Oasis and Zane walked along the pathway inside the academy, they were surrounded by a vast landscape that felt like a whole new world.
The mountains, forests, and streams gave an impression of being in a grand, open countryside rather than within city walls.
"Something doesn't make sense," Oasis said, frowning.
"For some reason, I know the whole layout of the academy as if I have a map of most areas."
"What do you mean by that, Oasis?" Zane asked, curious.
"It must be the golden scroll absorbed by my conscious realm," Oasis thought, recalling the peculiar event.
"Never mind," he replied aloud to Zane.
The place was indeed enormous, resembling a whole new world.
Disciples were everywhere, engaged in various activities: sparring, studying, and socializing.
The atmosphere buzzed with energy and purpose.
"From the rules, we have to go to the main hall as soon as we arrive," Zane said, scanning the area.
"I wonder where it is."
"Follow me," Oasis said confidently.
They maneuvered through the crowded pathways, with Zane glancing around curiously while Oasis remained focused on their destination.
The vibrant life of the academy unfolded around them, but Oasis seemed to have an innate sense of direction.
After a few minutes of walking, they reached the imposing structure of the main hall.
They were greeted by a striking young woman with a warm smile.
"You must be first years," she said, addressing them both.
"Yeah, we are," Oasis replied calmly, meeting her gaze directly.
"Show me your tokens," she requested.
Upon examining their tokens, she raised her eyebrows in recognition.
"Oh, elites. So you are the first-year geniuses of this year's batch," she remarked. "This way."
She led them through a different section inside the grand hall.
The corridors were adorned with intricate designs, and the ambient light gave the space a majestic feel.
"The orientation will take place tonight, so both of you wait here," she instructed, guiding them to an opening.
As they stepped inside, they found themselves in a smaller hall with a few other individuals they recognized.
The room was elegantly decorated, with comfortable seating and a tranquil atmosphere.
A few other individuals, already seated, caught their attention:
Prince Aelric Evergreen, Agni Ignis, Yota Ironclad, Bazel Emberclan, Amiliana Frostveil, Amilia Frostveil, Jorin Shadowfen, and Azalea Riverwind.
Each was minding their own business, absorbed in their own thoughts or quietly conversing.
When Oasis and Zane entered, all eyes turned towards Oasis, recognizing him and remembering the firsthand experience of his strength.
"Yoh, boy, come sit next to me," Agni Ignis called out to Oasis.
"I'll pass," Oasis responded coldly, making his way to sit next to Amilia.
Zane greeted the rest, acknowledging the presence of the eight great noble family members.
Oasis and Yota were relatively new to this prestigious group, yet their reputations had quickly solidified.
"Hey, Oasis," Amilia greeted warmly as he sat down beside her.
Oasis nodded in response.
"Hey, Amilia," he greeted back, then turned to greet Amiliana, who was nearby.
"Good to see you both," Oasis said, his voice calm and composed.
"Ten? So we are the top ten from the whispering exam. The ten of us are all elites?" Oasis thought to himself.
"I thought the orientation was supposed to be in the next few days, and the lady said tonight. Is it because all of us are already here?"
"It means others are in other halls. Also, Mira didn't make the top ten, so she must be in another hall,"
Oasis mused silently.
"That Yota guy... I recognize him," Oasis recalled.
"He's the one who ran away during the preliminary exams using sword techniques when I first met Mira. Yeah, it's him. Not bad," he thought while gazing at Yota.
"That little monster is looking at me. Dammit," Yota thought, feeling the intensity of Oasis's gaze.
Time passed, and night arrived. Some were exchanging words, some were quiet, and others were quarreling and arguing.
After some time, a woman entered the room, hot and sexy, radiating her aura and grabbing everyone's attention.
Her presence commanded the room as she gracefully walked in, her confidence evident in her every move.
"Good evening," she greeted.
"I am Seraphina, and I have been assigned to be your instructor for the next two years," she announced, her voice steady and authoritative.
She scanned the room, making eye contact with each student, her gaze sharp and assessing.
"Straight to the point, this is Verdantial Academy, and all of you will be here for the next seven years," she continued.
"Yes, seven years, meaning no going home or outside of the academy's territory."
"You are this year's elite class based on how you passed the whispering exams."
"However, while here, your status can change depending on your performance."
She paced the room, her movements fluid and deliberate, exuding a sense of control and mastery.
"In the seven years you will spend here, the first two years will be solely based on theory and studying."
"You can take the theory written exam anytime from tomorrow within the first two years."
"After the two years, the next five years will be solely practical."
"You can choose which field of practice you want to focus on based on your talent and skills, but you will understand it when the time comes."
"For the next two years, I shall be your main instructor, and your exams will be based on the majors you choose."
"But all of you have one mandatory major: Principles of Mana Manipulation. The last three you choose for yourself," she explained, her tone firm yet encouraging.
With a snap of her fingers, ten people entered the room, each exuding an air of competence and authority.
"These individuals will be your personal instructors," Seraphina announced.
"If you need something, you ask them."
"They will monitor you, ensure you are well-fed and healthy at all times, and will be living in your assigned places."
She paused, allowing the weight of her words to settle in.
"Most importantly, you won't be living in the same building."
"The privilege of being an elite student comes with the benefit of having your own space."
"Take your assigned disciples to their places," she commanded the instructors.
"With all that said, welcome to Verdantial Academy!"