The sun rises again, the weather is clear, birds are singing, and everything seems fine.
Today is the first time I'll see the academy. Well, not the first time for Akashi, but for me. I already know the academy from the novel—how it works. It sounds prestigious, but it's basically hell for students. Demonic teachers, brutal training regimens... sure, there are some decent teachers, but the bad ones outnumber them.
Coming from the normal world, I have no idea how I'm going to navigate this place, but I'll have to figure it out. First of all, avoiding the wrath of the super-goofy protagonist and a few other notable characters is my priority.
This academy hides a lot behind its walls—people who act like saints but wear masks hiding a thousand lies. I just need to avoid messing with those psychopaths and find out where the keys to power are. I need to make my subtle introduction into the story without getting too involved with the main cast.
With that in mind, I prepared breakfast, ate quickly, and started dressing up. I glanced in the mirror, setting my hair, and admired my sharp features and ruby-like eyes. I looked like a Disney prince. *"Oh god, why am I so hot?"*
Brushing off that thought, I got ready to leave the dorm.
Stepping out, I saw students heading toward the academy and instinctively started moving far from them, trying to keep my distance. But then I heard a voice behind me.
"Yo, princess!"
It was Sunny.
"Could you stop calling me with those stupid nicknames? It's annoying, you damn carrot-head."
"Yo, then why do you call me that crappy name?"
"Because you are one."
"That's not an answer!"
I noticed Cloudy wasn't with him.
"Hey, where's Cloudy?"
"Ah, he went ahead. Said he had something to do with a file function or something."
"Nah, he just ran away from this dude Cleaver Mind."
Continuing our back-and-forth banter, we kept walking, ignoring the stares thrown our way.
Nonetheless, they were annoying, probably chatting about the news of my family and me.
Sometimes I wonder why people care so much about someone's rise and fall.
But I guess that's just human nature—to enjoy the fall of someone you've never even spoken to.
"Huh, what's with these people?" Sunny muttered.
"I know, right? I mean, I'm kinda hot, but that doesn't mean they have to stare at me. It's creepy," he added, looking serious.
"Yeah, no one's looking at you. Just keep moving."
Already irritated by the stares, I acted like I didn't care and kept walking. Then, another voice called out.
"Hey, Akashi!"
Turning around, I saw a heavyset guy with small eyes heading toward us.
"Oh, it's you, Midyass," I muttered.
This guy was one of Akashi's old friends, someone whose family worked under the Seraphiels. Akashi used to bully him quite a bit.
"What do you want?" I asked.
"I heard you got your ass kicked by your own House, right?" He said, trying to mock me as much as he could.
Ah, of course, he heard, and I know why he's here, but...
"Yeah," I replied casually, not even bothered.
"Bahahaha! Ain't that sad? Now you're nothing more than a bottom-feeding commoner—maybe even worse!"
This guy seemed like he had been waiting for this moment forever.
"You probably don't even have resources or money anymore. But hey, if you want, I could help you out. You can be my personal servant. I'll pay you well."
"Nah, I'm good."
Surprised that I didn't lose my temper, he kept yapping, throwing more insults my way. I glanced at Sunny, who was distracted, staring at a group of girls and measuring something with a tape.
"Hey, Akashi, what about your sister?" the guy continued.
"My sister? What about her?"
By "sister," I knew exactly what he was talking about. My sister is currently at this academy, a senior in her third year. I can't say for sure what my relationship with her is, but it's probably not a good one. Definitely.
Midyass kept speaking.
"Don't act dumb. She won the Student Council election. She's now the President of the entire academy."
"Wow, that's good, I guess."
"How is that good? She's going to make your life a living hell in this academy. You know how much she hates you."
*Sighing internally,* I knew I had to knock this guy off his high horse. He was so annoying.
"Hey, what about your big bro, Jimmy, and your dad?" I said, turning the tables.
"Huh? My big bro?" He was taken aback by the sudden names.
"I heard they got trapped in the Persona Rift. Some twisted magic hit them, and now they're confused about who they even are. Hormones out of control and all."
"What?! No, that's not—"
"And your dad? I heard he showed up to a business meeting in a black goth skirt."
The guy froze, sweat pouring down his forehead.
"How did you know about that? That didn't even make it to the academy news!"
"Don't forget who I am. I have access to all kinds of information from around the world. It just finds its way to me."
I was bluffing—I only knew because I read the novel—but it did the trick. The guy's face paled.
Without changing my expression much, I asked, "So, do you still want me to be your bootlicker?"
"Akashi, we're friends, aren't we?" he stammered.
"Oh, are we?"
Though, I actually don't remember this Akashi guy ever having a real friend. Even Sunny and Cloudy are just for his own plans.
"Yeah, bro, I'm begging you. Please don't tell anyone about this. I'd die of embarrassment!" he cried out.
"Hmmm. P.P."
"Huh, what?"
"You'll give me half of your personal points every month. No excuses."
"Hey, that's too much!"
"60%. Now."
"Akashi!"
"65%."
"Breathe…"
"66%."
"OK, OK! Damn it, stop! I'll give you 66%. Deal!"
"Good. Now don't disturb me again."
With that, he ran off, a tear forming in his eye.
Well, that's good. With that, I won't have to worry about expenses for a few months.
I flicked him away from my thoughts and waited for Sunny to finish whatever he was doing. Soon, he came running back.
"Hey, did you talk to your friend?" Sunny asked.
"Yeah, we discussed some things."
"Anyway, guess what, bro! That blonde senpai has a 106—"
"Save the report for later. Let's move on."
The academy loomed ahead, its towering buildings casting long shadows over the students walking beneath. The closer I got, the more oppressive the atmosphere felt. Despite the bright, sunny day, the Academy of Eternal Skies was anything but warm.
"Bro, this place gives me the creeps sometimes," Sunny muttered, still recovering from whatever "measurements" he'd been taking earlier.
I nodded absentmindedly. "Yeah, this isn't some playground where you come to make friends," I said, my tone more serious than usual.
Every semester, some new chaos erupts here—students die, and there's nothing you can do about it. Everything happens because the plot demands it.
Damn it. Thinking about this academy is a real pain. All this chaos occurs just because the protagonist chose to stay here. He doesn't move around the world—the world moves around him.
I sighed again.
We passed through the academy gates, and instantly, I felt eyes on me. Whispers followed me, with occasional sneers and side glances.
"Hey, isn't that Akashi Seraphiel? The one who got kicked out of his House?"
"Yeah, heard he's just hanging around the academy now. No real power anymore. Pathetic."
Well, it's true. He wasn't exactly impressive anyway—nowhere near his sister's level, and definitely not even 1% of his older brother's.
God, why can't they talk behind my back like normal people? It's like they *want* me to hear them.
Keep talking, you trash. I couldn't care less.
Just then, a female student approached Sunny.
"Hey, Sunny, Madam is calling you for some file-related issues in your reports," she said, pulling him away for some academy paperwork.
"Hey bro, see ya!" Sunny waved.
"Yeah, sure."
I kept walking through the main hall. It was massive, almost like a garden with pathways branching off in every direction. I had no idea where to go.
Damn it. I've inherited almost all of Akashi's memories but still can't find the classroom.
I glanced left and right. Not like anyone here's gonna help me. Shrugging, I kept moving until I noticed a commotion between two people. I quietly took a peek, trying not to be noticed.
"You better fix your attitude, Vali. Just because you're from a ruling family doesn't mean you're above punishment," a senior in a black uniform adorned with shimmering stars scolded the guy.
Probably someone from the disciplinary committee. And the guy he's scolding…
I froze for a second. Not out of fear, but because I was seeing one of the main cast members for the first time.
His hair was strikingly golden blonde, neatly styled, reflecting both sophistication and practicality. His sharp jawline and ruby crimson eyes gave him an air of superiority. His poker face screamed indifference to the world around him.
Vale Michaelis.
From the Michaelis family, one of the ruling and strongest houses on the continent.
Seeing him in person made me a bit nervous, not gonna lie.
He's one of the strongest anomalies at the academy, if not the strongest. He rules wherever he goes. I couldn't grasp his personality fully from the novel, but knowing he's not a villain is reassuring.
"You hear me, Vali? This is your last warning. Don't mess with the upperclassmen again."
Seems like he took on the seniors without fear, despite the vast difference in strength and experience. This guy doesn't care about stats or power.
"They tried to bully one of my underlings. Do you expect me to just stand by and let it happen?" he said with a poker face.
"That doesn't mean you can break their limbs, fracture their bones, and rip out their nails! Are you insane?"
"That's how I work."
The senior clenched his fists, clearly trying to contain his anger. "Just because of your family—damn it—I'll report this to the SCP. You'd better be prepared."
"Get lost," Vale muttered, casually brushing him aside.
Damn. This guy's no joke. He's Vale Michaelis—messing with him is like fishing in a piranha pond. It'd be better for me to steer clear.
He'll face off with the protagonist later in the novel to determine who is the better swordsman.
As I was thinking that, Vale walked past me, our paths crossing for just a split second. His indifferent gaze met mine briefly, and he ignored me completely, continuing on his way.
Even though we definitely know each other because of the ruling families and have met at parties, Akashi hated him with a passion. They once even fought in a mock battle at one of those parties, and Akashi came out on the losing end.
Vale had everything Akashi desired, probably except for looks.
Geez, even the pressure from his stare was intense.
Just as I was about to keep moving, something unexpected happened.
*Bump.*
A guy with a blindfold collided with Vale, stumbling to the ground in a panic.
"Ah, sorry! I didn't mean to—"
The guy was clearly blind. People might wonder how a blind student even got into this academy, but entry isn't based on disabilities. As long as you pass the tests, you're in—criminal's son or not.
Though disabled students usually don't enter the academy—or if they do, their chances of surviving are close to zero.
Vale glanced at the blind student with barely concealed disgust.
"Why did you even enter this academy?" he asked coldly.
Looking at his words, I could tell he didn't care about the bump but something else.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"You're weak. You should focus on something you're actually capable of. What makes you think someone like you can achieve anything here?"
"I... I can fight…" the guy tried to rebut.
"Pathetic." Vale's expression darkened, and he started to raise his leg as if to strike, but then—
"Stop, Vali." A feminine voice came from behind, halting him.
Vale froze.
A girl stepped forward, her hair a stunning blend of light yellow and silver, shimmering in the sunlight. Her clear blue eyes and ethereal beauty made her presence impossible to ignore. She was like an angel, and I knew who she was.
"Isn't that…?"
"Yeah. That's Princess Arielle."
Arielle Celestian. One of the major characters in the novel and the royal princess. She was kind-hearted but could be terrifying if you got on her bad side.
"You shouldn't harm him. Can't you see he's blind?" she said, her tone firm yet compassionate.
And, of course, she had a soft spot for the poor and disabled.
Vali glanced over at her with same poker look. "Oh, Princess.its crystal clear he is blind.. So what?"
"That's enough reason to not use or abuse force against him," she replied firmly.
you are familiar with how this academy operates right? Everything here is structured around the principle of resolving disputes through combat prowess. Once conflicts arise, they are addressed by engaging in strategic and controlled confrontations, allowing the resolution of issues based on the demnstration of superior fighting abilities e
"When he entered this academy, he wasn't given special treatment just because of that blindfold. If he's here, it's because he's just as capable as any of us. I'm not going to tread lightly because of his condition. I'm treating him the same as any student who gets in my way. His injury doesn't mean he gets to bypass the rules or the challenges. If he's weak and useless, blindfold or not, he shouldn't have come here in the first place. You get that, right? Vali said
"It's still wrong," she retorted.
Vale glanced at her, his eyes emotionless. Without a word, he walked past her, deciding not to engage.
It wasn't because she was a princess or anything. Vale's nature simply avoided pointless arguments, especially with women.
This guy was basically based.
Comparing their statuses, the Michaelis family wasn't much weaker than the royal family. Their power kept the kingdom in check, and if they fell, the kingdom would crumble.
After Vale left, Arielle extended her hand to help the blind student up.
"T-Thank you, Princess Arielle," the student stammered.
"It's alright. Just be more careful," she said gently.
"Yes, I will," he replied, still shaken.
As the princess and the blindfolded guy talked, I stood there trying to find the best chance to sneak out. But, of course, luck wasn't on my side. Arielle's piercing gaze locked onto me, her eyes radiating enough disgust to melt steel.
I tried to avoid eye contact, looking anywhere but at her. But just as I was about to make my escape, a taunting voice cut through the air.
"Seems like some people just can't get it, no matter how patiently we explain," she said, her tone dripping with condescension.
I glanced back at her. Her eyes were mesmerizing, like staring into the pinnacle of euphoria, but that wasn't exactly my concern right now.
Arielle closed the distance between us, her demeanor still frosty. "Why are you here again?" she asked, resentment practically oozing from her words.
"What do you mean?" I played clueless, tired of her drama.
"You know exactly what I mean. How dare you show your face here after being kicked out of the academy so soon? Aren't you even a little bit ashamed?" she said, as if she was trying to provoke a volcanic eruption from me.
"Look, it's not up to you to decide when I can show up or not. My suspension is over, and my punishment has been served, princess."
"And as you can see, I'm not even part of the nobility anymore," I shrugged, hoping she'd get the hint and let me go.
"That's just your typical reaction," she snapped. "Though I can't overlook your past actions. I'll make sure the Disciplinary Committee keeps a close eye on you."
Damn, what does this princess think she is? Oh right, the only princess of the kingdom. Never mind.
I kept my mouth shut. Talking right now would only dig me deeper.
Seeing my lack of reaction, she turned away, dismissing me with a flick of her hair. "Let's go, Caera," she said to the girl beside her.
The girl next to her had stunning blue eyes and black hair with blue streaks. She was almost as beautiful as Arielle, if not more.
I knew exactly who she was—Caera Winterfell, from the common village of Hoga. She's a major character from the novel and has a pretty important role later on.
What's worse, I knew her not just from the novel but from Akashi's memories. They'd met quite a few times before the story even began. Akashi had even developed a bit of an obsession with her. To the point where he once tried to assault her, though he got caught red-handed.
The fear in her eyes was tangible as she glanced at me.
Arielle shook Caera as if to wake her up. "Hey, don't waste time on that jerk. We'll just end up with a bigger headache if we stay here."
They were best friends, which made sense given their history. Arielle had been the one to catch Akashi that time, so her anger and disgust were somewhat understandable.
They headed towards the opposite gate, leaving nothing but a trail of disdain behind.
Great, I forgot to ask her where the classroom is.
Not like she would've told me anyway.
I sighed, thinking about how difficult it must be for Akashi Seraphiel to survive here. Everywhere I went, it felt like people thought a pirate had come to rob everyone.
"Seriously, Akashi, couldn't you be a bit less of a jerk?"
---
As everyone left the hall, which had been the scene of quite the drama, it fell silent. The blindfolded guy stood there, staring at the spot where the princess had been, as if he was about to devour the place.
Lost in his thoughts, he eventually shuffled out of the hall, muttering under his breath. "Soon I WILL…"
With that, he exited, leaving only silence and emptiness behind.