The grand hall of the Academy was filled with the murmur of excited students, all eagerly awaiting the start of the entrance ceremony. Arin sat quietly, observing the scene with a mixture of anticipation and impatience.
At the front, on a raised platform, the principal of the Academy—a man with white hair streaked with black and an aura of wisdom—cleared his throat, bringing an expectant hush over the crowd.
"Welcome, new students," the principal's voice boomed across the hall. "As most of you may have already known, my name is Orion Wynter, the principal of this Academy. Today marks the beginning of your journey at this prestigious Academy. You are about to embark on a path that will challenge you, inspire you, and transform you into the very best you can be."
Arin listened with half an ear. He had read about this speech in the novel, and while it was important for setting the tone, he had more pressing matters on his mind. His plan to meet Tessa was set for after the ceremony. He needed to execute it perfectly.
As the principal spoke of honor, discipline, and the Academy's rich history, Arin's gaze drifted to Alex, seated comfortably in the front row. He was surrounded by admiring students, basking in the attention. Arin could see why—Alex's presence was magnetic, his charm effortless. Yet, that wasn't Arin's concern. His focus remained on Tessa.
The speech went on, detailing the Academy's achievements and expectations, but Arin was already envisioning his next steps.
'Thankfully, I have that mask. It'll be crucial for my plan,' Arin thought as he folded his arms.
"So, I urge you all to be of best behavior, and respect the name and standard that this Academy has attained for itself. Once again, welcome to Greenfield Academy!" Principal Orion concluded.
"I believe you all know your way around the Academy. With that being said, you all can leave."
Finally, the ceremony concluded, and the students began to disperse, heading toward their dormitories or exploring the Academy grounds.
"Ahh, now that's done," Arin muttered as he looked at the swarm of students who were leaving. "Now, my next destination is the forest."
Instantly, he got up from the chair, and started walking towards the door.
Though, there were obstructions because of the students who all wanted to leave at the same time.
'I believe now is a perfect time to try it,' Arin thought.
He already had information on how to use the Skills he got, so he didn't have to struggle to activate it.
Extra's Cloak.
Immediately he activated the Skill, he felt an undescribable feeling, but apart from that, nothing else happened.
Just to test it out, he walked closer to the boy who was standing in front of him, and even stood close to him, but the boy didn't even turn to look at him... It was as if he didn't notice that Arin was standing next to him.
"Good, it's working," Arin muttered as he deactivated the Skill.
From what he read in the early chapters of the novel, Tessa would often visit the forest to clear her head, relax, and get away from people in general.
The forest that was located at the East side of the Academy was a place of solitude and tranquility, a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of the Academy itself.
"And just after the ceremony, she went to the forest," Arin muttered, remembering the exact words that were in that particular chapter of the novel.
With a grin on his face, and a mix of nervousness and excitement, Arin started walking towards the forest that he could see at the distance.
He had to time his appearance just right, so he made sure to proceed steadily. Though, there was one more thing he was concerned about, but he would solve it once he reached his location.
As he continued walking, he passed lots of buildings that he didn't have time to check out.
After some time, he reached the forest, and stopped immediately.
"System, my mask," Arin said. He was yet to know how to access the inventory, so he just asked the system directly.
In that same instant, a mask suddenly appeared on his hand.
It was a sleek, black full-face mask with only eye slits, its surface smooth yet textured with intricate silver patterns.
"Nice," Arin muttered as he stared at the mask, before wearing it.
The mask perfectly fit his face, as if it was made specially for him.
Instantly, he walked into the forest. People didn't visit the forest much, so it was a perfect place for Tessa to relax.
'Just a little bit further.' He thought as he continued walking.
Finally, he approached a small clearing in the forest, and he saw her, standing with her arms folded, and a sword strapped to her waist.
Her long, flowing hair was fluttering due to the breeze in the forest, and she had an intense, contemplative look in her blue eyes.
"Yes, here she is."
Suddenly, Tessa heard footsteps approaching her, and she instantly turned. Her sharp eyes glowed for a moment.
"Who's there?" she demanded, her voice sharp as she turned toward Arin. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of the masked figure.
"I see... Ferocious as expected," Arin said, his voice slightly muffled by the mask. "Calm down a bit."
"Ferocious as... expected?" Tessa muttered, with a confused expression on her face as she furrowed her brows.
Right now, there were two questions that she couldn't answer.
Firstly, who was this masked boy that was wearing the Academy's uniform?
Secondly, what did he mean by "ferocious as expected?" Did he know her from somewhere apart from the Academy?
'And I don't sense any presence from him... It's almost as if he's not even standing here,' Tessa thought as her eyes scanned Arin's figure.
"I have to do this fast, "he'll" soon arrive," Arin muttered.
"Well, lets just say I know you more than you think, and most importantly..."
"I know about the death of your parents," Arin said, as a smile bloomed on his face behind the mask.
This was just his first step...to get the female lead, and foil Alex's plans.