The main hall, where the orientation ceremony was set to take place, was an expansive and grand room, designed to accommodate a significant audience. It had two levels, with the second tier forming a balcony that overlooked the lower level.
Currently, the balcony was occupied by the trio of esteemed individuals who had arrived in the luxurious wagons earlier. Their presence, along with the aura of authority they exuded, made it unlikely that many attendees would dare to ascend to the second tier.
On the ground floor, the space was well-organized. Numerous tables had been arranged, each surrounded by six chairs, providing ample seating for the attendees. The room had been set up to accommodate the new students, and while they weren't a vast multitude, their numbers still exceeded sixty.
The atmosphere in the main hall was charged with anticipation and excitement. The students, filled the lower level, each with their expectations and aspirations for the upcoming ceremony. As they took their seats, they looked around, taking in the grandeur of the hall and the significance of the moment that awaited them.
As the students settled into their seats, a hushed anticipation filled the main hall. It was a momentous occasion, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement and curiosity about what lay ahead.
Soon, the principal of the academy, a dignified figure with an air of wisdom about him, took the stage. He stepped up to the lectern, his presence commanding the attention of the entire gathering. With a warm and welcoming smile, he began to address the new students.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty, and our distinguished guests," the principal's voice resonated throughout the hall, "I welcome you all to the beginning of a new academic year at our esteemed institution."
His words were met with a round of applause from the students, a mix of excitement and reverence for the occasion.
"Today, we stand at the threshold of a journey that will shape your futures," the principal continued. "In the coming years, you will embark on a path of knowledge, self-discovery, and personal growth. I urge you to approach this journey with an open mind, a thirst for knowledge, and a willingness to embrace new experiences."
The principal went on to discuss the values and traditions of the academy, emphasizing the importance of discipline, integrity, and respect for one another. He also outlined some essential guidelines and rules that students were expected to adhere to, both within the academy and in the town.
"As members of this academy, you carry the responsibility of upholding its honor and reputation," he stated firmly. "I hope that each of you will contribute to our community with dedication and integrity."
After concluding his address, the principal snapped his fingers, and a book materialized in front of every student in the hall. The students gazed in awe at the books that had appeared seemingly out of thin air.
"This book is called 'Codex,'" the principal began, "and it will be your companion on this journey ahead. It holds the key to understanding your strengths and weaknesses, helping you identify the area of study that aligns with your abilities and interests. Moreover, it will provide you with a comprehensive overview of your stats and abilities."
The principal paused, allowing the information to settle among the students before delivering the crucial instructions. "To activate your Codex, simply place your hand on top of it. It will require a drop of your blood as a binding seal, ensuring that it is uniquely attuned to you. Rest assured; you will be the only one who can see its contents."
The distribution of the Codex books was indeed a notable perk of attending the academy, one that many students appreciated. These books were considered valuable assets, providing insights into their abilities and guiding them on their educational journey. In the outside world, such a resource would come at a substantial cost, but within the academy, it was freely provided.
After the principal had concluded his part, he stepped back, allowing the students the time to bind with their Codex. As Alice placed her hand on top of the book, a brief but sharp stinging sensation coursed through her, causing her to wince for a moment. The sensation, however, quickly subsided.
As soon as Alice withdrew her hand from the book, it began to emit a radiant red glow. This same phenomenon occurred throughout the entire hall, with each student's Codex taking on a brilliant hue. The binding process was swift and efficient, taking only a matter of seconds to complete.
With a sense of excitement and curiosity, Alice opened her Codex, revealing its contents. There were only three pages within the book. The first page displayed her stats, the second detailed her strengths, weaknesses, and abilities, and the third page remained mysteriously blank, a shared enigma among all the students.
As Alice perused her Codex, the information revealed was as follows:
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Stats:-
Name: Alice Addison.
Age: 15.
Strength (STR): E+(G-).
Dexterity(DEX): E-(G-).
Constitution(CON): E-(G-).
Intelligence(INT): A-(B-).
Agility(AGI): D-(G-).
Mana(MP): C-(E-).
Charm: B+(C-).
Study of field:
Strength:- Strategist.
Weakness:- Alchemist.
Class: Summoner.
Ability: None.
Familiar: None.
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Taking in her stats and class, Alice remained composed. Her attributes, though not extraordinary, seemed suitable for a fifteen-year-old girl, especially considering her chosen class. In this new world, there were four primary classes: warrior, mage, summoner, and beast master.
The fundamental distinction between mages and summoners was that while mages possessed the versatility to use various forms of magic except summoning, summoners had the unique ability to employ any type of magic they desired. However, it was acknowledged that mages generally outperformed summoners in the realm of magic, as the latter also had to manage their summoned beasts.
Regarding beast masters and summoners, though they might appear similar, both involve the utilization of beasts for combat. The critical distinction was that a beast master actively engaged in combat alongside their beasts, making them a warrior variant of the summoner.
Upon closing her Codex, Alice was met with the eager curiosity of her friends, especially Emily, who inquired about her class and branch choice. Alice couldn't help but smile as she answered, "I've been classified as a summoner."
Her response prompted excited reactions from her friends, and Emily followed up with another question. "That's great, Alice! Have you decided on a specific branch for your studies?"
Alice's smile remained as she replied, "I haven't made a final decision yet. I'm leaning towards the normal branch for now."
It was typical for students to have to fulfill certain mandatory requirements within their specific branch of study. For example, Alice, as a student of the summoner's branch, had to participate in summoning-related classes, even if her heart wasn't entirely set on it. In addition to these branch-specific obligations, there was one common class that all students were expected to attend. However, beyond these obligatory courses, students enjoyed a degree of autonomy in shaping their education.
Each student had the freedom to select additional classes, whether within their specific branch or from other areas of interest. They needed to choose at least one course from their designated branch, attend one common class, and select three additional subjects, as each branch only had three subjects, to make up a total of five.
The option of the normal branch played a pivotal role for students who had yet to finalize their field of study. At the academy's orientation ceremony, students were expected to make their branch selections. However, not everyone had a clear vision of their academic path at that moment.
The normal branch served as a valuable transitional phase for such students. During the first week of the academy, those in the normal branch had the flexibility to attend classes from any branch, allowing them to explore various disciplines and discover their interests.
After the initial week of exploration, every student was required to make a definitive decision regarding their branch of study. While it was possible to choose to remain in the normal branch, this choice came with a significant challenge. Those in the normal branch were mandated to take exams for all the branches they had attended, including classes they may have never taken seriously or consistently.
Furthermore, the normal branch had a daunting history, with only a mere five individuals having successfully graduated from it in the academy's thousand-year history. This rarity served as a testament to the immense challenges and expectations placed on those who chose this path.
As Alice shared her class and initial plans, she turned her attention to her friends, eager to learn about their choices and aspirations within the academy.
Emily and Marianne, both classified as mages, had selected distinct branches for their studies. Emily had opted for dimensional studies, showcasing her interest in the mystical dimensions. Marianne, on the other hand, had chosen the healing branch, reflecting her inclination toward the compassionate and curative aspects of magic.
Thomas classified as a warrior, had taken a unique path by selecting elemental magic as his branch.
(A.N.:- To tell in short everybody can use magic but on different levels. The aura and stuff will be introduced later on as they are harder to use by mere students.)
Richard's class was also a summoner like her. Aligning with his interest in harnessing the power of magical creatures, his chosen branch was magical beast studies, a field that would allow him to deepen his connection with and understanding of these enigmatic creatures.
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