Zar awoke with a start, his body still tense from the nightmare and the events that had followed. The early morning light filtered through the narrow window of his room, casting long shadows on the stone walls. He lay still for a moment, gathering his thoughts before swinging his legs over the edge of the bed.
This room was his now. He surveyed it more carefully, noting the simplicity yet clear purpose behind each item. On a wooden table by the window, there were thirty small containers, each holding a pill—a full month's worth of rations. These pills would sustain him when he had no time or need for regular meals.
Four uniforms, neatly folded, rested on a chair by the desk. Each uniform bore the insignia of Class A, a constant reminder of his new status at the academy. The fabric was sturdy, designed for both comfort and utility, a clear sign that the academy expected its students to be prepared for anything.
In the corner, Zar noticed a small bucket. It appeared ordinary at first, but as he lifted it and tilted it slightly, water began to pour out steadily. It was a simple yet practical piece of magic—a bucket that would never run dry, ensuring that students would always have water at hand.
As Zar examined these items, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had only just begun to scratch the surface of what this academy had to offer. With everything in place, he left his room, his mind already turning to the day's tasks. He needed to understand more about this place, its people, and its challenges.
Zar made his way through the corridors, eventually stepping outside into the morning light. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of voices—familiar ones. Following the noise, he found himself in the training yard, where Milx Brom and two Class B students were gathered. The moment they saw Zar, their expressions changed, a mix of disdain and amusement flickering across their faces.
Milx smirked, stepping forward. "Well, if it isn't the commoner who thinks he's Class A material."
Zar ignored the taunt and tried to walk past, but Milx and the others blocked his path. "Not so fast," Milx said, his voice dripping with mockery. "We just want to have a little fun."
Without warning, Zar lunged at Milx, grabbing him by the throat and lifting him off the ground. The look of surprise on Milx's face was brief, replaced by anger as he tried to pry Zar's hand away. But before Zar could press his advantage, one of the Class B students—a tall, muscular boy—moved with surprising speed. Zar only had a moment to react before a powerful kick struck him in the side, sending him stumbling back a meter.
Zar's grip on Milx loosened, and before he could recover, the other Class B student—a boy with a knight's insignia—struck. A wooden sword lashed out, slashing across Zar's stomach with brutal force. The blow sent Zar flying back two or three meters, the breath knocked out of him as he coughed up what little he had eaten for breakfast.
The knight, who was clearly stronger than the others, grinned as he pointed his sword at Zar. "Initiate Knight, two-star. The energy in my body is on par with second-year students," he boasted. His words were meant to intimidate, but Zar was no stranger to combat.
Zar pushed himself up, adrenaline coursing through his veins. His experience in kickboxing had taught him how to handle opponents stronger than him. He dodged and weaved, managing to land a few strikes, but each hit felt like kicking a wooden paddle. The knight barely flinched, his body hardened by years of cultivation techniques and elixirs.
Realizing he couldn't win in a fair fight, Zar began inching toward the right, his movements calculated. He had no intention of fighting honorably—not when the odds were so stacked against him. When he was finally perpendicular to Milx, who stood slightly behind the other Class B student, Zar made his move.
With a sudden burst of speed, Zar dashed toward them. The knight reacted quickly, raising his sword, but Zar was faster. He sprawled low, then leaped, lightly tapping the Class B student's head to disorient him before grabbing Milx once more. As he brought Milx down to the ground, another heavy blow struck his side. The second knight, a one-star, had hit him with the wooden sword again, this time connecting with his kidney.
Zar spat out blood, the pain nearly overwhelming him. He knew he couldn't keep this up—these boys were too well-trained, too well-fed. He made a split-second decision. Instead of continuing the fight, Zar shoved Milx aside and bolted, running as fast as he could. Behind him, he heard shouts of surprise and anger, but he didn't look back. He ran through the academy grounds, his only thought being to escape.
He didn't stop until he was inside one of the buildings. Breathless and still reeling from the fight, Zar looked around, realizing he had entered the library. The silence of the place was almost jarring after the chaos outside, but it was a welcome reprieve.
The librarian, an elderly woman with sharp eyes, glanced at him from behind a large desk. "May I help you?" she asked, her tone neutral.
Zar nodded, trying to catch his breath. "I need... information. About classes. Specializations."
The librarian studied him for a moment before pointing to a section of the library. "You'll find what you're looking for in that direction. And remember, the limit is two books for your current level."
Zar thanked her and made his way toward the shelves. He began to browse, looking for something that might help him understand this world better. After a few minutes, he found a book titled Cultivation Explained to Mortals. It seemed basic but was likely essential reading for someone trying to catch up with the others.
As he continued to scan the shelves, a dusty, old book caught his eye. It was tucked away in the back, almost as if it had been forgotten. Zar pulled it out, intrigued by the title: The Legends of Lorat Moletti. The cover was worn, and it looked like it hadn't been read in years. Curious, Zar opened it and skimmed through the pages. The book spoke of a man named Lorat Moletti, who had walked a unique path in cultivation, a path no one else could fully grasp.
The stories were wild, almost fantastical, but they hinted at something deeper—a truth that resonated with Zar. It spoke of finding one's destined path, a journey unique to each individual, and that true immortality could only be achieved by pursuing that path relentlessly.
Zar decided to take the book. It was an old, almost forgotten text, but something about it called to him. With both books in hand, he returned to the librarian.
"Two books," he said, placing them on the counter.
The librarian nodded, noting the titles with a raised eyebrow. "An interesting choice," she remarked, but said nothing more as she handed them back to him.
Zar left the library, the books tucked under his arm, and made his way to the main building. He needed to pick his specializations. The librarian had pointed him in the right direction, and now, with a slightly clearer mind, he was ready to plan his next steps.
This day of rest had been anything but restful, but it had given Zar valuable insights. The academy was a place of power, yes, but also of knowledge. If he was going to survive here, let alone thrive, he needed both in equal measure.
And so, with a renewed sense of determination, Zar set out to chart his path in this new and dangerous world.
As Zar walked towards the main building, its grandeur became increasingly apparent. The structure loomed before him like a majestic castle, a harmonious blend of stone, glass, and various metals that reflected the afternoon sun in dazzling patterns. The building exuded an aura of authority and prestige, a fitting home for the academy's most important administrative functions.
Upon entering, Zar found himself in a grand hall with a high ceiling, adorned with intricate metalwork and large windows that allowed shafts of sunlight to pierce through. The space was filled with students, their murmurs creating a low hum of anticipation. At the far end of the hall was a long front desk, where several administrative staff members were busy assisting the crowd.
Zar noticed a line of students already settled in, waiting their turn. He scanned the line and spotted Lila Molclaux near the front. He had hoped to encounter her, as she could be a useful ally in his quest to navigate the complexities of the academy. Taking a deep breath, he approached her with a friendly smile.
"Lila, right?" Zar said, his tone warm and engaging. "I didn't expect to see you here. I've had quite a morning myself."
Lila looked up, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Zar, wasn't it? What happened?"
Zar started to explain briefly. "Well, I—"
Before he could elaborate, one of the front desk workers, a stern-looking woman with a clipboard, interrupted. "Excuse me," she said, her voice firm. "Do you have your identification?"
Zar reached into his pocket and produced the small tablet he had been given. The woman took it and scanned it quickly before turning her attention back to Zar. "You'll need to decide on your specializations. Here's the list of available classes: Alchemy, Apothecary, Herbology, Monsterology, War Tactics, Knight Training, General Studies, Archery, Rituals and Occultism, and Martial Arts."
Zar glanced over the list, mentally noting the options. Each specialization offered its own set of challenges and benefits, and choosing wisely would be crucial for his future success at the academy.
He turned to Lila, who had been listening with interest. "I'm looking to specialize in Combat Training and Herbology. What about you?"
Lila's eyes flickered with a hint of intrigue. "I've decided on Alchemy and Combat Training. I think they'll complement each other well."
Zar nodded approvingly. "Those are good choices. Alchemy could be particularly useful, especially if you're interested in potions and enhancing your abilities."
As they spoke, the front desk worker cleared her throat, drawing their attention back. "Please, make your selections and proceed to the registration desk," she said, handing Zar back his tablet.
Zar thanked her and turned to Lila. "Shall we go together? I'd appreciate the company."
Lila smiled, and the two of them walked towards the registration desk together. The conversation continued, and Zar found himself enjoying Lila's company more than he had anticipated. He could sense that she was intelligent and capable, traits that would make her a valuable ally.
As they reached the registration desk, Zar completed his choices: Combat Training and Herbology. Lila submitted her selections of Alchemy and Combat Training. Their specializations were quickly processed, and they received confirmation for their choices.
With their business concluded, Zar and Lila exited the building, their paths set for the coming days. Zar couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He had secured his place in the academy, made a potential ally, and chosen specializations that would enhance his skills and knowledge.
As they parted ways, Zar took a moment to reflect on his progress. The academy was a complex and demanding environment, but with careful planning and strategic alliances, he felt prepared to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead.
Zar returned to his room, the comforting familiarity of his small but functional space greeting him. The door to Room 5A closed behind him, sealing off the bustle of the academy for the evening. He felt the weight of the day's events settling in, a mixture of exhaustion and anticipation for what lay ahead.
He approached his desk and unpacked his belongings, carefully placing the small ration packs onto the table. The ration was a compact, neatly wrapped bundle that contained a meal in pill form. Though not particularly appetizing, it was designed to provide all necessary nutrients and energy. Zar took one and swallowed it with a small amount of water, feeling the pill dissolve and release its contents.
As he finished his meal, Zar surveyed his room. It was sparsely furnished but adequate: a bed, a desk, a bookshelf with basic texts, and a window overlooking the academy grounds. The space felt like a blank canvas, ready for him to fill with his studies and preparations.
He took a moment to examine the items in his room. The 30 days' worth of rations, the four pairs of uniforms neatly hung in the wardrobe, and the magical bucket that would always provide water with just a slight tilt—each item represented a small but significant part of his new life at the academy.
Feeling the weight of the day's trials and challenges, Zar decided it was time to rest. He lay down on the bed, his thoughts drifting to the events of the day—the confrontation with Milx and the Class B students, his new specializations, and the promising path that lay before him.
As he closed his eyes, the fatigue of the day washed over him, and he allowed himself to sink into the comfort of his bed. The challenges had been many, but the rewards were tangible. With a sense of resolve and a hint of excitement for the future, Zar drifted into a deep, restful sleep.