Chương 101: The First Class

The next morning arrived far too early for almost everyone's taste. The group met in the internal courtyard even before the bell. No one needed to arrange a time. They simply appeared. Joker and Harley came side by side, as always. Astrid was yawning. Marina still looked half-asleep. Rina was shifting from one foot to the other. Sylvara and Lirien were talking quietly. Kuroe came a little behind, silent, observing the movement of the other students. — First class and it's already history — Astrid grumbled.

— Could've been training. Harley shrugged, smiling. — History can be fun too. Depends on who's telling it. They headed to the main theoretical classes building. The classroom was spacious, with desks arranged in a semicircle and a large stone board at the back. There were already quite a few people when they arrived. The group naturally occupied a more secluded corner near the windows. Shortly after, the door opened.

The teacher who entered was a woman of serene appearance, brown hair tied in a low bun and golden eyes. She wore the academy's formal robe, but in a discreet way. She stopped at the front of the class, observed the students for a moment, and smiled lightly. — Good morning. My name is Professor Selene. I will be responsible for History of the Continent and Fundamentals of the Eternal Academy in this first period.

She placed a folder on the desk and continued without needing to raise her voice much: — Before anything about magic, combat, or technique, you need to understand the ground you are standing on. Without that, everything you learn later becomes nothing more than directionless brute force. Some students adjusted themselves in their seats. The orphanage group paid closer attention. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

Selene raised her hand and a luminous map formed in the air behind her, showing the entire continent. — Elysara. A continent divided, shaped, and disputed ever since the Father of All — the Origin — decided to sleep. What remained were lesser gods fighting for influence, kingdoms trying to survive, and ordinary people paying the price. The map lit up in different parts as she spoke. — There are several academies scattered across the continent.

Some linked to specific kingdoms, others maintained by ancient families or religious orders. Each has its value. But the Eternal Academy is different. She touched the center of the map, which glowed brighter. — This academy does not belong to any kingdom, any god, or any family. It was founded more than four hundred years ago to be a neutral territory. A place where talents of any origin could be trained without being immediately swallowed by the wars and interests of adults.

That is exactly why it has become the most desired. It is not the only one… but it is the one most people truly want to enter. Joker, sitting farther back, rested his chin on his hand and watched the map with interest. Harley beside him was bouncing her leg, but she was paying attention. Kuroe, two desks ahead, did not look away. Selene continued: — You will hear many stories inside and outside of here. Some true. Others convenient.

What I want you to understand from the first day is simple: power without context is just destruction waiting to happen. And this continent already has more than enough destruction. She erased the map with a gesture and looked at the class. — Over the next few days we will talk about the foundation of this academy, the treaties that still keep it standing, the gods who continue to interfere — even when they pretend they don't — and the events that almost caused this place to be destroyed more than once.

The class continued with more details about the neutrality of the Eternal Academy, the difference between it and the other educational institutions of the continent, and the reason candidates from such distant places were accepted in the same space. Selene spoke clearly, without unnecessary embellishment. When the bell rang, several students were already taking notes. Others seemed to still be processing.

As the class began to stand up, Harley stretched in her chair and spoke quietly to Joker: — It was actually less boring than I expected. Joker was still looking at the place where the map had been. — She didn't tell everything. — Obviously. No one tells everything on the first day. Kuroe, as she passed by them on the way out, spoke without stopping, her voice low and direct: — But she told enough. The two looked at her. Kuroe was already ahead, following the rest of the group in silence.

Outside the building, Lysithea was the only one waiting for them. Elara already had her own commitments as part of the academy staff, and Mirella and Graciela were busy with their duties. Lysithea smiled faintly when she saw the group coming out. — So? How was it? Astrid shrugged. — History. But it wasn't bad. Marina added: — The teacher seems to know her stuff. Joker put his hands in his pockets and looked up at the clear academy sky.

— At least now we know a little better what kind of stage we're about to step onto. Harley laughed quietly and pulled his arm. — Then let's enjoy the break. There's still the rest of the day. The group began moving toward the courtyard, talking quietly about the class. For the first time since they had entered the academy, the world around them seemed a little larger — and at the same time, a little clearer. The first class was over. And the continent, at last, had begun to take shape before them.

End of Chapter 101