After the Physical Conditioning Class, everyone in the class was already tired. Thankfully, they had a total of three hours of break including their lunch break. Furthermore, the instructor didn't really push them to the point of collapsing.
The instructor certainly knew how to properly grasp the strength of his students.
Nonetheless, Hayden still felt his body aching but since he had been training in the manor before going here, he should be just fine after some rest.
In the dining, Hayden took his tray and fell in line with other kids… He could see that there was already a group formed within his class but he didn't bother socializing with them for now…
After all, he was planning to advance in his class very soon, so he didn't mind even if he didn't get to know them.
Hayden glanced down at his tray, examining the meal prepared for the students.
The food was simple yet nourishing—a well-balanced selection meant to sustain them through their training...
'It's even a bit better compared to the food I eat in the manor.' Hayden commented in his mind.
On his plate, there was a portion of steamed rice, alongside roasted root vegetables seasoned lightly with herbs.
There was also a serving of grilled white fish next to a bowl of brothy stew, filled with chunks of meat, leafy greens, and diced potatoes.
To complete the meal, there was a small loaf of bread and a cup of fresh fruit slices…
It was a meal designed for growing youth like them. It was nothing extravagant, but certainly better than what many commoners would eat.
'Still, the tuition is quite low compared to the top Academy.' Hayden thought. Although he wasn't sure about the specific amount they had to pay, he knew that the Frosthelm Academy costs more than 10 times compared to Dawnspire Academy.
Anyway, Hayden ate quietly, taking his time as he observed the groups forming around him.
He noticed that some students already had lively conversations, laughing and exchanging stories about their hometowns or personal training experiences.
A few others, like him, ate in silence, either out of exhaustion or simple preference.
After finishing his meal, Hayden stood, returned his tray, and made his way toward the classroom where their Introduction to Aura class was to be held.
***
The Academy was well-organized, and the building was designed with practicality in mind.
The classroom for their next lesson was located in the eastern wing, where most of the theory-based subjects were taught.
Upon arriving, he found that there was already a handful of students already seated, chatting in low voices.
The room was spacious and well-lit, with tall windows that allowed sunlight to stream in. It was certainly a good room. They would study here for two and a half hours, so Hayden appreciated the good ambiance of the room.
At the front of the room was a large blackboard, and next to it, a wooden podium stood, where their instructor would likely lecture from.
Hayden took a seat near the middle, wanting a clear view of both the professor and the blackboard.
A few moments later, the door opened, and a man dressed in a long, dark robe embroidered with silver patterns entered. His posture was upright, his expression calm yet commanding. He looked to be in his mid-forties, with streaks of gray in his neatly tied-back hair.
The room fell silent as he stepped toward the podium and adjusted his spectacles before scanning the room with sharp, intelligent eyes.
"Welcome, students," he began, his voice firm yet measured. "I am Professor Eustass, and I will be teaching you the fundamentals of Aura."
The moment he spoke, Hayden straightened in his seat.
This was one of the classes he had been looking forward to the most.
Aura—the power that separated ordinary people from true warriors or Knights… He knew he had to learn it no matter what.
Professor Eustass placed his hands behind his back and continued, "Aura is the essence of one's will, honed through discipline, understanding, and experience. It is not merely power—it is the foundation of strength, resilience, and mastery in combat. In this class, we will discuss its theory before moving on to practical applications in the future."
The students listened attentively, some leaning forward in anticipation.
Professor Eustass walked to the blackboard and, with a piece of chalk, wrote a single word:
Aura.
Turning back to the class, he spoke.
"Now, before we proceed, tell me—what do you think Aura is?"
Hayden's eyes narrowed slightly.
He already had his own answer.
But he decided to listen first.
The classroom fell into a thoughtful silence as the students considered Professor Eustass's question. Then, after a moment, a boy next to Hayden raised his hand.
"Aura is... strength, right? It makes knights stronger, faster, and tougher," he said.
Professor Eustass gave a slight nod. "Not a bad answer. Aura certainly enhances physical abilities, but that is only one part of it."
Another student spoke up next. "Isn't Aura a kind of energy? Like magic, but different?"
The professor smirked slightly. "Closer, but also not entirely correct. Aura is not magic. While both involve energy, the two function in very different ways. Anyone with talent and the ability to sense mana can learn magic, but Aura is something that must awaken within a person naturally. It is a power that stems not from external forces, but from within oneself."