Don't worry, you'll do fine, the voice thrummed in Nichole's head, Daniela's words floated around.
"I sure hope so," she muttered.
The inauguration ceremony was held on the grounds. The grounds of Nexarion were unanimously big, the ground sprawled across.
This place is huge, it's bigger than what dad told me, I will on carry your legacy daddy, Nichole clenched her fist.
A large stage was placed, with multiple white chairs laid out for the children, the grounds bustling with life. The sounds of children nervous for their first day at the biggest academy.
I also have to pay back Sir Laurent, I wouldn't have made it this far if not for him.
Nichole was sitting on one of the chairs on the third row, her fingers fidgeting uncontrollably.
"Hey, you seem nervous," the boy seated near her asked.
"Oh, I'm fine, I was just... it's a big day," Nichole replied with a nervous chatter.
"My name's Hamen Douglas, what's yours?" The boy asked with a smile.
"Nichole."
"You're the one that chose the Manakai class, right?"
"My uniform should have been enough proof."
"I heard Nexarion couldn't find anyone good professor for your class, so they hired someone in a hurry."
"Yeah, I heard it too. Any idea who the professor is?"
"Nope, but the rumors I heard weren't that great, I heard he was some rude and scary guy."
"Really? I feel doomed."
"Don't worry, although I'm still wondering how the timetable would be."
"Why is that?"
"Well, you have only one professor, and he most likely only majors in one or two fields, so for the other fields would you come to get mage classes."
"Oh, I haven't thought of that yet."
A sudden voice boomed through the entire grounds, "May I have your attention," the voice commanded.
The hum of conversation went down, everyone looking up to the stage.
A man in an immaculate white suit with a long over coat and golden accents on the sleeves and the collar, his deep scarlet tie garnered attention. His hair was dark black, slick back his smooth face shining under the sunlight.
"Oh, it's starting," Hamen said excitedly.
"Welcome new students, welcome to Nexarion. This place is more than just an academy, we will work together to turn you seedlings into fine trees," the man continued in an enthusiastic tone.
"But the journey won't be easy, and saplings might wither, but those who can hold on must persevere and grow, make your own legacy. Now without dragging this on for long, I'll let your student council president take over."
A girl in black uniform came from behind the professor who was giving the speech, her hair black hair flowing to a gust of wind, her red eyes sparkling.
"Thank you professor Rurin Gruvani. My name is Estelle Margrave, I am the president of the student council and one of the final year student. First of all I would like to congratulate all of you guys for making it into Nexarion."
Estelle moved a bit to the left, placing her alongside Professor Rurin, "Now, I would like to call our esteemed principal, Miss Han Shia," she gestured to the empty space.
Sparks flared along with a loud sound, similar to a firecracker, white mist covering the stage. A shilouete emerged from the mist.
It was Miss Han Shia, her brown hair cascading, a smile plastered on her face shining bright. She donned a blue suit with a white shirt on the inside and a red tie, the suit clinging to her every contour.
"I welcome you all to Nexarion," her gleeful voice echoed, filling the spectators with an energy, a joyful one.
Daniela who was watching the scene from the last row thought, They're putting on quite the show, flashy.
"Hey, is that the Princess?" Someone murmured. "Why is her hair black, is she giving up on succession?"
"I don't know, maybe she is."
"But why?"
"Maybe she couldn't bring anyone into her faction, after all the first Prince Thaddeus had more followers."
SIGH
Daniela could do nothing but listen, I guess it's obvious that he'll become the next Emperor.
"... this is Nexarion," Shia came to the end of her speech.
"Hamen, how can we hear their voices, they're not using any microphone's?" Nichole asked him with a confused expression. "Is it any type of sound amplifier?"
"Yes, it is a sound amplifier, haven't you seen one before?"
"No, I've never been to any academy or anything of sorts."
"Really?"
Nichole nodded slightly, agreeing to Hamen.
"Now for the final guest of honour," Shia spoke in a slightly enthusiastic tone, "The Emperor, Arwan Von Marcellonius."
The Emperor walked into the stage, donning a white suit, with golden accents, long overcoat, and golden epaulets, his golden hair styled in grace, the moustache sharp as a blade, joining his neatly trimmed moustache.
"Good morning to one and all," the Emperor said, his voice carrying regal aura, his presence radiating all the way till the end of the crowd.
"It is with great pride I stand here before you today, addressing the next generation scholars, leaders, innovators," his eyes pausing on each student, "each one of you are given a choice that many don't even get to dream of, make the best of it..."
The Emperor's speech blurred around Jack as Wyge took a small black Box and placed it onto his hand.
He immediately knew what it was, his sweat and life, the one his older brother ruined. His breath came out ragged, his heart beating faster.
"I believe this belongs to you, Mr Jonathan," Wyge said as her hands brushed against his. She could feel the man's sadness, his eyes felt empty, devoid of emotions.
Jack simply stood there, he couldn't move, him mind racing. The man had went through years of torture to stand where he is now trying to forget his old life.
"Where did you get this?" Jack asked as he forced a smile.
"I had someone get it for me," Wyge replied. "I haven't taken a look at what's inside it, but I do believe it's yours."
"Mine?" Jack's smile faltered. "You believe it's mine?"
"Yes," Wyge spoke calmly, her gentle voice reaching Jonathan, her voice; a hand pulling him out from the void. She did not speak anything more than that.
"Thank you," Jack bowed, "I will... I will pay back this kindness a thousand fold, even if it's the last thing I do."
"I think it'll be better if you can teach the next generation with the same dedication, you don't need to pay me back," Wyge walked off.
RUSTLE RUSTLE
Wyge? What did she give Jonathan, he looks so shook, it was Hailee.
She saw Wyge pull Jonathan away to a place behind the stage. Hailee decided to follow the duo.
He hasn't talked to me since then, I think he still blames himself. How will I ever get him to come out of his shell?
...
"Next for our newest Professor for the Manakai class, I call Jonathan Thorne," the Emperor said loudly.
A moment of silence took place, the anticipation building up in the air.
Wait, Thorne? Nichole paused.
TAP TAP
A few seconds later the sound of footsteps grew closer, Jack came from behind Shia, his large frame visible from behind her.
"Jonathan Thorne," the Emperor extended his hand for a warm shake, smiling.
Jack returned the smile, his hand grasping the Emperor's for a firm shake, "It's Raosa, Sir, Jonathan Raosa," his confident voice echoed powerfully, the earlier turmoil seemingly vanishing.
"Oh, is that so?" the Emperor asked, "well allow me to correct myself, I welcome Jonathan Raosa, the newest professor of Nexarion, the teacher of the next generation of Manakai."
"Aren't you all confident, Jack?" Shia whispered.
"Do you like it, Miss Shia?" Jack's voice brimming with confidence, confidence Shia had never seen in his eyes.
Shia surprised by the sudden change in Jack's personality couldn't help but ask, "What happened to the scared little puppy?"
"Puppy? Well, I'm still in here. But I have decided to move forward, as Jonathan, as Raosa," Jack smiled.
The Emperor noticed the small interaction between the two, he noticed the man called the principal by her name, something even the Emperor himself doesn't dare to do.
"Principal, continue the ceremony," the Emperor gestured at the waiting audience.
Estelle came forward, "I welcome the two special admissions of the year to speak the oath and bring the inauguration to a close, I welcome the first special admission, Finn Zen Tenebrion."
"Don't screw up," Aileen slightly pushed Finn.
"A simple good luck would have sufficed," Finn chuckled as he walked towards the stage.
"Special admission number two," Estelle paused, "Nichole Avery."
"You can do it," Hamen said.
"Thanks," Nichole smiled. I had to do an oath?
The two reached the base of the stage at the same time, Finn and Nichole glancing at each other before climbing the stairs, her brown hair flowing smooth like silk, while Finn's hair stayed still.
The Emperor spoke, "Just because these two are called special admission, they're as normal as any student. Treat them with the same respect and fairness as you would treat anyone else."
Professor Rurin walked forward and handed Finn a scroll, "The oath, the two of you shall recite it together."
Finn opened the scroll and laid his eyes on the words. He looks to the side and notices the girl's fingers fidgeting.
"Don't worry, just read it with me, we'll be fine," Finn said, his voice resolute. Although I'm saying that, I'm scared too, I still have memories of doing this in my past life.
"Thanks," the words had a cooling effect on her. She looked back, her eyes meeting Jack's, interlocking for a moment.
By the light of knowledge, we swear to uphold the honor of this academy. By our strength of heart and mind, we pledge to grow, learn, and protect. May we never falter in our quest for wisdom, and may our steps be guided by truth.
He looks a lot like Sir Laurent, he is his grandson.
Estelle came forward once again, "With that we conclude the inauguration."
"We shall disperse the session in an orderly manner," Professor Rurin stepped in.
_________________________
"Father, I'll see you after a year, I guess?" Daniela said.
"Haha, I don't think I can wait, I'll miss you," the Emperor pulled Daniela in for a hug.
She gave in, the two embracing in a warm hug.
I hope my bitch-ass dad sees this, take a good look fucker, Rose mocked internally.
"And Gabriel," Daniela let go of the hug, placing her hand on his shoulder, "I'll miss you, don't cause father any trouble."
"I'll miss you too sister," Gabriel replied, his voice laced with excitement and happiness, "I'll take care of father while you're away."
The Emperor winced at his son's words, his thirteen years old child talking about taking care of him, he felt a sting in his heart.
"I'm sure you will, love you brother," Daniela lands a slight peck on his cheeks.
I wish I wa—, the Emperor's words were cut off when Daniela places a kiss on his cheek as she stood on her heels trying to reach his height.
"Daniela, tha—"
"Miss you dad, goodbye," Daniela rushed off, unaware of what she had done to the Emp—, no, her father.
Dad? Did she call me dad? It seems she doesn't hate me anymore.
"Gabriel, would you like to go somewhere with me?"
_________________________