Snake Calendar, Year 2025
7th Day of August - Afternoon
Unity College of System Studies - Open Field (Unity Grounds)
Accel navigated through the vibrant campus of Unity College, his eyes scanning the impressive architecture and bustling activity. Clutching his admission packet tightly, he approached a group of sophomores who were chatting near a large oak tree. Their uniforms bore subtle insignias indicating their faction affiliations.
"Excuse me," Accel said hesitantly, offering a polite smile. "Can you tell me where the Faction of Scholars' facilities are located?"
One of the sophomores, a tall girl with glasses, smiled back warmly. "Oh, you're a first-year, right? The Faction of Scholars' wing is just past the library. Look for the building with the large bronze telescope statue in front of it. You can't miss it."
"Thanks a lot," Accel replied, relieved. The girl nodded, and the group went back to their conversation about upcoming exams and projects.
Unity College of System Studies - Faction Halls
As Accel followed the directions, he passed by other faction-specific areas—the Arena of Valor for the Combatants, bustling with students sparring and practicing martial techniques; the Workshop of Innovators, humming with the sounds of tools and machinery; and the Garden of Harmony, where Creators were sketching designs and testing prototypes for their artistic and magical creations. Each area radiated its energy, reflecting the unique focus of its members.
Unity College of System Studies - South Wing Faction of Scholars
When he finally arrived at the Faction of Scholars' wing, Accel couldn't help but marvel. The building was a masterpiece of design, with walls adorned with murals depicting scenes of discovery, ancient texts, and technological advancements. Inside, the air was filled with the scent of parchment and coffee. Rows of bookshelves lined the walls, interspersed with holographic displays showcasing interactive educational content.
At the reception desk, a friendly senior named Althea greeted him. "Welcome to the Faction of Scholars! Are you here to join?" she asked, noticing the application form in Accel's hand.
"Yes," Accel said, handing over the form. "I've been interested in learning and research, so I think this faction would be the best fit for me."
Althea quickly scanned the form. "You've filled out most of it. Oh, the question about your system is optional, so leaving it blank is perfectly fine. We value knowledge and dedication here, regardless of system rarity."
Accel felt a wave of relief. He had worried about how others might perceive his Archivist system. "Thank you. That's a relief to hear."
"No problem," Althea said. "Let me show you around. We're always excited to welcome new members."
As they walked through the facilities, Althea explained the various resources available. "We have specialized labs for research, private study rooms, and the Scholar's Nexus—a digital archive that contains countless texts, research papers, and even rare manuscripts. Members can access it to aid their studies or projects."
Accel's eyes lit up as they entered a spacious lecture hall where a group of scholars was deep in discussion. "This is where we hold our debates and guest lectures," Althea explained. "We often invite experts to share their knowledge. It's a great way to learn from the best."
They continued to a lounge area where several students were chatting over cups of tea. One of them, a second-year named Felix, looked up and waved. "A New Recruit?" he asked with a grin.
"That's right," Althea replied. "This is Accel. He's joining us this year."
"Welcome aboard," Felix said, offering a handshake. "You'll love it here. The Scholar's community is supportive. If you ever need help with anything, just ask."
"Thanks," Accel said, feeling genuinely welcomed. The warmth of the faction members was reassuring.
After the tour, Althea handed him a small booklet. "This contains the faction's guidelines and a list of upcoming events. We'll officially process your application today, and you'll receive your faction badge by tomorrow. Welcome to the Faction of Scholars, Accel."
"Thank you," Accel said, his excitement growing. As he left the building, he couldn't help but feel optimistic. For the first time since his awakening, he felt like he belonged somewhere, and he was determined to make the most of this opportunity.