The first day at The Iron Vanguard Academy was overwhelming for Jeff. He had expected a lot of things—a high level of training, a mix of races, and the pressure to perform—but he never imagined how much of a spectacle it would become.
As he entered the classroom for his first general knowledge lesson, Jeff could feel the eyes of several students on him. It wasn't just because he was new, or that he was one of the few human students here. There was something else, something more palpable about the way the elves were watching him. They weren't merely glancing at him—they were sizing him up, calculating him, perhaps even assessing his worth.
"Alright, students, take your seats," called out the instructor, a tall woman with sharp features, long black hair, and an aura of authority. "Today's lesson will focus on the basic principles of our world, Blood Violet. Understanding its history, geography, and key threats will be vital for your survival."
The instructor was none other than Professor Arwen Veltra, a highly respected figure in The Iron Vanguard Academy. She had once been a renowned swordswoman who fought in several battles against Blood Violet's monstrous creatures. With her piercing green eyes, she was a force to be reckoned with, and her reputation had earned her the respect of both humans and elves alike.
"Pay attention," Professor Veltra continued. "In this world, survival is about more than combat skills. It's about knowledge—knowing the land, the threats, and the resources that can help you stay alive. And remember, the elves here are watching closely. They will only work with those who are worthy."
She gave a slight nod toward the elf students sitting at the other end of the room, who maintained an air of poise and quiet confidence. The elves' presence was commanding, their beauty and discipline unmistakable. But Jeff could feel there was something else in the air—a sense of superiority, of distant judgment. The elves were here, but not because they cared for humanity. They were here because they needed strength.
The class began, and Professor Veltra moved to the blackboard, where an intricate map of Blood Violet was drawn. "This is our world," she said, pointing to the various regions marked with different colors and symbols. "Blood Violet is a planet of danger and opportunity. The Violet Blood Sea, a toxic, vast expanse, surrounds much of the land. The underground labyrinths are home to monstrous creatures that humanity has fought against for centuries. And the uncharted territories? Even more terrifying."
The students listened intently, but Jeff couldn't help but notice how the elves seemed particularly composed, as if they'd already learned this information before. They were here to watch, but not to learn. They didn't need survival tactics as much as they needed to evaluate who among the humans was worthy of their respect.
As Professor Veltra explained the basics of the planet, Jeff found himself lost in thought. The elves' eyes were still on him, assessing, sizing him up. He knew it wasn't just his presence they were calculating—it was the potential of his power. His Weapon Manifestation had been compared to the abilities of the strongest heroes who had wielded the same unique ability, and it had been proven to be as powerful as theirs. Even the elves, with all their experience, couldn't deny the potential of his gift.
He was different. His ability set him apart, and he could feel the weight of that difference in the room. The other humans were struggling with their abilities, but Jeff's was unique, and the elves sensed it. They were watching him, waiting for his next move, curious to see how far his power would go.
Professor Veltra's voice broke through his thoughts. "The elves here have their own agendas, but they aren't here out of kindness. They are here because they need us. We are not just allies—they see our strength as a necessary tool to secure their future. But they won't help just anyone. They choose only those who prove themselves worthy."
The weight of her words settled on Jeff's shoulders. The elves, with their grace and pride, didn't see humanity as equals. To them, humans were lesser beings unless they proved themselves capable of strength—physical or otherwise.
"Remember," Professor Veltra continued, "our survival depends not only on our strength but on our ability to work together with the elves. The cooperation must be mutual. But don't fool yourselves—the elves will not help unless they see something worth investing in."
She spent the rest of the lesson outlining the challenges humanity faced in Blood Violet: the dangerous creatures that lurked in the shadows, the untapped resources that were both a blessing and a curse, and the ever-present struggle for dominance in a hostile world.
Jeff found his mind wandering again. The weight of what Professor Veltra had said hung heavily in the air. The elves might help humanity, but only for the strongest. Only for those who could prove they were worthy of their attention. Jeff wasn't just a student here; he was a symbol of potential, one that the elves were eager to measure.
He didn't know what his Weapon Manifestation would evolve into, but the elves were watching. They were sizing him up, waiting for a sign. It would be up to him to prove that his unique ability, his potential, was something that could lead humanity forward.
As the class progressed, Professor Veltra's explanation shifted from combat to a deeper understanding of the world they now inhabited: Blood Violet. Jeff listened intently, eager to gather more information about his new reality. This was the foundation of their survival and the key to humanity's future on this strange planet.
"Blood Violet is twice the size of Earth, and humanity has only scratched the surface in terms of exploration," Professor Veltra explained. "Right now, less than 10% of the land has been mapped, with even less of the underground and seas explored. It's an untamed world."
She gestured toward a massive holographic projection of a map. "Arcadia, our capital, is the first and largest human city, protected by powerful elven energy barriers. Beyond that, the land is wild and home to many dangers—beasts, monsters, and native creatures."
The map zoomed in, highlighting the surrounding cities. "The Five Surrounding Cities support Arcadia's influence. Titre, where we are, is known for its academies. Other cities focus on crafting, military strength, agriculture, and adventuring."
Professor Veltra pointed to the vast unexplored territories on the map. "The Violet Blood Sea covers more than half the planet. Beneath its glowing surface are dangerous creatures. These areas are considered too hazardous for human expeditions."
She paused. "We're here to adapt to a strange new power—the System. Its origin is unknown, but it's the key to our survival. The System gives us the means to grow stronger—unlocking abilities, classes, and weapons as you progress. Some of you will manifest abilities like enhanced strength or agility, others like Weapon Manifestation. These abilities are rare, and if trained properly, can give humanity an edge."
Jeff's unique ability was mentioned, and he realized the weight of what he had. The elves, though allies, had a vested interest in humanity's survival—but they would only help those they deemed strong enough. The elves, unlike humans, didn't have the System. They relied on their own unique abilities, something humanity didn't fully understand.
The lecture concluded, and Jeff left the classroom, determined. He understood now that his Weapon Manifestation might be the key to earning the elves' trust and securing humanity's future.