"Huff... Huff..."
Levi sat upright, sweat glistening on his forehead as he tried to catch his breath. The remnants of a vivid dream flickered in his mind—flashes of faces he didn't quite recognize, a strange sensation of familiarity, and a girl, always the same girl: Lyra.
"What the hell was that dream?" Levi muttered, rubbing his eyes. "Why did it have to be today, of all days?"
He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, feeling the soft carpet under his feet. Today was the first day of academy, and despite himself, he couldn't shake a bad feeling crawling up his spine.
"Is this some kind of tragic love story that happened in one of my previous lives that even I don't know about? Why do I have memories I can't even fully grasp? What's the connection between me and Lyra?" Levi paused for a moment, staring at his reflection in the mirror. "She has the same hair and eye color as that girl in my dreams. There has to be something... but I have no idea what it is."
Sighing, Levi shook his head, as if trying to shake the thoughts away. "I just need to be patient. Maybe I'll get some answers in the future."
After freshening up—brushing his teeth, washing his face, and taking a quick bath—he pulled on his favorite black and red hoodie, paired with simple black pants. No makeup or fancy accessories for him as girls do; a quick spritz of cologne was all he bothered with. His thoughts still racing, he made his way downstairs to the dining room, where his family was already gathered.
His father, tall and stern, sat at the head of the table, sipping his coffee. Levi's mother, warm and elegant, moved gracefully around the kitchen, setting plates of breakfast on the table.
"Levi, are you excited about going to the academy today?" his father asked, looking over the rim of his mug with a raised eyebrow.
Levi shrugged. "Not really, Father. It'd be better to stay home than live at the academy for two years."
His father chuckled softly. "I get it. But it's a rule for children your age to attend an academy, especially someone of your standing. Even though you're stronger than most kids, you still have to go. It's the way things are." He leaned back in his chair. "I spoke to Mr. Thorfinn, though. He said one year might be the final deal. If that happens, you'll be back home sooner than you think. Until then, cope with it."
"Okay, Father," Levi said with a sigh, picking at the toast on his plate.
"Besides," his mother chimed in, sitting down across from him, "do you remember Lyra? She'll be at the same academy as you. Make sure you greet her properly this time, and don't fight like you did back at the party last time."
Levi scowled slightly at the mention of Lyra's name. "That wasn't my fault. She was the one who—"
"Levi," his mother interrupted, her tone sharp but loving, "just be nice, alright?"
"Yeah," Levi muttered, his mood brightening inside him. Memories of the agreement they kept can finally be used and she can be my girlfriend. This is my first time to experience the love of a couple, in my previous world, my most hated day was Valentine's Day as it is is couple's day. Fuc*k it.
As they finished their breakfast, the quiet bustle of the house continued. Levi's older brother was getting ready to leave for his own duties, and the household staff moved around efficiently, tidying up and preparing for the day ahead.
Levi stood by the entrance hall, backpack slung over one shoulder, watching as his father approached him. "Remember, son," his father said, placing a hand on Levi's shoulder, "Purple Lock Academy is the top institution in the central continent. You'll be surrounded by other nobles, but also geniuses from common backgrounds. Keep your head up, and make the most of it. Even though you reached rank 3 in the upper stage, you need to be careful and stop being arrogant."
Levi nodded.
Soon, the sound of whirring blades filled the air, and the wind picked up outside. Levi stepped out into the courtyard, where a sleek black helicopter awaited him, its rotor blades chopping through the morning sky.
"Your transport has arrived," his mother said, giving him a quick hug. "Take care of yourself. And message us when you can, alright?"
"I will," Levi promised, though he knew she was just as likely to send him the messages to check-in.
With a final glance at his home, Levi boarded the helicopter, settling into the plush leather seat as the door closed behind him. He watched as the familiar scenery of his estate started to shrink beneath him, the city expanding in all directions as they rose higher into the sky.
The pilot, a middle-aged man with a calm expression, glanced back. "It's about an hour's flight to the academy, young master. Enjoy the view."
Levi looked out the window as they soared above forests and rivers, and eventually, the landscape became unfamiliar. Somewhere far below were the other academies—Red Lock, Yellow Lock, Blue Lock, Green Lock, and Light Lock—all spread out in different locations, each hidden and protected by barriers to keep the students safe from the hollows, the dangerous creatures that roamed the outskirts of civilization.
And at the center of it all, somewhere ahead, was his destination: Purple Lock Academy, the most prestigious of them all.
As the helicopter drew closer, Levi caught sight of the academy's towering spires and grand architecture, rising above the clouds like a fortress.
Levi leaned back, staring out the window as the helicopter approached the academy. The dream still bugged him—Lyra's face, the strange connection he couldn't figure out. He shook his head, deciding to push it aside for now.
As the helicopter began its descent, Levi saw the students below, all dressed in different styles, scattered across the massive courtyard. The academy's towering buildings loomed ahead, impressive but daunting.
With a soft thud, the helicopter landed. Levi grabbed his bag and stepped out, the cool breeze hitting his face. He glanced at the academy, sighing.
"Well, here goes nothing," he muttered, walking toward the entrance.
—————-———————
The ranks were confusing for some who read the novel so I changed them to normal ranks.
Rank 1 to Rank 9; with small ranks in between which are still same.