Feeling my stomach growl with hunger, I was reminded that I hadn't had a proper meal in days. The little amount of food from the journey had been barely enough to sustain me, and now, with the adrenaline finally subsiding, my hunger gnawed at me relentlessly.
Forcing myself out of the lounge chair, I stretched, feeling the strain of the past few days lingering like a weight in my muscles. My right lung was still collapsed, and my wounds were healing far slower than I would have liked. I realized at some point I would have to get it checked out because each discrete movement sent a dull ache radiating through my chest, a constant reminder of the tribulations I faced.
I shuffled toward the door, each step deliberate to avoid aggravating my injuries. As I neared it, the smooth, runic panel embedded in the wall beside the frame began to glow faintly, its soft light responding to my presence. A quiet chime sounded, and the door slid open seamlessly, revealing the corridor beyond.
The halls of the Celestium Dormitory were just as impressive as the rooms. The same sleek, black stone lined the walls, illuminated by soft strips of light that followed the curves of the architecture. A subtle hum of energy resonated through the space, a constant reminder of the advanced technology seamlessly integrated into the ancient structure.
Deciding to explore and find food, I stepped into the hallway. Other students had begun to emerge, some glancing curiously at me while others walked purposefully. I fell into step with a small group heading toward the main lounge, assuming that they, too, were searching for the dining area—or at least knew where to find it.
As I made my way down the corridor, I noticed the girl I had previously stumbled into. She was walking a few paces ahead of me, her silver hair catching the soft glow of the hallway's runic lights. Gathering my nerves, I quickened my pace until I was beside her.
"Sorry about earlier," I said, offering a small, apologetic smile. "It's just been a very hectic couple of days."
She turned her head slightly, her pink eyes glinting in the light as they met mine. Her expression remained neutral, but there was a flicker of curiosity in her gaze.
I paused, realizing I hadn't even introduced myself before. "Oh, and I'm Samuel, by the way," I added, extending a hand toward her.
I didn't mention my last name because, in this academy, it felt pointless to flaunt my family's name—for better or worse. Here, you weren't defined by your lineage but by your actions, your abilities, and your drive. Some of me relished that freedom, though it also left me feeling somewhat exposed.
She extended her hand toward me, her movements slow but deliberate. "It's nice to meet you, Samuel," she said, her voice soft yet clear. "And really, don't worry about earlier. It wasn't a big deal."
Her expression softened slightly, and I caught a glimpse of what might have been a small smile. "I'm Noel Evergreen," she added, her pink eyes meeting mine briefly before glancing down at our handshake.
I chuckled nervously, recognizing her last name—Evergreen—one of the Great Houses. Scratching the back of my neck with my free hand, I tried to keep my tone casual. "Well, thanks for letting me off the hook. I've been known to make... less-than-stellar first impressions."
Noel tilted her head slightly, her silver hair catching the soft light of the hallway. "You're doing fine so far," she said, a faint hint of amusement dancing in her tone.
Before I could respond, another cheerful and energetic voice chimed in. "I'm Natalia Summer," the girl beside her said, stepping forward with an eager grin.
She was taller than Noel, her fiery red hair tied in a loose braid that hung over her shoulder. Despite the contrast in their colouring, she shared the same distinctive racial features—elongated ears and the faint luminescent runes on her forehead—marking her a member of the Sylvan race.
Her green eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked between us, a playful grin lighting up her face. "So, what's this? A secret meeting of Class 1-A already?" she teased, her tone light and full of energy.
Noel raised an eyebrow, her expression calm, but I noticed a subtle shift—perhaps a mix of amusement and exasperation at Natalia's sudden interruption.
"Not exactly," I replied, managing a small smile. "Just trying to make up for my first substandard impression."
Natalia tilted her head, her curiosity clearly piqued. "What's up with the veil, anyway? We both thought you might be blind, but that's clearly not true."
I hesitated momentarily, glancing at Noel, who also looked mildly curious but more reserved in her expression. "Oh, this?" I touched the soft fabric lightly. "It's a sensory tool. It helps protect my eyes from being overwhelmed by Aetheric energy. My vision is... sensitive, let's say. Since I haven't undergone Genetic Resonance yet, I don't have the same level of control over my perception."
Noel's pink eyes widened slightly, though she quickly masked her reaction. "That's... interesting. You must have a strong connection to Aetheric energy if you need something like that," she said thoughtfully, her voice calm but laced with intrigue.
Natalia's green eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned in closer, her fiery braid swaying slightly. "So, it's like an Aetheric limiter, right? That's so cool! I've never met anyone with that kind of sensitivity before. Most—and by that, I mean practically everyone—doesn't tap into Aetheric perception until after resonance."
She paused, her excitement barely contained. "I mean, I've read about it in some old texts, but seeing it firsthand? That's rare."
I gave a slight, self-deprecating shrug. "Rare or not, it's not as glamorous as it sounds. It can be a bit... overwhelming, especially in places like this, where the Aetheric presence is so concentrated. Without the veil, I'd probably be doubled over with a headache right about now."
Natalia nodded thoughtfully, her enthusiasm undimmed. "Still, that's a pretty unique edge to have, especially for someone who hasn't gone through resonance yet. You'll probably end up being one of the top contenders in Class 1-A."
Noel glanced at Natalia with a raised eyebrow, her expression unreadable, before turning to me. "It's an interesting challenge to have," she said softly. "And I imagine learning to control it will only make you stronger. Most of us won't even have a real sense of what's out there until after the trials."
Natalia grinned and leaned back slightly. "Well, it sounds like we're all going to have to keep an eye on you, Samuel. You might surprise us all."
I chuckled, trying to brush off the attention. "We'll see. For now, I'm just trying to get through the first week without embarrassing myself further."
Both girls laughed, their lightheartedness cutting through the tension I hadn't realized I was holding onto. For the first time since arriving at the academy, I felt a little more at ease.
"Have either of you gotten food yet?" I asked, my voice laced with hope as my stomach growled loudly, betraying my hunger. "I was wondering where the dining hall is."
Natalia smirked, clearly amused by my predicament. "You haven't eaten yet? No wonder you look ready to pass out. Come on, we'll show you the way."
Noel nodded, her expression softening. " it isn't far from here. It's a central spot for all Class 1 students. They've got everything you could possibly want—well, within reason. I doubt you'll find anything as extravagant as what you might be used to."
I laughed nervously. "Extravagant? I'll settle for anything that's hot and doesn't try to crawl off my plate."
Natalia grinned, motioning for me to follow. "In that case, you're in luck. The food here's supposed to be top-notch. Even the lower classes get good meals, so I can only imagine what they serve to Class 1."
As we began walking, the hum of students and the soft glow of the illuminated pathways seemed to fade into the background. Exiting the Celestium Dormitory, we followed the winding cobblestone path that led to a secluded section of the academy grounds. This area, reserved exclusively for Class 1 students, was noticeably smaller than the bustling central city accessible to the entire student body.
Despite its size, the area was vibrant and lively. Restaurants lined the streets, their warm lights spilling onto the cobblestones, enticing passersby with the rich aromas of food from countless worlds. Shops catered to every need—armourers showcase intricately crafted gear, alchemical stores with shelves brimming with exotic ingredients, and even small boutique vendors selling trinkets and charms said to bring luck or enhance one's abilities.
The atmosphere was quieter than the main city, though it still carried an air of prestige. It was clear this part of the academy was tailored for the elite. The architectural style was elegant yet practical, blending modern design with a touch of the ancient, much like the Celestium Spire itself.
Natalia gestured toward a brightly lit building at the center of the district. "There's the main dining hall for Class 1. They've got a buffet setup and a few chefs on hand for custom orders. But if you're feeling fancy, some of the restaurants around here are worth trying."
Noel added, "The dining hall's a good start, though. It's where most people are probably going to go after a long day. Plus, it's a great place to get a feel for the competition."
I nodded, taking in the surroundings. The idea of finally getting a meal was enough to quicken my methodic pace. For now, I was content to follow their lead and soak in the unique world that had just begun to unfold around me.