Chapter 2: Opening Address
As her words lingered in the air, the top five students remained expressionless, their eyes fixed ahead, as if they found the whole occasion beneath their notice.
The anticipation in the hall surged once more, a current of eagerness as the gathered students awaited the path that would define their futures, while the vice-headmaster began to elaborate on the challenges and opportunities that lay before them.
The vice-headmaster's voice resonated with clarity and purpose as she continued, capturing the attention of every student in the auditorium.
"In this academy, we will be teaching each of you to harness your codex to your maximum potential.
You will learn to assimilate into the real world, preparing yourselves to take leading roles in humanity."
Her gaze swept across the assembly, meeting the eyes of students and nobles alike, emphasizing the gravity of her words.
"This is not merely an education; it is your training ground for the future. You will face challenges that will test not only your skills but your character.
Each of you carries the weight of your lineage and the expectations that come with it. It is your duty to rise to those expectations and guide your people."
"Throughout your time here, you will encounter trials designed to push you beyond your limits.
Remember, true leadership is born not only from power but from the wisdom to wield it wisely. Your journey begins today, and I expect each of you to strive for greatness."
With a piercing glance at the top students, the vice-headmaster stepped back slightly.
The vice-headmaster's expression softened just slightly as she continued, her tone firm yet measured.
"I understand that most of you are royalty or nobility, and it is common to bring grudges from the outside into this place.
However, I must emphasize that the Academy is a neutral ground. First-year students often tend to forget this truth, but I assure you: your lineage holds no value here."
She paused, allowing her words to resonate within the hall, her gaze scanning the faces of both the fresh students and the seasoned nobles who had gathered.
"This institution is a crucible for your development, where power and potential are the only currencies that matter.
Personal vendettas and family feuds will not be tolerated. Instead, I expect you to cultivate respect and camaraderie among your peers, for it is only together that you can truly excel."
"Understand that in this Academy, you will be judged by your abilities and character, not by your titles or the names that precede you.
Those who carry grudges will find themselves isolated, while those who embrace collaboration will thrive."
With that, she held their gaze a moment longer before continuing, "Let this be the foundation upon which you build your journey here.
Embrace the challenges, support one another, and rise above the expectations set by your birth. This is your opportunity to forge your own destiny."
The vice-headmaster's voice remained steady, cutting through the tension in the air.
"As you begin this journey, I must inform you that there are approximately nine hundred first-year students this time around. However," she continued, her gaze sharpening, "only fifty of you can truly graduate from the Academy. The rest will have to leave after the third year.
She paused for a moment, allowing her words to sink in.
Ren already knew from his education at home and from the stories his mother provided to him.
Being a part of that 50 was no ordinary feat.
Every year, around a thousand Nobles would be sent to the academy since it was decreed by the Human Council that this is compulsory.
The academy is used as a place to not only train the Future leaders of mankind, but to also reduce infighting among these future leaders.
However it was only compulsory for the first 3 years.
Following this, only the top 50 Nobles of that year could continue to stay in the academy and then receive specialized education.
And it was Ren's goal to stay in that 50…at all costs.
"In fact, we do not believe in confining students," she added, her tone emphasizing the meritocratic nature of the institution.
"If you demonstrate exemplary knowledge and ability, you may even skip years entirely. We value potential and will reward those who show it."
As she said that Ren thought about the expectations his family name held.
Basically everyone in his family had skipped a year and he was expected to do the same as well.
From his understanding…his eldest brother had even skipped 2 full years.
The academy was closed off from the outside world so the students or the families outside wouldn't know what was going on.
Of course there were expectations of this rule.
This is to ensure that the students don't rely on their noble households.
What his butler had told him before about being able to help him were just kind words.
Over here he was expected to thrive alone.
Ren did hear about his eldest brother returning to the family just as he was departing for his turn.
With a slight gesture, the vice-headmistress continued, "Once you awaken your life codex, each of you will be split into groups of five.
These groups will be assigned either a fifth-year or fourth-year mentor who will guide you through your first semester, helping you navigate the challenges that lie ahead."
Most of the first years were excited at the prospect of being provided a proper mentor.
After all, inside of the academy a mentor was a vital role.
The bond between mentor and mentees usually lasted beyond the confines of the academy, so everyone including Ren hoped they got a decent mentor.
His mother had told him that her mentor was someone who helped her a lot inside of this academy.
"After the first semester, all students will be ranked into classes based on your abilities and performance, and you will have the opportunity to meet your professors," she concluded, her voice resonating with authority.
"Remember, this is a chance to prove yourselves. The journey will not be easy, but those who are willing to put in the effort will find their place among the elite."
The vice-headmaster took a step back from the center of the stage, her gaze sweeping over the assembly one last time.
"Now, the fifth-year students here will lead each of you to an awakening chamber to begin the process of awakening your codex."
As murmurs rippled through the crowd, she continued.
"I would say 'see you soon,' but given the nature of this institution, seeing me is not usually a good thing. Instead, I wish you all luck, first years. May your awakening be fruitful and your path clear."
With that, she stepped back fully, leaving the stage and allowing the fifth-year students to take charge.
The top students, previously standing in a line with stoic expressions, moved forward, their demeanor shifting as they prepared to guide the new arrivals.
Magnus Eirenson, the current head of the student council, shifted his posture slightly, drawing the attention of his fifth-year classmates.
Usually, this type of information would not be known to everyone…however Magnus was special.
Especially since he reached the Heroic Ranks while still being inside of the academy.
All Heroic rank members were registered in the Human Domain and kept close tracks off, so when Magnus broke into these ranks it caused a storm outside the academy.
Ren could only imagine the mess it caused here.
Magnus looked at his peers with a tired expression as he gestured towards the first years.
"Guys." Magnus said, his voice resonating through the hall, getting the attention of everyone inside of the hall.
"Take care of this mess will you." As he said that, he walked out of the great hall, not caring for anyone's expressions in this situation.
As Magnus exited, a male student with striking purple hair stepped forward, immediately capturing the attention of the first years.
His presence was magnetic, the air around him charged with an unspoken authority.
"Listen up, first years!" he called out, his voice cutting through the chatter.
"I'm Aiden, and I'll be organizing your groups for the awakening process. You'll be assigned to your respective chambers shortly, but first, let's get a few things straight."
However, amidst the crowd of eager first years, a few of Magnus's most ardent fan girls exchanged whispers, their expressions a mix of disappointment and indignation.
One of them, her voice slightly haughty, couldn't resist speaking up. "Why did he leave? Doesn't he care about us? He should be here, not just off doing whatever he wants!"
'What an idiot.' Ren couldn't help but think. This Academy was the sort where a good portion of it was run by the students.
Afterall, humanity was not in the position to be able to let a lot of high ranking people leave the front lines and teach some fledglings.
Sure, they were prospective nobles, but every strong person was needed to fight.
He would know, his own Father was off the grid for the past few years of his life. All that was known was that he was alive.
And his Father is one of the strongest people inside of the Human Domain.
So Ren could tell that Magnus had a lot of responsibilities inside of the Academy and was running quite a lot of things at once.
The fifth years, who had been listening with narrowed eyes, immediately scowled at the audacity of the comment.
...
Authors Note:
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