After that night, whenever Sylvie brought me breakfast and tea in the morning, she would stay and drink a cup with me. It was nice. We'd chat about her duties for the day or what I'd be up to.
Having someone I could confide in helped a lot with my mental state.
As the end of the week approached, I was told to meet with Bel in his study. He had seemed a little distant since I told him I wanted to attend the Academy.
'Was he upset about it?'
With no real way to figure it out, I dismissed the thought and made my way there. Entering his study, I was met with a familiar scene—Bel sitting at his desk, surrounded by books, with dark circles under his ocean-blue eyes. When I entered, he stood up, a bright smile on his face.
"Ah, Ezra, good morning! How are you today?"
I took a seat in one of the two chairs in front of his desk and returned his smile.
"It's been good so far. Sylv and I just finished a cup of tea before she told me you wanted to see me."
Bel's smile widened, a mischievous look crossing his face.
"'Sylv'? Wow! You two are getting awfully close these days. Is there something you want to tell me, Ezra?"
I chuckled awkwardly, trying to hide the fact that my face was starting to burn.
"We're just friends. Anyway, what did you want to talk about?"
Bel gave me a dubious look, shaking his head with a slight laugh.
"Right, right. First, your uniform has arrived."
He rummaged under his desk before pulling out a thin black box with a red bow. I took it from him and undid the bow.
Opening the box, I found a letter on top of the uniform. It read:
"Dear Ezra,
Welcome to Zelrick Academy. We are pleased to extend this formal invitation as you prepare to begin your journey at our esteemed institution. Enclosed, you will find your academy uniform. Wear it proudly, for it signifies your acceptance into a legacy of excellence. As you embark on this path, know that challenges await, but so do great opportunities. We believe you have the potential to rise above these challenges and make your mark."
Flipping the card over, I finished reading what was written on the back:
"Classes will begin promptly at dawn tomorrow. Please ensure you are prepared for your first lessons. We look forward to seeing your determination and talent unfold.
With honor,
Headmaster Orin Tenebris."
Lifting the tissue paper, I revealed a surprisingly modern outfit: a white long-sleeved button-up shirt, a black suit jacket with crimson trim and stitching, and black slacks. Bel slid another box toward me, which contained black formal shoes.
On the chest of the black suit jacket was an insignia: a polished silver shield divided into two halves. On the left, a crossed sword and wand; on the right, an open book with glowing runes. At the center, a majestic phoenix rose with its wings outstretched.
I brushed my hand lightly over the fabric—it was high-quality.
'Maybe I underestimated how prestigious this school really is.'
After putting the letter back in the box and closing it, I looked back at Bel.
"So—classes start tomorrow? I thought I'd get more time to prepare."
Bel didn't answer right away, instead closing a few books and stacking them.
"You asked to enroll right as the school year was starting. It took a few string-pulls to get you in. But, nevertheless, you're now a student at Zelrick Academy."
Hearing that made my stomach churn a little. Bel stood from his chair, walked around his desk, and sat on its edge.
"The last thing I wanted to tell you is that, since you're not too familiar with our customs, you might stand out a bit. To help with that, I've arranged for you to be accompanied by an attendant during your stay."
I raised an eyebrow.
"An attendant?"
That same mischievous smile crept back onto his face.
"Well, you and Sylvie have gotten close, so she'll be going with you."
I shifted in my seat.
"How long has Sylvie known she was going with me?"
Bel chuckled and scratched the back of his head.
"Well—about that…I haven't told her yet."
***
Shortly after that, Sylvie was informed she'd be accompanying me to the academy. Since classes were starting the next day, Bel insisted I settle into the room where I'd be staying for the foreseeable future, giving me time to get a feel for the campus.
Sylvie quickly packed her belongings, while I, on the other hand, was already prepared. I didn't have much to bring—just a few casual clothes and some loungewear.
By the time we were ready to leave, a carriage was waiting for us. Bel and Zeris walked us out.
The carriage was luxurious—completely red with black and gold patterns, intricate carvings in the wood. It was stunning. Sylvie took our bags to arrange them inside while I glanced over at Bel. He seemed calmer than I expected. It wouldn't have been out of character for him to make a big scene or even shed a few tears. But instead, there was only a calm expression and a slight smile.
Zeris was as indifferent as ever, his eyes calculating, his very presence radiating power.
"Everything is ready. We're good to go whenever you are, Ezra," Sylvie's low, monotone voice came from behind me.
"Well, I guess we're off then."
Bel smiled and walked over, giving me a light hug.
"Take care, Ezra. I'll make sure to visit as much as I can, and I'll keep sending updates about getting you back home."
We loosened our hug and separated. I gave him a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes.
"Thank you…for everything."
He smiled wider and nodded before turning back to the estate. Once he was inside, Zeris cleared his throat.
"Be careful. Just because you're on academy grounds doesn't mean you're entirely safe. Our world is far from perfect—discrimination still exists, and some will use their status against you."
Zeris placed a hand on my shoulder.
"But you have something they don't—real experience. That alone puts you leagues above the rest. Remember, you're stronger than you think. Good luck."
Having nothing to say, I nodded. With that, he walked back into the estate.
Turning to Sylvie, I smiled.
"Let's get going!"
***
It only took around thirty minutes to reach the academy, it was situated in the center of the kingdom, completely surrounded by shops, food stalls, entertainment, all the things students could need were only a short walk away.
But it was the academy itself that truly stood out.
It resembled Winchester Cathedral from my world, only larger, with more rooms. It was built from polished black marble, outlined in red wood that drew the eye. Massive stained-glass windows lined the front, displaying the academy's insignia.
The courtyard was equally impressive. Cobblestone paths weaved in and out, large trees with black bark and white leaves dotted the bright green grass, casting dark shadows while still allowing sunlight to shine through. Black and red luminescent flowers lined the white marble entrance gate, where a high arch stood with a masterfully sculpted insignia on top.
It was unlike anything I'd ever seen. My heart raced, my breath caught.
I was speechless.
"Its—-its incredible!"
Sylvie tilted her head a little.
"Do you not have structures like this in your world?"
Still staring with my eyes wide open and my mouth gaped.
"Noth—-nothing like this!"
Sylvie grabbed our bags from the carriage and walked forward turning her head slightly.
"I'm going to go ahead and get our room set, you take a look around the campus."
Her words snapped me out of my daze.
"Our?!"
She nodded curtly.
"Yes we have lucky enough to receive access to the dormitory that usually only allows nobles, these rooms are much larger with two bedrooms."
A sigh of relief escaped my lips.
"That's good at least, I don't know what I would have done if we had to share a single room."
She looked down at the ground for a moment pausing, blushing slightly, shaking her head she quickly muttered under her breath.
"Wel—-well ill meet you in the room."
Turning around she walked off a little faster than she normally does.
'Weirdo.'
Sylvie soon disappeared from view, with that I slowly made my way through the grand arch, entering the academy a strange feeling pressed down on me, the mana here felt—different.
More pure.
'That's not strange at all."
Walking slowly down the cobblestone path, feeling the hard rock beneath my feet, the air smell clean, the aroma of nature filled the air, a gentle breeze shook the white leaves.
The sound of multiple footsteps came from behind me, along with that hushed laughter and whispers. Still starstruck by the academy itself I didn't pay much attention to them.Stopping in the center of the path I gazed up, the sun was shining brightly in the sky, it was warm.
A moment later I was shoved slightly forcing me to stumble a little before catching myself.
"What the hell! Watch where you are walking."
Turning around I was face to face with three boys, all of them had arrogant smiles on their faces, privilege emanated from them. The first one to retort was the brown hair boy in the middle whose hazel eyes had disgust written all over them.
"Me? Watch where I'm walking? Do you know who you are speaking to?"
Before I could even answer he brushed his hair back with one hand and spoke with a irritating tone.
"I am Valen Ashford. The Ashford family donates a handsome amount to this academy, you i'm practically paying for your tuition. You should be kissing every floor I walk!"
The boys all looked at eachother a bursted out in laughter, I on the other hand was unamused.
"You sound like an idiot, you know that right."
My old self perhaps would have been a little dejected by their words. Now, i've been on death's door to many times in a short span of time to be scared or even care what these brats say.
"What the hell did you call me, you plebeian?!"
Letting out a quiet sigh.
"Nothing, nothing. You were right i'll watch where i'm walking next time."
Deciding not to entertain the boys anylong I turned and went to walk off, but before I did, the hazel eyed boy asked a strange question.
"Wait a minute! You are a first year student, yes, how old are you?"
Turning my head slightly with a raised eyebrow.
"Uh—yea, and I'm seventeen. Why?"
The three boys' eyes widened at the same time and paused for a moment stunned. Then, they bursted out into hysterical laughter.
"Oh my gods, this is too good, how is that even possible? You are seventeen and you are still at the first Threshold. You really are a plebian."
That remake seemed to agitate me a bit, turning around and taking a step, when a soothing female voice rang from my right.
"That is enough! Mr Ashford I suggest you apologize, or you and your family will be having a long talk with the Headmaster."
Turning my head, a tall woman with an extremely athletic build, her dark purple hair hung loosely down past her shoulders, her lilac eyes were tantalizing, for a moment I almost got lost in them.
Her pale skin accentuated these features on her. She stood with a trained posture, wearing the black uniform, she looked as if a Clematis flower turned into a human.
"Its—its the prez!"
"We are sorry ma'am, it won't happen again!"
The hazel eyed boy scoffed mutter under his breath.
"Yea, yea, were sorry, let's go guys."
With that they promptly walked off with a bit of pep in their step. The beautiful young woman approached me shaking her head, then smiling.
"I'm sorry about them, they—they are characters forsure."
My gaze lingering on the boys then turning to her.
"It's cool."
She tilted her head.
"'It's cool'?"
Chuckling, she continued.
"Anyways my name is Raeven Lyndra, i'm the Student Council President. But please call me Rae!"
She smiled brightly.