Standing in front of the gates of the Valmore Academy had left me speechless. I had only ever seen depictions of it in illustrations and art I may have found browsing the internet. But seeing such a magnificent piece of architecture that would not look out of place as an Emperor’s palace I took a deep breath as I headed in.

Afterall I had transmigrated to this world when I was just a child…

My name is, well I suppose was Alex Reeds is a novel enthusiast. By chance browsing through a bookstore I had stumbled across ‘The Blade of the Academy’ a novel focusing on its protagonist Hal Craig entering the Academy to study to become a qualified heir to his family. Entering this world as a child one day as I fell asleep had startled me but thankfully I became the protagonist of this novel which consisted of seven volumes and read through so many times the spines of my books had become ragged.

When I was a child I had successfully confirmed my talent for the sword when I fought against my swordsmanship instructor which led to my father diligently doing everything he could as a Baron to raise my skills to allow me to stand proudly in the Academy. My family in this life was one I would never give up for anything considering how I came from a dysfunctional family where I had once had to care for my parents at an age where they should have been raising me. Their gambling and alcoholism tormented me till I finally managed to escape them during university. In a way this might be my reward for doing my best and making do with the hell I went through.

Yet as I entered the gates along with all the other students a bitter taste broke through my mouth. Looking in front of me was that bastard Lucas Alphonse, better known in the end of the novel as the Vessel of Pride. I felt the sword at my hip tempted to cut him down but if I did I left this world to a power vacuum and unfortunately he was a Duke’s son so killing him would only ruin my family. As a filial child I would never let this brat who nearly destroyed the world harm my family.

At the current moment he was berating and kicking down a commoner student who was clutching their ribs and stained in dirt. Listening to his words only made my blood boil more.

“You useless street urchin. Daring to brush against a Duke’s son? You’re lucky I did not cripple you out of good faith for this Academy. However, maybe I should leave you with a reminder?” A twisted smirk settled on Lucas’ face as he glanced towards the commoner’s hand on the floor raising his foot.

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In that brash moment I rushed forward landing a punch to his jaw. A hefty thwack of a sound as it made contact causing him to launch back. For a person who was meant to be the final boss he really could not take a punch just like in the book. Gripping his jaw the contempt in his eyes made it clear but as I looked towards the commoner student, a girl with a fiery mess of red hair I realised something was wrong.

‘Gratitude, Reverence’ were the words that had been hanging above the head of the commoner girl. These words were only viewable to my eyes and I suppose the ‘cheat’ I possessed let me see how people felt towards me in simple words.

However as I looked back to Lucas who was wiping the blood from his lip he flicked his head towards me again letting that black ponytail of his flow in the gentle breeze. His orange eyes reminded me of a serpent in a way with how he glared yet above his head there were no words.

‘I suppose being able to read the emotions of the final boss would be a little too unbalanced.’ I thought to myself.

Rather than the confrontation going any further, students from the disciplinary committee came forward. At the forefront with a familiar silver hair and purple eyes was Talia Dumar, Hal Craig’s eventual lover throughout the novel. Standing between us she turned her anger to Lucas who was being reprimanded by two other committee students which only led with a warning as he walked off clicking his tongue. A privilege afforded to a Duke’s son. Bringing my attention back to Talia it was clear she was annoyed, most likely due to the fact such incidents reflecting poorly on her.

“What were you thinking, a student can’t just go and outright strike another student in the face! This is an Academy not a colosseum you as a noble should know this better than anyone else. As such you will be facing demerits for this fight.” She huffed taking out a small notebook. “Name?”

“I’m Hal Craig but..” As I went to interject she glanced at me with a small smile.

“Alright Hal Craig, you will be warned. I need you to assure me this will not happen again even under such circumstances.”

Seeing that smile I nodded.

“Good at least you understand that being civil is important.” She shut her notebook which I glanced at was blank. It seemed she had no intention of punishing me. “Now to the welcoming ceremony it will be starting soon.”

With another nod still a little shaken in the heart by such a radiant smile I headed towards the main hall. Glancing back I looked to see the words above her head.

‘Admiration, Interest’

This is going to be a fun time at the Academy.