soon, as tomorrow is going to be a busy day.

I just know the interviews will be tiring, knowing the personalities of some individuals there. Even more so, the fact that there will be a villain there pretending to be another member of the academy is going to make my day tomorrow even harder.

I wasn't used to the incredibly soft bed in the dorms, so I found it quite difficult to sleep. It just feels so rich that even the furniture and designs in the room are making me a little uneasy. But of course, the comfort that the thick sheets and the soft bed gave me was enough to make me drowsy. I also had quite a special day, so it didn't take much longer before I finally succumbed to sleep.

I wonder, will I still wake up in this place?

Such thoughts flowed through my head, wondering whether I'd be happy if ever I opened my eyes, I'd be back in the real world.

It didn't take much for an answer, however, as I stood up from the same bed I slept in. Something, weirdly enough, didn't happen yesterday.

I'm still here, in Front. In Lumi, in Lepan, in my story.

Thus, I officially started my second day ever in the new world I found myself in.

I should prepare.

I took a bath and dressed up before going down to the lobby.

There's free breakfast for the top hundred students, so I'm quite happy I showed off. It's not like it's hard to earn money, though, as I knew everything that could help me make money in my mind. I know everything about this world and something from earth. I should be able to make some money if I try.

But aside from the daily necessities that Front already gives me for free, money is not a pressing matter for now. I need to handle things that need attention immediately.

And this is one of them...

"Examine #2342, please proceed to the main lobby. "An announcement echoed throughout the speakers, showcasing that the interviews have officially started.

Most of the students were lining up outside, but I didn't have to, as the top hundred would be announced by the same speakers just like earlier.

They're going from the top hundred all the way to first place, so I still have a few minutes, maybe an hour, left to finish my food. I can take my time.

After a few minutes, just as I expected.

I was just about to finish eating when my ID suddenly started to buzz, which was followed by an announcement from the speakers. "Examinee #7945, please proceed to the main lobby."

That should be me.

I stood up from my seats and slowly walked towards the main lobby. The lines were as long, maybe even longer than yesterday, as most of the students had already arrived. Thank God I'm not lining up again. I'd lose my mind with how long these lines are.

[Private Auditorium]

That should be the place.

In front of me was the room where I was supposed to enter, but I couldn't help but feel awkward enough to even take a single step closer.

Why are there so many people surrounding the entrance? ...

"Sir, Julius? "I wanted to see why there were so many people at first, but a staff member who was guarding the door seemed to recognize me, causing all the attention to go in my direction as if I had just used my ability.

"The heads are waiting. "He says before slowly opening the door and pointing inside formally.

"He's here! Take photos. "

"This one is interesting; make sure you don't miss anything. "

"I heard they got his rank wrong. "

"No, he's apparently just weak, no? "

A bunch of rumors that were spreading around about me circulated within the crowd, causing a sudden commotion. Even the people who were in lines turned in my direction, interested in what was happening.

" Julius! I'm from the networking club! What do you think about the rank you were given? Do you think it was undeserving?! "

" Julius! I heard you took care of an incident for Front yesterday. Doesn't it show that Front was uncapable? Don't you think they should change and add more to your achievement points for yesterday's scuffle? "

A flurry of questions then surrounded me as I walked close to go inside the auditorium, but I pretended I didn't hear anyone, regardless of the contents of their sentences.

" Good luck… " the staff says before closing the door behind me, muffling all the noise coming from outside as if I just entered a completely different dimension.

There's another door in front of me, most likely to make the discussion inside more public, I'm guessing, but the heads of the school should be inside here.

I can't say I wasn't nervous, but I'm already here. There's no use in being nervous anymore. Besides, I've already set up the necessary steps for this.

They seem to be talking inside, but I couldn't make up what they were talking about. I slowly nudge the door open, causing the muttering to go completely silent.

Creak

With another nudge, the door fully opens, showing the entirety of the auditorium and who was in it.

It's time for another war…

As I enter the door, an auditorium with a round stage in the middle comes into view. It's surrounded by high walls that had chairs up top, looking like it was a small stadium but for court cases.

There are a few people sitting on the chairs, mainly professors, who have their own different auras surrounding them. Although some were fierce, others were gentle. It still didn't remove the hint of authority from everyone. however, as they watched me walk to the center.

[ Combat Theories: Spear Instructor Holland Park ]

[ Human Resources: Fiona Hon ]

[ Magic Theories: Illusion Specialist Gio Edwards ]

[ 5th Elder: Joey Ramirez ]

The titles that were placed on the signs up top of the table the respective people were sitting at weren't helping in regards to the tense atmosphere.

These are all strong individuals, and they're here to check what I could actually provide for Front. And if their support for me were worth it. There seem to be empty seats, however, as the seat of the ever-influential president of Front was just empty space.

"Now that Mr. Julius has arrived, I'm here to announce his past achievements so that the respectful heads can identify his talent and strength. "A staff member who was also standing on the arena holds out a clipboard, which seems to have a detailed record of me and what I did during the exams.

One by one, he slowly explained all the important events, such as my small altercation with Harold, all the way to me deescalating the fight between Magnus and James.

"The staff may now proceed with the suggestions. "He says before, putting down the clipboard and taking a step back, removing his presence from the conversation.

"So how should we punish you? "Seemingly out of nowhere, a sudden remark from Joey, a high elder, which are the main heads in decisions with regards to Front, suddenly came after me.

I knew it...