After saying goodbye to my little brother, I head to the place assigned for my group. This place is very different from the slums. The huge oak door at the entrance is framed with gold, and upon entering, the floor looks like marble. In the center, it is upholstered with a blue carpet, and even the chairs are elegant and cushioned. How many luxuries there are here. On the walls hang paintings that look expensive. Even the inside looks bigger than the outside. If I look up, the vaulted ceiling is decorated with large gold chandeliers that illuminate the entire auditorium. At the top, there is a painting of a woman, apparently fighting someone in the midst of flames, with an army behind. I think it's a record of the war that happened a long time ago? What was it called? Ummm, if I remembered, it was Armageddon. I don't know the details, but I know it was a war between the nine races that inhabited the Earth. Although, the woman in the painting doesn't seem to belong to any of them. Could she be a god?
I get to where class A is and take one of the only two chairs available.
Everyone in my class has already arrived, it seems that I am the last one to do so. I glance at them to try to distinguish them, but I can't tell any of them apart. To me, they all have a huge X on their faces. I don't know why I thought it would be different this time. For as long as I can remember, I have looked at them all with contempt and hatred. I don't even make an effort to distinguish them. If it weren't for their voices, I wouldn't be able to recognize anyone. The only face I know is that of my little brother, the only one who has been by my side, and the only one I cherish.
Concentrating on my thoughts, I hear a woman's melodious voice addressed to me.
— Hello, it's nice to meet you. My name is Lylyth of the Central Tree, how do you do," she says, bowing her head slightly.
Is she an elf? I'm guessing she is by the way she introduced herself. What a bummer to socialize with people. I guess I'll have to introduce myself many times these days...there's no other way.
— Nice to meet you, Lylyth. My name is Haruki, nice to meet you -I answer with a smile, bowing my head-. I hope we will get along well in the future.
Right after saying that, the lights that illuminated the auditorium go out, leaving only the stage lights on. I see an old man in a white robe with gold trim coming out from the left side. I suppose it is normal for people here to wear garments adorned with gold. He stands at the center of the stage and begins to give his speech.
— I welcome you, students of this academy, to the entrance ceremony....
His voice echoes throughout the auditorium, as if he were right in front of me. Is he using the Light System? I didn't know it could be used in this way, how interesting.
After a while, I get bored of listening to the old man, so I discreetly start looking for my brother to distract myself. I find him sitting in the last rows of the auditorium, but what I see leaves me in shock. He is sitting next to a girl! Why, if that area is almost empty, how dare that witch sit next to him? I can't let anyone take him away from me.
Suddenly, everyone stands up, and I remember that by protocol, at the end of the ceremony we must stand and shout the oath. Shit, I didn't mention this to my brother. I stand up too, and in unison we all shout:
— Kalzar!
At last the ceremony is over, I can finally meet my little brother and ask him nicely why he sat next to that girl!
— Class A students, you are all welcome.
What? That old man at what time did he come to us and why is he talking to us?
— This is the best dragon slayer academy in the world. You will not regret coming here. For any problems, I, the vice principal, will be happy to help you. I hope that you will get along well with each other and that no conflicts will arise. You all have immense potential, so try hard during the years you will be here. See you, young geniuses.
At that moment a girl arrives, she is the one who was with my little brother, I can tell her apart because she has an X on her face and a skull on top, could this person be my rival in love?
The old man notices her and speaks to her.
— Welcome princess, I thought you were not at the ceremony.
— I had a little mishap, so I listened to the ceremony in another room," he says nonchalantly.
— Hahaha don't worry, I hope the Phoenix clan is happy in this institution.
I notice that someone turns to the old man and whispers something to him.
— You will have to excuse me, Miss, but I have to leave.
After saying that, they both bow and the old man leaves nonchalantly. This man never tires of talking, but he said princess and mentioned the Phoenix race, I will have to take my distance from her.
Now I can go to my brother, he will surely be waiting for me at the exit.
— Haruki, wasn't the vice principal's speech amazing? I was so excited that I shouted "Kalzar" with all my strength! Didn't the same thing happen to you? -she asks excitedly.
Shit... this little elf again.
— Yes, you're right, it was an impressive speech," I say, with a warm smile.
— Hey, I was wondering if we could go to intro class together. Would you like to?
— Intro class? -I ask, confused.
— Didn't you know, Haruki? After the ceremony, we have to go to our introduction class in the classroom.
— What? Are you serious? I'm sorry, but I won't be able to go with you. My brother is waiting for me. Maybe next time (there won't be a next time).
— W-what? I-it's okay, don't worry, I'll see you there.
After saying that, I walk out to meet my little brother.