[9:00AM]
"We'll be off, I trust the students in the coming year will be in your utmost care." Vance said, ready to depart from the school.
A carriage arrived earlier, leaving by 9 he expected the stipulated time of arrival at the Soul Academy to be somewhere around noon. It was in a different city after all.
He was transporting three people with him, Daichi, Rentaro and finally the principal's daughter Miyuki.
"I'm sorry the other four couldn't make it, but I'll personally see to it that they arrive on time." Hana said apologizing.
"No, the blame is all on me, I should seen this coming all along given he's my subordinate. I'll personally inform the academy of what happened to the other recruits."
"Thank you, it's been a pleasure, Rentaro, Daichi and Miyuki. I know you'll excel, make the Xen Academy proud." With her final words to her students, the carriage departed for the Soul Academy.
"Proctor?" Amidst the journey, Daichi decided to break the long silence that ensued moments later.
"Please, feel free to call me Vance." Vance said, he had no doubts that these three most especially Daichi and Miyuki had great potential, so it was best to build a good relationship with them.
"If you say so, may I ask where we are going exactly?"
"Oh? That's right, you aren't aware of that. The Soul Academy is located in the Kuraikyo Empire."
"What!?" Daichi was left astonished, his facial expression leaving Rentaro concerned.
"What's wrong? Is there something bad about that place?" Having little knowledge of the kingdoms of this world, Rentaro had no clue just what went down in the Kuraikyo Empire.
"Nothing in particular, It's just that the Kuraikyo Empire is bustling with nobles and royals. Essentially it's a place where commoners like you two will find it hard to cope." Vance who sat besides the horse rider upfront explained.
"Two? What about her?" He inquired, referring to Miyuki who remained unfazed at the mention of the Kuraikyo Empire.
"Hana's daughter? She's not from around here. You see your principal comes from a family of nobles, pursuing her dreams of becoming a Soul-Hunter, she was dispatched here to train students mentally, preparing those who were capable to enroll in the Soul Academy."
"Huh?" Although it wasn't surprising, both boys were baffled by this. Miyuki and her mother did possess refined beauty and a skin glowing so radiantly they couldn't possibly be from around here.
"Not only that! I heard the Kuraikyo Empire is crawling with magical beasts!" Daichi bellowed, highlighting his true fears.
"That's right, making it the perfect place for the Soul Academy to be established. You'll understand when you arrive, which we will in about 2-3 hours from now if we're lucky."
A slight grin grew on Rentaro's face, he was shaken up but at the same time he found this as the perfect opportunity to level up, he wasn't going to be looked down upon anymore.
"Hm?" His momentarily joy died down as his eyes met with Miyuki's, glancing at him from her seat.
"What is it?" He asked gently.
"Nothing." She replied immediately, removing her gaze from him and out the window. Miyuki is a stunning 5'2 athletic female with blonde hair and blue eyes. In short, she completely took after her mother irrespective of their differential heights.
'Perhaps she's wondering how me and Daichi who were regarded as talentless, qualified for this trip?' He thought, unaware of her introverted state.
[3 hours later]
[Kuraikyo Empire]
The journey was long and tiring, but alas they arrived at their destination, the Kuraikyo Empire.
It is a prosperous kingdom known for its lush landscapes, bustling towns, and rich traditions. It is governed by King Alaric and his council of nobles, who prioritize the welfare of their people. While the monarchy holds ultimate power, community assemblies allow citizens to voice concerns, fostering a sense of participation.
The Soul Academy resided in the heart of the kingdom, Goldenshire, a prosperous and picturesque town located in the fertile plains of Kuraikyo.
Known for its golden wheat fields and bountiful harvests, it serves as the agricultural heart of the kingdom, providing food and resources to surrounding areas. It also housed most of the richest nobles in the kingdom including the family of Principal Hana.
After an hour's journey forward, they arrived at the prestigious academy, the Soul Academy. A large building with the inscription, [S-Academy] carved with huge amounts of gold in the middle of the building.
"We're here." Vance announced as the carriage came to an halt, they all alighted the carriage, instantly taken away by the scenery in front of them. Well the two boys were, Miyuki had come here a great number of times with her mother who acted as a substitute teacher in the academy.
Vance led them into the building, class was currently in session so the vast hallways built with shiny glass floors was empty for the time being. He led them up the lavishly gold encrusted staircase and towards a classroom with the tag [Class C] nailed above the door.
Pushing open the door, he led the students into the classroom. Their eyes locked on to spacious and beautifully decorated room.
"Vance Alister, what a surprise. I wasn't expecting you so soon." The man who stood in front of his desk said, approaching Vance.
"I suppose this are the newly recruited students from Starhaven?"
"Yes, Rentaro Mizuno, Daichi Ryuu and Miyuki Tenuari, this is your new teacher. Shota Yoshiro."
"Tenuari? No way, she's Hana's daughter?" Shota said, chuckling softly as he realized the daughter of his ex twenty years ago stood before him.
"So only three people qualified this year huh?"
"Not exactly, four more are on their way." Vance replied, explaining what had occurred the day before.
"I see, so that's what happened, well whatever the case we got seven extra seat left. The perfect number to complete the class. Take your seats." He said, instructing the new recruits.
They complied instantly, filling three of the seven seats remaining.
"Alright then, I'll leave them in your care." Bowing his head in respect, Vance left the class, having more matters to attend to.
"Alright, while we wait for the rest to arrive, why don't you introduce yourself along with your rank and Soul-Types, starting with you." Shota suggested, pointing his finger at Miyuki.
Obedient as ever, she stood to her feet boldly but nervous deep within. "Miyuki Tenuari — A-rank Soul-Type — The Knight's Soul-Type — Light Manipulation."
A sudden gasp arose from the remainder of the populace, to awaken an A-rank Soul-Type talkless of the Knight's Soul-Type was simply an impressive feat.
Shota however bursted into laughter. "An A-rank Soul-Type? You really are the daughter of Hana!"
At that moment, the door was pushed open and Hana walked in with the remaining students who qualified for the enrollment.
"Hm Shota? What a pleasant surprise." Hana said.
Mei, Yui, Ren and Mizuko all glanced in amazement at the structure of the classroom, however that all came to an end when their eyes met with that of Rentaro's who grinned softly.
"I-It can't be.." Mei stammered softly.
"What's he doing here?" Yui voiced out, pointing her finger at Rentaro.