As I stood before the grand entrance of Xnex Academy, its ancient castle design seemed to whisper tales of forgotten centuries. The old man, Gosu, smiled mischievously as he addressed me and Zuria. "Congratulations, you two. I'm enrolling you both into Xnex Academy for the gifted."
Zuria's eyes sparkled with excitement, her face aglow with an inner light. She had always dreamed of attending this prestigious academy like her grandfather before her, and now that dream was a reality. I, on the other hand, felt a sense of trepidation. The weight of the academy's expectations settled upon me like a physical burden.
That and I just didn't give a damn.
As we walked through the halls, the student body's attention settled upon us like a palpable force. Whispers and murmurs followed us, their eyes watching us like an anticipated spectacle. I felt like a curiosity, a sideshow attraction on display for the amusement of others.
"Aren't you excited?" Zuria asked, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm as she bounced alongside me.
I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant despite the turmoil brewing within me. "Not really."
Zuria's face fell, her expression tinged with concern. "What's wrong, Einar?"
I hesitated, unsure of how to articulate my feelings. "It's just...I don't know if I belong here."
That is what I said to her but in reality I had no intention of attending this Academy.
Zuria's expression softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on my arm. "You'll be fine, Einar. You're talented and smart. You just need to believe in yourself."
I smiled wryly, feeling a pang of gratitude towards Zuria. She had always been my rock, my confidante in times of uncertainty.
As we turned a corner, a group of students caught my attention. Three boys, each with an air of nobility but to be honest they appeared more bratty than noble, had thier eyes fixed on us with interest. The one in the middle, a boy with pale hair and a haughty expression, stepped forward.
"You're the human, aren't you?" he asked, his voice dripping with disdain. "I'm Benedict Lè Bonderee, second son of the Bonderee family."
I raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by Benedict's aristocratic demeanor. "Good for you."
Benedict's eyes narrowed, his face reddening. "You're quite bold for a human."
I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant despite the growing tension. "I'm just not interested."
As I turned to leave, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see one of Benedict's cohorts, a boy with a nervous expression.
"Hey, wait up," he said, trying to sound intimidating despite his quivering voice.
I looked him dead in the eye, my gaze piercing. "Get your hand off me."
The boy's eyes widened, and he quickly removed his hand. "S-sorry."
I turned to leave, but not before catching Benedict's gaze. For a moment, our eyes locked, and I sensed a spark of hostility.
As I walked away, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.
---
Later that day, I found myself in my homeroom class, surrounded by students who seemed to be sizing me up. The professor, a man with a kind face and a sarcastic tone, addressed me.
"Ah, Einar Stonbrol, welcome to our humble abode. I trust you're aware that this is an advanced class?"
I nodded, in agreement trying to cut the conversation short. "I'll be fine."
The professor raised an eyebrow. "We'll see about that. Punctuality is key, Mr. Stonbrol. I expect you to be on time from now on."
I nodded, taking my seat as the lesson began. As I glanced around the room, I noticed a few students watching me with interest. There was a girl with a piercing gaze and short sliver-hair, who seemed to be studying me with an intensity that made me feel uncomfortable. And then there was a boy with a rather messy hairstyle and a charming smile, who seemed to be trying to catch my eye.
I felt a pang of unease, unsure of how to navigate this complex social hierarchy. But as I looked around the room, I realized that I wasn't alone. There were others like me, others who seemed to be struggling to find their place in this prestigious academy.
And with that thought, I felt a sense of determination ignite within me. I would find my place in this academy, no matter what it took.
As the day drew to a close, I found myself in the school yard, eating a sandwich and waiting for Zuria. The sun cast a warm glow over the courtyard, and for a moment, I felt a sense of peace.
But as I looked around, I noticed Benedict and his cohorts watching me from across the yard. Their eyes seemed to bore into me, and I sensed a challenge brewing.
The three approached me as they did earlier on but this time something was different. I could tell they were ready to take physical action. I wondered as I watched them approach how would they go about this.
I smiled to myself, a spark of anticipation igniting within me.
It had been quite some time since I had fought with someone who wasn't Gosu or Reynod.
Bring it on...