The first day after summer vacation brought a wave of energy back to the Aetherium Academy. The campus was bustling with students, each one buzzing with excitement and gossip, as if trying to make up for the silence that filled the academy during the break. Today wasn't just any regular day; there was an extra layer of intrigue hanging in the air.
"Where do these people get the energy to chatter like this on the first day back?" Cedric grumbled, walking alongside Julius toward their classroom. "I don't even have the energy to survive Professor Gideon's class. Why does it have to be him on the first day? If it were Professor Percival, I could at least catch a nap!"
"You're just as lazy as ever," Julius remarked, already used to Cedric's complaints about classes.
"Being lazy is a virtue sometimes, you know," Cedric teased, grinning shamelessly. "Of course, you wouldn't understand, being the model student and all."
Julius shot him a glare but said nothing.Even though he is considered as one of the model students of the academy He never deliberately made any effort to place himself as a "model student." He just always had a habit of doing things neatly, without even trying to attract attention. Yet, attention seemed to follow him anyway, much to his annoyance.
As they walked further, they noticed many students walking in the opposite direction. Among them was Brandon, a classmate who was supposed to attend the same lecture as them.
"Isn't that Brandon?" Cedric asked, his brow furrowing in confusion. "I thought he had the same lecture schedule as us. Did I misread the notice or something?"
"No, you're right," Julius confirmed, shaking his head. "Brandon should be heading to class with us."
"Then why is he coming this way? Isn't the classroom in the opposite direction?"
"I don't know," Julius said thoughtfully. "Let's ask him."
Cedric perked up, "What if the class is cancelled? That would be amazing! Maybe Professor Gideon drank some odd potion he made last night and turned into a frog. Now he's the frog prince in need of 'true love' to turn him back." Cedric's eyes gleamed mischievously. "But I doubt he'd find his true love with that grumpy personality of his."
"Nonsense," Julius muttered, slightly annoyed by the whimsical remark.
As they got closer to Brandon, Cedric called out, "Hey, man! What's up? Aren't you going to attend the first lecture today? Don't tell me you're planning to skip. If you are, count me in. I don't think this boring guy here won't be any fun now."
Julius sighed, "You're right about that. Don't even think about dragging me into whatever you're plotting."
Brandon chuckled, "Skip Professor Gideon's class? No way. I'm not that brave, and I'd rather not face an early death."
"Too bad," Cedric said, feigning disappointment.
"Then why are you headed this way?" Julius asked.
"Haven't you guys heard the news?" Brandon raised an eyebrow.
"Heard what?"
"All first classes got cancelled. Most of the professors are at the arena right now," Brandon explained.
"Wait, the class is cancelled?" Cedric's eyes widened in excitement. "But why the arena? Don't tell me they plan to train us to death first thing in the morning?"
"No, not us," Brandon clarified. "Apparently, a new girl came to get admission into the academy today. She missed the first-year entrance exam for some personal reasons, so the headmaster permitted her to attend the academy after evaluating her through both theory and practical tests."
Julius frowned. "So, what's the issue?"
"The problem is she decided to take swordsmanship and combat as her major," Brandon continued. "I heard the headmaster was confused about which class to place her in since she's more skilled than to be in the first year swordsmanship class. In the end, he decided to place her in the first year based on her age, but she'll attend the swordsmanship class with the third-year students exclusively."
Cedric raised an eyebrow. "I still don't see the problem. If the headmaster himself made the decision…"
"Yes, but you know what Liam Rosedale and his group are like," Brandon sighed. "They can't take anything easily without making a fuss."
Cedric's expression darkened. "What did he do this time? Don't tell me they're bullying the new student on her first day."
"Not exactly, but it's close enough to be considered bullying," Brandon said grimly. "As one of the prominent factions within the academy Liam and his group opposed the headmaster's decision. They said that they can't accept a new student, specifically a 'younger girl,' joining a class they spent years getting into. They demanded to evaluate her themselves through a duel. They said that if she can defeat one of them and show satisfactory results, then and only then will they allow her to join the swordsmanship class with the third year. This duel permits participants to offer any injury, major or minor to their opponents as long as the opposite party is not dead, and this only ends when the other party is down."
Cedric clenched his fists, anger flashing in his eyes. "Seriously? How is it logical to expect a new student to defeat someone who's been training here for years? And they have the nerve to call themselves honorable knights. Disgusting."
"Exactly," Brandon agreed."I heard the new student is from a fallen noble family. Maybe that's why they are doing this. Poor girl. Just imagine her situation. I'm sure they are not going to let her go with intact limbs."
"They're clearly trying to humiliate her, using this as a way to flaunt their power."
Julius's jaw tightened, his voice cold. "It has always been like this."
"Everyone's now heading to the arena to watch the duel," Brandon added.
For a moment, they all stood in silence.
Cedric broke the silence. "I think we should go there too. It's better than staying in the shadows. We might need to step in if things get out of hand."
Brandon nodded. "Right. Especially if Julius is there. He might be able to heal the new student if she gets seriously injured."
Julius remained quiet for some time, then sighed. "Alright, let's go."
--
The Arena of Aetherium- a vast, expansive place, having grandeur befitting the academy's esteemed reputation. It is designed to accommodate a large crowd with rows of seats rising in tiers encircling the arena floor, offering a clear, unobstructed view from every angle. The atmosphere here is tense, filled with the buzz of anticipation.
The arena itself is an impressive sight—an open, the floor of the circular battleground made of solid granite, smooth yet scarred with the marks of countless duels. Sunlight pours in from above, illuminating the area with a natural glow. In the centre, the ground is marked with a large, ornate insignia of the academy, a constant reminder of the honour and discipline expected of those who step into this sacred space.
Surrounding the arena are towering columns, standing like silent sentinels. Each column is draped with crimson and gold banners that flutter gently in the breeze, bearing the crest of Aetherium. The air is thick with the scent of the earth and a hint of incense, evoking a sense of reverence for the battles that have taken place here.
Julius, Cedric, and Brandon entered the arena through the audience entrance. The place was already bustling, seats filling rapidly as students and faculty gathered for the upcoming duel. The arena thrummed with the murmurs and excited chatter of the crowd, a palpable energy in the air.
"You two go ahead and find seats. I'm going to chat with the others for a bit. Call me if you need anything," Brandon said, his eyes scanning the crowd.
"Alright," Julius nodded in agreement.
Brandon parted ways with them, quickly melding into the crowd of students.
"Let's try to get seats in the front row," Cedric suggested. "It'll give us a better view."
They moved forward and, by some stroke of luck, found two vacant seats right at the front. From their vantage point, they could see everything clearly, including the circle of Liam Rosedale, the second son of Duke Rosedale. He and his companions seemed to be basking in the spectacle they had orchestrated. Julius and Cedric could see their smug and self-satisfied expressions even from a distance.
Cedric's eyes narrowed in distaste. "I can't stand that smug look on his face," he muttered. "He's always causing trouble for no reason."
"Agreed," Julius replied, his tone laced with disdain. "There was absolutely no need to challenge a decision made by the headmaster himself."
"Look at all these people cheering for them," Cedric continued, his voice simmering with anger. "They act like this is some kind of grand, noble duel, but in reality, they're just bullying a helpless new student."
Before they could say more, an announcement echoed through the arena, amplified by magic:
"Attention, please. We all are gathered here today for a test duel. For those unaware, our headmaster initially decided that the new student would join the third-year swordsmanship class despite her placement in the second year. However, the third-year students opposed this decision and requested an additional evaluation in the form of this duel. The new student will face a third-year opponent of her choice. If she successfully defeats her opponent, she will be allowed to join the third-year class."
The announcement sent another wave of chatter rippling through the audience. The excitement was palpable, but amidst the noise, Julius's gaze locked onto a figure on the other side of the arena where all the participants meant were to be. His eyes widened as recognition dawned.
"It's… it's her," the words slipped from his lips before he realized it.
"What?" Cedric shouted over the din as he titled his head slightly to his friend's side. "I can't hear you! Say it louder."
"It's her! The girl who saved me from a monster in Helenton," Julius exclaimed, unable to contain his surprise. "Reese Lysander."
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