From the way I can hear the speaker's voice from the back as if she was right next to me, I assume that the microphone she's holding is no ordinary technology. It's probably combined with some sort of voice-transmitting arcane art or something like that.
A large, zoomed-in view of the stage was projected into the sky on four holograms facing different directions, one of which was facing us. The speaker was a woman in a suit and a large trench coat: she was tall, had curly white hair, red eyes, and a face that looked no older than 30.
"Welcome to Lionheart, fresh blood," echoed her voice throughout the amphitheater. "I'm Professor Randall, and I'm the current head of the swordsmanship department."
Her words suddenly elicited a wave of cheers and applause from the crowd. I think I heard someone cry "Lady Randall!" from the front. I glanced at Galliard, who noticed my apparent confusion.
"Are you not familiar with Lady Randall, the Sixth Iron Rose?"
That is certainly a mouthful, though I do recognize the title "Iron Rose".
"Not her specifically, but I know a bit about the Blades."
He looked at me strangely, which is understandable. The Blades of the Iron Rose: a legendary order that dates back to the first days of the calamity. Dedicated to holding back the otherworldly onslaught from wiping out humanity, the Blades of the Iron Rose was the first guild to ever exist, though they were no different from a hastily scrapped together militia at the time. As time passed, they gained prestige as an organization composed only of the elites of elites.
The title of "Iron Rose" is given to a Blade whose skills are recognized by the order's council. The system was put into place a little less than a century ago, back when the Blades were at their peak, and there have been seven Iron Roses since then.
I briefly covered them in my studies and even came across a few questions about them on my written exams. Considering their significance to Lesivite history, it was no surprise, but they only asked about the first four Iron Roses. I guess it's because the rest of them are still alive and kicking.
"Is there a reason why she's a professor here, though?" I asked.
Galliard gave me a concerned look. Was it really that strange for me to not know?
"Seven years ago, Lady Randall was deployed to the city of New Eisen during a crisis. A calamity-class Noble Beast had appeared, threatening to level everything in the vicinity. Singlehandedly, Lady Randall repelled the beast, and it wasn't until after she did so that she was given the title of Iron Rose. However, her injuries combined with a lingering curse has resulted in her right arm becoming permanently paralyzed. For a swordsman, there is no greater loss. Her sacrifice and achievement was so extraordinary that news of the event was spread around the world."
I can see how it sounds like I've been living under a rock my whole life. I'm not sure how often I'll be interacting with him, but it might be better if I give him the amnesia excuse at some point so that he doesn't keep looking at me like that. I may be lacking in information, but I'm not stupid. At least, I don't think I am.
I'm beginning to notice how her right coat arm hangs limp while she speaks. I had trouble envisioning a calamity-class Noble Beast, but I could tell just how dangerous one was from the way Galliard described it. In fact, it's impressive that she got away with just losing her arm.
I have never seen one myself, but Noble Beasts are powerful, non-humanoid creatures that have awakened to powers and intelligence once thought to be unique to divines. They're completely different from the monsters that razed my city of Astris. They're definitely not something ordinary humans can handle, especially one designated with the highest rank of calamity-class. Considering that the haginn I fought together with Sera was not even close to a Noble Beast of the lowest colossal-class, I can roughly understand just how powerful Professor Randall is.
Actually, that comparison alone is about to make me start calling her "Lady Randall" too.
My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of paper loudly tearing echoing throughout the amphitheater. On stage, Professor Randall ripped apart what looked like her speech while the other professors tried to stop her.
"This is a little boring, don't you guys think?" she yelled, letting out a warm laugh. "I don't know who wrote this, but following a script is the total opposite of what being a Lionheart is all about. You guys aren't Archons or Maestros, are you?"
Cheers erupted from the crowd all at once, filling the amphitheater with chaos and excitement.
"Loud and proud, Lionhearts!"
The noise grew louder at her words. The other professors all had the same distressed expression, except for a familiar-looking, red-haired man breaking out into laughter behind her.
"Now this is what orientation should feel like. I don't need to bore you all with things you already know. You are all the next generation that will help protect the past, present, and future. They say the pen is mightier than the sword, but a pen will not save you from the beasts that threaten the fate of humanity. Here at Lionheart, you get to decide your beginning and end. There is a reason why Nineheart was founded on Lesivite soil, where the Ark of Passion was built."
She balled her left hand into a fist and raised it to her heart.
"Nineheart demands your fervor! Lay your lives on the line, and let ardor rend your heart to ash! Burn brightly, Lionhearts, so that you may one day become the sun itself!"
The audience roared with enthusiasm, causing the entire venue to tremble with emotion. I've never been one to take interest in speeches, but even I could feel a bit of anticipation welling up inside me. However, a sudden numbing in my chest made that feeling short-lived.
"Lady Randall is impressive, isn't she?" asked Galliard. I could barely make out his voice through the noise.
"For sure. Her skills and achievements aside, she has the charisma to move the crowd with so few words. Her character is so outstanding that her popularity is no surprise."
Galliard chuckled. "And yet, you didn't know about her until now."
"I have my circumstances," I replied with a shrug.
Professor Randall handed off the microphone to an older, brown-haired man wearing a white button-up and black pants. He waited a bit for the noise to die down before finally speaking.
"Originally, we were going to have the professors take turns giving their own short speeches, but looks like we're going to do away with that. Instead, I'll be explaining how the rest of the day is going to go down. Orientation today is going to end a bit sooner than expected, so you all will have more time before class registration and demonstrations begin. I am Professor Zakar, and I will be sticking around afterwards to answer any questions. If you also happen to be interested in my Introduction to Ancient Arcana class, my demonstration will be at-"
One of the other professors grabbed his shoulder and whispered something to him, causing him to laugh. The woman cutting him off wasn't as amused.
"Sorry, I suppose that was shameless of me. But let it be a lesson to you Lionhearts that it's important to take opportunities whenever you can."
He winked at the camera, eliciting brief laughter from the audience.
"Anyways, class registration and demonstrations will begin at 11:00AM, so about an hour from now. Professors or assistant students will be hosting demonstrations every half hour until 4PM, so be sure to check them out if you're not sure on whether or not you want to take a certain class. You can also register for a class at its designated demonstration location, or you can do so online.
If you were ahead of the game, you'll have already noticed that your PDA came installed with a course registration application named Visionary. You can find more detailed information about each class here, such as professor, content, format, and so on. Some classes have limited space, so act fast. Course registration is open from today until the 15th, so you'll have a full week to sign up. Classes officially begin on the 21st."
After a while, he finally dismissed us. Without wasting any time, Galliard and I turned around and climbed over the low wall behind us.
"Do you plan on attending any demonstrations, or have any classes you're interested in?" he asked.
"I've already planned out what classes I want to take, so I'm not really interested in their demonstrations."
Well, it was more like Heflin planned them out for me based on my skills and field of interest.
"Core classes or electives?"
"Just the core classes."
He gave me a stern look.
"I haven't decided on what electives I want to take," I quickly added. "I only meant that I'm not interested in the demonstrations of the core classes I've decided on."
Galliard's expression returned to normal, almost pleased, even. To be honest, I actually haven't even thought about electives until now. I ended up overlooking them because I was too focused on preparing myself for everything else.
"You're a swordsman, right?" asked Galliard.
I nodded.
"We'll likely split ways, then. The majority of the demonstrations I plan on attending are classes specific to mages, not general arcana. Oh, unless you're interested in Applied Alchemy?"
"They have that in Lionheart?"
"It's an integrated class. Some classes from other sub-schools are available as electives. Lionheart students are encouraged to take them, especially since they teach valuable skills that carry over to the frontlines, such as developing and maintaining equipment or basic first aid."
"I should've guessed, since my arcana foundation is one. I'm not too thrilled by the idea of alchemy, but I'll look into what else there is."
"Then, I'll leave you to it. There's a professor I'd like to meet before demonstrations begin, and I'm sure you'd like time to yourself to check out the course list."
"Alright. I'll see you later."
He smiled at me before leaving. I'm beginning to grow fond of his non-committal friendliness. I'm comfortable talking with him, but there's enough distance that we don't expect anything from the other. Much better than Callen, who is dead set on befriending me.
Less than an hour remains until class demonstrations begin. I guess it's time to get started on that course list.